Combinado

Using it is incredibly simple. You can use it as a standalone response. If someone suggests a time, just say Combinado!. You can also use it as a question to confirm. Ask Combinado? to see if the other person agrees. It works for times, prices, or even social favors. It is one of the most versatile words in your vocabulary. You will hear it dozens of times a day in Brazil or Portugal.

Use it when you finish a meeting. Use it when hanging up the phone with a friend. It is perfect for texting after setting a location. At a restaurant, use it if the waiter suggests a dish. It works beautifully when splitting a bill with friends. If you are negotiating at a street market, say it to accept a price. It shows you are decisive and clear.

Do not use it for deep emotional agreement. It is for logistics, not for sharing a soul. Don't use it to say 'I understand' in a lecture. That would be entendi. Avoid using it if you are still unsure. Once you say combinado, people expect you to show up. It is not a 'maybe' word. Using it and then flaking is considered quite rude.

Portuguese speakers love to plan things but can be flexible. Combinado is the anchor that keeps plans from drifting away. It reflects a culture that values social consensus. In Brazil, it often follows a long negotiation about where to meet. It is the verbal contract of the Lusophone world. Historically, it implies that two separate ideas have successfully merged into one.

In casual settings, you might hear tá combinado. This just adds the verb 'to be' for extra weight. Some people say fechado, which literally means 'closed.' This is even more final, like 'it's a closed deal.' In Portugal, you might hear está bem or d'acordo. However, combinado remains a universal favorite across the ocean. It is the safest, most natural choice for any learner.