Abra a porta, por favor.

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Breakdown of Abra a porta, por favor.

• a porta: the door
• por: by
• favor: favor

Questions & Answers about Abra a porta, por favor.

Why is abra used instead of abre?

In Portuguese, imperative forms differ depending on whether you’re using the tu form or the você form. Abra is the imperative that corresponds to você, making it more formal or polite. If you wanted to use the tu form, you would say abre (as in "Abre a porta, por favor").

Is it common to use the imperative with você in Brazil?

Yes, it is very common. In Brazil, speakers usually address most people (even friends) as você, and so the imperative form we hear most often is the one that goes with você. That’s why you see abra here.

Why is the article a used before porta?

Porta is a feminine noun in Portuguese, so the definite article a (meaning the) goes before it. If it were masculine, like carro (car), you would use o.

Do I need to say por favor every time I use an imperative?

Not necessarily. Por favor is optional, but it makes your request more polite. You can simply say Abra a porta if the context allows for a more direct tone, but adding por favor is a courteous way to ask.

Can Abra a porta, por favor be used in informal settings?

Yes, you can still use it in informal situations, though it might sound more polite or slightly more formal. In casual conversations with close friends or family, you might hear Abre a porta, por favor (using tu), depending on the region and personal preference.