In 15 Sekunden
- Use it when an outcome is not yet decided.
- Works in both professional and casual settings.
- A polite way to say 'I don't know yet'.
Bedeutung
It's a way to say something is uncertain or up in the air. You use it when you aren't sure about a result or a future event.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Talking about the weather for a trip
O tempo para amanhã ainda é incerto.
The weather for tomorrow is still uncertain.
Discussing a work promotion
A minha promoção na empresa é incerta.
My promotion at the company is uncertain.
Texting a friend about a party
É incerto se vou conseguir ir à festa.
It's uncertain if I'll be able to go to the party.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Brazil, 'é incerto' is often used to soften a 'no'. If someone asks if you can attend an event and you say 'é incerto', they usually understand that you probably won't make it but don't want to be rude. In Portugal, the phrase can carry a more fatalistic tone, often associated with the concept of 'Fado' (destiny). It suggests that some things are simply beyond human control. In business contexts in Luanda, 'é incerto' is frequently used when discussing logistics or imports, reflecting the real-world challenges of supply chains. The phrase is often used in relation to the 'bruma seca' (dry haze) which can make flight schedules between islands very unpredictable.
The Subjunctive Trigger
Whenever you use 'É incerto que...', automatically prepare to use the subjunctive. It's a hallmark of a B1+ speaker.
Avoid 'Eu sou incerto'
This is the #1 mistake. Portuguese speakers will understand you, but it sounds very 'gringo'. Stick to 'Não tenho certeza'.
In 15 Sekunden
- Use it when an outcome is not yet decided.
- Works in both professional and casual settings.
- A polite way to say 'I don't know yet'.
What It Means
É incerto is your go-to phrase for the great unknowns of life. It literally means "It is uncertain." You use it when you don't have a clear answer. It suggests that things could go either way. It’s not just about being unsure. It implies that the situation itself lacks a defined outcome. Think of it as the verbal equivalent of a shrug.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone sentence. Or, you can link it to a specific topic. For example, É incerto se ele vem (It’s uncertain if he’s coming). It works perfectly at the start of a sentence. It also works as a short reply to a question. It’s very flexible and grammatically simple for you to use.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing plans that aren't finalized yet. It’s great for talking about the weather or the economy. Use it at work when a project deadline is wobbly. Use it with friends when the weekend plans are still a mess. It’s perfect for texting when you don't want to commit. It sounds more sophisticated than just saying "I don't know."
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are definitely happening. If your mom asks if you're hungry, don't say é incerto. That just sounds weirdly dramatic. Avoid it in very high-stakes emotional moments. If someone asks if you love them, é incerto might get you slapped. It’s for facts and situations, not usually for basic personal feelings. Keep it for things that truly have multiple possible outcomes.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers often value flexibility in social planning. The phrase é incerto reflects a cultural comfort with ambiguity. It’s common in news broadcasts and political discussions in Portugal and Brazil. It carries a touch of realism about how unpredictable life can be. It’s a polite way to avoid giving a definitive "no." It leaves the door open for a "yes" later on.
Common Variations
You might hear está incerto instead of é incerto. É implies a permanent state of uncertainty. Está suggests it’s just uncertain right now. You can also say não se sabe (it's not known). Or try quem sabe? (who knows?) for a more casual vibe. If you want to sound fancy, use é uma incógnita (it's an unknown).
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is highly versatile. While technically neutral, it can sound slightly more sophisticated than a simple 'maybe' in professional emails.
The Subjunctive Trigger
Whenever you use 'É incerto que...', automatically prepare to use the subjunctive. It's a hallmark of a B1+ speaker.
Avoid 'Eu sou incerto'
This is the #1 mistake. Portuguese speakers will understand you, but it sounds very 'gringo'. Stick to 'Não tenho certeza'.
Polite Declining
In Brazil, use 'é incerto' to buy time if you don't want to commit to a social invitation immediately.
Beispiele
6O tempo para amanhã ainda é incerto.
The weather for tomorrow is still uncertain.
Standard use for unpredictable natural events.
A minha promoção na empresa é incerta.
My promotion at the company is uncertain.
Used here to express professional doubt.
É incerto se vou conseguir ir à festa.
It's uncertain if I'll be able to go to the party.
A soft way to say you might not make it.
Se o jantar vai ser comestível? É incerto!
If dinner will be edible? It's uncertain!
Using the phrase to make a joke about someone's skills.
O futuro da economia permanece incerto.
The future of the economy remains uncertain.
Very common in journalism and formal writing.
O nosso futuro juntos parece tão incerto agora.
Our future together seems so uncertain right now.
Used to express deep personal doubt and vulnerability.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb in the subjunctive.
É incerto que o governo _______ (aprovar) a nova lei.
The expression 'É incerto que' requires the present subjunctive.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and natural?
Talking about a future trip:
'Incerta' correctly agrees with 'viagem' and describes the situation.
Choose the best response for the recruiter.
Candidato: 'Quando receberei uma resposta?' Recrutador: '__________________.'
This is a professional and common way to handle hiring timelines.
Match the situation with the correct phrase.
Situations: 1. Weather, 2. Personal doubt, 3. Slang for uncertainty
Each phrase fits a specific register and context.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenÉ incerto que o governo _______ (aprovar) a nova lei.
The expression 'É incerto que' requires the present subjunctive.
Talking about a future trip:
'Incerta' correctly agrees with 'viagem' and describes the situation.
Candidato: 'Quando receberei uma resposta?' Recrutador: '__________________.'
This is a professional and common way to handle hiring timelines.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
Each phrase fits a specific register and context.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, especially in Brazil. 'Está' implies the uncertainty is a temporary state that might be resolved soon.
It is neutral-to-formal. It's perfect for work, news, and serious conversations.
The direct opposite is 'certo' or 'determinado'.
Yes, it becomes 'incerta'. For example: 'Uma data incerta'.
Use 'Não tenho certeza' or 'Estou em dúvida'.
Only if you mean they are unpredictable. 'Ele é um homem incerto' means he is unreliable or unpredictable.
Absolutely. It is standard Portuguese across all Lusophone countries.
'Incerto' is neutral (50/50), while 'duvidoso' often implies you think it's unlikely or suspicious.
Yes: 'O resultado era incerto' (The result was uncertain).
Yes, 'a incerteza' (the uncertainty).
Verwandte Redewendungen
Não se sabe
similarIt is not known
Duvidoso
similarDoubtful
Imprevisível
builds onUnpredictable
Com certeza
contrastWith certainty / Of course
Está no ar
specialized formIt's in the air
