Portuguese Phrase
Me deixa passar, por favor?
Meaning
A polite request asking someone to allow you to go through a crowd or doorway. The speaker is asking for permission in a courteous way, using the verb 'deixar' (to let) followed by the infinitive 'passar' (to pass).
When to use
Use this phrase when you are in a line, a crowded street, a bus, or any situation where you need to move past someone. It works well in both formal and informal settings, especially when you want to sound respectful.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Medeixapassarporfavor
Me (object pronoun)
The clitic pronoun 'me' is the direct object meaning 'me' or 'to me' and must appear before the verb in European Portuguese and after in Brazilian informal speech.
deixa (present of deixar)
'Deixa' is the third‑person singular present indicative of 'deixar' meaning 'to let' or 'to allow'.
passar (infinitive)
The infinitive 'passar' follows 'deixar' to form the construction 'deixar + infinitive' = 'let (someone) do something'.
por favor (polite formula)
A fixed expression meaning 'please', placed at the end of the request for extra courtesy.
🗨In Conversation
Me deixa passar, por favor?
Let me pass, please?
Claro, pode passar.
Sure, go ahead.
✕Common Mistakes
Me deixa eu passar, por favor?
The pronoun 'me' already refers to the speaker; adding 'eu' is redundant and ungrammatical.
Deixa eu passar, por favor?
In standard Portuguese the correct order is 'deixa-me passar'; 'deixa eu' is colloquial and considered incorrect in formal speech.
Me deixa passar por favor?
Missing the comma can change the rhythm; the pause before 'por favor' signals politeness.
↔Alternatives
Pode me deixar passar, por favor?
Could you let me pass, please?
Com licença, pode me deixar passar?
Excuse me, could you let me pass?
Desculpe, deixa eu passar?
Sorry, can I get through?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil and Portugal, adding 'por favor' or 'com licença' softens a request and shows respect. In very crowded places, a quick 'Desculpa' followed by the request is common. Avoid sounding demanding; a smile and eye contact help convey politeness. In formal contexts (e.g., a museum guide), you might use the full form 'Pode me deixar passar, por favor?'.