Portuguese Phrase
Deixa um ouvido livre.
Meaning
The sentence is a polite command asking someone to keep one ear free, i.e., to stay partially attentive to something else while they are occupied with another task.
When to use
Use it in informal situations—among friends, coworkers, or family—when you need the listener to be ready for a brief conversation, a phone call, or an announcement while they are doing something else.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Deixaumouvidolivre.
Imperative of deixar
"Deixa" is the informal singular imperative of the verb "deixar" (to let/allow), used with "tu" or "você".
Indefinite article
"um" is the masculine singular indefinite article, matching the noun "ouvido".
Noun gender agreement
"ouvido" is a masculine singular noun meaning "ear".
Adjective agreement
"livre" is an adjective meaning "free"; it must agree in gender and number with "ouvido" (masc. sing.).
🗨In Conversation
Deixa um ouvido livre, tem alguém na porta.
Leave one ear free, someone is at the door.
Já vou atender, pode falar.
I'll answer, you can speak.
✕Common Mistakes
Deixa um ouvido livres.
The adjective must agree with the singular noun "ouvido"; use "livre" not "livres".
Deixa um ouvidos livre.
The noun should stay singular because only one ear is being referred to.
Deixe um ouvido livre.
"Deixe" is the formal imperative (você) and sounds overly formal in casual conversation; "deixa" is preferred among friends.
↔Alternatives
Mantenha um ouvido livre.
Keep one ear free.
Fica com um ouvido livre.
Stay with one ear free.
Escuta com um ouvido livre.
Listen with one ear free.
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese "deixa" is informal; in a more formal setting you would say "Por favor, mantenha um ouvido livre." The phrase is common in workplaces, especially in call centers or kitchens, where staff need to stay partially attentive to radio announcements or phone calls while working.