When learning a new language, it’s essential to understand common phrases and expressions such as “not really.” In Portuguese, there are various ways to convey this meaning. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways of expressing “not really” in Portuguese, along with some useful tips and examples.
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Formal Ways to Say “Not Really”
If you are in a formal setting or need to maintain a polite tone, the following phrases can be used to express “not really” in Portuguese:
1. Não exatamente
“Não exatamente” is a formal way to say “not really” in Portuguese. It is often used when you want to indicate that something is not entirely accurate or correct.
Example:
Person A: Você concorda com a afirmação?
(Do you agree with the statement?)Person B: Não exatamente. Acredito que existem algumas exceções.
(Not really. I believe there are a few exceptions.)
2. Nem tanto
“Nem tanto” can also be used formally to express “not really.” It suggests a partial agreement or a lack of enthusiasm towards a statement or idea.
Example:
Person A: Você gosta de música clássica?
(Do you like classical music?)Person B: Nem tanto. Prefiro estilos mais contemporâneos.
(Not really. I prefer more contemporary styles.)
3. Não exatamente isso
If you want to specify a point of disagreement, you can use “não exatamente isso.” This phrase adds emphasis to the fact that the statement is not entirely accurate.
Example:
Person A: Nós sempre concordamos sobre tudo, certo?
(We always agree on everything, right?)Person B: Não exatamente isso. Temos perspectivas diferentes em algumas questões.
(Not really that. We have different perspectives on some issues.)
Informal Ways to Say “Not Really”
When speaking informally with friends, family, or in casual situations, the following expressions can be used to convey “not really” in Portuguese:
1. Não muito
The phrase “não muito” is commonly used in informal conversations to mean “not really” or “not much.”
Example:
Person A: Você gostou do filme?
(Did you like the movie?)Person B: Não muito. Achei o enredo fraco.
(Not really. I thought the plot was weak.)
2. Nem por isso
“Nem por isso” is an informal way to express “not really” or “not that much.” It is often used to show indifference towards a statement or situation.
Example:
Person A: Você está ansioso para a festa de amanhã?
(Are you excited for the party tomorrow?)Person B: Nem por isso. Não sou muito fã de festas.
(Not really. I’m not a big fan of parties.)
3. Assim assim
“Assim assim” is a colloquial expression that can be used to mean “so-so” or “not really” in a neutral or nonchalant way.
Example:
Person A: Como está o clima hoje?
(How is the weather today?)Person B: Assim assim. Não está muito quente nem muito frio.
(Not really. It’s not too hot nor too cold.)
Tips for Using “Not Really” in Portuguese
Here are some additional tips to enhance your understanding and usage of “not really” in Portuguese:
1. Pay Attention to Tone and Context
Depending on the context, the same phrase can have different levels of formality or informality. Pay attention to the tone used in conversations and adjust your language accordingly.
2. Practice with Native Speakers
Engaging in conversations with native Portuguese speakers will help you become more familiar with the nuances of the language. Practice using different phrases for “not really” to develop your fluency and confidence.
3. Expand Your Vocabulary
Adding more vocabulary to your language arsenal will enable you to express yourself more precisely. Explore synonyms and related phrases that convey a similar meaning to “not really.”
Remember, language learning is a journey, and it takes time and practice to become proficient. Embrace the process, enjoy the cultural richness of the Portuguese language, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Happy learning!
