claro
/ˈkla.ɾu/
In Portuguese, 'sure' is expressed as claro.
The word claro is used to mean 'of course' or 'clearly' and is appropriate in many formal contexts. It can also be used to express that one is certain in their knowledge or belief. To express a strong sense of certainty, you can use the phrase com toda a certeza, which means 'with utmost certainty'.
Meaning: certain in one's knowledge or belief (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
When used as an adjective, claro literally means 'clear', such as referring to light or transparency.
Which one should you use?
While claro can be used in an affirmative sense to mean 'sure', the phrase com certeza is a more direct way to say 'for sure' or 'certainly' when referring to a fact.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, claro must agree with the noun it describes: use clara for feminine singular, claros for masculine plural and claras for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈkla.ɾu/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- The word claro descends from the Latin clārus, which meant both 'bright' and 'famous'.
- The phrase com certeza is so common in Brazil that it is sometimes used sarcastically to mean the opposite, much like 'sure' is used in English.
- Because claro also means 'light-colored', if you say 'o cabelo está claro' you are not saying 'the hair is sure', but rather that the hair is 'fair' or 'light-toned'.
Examples in context
- Claro, por que não?Sure, why not?This example shows how to use claro to respond to a suggestion.Tatoeba #1583852 by alexmarcelo, translation #1610745 by Shishir
- Claro! Vá em frente.Sure, go right ahead.This example demonstrates using claro to give someone permission.Tatoeba #10768070 by lucasmg123, translation #30541 by CM
- "Eu posso entrar?" "Sim, claro!""May I get in?" "Yes, for sure!"This example shows using claro to answer a question with certainty.Tatoeba #4850207 by Ricardo14, translation #11090120 by MrJuice
- Certamente, estou disponível para ajudarCertainly, I am available to help
- Com toda a certeza, eu aceito a propostaWith utmost certainty, I accept the proposal
- Claro, posso atender à sua solicitaçãoOf course, I can attend to your request
- Vamos ao cinema hoje à noite? – Claro que sim!Are we going to the movies tonight? – Sure, of course!
- Você quer ir ao parque? – Sim, com certeza!Do you want to go to the park? – Yes, definitely!
- Você pode me ajudar com isso? – Pode deixar!Can you help me with this? – Sure, you can count on me!
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Beatriz are discussing a project instruction.
- GabrielO plano está claro, Beatriz?Is the plan clear, Beatriz?
- BeatrizSim, está tudo muito claro.Yes, everything is very clear.
- GabrielÓtimo, então podemos começar.Great, then we can start.
- BeatrizCom certeza, Gabriel.For sure, Gabriel.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry claro, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries claro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
