não difícil decisão
difficult decision
Littéralement: {"n\u00e3o":"not","dif\u00edcil":"difficult","decis\u00e3o":"decision"}
En 15 secondes
- Ironic phrase meaning 'very difficult decision'.
- Uses 'not difficult' to mean the opposite.
- Common in casual chats, adds humor.
- Avoid in formal settings; use 'decisão difícil' instead.
Signification
Cette expression est une litote ironique. Littéralement, elle signifie 'pas une décision difficile', mais elle est utilisée pour signifier le contraire : une décision très difficile qui demande une réflexion considérable ou cause une détresse émotionnelle.
Exemples clés
3 sur 10Texting a friend about a job offer
Recebi duas propostas de emprego, uma em Lisboa e outra no Porto. É uma `não difícil decisão`...
I received two job offers, one in Lisbon and another in Porto. It's a `not difficult decision`...
Instagram caption about choosing a travel destination
Paris ou Roma para as férias? ✈️🌍 Ai, que `não difícil decisão`! #travelgoals #wanderlust
Paris or Rome for vacation? ✈️🌍 Oh, what a `not difficult decision`! #travelgoals #wanderlust
Talking to a colleague about a project deadline
Temos que entregar o relatório até sexta ou adiar para segunda? Bem, é uma `não difícil decisão` para mim.
We have to deliver the report by Friday or postpone it to Monday? Well, it's a `not difficult decision` for me.
Contexte culturel
In Brazil, 'uma decisão difícil' is often discussed over coffee (um cafezinho). Decisions are rarely made in isolation; people tend to consult friends and family extensively. In Portugal, there is a certain respect for the 'weight' of a decision. Using this phrase shows that you are a serious and thoughtful person (uma pessoa ponderada). In Angolan business culture, 'decisões difíceis' are often navigated through hierarchical respect. The phrase might be used by a subordinate to signal that they are waiting for a superior's input. In Mozambique, community consensus is vital. A 'decisão difícil' is often one that affects the 'bairro' or the extended family, not just the individual.
Use 'Tomar'
Always pair 'decisão' with the verb 'tomar' to sound like a native speaker.
Gender Alert
Don't say 'um decisão'. It's always 'uma'.
En 15 secondes
- Ironic phrase meaning 'very difficult decision'.
- Uses 'not difficult' to mean the opposite.
- Common in casual chats, adds humor.
- Avoid in formal settings; use 'decisão difícil' instead.
What It Means
This phrase literally translates to 'not difficult decision'. But wait, don't let the 'not' fool you! It's a classic case of Portuguese understatement, often used sarcastically or ironically. It means the *opposite* of what it literally says. So, when someone says não difícil decisão, they actually mean it's a very difficult decision.
How To Use It
Think of it as a playful way to acknowledge a tough choice. You use it when you're facing a dilemma that requires serious thought. It’s often delivered with a sigh, a shrug, or a wry smile. It's like saying, 'Oh yeah, this is *so* easy...' when it's anything but. You might use it when deciding between two job offers, or whether to move to a new city.
Real-Life Examples
- Deciding whether to buy the expensive shoes you love or save the money is a
não difícil decisãofor many. - Choosing between binge-watching a new series or studying for an exam? Definitely a
não difícil decisão. - When your favorite cafe has two amazing-looking pastries, picking just one can feel like a
não difícil decisão.
When To Use It
Use não difícil decisão when you want to emphasize how hard a choice is, but in a slightly indirect or humorous way. It's perfect for situations where the stakes are high, or the options are equally tempting (or daunting!). It adds a touch of personality to your expression. Imagine telling your friend about your career change options – this phrase fits perfectly.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid não difícil decisão if you genuinely mean a decision is easy. Using it for a simple choice, like picking a flavor of ice cream (unless you *really* hate making choices!), would be confusing. It’s also not for situations where you need to be strictly formal and literal. Your boss might not appreciate the irony in a critical business meeting. Don't use it if you want to be crystal clear without any hint of sarcasm.
Common Mistakes
Using não difícil decisão when you *actually* mean it's easy. This is the biggest pitfall! It’s like telling someone 'Break a leg!' before they go on stage – the intention is good, but the literal meaning is alarming. Another mistake is using it in very formal writing, where clarity is paramount. Stick to 'difícil decisão' if you need to be direct.
não fácil decisão
✓não difícil decisão (This is the most common mix-up! People sometimes try to negate 'easy' instead of 'difficult', which doesn't carry the same ironic weight.)
muito difícil decisão
✓não difícil decisão (While 'muito difícil decisão' is correct and direct, não difícil decisão adds that layer of playful irony.)
Similar Expressions
Decisão complicada: This is a more straightforward way to say 'complicated decision'. It lacks the ironic twist.Dilema: This means 'dilemma' and is also a direct term for a tough choice.Escolha difícil: This directly translates to 'difficult choice' and is very common.
Common Variations
Sometimes, you might hear slight variations like uma decisão nada fácil ('a decision that is not easy at all'), which is more direct but still carries a similar sentiment. You could also hear não foi fácil decidir ('it wasn't easy to decide'), referring to a past choice. The core idea of ironically downplaying difficulty remains.
Memory Trick
Picture yourself staring at two identical, delicious cakes. You sigh dramatically and say, 'Ah, a não difícil decisão...' (wink wink). The 'não' is like a secret handshake among Portuguese speakers, signaling 'This is actually super hard!'. Remember: 'Not difficult' = 'Really, really difficult!' Just like your friend who says 'I'm *not* mad' when they clearly are.
Quick FAQ
- Is
não difícil decisãoalways sarcastic? Mostly, yes! It's a form of understatement. - Can I use it in writing? Yes, in informal contexts like blogs or personal messages. Avoid formal reports.
