Portuguese Phrase
Mal posso esperar pelo show.
Meaning
Literally, 'I can hardly wait for the show.' It expresses eager anticipation and excitement about an upcoming performance or event.
When to use
Use this informal phrase when you’re looking forward to a concert, theater play, TV program, or any event you’re excited about. It works best in casual conversation with friends or on social media.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Malpossoesperarpeloshow
Mal (adverb)
Used before a verb to mean 'hardly' or 'just barely', indicating a strong feeling of anticipation.
Posso (verb poder)
First‑person singular present of poder, meaning 'I can' or 'I am able to'.
Esperar (infinitive)
Means 'to wait' or 'to look forward to' when used with poder.
Pelo (por + o)
Contraction of the preposition por + the masculine definite article o; here it introduces the object of the anticipation.
Show (noun, loanword)
A borrowed English word used in Brazilian Portuguese for concerts, performances, or any entertaining event.
🗨In Conversation
Mal posso esperar pelo show.
I can’t wait for the show.
Vai ser incrível, vai ter muito som alto!
It’s going to be amazing, there’ll be a lot of loud music!
✕Common Mistakes
Não posso esperar pelo show.
‘Não posso esperar’ means ‘I cannot wait (because I’m unable)’, which is the opposite of the intended excitement.
Mal posso esperar ao show.
The correct preposition is ‘pelo’ (por + o). ‘Ao’ would be used with a verb of direction, not with ‘esperar’.
Mal posso esperar o show.
You need the preposition ‘pelo’ to link the verb ‘esperar’ with its object.
↔Alternatives
Estou ansioso pelo show.
I’m excited for the show.
Não vejo a hora do show.
I can’t wait for the show.
Estou contando os minutos para o show.
I’m counting the minutes until the show.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the word ‘show’ is used for any live performance—concerts, theater, even a great party. It’s also common to hear ‘show’ as an exclamation meaning ‘great!’ or ‘awesome!’ When you say ‘Mal posso esperar pelo show,’ you’re using a friendly, informal register that fits well in chats, Instagram captions, or casual talk among friends.