SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pt-as-suas-ordens

A clerk says 'Às suas ordens!' What does she mean?

May I help you?

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  1. May I help you? ✔
  2. Please wait outside
  3. The shop is closed

Why: Literally 'at your orders'. It is a polite way to offer help. A Brazilian clerk may also say pois não?, meaning can I help you?

Huh, didn't know that: The FSI hotel dialog opens with Bom dia, às suas ordens!

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What did the laundryman say to the impatient customer? Keep your shirt on!
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References

Answer: May I help you?. Literally 'at your orders'. It is a polite way to offer help. A Brazilian clerk may also say pois não?, meaning can I help you?

  1. FSI Brazilian Portuguese FAST, Volume 1 (Foreign Service Institute) fsi-language-courses-media.nyc3.cdn.digitaloceanspaces.com/languages/Portuguese/FAST/Volume%201/FSI%20-%20Portuguese%20FAST%20-%20Volume%201.pdf
    Bom dia, às suas ordens!
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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