In 15 Seconds
- Directly states something is untrue.
- Use for factual disagreements.
- Can be casual or professional.
- Tone is key to politeness.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to for directly challenging something someone said or implied. It's more than just saying 'no'; it carries a bit of disbelief or even indignation, like you're calling out a fib or a misunderstanding. Think of it as a verbal eyebrow-raise, signaling that the statement just isn't accurate.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a movie rumor
Vi um post dizendo que o ator principal foi demitido, mas `não é verdade`.
I saw a post saying the main actor was fired, but that's not true.
At a family gathering, correcting a relative
Vovô, você disse que eu nunca visito, mas `não é verdade`! Estive aqui semana passada.
Grandpa, you said I never visit, but that's not true! I was here last week.
Responding to a misleading advertisement
O anúncio promete resultados milagrosos, porém `não é verdade`.
The ad promises miraculous results, however, that's not true.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'Não é verdade' followed by 'pois...' to explain why they are disagreeing, as a way to maintain social harmony and not seem confrontational. In Portugal, the phrase can be very direct. It's common to hear it in news debates where speakers value factual accuracy over 'saving face'. In Luanda, you might hear 'É mentira' used more playfully among friends to mean 'You're joking!', often more frequently than 'Não é verdade'. Formal Portuguese is highly respected in Mozambique, so 'Não é verdade' is the preferred form in schools and official business.
The Eyebrow Raise
In Brazil, 'Não é verdade' is almost always accompanied by a slight raise of the eyebrows to signal disbelief without being rude.
Avoid 'Mentira' with Strangers
Calling a stranger's statement 'Mentira' is very offensive. Stick to 'Não é verdade' or 'Não é bem assim'.
In 15 Seconds
- Directly states something is untrue.
- Use for factual disagreements.
- Can be casual or professional.
- Tone is key to politeness.
What It Means
This phrase, Não é verdade, is your direct ticket to saying "That's not true!" in Portuguese. It's a common way to express disagreement or to question the validity of a statement. It carries a bit of punch, letting the other person know you don't buy what they're selling. It’s like putting on your detective hat to question a suspect, but, you know, for everyday stuff. It’s not just a polite "I disagree"; it often implies a stronger sense of "You're mistaken" or even "That's a lie!" depending on the tone.
How To Use It
You can use Não é verdade in tons of situations! Got a friend telling a wild story? "Não é verdade!" Your boss makes a claim you know is wrong? "Não é verdade." It's super versatile. Use it when you need to firmly state that something isn't factual. It's your shield against misinformation, or just plain silly exaggerations. Think of it as the verbal equivalent of a mic drop when someone states something incorrect.
Formality & Register
This phrase can swing from casual chats to more serious discussions. With friends, it's a quick, maybe even playful, "Nah, you're wrong!" In a professional setting, it needs a gentler approach – maybe paired with an explanation. You wouldn't usually yell Não é verdade! in a formal meeting unless you're *really* sure and have backup. It's like wearing jeans: fine for a BBQ, maybe not for a royal wedding without a blazer. It's adaptable, but context is king!
Real-Life Examples
Imagine scrolling through social media. Someone posts, "Coffee cures all diseases!" You might comment, "Não é verdade." Or maybe your sibling claims they cleaned their room. You walk in and see the mess. "Não é verdade!" Your colleague insists the deadline is Friday. You check the calendar: "Não é verdade, the deadline is next Monday." It pops up everywhere, from texts to debates.
When To Use It
Use Não é verdade when you need to debunk a factual claim. Someone says, "It never rains in July here." You know it does. Boom: Não é verdade. Use it when you want to express disbelief. Your friend says, "I finished the entire season in one night!" You might say, "Não é verdade!" It's for when you are confident the statement is false. It's your go-to for truth-checking.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using Não é verdade for opinions or preferences. If someone says, "Pineapple belongs on pizza," and you disagree, saying Não é verdade might sound a bit aggressive. It's better to say "Eu não acho" (I don't think so) or "Para mim, não" (For me, no). Also, don't use it if you're not sure. If you're guessing, it's safer to ask questions. Don't use it to shut down a conversation; use it to clarify facts.
Common Mistakes
One big mistake is using it too harshly in polite company. It can sound blunt. Another is using it for subjective things. Also, sometimes people forget the é and just say Não verdade, which sounds weird. Or they might use it when a simpler Não (No) would suffice. It's like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut – sometimes you just need a gentle tap.
Common Variations
In Brazil, you might hear Não é mesmo? (Isn't it really?) used sarcastically to mean "That's totally untrue." Or Mentira! (Lie!) for a more direct accusation. In Portugal, Não é assim (It's not like that) can convey a similar idea. Isso não é verdade (This is not true) is a slightly more formal variant. Que nada! (No way!) is a very informal way to dismiss something.
Real Conversations
Friend 1: "I heard they’re making a sequel to that old movie!"
Friend 2: "Não é verdade! I saw an article saying it was canceled."
Colleague 1: "The report is due by 5 PM today."
Colleague 2: "Não é verdade. The email said it’s due tomorrow morning."
Mom
Child
Não é verdade! I took out the trash yesterday!"Quick FAQ
- What's the vibe? It's direct, often with a hint of disbelief or challenge. It's not usually angry, but it's firm.
- Can it be polite? Yes, with a soft tone and a smile. It depends heavily on your delivery.
- Is it always confrontational? Not necessarily. Sometimes it's just a factual correction among friends.
- When is it too strong? For opinions, or when you're unsure of the facts. Also, in very formal settings without justification.
- What if I'm wrong? You might have to backtrack! Saying "Ops, acho que me enganei" (Oops, I think I was mistaken) helps.
