What to say in Portuguese when waiting for slower walkers

Introduction

Waiting for slower walkers is a common situation in busy streets, parks, malls, and transit stations in Brazil. This article teaches simple, polite Brazilian Portuguese phrases and short dialogues beginners can use when they need someone to speed up, move aside, or when they are the slower walker and want to apologize or give information. All examples are beginner-friendly and practical.

Why learning these phrases matters

When you travel or live in Brazil, walking behind or with other people happens all the time. Knowing a few polite phrases helps you avoid awkwardness, stay safe on crowded sidewalks, and show respect. These expressions are useful in tourist areas, shopping streets, university campuses, and public transportation hubs.

Key Portuguese words to know

Desculpa — sorry; informal apology used to get someone’s attention or apologize for bumping into someone

Com licença — excuse me; polite way to ask someone to make space or to pass by

Você pode andar um pouco mais rápido? — can you walk a little faster?; a direct but polite request

Tem como passar? — can I pass?; useful when you need to move around a person

Eu estou com pressa — I’m in a hurry; explains your situation

Tudo bem — all good / no problem; common reply to reassure someone

Simple polite phrases to use when waiting

Com licença

Use this when you want to pass someone who is walking slowly. It is polite and widely understood.

Desculpa, posso passar?

Meaning sorry, can I pass? This combines apology and a request — great for tight sidewalks or crowds.

Você pode andar um pouco mais rápido?

Use this when you are comfortable asking someone to speed up. It is direct but not rude if said with a friendly tone.

Eu estou com pressa

Say this when you need to explain your reason. People in Brazil often respond sympathetically when they know you are in a hurry.

Fica à direita, por favor

Use this on staircases or moving sidewalks: stay to the right, please.

How to pick the right phrase

Consider the setting and your tone. In a crowded tourist spot, Com licença or Desculpa, posso passar? is safest. On a sidewalk where people are casually walking, Você pode andar um pouco mais rápido? can be used among adults. In formal spaces like a business center or when addressing older people, add a polite tone and maybe a smile.

Short dialogues for beginners

Situation: Passing someone in a busy street

Person A: Com licença
Person B: Claro, pode passar

Situation: Behind slow walkers on a sidewalk

Person A: Desculpa, você pode andar um pouco mais rápido?
Person B: Ah, desculpa. Tudo bem?
Person A: Sim, obrigada

Situation: On a staircase in a station

Person A: Fica à direita, por favor
Person B: Ok, obrigada

Situation: When you are the slower walker

Person A: Desculpa
Person B: Tudo bem, sem problema

Polite variations and quick responses

Por favor — add to any request to sound more polite (for example, Com licença, por favor).

Obrigado / Obrigada — thank you. Men say obrigado and women say obrigada.

Sem problema — no problem; a casual reply to reassure someone.

Common mistakes beginners make

Overusing direct translations from English. For example, saying just pass or move might sound abrupt. Use Com licença or Desculpa, posso passar? instead.

Using the wrong gender for obrigado/obrigada. Remember to match your gender when saying thank you.

Speaking too loudly or with a demanding tone. Brazilian Portuguese usually favors friendly, calm intonation in public interactions.

Body language and tone tips

A small nod and smile help make requests sound polite. Pointing aggressively or pushing will be seen as rude.

Maintain a respectful distance. When someone moves aside, offer a brief thank you: Obrigado or Obrigada.

Useful short phrases for different contexts

At a busy mall: Desculpa, posso passar?

On a crowded sidewalk: Com licença

On a staircase or escalator: Fica à direita, por favor

When you need speed: Eu estou com pressa

When someone apologizes to you: Sem problema

Practical scenarios with examples

Scenario: You are walking behind a family taking photos and blocking the sidewalk

Say: Desculpa, posso passar?
They might reply: Claro, pode passar

Scenario: Waiting on a moving walkway at a train station and someone is standing in the walking lane

Say: Com licença, por favor
If they do not move: Desculpa, você pode ficar à direita?

Scenario: You are slow because you are checking your phone and realize you are blocking people

Say: Desculpa, vou sair um pouco
Meaning sorry, I’ll step aside a bit.

Beginner-friendly practice tips

Memorize short phrases and practice them aloud to get comfortable with pronunciation. Start with Com licença and Desculpa, posso passar?

Role-play common scenes in your head: passing in a shop, moving aside on stairs, or walking behind a slow group. Imagine the short dialogues above.

Listen to Brazilian Portuguese speakers and mimic the tone. Politeness often comes from tone and timing, not just words.

Quick reference phrase list

Com licença — excuse me

Desculpa — sorry (informal)

Desculpa, posso passar? — sorry, can I pass?

Você pode andar um pouco mais rápido? — can you walk a little faster?

Eu estou com pressa — I am in a hurry

Fica à direita, por favor — stay to the right, please

Obrigado / Obrigada — thank you

Sem problema — no problem

Where you will use these phrases

Sidewalks in city centers, tourist attractions, subway and train stations, shopping malls, markets, parks, university campuses, and event venues. They are useful any time pedestrian traffic is heavy.

Final tips for polite interactions

Be brief and friendly. A polite phrase with a smile is more effective than a long explanation. When in doubt, start with Com licença or Desculpa, posso passar? and add por favor and obrigado/obrigada as appropriate.

Conclusion

With just a few simple Brazilian Portuguese phrases you can navigate crowded sidewalks and stations with confidence. Practice Com licença, Desculpa, posso passar?, and Eu estou com pressa and pair them with a polite tone and smile. These small skills make daily travel smoother and show respect for others in public spaces.