In 15 Seconds
- Expresses skepticism or lack of confidence in an idea.
- Commonly used in casual conversations and text messages.
- The opposite, 'botar fé', means to agree or support.
Meaning
It means you don't believe someone's story or you lack confidence that something will actually happen. It is like saying 'I'm not buying it' or 'I don't have high hopes for this.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing a friend's unlikely diet plan
Ele disse que vai parar de comer doce, mas eu não boto fé.
He said he'll stop eating sweets, but I don't buy it.
Talking about a soccer match
O time está mal, não boto fé na vitória hoje.
The team is doing poorly; I don't believe in a win today.
In a relaxed office meeting
Sinceramente, não boto fé que esse prazo seja realista.
Honestly, I don't believe this deadline is realistic.
Cultural Background
Skepticism is often seen as a sign of intelligence ('malandragem'). To 'botar fé' too easily is to be 'otário' (a sucker). Portuguese people are generally more formal. They might use 'não acreditar' or 'não levar fé'. 'Botar' can sometimes sound aggressive or overly rural to Portuguese ears. Due to the influence of Brazilian soap operas (novelas), 'não botar fé' is widely understood and used by younger generations in Luanda. In Maputo, the phrase is less common than in Brazil, with 'não confiar' being the preferred neutral term in social interactions.
The 'Nenhuma' Boost
Add 'nenhuma' at the end for extra emphasis: 'Não boto fé nenhuma!' (I don't believe it at all!)
Watch the 'R'
In casual speech, Brazilians almost never pronounce the 'r' in 'botar'. It sounds like 'botá'.
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses skepticism or lack of confidence in an idea.
- Commonly used in casual conversations and text messages.
- The opposite, 'botar fé', means to agree or support.
What It Means
Não botar fé is a classic Brazilian way to express doubt. It is not always about religious faith. It is about your gut feeling. You use it when you think a plan sounds sketchy. You use it when a friend makes a wild promise. It means you are skeptical. You are basically saying, "I'll believe it when I see it."
How To Use It
To use it, just conjugate the verb botar. For example, Eu não boto fé means "I don't believe it." You can also add muita to say Não boto muita fé. This means you are only slightly skeptical. It usually takes the preposition em or no/na. If your friend wants to buy a 1990 car, you say: Não boto fé nesse carro.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing sports results or weather forecasts. It is perfect for reacting to gossip. If a coworker says they will finish a huge project in one hour, use it. It is great for texting when someone sends a "too good to be true" link. Use it when you are being a bit of a realist.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this in a legal deposition or a very formal contract signing. It is too casual for a eulogy or a serious religious ceremony. Avoid it if someone is sharing a deep, personal trauma. In those cases, use não acreditar. Using não botar fé there might sound like you are mocking them. It is for opinions, not for denying someone's reality.
Cultural Background
Brazilians are generally very optimistic people. However, they are also very wary of "conversinha" (smooth talking). This phrase reflects that balance. The word botar is more common in Brazil than in Portugal. It feels grounded and earthy. It suggests that trust is something physical you "place" somewhere. If you don't place it, the thing won't stand up.
Common Variations
Botar fé: The positive version, meaning "I agree" or "I believe in you."Pode botar fé: A way to say "You can trust me on this."Não levei fé: The past tense version for when something already failed.Dar um voto de confiança: A more formal way to say you ARE trying to believe.
Usage Notes
This is a quintessential informal Brazilian expression. It sits between neutral and slang, making it safe for friends and casual colleagues but unsuitable for formal writing.
The 'Nenhuma' Boost
Add 'nenhuma' at the end for extra emphasis: 'Não boto fé nenhuma!' (I don't believe it at all!)
Watch the 'R'
In casual speech, Brazilians almost never pronounce the 'r' in 'botar'. It sounds like 'botá'.
Body Language
When saying this, slightly squint your eyes and tilt your head to one side to look truly skeptical.
Examples
6Ele disse que vai parar de comer doce, mas eu não boto fé.
He said he'll stop eating sweets, but I don't buy it.
Shows doubt about someone's willpower.
O time está mal, não boto fé na vitória hoje.
The team is doing poorly; I don't believe in a win today.
Expresses lack of confidence in a result.
Sinceramente, não boto fé que esse prazo seja realista.
Honestly, I don't believe this deadline is realistic.
A soft way to voice professional skepticism.
Amiga, não boto fé nesse cara que você conheceu no app.
Girl, I don't trust this guy you met on the app.
Common slangy use among friends.
Você pescou um peixe de 20 quilos? Não boto fé nem um pouco!
You caught a 20-kilo fish? I don't believe that for a second!
Playful disbelief.
Eu queria acreditar em você, mas não boto mais fé nas suas promessas.
I wanted to believe you, but I don't trust your promises anymore.
Used to show a loss of trust.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct preposition.
Eu não boto fé ___ promessas de políticos.
We use 'em' + 'as' (plural feminine) because 'promessas' is plural and feminine.
Which sentence is the most natural way for a Brazilian to say 'I don't think he will win'?
Seu amigo vai lutar boxe amanhã. Você acha que ele vai perder.
'Não boto fé que...' followed by the future/present is very natural in slang.
Complete the dialogue with the correct form of the phrase.
A: 'O chefe disse que vai dar bônus para todo mundo.' B: 'Sério? Eu ___.'
The context implies skepticism about a boss's promise.
Match the reaction to the situation.
Situation: Your friend says he will stop drinking coffee forever.
Giving up coffee 'forever' is a grand claim that usually invites skepticism.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu não boto fé ___ promessas de políticos.
We use 'em' + 'as' (plural feminine) because 'promessas' is plural and feminine.
Seu amigo vai lutar boxe amanhã. Você acha que ele vai perder.
'Não boto fé que...' followed by the future/present is very natural in slang.
A: 'O chefe disse que vai dar bônus para todo mundo.' B: 'Sério? Eu ___.'
The context implies skepticism about a boss's promise.
Situation: Your friend says he will stop drinking coffee forever.
Giving up coffee 'forever' is a grand claim that usually invites skepticism.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, but it is very informal. It's like saying 'I'm not buying it' in English. Use it with friends, not your boss.
Technically yes, but it sounds a bit too casual for a serious religious discussion. Use 'ter fé' for that.
'Acreditar' is neutral and general. 'Botar fé' is idiomatic, informal, and often implies a gut feeling or a 'bet' on an outcome.
They understand it because of Brazilian media, but they are more likely to say 'não levar fé' or 'não acreditar'.
Always 'em' (or its contractions like 'no', 'na'). 'Não boto fé de' is incorrect.
Yes! In Brazil, 'Boto fé' is a very common way to say 'I agree with you' or 'I support that'.
No, but in some contexts in Portugal it can be a bit crude (meaning to lay an egg). In Brazil, it's a perfectly normal, though informal, verb.
Use the past tense: 'Eu não botei fé' (specific event) or 'Eu não botava fé' (ongoing doubt).
Yes, for example: 'Não boto fé que ele venha'. Use the subjunctive 'venha' for better grammar.
Not really. You would just talk about 'falta de fé' or 'ceticismo'.
Related Phrases
botar uma fé
builds onTo give someone a chance or have a little faith.
não levar fé
synonymTo not believe/trust.
estar com o pé atrás
similarTo be suspicious.
dar um voto de confiança
contrastTo give a vote of confidence.
pode crer
similarYou can believe it / I agree.