- How to soften it? Add
Eu acho que(I think that) before it, likeEu acho que não é verdade.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits at a neutral formality level but leans informal in its most common usage. While perfectly acceptable in professional settings for factual corrections, always consider adding softening phrases or explanations to avoid sounding overly blunt. Using it for opinions or subjective matters is a common pitfall and should be avoided.
The Eyebrow Raise
In Brazil, 'Não é verdade' is almost always accompanied by a slight raise of the eyebrows to signal disbelief without being rude.
Avoid 'Mentira' with Strangers
Calling a stranger's statement 'Mentira' is very offensive. Stick to 'Não é verdade' or 'Não é bem assim'.
The 'Né' shortcut
While 'Não é verdade' is for correcting, the tiny 'Né' is the most common word in Brazilian Portuguese for 'Right?'. Don't mix them up!
Examples
12Vi um post dizendo que o ator principal foi demitido, mas `não é verdade`.
I saw a post saying the main actor was fired, but that's not true.
Used casually to debunk gossip.
Vovô, você disse que eu nunca visito, mas `não é verdade`! Estive aqui semana passada.
Grandpa, you said I never visit, but that's not true! I was here last week.
Expresses mild emotional disagreement with a factual inaccuracy.
O anúncio promete resultados milagrosos, porém `não é verdade`.
The ad promises miraculous results, however, that's not true.
Skeptical tone towards a commercial claim.
Recebi sua mensagem sobre o prazo. `Não é verdade` que o projeto foi adiado; a data original se mantém.
I received your message about the deadline. It is not true that the project was postponed; the original date remains.
Formal and direct correction of misinformation in a work context.
Essa dica de beber água com limão para emagrecer rápido `não é verdade`, gente! Cuidado com fake news.
This tip about drinking lemon water to lose weight fast isn't true, folks! Beware of fake news.
Informative and cautionary, debunking a trendy health claim.
Você disse que o show foi cancelado? `Não é verdade`, acabei de comprar meu ingresso!
You said the show was canceled? That's not true, I just bought my ticket!
Surprised and slightly amused disbelief.
Entendo sua preocupação sobre a minha experiência anterior. `Não é verdade` que falhei no projeto X; houve apenas um ajuste de escopo.
I understand your concern about my previous experience. It is not true that I failed on project X; there was only a scope adjustment.
Professional correction of a potentially damaging misconception.
Ele disse que correu uma maratona ontem? `Não é verdade`, ele mal consegue subir escadas!
He said he ran a marathon yesterday? That's not true, he can barely climb stairs!
Used humorously to point out an absurd exaggeration.
✗ Ele disse que vai chover amanhã. Não verdade. → ✓ Ele disse que vai chover amanhã. Não é verdade.
✗ He said it's going to rain tomorrow. Not true. → ✓ He said it's going to rain tomorrow. That's not true.
Forgetting 'é' makes the phrase grammatically incorrect and unnatural.
✗ Eu acho que futebol é chato. Não é verdade. → ✓ Eu acho que futebol é chato. Para mim, não é.
✗ I think football is boring. That's not true. → ✓ I think football is boring. For me, it's not.
`Não é verdade` is for facts, not personal opinions. Use softer phrasing for subjective statements.
Você afirma que a Terra é plana, mas `não é verdade` e a ciência comprova isso.
You claim the Earth is flat, but that is not true and science proves it.
Directly refuting a widely known falsehood.
Confirmei os dados da pesquisa. O que você disse sobre a taxa de crescimento `não é verdade`.
I confirmed the research data. What you said about the growth rate is not true.
Formal correction based on verified information.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence to say 'That is not true.'
Isso ___ ___ verdade.
In Portuguese, the negation 'não' comes before the verb 'é'.
Which phrase is the most polite way to correct someone?
Someone says something slightly wrong. You say:
'Não é bem assim' is a softer, more diplomatic way to disagree.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Eu ouvi dizer que você vai vender seu carro.' B: '____! Eu amo meu carro.'
'Não é verdade' is the standard way to deny a rumor.
Match the phrase to the context.
Context: You are shocked by news that your favorite band is breaking up.
In this context, 'Não é verdade!' expresses shock and disbelief.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Ways to Disagree
Polite
- • Não é bem assim
- • Eu discordo um pouco
Neutral
- • Não é verdade
- • Isso não está correto
Strong
- • Mentira!
- • Nada disso!
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIsso ___ ___ verdade.
In Portuguese, the negation 'não' comes before the verb 'é'.
Someone says something slightly wrong. You say:
'Não é bem assim' is a softer, more diplomatic way to disagree.
A: 'Eu ouvi dizer que você vai vender seu carro.' B: '____! Eu amo meu carro.'
'Não é verdade' is the standard way to deny a rumor.
Context: You are shocked by news that your favorite band is breaking up.
In this context, 'Não é verdade!' expresses shock and disbelief.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'Não é verdade' is more specific and sounds more complete when you are correcting a specific statement.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend. It's the 'safe' choice.
You say 'É mentira'. But be careful, as this is much stronger than 'Não é verdade'.
Portuguese uses the noun 'truth' (verdade) for abstract statements. 'Verdadeiro' is usually for physical things, like 'true gold'.
The meaning is the same, but the pronunciation of 'verdade' is different (the final 'e' is almost silent).
Yes! With an excited intonation, it's a great way to show surprise.
The opposite is 'É verdade' (It's true).
Yes, adding 'Isso' (That) makes it slightly more emphatic.
No, as long as your tone is respectful. It's a factual correction.
Try to say 'ah' while closing your throat slightly and letting air out of your nose.
Related Phrases
Não é bem assim
similarIt's not quite like that
Mentira
synonymLie
Pois não
contrastOf course / How can I help?
É verdade
contrastIt's true
Não é?
builds onRight? / Isn't it?
