In 15 Seconds
- A direct way to say 'Don't give up' in Portuguese.
- Used for motivation, support, and cheering people on.
- Works in both professional and casual settings effortlessly.
Meaning
This is a powerful way to tell someone 'Don't give up' or 'Keep going' when things get tough. It is the ultimate phrase for encouragement, used to push friends or colleagues to stay the course.
Key Examples
3 of 6Encouraging a friend studying for finals
A prova é difícil, mas não desista agora!
The exam is hard, but don't give up now!
A boss motivating a team during a long project
Estamos quase lá, por favor, não desista.
We are almost there, please, don't give up.
Texting a friend who is frustrated with a diet
Não desista! Você consegue!
Don't give up! You can do it!
Cultural Background
The phrase 'O brasileiro não desiste nunca' is a national mantra. It reflects the 'vontade de vencer' (will to win) despite systemic obstacles. In Portugal, 'não desistir' is often linked to the concept of 'Resistência', especially historical resistance against political oppression. In Angolan Portuguese, the phrase is often used with high energy in music and dance contexts, encouraging youth to keep creating. Mozambican writers often use 'não desistir' in poetry to symbolize the rebuilding of the nation and the strength of the people.
Use with 'de'
Always remember that if you mention the thing you aren't giving up on, use 'de'. 'Não desista DE mim'.
Watch the 's'
In Portugal, remember to add the 's' for friends: 'Não desistas'. Without it, you sound like a stranger.
In 15 Seconds
- A direct way to say 'Don't give up' in Portuguese.
- Used for motivation, support, and cheering people on.
- Works in both professional and casual settings effortlessly.
What It Means
Não desista is your go-to phrase for motivation. It comes from the verb desistir (to quit). When you say this, you are telling someone to keep their chin up. It is simple, direct, and carries a lot of heart. It is the verbal equivalent of a supportive pat on the back.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone sentence. It works perfectly when someone expresses doubt. You can also add a person's name for a personal touch. For example, Não desista, Maria! feels very warm. It is flexible enough for both spoken and written Portuguese.
When To Use It
Use it when a friend is studying for a hard exam. Use it at the gym when someone looks tired. It is great for cheering on your favorite sports team. If a colleague is struggling with a project, this phrase helps. It is also common in social media captions for fitness or business.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it if someone is making a healthy choice to stop. For example, if a friend is quitting smoking, don't say this! Also, if someone is in a dangerous situation, 'don't give up' might be bad advice. Read the room before being a cheerleader. Sometimes people just need a break, not a push.
Cultural Background
Brazilians and Portuguese people are known for being resilient and optimistic. There is a famous saying: 'O brasileiro não desiste nunca' (The Brazilian never gives up). This phrase is part of the national identity. It reflects a culture that values 'jeitinho'—finding a way through obstacles. It is more than words; it is a lifestyle of persistence.
Common Variations
You might hear Não desiste in casual conversation. This uses the tu or você form slightly differently depending on the region. In Portugal, Não desistas is the standard informal way. You can also say Força! which means 'Strength!' or 'Keep going!' Both are very common in daily life.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any context. In Brazil, the 'a' ending is standard for 'você', while in Portugal, the 'as' ending is preferred for 'tu'.
Use with 'de'
Always remember that if you mention the thing you aren't giving up on, use 'de'. 'Não desista DE mim'.
Watch the 's'
In Portugal, remember to add the 's' for friends: 'Não desistas'. Without it, you sound like a stranger.
The Muscle Emoji
In Brazil, 'Não desista' is almost always paired with the 💪 emoji in texts.
Intonation matters
Say it with a rising, energetic tone to sound encouraging. A flat tone can sound bored.
Examples
6A prova é difícil, mas não desista agora!
The exam is hard, but don't give up now!
Adds urgency and support during a stressful time.
Estamos quase lá, por favor, não desista.
We are almost there, please, don't give up.
Uses 'por favor' to keep it professional yet encouraging.
Não desista! Você consegue!
Don't give up! You can do it!
Short, punchy, and perfect for a quick WhatsApp message.
Só mais um pouco! Não desista!
Just a little more! Don't give up!
Used as a shout of encouragement from the sidelines.
Não desista dessa tampa, você é mais forte!
Don't give up on this lid, you are stronger!
Applying a serious motivational phrase to a silly task.
Não desista do amor, a pessoa certa vai chegar.
Don't give up on love, the right person will arrive.
Deeply emotional and supportive context.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.
Eu sei que a maratona é longa, mas por favor, ______! (Don't give up!)
The negative imperative for 'você' is 'não desista'.
Which sentence is grammatically correct and natural?
Encouraging a friend to keep studying:
The verb 'desistir' always takes the preposition 'de'.
Choose the best response for the dialogue.
A: 'Este projeto é muito difícil, quero parar.' B: '_______'
The first option provides the most logical encouragement.
Match the phrase variation to the situation.
Situation: A friend is going through a very tough emotional time.
'Aguenta firme' is specifically used for 'hanging in there' during emotional or physical pain.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu sei que a maratona é longa, mas por favor, ______! (Don't give up!)
The negative imperative for 'você' is 'não desista'.
Encouraging a friend to keep studying:
The verb 'desistir' always takes the preposition 'de'.
A: 'Este projeto é muito difícil, quero parar.' B: '_______'
The first option provides the most logical encouragement.
Situation: A friend is going through a very tough emotional time.
'Aguenta firme' is specifically used for 'hanging in there' during emotional or physical pain.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend. The 'você' form makes it universally acceptable in Brazil.
'Não desista' is about the spirit and long-term goals. 'Não pare' is about immediate physical action.
In casual Brazilian Portuguese, yes. In a test or formal writing, no. Use 'Não desista' to be safe.
You say 'Não desista de nós'.
Yes, but they prefer 'Não desistas' for informal situations.
The opposite would be 'Pode desistir' (You can give up) or 'Abandone' (Abandon it), though these are rarely used as encouragement!
Yes! 'Não desista da dieta!' is very common.
Yes, they share the same root, but 'Não desista' is much more common in daily speech than 'Don't desist' is in English.
Yes, 'Arregaça' or 'Vai com tudo' are high-energy slang alternatives.
In Portuguese, a single 's' between two vowels always takes the /z/ sound.
Yes, if you are encouraging a colleague. 'Não desista deste projeto, seu trabalho é vital.'
It means 'Never give up'. The 'nunca' adds strong emphasis.
Related Phrases
Aguenta firme
similarHang in there
Siga em frente
similarKeep going forward
Não jogue a toalha
idiomDon't throw in the towel
Persista
synonymPersist
Arrebenta
slangGo for it / Smash it
Não pare
similarDon't stop
