possam

PosSam is the present subjunctive form of the Portuguese verb poder (to be able). It occurs in subordinate clauses introduced by “que” to express possibility, doubt, wishes, or contingency, and is typically paired with third-person plural subjects: eles, elas, or vocês (they or you all).

Conjugation in the present subjunctive is: eu possa, tu possas, ele possa, nós possamos, vós possais, eles possam. Examples include: “Que eles possam vir amanhã.” and “Espero que vocês possam participar.” The form is common in both European and Brazilian Portuguese and is a key part of expressing hypothetical or uncertain situations in everyday and formal language.

Etymology and notes: poder originates from Latin, with connections to the verb posse and the root pos-/pot- meaning to be able. The specific form “possam” combines this root with the present-subjunctive suffix used for third-person plural (and for vocês in modern usage). It is a standard grammatical inflection rather than a separate word, and its correct use is essential for constructing subordinate clauses that convey non-assertive or potential meaning.