negar
/neˈɡa(ʁ)/
To deny in Portuguese is negar.
The verb negar is used to assert that something is not true. It can also be used in the sense of refusing or withholding something, such as denying a request or denying access.
Meaning: to assert that something is not true (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The past tense of negar is negou, and the gerund form is negando.
How do you pronounce it?
/neˈɡa(ʁ)/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers should note that negar covers both the sense of denying a fact and the sense of refusing a request. The context of your sentence will determine which English meaning applies.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, the phrase negar com a cabeça describes the physical act of shaking one's head to say no.
- In certain Portuguese-speaking cultures, using negar to describe a refusal of food or drink can be seen as a very strong and blunt rejection of hospitality.
- The word negar is a direct relative of the English word 'negate'. Both share a common ancestor in the Latin word negāre.
Examples in context
- Eu não vou negar.I'm not going to deny it.This sentence shows how to use negar in a simple statement.Tatoeba #5192711 by alexmarcelo, translation #5191959 by CK
- Não vou negar isso.I won't deny that.This sentence uses negar to show intent regarding a specific thing.Tatoeba #3802112 by Ricardo14, translation #3736357 by CK
- Tom irá negar tudo.Tom will deny everything.This sentence demonstrates how to use negar with the word everything.Tatoeba #4905143 by bill, translation #2215658 by CK
- Eu nego essa acusaçãoI deny this accusation
- Eles negaram qualquer envolvimentoThey denied any involvement
- Ele refutou as alegações feitas contra eleHe denied the allegations made against him
- Ela desmentiu os boatos sobre sua vida pessoalShe denied the rumors about her personal life
- Ele está fingindo que não é com eleHe's pretending it's not his concern
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mariana and Felipe are talking about a rumor at work.
- MarianaVocê ouviu que o chefe vai sair?Did you hear that the boss is leaving?
- FelipeSim, mas ele resolveu negar o boato.Yes, but he decided to deny the rumor.
- MarianaEle negou a história na reunião?Did he deny the story at the meeting?
- FelipeSim, ele disse que é mentira.Yes, he said it is a lie.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “deny” translations and entries negar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries negar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
