Portuguese Phrase
Posso te ajudar com essa tarefa.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct way to offer assistance to someone regarding a specific piece of work or duty. It uses the auxiliary verb 'poder' (to be able to/can) followed by the object pronoun 'te' and the infinitive 'ajudar' (to help).
When to use
Use this phrase in professional, academic, or casual settings when you notice someone is busy or struggling with a specific assignment. It is a polite and proactive way to volunteer your time.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possoteajudarcomessatarefa
Poder (Posso)
The first-person singular present indicative of 'poder', indicating ability or an offer.
Object Pronoun (te)
This is the informal object pronoun for 'you', placed before the infinitive in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
Demonstrative (essa)
'Essa' refers to something close to the listener or a topic already introduced in the conversation.
🗨In Conversation
Tenho muito trabalho para terminar hoje.
I have a lot of work to finish today.
Posso te ajudar com essa tarefa.
I can help you with this task.
✕Common Mistakes
Posso te ajuda com essa tarefa.
The second verb in a sequence must remain in the infinitive form (ajudar).
Posso te ajudar com este tarefa.
Tarefa is a feminine noun, so you must use the feminine demonstrative pronoun 'essa' or 'esta'.
↔Alternatives
Posso ajudar?
Can I help?
Quer uma mãozinha com isso?
Do you want a little hand with this?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, offering help is a very common social gesture and is seen as friendly. While 'te' is the most frequent informal pronoun, in very formal business environments or in Portugal, you might hear 'ajudá-lo' or 'lhe ajudar' instead.