Portuguese Phrase
Deixa os passageiros descerem primeiro.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to allow the passengers to get off before anyone else does. It is a polite command often heard in transport settings, emphasizing courtesy and safety.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are in charge of a vehicle (bus, train, elevator) or when you want to remind a driver or conductor to let passengers exit first, especially during busy times or when the vehicle is stopping at a station.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Deixaospassageirosdesceremprimeiro
Deixa (imperative)
‘Deixa’ is the informal singular imperative of ‘deixar’, meaning ‘let’ or ‘allow’. It is used when speaking to a familiar person.
Descerem (infinitivo pessoal)
After verbs like ‘deixar’, Portuguese uses the personal infinitive (descer + em) to refer to a specific subject – here, ‘os passageiros’.
Primeiro (adverb)
‘Primeiro’ works as an adverb meaning ‘first’, indicating the order of the action.
🗨In Conversation
Deixa os passageiros descerem primeiro.
Let the passengers get off first.
Claro, já estou abrindo as portas.
Sure, I'm opening the doors now.
✕Common Mistakes
Deixa os passageiros desceram primeiro.
‘Desceram’ is the past indicative (they got off). The correct form after ‘deixa’ is the personal infinitive ‘descerem’.
Deixa os passageiros descerem primeiro, senhor.
When speaking formally or to a group, use ‘deixe’ (formal) or ‘deixem’ (plural).
↔Alternatives
Permita que os passageiros desçam primeiro.
Allow the passengers to get off first.
Deixe os passageiros sair primeiro.
Let the passengers exit first.
Primeiro, deixe os passageiros descerem.
First, let the passengers get off.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, it is considered good manners to let passengers exit before new ones board, especially on crowded buses and trains. Drivers who skip this step may be seen as rude, and passengers often politely remind them with phrases like this one.