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How to Say ‘How can I apply?’ in Portuguese

Como posso candidatar-me?

koh-moo POH-soo kun-dee-duh-TAR-muh

[koh-moo POH-soo kun-dee-duh-TAR-muh]

💬 Usage Tip: In Portugal, me attaches after the verb with a hyphen: candidatar-me. Brazilians would say me candidatar, so stick with the hyphen version here.

Phrase Breakdown

Como posso

koh-moo POH-soo

How can I

'Como' means 'how'. 'Posso' means 'I can', from 'poder'. Say 'KO-mu PO-su'.

Example

Como posso ajudar?

How can I help?

Words in this phrase

Como

[koh-moo]

How

Used to ask about the manner or way in which something happens.

Example

Como você vai para a cidade?

How do you go to the city?

posso

[POH-soo]

I can

Shows ability or permission in first person singular.

Example

Aqui não posso parar muito tempo mostra que o motorista não tem permissão para esperar.

Here I can't stop for long shows that the driver does not have permission to wait.

candidatar-me?

kun-dee-duh-TAR-muh

apply?

'Candidatar-se' means 'to apply'. In Portugal the pronoun 'me' goes after the verb with a hyphen. Say 'kan-di-da-TAR-me'.

Example

Quero candidatar-me.

I want to apply.

Words in this phrase

candidatar-me

[kun-dee-duh-TAR-muh]

to apply (myself)

Reflexive verb meaning to apply for a job or position.

Example

Quero candidatar-me a esta vaga.

I want to apply for this position.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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