Learning how to say “deny” in Portuguese can be valuable if you plan to engage in conversations or negotiations. Whether you want to express denial in a formal or informal setting, understanding the different ways to articulate this concept will enhance your language skills. In this guide, we will explore various ways to say “deny” in Portuguese, including formal and informal expressions, while providing useful tips and examples along the way. Let’s dive in!
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Formal Expressions for Deny in Portuguese
When it comes to formal situations, such as professional settings or interactions with authorities, it’s essential to use appropriate language to convey your denial. Here are some formal ways to express the idea of “deny” in Portuguese:
- Negar: The most straightforward and widely used formal term for “deny” in Portuguese is “negar.” This verb covers the straightforward act of denying something. For instance, you can say “Eu nego essa acusação” (I deny this accusation) or “Eles negaram qualquer envolvimento” (They denied any involvement).
- Refutar: Another formal word that can be used as a synonym for “deny” is “refutar.” It emphasizes the act of refuting or contradicting a statement. For example, you might say “Ele refutou as alegações feitas contra ele” (He denied the allegations made against him).
- Desmentir: “Desmentir” is a formal word that specifically implies denying false information or rumors. You may use it when denying false accusations or erroneous statements. For instance, “Ela desmentiu os boatos sobre sua vida pessoal” (She denied the rumors about her personal life).
Informal Expressions for Deny in Portuguese
In informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or family, you can use more relaxed and colloquial expressions to convey the idea of “deny.” Here are some informal ways to express denial in Portuguese:
- Negar de bico: This colloquial expression can be used among friends to mean “to deny something adamantly.” It adds an extra layer of emphasis to the denial. For example, “Ele negou de bico que estava envolvido” (He adamantly denied being involved).
- Fingir que não é com ele: When someone is trying to avoid responsibility or deny involvement, you can use the expression “fingir que não é com ele.” It translates to “to pretend it’s not their concern.” For instance, “Ele está fingindo que não é com ele” (He’s pretending it’s not his concern).
- Se fazer de desentendido: This informal phrase means “to act oblivious” or “to play dumb.” It implies denying knowledge or understanding about a particular matter. For example, “Ele se fez de desentendido sobre o assunto” (He played dumb about the subject).
Examples of Denial in Context
Let’s now explore some contextual examples to illustrate the use of these expressions in everyday conversations:
Formal Example:
Investigador: Você nega ter estado na cena do crime?
Suspeito: Sim, eu nego. Não estive lá.Translation:
Investigator: Do you deny being at the crime scene?
Suspect: Yes, I deny it. I wasn’t there.
Informal Example:
Amigo 1: Ei, você viu meu celular em algum lugar?
Amigo 2: Não, nego de bico! Não vi nada.Translation:
Friend 1: Hey, have you seen my phone anywhere?
Friend 2: No way, I adamantly deny it! I haven’t seen anything.
Conclusion
Congratulations on reaching the end of this comprehensive guide on how to say “deny” in Portuguese! Now you are equipped with a variety of expressions to convey denial in different contexts. Remember to adapt your choice of expression to the formality of the situation. Practice using these phrases in conversations to enhance your fluency and understanding of the Portuguese language. Happy learning!
