Portuguese Phrase
Posso transferir dinheiro pela internet?
Meaning
The sentence is a polite request asking whether it is allowed or possible to move money using an online channel. It is commonly used when speaking with bank staff, customer‑service agents, or friends who might help with a digital transaction.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to confirm that an online transfer is permitted, when you are about to start a banking operation on a website or app, or when you are asking a colleague if a digital payment method can be used for a business transaction.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possotransferirdinheiropelainternet?
Posso (poder)
‘Posso’ is the first‑person singular present indicative of the modal verb ‘poder’, used to ask permission or possibility.
Transferir (infinitive)
After a modal verb like ‘poder’, the main verb stays in the infinitive form.
Pela (por + a)
‘Pela’ is the contraction of the preposition ‘por’ + the feminine article ‘a’, required because ‘internet’ is feminine in Portuguese.
Dinheiro (masculine noun)
‘Dinheiro’ is a masculine singular noun meaning ‘money’; it does not need an article here because it follows the verb directly.
Internet (feminine borrowed noun)
Although it comes from English, in Portuguese ‘internet’ is treated as a feminine noun, hence ‘a internet’ → ‘pela internet’.
🗨In Conversation
Posso transferir dinheiro pela internet?
Can I transfer money over the internet?
Claro, basta acessar o aplicativo do seu banco e seguir as instruções.
Sure, just open your bank’s app and follow the instructions.
✕Common Mistakes
Posso transferir dinheiro na internet?
‘Na’ = ‘em + a’ is used with locations, but here the preposition ‘por’ (through) is required, so the correct contraction is ‘pela’.
Podes transferir dinheiro pela internet?
‘Podes’ is the second‑person singular form; for ‘I can’ you must use ‘posso’.
Posso transferir dinheiro por internet?
‘Por internet’ is understandable but less idiomatic; native speakers prefer ‘pela internet’ or ‘online’.
↔Alternatives
É possível transferir dinheiro online?
Is it possible to transfer money online?
Posso enviar dinheiro pela internet?
Can I send money via the internet?
Posso fazer uma transferência pela internet?
Can I make a transfer over the internet?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, online banking has become the norm, especially after the launch of the instant‑payment system ‘PIX’. While most banks allow transfers 24/7, it’s still common to ask the teller or customer‑service representative for confirmation, especially for large amounts or when using a new platform. Always verify the URL (look for ‘https://’) and never share your password or PIN. Using polite forms like ‘Posso…?’ shows respect and is appreciated in formal contexts.