eu posso
The English phrase "I can" is translated into Portuguese as eu posso.
eu posso is used to express that someone has the ability or permission to do something.
Which one should you use?
While eu posso is a standard way to express capability, eu consigo is often used instead when the speaker wants to emphasize physical or mental capability, such as being able to manage a specific task.
How does it change in a sentence?
eu posso is the first-person singular present indicative form of the verb poder. In many contexts, the subject pronoun eu can be omitted, leaving just posso to mean "I can".
Did you know?
- In some regional dialects, eu posso is replaced by the phrase eu dou conta, which literally means 'I give account' but functions as 'I can handle it'.
- The pronoun eu is a linguistic doublet of the English word 'ego', both tracing their roots back to the Latin word for 'I'.
- While posso means 'I can', adding the word não creates não posso, which is frequently used as a polite way to decline an invitation without explaining why.
Examples in context
- Eu posso ser bom.I can be good.This sentence is useful for showing how to use eu posso to express potential.Tatoeba #3204998 by piterkeo, translation #2300619 by CK
- Eu posso ver isso.I can see that.This sentence is useful for showing how to use eu posso to express perception.Tatoeba #3802115 by Ricardo14, translation #3736222 by CK
- Eu posso te ligar.I can call you.This sentence is useful for showing how to use eu posso to express a future action.Tatoeba #8542001 by Ricardo14, translation #8541997 by CK
- Eu posso ajudar com esse projeto.I can help with this project.
- Eu posso comparecer à reunião amanhã.I can attend the meeting tomorrow.
- Eu poderia te ajudar com isso?Could I help you with that?
- Eu poderia fazer uma pergunta?May I ask a question?
- Eu sou capaz de completar essa tarefa.I am capable of completing this task.
- Eu sou capaz de liderar esse projeto.I am capable of leading this project.
- Eu consigo resolver esse problema.I can solve this problem.
- Eu consigo fazer isso sem ajuda.I can do this without help.
- Eu consigo dar conta desse trabalho.I can handle this job.
- Eu consigo dar conta desses compromissos.I can manage these commitments.
- Eu posso conseguir que ele me ajude.I can get him to help me.
- Eu posso conseguir um desconto nesses produtos.I can get a discount on these products.
- 299 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a coffee shop, Camila asks if Rodrigo can help her.
- CamilaRodrigo, eu posso sentar aqui?Rodrigo, can I sit here?
- RodrigoSim, você pode, Camila.Yes, you can, Camila.
- CamilaEu posso pedir um café?Can I order a coffee?
- RodrigoClaro, eu posso pedir para você.Of course, I can order it for you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
