Em nenhum momento.

You use em nenhum momento to deny something with absolute conviction. It's perfect for situations where you need to state unequivocally that something didn't happen. Imagine someone accusing you of something you didn't do. You'd use this phrase to defend yourself strongly. It's also great for clarifying facts or debunking rumors. Think of it as your go-to for a definitive 'never ever.'

This phrase leans towards the more formal side of Portuguese, but it's not stuffy. You can use it in professional settings like a business meeting or a legal statement. It also works well in serious personal conversations where clarity is key. While it's not casual slang, it's not so formal that you can't use it with friends if the situation calls for strong emphasis. It's versatile, but always adds weight.

• A politician denying involvement: Em nenhum momento eu tive conhecimento desse acordo. (At no time did I have knowledge of this deal.)
• A friend clarifying a misunderstanding: Em nenhum momento eu quis te ofender. (At no time did I mean to offend you.)
• A company statement about a data breach: Em nenhum momento os dados dos clientes foram comprometidos. (At no time were customer data compromised.)
• Debunking gossip: Essa história de que terminamos é mentira, em nenhum momento pensamos nisso. (This story about us breaking up is a lie; at no time did we think about it.)

Use em nenhum momento when you need to be absolutely certain and leave no room for interpretation. It's for situations demanding strong denial or clarification. Think official statements, serious accusations, or when you want to shut down a rumor with finality. If you're explaining why a certain feature *won't* be in the next software update, this phrase fits. It’s also good when you want to emphasize your innocence or lack of involvement.

Avoid em nenhum momento in super casual chats with close friends unless you're being dramatic or funny. Using it for minor things can sound overly serious or even a bit aggressive. If you just forgot to text someone back, saying Em nenhum momento eu esqueci! might be overkill. Stick to simpler phrases like Não esqueci (I didn't forget) for everyday slip-ups. It's not slang, so don't use it where you'd normally use nada a ver (no way).

Many learners overuse simpler denials or use em nenhum momento in the wrong context. Sometimes, people try to translate it too literally and create awkward sentences. The key is understanding its strong, definitive vibe. It’s not just 'not,' it’s 'not, EVER.'

✗ Em nenhum momento eu te disse isso. (Correct, but maybe too strong for a casual chat where Eu não te disse isso suffices).

While em nenhum momento is standard, you might hear slight variations or alternatives depending on region and emphasis. Sometimes, people might just use nunca (never) for simplicity, but em nenhum momento adds a specific punch. In Portugal, you might hear em tempo algum, which is very similar. For a slightly less intense feel, you could use de forma alguma (in no way) or de jeito nenhum (no way, no how), but these are more colloquial.

• What's the vibe? It's definitive, serious, and certain. Like a legal disclaimer, but for everyday life!
• Can I use it with friends? Yes, if you're making a strong point or being dramatic. Otherwise, it might sound a bit too formal.
• Is it common? Yes, especially in media and formal contexts, but also in personal conversations when emphasis is needed.