Portuguese Phrase
Tem certeza de que não é muito incômodo?
Meaning
This phrase is a polite way to check if an offer or favor is causing a burden to someone else. It shows that you are considerate of the other person's time and effort, making you appear modest and well-mannered.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone offers to help you with something substantial, like giving you a ride or helping you move. It is a staple of polite social interaction in Portuguese-speaking countries.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Temcertezade quenãoémuitoincômodo
Ter certeza
In Portuguese, you 'have' certainty (ter certeza) rather than 'being' certain.
De que
While often omitted in casual speech, 'de' is grammatically required after the noun 'certeza' when followed by a subordinate clause.
Incômodo
This word functions as a noun here, meaning 'nuisance' or 'trouble', and is essential for polite inquiries.
🗨In Conversation
Eu posso te dar uma carona até em casa.
I can give you a ride home.
Tem certeza de que não é muito incômodo?
Are you sure it's not too much trouble?
✕Common Mistakes
Tem certeza que não está muito incômodo?
Use the verb 'ser' (é) rather than 'estar' because the 'trouble' is a characteristic of the situation, not a temporary mood.
Você tem certeza de que não é muito incomodar?
Use the noun 'incômodo' (trouble) instead of the verb 'incomodar' (to bother) in this specific construction.
↔Alternatives
Não quero atrapalhar.
I don't want to get in the way.
Tem certeza? Não quero incomodar.
Are you sure? I don't want to bother you.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, it is often seen as polite to decline an offer at least once before accepting it. Using this phrase is a key part of that social ritual, signaling that you are not being demanding and that you value the other person's willingness to help.