Portuguese Phrase
Você pode me mostrar isso neste mapa?
Meaning
This phrase is a polite and direct way to ask someone to point out a specific location or item on a map. It combines a polite request with the action of showing and specifies both the object to be shown and the medium (the map).
When to use
Use this phrase when you are seeking directions or trying to locate something specific, and you have a map (physical or digital) that you want someone to use to assist you. It's appropriate for asking strangers, friends, or service personnel for help.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêpodememostrarissonestemapa?
Você
'Você' is the standard and most common way to say 'you' in Brazilian Portuguese, used for both formal and informal contexts. It takes third-person verb conjugations.
Pode (Poder)
'Pode' is the conjugation of the verb 'poder' (to be able to, can) for 'você'. It's essential for forming polite requests and asking for permission.
Me mostrar
'Me' is an indirect object pronoun meaning 'to me' or 'for me'. In Brazilian Portuguese, when there's an auxiliary verb like 'poder', the pronoun 'me' typically precedes the main verb 'mostrar' (to show).
Isso
'Isso' is a demonstrative pronoun meaning 'this' or 'that'. It refers to something that is near the listener or something that has just been mentioned or is understood from context.
Neste (Em + Este)
'Neste' is a contraction of the preposition 'em' (in, on, at) and the demonstrative pronoun 'este' (this). It means 'on this' or 'in this' and is used when referring to something specific and nearby.
🗨In Conversation
Com licença, estou um pouco perdido. Você pode me mostrar isso neste mapa?
Excuse me, I'm a bit lost. Can you show me this on this map?
Claro! Onde você quer ir?
Of course! Where do you want to go?
✕Common Mistakes
Você pode me mostrar isso em este mapa?
The preposition 'em' (in/on) contracts with the demonstrative 'este' (this) to form 'neste'. Using 'em este' is grammatically incorrect.
Você pode mostrar-me isso neste mapa?
While grammatically correct in European Portuguese, in Brazilian Portuguese, the pronoun 'me' typically precedes the verb when an auxiliary verb like 'poder' is used, making 'me mostrar' more natural.
Você pode me mostrar isso no mapa?
'No mapa' means 'on the map' in general. 'Neste mapa' (on this map) is more specific and implies the map you are currently holding or referring to.
↔Alternatives
Pode me mostrar isso no mapa?
Can you show me this on the map?
Você consegue me mostrar isso aqui no mapa?
Can you manage to show me this here on the map?
Seria possível me indicar isso neste mapa?
Would it be possible to indicate this on this map?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, people are generally very friendly and willing to help tourists or anyone asking for directions. It's common to approach someone directly, often starting with a polite 'Com licença?' (Excuse me?). Don't be surprised if they go out of their way to assist you, sometimes even walking a short distance with you to ensure you're on the right path.