Portuguese Phrase
Há males que vêm para bem.
Meaning
Literally, 'There are evils that come for good.' It conveys the idea that some bad experiences or hardships eventually lead to positive results or personal growth.
When to use
Use this proverb when you want to comfort someone after a setback, or to reflect on how a difficult situation turned out to be beneficial in the long run.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hámalesquevêmparabem
Há (existir)
Há is the third-person singular of the verb 'haver' used impersonally to mean 'there is/are'.
Males (noun, plural)
Males means 'evils' or 'bad things', used here as a plural noun.
que (relative pronoun)
Que introduces a relative clause, linking 'males' with the verb 'vêm'.
vêm (verbo vir)
Vêm is the third-person plural present of 'vir' meaning 'to come'.
para bem (prepositional phrase)
Para bem literally means 'for good', indicating a positive outcome.
🗨In Conversation
Perdi o emprego, mas agora tenho mais tempo para estudar.
I lost my job, but now I have more time to study.
É verdade, há males que vêm para bem.
That's true, there are evils that come for good.
✕Common Mistakes
Há males que vem para bem.
Do not confuse with 'vem' (third‑person singular). The subject is plural 'males', so the verb must be plural 'vêm'.
Há males que vêm por bem.
The phrase uses 'para bem' not 'por bem'. 'Por bem' would change the meaning.
↔Alternatives
Tudo tem seu lado positivo.
Everything has its bright side.
Deus escreve certo por linhas tortas.
God writes straight with crooked lines.
Depois da tempestade vem a bonança.
After the storm comes the calm.
Cultural Tip
This saying is common in Brazilian Portuguese and reflects a resilient, optimistic outlook typical in Brazilian culture. It is informal and works well in conversation, but avoid using it in very formal writing where a more neutral expression might be preferred.