Estou convicto
Littéralement: I am convicted
Use this phrase when you want to sound confident, professional, and 100% certain of your position.
En 15 secondes
- Expresses absolute certainty and deep personal conviction.
- More sophisticated and stronger than just saying 'I am sure'.
- Requires gender agreement: 'convicto' (male) or 'convicta' (female).
Signification
It means you are absolutely certain or deeply convinced about something. It is a powerful way to say 'I am positive' or 'I am sure' with a touch of personal conviction.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6In a job interview
Estou convicto de que sou o candidato ideal para esta vaga.
I am convinced that I am the ideal candidate for this position.
Discussing a future trip with a partner
Estou convicta de que vamos adorar Lisboa.
I am convinced that we are going to love Lisbon.
A serious debate about a movie
Estou convicto de que esse é o melhor filme do ano.
I am convinced that this is the best movie of the year.
Contexte culturel
The phrase carries a certain intellectual prestige in Portuguese-speaking countries. It suggests that the speaker has reflected deeply on the topic rather than just reacting emotionally. While common in Portugal and Brazil, it is a hallmark of someone who speaks the language with precision and authority.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember the 'de' after the phrase if you are adding a clause. 'Estou convicto QUE' is common in speech, but 'Estou convicto DE QUE' is the grammatically perfect version that will make you sound like a pro.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single opinion, you might come across as a bit arrogant or overly intense. Save it for the things that actually matter.
En 15 secondes
- Expresses absolute certainty and deep personal conviction.
- More sophisticated and stronger than just saying 'I am sure'.
- Requires gender agreement: 'convicto' (male) or 'convicta' (female).
What It Means
Estou convicto is about certainty. It goes beyond a simple tenho a certeza. When you use it, you are saying your mind is made up. You have weighed the facts. Now, you stand firm in your belief. It is like having an internal anchor. You aren't just guessing; you are convinced.
How To Use It
You use it just like 'I am sure.' Follow it with de que to explain what you are sure about. For example, Estou convicto de que vai chover. If you are a woman, remember to change it to Estou convicta. Portuguese grammar loves its gender agreement. It works perfectly in professional settings or serious debates. It makes you sound confident and articulate.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound persuasive. It is great for job interviews. Use it when discussing a project at work. It also works in deep late-night talks with friends. If you are arguing about which football team is better, this adds weight. It shows you aren't just talking; you have a strong opinion.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for trivial things. If someone asks if you want pizza, don't say Estou convicto. That sounds way too dramatic. It is like wearing a tuxedo to a beach party. Avoid it in very slang-heavy conversations. It might make you sound a bit stiff. Also, don't use it if you have even a tiny doubt. It implies 100% certainty.
Cultural Background
Portuguese culture values passion and firm stances. Being convicto is seen as a sign of character. It suggests you are a person of principles. Historically, it carries a weight of intellectual or moral certainty. It is a word often heard in political speeches or classic literature. It reflects the serious side of the Lusophone soul.
Common Variations
You will often hear Tenho a convicção. This means 'I have the conviction.' Another common one is Estou plenamente convicto. Adding plenamente is like adding a double shot of espresso to your certainty. It means you are 'fully' convinced. In casual speech, people might just stick to Tenho certeza, but convicto is your upgrade for when you want to impress.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral-to-formal. It is highly effective in persuasive writing and professional speech, but requires gender agreement (convicto/convicta).
The 'De' Rule
Always remember the 'de' after the phrase if you are adding a clause. 'Estou convicto QUE' is common in speech, but 'Estou convicto DE QUE' is the grammatically perfect version that will make you sound like a pro.
Don't Overuse It
If you use this for every single opinion, you might come across as a bit arrogant or overly intense. Save it for the things that actually matter.
The Brazilian Intensity
In Brazil, people might use this phrase with a lot of hand gestures to emphasize their point. It's not just a statement; it's a performance of certainty!
Exemples
6Estou convicto de que sou o candidato ideal para esta vaga.
I am convinced that I am the ideal candidate for this position.
Shows high self-confidence and professionalism.
Estou convicta de que vamos adorar Lisboa.
I am convinced that we are going to love Lisbon.
The female form 'convicta' is used here.
Estou convicto de que esse é o melhor filme do ano.
I am convinced that this is the best movie of the year.
Adds weight to a personal opinion.
Estou convicto: hoje o nosso time ganha!
I'm convinced: our team wins today!
Short and punchy for a text message.
Estou convicto de que esta é a melhor coxinha do universo.
I am convinced that this is the best coxinha in the universe.
Using a formal word for a snack creates a funny contrast.
Estou convicto de que os resultados serão positivos no próximo trimestre.
I am convinced that the results will be positive next quarter.
Projects leadership and certainty to stakeholders.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form for a woman speaking.
Eu ___ ___ de que fiz a escolha certa.
Women must use the feminine ending '-a' and the verb 'estar' for current states of mind.
Complete the phrase with the correct preposition.
Estou convicto ___ que o plano vai funcionar.
The expression 'estou convicto' is almost always followed by the preposition 'de'.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality Spectrum of Certainty
Used with friends for everyday things.
Acho que sim.
The standard way to say you are sure.
Tenho certeza.
Professional and deeply certain.
Estou convicto.
Where to use 'Estou Convicto'
Job Interview
Convinced of my skills.
Political Debate
Convinced of an ideology.
Serious Advice
Convinced of a solution.
Academic Writing
Convinced by the data.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsMostly, yes, but Estou convicto is more formal and carries more emotional or intellectual weight. Use Tenho certeza for daily life and Estou convicto for serious moments.
Yes, especially if you are discussing something important or want to show you are serious. For example: Estou convicto de que essa é a melhor decisão.
Absolutely. Men say convicto and women say convicta. Using the wrong one is a very common giveaway that you're still learning!
Grammatically, it should be de que. In casual conversation, people often drop the de, but keeping it makes you sound more educated.
No! Even though 'convict' in English often refers to prisoners, in Portuguese, convicto strictly means 'convinced' in this context. No prison bars involved!
Yes, it is widely understood and used in both countries, though it always maintains its slightly formal, sophisticated tone.
You can, but it will sound humorous or sarcastic because the phrase is so strong. Estou convicto de que chocolate é melhor sounds like a funny exaggeration.
You could say Estou em dúvida (I am in doubt) or Não tenho a certeza (I'm not sure).
Usually, we use Estou because it's a state of being convinced about a specific thing. Sou um homem convicto means 'I am a man of convictions' (a permanent trait).
It might be a bit much unless you are discussing a deep topic. If you use it to talk about the menu, it might feel like an interview!
Expressions liées
Tenho a certeza
I am sure / I have the certainty
Sem sombra de dúvida
Without a shadow of a doubt
Pôr a mão no fogo
To put one's hand in the fire (to vouch for someone/something 100%)
Estar ciente
To be aware / to be certain of a fact
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