The Portuguese Imperative: Give Directions and Make Requests
Use common imperative forms in directions and everyday requests, and soften them with por favor or a question.
Real Life Portuguese · 8 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
The imperative gives a direction, instruction, or request. In Brazilian Portuguese, forms such as fale (speak), espere (wait), and vire (turn) are commonly used when addressing você.
Recognize common forms used with você
The exact form can change with the person addressed and regional speech. Learn the forms you hear in context, and use a polite frame when you are unsure how direct a bare command might sound.
Vire à direita na próxima rua.
Turn right at the next street.
Espere um minutinho, por favor.
Please wait a moment.
Fale mais devagar, por favor.
Please speak more slowly.
Make a negative instruction with não
To say not to do something, place não before the verb: não toque (don’t touch), não entre (don’t enter), and não vire (don’t turn). Signs often use a short negative command.
Do not infer a safety rule from a phrase example. Follow the instructions posted at the location and ask staff if you need clarification.
Não toque nesta obra.
Do not touch this artwork.
Não entre por esta porta.
Do not enter through this door.
Não vire aqui; vire na próxima rua.
Don’t turn here; turn at the next street.
Soften a request with a question
A command can sound direct. Add por favor, use a diminutive such as um minutinho in a friendly setting, or make the request a question with pode: Pode esperar um minuto? (Could you wait a minute?).
For the difference between pode and poderia, read our guide to polite requests in Portuguese. Practice the same action as a sign, a direction, and a courteous request.
Pode abrir a janela, por favor?
Could you open the window, please?
Me avise quando chegar.
Let me know when you arrive.
Por favor, preencha este formulário.
Please fill out this form.
Put it into practice
Choose one verb such as esperar, virar, or falar. Practice it as a direction, a negative instruction, and a polite request.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Do not touch this artwork”?
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.