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A2 adjective #1,200 most common 13 min read

provável

Top 1,200

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips provável in 30 Seconds

Explanation provável in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners are introduced to 'provável' as a simple vocabulary word to express basic guessing. When you don't know something for sure, but you have a good idea, you use this word. For example, if you see dark clouds, you can point and say 'chuva provável' (likely rain). At this stage, learners do not need to worry about complex grammar like the subjunctive mood. They can simply use it as an adjective next to a noun, or use the adverb form 'provavelmente' (probably) at the beginning of a sentence to make a guess about daily routines, like 'Provavelmente ele está em casa' (He is probably at home). It is a highly useful word for beginners because it allows them to participate in conversations about the future or unknown things without needing absolute facts. You will often see it in basic reading texts about weather, schedules, or simple plans. The main goal at A1 is simply recognizing the word, knowing it means 'likely', and understanding that it is different from 'certo' (certain).

At the A2 level, learners start using 'provável' more actively to discuss plans, routines, and simple predictions. You will learn to use it with the verb 'ser' (to be) in phrases like 'É provável' (It is likely). While the subjunctive mood is usually introduced later, A2 learners might start memorizing set phrases like 'É provável que sim' (It's likely so) or 'É provável que não' (It's likely not) as fixed expressions to answer questions. You will also learn the plural form 'prováveis' and practice making it agree with plural nouns, such as 'os resultados prováveis' (the likely results). At this stage, you can use the word to talk about your weekend plans, guessing what friends will do, or understanding simple news headlines. The distinction between 'possível' (possible) and 'provável' (probable) becomes clearer, allowing you to express different degrees of certainty when communicating your thoughts and expectations in everyday situations.

The B1 level is a major turning point for the word 'provável' because this is when learners are formally introduced to the subjunctive mood. The structure 'É provável que...' becomes a primary tool for practicing the present subjunctive. You must learn that saying 'É provável que ele vem' is incorrect, and you must say 'É provável que ele venha'. This requires a significant cognitive shift, as you must anticipate the need for the subjunctive whenever you express probability. At B1, you will use this structure to discuss more complex topics, such as giving opinions on current events, predicting the outcome of a story or movie, and making educated guesses about hypothetical situations. You will also become comfortable using modifiers like 'muito provável' (very likely) and 'pouco provável' (unlikely) to add nuance to your predictions. Mastery of 'provável' at this level is essential for sounding natural and grammatically correct in intermediate conversations.

At the B2 level, your use of 'provável' becomes more sophisticated and nuanced. You are no longer just making simple guesses; you are using the word to construct arguments, present hypotheses, and analyze situations. You will encounter and use phrases like 'o cenário mais provável' (the most likely scenario) or 'a causa provável' (the probable cause) in professional and academic contexts. You will also be comfortable using the past subjunctive with 'era provável que...' (it was likely that...) to discuss past possibilities and expectations that may or may not have materialized. At B2, you understand the subtle pragmatic uses of the word, such as using it to politely soften a statement or avoid making an absolute commitment. Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'viável' (viable) and 'expectável' (expected), and you can choose the exact right word for the specific shade of meaning you want to convey in debates, essays, and complex discussions.

At the C1 level, 'provável' is fully integrated into your advanced vocabulary, and you use it with native-like fluency and precision. You employ it effortlessly in complex, multi-clause sentences, seamlessly navigating the subjunctive mood across different tenses (present, past, and future). You use it in formal writing, such as reports, academic papers, and professional correspondence, to present data-driven conclusions or theoretical models. You are comfortable with advanced collocations like 'altamente provável' (highly probable) or 'estatisticamente provável' (statistically probable). At this level, you also appreciate the stylistic aspects of the word, using it to create rhetorical effects, hedge claims in academic discourse, or express subtle irony. You can easily comprehend complex texts where 'provável' is used to discuss abstract concepts, philosophy, or advanced scientific theories, demonstrating a deep understanding of its semantic weight and grammatical flexibility.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'provável' is absolute. You understand its etymological roots and its subtle cultural connotations in different Portuguese-speaking regions. You can use it in highly idiomatic or literary ways, playing with expectations and certainty in your speech and writing. You might use it to express a philosophical stance on determinism versus probability, or employ it in creative writing to build suspense or foreshadow events. At C2, you don't just know the grammar rules; you know when and how native speakers might intentionally bend them for effect. You can engage in deep, abstract discussions about probability theory, risk assessment, or existential uncertainty, using 'provável' and its entire word family with the exactness of a highly educated native speaker. The word is a natural, invisible tool in your extensive linguistic repertoire, allowing you to articulate the most complex and nuanced thoughts regarding likelihood and expectation.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

provável in 30 Seconds

Means 'likely' or 'probable'.
Triggers the subjunctive mood.
Plural form is 'prováveis'.
Opposite is 'improvável'.