- What if I'm unsure? When in doubt, use
decisão difícilfor clarity. It's always safe!
Notes d'usage
This phrase is firmly in the informal register, often used with a humorous or sarcastic tone. Its literal meaning ('not difficult decision') is misleading; it implies the opposite. Avoid in formal writing or when absolute clarity is required, as the irony might be lost on the listener.
Use 'Tomar'
Always pair 'decisão' with the verb 'tomar' to sound like a native speaker.
Gender Alert
Don't say 'um decisão'. It's always 'uma'.
Empathy Tool
If someone tells you their problems, saying 'Nossa, é uma decisão difícil' is a great way to show you care.
Exemples
10Recebi duas propostas de emprego, uma em Lisboa e outra no Porto. É uma `não difícil decisão`...
I received two job offers, one in Lisbon and another in Porto. It's a `not difficult decision`...
The ellipsis and the phrase itself signal irony. The friend understands the speaker is actually struggling.
Paris ou Roma para as férias? ✈️🌍 Ai, que `não difícil decisão`! #travelgoals #wanderlust
Paris or Rome for vacation? ✈️🌍 Oh, what a `not difficult decision`! #travelgoals #wanderlust
Using emojis and hashtags makes the ironic tone clear and relatable for social media.
Temos que entregar o relatório até sexta ou adiar para segunda? Bem, é uma `não difícil decisão` para mim.
We have to deliver the report by Friday or postpone it to Monday? Well, it's a `not difficult decision` for me.
The speaker is likely implying they have a preferred option but are feigning indifference to the difficulty.
Pizza ou hambúrguer hoje à noite? Que `não difícil decisão`!
Pizza or burger tonight? What a `not difficult decision`!
A lighthearted, everyday use to describe a common, low-stakes dilemma.
O final do filme foi surpreendente. Achar que o mordomo era o culpado? Essa foi uma `não difícil decisão` para mim.
The movie ending was surprising. Thinking the butler did it? That was a `not difficult decision` for me.
Here, it implies the speaker guessed correctly easily, using the ironic phrase to highlight how obvious it was *to them*.
Entrevistador: Como lida com decisões difíceis sob pressão? Candidato: Bem, eu tento analisar todos os ângulos. Às vezes, uma decisão que parece complexa, como escolher entre duas estratégias de marketing igualmente válidas, acaba por ser uma `não difícil decisão` quando se considera o objetivo final.
Interviewer: How do you handle difficult decisions under pressure? Candidate: Well, I try to analyze all angles. Sometimes, a decision that seems complex, like choosing between two equally valid marketing strategies, ends up being a `not difficult decision` when you consider the final goal.
The candidate uses it to show they can simplify complexity, framing a potentially tough choice as manageable.
Adotar o cachorrinho mais velho ou o filhote? Meu coração está partido. Que `não difícil decisão`...
Adopt the older puppy or the little one? My heart is broken. What a `not difficult decision`...
The contrast between the emotional turmoil ('coração partido') and the phrase highlights the deep difficulty.
✗ A decisão de tomar água foi uma `não difícil decisão` para mim. → ✓ A decisão de tomar água foi uma `fácil decisão` para mim.
✗ The decision to drink water was a `not difficult decision` for me. → ✓ The decision to drink water was an `easy decision` for me.
Using 'não difícil' for something genuinely simple sounds nonsensical or sarcastic in the wrong context.
✗ Queria uma `não fácil decisão` sobre o que vestir. → ✓ Queria uma `difícil decisão` sobre o que vestir.
✗ I wanted a `not easy decision` about what to wear. → ✓ I wanted a `difficult decision` about what to wear.
The phrase is specifically ironic about *difficulty*, not ease. 'Não fácil' doesn't work the same way.
Amigo: Devo aceitar o novo emprego ou ficar onde estou? Você: Hummm, essa é uma `não difícil decisão`... mas vamos pensar juntos.
Friend: Should I accept the new job or stay where I am? You: Hmmm, that's a `not difficult decision`... but let's think about it together.
The speaker acknowledges the friend's dilemma playfully before offering serious help.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct article and adjective placement.
Mudar para outro país foi _______ _______ _______.
'Decisão' is feminine, so it needs 'uma'. In standard Portuguese, the adjective follows the noun.
Which verb is most commonly used with 'decisão'?
Eu preciso _______ uma decisão hoje.
In Portuguese, we 'take' (tomar) a decision, we don't 'make' (fazer) it.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: Você vai vender o seu carro? B: Não sei, _______.
This is the most natural, neutral way to express a dilemma in conversation.
🎉 Score : /3
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
3 exercicesMudar para outro país foi _______ _______ _______.
'Decisão' is feminine, so it needs 'uma'. In standard Portuguese, the adjective follows the noun.
Eu preciso _______ uma decisão hoje.
In Portuguese, we 'take' (tomar) a decision, we don't 'make' (fazer) it.
A: Você vai vender o seu carro? B: Não sei, _______.
This is the most natural, neutral way to express a dilemma in conversation.
🎉 Score : /3
Tutoriels video
Trouve des tutoriels vidéo sur YouTube pour cette expression.
Questions fréquentes
3 questionsYes! It's a very common alternative that implies the decision has many moving parts.
No, but it's very formal. Use it in speeches or books, not at the supermarket.
You can say 'é uma bucha' (it's a scrub/problem) or 'é um pepino' (it's a cucumber/problem) in Brazil.
Expressions liées
escolha difícil
synonymA tough choice
tomar uma decisão
builds onTo make a decision
decisão fácil
contrastAn easy decision
decisão de última hora
specialized formA last-minute decision
