Bedeutung
Emphasizes the absence of something, often indicating surprise or disappointment.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In Brazil, 'nem sequer' is often used in the context of 'descaso' (neglect). It's a key word when citizens talk about public services or when friends feel ignored. Portuguese speakers in Europe tend to use 'nem sequer' in formal debates and news reporting to highlight a total lack of evidence or action. In Angolan Portuguese, the phrase is used with similar emphasis, often appearing in music lyrics (Kizomba/Semba) to describe heartbreak. In a professional Lusophone environment, saying 'nem sequer' about a colleague's work is a very strong criticism, implying they didn't do the bare minimum.
The 'Double Negative' Power
Combine 'Não' + [Verb] + 'nem sequer' for maximum impact in writing. It sounds very sophisticated.
Avoid Overuse
If you use 'nem sequer' in every sentence, you will sound like a very grumpy person. Save it for real surprises.
Bedeutung
Emphasizes the absence of something, often indicating surprise or disappointment.
The 'Double Negative' Power
Combine 'Não' + [Verb] + 'nem sequer' for maximum impact in writing. It sounds very sophisticated.
Avoid Overuse
If you use 'nem sequer' in every sentence, you will sound like a very grumpy person. Save it for real surprises.
The Silent 'Nem'
In Brazil, you can often just say 'Nem!' as a reaction to something unbelievable, which is a shortened version of this emphatic spirit.
Teste dich selbst
Preencha a lacuna com 'nem sequer' para enfatizar a negação.
Eu estava com tanta pressa que _______ tomei café da manhã.
In this context of being in a hurry, 'nem sequer' emphasizes that even a basic meal was skipped.
Qual frase expressa maior indignação?
Sobre o atraso do funcionário:
'Nem sequer' adds the emotional weight of indignation regarding the lack of a simple phone call.
Complete o diálogo de forma natural.
A: Você gostou do filme? B: Para ser sincero, eu _______ entendi a história.
The speaker is admitting a total lack of understanding, making 'nem sequer' the perfect fit.
Combine a frase com a situação correta.
Frase: 'O governo nem sequer respondeu às nossas cartas.'
This is a formal/neutral complaint about a lack of institutional response.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenEu estava com tanta pressa que _______ tomei café da manhã.
In this context of being in a hurry, 'nem sequer' emphasizes that even a basic meal was skipped.
Sobre o atraso do funcionário:
'Nem sequer' adds the emotional weight of indignation regarding the lack of a simple phone call.
A: Você gostou do filme? B: Para ser sincero, eu _______ entendi a história.
The speaker is admitting a total lack of understanding, making 'nem sequer' the perfect fit.
Frase: 'O governo nem sequer respondeu às nossas cartas.'
This is a formal/neutral complaint about a lack of institutional response.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but usually only after a negative verb, like 'Não disse sequer uma palavra'. Using 'nem sequer' is more common and emphatic.
It is neutral. It works in a business email and in a chat with your mom. It's very versatile.
They are 99% the same. 'Nem sequer' feels a tiny bit more formal or dramatic.
No, 'nem sequer' must precede the word or action it is emphasizing.
No, it is an adverbial phrase and remains invariable.
Absolutely. It is standard across all Portuguese-speaking countries.
No, that's a triple negative and it's incorrect. Say 'Nem sequer vi' or 'Não vi nem sequer'.
You would say 'Nem perto' or 'Nem sequer chega perto'.
Yes, authors like José Saramago and Machado de Assis use it frequently for rhetorical effect.
Yes: 'Nem sequer ninguém apareceu', though 'Não apareceu nem sequer uma pessoa' is more common.
Verwandte Redewendungen
Nem mesmo
synonymNot even
Nem ao menos
similarNot even / At least not
Muito menos
builds onMuch less
Tampouco
similarNeither / Nor
Que dirá
contrastLet alone