The Portuguese word provável is an adjective that translates directly to 'likely' or 'probable' in English. It is used to describe an event, outcome, or situation that has a high chance of occurring, even if it is not absolutely guaranteed. Understanding how to use this word is fundamental for expressing expectations, making predictions, and discussing future possibilities in Portuguese.

Core Meaning: Refers to something that is expected to happen based on current evidence, logic, or common sense. It sits between 'possível' (possible) and 'certo' (certain) on the spectrum of certainty.

In everyday conversations, native Portuguese speakers use provável constantly. Whether they are looking at dark clouds and predicting rain, discussing the outcome of a football match, or guessing what time a notoriously late friend will arrive, this word is the go-to choice for expressing a strong educated guess.

Com estas nuvens escuras, é muito provável que chova hoje à tarde.

With these dark clouds, it is very likely that it will rain this afternoon.

The concept of probability is deeply ingrained in human communication. When we say something is probable, we are inviting the listener to share our expectation. In Portuguese, this often involves the use of the subjunctive mood, which we will explore in detail later, but the core semantic weight rests on the adjective itself.

Everyday Contexts: Weather forecasts, sports predictions, traffic estimations, and personal scheduling are the most common areas where you will hear this word used naturally.

O cenário mais provável é que ele chegue atrasado.

The most likely scenario is that he will arrive late.

It is also important to note the emotional or psychological aspect of using provável. It provides a safety net. By not saying something is 'certo' (certain), the speaker protects themselves from being wrong. This linguistic hedging is common in polite Portuguese society, where absolute statements are sometimes avoided to maintain harmony or avoid looking foolish if things do not go as planned.

É provável que a reunião seja cancelada devido à greve.

It is likely that the meeting will be canceled due to the strike.

In formal writing, such as news articles or academic papers, provável is used to present hypotheses or interpret data without making definitive claims. You will often see it paired with nouns like 'causa' (cause), 'resultado' (result), or 'consequência' (consequence).

Formal Usage: Used extensively in journalism, science, and law to indicate a high degree of probability based on evidence, such as 'a causa provável do incêndio' (the probable cause of the fire).

A falha mecânica é a causa mais provável do acidente.

Mechanical failure is the most probable cause of the accident.

Understanding the nuance of this word allows learners to navigate Portuguese with greater precision. It bridges the gap between mere possibility and absolute certainty, giving you the vocabulary needed to express realistic expectations in any conversation.

Parece-me provável que eles aceitem a nossa oferta.

It seems likely to me that they will accept our offer.

Using provável correctly in a sentence often depends on the grammatical structure you choose. The most common and important structure for learners to master is the impersonal expression 'É provável que...' (It is likely that...). This structure is a classic trigger for the subjunctive mood in Portuguese, which is a major milestone for learners.

The Subjunctive Trigger: Whenever you use 'É provável que', the verb that follows in the subordinate clause MUST be in the subjunctive mood, because you are expressing doubt, possibility, or an unverified future event.

For example, if you want to say 'It is likely that he knows', you cannot use the indicative 'sabe'. You must use the present subjunctive 'saiba'. This rule is strict and native speakers will immediately notice if the indicative is used incorrectly here.

É provável que ela compre a casa amanhã.

It is likely that she will buy the house tomorrow. (Note the subjunctive 'compre')

Another common way to use provável is as a direct adjective modifying a noun. In this case, it must agree in number with the noun it modifies. Since it ends in '-l', it is gender-neutral (o resultado provável, a causa provável), but it changes in the plural (os resultados prováveis, as causas prováveis).

Noun Modification: Place 'provável' usually after the noun to describe a likely thing, such as 'um vencedor provável' (a likely winner) or 'uma resposta provável' (a likely answer).

Eles são os candidatos mais prováveis para o cargo.

They are the most likely candidates for the position.

You will also frequently encounter the phrase 'o mais provável é que...' (the most likely thing is that...). This is a very natural, conversational way to introduce a prediction. It carries the same subjunctive requirement as 'é provável que'.

O mais provável é que percamos o comboio.

The most likely thing is that we will miss the train.

When discussing negative probabilities, you can use 'pouco provável' (unlikely) or the distinct adjective 'improvável' (improbable). Both are used in the exact same grammatical structures as the positive form.

Negative Forms: Use 'pouco provável' to mean 'not very likely' and 'improvável' for 'highly unlikely' or 'improbable'.

Acho muito pouco provável que ele mude de ideias.

I think it is very unlikely that he will change his mind.

