bem
/ˈbẽj̃/
The Portuguese word bem means well.
bem is an adverb used to describe something done in a good or satisfactory manner. It is frequently used in the common greeting and inquiry Tudo bem?, which translates to "Is everything well?" or "Are you okay?"
Which one should you use?
While bem is an adverb used to modify verbs, bom is an adjective used to modify nouns (meaning "good"). Additionally, bem is the direct antonym of the adverb mal, which means "badly".
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the intensifier "very well", place the word muito before bem to form muito bem.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbẽj̃/
When do people say it?
The phrase Tudo bem? is a standard and ubiquitous way to ask "How are you?" in Portuguese. A common and natural response to this greeting is Tudo bem, meaning "Everything is well" or "I'm fine".
Did you know?
- The word bem shares an identical spelling with the noun used in legal and economic terms to refer to 'assets' or 'property'.
- The phrase estou bem can be used to politely decline an offer of help or more food, acting as a social signal that the person is satisfied.
- In Brazil, Tudo bem? is often repeated twice as Tudo bem, tudo bem? to sound more casual and friendly during a greeting.
Examples in context
- Estou maravilhosoI feel wonderful
- Tô de boaI'm good
- Tô tranquilo(a)I'm okay or fine
- Estou de boa também!I'm good too!
- O trabalho foi bem feito.The work was well done.
- Ela canta muito bem.She sings very well.
- Nós nos entendemos bem.We get along well.
Example conversation
Camila and Rodrigo are discussing a musical performance.
- CamilaO Rodrigo tocou muito bem hoje.Rodrigo played very well today.
- RodrigoObrigado, Camila, eu me esforcei.Thank you, Camila, I tried hard.
- CamilaRealmente, o som estava bem alto.Really, the sound was quite loud.
- RodrigoSim, mas a melodia estava bem clara.Yes, but the melody was quite clear.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry bem, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
