Meaning
To proceed successfully or without issues.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, 'correr bem' is often followed by 'graças a Deus' (thanks to God), reflecting a traditional cultural background, even among non-religious people. Brazilians often substitute 'correr bem' with 'dar certo' in informal speech. 'Deu tudo certo' is the most common way to say everything went well. In Angolan Portuguese, 'correr bem' is frequently used in business and formal greetings to ensure that one's family and affairs are 'running' smoothly. In Mozambique, the phrase is used with a high degree of formality in official correspondence to indicate that a process is following the correct legal 'course'.
The 'Tudo' Trick
Adding 'tudo' (everything) makes you sound much more native. Instead of 'Correu bem', say 'Correu tudo bem'.
Subjunctive Alert
Always use 'corra' after verbs of wishing like 'esperar' or 'desejar'.
Meaning
To proceed successfully or without issues.
The 'Tudo' Trick
Adding 'tudo' (everything) makes you sound much more native. Instead of 'Correu bem', say 'Correu tudo bem'.
Subjunctive Alert
Always use 'corra' after verbs of wishing like 'esperar' or 'desejar'.
Past Tense Default
When in doubt, use 'Correu bem'. It's the most common way to answer almost any question about how an event was.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'correr bem' in the past.
Ontem eu tive um exame e tudo ________ ________.
Since the event happened 'Ontem' (yesterday), we use the past tense 'correu'.
Which sentence is a correct wish for someone starting a new job?
A: Espero que corre bem. B: Espero que corra bem.
'Espero que' requires the subjunctive mood 'corra'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Your friend is going on a first date. What do you say?
You are encouraging them about a future event.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
Ana: Como ________ a tua viagem? Pedro: Correu muito bem, obrigado!
Pedro answers in the past, so the question must also be in the past.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOntem eu tive um exame e tudo ________ ________.
Since the event happened 'Ontem' (yesterday), we use the past tense 'correu'.
A: Espero que corre bem. B: Espero que corra bem.
'Espero que' requires the subjunctive mood 'corra'.
Situation: Your friend is going on a first date. What do you say?
You are encouraging them about a future event.
Ana: Como ________ a tua viagem? Pedro: Correu muito bem, obrigado!
Pedro answers in the past, so the question must also be in the past.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, use it for events. For a person, say 'Ele está bem'.
Always 'correu bem'. The adverb follows the verb.
'Correr bem' is the process going smoothly. 'Dar certo' is the plan actually working out. In Brazil, 'dar certo' is more common.
Say 'Espero que corra bem'.
It's better to use 'funcionar bem', but 'correr bem' can be used for a software process.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
The opposite is 'correr mal'.
Yes, if the subject is plural: 'As férias correram bem'.
No, 'bom' is an adjective. You must use the adverb 'bem'.
Yes, it is universally understood and used across the Lusophone world.
Related Phrases
Dar certo
similarTo work out / to succeed
Correr mal
contrastTo go badly
Ir bem
similarTo go well
Correr às mil maravilhas
specialized formTo go perfectly
Andar bem
similarTo be doing well