Finally, in more formal or mathematical contexts, you might see it used with percentages or statistics, such as 'um evento altamente provável' (a highly probable event). Mastering these different sentence structures will make your Portuguese sound much more fluent and precise.

É um efeito secundário provável deste medicamento.

It is a likely side effect of this medication.

The word provável is not confined to textbooks; it is a highly active part of the daily Portuguese lexicon. You will encounter it across a wide variety of contexts, from casual chats in a café to formal news broadcasts. Understanding where and how it appears will help you recognize it instantly.

News and Journalism: Journalists use it constantly to report on ongoing investigations, political forecasts, and economic trends without making legally binding or definitively false statements.

If you turn on a Portuguese news channel, you are almost guaranteed to hear phrases like 'o provável sucessor' (the likely successor) or 'a causa provável do acidente' (the probable cause of the accident). It is the standard vocabulary for discussing events that are still unfolding or investigations that have not yet concluded.

O aumento dos impostos é o cenário mais provável para o próximo ano.

Tax increases are the most likely scenario for next year.

In everyday social situations, provável is the tool of choice for making plans when there is still some uncertainty. Portuguese culture can sometimes be flexible with time and commitments, so using words that express likelihood rather than absolute certainty is very common and culturally appropriate.

Social Planning: Used to discuss attendance at events, arrival times, or the likelihood of a plan actually happening.

É provável que eu não consiga ir à festa logo à noite.

It is likely that I won't be able to go to the party tonight.

Sports commentary is another domain where this word shines. Commentators discussing the odds of a team winning, the likely starting lineup, or the probable outcome of a tournament rely heavily on this adjective. You will hear 'o onze provável' (the likely starting eleven) before almost every major football match.

Este é o onze provável para o jogo de amanhã.

This is the likely starting eleven for tomorrow's game.

Finally, in the workplace, provável is essential for project management and professional communication. Discussing deadlines, potential risks, and expected outcomes requires vocabulary that acknowledges uncertainty while still projecting competence and foresight.

Workplace Communication: Crucial for discussing timelines, budgets, and project risks in a professional manner.

A data de entrega mais provável é no final do mês.

The most likely delivery date is at the end of the month.

É provável que precisemos de mais orçamento para concluir isto.

It is likely that we will need more budget to finish this.

While provável is a common and incredibly useful word, English speakers learning Portuguese frequently stumble over a few specific grammatical and contextual hurdles when trying to use it. Being aware of these common mistakes will significantly accelerate your journey to fluency and help you sound much more natural.

Mistake 1: Forgetting the Subjunctive: The absolute most common error is using the indicative mood after 'É provável que...'. Because 'likely' in English just takes a normal verb (It is likely that he goes), learners translate this directly to 'É provável que ele vai'. This is grammatically incorrect in Portuguese.

You must use the subjunctive. The correct phrasing is 'É provável que ele vá'. The expression of probability inherently introduces doubt or an unfulfilled future action, which is the exact domain of the subjunctive mood in Romance languages.

INCORRECT: É provável que chove.
CORRECT: É provável que chova.

Incorrect vs Correct use of the subjunctive with 'provável'.

Another frequent mistake is confusing the adjective provável with the adverb provavelmente. In English, we sometimes use 'likely' as an adverb ('He will likely go'). In Portuguese, you cannot use 'provável' as an adverb. You must use 'provavelmente'.

Mistake 2: Adjective vs Adverb: Do not say 'Ele vai provável chegar tarde'. You must say 'Ele vai provavelmente chegar tarde' or 'É provável que ele chegue tarde'.

Ele provavelmente não vem. (NOT: Ele provável não vem)

Using the adverb form correctly.

Pluralization is also a stumbling block. Words ending in '-l' in Portuguese form their plural by dropping the '-l' and adding '-is'. Learners sometimes say 'provávels', which sounds very unnatural. The correct plural is 'prováveis'.

Mistake 3: Incorrect Pluralization: Remember the rule: -el becomes -eis. Provável -> Prováveis. Possível -> Possíveis. Fácil -> Fáceis.

Esses são os resultados mais prováveis.

These are the most likely results. (Correct plural)

Lastly, learners sometimes confuse 'provável' with 'possível'. While they are related, they represent different levels of certainty. Something possible has a chance of happening (even 1%), but something probable has a high chance of happening (e.g., >50%). Using them interchangeably can miscommunicate your actual expectations.

Ganhar a lotaria é possível, mas não é provável.

Winning the lottery is possible, but it is not probable.

É provável que tenhamos de refazer o trabalho.

