Possivelmente
Use it to sound more certain than 'talvez' without fully committing to a 'sim'.
En 15 segundos
- A more polished version of 'maybe' for everyday use.
- Indicates a logical probability rather than a random guess.
- Works in both formal meetings and casual text messages.
Significado
It's the perfect way to say 'possibly' or 'maybe' when you want to sound a bit more certain or sophisticated than just saying 'talvez'. It suggests there is a real chance something will happen.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Discussing a work deadline
Possivelmente terminaremos o projeto na sexta-feira.
Possibly we will finish the project on Friday.
Texting a friend about dinner
Possivelmente chego um pouco atrasado.
I'll possibly arrive a little late.
A doctor explaining a recovery
Você possivelmente se sentirá melhor amanhã.
You will possibly feel better tomorrow.
Contexto cultural
In Portuguese culture, being overly direct can sometimes feel slightly aggressive. Using 'possivelmente' allows for a 'soft' commitment that respects social harmony. It is a staple of 'Diplomatic Portuguese,' used frequently in news broadcasts and formal speeches to avoid making absolute claims.
Skip the Subjunctive
Unlike 'talvez', you don't need to change the verb mood after 'possivelmente'. Just use the normal tense!
Don't Overuse
If you use it in every sentence, you might sound like you're avoiding responsibility. Mix it up with 'provavelmente'.
En 15 segundos
- A more polished version of 'maybe' for everyday use.
- Indicates a logical probability rather than a random guess.
- Works in both formal meetings and casual text messages.
What It Means
Possivelmente is your go-to word for expressing probability. It translates directly to "possibly." It sits right between "maybe" and "probably." When you use it, you aren't just guessing. You are indicating that based on what you know, something is likely. It sounds a bit more polished than the common talvez. It’s the difference between saying "maybe I'll go" and "I'll possibly be there."
How To Use It
You can drop possivelmente almost anywhere in a sentence. It often appears right before the verb. For example, Eu possivelmente vou viajar. You can also use it as a one-word answer. If a friend asks if you're coming to the party, a quick Possivelmente works great. It keeps your options open without sounding flaky. Unlike talvez, it doesn't always require the subjunctive mood. This makes your life much easier! Just pair it with the normal present or future tense.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound professional or precise. It’s perfect for work emails or business meetings. It also works well in casual conversation when you're being slightly more serious. Use it when discussing plans, weather, or outcomes. It’s great for texting when you don't want to commit 100%. Think of it as your "safety net" word. It shows you’re thinking about the possibility.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are 100% sure. If you know you're going, just say com certeza. Avoid it in very high-energy, slang-heavy environments. In a loud club with friends, possivelmente might sound a bit too "academic." Also, don't use it for things that are impossible. It implies a logical chance exists. If you say it about something crazy, people might think you're being sarcastic. Use quem sabe for more dreamy or unlikely scenarios.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers love a bit of nuance. We often avoid a direct "no" to be polite. Possivelmente is a polite way to stay in the middle ground. It reflects the "jeitinho" of keeping doors open. It’s a very balanced word. It isn't as dramatic as other expressions. It’s the mark of a speaker who is moving beyond basic vocabulary. It shows you understand the weight of your words.
Common Variations
You will often hear é possível que. This is the more common, slightly longer version. You might also hear provavelmente if the chance is even higher. Some people might use se calhar in Portugal. In Brazil, quem sabe is a more poetic alternative. But possivelmente remains the most standard, reliable choice. It works perfectly in any Portuguese-speaking country.
Notas de uso
Possivelmente is a neutral to slightly formal adverb. It is safer to use in professional settings than 'talvez' and does not require complex grammar changes.
Skip the Subjunctive
Unlike 'talvez', you don't need to change the verb mood after 'possivelmente'. Just use the normal tense!
Don't Overuse
If you use it in every sentence, you might sound like you're avoiding responsibility. Mix it up with 'provavelmente'.
The 'Maybe' Shield
Brazilians often use this to avoid saying 'no' directly. If someone says 'possivelmente' to an invite, they might be politely declining.
Ejemplos
6Possivelmente terminaremos o projeto na sexta-feira.
Possibly we will finish the project on Friday.
Shows professional optimism without making a hard promise.
Possivelmente chego um pouco atrasado.
I'll possibly arrive a little late.
A polite way to warn someone you're running behind.
Você possivelmente se sentirá melhor amanhã.
You will possibly feel better tomorrow.
Used to give hope based on clinical probability.
Você possivelmente esqueceu sua carteira de novo?
Did you possibly forget your wallet again?
Using a formal word for a silly situation adds humor.
Possivelmente ele não entendeu o que aconteceu.
Possibly he didn't understand what happened.
Softens a potentially harsh realization.
Possivelmente teremos que remarcar nossa reunião.
Possibly we will have to reschedule our meeting.
Standard professional phrasing for changes.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best word to sound more professional than 'talvez'.
Nós ___ vamos precisar de mais tempo.
'Possivelmente' is the professional choice for expressing probability.
Complete the sentence to say 'It's possibly raining there'.
___ está chovendo lá.
This expresses the likelihood of rain without being 100% sure.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality of 'Maybe'
Used with close friends
Se pá
Standard everyday choice
Talvez
Slightly more sophisticated
Possivelmente
Academic or legal
Presumivelmente
Where to use Possivelmente
Office Chat
Possivelmente o chefe virá.
Weather Forecast
Possivelmente teremos sol.
Dinner Plans
Possivelmente vou pedir pizza.
News Report
Possivelmente houve um erro.
Preguntas frecuentes
11 preguntas'Talvez' is more common and casual. 'Possivelmente' is slightly more formal and suggests a higher degree of logic behind the guess.
No, it usually takes the indicative mood, like Possivelmente ele vai. This is easier than Talvez ele vá.
It's rare. It usually comes before the verb or stands alone as an answer. You wouldn't say Vou viajar possivelmente as often as Possivelmente vou viajar.
Yes, it is standard across all Portuguese-speaking countries, though Portugal also uses se calhar very frequently.
No, provavelmente (probably) indicates a higher likelihood than possivelmente (possibly).
Absolutely! It makes you look like you have a great handle on the language without being too stiff.
It's a long word! Break it down: po-si-vel-MEN-te. The stress is on the 'MEN' syllable.
Not really for this specific word, but you can just use Pode ser if you want to be very brief.
Yes, for example: Possivelmente ele esqueceu. (Possibly he forgot).
No, it maps very cleanly to the English 'possibly' in almost every context.
The most common mistake is misspelling it with only one 's'. Remember, it comes from possível, so it always has two.
Frases relacionadas
Talvez
Maybe / Perhaps
Provavelmente
Probably
É possível que
It is possible that
Quem sabe
Who knows / Maybe
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