A1 Collocation Neutral 4 min read

bem ter chance

to have a chance

Literally: {"bem":"well","ter":"to have","chance":"chance"}

In 15 Seconds

  • Expresses a good possibility of success.
  • Use when feeling optimistic about outcomes.
  • Implies a realistic chance, not a guarantee.
  • Adds hopeful confidence to your words.

Meaning

This phrase is your golden ticket, your 'maybe!' It's about having a real shot at something, a genuine possibility. Think of it as the universe giving you a wink, saying, 'Yeah, you might actually pull this off!' It carries a hopeful vibe, a sense of potential success, whether it's a small win or a big dream.

Key Examples

3 of 12
1

Texting a friend about a job opening

Recebi o link para aquela vaga que te falei, acho que bem tenho chance!

I got the link for that job opening I told you about, I think I have a good chance!

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
2

Watching a sports game

Se o nosso time marcar mais um gol, bem teremos chance de ganhar.

If our team scores one more goal, we'll have a good chance of winning.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>
3

Discussing a dating prospect

Ele pareceu gostar de mim, acho que bem tenho chance com ele.

He seemed to like me, I think I have a good chance with him.

<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>
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Cultural Background

Brazilians are generally optimistic and often use 'chance' to express hope. Usage is similar, but slightly more conservative in business settings.

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Pronunciation

Remember the 'ch' is a soft 'sh' sound in Portuguese.

In 15 Seconds

  • Expresses a good possibility of success.
  • Use when feeling optimistic about outcomes.
  • Implies a realistic chance, not a guarantee.
  • Adds hopeful confidence to your words.

What It Means

Bem ter chance is your Portuguese signal for possibility! It means you've got a good shot at something happening. It’s not a guarantee, but a solid likelihood. Think of it as having the stars align just enough for you to succeed. It’s that hopeful feeling when you know things *could* work out in your favor. It’s the opposite of feeling doomed or out of luck.

How To Use It

You use bem ter chance when you want to express a positive outlook on a situation. It’s perfect for when you're not certain of the outcome, but you feel optimistic. You can use it in casual chats with friends or even in slightly more formal settings if you're conveying a hopeful prediction. It adds a touch of confidence to your words. It’s like saying, 'Don't count me out yet!'

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you're applying for a job you're perfect for. You might tell your friend, Acho que bem tenho chance de conseguir essa vaga. (I think I have a good chance of getting this position.) Or maybe you're playing a game and you're close to winning. You could exclaim, Com essa jogada, bem temos chance de ganhar! (With this move, we have a good chance of winning!) It’s about acknowledging that the opportunity is real and within reach. It’s not just a pipe dream; it’s a tangible possibility.

When To Use It

Use bem ter chance when you're feeling optimistic about an outcome. It fits when you've done your homework or prepared well for something. You can use it when discussing opportunities, competitions, or even personal goals. It works for anything from a lottery ticket to a promotion. If there's a realistic possibility of success, this phrase fits like a glove. It's your go-to for expressing hopeful anticipation. It’s that sweet spot between 'maybe' and 'definitely'.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid bem ter chance when the outcome is already certain. If you've already won, there's no need to say you *had* a chance! Also, steer clear if the odds are stacked impossibly against you. Saying you bem ter chance when you have absolutely zero shot can sound delusional. It’s not for situations where success is guaranteed or utterly impossible. Think of it as a realistic optimism booster, not a fantasy generator. It's not for when you're already celebrating or when it's a total lost cause.

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes misuse bem or forget it entirely. They might say ter chance when they mean bem ter chance. This makes the statement less emphatic. The bem adds that crucial 'good' or 'well' to the chance. Another mistake is using it in situations where the chance is minuscule. It implies a *reasonable* chance, not a miraculous one. It's like asking for a Michelin star after burning toast – a bit much! Also, confusing it with simply 'having a chance' without the 'good' aspect misses the nuance.

Similar Expressions

There's ter uma boa chance, which is very similar and often interchangeable. It's a bit more explicit. Ser provável (to be probable) is more formal and less about personal opportunity. Ter sorte (to have luck) is about fortune, not necessarily skill or preparation. Dar um jeito (to find a way) is about actively making something happen. Bem ter chance sits nicely in the middle, acknowledging a good possibility based on the circumstances.

Common Variations

Sometimes people might say há uma boa chance de... (there is a good chance of...). This is a slightly more formal construction. In very casual speech, you might hear shortened versions or just tem chance (has chance), but bem ter chance carries that extra positive weight. The core idea remains the same: a solid opportunity is present. It’s like adding a little sparkle to the phrase.

Memory Trick

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Picture a BEM-dressed person winning the lottery! They look well (bem) prepared and confident, and they have (ter) a chance (chance) to win big. They're not just hoping; they're likely to succeed because they're prepared and the opportunity is real. BEM-prepared people TER a good CHANCE!

