Tanto Faz vs. Qualquer Um: Say ‘Either Is Fine’ in Portuguese
Tanto faz describes your lack of preference; qualquer um or qualquer uma says that any member of a group is acceptable.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Tanto faz is an informal response meaning ‘either is fine,’ ‘it makes no difference,’ or sometimes ‘I don’t mind.’ It is useful when someone offers two plans and you truly have no preference. Your tone matters: said warmly, it is easygoing; said flatly, it may sound dismissive.
Use tanto faz when the choice does not matter to you
You can make the answer more cooperative by adding a reason or returning the choice to the other person. That signals flexibility while keeping the exchange friendly.
Pode ser às sete ou às oito. — Tanto faz para mim.
It can be at seven or eight. — Either is fine with me.
Você prefere café ou chá? — Tanto faz; obrigada.
Do you prefer coffee or tea? — Either is fine; thanks.
A gente pode ir de ônibus ou de metrô. — Para mim, tanto faz.
We can go by bus or by metro. — Either works for me.
Use qualquer um or qualquer uma for any option
Qualquer um means ‘any one’ when the implied noun is masculine; qualquer uma is feminine. It selects an option from a set: qualquer um desses horários (any one of these times), qualquer uma das mesas (any one of the tables). The ending follows the implied noun.
Choose tanto faz when your preference is the point. Choose qualquer um/uma when you are saying that every member of a particular set is acceptable. Add para mim or por mim to make the answer personal and relaxed.
Qualquer uma dessas mesas está livre.
Any one of these tables is free.
Pode escolher qualquer um dos livros.
You can choose any one of the books.
Por mim, qualquer horário depois das três serve.
For me, any time after three works.
Put it into practice
Tanto faz communicates ‘I have no preference.’ Qualquer um/uma communicates ‘any option from this group is okay,’ with the ending matching the implied noun.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “For me, any time after three works”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
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