Portuguese in Class: Ask a Question and Follow the Lesson
Use a clear question when you miss an explanation, need an example, or want to check your understanding.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Use pode explicar de novo? to ask for another explanation. If you understand the idea but want a model, ask for an example.
Ask for an explanation or example
A specific question helps the teacher know where you got stuck. You can mention the word, instruction, or step you want clarified.
Pode explicar essa parte de novo?
Could you explain this part again?
Pode dar outro exemplo?
Could you give another example?
Não entendi a última instrução.
I didn’t understand the last instruction.
Check the meaning of a word
Ask como se diz...? (how do you say...?) to find a word, or o que significa...? (what does ... mean?) to understand a word you heard.
Try to give a short Portuguese explanation of your question when possible. Describing the idea another way can keep the lesson moving.
Como se diz “assignment” em português?
How do you say “assignment” in Portuguese?
O que significa esta palavra?
What does this word mean?
É parecido com a palavra “tarefa”?
Is it similar to the word “tarefa”?
Confirm what you need to do next
Repeat an instruction in your own words and ask whether you understood it. Ask what to review or when the work is due if that detail was not clear.
For classroom vocabulary and university communication, see our separate Brazilian university guide.
Então, preciso entregar amanhã, certo?
So I need to turn it in tomorrow, right?
O que devo revisar para a próxima aula?
What should I review for the next class?
Pode escrever essa palavra no quadro?
Could you write that word on the board?
Put it into practice
Practice one question for an explanation, one for vocabulary, and one for confirming an instruction.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Is it similar to the word “tarefa””?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.