Portuguese Phrase
Você tem um minuto pra me ajudar?
Meaning
This is a polite and common way to ask someone for a small favor or a brief moment of their time. It uses the verb 'ter' (to have) to inquire about availability and the contraction 'pra' for a natural, spoken flow. The phrase implies that the request is simple and won't take much effort from the listener.
When to use
Use this phrase in casual or semi-formal settings when you need a quick hand with something, such as moving an object or asking a question. It is perfect for coworkers, friends, or even strangers in a helpful environment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêtemum minutoprame ajudar
Ter (tem)
The verb 'ter' is used here to express 'having' time. In Brazil, it is frequently used where 'haver' or 'existir' might be used in more formal contexts.
Pra
This is a contraction of 'para'. While 'para' is used in writing, 'pra' is the dominant form in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
🗨In Conversation
Você tem um minuto pra me ajudar?
Do you have a minute to help me?
Com certeza! O que você precisa?
Sure! What do you need?
✕Common Mistakes
Você tem um minuto para me ajuda?
After the preposition 'pra' (para), you must use the infinitive form of the verb, which is 'ajudar'.
Você é um minuto pra me ajudar?
Use the verb 'ter' (to have) to ask about time availability, not 'ser' (to be).
↔Alternatives
Pode me ajudar rapidinho?
Can you help me real quick?
Você teria um segundo?
Would you have a second?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, adding 'inho' to words like 'minutinho' is very common to make requests sound more polite and less demanding. Also, 'pra' is the standard spoken version of 'para' in almost all regions of Brazil; using 'para' in conversation can sometimes sound overly formal or stiff.