Portuguese Phrase
Sê específico e realista.
Meaning
The sentence is a direct piece of advice: ‘Be specific and realistic.’ It urges the listener to focus on concrete details while keeping expectations grounded in reality.
When to use
Use this phrase when you’re giving feedback on a plan, a project, or a personal goal. It works well in both professional settings (e.g., a manager to a team member) and informal conversations (e.g., a friend offering advice).
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sêespecíficoerealista.
Sê (imperative of ser)
‘Sê’ is the informal tu‑imperative of the verb ‘ser’ (to be). The acute accent distinguishes it from the reflexive pronoun ‘se’.
específico (adjective)
Adjectives in Portuguese agree in gender and number with the noun they modify; here it stays masculine singular because it refers to an implied masculine subject (you).
e (conjunction)
The simple coordinating conjunction ‘e’ links two adjectives of equal importance.
realista (adjective)
‘Realista’ works as a descriptive adjective meaning ‘realistic’; it also stays masculine singular to match the subject.
🗨In Conversation
Quero lançar um novo produto, mas não sei por onde começar.
I want to launch a new product, but I don’t know where to start.
Sê específico e realista. Define o público‑alvo, o orçamento e um cronograma factível.
Be specific and realistic. Define the target audience, the budget, and a feasible timeline.
✕Common Mistakes
Se específico e realista.
Missing the acute accent turns the verb into the reflexive pronoun ‘se’, which makes the sentence ungrammatical.
Ser específico e realista.
Using the infinitive ‘ser’ instead of the imperative ‘sê’ does not convey a command.
Sê específica e realista.
The adjective must stay masculine singular to agree with the implied subject ‘you (masculine or neutral)’. ‘Específica’ would be used only if the subject were explicitly feminine.
↔Alternatives
Seja específico e realista.
Be specific and realistic.
Foca nos detalhes e mantém os pés no chão.
Focus on the details and keep your feet on the ground.
Define metas claras e alcançáveis.
Set clear and achievable goals.
Cultural Tip
In Portugal the informal ‘tu’ form ‘Sê’ is common, while in Brazil speakers usually prefer the more formal ‘Seja’. Both are correct, but using ‘Sê’ can sound very casual and is rarely heard in Brazilian Portuguese. Remember the accent on ‘Sê’ – without it the word becomes the reflexive pronoun ‘se’, which changes the meaning entirely.