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Portuguese Phrase

Tem um pouco de flexibilidade.

/tẽj ũ ˈpoku dʒi fɾeksɨβiˈlidadʒi/
Meaning"There is a little flexibility."
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Meaning

The sentence states that there is a modest amount of flexibility—enough to adjust, but not unlimited. It is often used to soften a rule or deadline, indicating that some leeway is possible.

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When to use

Use this phrase when you want to reassure someone that a schedule, rule, or requirement can be tweaked slightly, such as in business meetings, project planning, or casual negotiations.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Temumpoucodeflexibilidade.

1

Ter (tem) as impersonal verb

In Brazilian Portuguese, "tem" (third‑person singular of "ter") is often used like "há" to indicate existence: "Tem um problema" = "There is a problem".

2

Um pouco de + noun

"Um pouco de" means "a little" or "some" and is used before uncountable nouns or abstract concepts.

3

Flexibilidade (noun)

A feminine noun meaning "flexibility"; it stays singular even when referring to a small amount.

🗨In Conversation

A

Tem um pouco de flexibilidade no prazo de entrega?

Is there a little flexibility on the delivery deadline?

Sim, podemos estender até duas semanas, se precisar.

Yes, we can extend it up to two weeks if needed.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Temos um pouco de flexibilidade.

    Use "tem" (third‑person) because the subject is impersonal (there is), not "temos" (first‑person plural).

  • Um pouco de flexibilidade tem.

    Word order sounds unnatural; keep the verb at the beginning: "Tem um pouco de flexibilidade."

  • Tem um pouco de flexíveis.

    "Flexíveis" is an adjective; you need the noun "flexibilidade" after "de".

↔Alternatives

  • Há certa flexibilidade.

    There is some flexibility.

  • Existe alguma flexibilidade.

    There exists some flexibility.

  • É um pouco flexível.

    It is a little flexible.

pt

Cultural Tip

In informal Brazilian Portuguese, "tem" is preferred over the more formal "há" for expressing existence. However, in written or formal business communication, "há" may sound more polished. Also, Brazilians often use "flexibilidade" when talking about work schedules, deadlines, or even social plans, so the phrase fits naturally in both professional and casual contexts.