Meaning
To express an opinion of disagreement or doubt.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'Acho que não' followed by a small excuse to avoid sounding confrontational. It's part of the 'Cordial Man' theory in Brazilian sociology. In Portugal, people can be slightly more direct than in Brazil, but 'Acho que não' remains a staple of polite conversation. Similar to other Lusophone countries, it is used to maintain social harmony during disagreements.
Drop the 'Eu'
Native speakers almost always say 'Acho que não' instead of the full 'Eu acho que não.'
The Brazilian 'No'
If a Brazilian says 'Eu acho que não' to an invitation, it's often a polite 'No.' Don't push too hard!
Meaning
To express an opinion of disagreement or doubt.
Drop the 'Eu'
Native speakers almost always say 'Acho que não' instead of the full 'Eu acho que não.'
The Brazilian 'No'
If a Brazilian says 'Eu acho que não' to an invitation, it's often a polite 'No.' Don't push too hard!
Nasal 'Não'
Make sure to get the nasal sound on 'não' right, or it might sound like 'nau' (ship).
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say 'I don't think so.'
Você vai sair na chuva? Eu ____ que não.
The verb 'achar' is used to express opinions and doubt.
Which is the most natural way to disagree politely?
— O Brasil é na Europa?
While 'Não é não' is correct, 'Eu acho que não' is the most polite and common way to express doubt.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Você viu meu celular? B: ____.
'Acho que não' is the standard response for 'I don't think so.'
Match the phrase to the context.
When would you say 'Eu acho que não'?
This phrase is a social tool for politeness.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesVocê vai sair na chuva? Eu ____ que não.
The verb 'achar' is used to express opinions and doubt.
— O Brasil é na Europa?
While 'Não é não' is correct, 'Eu acho que não' is the most polite and common way to express doubt.
A: Você viu meu celular? B: ____.
'Acho que não' is the standard response for 'I don't think so.'
When would you say 'Eu acho que não'?
This phrase is a social tool for politeness.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, but it can sound blunt or rude depending on the context. 'Acho que não' is safer.
Yes, but it is more formal and used more in Portugal or in religious/serious contexts.
It's a conjunction that connects your 'finding' (achar) to the result (não).
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in neutral or informal emails.
No, it also means 'to find' (e.g., 'Eu achei minha chave').
It is a full sentence on its own.
Related Phrases
Eu acho que sim
contrastI think so
Talvez não
similarMaybe not
De jeito nenhum
contrastNo way
Pode ser que não
similarIt might not be
