ah não
/ˈa ˈnɐ̃w̃/word by word
The English phrase 'oh no' can be translated into Portuguese using several expressions, most commonly ah não. Wiktionary also lists bolas and oh não.
Meaning: exclamation of alarm (intj)
Ways to say it
| Portuguese | IPA |
|---|---|
| ah não | /ˈa ˈnɐ̃w̃/ (word by word) |
| bolas | /ˈbɔ.lɐs/ (Brazil) /ˈbɔ.lɐʃ/ (Rio de Janeiro) |
| oh não |
These expressions are used as exclamations of alarm.
Which one should you use?
While oh não is a literal translation of the English phrase, ah não is often more common in natural spoken Portuguese when expressing dismay.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The term bolas is an informal, colloquial exclamation used to express mild frustration, similar to the English 'darn' or 'shoot'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Portugal, the phrase Valha-me Deus! is used to convey surprise, disappointment or distress.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈa ˈnɐ̃w̃/
When do people say it?
The phrase Ah não, verdade? is a common way for speakers to express disbelief or shock when hearing bad news.
Did you know?
- The word não shares a common Proto-Indo-European root with the English word 'one', specifically through the concept of 'not one' or 'none'.
- The word bolas literally translates to 'balls', but it is used as a mild, non-vulgar exclamation of frustration in Portugal.
- In many Portuguese-speaking contexts, saying Ah não! with a rising intonation can actually signal friendly disbelief or gossip-hungry excitement rather than true alarm.
Examples in context
- Oh não, você revelou nosso segredo!Oh no, you have revealed our secret!This sentence shows how to use oh não when a secret has been revealed.Tatoeba #3101088 by carlosalberto, translation #4468872 by jakob
- Ah não!Oh no!This sentence provides a standalone use of ah não.Tatoeba #4357336 by Ricardo14, translation #1299275 by CK
- Ah não, verdade?Oh no, really?This sentence demonstrates how to express disbelief using ah não.Tatoeba #4520473 by Ricardo14, translation #33007 by AlanF_US
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rodrigo and Mariana are looking at a broken vase.
- RodrigoAh não, o vaso quebrou!Oh no, the vase broke!
- MarianaComo isso aconteceu, Rodrigo?How did this happen, Rodrigo?
- RodrigoEu tropecei no tapete.I tripped on the rug.
- MarianaTemos que limpar tudo agora.We have to clean everything now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “oh no” translations and entries bolas, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ah, não) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ah, bolas, não, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
