Portuguese Phrase
Me passa o contato do seu chefe?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and common way to ask someone to provide you with their boss's contact information. It literally translates to "Pass me the contact of your boss?" and is understood as a request for a phone number, email, or other means of communication.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase in informal to semi-formal situations when you need to get in touch with someone's superior, perhaps for a business opportunity, a complaint, or a follow-up. It's common in Brazil among colleagues or acquaintances.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Mepassaocontatodoseuchefe?
Me (Pronoun)
'Me' is a direct object pronoun meaning 'me'. In Brazilian Portuguese, it often precedes the verb in informal speech, especially with imperative verbs.
Passa (Verb)
'Passa' is the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'passar' (to pass). Here, it's used as an informal imperative, implying 'you pass' (você passa).
O contato (Noun Phrase)
'O contato' means 'the contact'. 'Contato' can refer to a person's contact information (phone, email) or the act of making contact.
Do (Preposition + Article)
'Do' is a contraction of the preposition 'de' (of/from) and the masculine definite article 'o' (the). It indicates possession or association, meaning 'of the'.
Seu chefe (Possessive Noun Phrase)
'Seu chefe' means 'your boss'. In Brazilian Portuguese, possessive adjectives like 'seu' (your) are typically preceded by a definite article ('o' for masculine, 'a' for feminine).
🗨In Conversation
Oi, tudo bem? Me passa o contato do seu chefe?
Hi, how are you? Can you pass me your boss's contact?
Claro! Qual você prefere, e-mail ou telefone?
Sure! Which do you prefer, email or phone?
✕Common Mistakes
Você pode me dar o contato do seu chefe?
While 'dar' (to give) is grammatically correct, 'passar' (to pass) is much more idiomatic and natural when asking for contact information in Brazilian Portuguese.
Me passa o contato de seu chefe?
In Brazilian Portuguese, the possessive adjective 'seu' (your) is almost always preceded by the definite article 'o' or 'a' when referring to a specific person's possession, making 'do seu chefe' (of your boss) the correct form.
↔Alternatives
Você poderia me passar o contato do seu chefe, por favor?
Could you pass me your boss's contact, please?
Gostaria de ter o contato do seu chefe.
I would like to have your boss's contact.
Qual é o contato do seu chefe?
What is your boss's contact?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, direct requests like "Me passa o contato..." are generally accepted in many professional and social contexts, especially if you already have some rapport with the person. While adding 'por favor' (please) always adds politeness, the phrase itself isn't considered rude. However, in more formal settings or with strangers, it's advisable to use more indirect or polite phrasing, such as starting with 'Você poderia...' (Could you...).