Portuguese Phrase
Quem eu aviso se vou faltar?
Meaning
This phrase is used to inquire about the correct person or department to inform when you will be absent from an obligation, such as work, school, or an appointment. It directly asks for the contact point for absence notification. The 'se vou faltar' part indicates a hypothetical or future absence.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase in a professional or academic setting when you need to understand the protocol for reporting an absence. For example, asking a new manager, a professor, or an event organizer about their preferred communication method for missed days or appointments.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Quemeuavisosevoufaltar
Quem
'Quem' means 'who' or 'whom'. In Portuguese, it can be used as both a subject and an object pronoun, often without needing a preposition like 'a' before it in informal contexts when asking 'who to notify'.
Aviso (avisar)
'Aviso' is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'avisar' (to notify, to warn, to inform). It's used here in the present tense, but implies a general or habitual action: 'Who do I (usually/should) notify?'
Se
'Se' means 'if'. It introduces a conditional clause, indicating a hypothetical situation or condition for the main action.
Vou faltar (ir + infinitivo)
'Vou faltar' is an example of the immediate future tense in Portuguese, formed by conjugating 'ir' (to go) in the present tense followed by the infinitive of the main verb ('faltar' - to be absent). It means 'I am going to be absent' or 'I will be absent'.
🗨In Conversation
Olá, sou novo aqui. Quem eu aviso se vou faltar?
Hi, I'm new here. Who do I notify if I'm going to be absent?
Você deve avisar o seu supervisor direto e também enviar um e-mail para o RH.
You should notify your direct supervisor and also send an email to HR.
✕Common Mistakes
Quem eu aviso se eu perco?
While 'perder' means 'to lose' or 'to miss', it's not typically used for 'to be absent' in the context of work or school. 'Faltar' is the correct verb for absence.
Quem eu aviso se eu não venho?
This is understandable but less common and slightly less formal than 'vou faltar' when referring to a planned or potential absence from an obligation. 'Vou faltar' specifically implies not attending.
↔Alternatives
A quem devo avisar em caso de ausência?
Who should I notify in case of absence?
Com quem eu falo se não puder vir?
Who do I talk to if I can't come?
Qual é o procedimento para avisar sobre uma falta?
What is the procedure for notifying about an absence?
Cultural Tip
In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, direct communication about absences is highly valued, especially in professional settings. It's considered polite and responsible to inform the relevant person as soon as possible. While the phrase is direct, it's a standard and appropriate way to ask for this information, showing proactivity and respect for protocols.