ter palavra

You use it just like a character trait. You can say someone tem palavra or não tem palavra. It works with the verb ter (to have). You can also use it to emphasize your own reliability. If someone doubts you, tell them: "Eu tenho palavra." It sounds firm and respectable. Just don't say it if you're prone to hitting the snooze button and missing appointments!

Use it when discussing someone's character or reliability. It fits perfectly in business deals made over coffee. Use it when a friend finally pays back that 20 euros they owed you. It is great for serious moments where trust is the main topic. It also works when praising a child for keeping a small promise. It’s a versatile way to say, "I trust this person."

Don't use it for small, accidental mistakes. If someone forgets to buy milk, they didn't necessarily 'lose their word.' It’s usually reserved for more significant commitments. Avoid using it in very sarcastic ways unless you want to start a fight. It’s a heavy expression about honor. Using it for trivial things might make you sound a bit overly dramatic.

Portuguese culture places a huge value on the 'fio do bigode' (the hair of the mustache). This is an old-school concept of a gentleman's agreement. Before lawyers and long contracts, a man’s word was his bond. Ter palavra is the modern linguistic remnant of this deep-seated value of honor. Even today, many business deals in Portugal and Brazil start with a handshake and this shared understanding.

You might hear homem de palavra (man of his word) or mulher de palavra (woman of her word). Another common one is cumprir a palavra, which means 'to fulfill the word.' If someone is particularly impressive, you can say they are someone de uma palavra só. This implies they don't change their mind or make excuses. They say it once, and it happens.