Estou seguro
Literally: I am sure / I am safe
Use it to tell people you are certain or that you are out of harm's way.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to express 100% certainty about a specific fact.
- Used to describe feeling physically or emotionally safe.
- Uses the temporary verb 'estar' for current states.
Meaning
This phrase is a versatile way to say you are certain about something or that you feel safe and protected in a situation.
Key Examples
3 of 6Confirming a flight time
Estou seguro de que o voo é às oito.
I am sure that the flight is at eight.
Arriving home late at night
Não se preocupe, já cheguei e estou seguro.
Don't worry, I've arrived and I am safe.
Texting a friend about a decision
Estou seguro da minha escolha.
I am sure of my choice.
Cultural Background
The word 'seguro' shares the same root as 'security' and 'insurance' (seguro de carro). In Portuguese culture, expressing certainty is often tied to personal honor, making this phrase more weighted than a simple 'maybe'.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember to add 'de' if you are sure *of* something. 'Estou seguro de que...' is the gold standard for grammar.
Don't confuse with 'Segurado'
If you say 'Estou segurado', you are saying you have an insurance policy! Use 'seguro' for the feeling.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to express 100% certainty about a specific fact.
- Used to describe feeling physically or emotionally safe.
- Uses the temporary verb 'estar' for current states.
What It Means
Estou seguro is your go-to phrase for two distinct feelings. First, it means you are absolutely certain about a fact or decision. Second, it means you feel physically or emotionally safe. It comes from the word seguro, which covers both 'sure' and 'secure'.
How To Use It
You use it just like 'I am sure' in English. If someone asks if you locked the door, you say Estou seguro. If you are walking in a well-lit neighborhood at night, you might say Aqui eu estou seguro. It is simple, direct, and very common.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to show confidence in an argument. It works great during a business meeting or a debate with friends. You can also use it to reassure a loved one that you are okay. It fits perfectly in a text message after a long trip.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are talking about a permanent personality trait. For that, you would use sou instead of estou. Saying sou seguro means you are a confident person in general. Also, avoid it if you just 'think' something; it implies 100% certainty.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers value certainty and safety, but they often use 'estou seguro' to anchor themselves. In Brazil, especially, people might swap this for tenho a certeza to sound even more emphatic. However, estou seguro remains the classic, balanced choice across all Lusophone countries.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, you might hear tô seguro. In Portugal, you might hear estou ciente for being aware. For extra emphasis, add absolutamente before it. It turns your 'sure' into a 'dead certain'.
Usage Notes
The phrase is perfectly neutral and safe for all contexts. Just remember that in feminine form, it changes to `Estou segura`.
The 'De' Rule
Always remember to add 'de' if you are sure *of* something. 'Estou seguro de que...' is the gold standard for grammar.
Don't confuse with 'Segurado'
If you say 'Estou segurado', you are saying you have an insurance policy! Use 'seguro' for the feeling.
The Brazilian 'Tô'
In Brazil, 'Estou' is almost always shortened to 'Tô' in conversation. 'Tô seguro' sounds much more natural at a barbecue.
Examples
6Estou seguro de que o voo é às oito.
I am sure that the flight is at eight.
Used here to express factual certainty.
Não se preocupe, já cheguei e estou seguro.
Don't worry, I've arrived and I am safe.
Used to reassure someone about physical safety.
Estou seguro da minha escolha.
I am sure of my choice.
Shows confidence in a personal decision.
Estou seguro de que posso contribuir para a equipa.
I am sure that I can contribute to the team.
Conveys professional confidence.
Aqui debaixo da manta, estou seguro!
Under the blanket here, I am safe!
A cute, literal use of physical protection.
Estou seguro que o meu gato é mais inteligente que o teu.
I'm sure my cat is smarter than yours.
Using certainty for a playful, subjective claim.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct preposition to follow the phrase when expressing certainty about something.
Estou seguro ___ que deixei as chaves na mesa.
In Portuguese, when you are sure 'of' something, you use the preposition 'de'.
Which verb form makes the phrase mean 'I am a confident person' rather than 'I am sure right now'?
Eu ___ seguro.
'Sou' (from ser) indicates a permanent trait, whereas 'estou' (from estar) indicates a temporary state.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Estou seguro'
Used with friends as 'Tô seguro'
Tô seguro, cara.
Standard everyday use
Estou seguro do que vi.
Used in legal or high-stakes contexts
Estou seguro quanto aos termos.
When to say 'Estou seguro'
Safety
After a storm or accident
Facts
Confirming a meeting time
Emotions
Feeling protected by a partner
Decisions
Buying a new house
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNot exactly. While 'seguro' means insurance, to say you are insured you should say Tenho seguro or Estou segurado.
Yes, but if you mean you are a confident person in general, use Sou uma pessoa segura.
The meaning is the same, but Brazilians often shorten it to Tô seguro while the Portuguese usually keep the full Estou.
You can say Estou inseguro (I'm insecure/unsure) or Não tenho a certeza (I'm not sure).
Absolutely. If you escape a dangerous situation, Agora estou seguro (Now I am safe) is the perfect thing to say.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend without any issues.
You would say Estou seguro disso or Tenho a certeza disso.
Yes, Este carro é seguro means 'This car is safe/secure'.
Because being sure or being safe is usually a temporary state or a reaction to a specific situation.
Not exactly slang, but Pode crer is a very informal way to agree with a fact someone else is 'sure' about.
Related Phrases
Tenho a certeza
Fica tranquilo
Com certeza
Sinto-me seguro
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