Ouso interromper
Literally: I dare to interrupt
Use this phrase to interrupt a superior or formal group while maintaining maximum respect and professional polish.
In 15 Seconds
- A very polite way to interrupt someone in formal settings.
- Combines 'ousar' (to dare) with 'interromper' (to interrupt).
- Best for meetings, lectures, or speaking to superiors.
Meaning
This is a very polite and formal way to say 'I dare to interrupt.' It is used when you need to break into a conversation or meeting while showing deep respect for the current speaker.
Key Examples
3 of 6Interrupting a CEO during a presentation
Ouso interromper, senhor Diretor, mas os dados acabaram de ser atualizados.
I dare to interrupt, Director, but the data has just been updated.
Asking a question in a formal academic seminar
Ouso interromper a sua linha de raciocínio para uma breve questão.
I dare to interrupt your line of reasoning for a brief question.
Texting a professor about a mistake in a grade
Professor, ouso interromper o seu descanso, mas notei um erro na minha nota.
Professor, I dare to interrupt your rest, but I noticed an error in my grade.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects the Iberian tradition of formal etiquette where 'daring' to speak implies a high level of self-awareness and respect for hierarchy. While modern Portuguese is becoming more casual, this expression remains a powerful tool for navigating formal bureaucracy or academic circles in Lisbon and Brasília.
The 'Ouso' Power Move
Using 'ouso' makes you sound like you've read classic literature. It's a great way to earn instant respect in a Brazilian or Portuguese office.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this phrase five times in one meeting, you'll sound like a 19th-century poet. Save it for your most important interruption.
In 15 Seconds
- A very polite way to interrupt someone in formal settings.
- Combines 'ousar' (to dare) with 'interromper' (to interrupt).
- Best for meetings, lectures, or speaking to superiors.
What It Means
Ouso interromper is the peak of linguistic politeness. The verb ousar means 'to dare' or 'to have the courage.' When you use it, you are literally saying you are taking a bold step by stopping the flow of conversation. It sounds humble yet confident. It shows you value the other person's time. Use it when you have something vital to add but don't want to seem rude.
How To Use It
You usually place this at the very start of your sentence. It acts as a verbal 'pardon me.' You can follow it with para dizer (to say) or apenas por um momento (just for a moment). It is like wearing a tuxedo in sentence form. It signals that what follows is important enough to justify the break. Don't use it for trivial things like asking where the bathroom is.
When To Use It
This is perfect for high-stakes environments. Think of a board meeting with your CEO. Use it during a formal academic lecture. It works well when speaking to someone much older than you. If you are at a fancy gala, this is your go-to phrase. It is the 'gold standard' for professional interruptions. It makes you sound incredibly educated and well-mannered.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this with your best friends at a bar. They will think you are making fun of them. Avoid it during a casual family dinner unless you want to sound sarcastic. It is too heavy for a quick text message to a colleague. If the vibe is 'jeans and t-shirt,' leave this phrase at home. Using it in a drive-thru would be hilariously awkward.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture places a high value on 'educação' (good manners). Being 'folgado' (pushy or disrespectful) is a major social faux pas. This phrase stems from a tradition of formal rhetoric and courtly speech. It reflects the hierarchical nature of traditional Portuguese and Brazilian professional life. It shows you recognize the 'space' the other person is occupying. It is a linguistic bow.
Common Variations
You might hear Peço licença para interromper which is slightly more common. Some might say Se me permite a interrupção for a softer touch. In very old-fashioned circles, you might even hear Ouso intervir. However, Ouso interromper remains the most elegant and direct way to 'dare' to speak up. It is short, sharp, and undeniably classy.
Usage Notes
This phrase is strictly for high-formality registers. Using it in casual settings will likely be perceived as a joke or a sign that you are trying too hard.
The 'Ouso' Power Move
Using 'ouso' makes you sound like you've read classic literature. It's a great way to earn instant respect in a Brazilian or Portuguese office.
Don't Overdo It
If you use this phrase five times in one meeting, you'll sound like a 19th-century poet. Save it for your most important interruption.
The 'Sarcasm' Risk
In Portugal, using this with peers is often a sign of 'ironia' (irony). If you say it to a friend, they'll likely laugh and ask why you're being so fancy.
Examples
6Ouso interromper, senhor Diretor, mas os dados acabaram de ser atualizados.
I dare to interrupt, Director, but the data has just been updated.
Shows high respect while delivering urgent information.
Ouso interromper a sua linha de raciocínio para uma breve questão.
I dare to interrupt your line of reasoning for a brief question.
Acknowledges the speaker's intellectual flow.
Professor, ouso interromper o seu descanso, mas notei um erro na minha nota.
Professor, I dare to interrupt your rest, but I noticed an error in my grade.
Uses formality to soften a potentially confrontational topic.
Ouso interromper o seu monólogo épico para dizer que a pizza chegou.
I dare to interrupt your epic monologue to say the pizza is here.
The extreme formality creates a humorous contrast with the situation.
Ouso interromper o casal para sugerir o vinho da casa.
I dare to interrupt the couple to suggest the house wine.
Standard high-end service language.
Ouso interromper esta discussão porque creio ter a solução ideal.
I dare to interrupt this discussion because I believe I have the ideal solution.
Commands attention in a chaotic moment.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb to complete the formal interruption.
___ interromper, mas o tempo da reunião esgotou.
'Ouso' provides the necessary formal 'dare' that fits the polite context.
Complete the phrase with the correct infinitive.
Ouso ___, pois temos um problema urgente.
After the verb 'ousar', we use the infinitive form of the second verb.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Level of Interruptions
Used with friends
Ei, escuta!
Standard polite
Com licença.
Professional/Respectful
Peço desculpa por interromper.
Elite/Academic
Ouso interromper.
Where to use 'Ouso interromper'
Boardroom Meeting
Correcting a budget figure
University Lecture
Asking a PhD professor a question
Legal/Courtroom
Addressing a judge
Luxury Service
A butler or high-end concierge
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt comes from the verb ousar, which means 'to dare'. It's the first-person present form: 'I dare'.
Yes, it is understood in both, though it is more common in formal European Portuguese or high-level Brazilian corporate settings.
Absolutely. It's a great way to start a paragraph if you are replying to a thread and changing the subject politely.
Com licença is neutral and safe. Ouso interromper is for when you want to sound more sophisticated or humble.
Slightly, but in a 'classy' way rather than an 'obsolete' way. It’s like wearing a vintage watch.
Yes, especially if your boss is traditional or if the meeting is very serious.
Something like Cala a boca e me escuta (Shut up and listen), which is extremely rude and the total opposite of this etiquette.
It sounds like 'OH-zoo'. The 's' has a 'z' sound because it is between two vowels.
Yes, if you are speaking for a group, you say Ousamos interromper (We dare to interrupt).
It might actually work because the sheer formality of the phrase can catch people off guard and de-escalate the tension.
Related Phrases
Peço licença
I ask for permission / Excuse me
Com sua permissão
With your permission
Se me permite
If you allow me
Não queria interromper, mas...
I didn't want to interrupt, but...
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