It is likely that we will have to redo the work. (Subjunctive 'tenhamos')

To truly master Portuguese, you need to understand not just provável, but the ecosystem of words surrounding it. Knowing the alternatives allows you to express exact shades of meaning, from a tiny sliver of a chance to near-absolute certainty. Let's explore the vocabulary of probability and certainty.

Possível (Possible): This is the foundation. If something is 'possível', it can happen. The odds might be 1% or 99%. It simply means it is not impossible. 'Provável' is a step up; it means the odds are in favor of it happening.

You will often hear these two words contrasted in conversation. Someone might suggest a wild idea, and the response will be: 'É possível, mas pouco provável' (It's possible, but unlikely).

Tudo é possível, mas o mais provável é ficarmos em casa.

Everything is possible, but the most likely thing is that we stay home.

Moving up the scale of certainty, we find words like 'certo' (certain) and 'seguro' (sure/safe). If you are 100% confident, you abandon 'provável' entirely. You say 'É certo que...' (It is certain that...). Note that 'É certo que' often takes the indicative mood, unlike 'É provável que', because the doubt has been removed.

Certo / Seguro (Certain / Sure): Use these when there is no doubt. 'É certo que ele vem' (It is certain he is coming). This expresses absolute confidence.

Não é apenas provável, é absolutamente certo.

It is not just likely, it is absolutely certain.

If you want to express that something is expected to happen because it is logical or planned, you can use 'esperado' (expected). This is very close in meaning to provável but carries the nuance of anticipation or a schedule.

Esperado (Expected): Used when an outcome is anticipated based on norms, rules, or previous arrangements. 'O resultado esperado' (the expected result).

O comportamento provável do mercado já era esperado pelos analistas.

The likely behavior of the market was already expected by analysts.

Finally, on the negative side, we have 'improvável' (improbable) and 'impossível' (impossible). Understanding this spectrum—impossível -> improvável -> possível -> provável -> certo—gives you total control over how you express expectations in Portuguese.

É um cenário altamente provável, mas não garantido.

It is a highly likely scenario, but not guaranteed.

Acho mais provável que ele tenha esquecido.

I think it's more likely that he forgot.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The English word 'probable' shares the exact same Latin root, which is why they look and mean almost exactly the same thing. The root 'probare' also gives us words like 'probe', 'prove', and 'probation'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /pɾuˈva.vɛɫ/

US /pɾoˈva.vew/

pro-VÁ-vel

Rhymes With

amável notável saudável agradável miserável confortável inevitável inaceitável

Common Errors

Pronouncing the final 'l' as a clear English 'l' instead of a dark 'l' (PT-PT) or 'w' sound (PT-BR).
Putting the stress on the first or last syllable instead of the middle 'vá'.
Failing to reduce the first 'o' to a 'u' sound in European Portuguese.
Saying 'provávels' instead of 'prováveis' for the plural.
Confusing the pronunciation with the Spanish 'probable'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its similarity to the English word 'probable'.

Writing 4/5

Requires remembering the accent mark, the irregular plural (-eis), and triggering the subjunctive mood.

Speaking 4/5

Pronunciation of the final 'l' can be tricky, and remembering to use the subjunctive in real-time conversation is challenging for learners.

Listening 3/5

Usually spoken clearly, but the European Portuguese reduction of the first 'o' can make it sound like 'pru-vá-vel'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

possível certo que ser muito

Learn Next

improvável provavelmente probabilidade expectativa subjuntivo

Advanced

verosímil plausível contingência inexorável hipótese

Grammar to Know

Present Subjunctive Trigger

É provável que ele [venha] amanhã. (Not 'vem')

Pluralization of words ending in -el

O resultado provável -> Os resultados prováveis.

Imperfect Subjunctive Trigger (Past)

Era provável que ele [viesse] ontem. (Not 'vinha')

Adjective Agreement

A causa provável / O motivo provável. (Gender neutral, but agrees in number)

Adverb Formation (-mente)

Provável -> Provavelmente.

Examples by Level

É uma chuva provável.

It is a likely rain.

Used as a simple adjective modifying a noun.

O vencedor provável é o João.

The likely winner is João.

Adjective following the noun it modifies.

É provável? Sim.

Is it likely? Yes.

Used in a simple question and answer format.

O atraso é provável.

The delay is likely.

Used with the verb 'ser' to describe a situation.

Causa provável: o vento.

Probable cause: the wind.

Used in a simple, fragmented sentence structure.

É um problema provável.

It is a likely problem.

Adjective modifying 'problema'.

A resposta provável é não.

The likely answer is no.

Describing an expected response.

É muito provável.

It is very likely.

Modified by the simple adverb 'muito'.

É provável que chova amanhã.

It is likely that it will rain tomorrow.

