In 15 Sekunden
- A diplomatic way to say someone is partially correct.
- Perfect for softening corrections in professional or social settings.
- Often followed by 'but' to provide the full truth.
Bedeutung
This phrase is used to acknowledge that someone is partially right or has a point, even if their entire statement isn't 100% accurate. It's a polite way to say 'you're on the right track' or 'I see your logic.'
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Correcting a colleague's project timeline
Sua estimativa não está completamente errada, mas precisamos de mais dois dias.
Your estimate isn't completely wrong, but we need two more days.
Discussing the weather with a friend
Você não está completamente errado, está frio, mas não vai nevar.
You aren't completely wrong, it is cold, but it won't snow.
Texting about a movie plot
Não está completamente errado, mas o vilão na verdade era o irmão dele.
Not completely wrong, but the villain was actually his brother.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Brazil, people often drop the 'es' in 'está', saying 'não tá completamente errado'. It's very common in casual conversation. In Portugal, you might hear 'não está de todo errado', which is a slightly more formal or emphatic way to say the same thing. In professional settings, this phrase is a staple for 'sandwich feedback'—giving positive, then constructive, then positive feedback. Used to show respect for an opponent's research while pointing out a flaw in the conclusion.
Use the 'Mas'
Always follow this phrase with a 'mas' (but) to explain your own view.
Softening the blow
This is a key tool for being polite in Portuguese-speaking cultures.
In 15 Sekunden
- A diplomatic way to say someone is partially correct.
- Perfect for softening corrections in professional or social settings.
- Often followed by 'but' to provide the full truth.
What It Means
Não completamente errado is a classic piece of middle ground. It means someone has hit on a partial truth. You aren't saying they are a genius. You aren't saying they are a liar. You are saying their logic has some merit. It is the linguistic version of a shrug and a nod.
How To Use It
Use it when you want to be diplomatic. It softens the blow of a correction. You can place it at the start of a sentence. Or use it as a standalone reaction. For example, if a friend says it's raining, but it's actually just misting. You might say, Você não está completamente errado. It acknowledges their perspective before you add your own detail. It works best when followed by a mas (but).
When To Use It
This phrase is perfect for the workplace. It helps you disagree without being rude to your boss. Use it during brainstorming sessions. It is also great for casual debates with friends. Use it when discussing movies, sports, or politics. It shows you are listening. It makes you sound thoughtful and balanced. Even in a text, it keeps the vibe chill.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in a high-stakes emergency. If someone says the stove is off and it is flaming, don't be diplomatic. Avoid it when absolute precision is required. If a math answer is 10 and they say 1,000, they are just wrong. Using it there sounds sarcastic or mocking. Also, avoid it if you want to be 100% supportive. It can feel a bit 'cold' if a partner is looking for total validation.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers often value 'simpatia' and avoiding direct confrontation. We rarely like to say a flat 'no' or 'you are wrong.' This phrase is a social lubricant. It allows for a 'soft no.' It reflects a culture that prefers nuance over bluntness. It’s about keeping the conversation flowing smoothly. Nobody loses face when they are only 'partially' wrong.
Common Variations
Não está de todo errado(A bit more formal).Você tem um ponto(You have a point).Faz sentido, mas...(It makes sense, but...).Quase isso(Almost that/Close enough).
Nutzungshinweise
This is a neutral-to-formal collocation. It's highly versatile and carries no significant linguistic 'traps,' making it safe for B1 learners to use in almost any context.
Use the 'Mas'
Always follow this phrase with a 'mas' (but) to explain your own view.
Softening the blow
This is a key tool for being polite in Portuguese-speaking cultures.
Beispiele
6Sua estimativa não está completamente errada, mas precisamos de mais dois dias.
Your estimate isn't completely wrong, but we need two more days.
Professional way to adjust a deadline without blaming the person.
Você não está completamente errado, está frio, mas não vai nevar.
You aren't completely wrong, it is cold, but it won't snow.
Acknowledging their feeling while correcting the specific prediction.
Não está completamente errado, mas o vilão na verdade era o irmão dele.
Not completely wrong, but the villain was actually his brother.
Casual correction during a chat about pop culture.
Dizer que pizza com abacaxi é crime? Bem, você não está completamente errado!
Saying pineapple pizza is a crime? Well, you aren't completely wrong!
Using the phrase to agree with a funny or hyperbolic opinion.
O senhor não está completamente errado sobre os custos, porém há variáveis novas.
You aren't completely wrong about the costs, however there are new variables.
Very respectful way to introduce new data to a superior.
Você não está completamente errado, o céu parece azul, mas é por causa da luz.
You aren't completely wrong, the sky looks blue, but it's because of the light.
Encouraging a child's observation while providing the scientific fact.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the sentence with the correct form.
A sua lógica ___________, mas falta um detalhe.
The subject is 'lógica' (feminine), so the adjective must be 'errada'.
Which sentence is the most polite way to disagree?
Choose the best option:
Option B uses the phrase to soften the disagreement, making it the most polite.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Acho que o projeto vai falhar. B: ___________, mas podemos tentar mudar a estratégia.
The phrase acknowledges the concern while proposing a solution.
Match the situation to the best response.
Situation: A friend suggests a restaurant you don't love.
It validates the friend's suggestion while expressing a preference.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenA sua lógica ___________, mas falta um detalhe.
The subject is 'lógica' (feminine), so the adjective must be 'errada'.
Choose the best option:
Option B uses the phrase to soften the disagreement, making it the most polite.
A: Acho que o projeto vai falhar. B: ___________, mas podemos tentar mudar a estratégia.
The phrase acknowledges the concern while proposing a solution.
Situation: A friend suggests a restaurant you don't love.
It validates the friend's suggestion while expressing a preference.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, it is very professional and diplomatic.
No, it is actually the opposite of rude; it is very polite.
No, it means you acknowledge the logic but don't fully agree.
Yes, pronunciation and some minor phrasing, but the meaning is the same.
Yes, it works well in emails and reports.
Use 'está correto' instead.
Yes, it is used daily by native speakers.
It's better for opinions or complex arguments.
You can say 'Sua observação contém elementos de verdade'.
No, it is standard language.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Não deixa de ter razão
synonymYou have a point.
Tem um fundo de verdade
similarIt has a grain of truth.
Até certo ponto
builds onUp to a certain point.
Não é bem assim
contrastIt's not quite like that.
