Modal Definition Use Translation Example
Can Ability, possibility, To express ability or Poder, "She can speak three
permission possibility conseguir languages."
Could Past ability, polite request, To express past ability, Poderia, "Could you open the
possibility polite requests, or podia window, please?"
possibility
May Permission, possibility To express permission or Poder, talvez "May I leave early
possibility today?"
Might Possibility, suggestion To express a possibility or Poderia, "It might rain later."
suggestion talvez
Must Obligation, necessity, To express a strong Dever, "You must wear a
strong recommendation obligation or necessity precisar seatbelt."
Shall Future action, offer, Used mainly with "I" and Dever, irá "Shall we go for a
suggestion "we" for suggestions or walk?"
offers
Should Advice, recommendation, To give advice or express Deveria "You should see a
expectation expectations doctor."
Will Future action, promises, To express future actions or Vai, irá "I will help you with
decisions promises your homework."
Would Polite request, To express politeness or Faria, "Would you like some
hypothetical situations hypothetical scenarios gostaria coffee?"
Ought Advice, recommendation, Similar to "should" but Deveria "You ought to
to moral obligation slightly stronger apologize to her."
Need to Necessity, requirement To express something that Precisar "You need to finish
is necessary your work by Friday."
Had Strong advice, warning Strong advice with implied É melhor "You had better be on
better negative consequences time for the meeting."