Introduction of the subjunctive 'chova'.

Eles são os candidatos prováveis.

They are the likely candidates.

Plural form 'prováveis' agreeing with 'candidatos'.

O mais provável é ficarmos em casa.

The most likely thing is we stay home.

Using 'o mais provável' with the personal infinitive.

É pouco provável que ele venha.

It is unlikely that he will come.

Using 'pouco' to negate the likelihood, plus subjunctive.

Qual é o resultado mais provável?

What is the most likely result?

Used in a question asking for a prediction.

É provável que a loja esteja fechada.

It is likely that the store is closed.

Subjunctive 'esteja' used for a current state.

Um cenário provável para o fim de semana.

A likely scenario for the weekend.

Used to discuss future plans.

Acho provável que sim.

I think it's likely so.

Used with the verb 'achar' (to think/believe).

É muito provável que tenhamos de cancelar a viagem.

It is very likely that we will have to cancel the trip.

Subjunctive 'tenhamos' in a complex sentence.

Embora seja possível, não é nada provável.

Although it is possible, it is not at all likely.

Contrasting 'possível' and 'provável'.

O diagnóstico mais provável é uma simples gripe.

The most likely diagnosis is a simple flu.

Used in a specific context (medical).

Era provável que ele chegasse atrasado, como sempre.

It was likely that he would arrive late, as always.

Imperfect subjunctive 'chegasse' after 'era provável'.

Não creio que seja o desfecho mais provável.

I don't believe it is the most likely outcome.

Negative opinion triggering subjunctive 'seja'.

Temos de nos preparar para o cenário mais provável.

We have to prepare for the most likely scenario.

Used in planning and preparation contexts.

É provável que a reunião dure mais de duas horas.

It is likely that the meeting will last more than two hours.

Subjunctive 'dure' for duration.

A causa provável do incêndio foi um curto-circuito.

The probable cause of the fire was a short circuit.

Formal phrasing used in reporting.

Considerando os dados, é altamente provável que as vendas aumentem.

Considering the data, it is highly likely that sales will increase.

Using 'altamente' as an intensifier with subjunctive.

A hipótese mais provável recai sobre falha humana.

The most likely hypothesis points to human error.

Formal vocabulary ('hipótese', 'recai').

Tornou-se cada vez menos provável que chegassem a um acordo.

It became increasingly less likely that they would reach an agreement.

Complex tense structure with imperfect subjunctive.

É estatisticamente provável que ocorra um sismo nesta região.

It is statistically probable that an earthquake will occur in this region.

Academic/scientific phrasing.

O júri considerou a culpa do réu como o cenário mais provável.

The jury considered the defendant's guilt as the most likely scenario.

Legal context usage.

Apesar de improvável, não podemos descartar essa possibilidade.

Although unlikely, we cannot rule out that possibility.

Using the antonym 'improvável' in an argument.

A sua demissão é a consequência provável deste escândalo.

His resignation is the likely consequence of this scandal.

Connecting cause and likely effect.

É provável que tenham esquecido o nosso convite.

It is likely that they have forgotten our invitation.

Using the compound subjunctive ('tenham esquecido').

A conjectura apresenta-se como a explicação mais provável para o fenómeno observado.

The conjecture presents itself as the most likely explanation for the observed phenomenon.

Highly formal, academic sentence structure.

Afigura-se-me pouco provável que a administração reverta a sua decisão.

It seems to me highly unlikely that the administration will reverse its decision.

Advanced verb 'afigurar-se' combined with probability.

Dada a volatilidade do mercado, qualquer previsão é, na melhor das hipóteses, apenas provável.

Given market volatility, any forecast is, at best, merely probable.

Philosophical/analytical use of the adjective.

A correlação entre os dois eventos torna a causalidade altamente provável.

The correlation between the two events makes causality highly probable.

Scientific terminology ('correlação', 'causalidade').

Seria provável que ele intercedesse, não fosse o seu notório orgulho.

It would be likely for him to intercede, were it not for his notorious pride.

Complex conditional structure with imperfect subjunctive.

A transição energética é o caminho mais provável para mitigar as alterações climáticas.

The energy transition is the most likely path to mitigate climate change.

Used in high-level socio-political discourse.

O autor insinua um desfecho trágico como o mais provável para a protagonista.

The author insinuates a tragic outcome as the most likely for the protagonist.

Literary analysis context.

A probabilidade de sucesso é marginal, tornando o empreendimento pouco provável.

The probability of success is marginal, making the endeavor unlikely.

Nuanced distinction between 'probabilidade' and 'provável'.

A contingência da vida humana torna qualquer plano a longo prazo meramente provável.

