Meaning
A expressão "I could use" é bastante utilizada no inglês para indicar que algo seria útil ou desejável em um determinado momento. Não se trata de um pedido direto, mas sim de uma forma mais sutil de expressar uma necessidade ou desejo.
Por exemplo, a frase "I could use a cup of coffee" pode ser entendida como "Uma xícara de café me faria bem agora" ou "Eu gostaria de uma xícara de café". Neste caso, a pessoa está sugerindo que o café seria benéfico ou desejado naquele momento.
O uso de "I could use" é muito comum em situações informais e pode ser aplicado a uma variedade de contextos, desde necessidades básicas, como comida ou bebida, até situações mais abstratas, como precisar de uma pausa ou de ajuda. É uma maneira educada e indireta de comunicar algo que você gostaria de ter ou fazer.
Today's Sentences
- I could use a hug.
- I could use a drink.
- I could use a friend.
- I could use a shower.
- I could use some fresh air.
- Writer's Note
01
I could use a hug.
Situation 1
Is everything ok?
I’m feeling a little down today.
Can I do anything to make you feel better?
I could use a hug.
Situation 2
How have you been since your dog passed?
I’ve been okay.
The house seems awfully quiet though.
No entanto, a casa parece estranhamente silenciosa.
What can I do to brighten your day?
I could use a hug.
02
I could use a drink.
Situation 1
Hey, do you have time tonight?
I can meet tonight.
I could use a drink.
Sure, you sound stressed.
Let’s meet at that lounge on 5th.
Vamos nos encontrar naquele lounge na 5ª.
Situation 2
What a day!
I could use a drink.
Me too.
Wanna go for a nice cold beer?
Quer ir tomar uma cerveja bem gelada?
Absolutely.
03
I could use a friend.
Situation 1
I’ve been so depressed lately.
Sounds like you’re still grieving.
I could use a friend.
You’re talking to one right now.
I’m here for you.
Estou aqui para você.
Situation 2
I’ve been a mess since the break up.
You look really sad today.
I could use a friend.
Let’s do something to get your mind off of things.
04
I could use a shower.
Situation 1
You’re so sweaty!
I’ve been at the construction site all day.
You need to wash up, we’re having guests over for dinner.
I could use a shower.
I’ll get ready real quick.
Vou me aprontar rapidinho.
Situation 2
I went for a long run this morning.
I thought you took longer than usual to get home.
I could use a shower.
I’ll have breakfast ready for you.
05
I could use some fresh air.
Situation 1
Some days I feel like I need therapy.
Does being a psychologist drain you?
I feel like I get so emotional with my Tuesday patients.
I could use some fresh air.
Eu poderia usar um pouco de ar fresco.
Let’s go for a walk and get some coffee.
Self-care is important too!
Cuidar de si mesmo também é importante!
Situation 2
I could use some fresh air.
Is something bothering you?
I’m upset because I couldn’t save someone from the fire last night.
You can’t save everyone.
Go out and get your mind off of things.
Saia e distraia-se um pouco.
Writer's Note
Another word to describe "I could use" is "want, need", or "wish I had". Try and substitute "I could use" with the suggested alternatives. Do they fit? Do you have other phrases or situations in your life where you use "want, need", or "wish I had"?
Here are some of my examples:
- I could use a friend. 👉 I need a friend.
- I could use a drink. 👉 I want a drink.
- I could use a new laptop. 👉 I need a new laptop.
- I could use some extra cash. 👉 I wish I had some extra cash.
- I could use some new paintbrushes. 👉 I want some new paintbrushes.
- I could use a bike to get around. 👉 I wish I had a bike to get around.
