Portuguese Phrase
Pode continuar.
Meaning
A polite way to tell someone that they are allowed to keep doing something – to keep speaking, working, or moving forward. It can also be phrased as a gentle invitation to resume an activity.
When to use
Use it after someone has paused, asked for clarification, or when you want to give the floor back in a meeting, classroom, or casual conversation. It works in both formal and informal settings when you address the person with ‘você’.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Podecontinuar.
Poder (pode)
‘Poder’ is a modal verb meaning ‘can’ or ‘may’. In the third‑person singular present it becomes ‘pode’, used for both formal ‘you’ (você) and third‑person subjects.
Infinitive after modal
When ‘poder’ is used to give permission, it is followed directly by an infinitive verb, here ‘continuar’.
Polite permission
‘Pode’ + infinitive is a courteous way to grant permission, softer than the imperative ‘Continue!’
🗨In Conversation
Desculpe, preciso de um momento para organizar meus pensamentos.
Sorry, I need a moment to organize my thoughts.
Pode continuar.
You may continue.
✕Common Mistakes
Podes continuar.
‘Podes’ is the second‑person singular (tu) form; most speakers use ‘você’, so ‘pode’ is the correct choice for polite permission.
Pode continuar?
Adding a question mark turns the phrase into a request rather than granting permission. Use a period for a statement.
Pode continuar assim.
‘Assim’ adds a nuance of ‘in this way’, which changes the meaning. The basic permission phrase does not need it.
↔Alternatives
Continue.
Continue.
Siga em frente.
Go ahead.
Pode prosseguir.
You can proceed.
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese, ‘pode’ is the standard polite form for granting permission. In Portugal, you might also hear ‘pode continuar’ or the more formal ‘poderia continuar’ when you want to be extra courteous. Avoid using the informal ‘podes’ unless you’re speaking to a close friend in a very casual context.