Portuguese Phrase
Você pode explicar um pouco mais esse ponto?
Meaning
A polite request asking the listener to give a clearer or more detailed explanation of a specific point that has just been mentioned. The tone is courteous, suitable for both formal and informal settings.
When to use
Use this sentence in meetings, classrooms, or any discussion where you need the speaker to elaborate on a statement, argument, or slide. It works well when you want to keep the conversation respectful while still seeking more information.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêpodeexplicarumpoucomaisesseponto?
Você (pronoun)
Second‑person singular pronoun used for formal or neutral address.
pode (present of poder)
Modal verb meaning ‘can’; in polite requests it can be softened with ‘poderia’.
explicar (infinitive)
Verb ‘to explain’; follows the modal verb directly without ‘to’ in Portuguese.
um pouco mais (quantifier)
Literally ‘a little more’; a common way to ask for a slight increase in detail.
esse ponto (demonstrative)
‘Esse’ points to something already mentioned; use ‘este’ for something about to be introduced.
🗨In Conversation
Você pode explicar um pouco mais esse ponto?
Can you explain this point a little more?
Claro, eu estava falando sobre a taxa de conversão, então...
Sure, I was talking about the conversion rate, so...
✕Common Mistakes
Você pode explicar um pouco mais esse ponto?
In very formal settings, ‘poderia’ is preferred to soften the request.
Você pode explicar um pouco mais este ponto?
Use ‘este’ if the point is about to be introduced, not already mentioned.
Você pode explicar pouco mais esse ponto?
Dropping ‘um’ changes the nuance; ‘pouco mais’ sounds less natural.
↔Alternatives
Você poderia detalhar mais esse ponto?
Could you detail this point more?
Pode esclarecer melhor esse ponto?
Can you clarify this point better?
Pode falar um pouco mais sobre esse ponto?
Can you talk a little more about this point?
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese, using the conditional ‘poderia’ adds an extra layer of politeness, especially in professional contexts. Also, remember that ‘esse’ refers to something the listener already knows; if you are introducing the idea, use ‘este’. Maintaining eye contact and a friendly tone will make the request feel collaborative rather than demanding.