Portuguese at a Playground: Ask to Join and Take Turns
Practice easy phrases children and adults can use to join a game, ask for a turn, and understand what other children are playing.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Parquinho is a playground, brincadeira is a game or play activity, and brinquedo is a toy. A child can ask Do que vocês estão brincando? to find out what others are playing.
Ask what the children are playing
For a young learner, practice the question together before approaching. It can be helpful to stay nearby while the children get used to one another.
Do que vocês estão brincando?
What are you playing?
Posso brincar também?
Can I play too?
Como funciona esse jogo?
How does this game work?
Talk about taking turns and sharing
Minha vez means ‘my turn,’ and sua vez means ‘your turn.’ Dividir is to share or divide; esperar is to wait. These short phrases work for a ball, a swing, or a group game.
Take turns can also be expressed as esperar a vez: wait for one's turn. Use a calm reminder rather than trying to control another family's child.
Agora é a sua vez.
Now it's your turn.
Podemos dividir a bola?
Can we share the ball?
Vamos esperar a vez de cada um.
Let's wait for each person's turn.
Ask another adult for clarification
If a child does not understand the game, ask another adult to explain one rule at a time. Pointing to the equipment or watching a round can help make a new instruction clearer.
Stay attentive to the children and follow the playground's posted rules. Vocabulary can help you communicate, but the adults present should decide what is appropriate for their group.
Você pode explicar a regra para a gente?
Could you explain the rule to us?
Ele ainda está aprendendo a brincar com o grupo.
He's still learning how to play with the group.
Put it into practice
Use one short question to join, teach minha vez and sua vez, and ask an adult to explain a rule when the game is unclear.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Can we share the ball”?
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.