Communicative function: asking for information, expressing needs

This is the lesson where everything clicks together. You already have the question words and the verbs — now add a couple of magic politeness words and you can get directions, prices, help, even a doctor. The two that open almost anything: Com licença (excuse me, to approach someone) and Por favor (please, to soften any request).

Asking for Information — politely

Lead with com licença, then ask. Your everyday info questions:

At Stores & Services

• "Quanto custa essa camisa?" (How much is this shirt?)

• "Tem de outra cor?" (Do you have it in another color?)

• "Aceita cartão?" (Do you take cards?)

• "Com licença, onde fica o provador?" (Excuse me, where's the fitting room?)

• "Preciso de uma sacola, por favor." (I need a bag, please.)

Getting Directions

• "Com licença, onde fica a estação?" (Excuse me, where's the station?)

• "Como chego no centro?" (How do I get downtown?)

• "Fica longe daqui?" (Is it far from here?)

• "Você pode me mostrar no mapa?" (Can you show me on the map?)

The politeness ladder for "I want"

• Direct: "Quero água." (I want water — fine with friends, can sound blunt to strangers)

• Polite: "Queria água, por favor." (I'd like water — the safe everyday choice)

Soften direct questions to strangers

A bare question can sound abrupt. Open with com licença or por favor:

• ❌ "Que horas são?" (cold, to a stranger)

• ✅ "Com licença, que horas são?"

The all-purpose "Tem"

Tem covers both "is there" and "do you have":

• "Tem troco?" = Do you have change? / Is there change?

When you say obrigado, you're literally saying "[I am] obliged" — it traces back to the Latin obligare, "to bind," as if a kindness ties you to the other person with a little knot of gratitude. That's also why it agrees with you, the speaker, not the person you're thanking: a man says obrigado, a woman says obrigada.

Sources: Ciberdúvidas da Língua Portuguesa, Dicio