Can You Do the Job?
The following quote is by Theodore Roosevelt:
When you are asked if you can do a job, tell them “com certeza que posso!certainly I can!” Then get busy and find out how to do it.
See what it says in English
Click the sentence again to see the Portuguese
The Plus version of this story
Quando te perguntarem se podes fazer um trabalho, diz-lhes "Com certeza que posso" e depois põe mãos à obra e descobre como o fazer.
When you are asked if you can do a job, tell them “Certainly I can!” Then get busy and find out how to do it.
Words in this story
Com certeza (Certainly)
The word “certeza” means “certainty,” but the phrase “com certeza” (with certainty) means “Certainly” or “Surely.” It can be used to say “yes” in a formal tone. For example: “Pode esperar um minuto? — Com certeza” (Can you hang on for a minute? — Sure).
“De certeza” is a synonym expression that uses the preposition “de” instead of “com.” But while “com certeza” can be used to say “yes,” “de certeza” is only used to affirm we are certain of something and that we know it without any doubts. For example: “Vai chover, de certeza” (It’s going to rain, for sure).
Another common phrase with the word “certeza” is “Ter certeza” or “ter a certeza” (to be certain/sure of). For example: “Tens a certeza?” (Are you sure?).
Põe mãos à obra (get busy)
There is a Plus version of this story
The same story, taken further, for DailyNata Plus members. This one works on idioms and expressions.
- The whole story in Portuguese, and its English
- The words in it, explained, with examples
Written for level B1. Every lesson has its own, anywhere from A1 to B2.
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