How to Say “Not Really” in Portuguese

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Na verdade não
/na veʁˈda.d͡ʒi ˈnɐ̃w̃/word by word
In Portuguese, the phrase for "not really" is Na verdade não.
Na verdade não is used to politely or indirectly negate a statement or to qualify a previous assertion.
Meaning: to a low degree (adv)

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase is composed of na verdade (in truth/actually) and não (no).

Which one should you use?

Other options exist depending on your intent: use Não exatamente to mean "not quite" or "not exactly," use Não exatamente isso to specify a point of disagreement meaning "not really that," and use Não muito to mean "not much" or "not really."

How do you pronounce it?

/na veʁˈda.dʒi ˈnɐ̃w̃/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.

Did you know?

  • While Na verdade não is a direct translation, Brazilians often use the word Pior que não (literally 'Worse that no') to mean 'Not really' or 'Actually, no' in a conversational way.
  • The word verdade shares its roots with the English word 'very', as both stem from the Proto-Indo-European root for 'truth' or 'real'.
  • If you want to sound more casual when saying 'not really' in Portugal, you might hear people use Pois não in certain contexts, though this can also mean 'Certainly' depending on the tone.

Examples in context

  • Você concorda com a afirmação? / Não exatamente. Acredito que existem algumas exceções.
    Do you agree with the statement? / Not really. I believe there are a few exceptions.
  • Você gosta de música clássica? / Nem tanto. Prefiro estilos mais contemporâneos.
    Do you like classical music? / Not really. I prefer more contemporary styles.
  • Você gostou do filme? / Não muito. Achei o enredo fraco.
    Did you like the movie? / Not really. I thought the plot was weak.
  • Na verdade não, estou apenas um pouco cansado.
    Not really, I'm just a little tired.
  • Na verdade não, o filme não foi tão bom.
    Not really, the movie wasn't that good.

Example conversation

Rodrigo and Mariana are discussing whether they are busy.

  1. Rodrigo

    Mariana, você está muito ocupada agora?
    Mariana, are you very busy right now?
  2. Mariana

    Na verdade não, por quê?
    Not really, why?
  3. Rodrigo

    Você quer tomar um café comigo?
    Do you want to have a coffee with me?
  4. Mariana

    Sim, eu adoraria!
    Yes, I would love to!

Sources

  • IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (na, verdade, não) and can differ in connected speech.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries na, não, verdade, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Karen Katelyn
Karen KatelynHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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