Ask Before Borrowing a Roommate’s Things in Brazilian Portuguese
Practice friendly ways to ask to borrow a charger, kitchen tool, or household item and confirm how and when you will return it.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Emprestar means to lend, while pegar emprestado means to borrow. Name the item and, if relevant, explain how long you need it. A specific request is easier to answer than posso pegar suas coisas? (can I take your things?).
Ask permission with a specific request
Use você se importa se…? (do you mind if…?) or posso pegar emprestado…? (can I borrow…?) to check first.
Posso pegar seu carregador emprestado por uma hora?
Can I borrow your charger for an hour?
Você se importa se eu usar a sua panela hoje?
Do you mind if I use your pan today?
Agree on when and where to return it
Say when you expect to return the item and put it back in the place your roommate prefers. If you damage or misplace something, tell them promptly and discuss how to fix the situation.
Avoid taking an item before the owner responds, even if you think they will probably agree. Permission is clearer when the person has a chance to answer.
Devolvo assim que terminar de cozinhar.
I will return it as soon as I finish cooking.
Posso deixar na sua mesa quando devolver?
Can I leave it on your desk when I return it?
Accept a no graciously
The other person may need the item or may not lend it. Reply with tudo bem (that's okay) and look for another option. Respecting the answer makes it easier to share a home comfortably.
If borrowing household equipment comes up often, ask whether the home wants to make a list of items everyone can use and which ones are personal.
Tudo bem, vou procurar outro carregador.
That's okay; I will look for another charger.
Sem problema. Obrigado por me avisar.
No problem. Thanks for letting me know.
Put it into practice
Name the item, ask before using it, agree on when it will be returned, and accept the answer without pressure.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “That's okay; I will look for another charger”?
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.