The use of the expression : "PODE SER" in Brazilian Portuguese

The expression "pode ser" is used as a response to a question or statement, meaning ‘maybe’, ‘could be’:

Acho que vai chover. – Pode ser.
I think it’s going to rain. – Could be.
Você vai ver a Ana amanhã? – Pode ser.
Are you going to see Ana tomorrow? – Maybe.

It can also be followed by que + subjunctive to express a possibility:

Pode ser que ele chegue amanhã.
He might arrive tomorrow.
Pode ser que ela tenha esquecido.82
She might have forgotten.

The expression "não pode ser" can be used to mean ‘that’s impossible’ or to express exasperation:

Cem reais por um computador novo? Não pode ser!
A hundred reais for a brand new computer? That’s impossible!
Não pode ser que você ainda goste dele!
You can’t possibly still like him!
Você esqueceu a chave? Não pode ser!
You’ve forgotten the key? I don’t believe it!

Ref.: Modern Brazilian Portuguese Grammar - A Practical Guide.

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