In 15 Seconds
- Used to express high probability with a polite, confident tone.
- Combines 'bem' (very), 'certamente' (certainly), and 'possível' (possible).
- Ideal for professional emails, travel planning, and encouraging friends.
- Follows the structure: verb 'ser' + bem + certamente + possível.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you want to express that something isn't just a vague possibility, but actually has a very high chance of happening. It combines the intensity of `bem` (very/quite) with the assurance of `certamente` (certainly) to create a polite yet confident 'yes' to a potential scenario. Think of it as the linguistic equivalent of a firm nod and a smile.
Key Examples
3 of 10Texting a friend about dinner plans
Acho que é bem certamente possível chegar às oito.
I think it's quite certainly possible to arrive at eight.
In a job interview on Zoom
Aprender esse novo sistema é bem certamente possível para mim.
Learning this new system is quite certainly possible for me.
Discussing a project deadline
Terminar o relatório hoje é bem certamente possível.
Finishing the report today is quite certainly possible.
Cultural Background
Brazilians value optimism and cooperation. This phrase is a staple in professional and social settings.
Use it to sound professional
It shows you have thought about the request.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to express high probability with a polite, confident tone.
- Combines 'bem' (very), 'certamente' (certainly), and 'possível' (possible).
- Ideal for professional emails, travel planning, and encouraging friends.
- Follows the structure: verb 'ser' + bem + certamente + possível.
What It Means
Ever felt like 'maybe' just wasn't strong enough, but 'definitely' felt a bit too risky? That is exactly where bem certamente possível lives. In Portuguese, we love to stack adverbs like we stack layers in a delicious *francesinha* sandwich. This phrase takes the basic idea of possível and wraps it in two layers of reinforcement. Certamente provides the logical backing—it is certain that the possibility exists. Bem adds the emotional 'oomph,' pushing the likelihood from 'maybe' to 'probably.' It is the ultimate 'glass half full' expression for when you are discussing plans, hopes, or even technical fixes. It suggests a high level of optimism without overpromising.
How To Use It
You will mostly find this phrase following the verb ser (to be), as in É bem certamente possível. It functions as a predicate adjective phrase. Because it sounds a bit structured, it works beautifully in both professional emails and enthusiastic group chats. When you are typing it out, you don't need any special punctuation—just let the adverbs flow. In spoken Portuguese, people often emphasize the bem to show just how likely they think the event is. It is like adding a little sparkle to your sentence. If someone asks if you can finish a project by Friday, using this phrase makes you sound capable and positive rather than just 'okay.'
Real-Life Examples
Imagine you are planning a trip to Lisbon with friends on WhatsApp. One friend asks, "Can we visit Sintra and Cascais in the same day?" You reply: Sim, é bem certamente possível se acordarmos cedo! (Yes, it's quite certainly possible if we wake up early!). Or perhaps you are in a job interview on Zoom. The recruiter asks if you can learn a new software in a week. You respond with a confident: Acho que é bem certamente possível. It shows you have a 'can-do' attitude without sounding like a robot. Even in a simple text to your Uber driver asking if they can wait two minutes: É bem certamente possível me esperar? It’s a bit wordy for a quick text, but it’s incredibly polite!
When To Use It
Use this phrase when you want to be encouraging. It is perfect for project management, discussing travel itineraries, or responding to a request that you are 90% sure you can fulfill. It is also a great tool for 'softening' a commitment. Instead of a blunt 'Yes,' which holds you 100% accountable, bem certamente possível acknowledges the possibility while keeping a tiny bit of wiggle room for the unexpected. It’s also a fantastic way to agree with someone’s theory or idea during a brainstorming session. It says, "I like where you're going with this, and it can work!"
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this phrase for things that are 100% guaranteed or laws of nature. You wouldn't say, "It is bem certamente possível that the sun will rise tomorrow." That just sounds weirdly skeptical. Also, stay away from it in extremely informal, slang-heavy environments where people prefer shorter hits like pode ser or bora. Using such a multi-word collocation in a loud nightclub might make you sound like you're reading from a textbook. Finally, don't use it if you actually want to say 'No' but are afraid to—it gives too much hope, and people will hold you to it!
Common Mistakes
One of the biggest traps for English speakers is trying to say 'very possible' as muito possível. While people will understand you, it doesn't have the same idiomatic ring as bem possível or our star phrase bem certamente possível. Another mistake is forgetting the é at the beginning. You can't just blurt out the phrase; it needs the verb to anchor it. Also, watch out for the order! Don't try possível certamente bem. That sounds like a word salad that even a hungry goat wouldn't touch. Stick to the order: Intensifier (bem) + Adverb (certamente) + Adjective (possível).
