Pode Ser vs. Tudo Bem: Agree to a Plan in Portuguese
These short responses can all signal agreement, but each works best in a slightly different conversational moment.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Pode ser? can ask whether a suggestion works: às oito pode ser? (would eight work?). As a reply, pode ser means that the proposal is acceptable to you.
Use pode ser to accept a suggestion
It often sounds relaxed and practical. Repeat the time or activity when confirming the details so the other person knows exactly what you accepted.
A gente pode se encontrar às seis. — Pode ser!
We can meet at six. — That works!
Pode ser por chamada de vídeo?
Would a video call work?
Pode ser amanhã de manhã, então.
Tomorrow morning works, then.
Use tudo bem or combinado to confirm
Tudo bem can mean ‘okay’ or ‘that’s fine’ when accepting a plan. Combinado sounds like ‘agreed’ and works well after you and the other person have settled the details.
If you need to set a limit or ask a follow-up, add it instead of giving a vague yes. A clear answer prevents the other person from assuming more than you meant.
Tudo bem; encontro você na entrada.
Okay; I’ll meet you at the entrance.
Combinado. Te mando o endereço depois.
Agreed. I’ll send you the address later.
Pode ser, mas preciso ir embora às nove.
That works, but I need to leave at nine.
Put it into practice
Use pode ser to say a suggestion works, tudo bem for a simple okay, and combinado to confirm an arrangement you have settled together.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “That works, but I need to leave at nine”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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