In 15 Seconds
- Use it to say 'it is likely' or 'probably'.
- Pairs with 'que' and the subjunctive mood for full sentences.
- Perfect for neutral, professional, or casual predictions.
Meaning
This is the most common way to say 'it's likely' or 'probably' in Portuguese. You use it when you're about 70-80% sure something will happen, but you don't want to bet your life on it.
Key Examples
3 of 6Predicting the weather
É provável que chova hoje à tarde.
It's likely that it will rain this afternoon.
Discussing a work deadline
É provável que o relatório esteja pronto amanhã.
It's likely the report will be ready tomorrow.
Texting a friend about a party
Acho que é provável eu ir, mas te aviso.
I think it's likely I'll go, but I'll let you know.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'É capaz de' as a more colloquial alternative to 'É provável'. It sounds warmer and less academic. In Portugal, 'Se calhar' is the king of probability. If you use 'É provável' too much in a Lisbon cafe, you might sound like a news anchor. In Angolan Portuguese, 'É provável' is used similarly to Brazil, but often with a very clear, rhythmic pronunciation of the 'v' and 'l'. In Lusophone business meetings, 'É provável' is a 'hedging' device. It allows professionals to give estimates without legal liability.
The Subjunctive Hack
If you forget the subjunctive, just use 'Provavelmente' + Indicative. It means the same thing!
Avoid 'Eu sou provável'
Never say 'Eu sou provável'. In Portuguese, probability is always impersonal: 'É provável que eu...'
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to say 'it is likely' or 'probably'.
- Pairs with 'que' and the subjunctive mood for full sentences.
- Perfect for neutral, professional, or casual predictions.
What It Means
É provável is your go-to phrase for expressing likelihood. It sits right between 'maybe' and 'definitely.' When you use it, you're telling your listener that the odds are in favor of a specific outcome. It is simple, direct, and very common in daily conversation.
How To Use It
You can use it alone as a short answer. For example, if someone asks if it will rain, you can just say É provável. However, if you want to connect it to a verb, you usually add que. Be careful here: É provável que usually triggers the subjunctive mood. You would say É provável que ele venha (It's likely that he comes). It sounds fancy, but it's just how the gears of the language turn. Don't let the grammar scare you off!
When To Use It
Use it when discussing plans, weather, or results. It works perfectly in a business meeting when discussing a deadline. It also works at a bar when guessing if your friend will show up late. It’s great for texting when you aren't 100% committed to a plan yet. Think of it as your 'safety net' phrase.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid it if you are absolutely certain. If the sun is shining and there's not a cloud in sight, don't say é provável que faça sol. It sounds a bit robotic or overly cautious. Also, don't use it for things that are impossible. It’s for the 'middle ground' of life. If you're 100% sure, just say com certeza instead.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers often prefer to be slightly indirect to avoid sounding too blunt. Using é provável is a polite way to manage expectations. In Brazil, people might use it to be non-committal about social invitations. If someone says é provável que eu vá, they might actually stay home and watch Netflix. It’s a gentle way of saying 'maybe' without the pressure of a 'yes'.
Common Variations
You will often hear provavelmente which is the adverb 'probably'. In casual speech, people might just say deve ser (it must be). If you want to sound more certain, you can say é quase certo. If you want to sound more doubtful, try é possível. É provável remains the gold standard for balanced probability.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits into any social register. The main 'gotcha' is the grammatical requirement for the subjunctive mood when followed by 'que'.
The Subjunctive Hack
If you forget the subjunctive, just use 'Provavelmente' + Indicative. It means the same thing!
Avoid 'Eu sou provável'
Never say 'Eu sou provável'. In Portuguese, probability is always impersonal: 'É provável que eu...'
The Portuguese 'Se Calhar'
If you are in Portugal, use 'Se calhar' to sound like a local, but keep 'É provável' for your essays.
75% Rule
Use this phrase when you have evidence. If you're just guessing, use 'Talvez'.
Examples
6É provável que chova hoje à tarde.
It's likely that it will rain this afternoon.
A very common way to discuss the forecast.
É provável que o relatório esteja pronto amanhã.
It's likely the report will be ready tomorrow.
Professional yet realistic about timing.
Acho que é provável eu ir, mas te aviso.
I think it's likely I'll go, but I'll let you know.
Commonly used to stay non-committal in social plans.
É provável que ele tenha esquecido a chave de novo!
It's likely he forgot his key again!
Expressing a predictable pattern of behavior.
É provável que ela tenha se perdido.
It's likely that she got lost.
Speculating on a reason for a delay.
É provável que os resultados melhorem no próximo trimestre.
It is probable that results will improve next quarter.
Using the phrase to sound objective and data-driven.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence.
É provável que eles ________ (chegar) a tempo.
'É provável que' requires the present subjunctive form 'cheguem'.
Fill in the blank with the missing word to complete the phrase.
É ________ que o preço suba amanhã.
The standard phrase is 'É provável que'.
Complete the dialogue with a logical response using 'É provável'.
A: Você acha que o Brasil ganha a Copa? B: Com esse time, ________.
'É provável que sim' is the standard way to say 'It's likely so'.
Match the probability to the correct Portuguese phrase.
Match 75% certainty.
'É provável' represents high but not absolute certainty.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesÉ provável que eles ________ (chegar) a tempo.
'É provável que' requires the present subjunctive form 'cheguem'.
É ________ que o preço suba amanhã.
The standard phrase is 'É provável que'.
A: Você acha que o Brasil ganha a Copa? B: Com esse time, ________.
'É provável que sim' is the standard way to say 'It's likely so'.
Match 75% certainty.
'É provável' represents high but not absolute certainty.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, if a verb follows. If it's a short answer, you can just say 'É provável'.
Yes! 'É provável que ele tenha ido' (It's likely he went).
It's equally common in both, but Portugal uses 'Se calhar' more in speech.
'Provável' is about 75% sure; 'possível' is about 50% or less.
Yes, 'É muito provável' means 'It's very likely'.
In Brazil, yes, but it's more informal.
Because probability is a subjective feeling, not a hard fact.
Absolutely, it sounds professional and measured.
Use 'É improvável'.
Always 'É provável que'. Avoid 'de'.
Related Phrases
Provavelmente
synonymProbably
É capaz de
similarIt's likely to / It might
É possível que
similarIt's possible that
É improvável que
contrastIt's unlikely that
Com certeza
contrastCertainly
Se calhar
similarMaybe / Likely
