🥇❓

How to Say ‘You must be Emily’ in Portuguese

Tu deves ser o Emily

too DEH-vesh sehr oo

[too DEH-vesh sehr oo]

💬 Usage Tip: deves ser is a guess, not an obligation: "you must be" in the sense of "I bet you're". Swap in a description: deves ser a Ana "you must be Ana".

Phrase Breakdown

Tu deves ser

too DEH-vesh sehr

You must be

'Dever' + infinitive expresses a guess. 'Deves' sounds like 'DEH-vesh'; the final 's' is 'sh' in Portugal.

Example

Tu deves ser novo aqui.

You must be new here.

Words in this phrase

[too]

you (informal)

Informal singular 'you', used with friends and family in Portugal.

Example

Tu gostas de futebol?

Do you like football?

deves

[DEH-vesh]

you must

Form of 'dever' for 'tu'; used here to make a confident guess.

Example

Deves estar cansado.

You must be tired.

ser

[sehr]

Existence or state of being.

Example

Isso pode ser verdade.

That might be true.

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.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer