في 15 ثانية
- Expresses skepticism or low probability politely.
- Always requires the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
- Softer and more sophisticated than a direct 'no'.
المعنى
Use this when you want to say 'I think it's unlikely' or 'I doubt it'. It is the perfect way to express skepticism while still sounding polite and articulate.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Discussing weather plans
Acho improvável que faça sol amanhã.
I think it's unlikely to be sunny tomorrow.
In a business meeting
Acho improvável que o projeto termine no prazo.
I think it's unlikely the project will finish on time.
Texting about a party
Acho improvável que eu consiga ir hoje.
I think it's unlikely I'll be able to go today.
خلفية ثقافية
Brazilians often use 'Acho improvável' as a 'soft no'. If you invite someone to an event and they say this, don't count on them coming. It's a way to avoid the social awkwardness of a direct rejection. In Portugal, the phrase is used with a bit more literal intent. While still polite, it usually reflects a genuine assessment of the situation rather than just a social buffer. Using 'Acho improvável' in a meeting shows that you are analytical and realistic. It is preferred over 'Não sei' (I don't know) because it shows you have formed an opinion based on the facts. On platforms like Twitter or WhatsApp, you'll often see the shortened version 'Acho difícil' or just 'Duvido'. 'Acho improvável' remains the 'classy' version for captions or more serious debates.
The Subjunctive Shortcut
If you find the subjunctive hard, remember that for most '-ar' verbs, the 'a' changes to 'e' (chegar -> chegue).
Avoid 'Acho que improvável'
Don't put a 'que' immediately after 'Acho'. It's 'Acho improvável que...', not 'Acho que improvável que...'.
في 15 ثانية
- Expresses skepticism or low probability politely.
- Always requires the subjunctive mood in the following verb.
- Softer and more sophisticated than a direct 'no'.
What It Means
Acho improvável que is your go-to phrase for expressing doubt. It translates to "I think it's unlikely that." It is softer than saying a flat-out "no." It suggests you've thought about the odds. You are basically saying the chances are slim. It is a sophisticated way to manage expectations.
How To Use It
This phrase is a grammar powerhouse. It always triggers the subjunctive mood. This means the verb that follows must change. For example, Acho improvável que ele venha (I think it's unlikely he's coming). Notice how vem becomes venha. It sounds fancy, but it's very natural. Use it to start a sentence when you're skeptical. It works for weather, plans, or even sports scores.
When To Use It
Use it in professional meetings to voice concerns. Use it with friends when they suggest a wild plan. It's great for texting when someone asks if you'll finish work early. If your friend thinks they'll win the lottery, this is your line. It shows you are realistic but not necessarily rude. It's the 'adult' way to say 'don't hold your breath.'
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are impossible. If something is 100% not happening, use é impossível. Avoid it in very high-stakes emotional arguments. It might sound too detached or cold then. Don't use it if you are certain. It implies a tiny window of possibility. If you're sure, just say não vai acontecer.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers often prefer indirectness over bluntness. Saying não can sometimes feel too aggressive. Acho improvável que provides a polite cushion. It allows the other person to save face. It reflects a culture that values social harmony. It’s a way of being honest without being a buzzkill.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more formal, use Creio ser improvável. For a more casual vibe, try Duvido que. If you're feeling very pessimistic, try É quase impossível que. You might also hear Acho difícil que. That one is very common in daily Brazilian Portuguese. It’s like saying 'I find it hard to believe.'
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This phrase sits in the 'Goldilocks' zone of formality—not too stiff, not too casual. It is essential for B1 learners because it forces you to use the subjunctive mood correctly in a very common, everyday context.
The Subjunctive Shortcut
If you find the subjunctive hard, remember that for most '-ar' verbs, the 'a' changes to 'e' (chegar -> chegue).
Avoid 'Acho que improvável'
Don't put a 'que' immediately after 'Acho'. It's 'Acho improvável que...', not 'Acho que improvável que...'.
The Brazilian 'Maybe'
If a Brazilian says 'Acho improvável', they are usually being very polite. Don't push them for a 'yes'.
أمثلة
6Acho improvável que faça sol amanhã.
I think it's unlikely to be sunny tomorrow.
The speaker is looking at the clouds and being realistic.
Acho improvável que o projeto termine no prazo.
I think it's unlikely the project will finish on time.
A professional way to flag a potential delay.
Acho improvável que eu consiga ir hoje.
I think it's unlikely I'll be able to go today.
A polite way to decline an invitation last minute.
Acho improvável que você coma só um pedaço de pizza.
I think it's unlikely you'll eat just one slice of pizza.
Teasing a friend about their appetite.
Acho improvável que o meu time vire o jogo.
I think it's unlikely my team will turn the game around.
Expressing low hope for a sports victory.
Acho improvável que haja uma mudança na política da empresa.
I think it's unlikely there will be a change in company policy.
Setting expectations in a formal setting.
اختبر نفسك
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb in parentheses (Subjunctive).
Acho improvável que eles _______ (chegar) antes das oito.
After 'Acho improvável que', we must use the Present Subjunctive. 'Cheguem' is the correct form for 'eles'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to say 'No' to a deadline?
Seu chefe pede para você terminar um projeto impossível hoje. O que você diz?
This option uses 'Acho improvável' to soften the refusal and frame it as a matter of probability.
Match the Portuguese phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all variations of expressing doubt with slight differences in tone.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
Ana: 'Você acha que o dólar vai cair amanhã?' Paulo: '________________________.'
'Caia' is the present subjunctive of 'cair', which is required here.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
وسائل تعلم بصرية
بنك التمارين
4 تمارينAcho improvável que eles _______ (chegar) antes das oito.
After 'Acho improvável que', we must use the Present Subjunctive. 'Cheguem' is the correct form for 'eles'.
Seu chefe pede para você terminar um projeto impossível hoje. O que você diz?
This option uses 'Acho improvável' to soften the refusal and frame it as a matter of probability.
طابق كل عنصر على اليسار مع زوجه على اليمين:
These are all variations of expressing doubt with slight differences in tone.
Ana: 'Você acha que o dólar vai cair amanhã?' Paulo: '________________________.'
'Caia' is the present subjunctive of 'cair', which is required here.
🎉 النتيجة: /4
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةTechnically no. This is called 'dequeísmo' and is considered a grammatical error, though you might hear it in informal speech.
Yes, 'Acho difícil' is a very common synonym, especially in Brazil. It's slightly less formal.
Yes, because 'Acho improvável' expresses doubt/uncertainty, which is the primary function of the subjunctive mood in Portuguese.
Absolutely. It's universal across all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Just remove the 'im-': 'Acho provável que...'. Note that this also requires the subjunctive!
Yes: 'Eu achava improvável que ele viesse' (I thought it was unlikely that he would come).
Probably 'Duvido' (I doubt it) or 'Nem ferrando' (No way - very slangy).
Not directly. You say 'Acho improvável que ele faça isso', not 'Acho ele improvável'.
Yes, it's very professional and shows you are thinking critically.
Both! In this context, it's 'I think/I find it...'.
عبارات ذات صلة
Acho difícil que
similarI find it hard that...
Duvido que
synonymI doubt that...
Quem sabe
contrastWho knows / Maybe
Com certeza
contrastFor sure
Acho provável que
contrastI think it's likely that...
Pode ser que
similarIt might be that...