Similar Expressions
If you find this phrase a bit of a mouthful, you can simplify it to just é bem possível (it's very possible). If you want to sound even more formal, try é perfeitamente possível (it's perfectly possible). For a more casual vibe, you might hear é capaz (it's capable/likely), which is very common in Portugal. If you are totally sure, just go with com certeza (with certainty). These all play in the same sandbox of probability, but bem certamente possível is that specific 'sweet spot' of polite confidence that makes you sound like a sophisticated speaker.
Common Variations
You might hear people swap bem for muito in some regions, though bem is more idiomatic for this specific combo. Sometimes people add a que if they are following it with a clause: É bem certamente possível que... (It is quite certainly possible that...). In Brazil, you might hear a slightly more relaxed version: É bem provável, which focuses on 'probable' rather than 'possible.' However, the original phrase remains a solid, versatile choice across the Lusophone world, especially when you want to sound educated and precise.
Memory Trick
Think of the word BEM as a BEAM of light. It shines on the word CERTAMENTE (Certainly), making the POSSÍVEL (Possible) outcome easy to see! Imagine a bright yellow beam hitting a 'Possible' sign. BEM + CERTAMENTE + POSSÍVEL. It's the 'Triple-Positive' phrase. If you can remember that you are building a bridge of three words to get to a 'Yes,' you'll never forget the order. Just think: Well? Certainly! Possible!
Quick FAQ
Is this phrase too formal for friends? Not at all! It just makes you sound very sure and positive. It’s like saying "Totally possible!" but with a bit more class. Can I use it in an email? Yes, it's excellent for professional correspondence when you want to agree to a task. Is it common in Brazil and Portugal? Yes, both countries use this structure, though the melodic 'accent' on the words will differ. Does it mean 'Yes'? It's a 'strong maybe' that leans heavily toward 'Yes.' If someone says this to you, they are likely going to do the thing!
Usage Notes
The phrase `bem certamente possível` is a versatile tool for any Portuguese learner. It sits comfortably in the 'neutral' register, making it safe for almost any situation. The main thing to remember is the word order: always `bem` then `certamente` then `possível`. If you mess this up, you'll still be understood, but it's the specific order that gives it that 'native' flavor.
Use it to sound professional
It shows you have thought about the request.
Examples
10Acho que é bem certamente possível chegar às oito.
I think it's quite certainly possible to arrive at eight.
Using 'acho que' (I think) adds a personal touch to the high probability.
Aprender esse novo sistema é bem certamente possível para mim.
Learning this new system is quite certainly possible for me.
Shows confidence and a positive attitude to a potential employer.
Terminar o relatório hoje é bem certamente possível.
Finishing the report today is quite certainly possible.
Professional way to agree to a deadline without being 100% categorical.
Com foco, o impossível torna-se bem certamente possível! 💪
With focus, the impossible becomes quite certainly possible!
Great for motivational posts and engaging with followers.
Sim, visitar as duas cidades no sábado é bem certamente possível.
Yes, visiting both cities on Saturday is quite certainly possible.
Validating a friend's suggestion in a group chat.
É bem certamente possível colocar extra queijo?
Is it quite certainly possible to put extra cheese?
A very polite way to make a request to a service provider.
Fica tranquilo, recuperar o tempo perdido é bem certamente possível.
Stay calm, recovering lost time is quite certainly possible.
Used here to comfort someone who is stressed about a delay.
✗ É muito certamente possível. → ✓ É bem certamente possível.
It is very certainly possible.
Learners often use 'muito' where 'bem' is the more idiomatic intensifier.
✗ Você vir amanhã bem certamente possível? → ✓ É bem certamente possível você vir amanhã?
Is it quite certainly possible for you to come tomorrow?
The phrase needs the verb 'é' (it is) to function correctly in a sentence.
Conseguir ingressos para o show é bem certamente possível se você for rápido.
Getting tickets for the show is quite certainly possible if you're fast.
Relevant to modern pop culture and high-demand events.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct phrase.
A: Podemos terminar hoje? B: Sim, é _________.
The phrase provides a confident, affirmative answer.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesA: Podemos terminar hoje? B: Sim, é _________.
The phrase provides a confident, affirmative answer.
🎉 Score: /1
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsIt is neutral. It works everywhere.
Related Phrases
É bem possível
similarIt is quite possible