Portuguese Phrase
Você pode usar isso.
Meaning
A straightforward statement that gives permission or indicates ability: ‘You can use this.’ It can be used when handing over an object, offering a tool, or confirming that something is available for the listener.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to let someone know they are allowed to use an item, whether it’s a pen, a computer, a kitchen utensil, or a digital resource. It works in both casual and semi‑formal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vocêpodeusarisso.
Você (pronoun)
Second‑person singular pronoun used in Brazil for both formal and informal contexts.
pode (poder)
Present indicative of the modal verb poder, meaning ‘can’ or ‘be able to’; it agrees with the subject ‘você’.
usar (infinitive)
Infinitive verb that follows a modal verb; no personal ending is added.
isso (demonstrative)
Neutral demonstrative pronoun meaning ‘this’ (referring to something near the listener or just mentioned).
🗨In Conversation
Preciso imprimir este documento, mas a impressora está ocupada.
I need to print this document, but the printer is busy.
Você pode usar isso.
You can use this.
✕Common Mistakes
Você podes usar isso.
‘Podes’ is the second‑person singular form used with ‘tu’, not with ‘você’. In most of Brazil you should say ‘pode’.
Você pode usar‑a.
The verb ‘usar’ must stay in infinitive after ‘pode’; adding a personal ending creates an ungrammatical form.
Você pode usar isso aqui.
‘Isso’ already points to something; adding ‘aqui’ is redundant and sounds unnatural.
↔Alternatives
Você pode utilizar isso.
You can utilize this.
Pode usar isso.
You may use this.
Sinta‑se à vontade para usar isso.
Feel free to use this.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, ‘pode’ followed by an infinitive is a polite yet direct way to grant permission. Adding ‘sinta‑se à vontade’ makes the tone even more courteous. Avoid using ‘tu’ with ‘pode’ in most of the country; the correct form would be ‘tu podes’ and is limited to the South and some rural areas.