Am I Invited Alone? Ask About a Plus-One in Portuguese

Ask who the invitation includes

O convite é só para mim? asks whether the invitation is just for you. Só limits the people included, not the amount of time you can stay. For a couple, ask é para nós dois? These are requests for clarification. They do not add the other person to the guest list automatically.

Request an additional guest

Posso levar alguém? means “May I bring someone?” Alguém is singular here; it does not itself mean several guests. If you know whom you would like to bring, naming the person or relationship makes the request more concrete. Posso levar minha companheira? asks permission; vou levar minha companheira announces a decision already made.

Keep permission separate from capacity

Tem lugar para mais uma pessoa? asks about room for another guest. Space may be one consideration, but it is not the whole meaning of an invitation. Follow the host’s actual answer. If they say desta vez é só para você, you can acknowledge the limit without treating a question about capacity as permission.

Check availability after receiving permission

The original exchange below gives permission for two people, but attendance is not confirmed yet. The learner still needs to check Júlia’s availability and reply to the host. After she agrees, a later message such as Vamos eu e a Júlia can confirm the final attendance. Permission from the host and agreement from your proposed guest are separate steps.

Do not turn a warm welcome into a standing invitation

An earlier volte sempre or apareça can express warmth without deciding who is invited to every future occasion. Ask about this event when the guest list matters. If you are the host, respond clearly with podem vir vocês dois or hoje vai ser só um grupo pequeno, according to your actual plan.

Practice before opening the answers

These are original written practice activities. Try a reply first, then compare the suggested answer and explanation. Other answers can work when they keep the intended meaning.

1. Original practice: Only your name appears on an invitation. Ask whether your partner is included.
   Suggested answer and explanation

   O convite é só para mim ou para nós dois?

   The question clarifies scope without announcing an additional guest.

2. Original practice: You want to bring one friend, Paulo. Ask specifically.
   Suggested answer and explanation

   Posso levar meu amigo Paulo?

   Naming Paulo makes the proposed guest clear. You still need the host’s answer before treating him as invited.

3. Original practice: The host welcomes both of you, but your partner has not answered. Respond accurately.
   Suggested answer and explanation

   Obrigado! Vou confirmar com ela e te aviso.

   The host’s permission does not establish your partner’s availability or agreement.

4. Original practice: The host says this occasion is just for you. Accept the limit.
   Suggested answer and explanation

   Entendi. Vou sozinho desta vez. Obrigado pelo convite.

   The response confirms one attendee rather than treating a capacity question as a successful request.

Practice a reply of your own

Rehearse asking about one invitation and confirming the final guests. Explore Real Life Portuguese for more practice with everyday Brazilian Portuguese decisions. Explore Real Life Portuguese.