The contingency of human life makes any long-term plan merely probable.

Philosophical and abstract usage.

Navegamos num mar de incertezas, onde o provável é o nosso único farol.

We navigate a sea of uncertainties, where the probable is our only lighthouse.

Poetic/metaphorical use of 'o provável' as a noun.

A sua ascensão ao poder era não só provável, mas inexorável.

His rise to power was not only likely, but inexorable.

Contrasting 'provável' with absolute inevitability ('inexorável').

O romance brinca com a dicotomia entre o que é factível e o que é meramente provável.

The novel plays with the dichotomy between what is feasible and what is merely probable.

Literary critique vocabulary.

Ainda que a premissa seja falaciosa, a conclusão afigura-se, paradoxalmente, provável.

Even if the premise is fallacious, the conclusion appears, paradoxically, probable.

Advanced logical argumentation.

O veredicto, embora provável aos olhos do público, chocou a comunidade jurídica.

The verdict, although likely in the eyes of the public, shocked the legal community.

Nuanced social commentary.

A ontologia do provável desafia a nossa necessidade intrínseca de certezas absolutas.

The ontology of the probable challenges our intrinsic need for absolute certainties.

Highly academic, philosophical phrasing.

Erigiu a sua tese sobre alicerces de evidências circunstanciais, tornando-a apenas provável, nunca irrefutável.

He built his thesis on foundations of circumstantial evidence, making it only probable, never irrefutable.

Complex vocabulary ('erigiu', 'alicerces', 'irrefutável').

Common Collocations

causa provável

cenário provável

resultado provável

muito provável

pouco provável

altamente provável

o mais provável

diagnóstico provável

vencedor provável

destino provável

Common Phrases

É provável que sim.

— It is likely so. Used as a short answer to agree with a prediction.

- Achas que vai chover? - É provável que sim.

É provável que não.

— It is likely not. Used as a short answer to disagree with a prediction.

- Ele vem à festa? - É provável que não.

O mais provável é...

— The most likely thing is... Used to introduce the most expected outcome.

O mais provável é que cheguemos atrasados.

Tudo indica que é provável.

— Everything indicates that it is likely. Used to show strong evidence for a prediction.

Tudo indica que é provável uma descida dos preços.

É bem provável.

— It is quite likely. A slightly more informal way to say 'muito provável'.

É bem provável que ela já saiba da novidade.

Cenário mais provável.

— Most likely scenario. Common in business or news.

O cenário mais provável é a manutenção das taxas.

Causa mais provável.

— Most probable cause. Common in investigations.

A falha elétrica é a causa mais provável.

Sendo provável que...

— It being likely that... Used in formal writing to connect clauses.

Sendo provável que chova, o evento será no interior.

Não é nada provável.

— It is not likely at all. Strong denial of probability.

Não é nada provável que ele mude de ideias.

Tão provável quanto possível.

— As likely as possible. Emphasizing high probability.

Tentámos tornar o sucesso tão provável quanto possível.

Often Confused With

provável vs possível

'Possível' means it can happen (even 1% chance). 'Provável' means it is likely to happen (e.g., >50% chance).

provável vs provavelmente

'Provável' is the adjective (likely). 'Provavelmente' is the adverb (probably). Don't use the adjective to modify a verb.

provável vs certo

'Certo' means certain (100%). 'Provável' leaves room for doubt.

Idioms & Expressions

"Estar no papo"

— To be a sure thing; highly likely to succeed. (Informal/Slang)

A vitória já está no papo.

informal

"Favas contadas"

— A foregone conclusion; something absolutely certain to happen.

A eleição dele são favas contadas.

neutral

"Dar como certo"

— To take for granted; to assume something is highly likely or certain.

Não dês a vitória como certa.

neutral

"Pôr as mãos no fogo"

— To be absolutely sure about something or someone (often used in the negative to show doubt).

Não ponho as mãos no fogo por ele, mas é provável que diga a verdade.

informal

"Estar na cara"

— To be obvious or highly likely based on visual evidence.

Está na cara que vai chover.

informal

"Ser batata"

— To be a certainty or highly likely outcome. (Brazilian slang)

Se comeres isso, vais passar mal, é batata!

slang

"Cair de maduro"

— To be obvious or highly expected to happen soon.

A demissão do ministro já estava a cair de maduro.

informal

"Estar escrito nas estrelas"

— To be destined or highly likely to happen by fate.

O encontro deles estava escrito nas estrelas.

poetic

"Não haver duas sem três"

— Things that happen twice are likely to happen a third time.

Ele já falhou duas vezes, e não há duas sem três.

proverb

"Água mole em pedra dura..."

