Phrase · 📆 Making arrangements
Pode ser que eu me atrase um pouco.
I might be a bit late.
B1warning you may be lateAudio · coming soon
Why every word is where it is
Pode1verbmaypoder · present · 3rd sing.ser1verbbeinfinitivequeconjunctionthateupronounI1st sing. · subjectme2object pronounmyselfeu · 1st sing. · direct objectatrase2verbam lateatrasar · subjunctive · present · 1st sing.um poucoadverba bit.
- Pode → ser: periphrasis
- Pode → atrase: trigger
- eu → atrase: subject
- atrase → me: object
Word for word: “(It) can be that I myself delay a little.”
Why it's built this way
The notes match the numbers above.
- 1Pode ser que + subjunctive = it may be that…, I might… Subjunctive after doubt, denial & impersonal expressions →
- 2me atrase: se atrasar = to be late. In speech the pronoun goes before the verb. Present subjunctive: forms →
Variations
- Talvez eu me atrase um pouco.
- Acho que vou me atrasar um pouco.
- Pode ser que eu chegue um pouco atrasado.