Me mostre
Literally: Me (to me) show (show)
Use `me mostre` whenever you want to see something someone is talking about in a friendly way.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask someone to show you an object or information.
- Very common in both spoken Brazilian Portuguese and text messages.
- Can be made more polite by adding 'por favor' at the end.
Meaning
This is how you ask someone to show you something, whether it's a physical object, a photo on their phone, or even a skill they have.
Key Examples
3 of 6Looking at a friend's vacation photos
Me mostre as fotos da viagem!
Show me the trip photos!
At a clothing store
Me mostre aquela camisa azul, por favor.
Show me that blue shirt, please.
Texting a friend about a new pet
Ele é fofo? Me mostre!
Is he cute? Show me!
Cultural Background
In Brazil, showing things is a sign of intimacy and friendship. Whether it's showing a picture of a newborn or a new pair of shoes, it's a way to bond. The phrase reflects the open, communicative nature of Brazilian social culture.
The 'Aí' Trick
Add `aí` at the end (`Me mostre aí`) to sound instantly more like a local Brazilian. It adds a relaxed 'hey' vibe to the sentence.
The Portugal Difference
In Portugal, starting a sentence with 'Me' is rare. They prefer `Mostre-me`. If you're in Lisbon, swap the order!
In 15 Seconds
- Used to ask someone to show you an object or information.
- Very common in both spoken Brazilian Portuguese and text messages.
- Can be made more polite by adding 'por favor' at the end.
What It Means
Me mostre is your go-to phrase for discovery. It literally means "show me." You use it when you want to see something with your own eyes. It is simple, direct, and incredibly useful in daily life.
How To Use It
Place me before the verb mostre in most spoken Brazilian contexts. Use it when pointing at a menu. Use it when a friend mentions a new tattoo. It works for physical objects and digital content alike. You can add por favor at the end to be extra polite.
When To Use It
You are at a market and want to see a fruit closer. You are with a friend who just got a new phone. In a meeting, you want to see the latest data slides. It is perfect for texting when someone mentions a vacation photo. It feels natural and active.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it in extremely formal legal settings. Don't use it if you are demanding something rudely. In Portugal, they usually say mostra-me instead. Using me mostre in Lisbon might sound a bit too Brazilian. Also, don't use it for abstract concepts like "show me the truth."
Cultural Background
Brazilians are very visual and tactile people. We love sharing moments through photos and physical objects. Me mostre is the start of a social interaction. It signals interest in the other person's life. It is an invitation to share a story or a piece of news.
Common Variations
You might hear deixa eu ver which means "let me see." In very casual settings, people just say mostra aí. The word mostre comes from the verb mostrar. It is one of the first verbs you will master because it is so practical. Just remember to smile when you say it!
Usage Notes
In Brazil, placing the pronoun 'me' at the start of the sentence is the standard way of speaking, even if traditional grammar books suggest otherwise. It's friendly and direct.
The 'Aí' Trick
Add `aí` at the end (`Me mostre aí`) to sound instantly more like a local Brazilian. It adds a relaxed 'hey' vibe to the sentence.
The Portugal Difference
In Portugal, starting a sentence with 'Me' is rare. They prefer `Mostre-me`. If you're in Lisbon, swap the order!
Visual Culture
Brazilians often use their hands while saying this. Expect them to lean in and get close when they show you what you asked for.
Examples
6Me mostre as fotos da viagem!
Show me the trip photos!
Very common when catching up with friends.
Me mostre aquela camisa azul, por favor.
Show me that blue shirt, please.
Adding 'por favor' makes it perfect for service environments.
Ele é fofo? Me mostre!
Is he cute? Show me!
Short and punchy for WhatsApp messages.
Duvido! Me mostre agora.
I doubt it! Show me now.
Used to challenge someone in a playful way.
Que lindo, me mostre mais!
How beautiful, show me more!
Encouraging and warm tone.
Me mostre os resultados do mês passado.
Show me last month's results.
Direct but acceptable in a collaborative work environment.
Test Yourself
You want to see your friend's new phone. What do you say?
___ o seu celular novo!
`Me mostre` is used for seeing things, while `me fale` is for telling and `me dê` is for giving.
Make the request more polite for a shop assistant.
Me mostre o cardápio, ___.
`Por favor` is the standard way to add politeness to any request in Portuguese.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale of 'Me mostre'
Used with friends and family.
Mostra aí!
Standard daily use in shops or with colleagues.
Me mostre, por favor.
Polite request to a superior or stranger.
Poderia me mostrar?
Where to use 'Me mostre'
Shopping
Seeing a product
Social Media
Asking for a photo
At Home
Looking at a drawing
Office
Reviewing a report
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot at all! It is a neutral and friendly way to ask to see something. Just add por favor if you are talking to a stranger.
Yes, it's perfect for asking to see a website, a photo on a phone, or a video. You can say Me mostre esse vídeo.
Mostre is slightly more formal/polite (subjunctive/imperative), while mostra is very casual. Both are understood everywhere.
You can say Me mostre isso. Brazilians often omit the 'it' if the object is already clear in the conversation.
Yes, it is professional enough. For example, Me mostre os gráficos (Show me the charts) is perfectly fine.
You would use Deixa eu ver. It's a very common alternative to Me mostre when you want to take a quick look.
In Portugal, they prefer Mostra-me or Mostre-me. Starting sentences with 'Me' is a distinct Brazilian trait.
Yes! You can say Me mostre no mapa (Show me on the map). It's very helpful for travelers.
If you are talking to a group, you still say Me mostrem (plural). Note the 'm' at the end.
It's not slang itself, but you'll hear it in slangy sentences like Me mostre o que você tem (Show me what you got).
Related Phrases
Deixa eu ver
Let me see
Dê uma olhada
Take a look
Mostra aí
Show me (very casual)
Veja isso
Look at this
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