— Persistence makes an unlikely outcome probable. (Proverb)

Água mole em pedra dura, tanto bate até que fura.

proverb

Easily Confused

provável vs possível

Both express that something might happen.

Possível just means it's not impossible. Provável means the odds are in favor of it happening.

É possível ganhar a lotaria, mas não é provável.

provável vs provavelmente

Learners confuse the adjective and adverb forms.

Provável modifies nouns or follows 'ser'. Provavelmente modifies verbs or whole sentences.

É provável que ele venha. / Ele provavelmente vem.

provável vs esperado

Both refer to future outcomes.

Esperado implies anticipation based on a plan or norm. Provável implies statistical or logical likelihood.

O atraso era provável devido à chuva, mas não era o comportamento esperado do funcionário.

provável vs aprovável

Similar spelling.

Aprovável means 'approvable' (able to be approved). Provável means 'probable'.

O projeto é aprovável, e é provável que seja aceite amanhã.

provável vs comprovável

Similar spelling and root.

Comprovável means 'provable' (able to be proven with evidence). Provável means 'likely'.

A teoria é comprovável, mas o resultado não é provável.

Sentence Patterns

É provável que + [Present Subjunctive]

É provável que chova.

[Noun] + mais provável

O resultado mais provável.

Achar provável que + [Present Subjunctive]

Acho provável que ele ganhe.

O mais provável é + [Infinitive]

O mais provável é ficarmos aqui.

Era provável que + [Imperfect Subjunctive]

Era provável que chovesse.

Ser altamente provável que + [Present Subjunctive]

É altamente provável que aceitem.

Tornar-se provável que + [Present Subjunctive]

Tornou-se provável que a empresa feche.

Afigurar-se provável que + [Present Subjunctive]

Afigura-se provável que o acordo falhe.

Word Family

Nouns

probabilidade

Verbs

provar

Adjectives

provável

improvável

comprovável

prova

comprovação

aprovável

reprovável

possível

How to Use It

frequency

Very High

Common Mistakes

É provável que ele vem amanhã. → É provável que ele venha amanhã.
Using the indicative mood ('vem') instead of the subjunctive mood ('venha') after the trigger phrase 'É provável que'.
Ele vai provável chegar tarde. → Ele vai provavelmente chegar tarde.
Using the adjective 'provável' to modify a verb. You must use the adverb 'provavelmente' (probably).
Esses são os resultados provávels. → Esses são os resultados prováveis.
Incorrect pluralization. Words ending in '-el' change to '-eis' in the plural, not '-els'.
A causa provávela do incêndio. → A causa provável do incêndio.
Trying to make the adjective feminine. 'Provável' ends in '-l' and is gender-neutral; it does not change to '-a' for feminine nouns.
É muito possível que chova, as nuvens estão pretas. → É muito provável que chova, as nuvens estão pretas.
Using 'possível' when the context implies a high likelihood based on strong evidence. 'Provável' is the correct word for 'likely'.

Tips

Subjunctive Alert

Whenever you write or say 'É provável que', immediately prepare to conjugate the next verb in the subjunctive mood. It is a hard rule.

Don't forget the accent

The word is spelled 'provável', with an acute accent on the 'a'. Without it, the pronunciation rules would place the stress on the last syllable, which is incorrect.

Learn the family

Learn 'provável', 'improvável', and 'provavelmente' together. Knowing the whole word family expands your expressive range instantly.

Shortcut to avoid subjunctive

If you are speaking and panic because you don't know the subjunctive conjugation, use 'Provavelmente' + Indicative instead. 'Provavelmente ele vem' is much easier than 'É provável que ele venha'.

Listen for the 'que'

Native speakers often link 'provável' and 'que' very quickly. Train your ear to catch 'provável-que' as a single phonetic block.

Polite hedging

Use 'provável' when you want to make a promise but need an out. 'É provável que eu termine hoje' is safer than 'Eu termino hoje'.

Plural rule

Memorize the -el to -eis rule. It applies to many common words: provável/prováveis, possível/possíveis, fácil/fáceis, difícil/difíceis.

Formal writing

In essays, use 'É altamente provável' instead of 'Eu acho que'. It makes your arguments sound much more objective and academic.

Contrast with possible

Practice using them together to show nuance: 'É possível, mas não é provável' (It's possible, but not likely).

Stress the middle

The stress is firmly on the 'VÁ'. pro-VÁ-vel. Exaggerate it when practicing to build muscle memory.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'PROVÁVEL' as something you can 'PROVE' is 'ABLE' to happen. If you can prove it's able, it's highly likely!

Visual Association

Imagine a weather forecaster pointing at a giant, dark rain cloud on a map. Above the cloud, in big letters, is the word PROVÁVEL. The dark cloud makes the rain very likely.

