Quer ir?

Using it is incredibly simple. You just say the two words. You can use it as a standalone question if the destination is obvious. If you are pointing at a bar, just say Quer ir?. If you want to be specific, add the destination after. For example, Quer ir ao cinema?. In Brazil, you might hear Quer ir? while in Portugal, they might include the pronoun: Queres ir?. Don't sweat the grammar too much yet. Just focus on that inviting, rising intonation. It is the easiest way to start a social life in a new city.

Use it whenever you feel like company. Use it when you are heading to the kitchen for coffee at work. Use it when a new movie trailer drops and you look at your friend. It works perfectly in text messages (SMS or WhatsApp). If you are already at a party and moving to another one, look at your group and ask Quer ir?. It is a low-pressure way to include people. It suggests that the door is open if they want to join the fun.

Avoid this in very formal or rigid professional settings. If you are inviting a CEO to a board meeting, Quer ir? is too casual. It sounds a bit like you are asking a buddy to grab a burger. Also, do not use it if you are actually demanding someone leave. If you want someone to go away, this phrase is too nice! It implies a shared activity. If you say it with a flat or angry tone, it might sound like a challenge, like "You wanna go?" in a fight. Stick to the friendly vibe.

Portuguese speakers are generally very social and inclusive. It is common to invite people last-minute to almost anything. Quer ir? reflects this spontaneous culture. In Brazil, especially, invitations are often warm but sometimes non-committal. If someone says Quer ir? and you say yes, always double-check the time later! It is the phrase that fuels the vibrant street life and the "always room for one more" mentality found in Portuguese-speaking communities worldwide.

In casual Brazilian speech, you will often hear Bora? which is short for Vamos embora? (Shall we go?). Another common one is Tá a fim? (Are you up for it?). If you are talking to a group, you might say Querem ir? to make it plural. In Portugal, you will hear the more grammatically formal Queres ir? even among friends. All of these carry the same spirit of togetherness. Pick the one that feels most natural to your ears and run with it.