Portuguese Phrase
Posso levar alguém?
Meaning
The speaker is asking for permission to bring another person along – for example to a party, a meeting, or a trip. It is a polite, neutral way to check whether a guest is allowed.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are not sure if a host, teacher, or authority figure will allow you to bring a companion. It works in both formal and informal settings, but the tone can be softened with ‘por favor’ or a smile.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possolevaralguém?
Poder (present)
‘Posso’ is the first‑person singular present of the modal verb poder, used to ask for permission.
Infinitive after modal
When a modal verb (poder, querer, dever…) is used, the main action stays in the infinitive (levar).
Indefinite pronoun ‘alguém’
‘Alguém’ means ‘someone’ and is placed after the verb; it never takes a definite article.
Question mark
In Portuguese the whole sentence, including the verb phrase, is enclosed by the question mark.
🗨In Conversation
Posso levar alguém?
Can I bring someone?
Claro, pode trazer quem quiser.
Sure, you can bring whoever you want.
✕Common Mistakes
Pode levar alguém?
‘Pode’ is third‑person singular; you need the first‑person form ‘posso’ when you are the one asking.
Levo alguém?
‘Levo’ is the present indicative (I take). To ask permission you must keep the infinitive after the modal.
Posso levar algum?
‘Algum’ is an adjective meaning ‘some’; the correct indefinite pronoun is ‘alguém’.
↔Alternatives
Posso trazer alguém?
Can I bring someone?
Posso levar outra pessoa?
Can I bring another person?
Posso levar um acompanhante?
May I bring a companion?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil it is considered courteous to ask before adding a guest, especially at private homes, restaurants, or formal events. Using ‘posso’ keeps the request polite; in very informal circles you might hear ‘Levo alguém?’ but it sounds abrupt. Also remember that ‘alguém’ always carries the acute accent on the e (alguém).