Word Web

provável probabilidade provavelmente improvável possível certo esperado chance

Challenge

Write three sentences predicting what will happen tomorrow using 'É provável que...' and make sure to use the subjunctive mood for the verbs!

Word Origin

The word 'provável' comes from the Latin word 'probabilis', which means 'provable', 'credible', or 'likely'. It is derived from the verb 'probare', meaning 'to test', 'to prove', or 'to demonstrate'.

Original meaning: Originally, in Latin, it meant something that could be proven or demonstrated to be true, rather than just something that had a chance of happening.

Romance languages (descended from Latin).

Cultural Context

No specific cultural sensitivities. It is a neutral, universally acceptable word.

English speakers often use 'probably' as an adverb very casually. In Portuguese, while 'provavelmente' is used, the adjective structure 'É provável que...' is much more common in formal or written contexts than 'It is probable that...' is in English.

Used frequently in Portuguese news broadcasts, e.g., 'RTP Notícias' when discussing political forecasts. Common in sports journalism, like the newspaper 'A Bola', discussing 'o onze provável' (the likely starting lineup). Found in Portuguese literature, such as works by José Saramago, to discuss the unpredictability of human nature.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Weather Forecasts

chuva provável
é provável que as temperaturas desçam
cenário meteorológico provável
pouco provável que neve

Sports Predictions

o onze provável
vencedor provável
é provável que empatem
resultado mais provável

Medical Diagnoses

diagnóstico provável
causa provável dos sintomas
é provável que precise de repouso
efeito secundário provável

Business and Economics

cenário económico provável
é provável que os lucros aumentem
risco provável
consequência provável da inflação

Daily Planning

é provável que chegue tarde
o mais provável é ficarmos em casa
acho pouco provável que ele vá
destino provável das férias

Conversation Starters

"Qual achas que é o cenário mais provável para as próximas eleições?"

"É provável que chova no fim de semana, o que sugere que façamos?"

"Achas provável que a inteligência artificial substitua o teu trabalho?"

"Qual é o destino mais provável para as tuas próximas férias?"

"É provável que o nosso time ganhe o campeonato este ano?"

Journal Prompts

Escreve sobre um evento no teu futuro que consideras muito provável de acontecer e porquê.

Descreve uma situação em que algo improvável aconteceu contra todas as expectativas.

Quais são as consequências prováveis das alterações climáticas na tua região?

Se tivesses de adivinhar, qual é a profissão mais provável que terias se não fizesses o que fazes hoje?

Escreve sobre os resultados prováveis de uma decisão difícil que tens de tomar em breve.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, absolutely. In standard Portuguese grammar, expressions of probability like 'É provável que' always trigger the subjunctive mood because they express doubt or an unrealized future event. Saying 'É provável que ele vem' (indicative) is grammatically incorrect; it must be 'É provável que ele venha'.

The plural is 'prováveis'. In Portuguese, words ending in '-el' typically form their plural by dropping the '-l' and adding '-is'. For example, papel becomes papéis, and provável becomes prováveis.

No. In Portuguese, 'provável' is strictly an adjective. To say 'He will likely go', you must use the adverb form 'provavelmente' (Ele provavelmente irá) or restructure the sentence to use the adjective (É provável que ele vá).

'Possível' means something can happen, regardless of how small the chance is. 'Provável' means it is likely to happen; the odds are in its favor. Winning the lottery is 'possível', but getting wet in the rain without an umbrella is 'provável'.

You can say 'improvável' (improbable) or 'pouco provável' (little likely). Both are very common and are used in the same grammatical structures as 'provável', including triggering the subjunctive.

No, 'provável' is a gender-neutral adjective. It is 'o resultado provável' (masculine) and 'a causa provável' (feminine). It only changes for number (singular/plural).

Yes, the word is identical in spelling and meaning in both variants. The only slight difference is in pronunciation, particularly the final 'l', which sounds more like a 'w' or 'u' in Brazil, and a dark, swallowed 'l' in Portugal.

Yes, 'muito provável' (very likely) is a very common collocation used to increase the degree of certainty. You can also say 'altamente provável' (highly likely) in more formal contexts.

It translates to 'the most likely thing is'. It is a very common conversational phrase used to introduce a prediction. For example, 'O mais provável é chover' (The most likely thing is that it will rain).

You use the imperfect tense of the verb 'ser' (era) and follow it with the imperfect subjunctive. For example, 'Era provável que chovesse' (It was likely that it would rain).

Test Yourself 233 questions

writing

Translate to Portuguese: 'The likely winner.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Noun followed by the adjective.