Portuguese Phrase
E se eu me atrasar?
Meaning
Literally “And if I am late?”, the phrase is used to raise a hypothetical concern about arriving after the expected time. It can also convey a polite request for a plan B or reassurance.
When to use
Use this sentence when you’re unsure whether you’ll make it on time – before a meeting, a class, a flight, or any appointment where punctuality matters. It works both in formal and informal settings, but the tone can be softened with a smile or a polite “por favor”.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Eseeumeatrasar?
E (conjunction)
Used here to introduce a hypothetical question, similar to “what if”.
se (conditional particle)
Marks a conditional clause; it translates to “if”.
eu (subject pronoun)
The first‑person singular pronoun, often optional in Portuguese but kept for clarity.
me (reflexive pronoun)
Indicates that the action of the verb falls back on the subject – “I get late”.
atrasar (infinitive verb)
Means “to be late”. In this construction it stays in the infinitive after the conditional particle “se”.
🗨In Conversation
E se eu me atrasar?
What if I’m late?
Não se preocupe, a reunião começa às 10, mas podemos esperar até 10:15.
Don’t worry, the meeting starts at 10, but we can wait until 10:15.
✕Common Mistakes
E se eu atrasar?
Missing the reflexive pronoun “me” changes the meaning to “What if I delay (something)?” rather than “What if I am late?”.
E se eu me atrasar
Leaving out the question mark can make the sentence sound like a statement rather than a question.
Se eu me atrasar?
Dropping the initial “E” loses the nuance of “what if” and sounds more like a plain conditional.
↔Alternatives
E se eu chegar atrasado?
What if I arrive late?
Caso eu me atrase, avise-me.
If I’m late, let me know.
Se eu me atrasar, tudo bem?
If I’m late, is that okay?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, punctuality is valued but there is a cultural cushion called “horário de tolerância” (usually 5‑15 minutes) for social events. In business settings, however, being on time is expected. Using “E se eu me atrasar?” shows you’re considerate and aware of the other person’s schedule, which earns respect.