How to Say ‘Pay Attention’ in Portuguese: Prestar Atenção
Portuguese does not literally use pagar for ‘pay attention.’ Use prestar atenção and connect it to the person or thing you are focusing on.
Real Life Portuguese · 4 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
The common phrase for paying attention is prestar atenção. Prestar changes with the subject: eu presto, você presta, nós prestamos. In a casual request, presta atenção sounds direct; por favor can soften it.
Use prestar atenção instead of translating ‘pay’ literally
Presta atenção no sinal antes de atravessar.
Pay attention to the signal before crossing.
Você pode prestar atenção nesta parte?
Can you pay attention to this part?
Use the preposition that fits the next phrase
Brazilian speakers commonly use atenção a or atenção em, with contractions such as ao, à, no, and na depending on the next noun and the sentence. Learn the phrase together with its example instead of trying to map one English preposition to every case.
Preste atenção ao horário no aviso.
Pay attention to the time on the notice.
Presta atenção na pronúncia desta palavra.
Pay attention to the pronunciation of this word.
Ask someone to listen or look carefully
If you mean listening closely, prestar atenção no que alguém diz is useful. For a gentler request, use dá uma olhada (take a look) or escuta só (just listen) when those actions match what you want.
Presta atenção no que ela vai explicar.
Pay attention to what she is going to explain.
Por favor, preste atenção à sua volta ao sair.
Please pay attention to your surroundings as you leave.
Put it into practice
The core expression is prestar atenção; practice it with the noun and preposition that follow.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Pay attention to what she is going to explain”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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