A2 Collocation Neutral 2 min read

não certamente possível

certainly possible

Literally: not certainly possible

In 15 Seconds

  • A confident way to say something can be done.
  • Polite, professional, and very encouraging for the listener.
  • Perfect for meetings, planning, and reassuring friends or colleagues.

Meaning

This phrase is used to express that something is definitely achievable or likely to happen. It is a way of giving a confident 'yes' while acknowledging that there is a path to get it done.

Key Examples

3 of 6
1

In a business meeting

É certamente possível terminar o relatório até amanhã.

It is certainly possible to finish the report by tomorrow.

2

Planning a trip with a friend

Acho que é certamente possível viajar em julho.

I think it is certainly possible to travel in July.

3

At a restaurant asking for a table

Seria certamente possível conseguir uma mesa para quatro?

Would it certainly be possible to get a table for four?

🌍

Cultural Background

Very common in business.

💡

Be clear

Use this to be clear.

In 15 Seconds

  • A confident way to say something can be done.
  • Polite, professional, and very encouraging for the listener.
  • Perfect for meetings, planning, and reassuring friends or colleagues.

What It Means

Think of certamente possível as the ultimate green light. It is more than just saying 'maybe.' It means you are confident about a result. You use it to reassure people. It suggests that the odds are in your favor. It feels like a warm, encouraging nod from a friend.

How To Use It

You can use it to answer a question directly. Just say Sim, é certamente possível. It works great when someone asks for a favor. Or when a boss asks if a deadline can be met. You are adding a layer of certainty to the word possível. It makes you sound capable and optimistic. Don't overthink the grammar here. It usually follows the verb ser (to be).

When To Use It

Use it when you want to sound professional yet approachable. It is perfect for a business meeting. Use it when planning a trip with friends. If a friend asks if you can visit next month, use this. It shows you are making an effort. It is also great for texting. It sounds much more polite than a dry 'yes.'

When NOT To Use It

Avoid using it if you are 100% unsure. If the chance is zero, don't give false hope. It is not a slang term. So, don't use it in a very rowdy, informal party. It might sound a bit too 'proper' there. Also, avoid it in tragic situations. It is a phrase for solutions and possibilities. Using it for something sad might feel dismissive.

Cultural Background

Portuguese speakers value politeness and 'jeitinho.' This phrase fits that perfectly. It is a way to be positive without being aggressive. It reflects the helpful nature of Brazilian and Portuguese cultures. We like to find ways to make things work. This phrase is the verbal equivalent of a helpful smile. It has been a staple in formal and semi-formal speech for decades.

Common Variations

You might hear com certeza é possível. That is the more common, everyday cousin. You might also hear perfeitamente possível. That one is even stronger. It means 'perfectly possible.' In the south of Brazil, people might just say claro que dá. But certamente possível remains the elegant choice. It works everywhere from Lisbon to Luanda to São Paulo.

Usage Notes

This phrase sits in the 'neutral' to 'formal' range. It is safe for all professional contexts and polite social interactions, but might feel slightly stiff in very intimate or high-energy casual settings.

💡

Be clear

Use this to be clear.

Examples

6
#1 In a business meeting

É certamente possível terminar o relatório até amanhã.

It is certainly possible to finish the report by tomorrow.

Shows professional confidence and reliability.

#2 Planning a trip with a friend

Acho que é certamente possível viajar em julho.

I think it is certainly possible to travel in July.

Expresses optimism about shared plans.

#3 At a restaurant asking for a table

Seria certamente possível conseguir uma mesa para quatro?

Would it certainly be possible to get a table for four?

A very polite way to make a request to staff.

#4 Texting a colleague about a favor

Sim, é certamente possível te ajudar com isso hoje.

Yes, it is certainly possible to help you with that today.

Quick, helpful, and reassuring via text.

#5 A humorous moment with a sibling

É certamente possível que você esqueça sua cabeça se não estiver grudada!

It is certainly possible that you'd forget your head if it wasn't attached!

Using formal structure for a sarcastic, funny remark.

#6 Reassuring a worried partner

Fica calma, é certamente possível resolver esse problema juntos.

Stay calm, it is certainly possible to solve this problem together.

Provides emotional support and a sense of partnership.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

O plano é ____ possível.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: certamente

It fits the collocation.

🎉 Score: /1

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

1 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill Blank A2

O plano é ____ possível.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: certamente

It fits the collocation.

🎉 Score: /1

Frequently Asked Questions

1 questions

Yes, mostly.

Related Phrases

🔄

com certeza

synonym

for sure

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