Portuguese Phrase
Vai, estou te ouvindo.
Meaning
Literally 'Go, I am listening to you', this phrase is used to tell someone that you are paying attention and to encourage them to keep talking.
When to use
Use it in informal conversations when the other person hesitates, pauses, or seems unsure whether to continue speaking – for example on a phone call, in a chat, or face‑to‑face with friends.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vai,estouteouvindo.
Vai (imperative)
The verb 'ir' in the imperative form 'vai' is often used colloquially to encourage someone to continue, similar to 'go ahead' in English.
estou (estar)
Present indicative of 'estar', used to describe a temporary state – here, the act of listening.
te (clitic pronoun)
Second‑person singular object pronoun placed before the verb in informal speech.
ouvindo (gerund)
Gerund of 'ouvir', forming the progressive 'estou ouvindo' – 'I am listening'.
🗨In Conversation
Eu não sei se devo contar isso, mas…
I don’t know if I should tell this, but…
Vai, estou te ouvindo.
Go ahead, I’m listening.
✕Common Mistakes
Estou ouvindo você.
While grammatically correct, native speakers prefer the clitic 'te' for a more natural, informal tone.
Vai, eu estou te ouvindo.
The extra pronoun 'eu' is redundant; the subject is already implied in the verb form.
Vai, estou ouvindo‑te.
In spoken Brazilian Portuguese the clitic comes before the verb, not after; 'te' should precede 'ouvindo'.
↔Alternatives
Fala, estou te ouvindo.
Speak, I’m listening.
Pode falar, estou ouvindo.
You can speak, I’m listening.
Continua, estou aqui.
Keep going, I’m here.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, 'vai' as an encouragement is very informal and friendly. It’s perfect with peers, family, or anyone you have a relaxed relationship with, but avoid it in formal or professional settings where a more neutral phrase like 'por favor, continue' would be appropriate.