Nem pensar

Use nem pensar when someone proposes something you find ridiculous or impossible. It works great in casual chats with friends, family, or colleagues you know well. You can use it alone or as part of a longer sentence. For instance, if a friend asks if you'd lend your new car to someone who just got their license, you'd probably say, "Nem pensar!" It’s a very direct and common expression.

This phrase is decidedly informal. You'll hear it constantly in everyday conversations, on WhatsApp, and in casual settings. While you *could* technically use it in a semi-formal situation if you know the person well and want to inject a bit of personality, it’s generally best reserved for friends and familiar company. In a super formal business meeting, you’d probably opt for something more polite like Não é possível (It's not possible) or Não creio que seja viável (I don't believe it's feasible).

• Your friend suggests going bungee jumping, but you're terrified of heights. "Nem pensar! Eu prefiro ficar no chão, obrigada." (No way! I prefer to stay on the ground, thanks.)
• Your sibling asks to borrow your favorite sweater. "Nem pensar! Ele é novo e você sempre o estraga." (No way! It's new and you always ruin it.)
• A colleague jokingly suggests working through the weekend for a minor project. "Nem pensar! Precisamos de descanso."

• When someone suggests something physically impossible: "Nem pensar em escalar essa montanha sem equipamento!"
• When someone proposes something you find morally wrong: "Nem pensar em mentir para o chefe sobre isso."
• When someone makes an outrageous request: "Nem pensar em te dar o meu último pedaço de bolo!"
• When dismissing a ridiculous idea: "Nem pensar em investir todo o meu dinheiro em criptomoedas agora."
• It's perfect for those moments when you need to shut down a bad idea quickly and decisively.

• Avoid using nem pensar in very formal settings like a job interview, a presentation to important clients, or when speaking to someone you greatly respect and don't know well. It can sound abrupt or even rude. For example, if your boss asks if you can take on an impossible deadline, saying "Nem pensar!" might get you into trouble. Stick to more diplomatic language in these cases. It's also not ideal if you want to gently decline something; it's quite strong!

Learners sometimes try to translate it too literally or use it in situations where a softer refusal is needed. Another mistake is using it in formal contexts where it sounds out of place. It’s also sometimes confused with just a simple "no."

• ✗ Eu acho que nem pensar. → ✓ Eu acho que não. (Or: Isso não vai rolar.) - Nem pensar is usually a standalone exclamation, not something you preface with "I think."
• ✗ Ele disse nem pensar para o convite. → ✓ Ele disse que não / recusou o convite. - While understandable, it's more natural to use it as a direct response, not reported speech like this unless quoting directly.

In Portugal, the phrase is used exactly as described. In Brazil, while Nem pensar is common, you might also hear variations like: Nem a pau! (Literally: Not even by stick!), which is even more informal and emphatic. Nem morto! (Not even dead!) is another strong alternative. Sometimes, people might add emphasis like Nem pensar, viu? (No way, you hear?). These variations add extra flavor and regional flair.

• Is nem pensar always negative?

Yes, it's always a strong rejection or refusal.

• Can I use it in a professional email?

Generally, no. It’s too informal and abrupt for most professional emails.

• What's a good alternative if I want to be polite?

Try Não acho que seja possível (I don't think it's possible) or Vou ter que recusar (I'll have to decline).