Signification
To express uncertainty about a course of action.
Contexte culturel
In Brazil, this phrase is often accompanied by a shrug or a sigh, emphasizing the emotional weight of the situation. In Portugal, people might be slightly more reserved, but the phrase remains the standard way to express this sentiment. In Angola, this phrase is used in both formal and informal settings, often to seek community advice. In Mozambique, the phrase is used to express both personal and community-level uncertainty.
Focus on the 'o que'
Don't forget the 'o que'. It is essential for the meaning.
Don't confuse with 'como'
Using 'como' changes the meaning to 'how to do it'.
Signification
To express uncertainty about a course of action.
Focus on the 'o que'
Don't forget the 'o que'. It is essential for the meaning.
Don't confuse with 'como'
Using 'como' changes the meaning to 'how to do it'.
Use it to build rapport
Admitting you don't know what to do is a great way to start a conversation.
It's okay to be vulnerable
In Portuguese culture, this phrase is a sign of honesty.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence.
Eu não sei ____ fazer.
The phrase is 'o que fazer'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best option.
Option A is the standard word order.
Complete the dialogue.
A: O carro quebrou. B: ____.
The context implies a problem, so the speaker needs help.
Match the situation to the phrase.
You are lost in the city.
Being lost requires a phrase about uncertainty.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesEu não sei ____ fazer.
The phrase is 'o que fazer'.
Choose the best option.
Option A is the standard word order.
A: O carro quebrou. B: ____.
The context implies a problem, so the speaker needs help.
You are lost in the city.
Being lost requires a phrase about uncertainty.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, but be careful. Follow it with a plan: 'Eu não sei o que fazer, mas vou pesquisar.'
It is neutral. It works everywhere.
Use 'Eu não sei fazer isso'.
Yes, use 'Nós não sabemos o que fazer'.
Yes, 'Tô sem saber o que fazer'.
In Portuguese, 'o que' is the standard interrogative pronoun for 'what'.
The phrase is the same, just the accent changes.
Yes, 'Não saberei o que fazer'.
Extremely common.
The word order for learners.
Yes, 'Eu não sabia o que fazer'.
No, it is honest.
Expressions liées
Não sei por onde começar
similarI don't know where to start
Estou sem saber o que fazer
synonymI am without knowing what to do
Não sei como agir
similarI don't know how to act
Não sei o que dizer
similarI don't know what to say
