Portuguese Phrase
Tô meio cansado.
Meaning
The speaker is saying they feel a little tired, not completely exhausted. The use of "meio" softens the statement, indicating a moderate level of fatigue.
When to use
Use this phrase in informal, spoken contexts—when chatting with friends, family, or coworkers in a relaxed setting. It’s perfect for describing a temporary feeling of tiredness after a light activity or a long day.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tômeiocansado
Contraction "tô"
"Tô" is the colloquial contraction of "estou" (first‑person singular of "estar"). It is common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese but avoided in formal writing.
Adverb "meio"
"Meio" functions as an adverb meaning “somewhat, a little”. It can modify adjectives and verbs, e.g., "meio cansado" = "somewhat tired".
Adjective agreement
"Cansado" must agree in gender and number with the subject. For a female speaker it would be "cansada".
🗨In Conversation
Tô meio cansado, acho que vou descansar um pouco.
I'm kind of tired, I think I'll rest a bit.
Tudo bem, vamos tomar um café e depois você descansa.
Alright, let's have a coffee and then you can rest.
✕Common Mistakes
Tô muito cansado e preciso de férias.
Using "tô" in formal writing or in a professional email sounds unprofessional; replace with "estou".
Estou meio cansado demais.
"Meio" cannot be used to mean "very"; it only softens the adjective.
Tô meio cansado (said by a woman).
For a female speaker, the adjective must agree: "cansada".
↔Alternatives
Estou um pouco cansado.
I am a little tired.
Estou meio cansado.
I'm somewhat tired.
Estou cansado.
I am tired.
Estou bastante cansado.
I am quite tired.
Cultural Tip
The contraction "tô" is typical of everyday speech in Brazil, especially among younger speakers. It’s perfectly natural in casual conversation, but avoid it in formal emails, academic writing, or when speaking to someone you need to show respect to (e.g., a boss or elder). Also, remember to match the adjective gender: a woman would say "Tô meio cansada."