Meaning
Indicates that an event or situation is expected or logical.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, 'Não admira' is often preferred in speech. It carries a sense of 'I told you so' or a resigned acceptance of fate. Brazilians often add the reflexive 'se' (Não é de se estranhar). It sounds slightly more rhythmic and is ubiquitous in Brazilian journalism. In Luanda, the phrase is used in formal administrative contexts to justify logical steps in bureaucracy. Literary figures like Mia Couto use 'estranhar' to play with the boundaries of what is normal and what is magical.
Subjunctive Alert
Always use the subjunctive after 'que'. It's the hallmark of a C1 speaker.
The Brazilian 'Se'
Add 'se' (Não é de se estranhar) to sound more like a local in São Paulo or Rio.
Meaning
Indicates that an event or situation is expected or logical.
Subjunctive Alert
Always use the subjunctive after 'que'. It's the hallmark of a C1 speaker.
The Brazilian 'Se'
Add 'se' (Não é de se estranhar) to sound more like a local in São Paulo or Rio.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb in the subjunctive.
Não é de estranhar que eles ______ (querer) sair cedo.
The phrase 'Não é de estranhar que' triggers the present subjunctive.
Which sentence is the most natural for a formal report?
Analyzing the data...
This version uses the correct preposition and a formal noun-phrase structure.
Match the cause to the 'Não é de estranhar' effect.
Cause: O restaurante é o melhor da cidade.
A good restaurant being full is the logical consequence.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesNão é de estranhar que eles ______ (querer) sair cedo.
The phrase 'Não é de estranhar que' triggers the present subjunctive.
Analyzing the data...
This version uses the correct preposition and a formal noun-phrase structure.
Cause: O restaurante é o melhor da cidade.
A good restaurant being full is the logical consequence.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it is very appropriate for professional analysis.
The standard form uses 'de'. 'Para' is rarely used in this specific idiom.
No, you can follow it with a noun: 'Não é de estranhar o resultado.'
Yes, but 'Não admira' is slightly more informal.
Related Phrases
Não admira
synonymNo wonder
Era de esperar
similarIt was to be expected
Por sinal
builds onBy the way / As a sign
Não é por acaso
similarIt's not by chance
