Since much of Portuguese Blog is aimed at intermediate and advanced learners, I thought we’d do a post to help some of our readers who are just starting to study Portuguese. Still, this particular tip should be useful for everyone, since I’ve noticed this is a common mistake.<\/p>\n
Bem<\/em> vs. bom<\/em><\/p>\n It’s important to remember that bem<\/em>, which means fine or well, can be used as an adverb or adjective, whereas bom<\/em>, which means good, can be used as a noun or an adjective. Since they can both be used as adjectives, it can get a little confusing. Let’s take a look at some examples to see when to use bem<\/em> and when to use bom<\/em>.<\/p>\n Correct: Eu n\u00e3o sinto muito bem<\/span>.<\/em> I don’t feel very well.<\/p>\n Incorrect: Eu n\u00e3o sinto muito bom.<\/em><\/p>\n Here, you use bem<\/em> as an adjective to describe how you feel. This is a key one to remember, since you use it frequently in conversation:<\/p>\n Como voc\u00ea est\u00e1?<\/em> How are you?<\/p>\n Estou bem, e voc\u00ea?<\/em> I’m fine, and you?<\/p>\n You would never say “Estou bom” or “Estou boa” in response to “How are you?<\/p>\n Correct: A comida \u00e9 muito boa<\/span>.<\/em> The food is very good.<\/p>\n Incorrect: A comida \u00e9 muito bem. <\/em><\/p>\n In this case, you need an adjective that means good, so you need bom<\/em> (or boa<\/em>).<\/p>\n Correct: Ela canta bem<\/span><\/em>. She sings well.<\/p>\n Incorrect: Ela canta bom. <\/em><\/p>\n Here, you need a word to describe the verb (an adverb), so you know you’ll need bem. <\/em><\/p>\n Correct: O bom<\/span> \u00e9 que n\u00e3o precisa de visto.<\/em> The good thing is that you don’t need a visa.<\/p>\n Incorrect: O bem \u00e9 que n\u00e3o precisa de visto.<\/em><\/p>\n Here you need a noun, so you know you’ll need bom<\/em>.<\/p>\n Do you have trouble distinguishing between bom<\/em> and bem<\/em>? What are some cases you find difficult to remember?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Since much of Portuguese Blog is aimed at intermediate and advanced learners, I thought we’d do a post to help some of our readers who are just starting to study Portuguese. Still, this particular tip should be useful for everyone, since I’ve noticed this is a common mistake. Bem vs. bom It’s important to remember…<\/p>\n