In 15 Seconds
- The standard Portuguese way to say 'You can do it'.
- Derived from the verb 'conseguir', meaning to achieve or manage.
- Used for motivation, support, and boosting someone's confidence.
Meaning
This is the ultimate Portuguese way to say 'You can do it!' or 'You've got this!' It is used to cheer someone on and show you believe in their ability to succeed.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend before a job interview
Fica calmo, você consegue!
Stay calm, you can do it!
Cheering for someone at the gym
Só mais uma repetição, você consegue!
Just one more rep, you've got this!
Professional support for a nervous colleague
A apresentação será ótima. Você consegue.
The presentation will be great. You can do it.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are known for their 'otimismo' and will use this phrase very liberally to support friends, even for minor tasks. In Portugal, 'Tu consegues' is the standard informal version. Using 'Você' can sometimes be seen as a bit distant or even slightly rude depending on the region. In Angolan Portuguese, the phrase is also common, often accompanied by 'estamos juntos' (we are together) to show solidarity. In Brazilian offices, 'Você consegue' is often used by managers to motivate teams, though it can sometimes be seen as 'papo de coach' (coach-talk) if overused.
Use it often!
Brazilians love positive reinforcement. Don't be afraid to use this phrase to show you are supportive.
Watch the 'Tu' vs 'Você'
If you are in Portugal, remember to switch to 'Tu consegues' for friends to sound more natural.
In 15 Seconds
- The standard Portuguese way to say 'You can do it'.
- Derived from the verb 'conseguir', meaning to achieve or manage.
- Used for motivation, support, and boosting someone's confidence.
What It Means
Você consegue is your go-to phrase for encouragement. It comes from the verb conseguir, which means to manage, achieve, or succeed. When you say this, you are telling someone they have the power to overcome a challenge. It is positive, empowering, and incredibly common in daily life.
How To Use It
Using it is simple because the grammar stays the same. You just point at your friend and say it with confidence! You can use it as a standalone sentence. You can also add a specific action after it. For example: Você consegue terminar isso. It works for physical tasks or mental hurdles. Think of it as a verbal high-five.
When To Use It
Use it whenever someone is feeling a bit nervous. Is your friend about to take a driving test? Say it! Is a colleague preparing for a big presentation? Say it! It is perfect for texting a 'good luck' message. You will hear it at gyms, in offices, and at home. It is the sound of support in Brazil and Portugal.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if someone has already failed. At that point, it sounds like you are mocking them. Also, avoid it in very tragic situations where 'effort' isn't the issue. If your boss is firing you, saying você consegue back to them is just weird. Keep it for moments of active struggle or upcoming challenges.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people are generally very warm and supportive. There is a strong culture of 'torcida' (cheering). We love to see the underdog win! This phrase reflects that collective spirit of pushing each other forward. It is not just about the result; it is about the faith you have in the person.
Common Variations
If you want to sound even more supportive, try Eu acredito em você (I believe in you). In informal settings, you might hear Vai que é tua! which is like 'Go, it's yours!' For a more slangy vibe, some might say Arrasa!, which means 'Slay!' or 'Crush it!' But Você consegue remains the classic, reliable choice for everyone.
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social hierarchy. In Portugal, use `Tu consegues` for friends to sound more local, but `Você consegue` is understood everywhere.
Use it often!
Brazilians love positive reinforcement. Don't be afraid to use this phrase to show you are supportive.
Watch the 'Tu' vs 'Você'
If you are in Portugal, remember to switch to 'Tu consegues' for friends to sound more natural.
Add 'lá'
Saying 'Você consegue chegar lá!' adds a sense of reaching a destination or a big goal.
The 'Jeitinho'
This phrase is the verbal embodiment of the belief that there is always a way to succeed.
Examples
6Fica calmo, você consegue!
Stay calm, you can do it!
A classic use to settle nerves before a big event.
Só mais uma repetição, você consegue!
Just one more rep, you've got this!
Used here to push physical limits.
A apresentação será ótima. Você consegue.
The presentation will be great. You can do it.
Professional yet warm encouragement.
Não desista agora, você consegue!
Don't give up now, you can do it!
Commonly used in texts with emojis like 💪 or ✨.
Força! Você consegue abrir esse pote!
Strength! You can open this jar!
Using high-stakes motivation for a trivial task.
Vai ser difícil, mas eu sei que você consegue passar por isso.
It will be hard, but I know you can get through this.
Shows deep belief in someone's emotional resilience.
Test Yourself
Which phrase is the most natural way to cheer for a friend before a marathon?
Seu amigo vai correr uma maratona. O que você diz?
'Você consegue!' is the standard way to express confidence in someone's success.
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb 'conseguir'.
Eu sei que você ______ (conseguir) passar na prova!
The subject is 'você', so the verb must be in the third-person singular.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A friend is struggling to open a heavy door.
You are encouraging them to manage the physical task.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
Ana: 'O projeto é muito difícil.' Pedro: 'Não desista, Ana! _________!'
Pedro is motivating Ana to keep going.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Conseguir vs. Poder
Practice Bank
4 exercisesSeu amigo vai correr uma maratona. O que você diz?
'Você consegue!' is the standard way to express confidence in someone's success.
Eu sei que você ______ (conseguir) passar na prova!
The subject is 'você', so the verb must be in the third-person singular.
Situation: A friend is struggling to open a heavy door.
You are encouraging them to manage the physical task.
Ana: 'O projeto é muito difícil.' Pedro: 'Não desista, Ana! _________!'
Pedro is motivating Ana to keep going.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIt's generally neutral to informal. In very formal settings, you'd use 'O senhor consegue'.
Yes! You can say 'Eu consigo!' as a self-affirmation.
'Poder' is about having the power or permission. 'Conseguir' is about the successful result of an effort.
You say 'Eu consegui!'.
Yes, but 'Tu consegues' is more common among friends.
It's possible, but 'Você consegue' (without 'isso') is much more natural.
It's a very informal, high-energy version of 'You can do it!', mostly used in Brazil.
Yes, if you have a friendly relationship with the colleague. Otherwise, use something more formal like 'Sucesso no projeto'.
No, it's a nasal vowel. Your nose should vibrate a little!
It can also literally mean 'You manage to' (e.g., 'Você consegue ver?').
There isn't a direct opposite cheer, but 'Você não vai conseguir' is the negative statement.
Absolutely! It's a very common way to encourage kids.
No, it's standard Portuguese, though used frequently in casual conversation.
'Dar conta' implies handling a responsibility or a heavy load. It's a common synonym.
Related Phrases
Você dá conta
synonymYou can handle it
Vai que é tua
similarGo, it's yours
Não desista
builds onDon't give up
Você conseguiu
specialized formYou did it
Manda ver
similarGo for it
