Podemos ser amigos?
The English phrase "can we be friends?" is translated into Portuguese as Podemos ser amigos?
This phrase is a question used to ask someone if they would like to start a friendship with you.
What does it mean word for word?
Podemos is the first-person plural form of the verb poder (to be able to/can), and ser is the infinitive to be.
Which one should you use?
amigos is the standard way to say "friends" in a mixed-gender group and is also used as the default plural for a group of men.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the group of people being referred to consists only of women, the masculine plural amigos changes to the feminine plural amigas, resulting in Podemos ser amigas?
Did you know?
- The word amigo is often used in Brazil as a generic way to address a stranger, similar to 'mate' or 'buddy', even if there is no actual friendship.
- In some regions, adding the suffix -inho to make amiguinho can shift the meaning from a friend to a 'little friend', sometimes used to describe a child's playmate or a secret romantic partner.
- In many Portuguese-speaking cultures, instead of asking Podemos ser amigos?, people often skip the formal request and simply start using the informal 'tu' or 'você' to signal a shift in closeness.
Examples in context
- Você consideraria estabelecer uma amizade comigo? Acredito que poderíamos ser grandes amigos e contribuir um para a vida do outro.Would you consider establishing a friendship with me? I believe we could be great friends and add value to each other's lives.
- Ei, você topa ser meu amigo? Acho que temos muitas coisas em comum e poderíamos nos divertir muito juntos!Hey, do you want to be my friend? I think we have a lot in common, and we could have a lot of fun together!
- Eu gosto de você. Podemos ser amigos?I like you. Can we be friends?
- Você é legal. Podemos ser amigos?You are cool. Can we be friends?
Example conversation
Camila and Felipe are talking after a school project.
- CamilaOi, Felipe. Você é muito legal.Hi, Felipe. You are very cool.
- FelipeObrigado, Camila!Thanks, Camila!
- CamilaPodemos ser amigos?Can we be friends?
- FelipeClaro, eu adoraria.Sure, I would love to.