Quick FAQ

Is bem ter chance formal or informal? It’s generally neutral to informal. Can I use it in a job interview? Yes, if you're expressing confidence about your prospects, like Acho que bem tenho chance nesta entrevista. (I think I have a good chance in this interview.) What if I forget bem? You can say ter chance, but it's less strong. It means 'to have a chance' rather than 'to have a *good* chance'. It’s like saying 'okay' instead of 'great!'

Usage Notes

This phrase is generally neutral in formality but leans towards informal conversation. While usable in professional contexts to express optimism, avoid it in highly formal settings. A common pitfall is misconjugating the verb `ter`; always ensure it matches the subject.

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Pronunciation

Remember the 'ch' is a soft 'sh' sound in Portuguese.

Examples

12
#1 Texting a friend about a job opening
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Recebi o link para aquela vaga que te falei, acho que bem tenho chance!

I got the link for that job opening I told you about, I think I have a good chance!

Here, `bem tenho chance` shows confidence in applying for the job.

#2 Watching a sports game
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Se o nosso time marcar mais um gol, bem teremos chance de ganhar.

If our team scores one more goal, we'll have a good chance of winning.

Expresses a hopeful outlook based on a potential game-changing event.

#3 Discussing a dating prospect
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M4.318 6.318a4.5 4.5 0 000 6.364L12 20.364l7.682-7.682a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364-6.364L12 7.636l-1.318-1.318a4.5 4.5 0 00-6.364 0z"/></svg>

Ele pareceu gostar de mim, acho que bem tenho chance com ele.

He seemed to like me, I think I have a good chance with him.

Used to express optimism about a romantic possibility.

#4 Instagram caption for a travel vlog
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Explorando cada cantinho desse paraíso! Quem sabe não bem tenho chance de ficar por aqui? 😉

Exploring every corner of this paradise! Who knows, maybe I have a good chance of staying here? 😉

A playful way to express a desire and a hopeful possibility about extending a trip.

#5 Job interview follow-up email
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Agradeço a oportunidade e acredito que bem tenho chance de agregar valor à vossa equipe.

I appreciate the opportunity and believe I have a good chance of adding value to your team.

Conveys professional confidence and optimism about suitability for the role.

#6 Ordering food delivery
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Será que hoje bem temos chance de o restaurante ter o meu prato favorito?

I wonder if today we have a good chance of the restaurant having my favorite dish?

A casual, hopeful question about availability.

Mistake: Using 'ter chance' instead of 'bem ter chance' Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ Eu ter chance de passar no exame. → ✓ Eu bem tenho chance de passar no exame.

✗ I have a chance of passing the exam. → ✓ I have a good chance of passing the exam.

The original is grammatically awkward and lacks the emphasis of 'bem'. The corrected version sounds natural and confident.

Mistake: Using 'bem ter chance' when success is guaranteed Common Mistake
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

✗ Eu já ganhei o prêmio, então bem tenho chance. → ✓ Eu já ganhei o prêmio!

✗ I already won the prize, so I have a good chance. → ✓ I already won the prize!

Using 'bem ter chance' here is redundant and illogical because the outcome is already decided.

#9 Applying for a scholarship
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Com minhas notas e o ensaio que escrevi, bem tenho chance de conseguir essa bolsa.

With my grades and the essay I wrote, I have a good chance of getting this scholarship.

Highlights the factors contributing to a strong possibility of success.

#10 Planning a surprise party
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Se conseguirmos manter o segredo, bem teremos chance de fazer uma grande surpresa!

If we manage to keep the secret, we'll have a good chance of pulling off a great surprise!

Emphasizes that a specific condition (keeping the secret) creates a strong possibility for success.

#11 Discussing a creative project
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M14.828 14.828a4 4 0 01-5.656 0M9 10h.01M15 10h.01M21 12a9 9 0 11-18 0 9 9 0 0118 0z"/></svg>

Essa ideia é original, acho que bem temos chance de ela ser um sucesso.

This idea is original, I think we have a good chance of it being a success.

Expresses optimism about the potential success of a new creative concept.

#12 Aspirations for a new venture
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Com o plano de negócios que montamos, bem teremos chance de prosperar.

With the business plan we've put together, we'll have a good chance of prospering.

Connects preparation (business plan) with a positive outlook for future success.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence.

Eu ____ de viajar nas férias.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tenho chance

The phrase 'ter chance' fits the context of possibility.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Complete the sentence. Fill Blank A1

Eu ____ de viajar nas férias.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tenho chance

The phrase 'ter chance' fits the context of possibility.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

It is neutral and used everywhere.

Related Phrases

🔗

Dar uma chance

similar

To give an opportunity

🔗

Ter sorte

contrast

To be lucky

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