Portuguese Phrase
Sim, já estamos quase sem.
Meaning
The sentence translates to “Yes, we’re almost out.” It is used to confirm that a resource—coffee, sugar, tickets, etc.—is nearly exhausted. The tone is informal and conversational.
When to use
Use this phrase when someone asks if there’s still some of a product left, or when you want to warn others that a supply is dwindling. It works in both personal and workplace settings, especially in casual conversation.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Simjáestamosquasesem
Sim
Affirmative response meaning “yes”. Often used at the start of a sentence to confirm.
já
Means “already”; it adds a sense of immediacy to the statement.
estamos
First‑person plural of the verb *estar* (to be). Used for temporary states.
quase
An adverb meaning “almost”. It modifies the following adjective or adverb.
sem
Short for *sem nada* or *sem (algo)*, meaning “without / out of”. In colloquial speech the noun can be omitted when context is clear.
🗨In Conversation
Tem mais café?
Do we have more coffee?
Sim, já estamos quase sem.
Yes, we’re almost out.
✕Common Mistakes
Sim, já está quase sem.
Use *estamos* (we are) because the subject is plural. *Está* is singular.
Sim, já estamos quase sem café.
Learners sometimes add a noun after *sem* (e.g., *quase sem café*). While not wrong, the idiomatic short form drops the noun.
Sim, estamos quase sem.
Omitting *já* changes the nuance; *já* stresses that the shortage is already happening.
↔Alternatives
Sim, já quase não temos.
Yes, we almost don’t have any.
Sim, está quase acabando.
Yes, it’s almost finished.
Sim, falta pouco.
Yes, there’s little left.
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese, *sem* is frequently used without an explicit noun when the context makes the missing item obvious. It’s a very informal construction, so avoid it in formal writing or when speaking to strangers you want to impress. Also, the phrase can be softened with *ainda* (e.g., “Sim, ainda estamos quase sem”) to sound less abrupt.