‘Deixa Eu…’ in Brazilian Portuguese: Ask to Do Something — Practice

Use deixa eu + infinitive in everyday speech

Deixa eu + infinitive is a common Brazilian Portuguese pattern for asking to do something or taking a moment: deixa eu ver (let me see), deixa eu pensar (let me think), deixa eu confirmar (let me confirm). Learn the whole phrase as a conversational chunk.

Here, deixa frames a request or a short pause before eu plus the infinitive: deixa eu explicar, deixa eu pegar, deixa eu abrir. It does not mean that another person should explain or pick something up.

Recognize the more formal deixe-me

Deixe-me + infinitive carries a similar meaning but sounds more formal or written in Brazilian Portuguese. You may see it in a prepared speech or formal text, while deixa eu is common in everyday conversation. The best choice depends on setting and personal style.

In careful formal writing, some writers use deixe-me; in spontaneous speech, do not feel that you need to imitate a formal construction to sound correct. Keep the infinitive after both forms and use the one that fits the moment.

Remember: For everyday Brazilian speech, use deixa eu + infinitive. Recognize deixe-me as a more formal or written alternative.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. Let me check the address.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Deixa eu conferir o endereço.

2. Let me finish the sentence.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Deixa eu terminar a frase.

3. Let me think for a moment.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Deixa eu pensar um pouco.

4. Allow me to present the proposal.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Deixe-me apresentar a proposta.

5. Let me show you something.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Deixa eu te mostrar uma coisa.

6. Let me confirm before I answer.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Deixa eu confirmar antes de responder.

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

For everyday Brazilian speech, use deixa eu + infinitive. Recognize deixe-me as a more formal or written alternative.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our ‘Deixa Eu…’ in Brazilian Portuguese: Ask to Do Something lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.