What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de jeito nenhum literally translates to "in no way" or "in no manner", composed of de (of/in), jeito (way/manner) and nenhum (none/no).
Which one should you use?
While de jeito nenhum! is a common way to express this, you can use de modo nenhum to express the same meaning in a more formal or literary register.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
de jeito nenhum! is an informal and emphatic way to express refusal or disbelief. For a more formal way to express disbelief or refusal, use De maneira alguma! In casual settings, the popular informal phrase Nem pensar! can also be used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Brazil, the expression Nem morto(a)! is popular and translates to "not even dead!"
How do you pronounce it?
/dʒi ˈʒej.tu nẽˈɲũ/. The stress is on the 2nd of 4 syllables.
When do people say it?
Beyond direct refusal, if you want to informally decline an invitation or express disagreement, you might say Tô fora!, which means "I'm out" or "Count me out".
Did you know?
- In Brazil, de jeito nenhum! is often accompanied by a gesture where the speaker brings their fingertips together and moves the hand up and down to emphasize the absolute nature of the refusal.
- The word jeito comes from the Latin word iactus, which means 'a throw'. It is a linguistic relative of the English word 'eject'.
- In Portuguese, the word jeito can also mean 'talent' or 'skill', such as in the expression 'ter jeito', making the phrase 'no way' subtly imply there is 'no manner' or 'no way' to perform a task.
Examples in context
- Eu não vou te emprestar meu carro, de jeito nenhum!I am not lending you my car, no way!
- Ele não vai aceitar esse trabalho, de jeito nenhum!He is not going to accept this job, no way!
- Isso não pode acontecer, de jeito nenhum!This cannot happen, no way!
Example conversation
Juliana asks Gabriel if she can borrow his new laptop.
- JulianaGabriel, posso usar seu notebook novo hoje?Gabriel, can I use your new laptop today?
- GabrielDe jeito nenhum! Você é muito descuidada.No way! You are too careless.
- JulianaEu prometo tomar muito cuidado com ele!I promise to be very careful with it!
- GabrielSinto muito, mas a resposta continua sendo não.I'm sorry, but the answer is still no.
