Portuguese Phrase
E se alguém me incomodar?
Meaning
Literally, "And if someone bothers me?" It is used to raise a possible future situation that might cause annoyance, often as a way to discuss how to handle it.
When to use
Use this phrase when you are speculating about a potential disturbance, such as planning an event, choosing a seat, or setting boundaries. It works in both informal and semi‑formal conversations.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Esealguémmeincomodar
E se (What if)
The conjunction "e se" introduces a hypothetical question. It is followed by a verb in the present subjunctive.
Present Subjunctive of "incomodar"
For regular -ar verbs, the present subjunctive form is identical to the infinitive (incomodar).
Pronoun "me" (me)
The clitic pronoun "me" is placed before the verb in simple sentences, indicating the speaker is the object of the action.
Indefinite pronoun "alguém"
"Alguém" means "someone" and works like an indefinite subject in hypothetical statements.
🗨In Conversation
E se alguém me incomodar durante a apresentação?
What if someone bothers me during the presentation?
Então a gente pode fechar a porta e avisar que não queremos interrupções.
Then we can close the door and let them know we don’t want interruptions.
✕Common Mistakes
É se alguém me incomodar?
"É" with an accent means "is"; the correct conjunction is "e" (and) without an accent.
E se alguém me incomoda?
After "e se" you need the subjunctive form, which for regular -ar verbs is the infinitive (incomodar), not the indicative "incomoda".
E se alguém incomodar‑me?
The clitic pronoun must stay before the verb in simple sentences; placing it after ("incomodar‑me") is only used in infinitive constructions with another verb.
↔Alternatives
E se alguém me perturbar?
What if someone disturbs me?
E se alguém me atrapalhar?
What if someone gets in my way?
E se alguém me incomodar?
What if someone annoys me?
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese, "e se" is a very common way to pose a hypothetical question, similar to "what if" in English. It can sound slightly informal, so in very formal writing you might prefer "Caso alguém me incomode...". Also, avoid adding an accent to "e"; it is the conjunction "e" (and), not the verb "é" (is).