Learning different ways to express “not good” in Portuguese can greatly enrich your vocabulary and allow you to effectively convey your thoughts and feelings. This guide will provide you with a range of formal and informal expressions, along with tips, examples, and even some regional variations to help you master the art of expressing dissatisfaction in Portuguese.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions
When it comes to formal situations, it’s essential to use language that conveys respect and professionalism. Here are some phrases you can use to express that something is “not good” in a formal context:
- Não é bom: Literally translates to “it is not good.” It’s a straightforward and polite way to express your dissatisfaction without sounding too negative.
- Não está bom: Adding the verb “estar” (to be) emphasizes the temporary nature of the situation. This phrase is ideal for expressing that something is not good at the moment, but it could improve later.
- Não está adequado: Translating to “it is not suitable/appropriate.” This expression is particularly useful when something doesn’t meet the required standards or expectations.
- Não está satisfatório: Meaning “it is not satisfactory.” It can be used to express disappointment when something falls short of what was expected or desired.
- Não está excelente: Literally translating to “it is not excellent.” This phrase allows you to express that something is below the expected level of quality or performance.
Informal Expressions
Informal situations provide more flexibility and allow for a greater variety of expressions. Here are some informal ways to say that something is “not good” in Portuguese:
- Não é bom não: By adding “não” at the end, it emphasizes the negation stronger. This phrase conveys a slightly stronger sense of dissatisfaction than plain “não é bom.”
- Não tá legal: “Tá” is a common colloquial abbreviation of “está” (to be). This phrase expresses that something is not okay or cool.
- Não está legal: This is an elongated version of “não tá legal.” It is often used to express disapproval in a more prominent manner.
- Não está bom mesmo: Adding “mesmo” gives emphasis to the dissatisfaction. It can be translated as “it really is not good.”
- Não está lá essas coisas: Translating to “it’s not all that.” This expression implies that something is not up to par or satisfactory.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you further understand how to express “not good” in Portuguese:
Tip 1: Consider the context and the intensity of dissatisfaction when choosing the appropriate expression.
For example:
- Context: You receive a meal at a restaurant that is not cooked properly.
- Formal: Desculpe, mas este prato não está bom (Sorry, but this dish is not good).
- Informal: Desculpa, essa comida não tá legal (Sorry, but this food is not okay).
Tip 2: Pay attention to intonation and body language when expressing dissatisfaction as it can affect the perceived meaning.
For example:
- Context: You receive a gift that you don’t particularly like.
- Formal: Muito obrigado, mas isso não é exatamente o que eu esperava (Thank you very much, but this is not exactly what I expected).
- Informal: Valeu, mas não era bem o que eu tava esperando (Thanks, but it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting).
Conclusion
Now you have a variety of formal and informal expressions to help you say “not good” in Portuguese. Remember to adjust your language to the appropriate context and use intonation and body language to convey your dissatisfaction effectively. Practice these expressions in different situations to become more comfortable with their usage. With time and practice, you’ll be able to express your dissatisfaction with ease, regardless of the situation or region you find yourself in.
