In 15 Seconds
- Expresses a temporary lack of certainty or confidence.
- Uses the verb 'estar' for a current state of mind.
- Works perfectly in both professional and casual settings.
Meaning
You use this phrase when you aren't 100% certain about a fact or a decision. It's the perfect way to express doubt without sounding completely lost.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a business meeting
Não estou seguro sobre esses números.
I am not sure about these numbers.
Choosing a movie with a partner
Não estou seguro se quero ver um filme de terror.
I'm not sure if I want to watch a horror movie.
Giving directions to a tourist
Não estou seguro, mas acho que é por ali.
I'm not sure, but I think it's that way.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'Não estou seguro' to avoid saying a direct 'No'. It's part of the 'jeitinho'—finding a way to be polite even when the answer is negative. In Portugal, people are generally more direct. While 'Não estou seguro' is understood, 'Não tenho a certeza' is the everyday standard. Using 'seguro' might mark you as a foreigner. In Luanda, Portuguese is often mixed with local influences. 'Não estou seguro' is used in formal education and media, but in the street, simpler forms are common. Mozambican Portuguese tends to be quite formal and elegant. 'Não estou seguro' is frequently heard in academic and professional circles in Maputo.
The Subjunctive Connection
When you say 'Não estou seguro de que...', the next verb should be in the Subjunctive (e.g., 'ele venha', 'isso seja'). This shows you are a high-level speaker.
Gender Matters!
If you are a woman and say 'Não estou seguro', it sounds like a grammatical error. Always use 'segura'.
In 15 Seconds
- Expresses a temporary lack of certainty or confidence.
- Uses the verb 'estar' for a current state of mind.
- Works perfectly in both professional and casual settings.
What It Means
Não estou seguro is your go-to phrase for uncertainty. It translates to "I'm not sure." In Portuguese, seguro means both "sure" and "safe." When you say this, you are admitting a lack of confidence. It is honest and direct. It tells people you need more information. It is a very common way to hedge your bets.
How To Use It
Use it just like you would in English. You can use it alone as a full sentence. You can also follow it with de que for more detail. For example: Não estou seguro de que ele venha. Remember that estou is from the verb estar. This describes a temporary state of mind. You aren't permanently unsure; you just are right now.
When To Use It
Use it in a business meeting when reviewing data. Use it with friends when choosing a restaurant. It works well when someone asks for directions. If you are texting, it’s a quick way to say "maybe." It is great for avoiding a firm commitment. It helps you stay polite while being cautious. Use it when you feel a bit of hesitation.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if you are physically in danger. In that case, you would say não estou em segurança. Don't use it if you are 100% certain. That would just be confusing for everyone. Avoid it if you want to sound like a bold leader. Sometimes, being too "unsure" can make you look indecisive. Also, don't confuse it with não tenho certeza. That one is slightly more common in casual speech.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers often value politeness and indirectness. Saying não (no) can sometimes feel too harsh. Using não estou seguro softens the blow of a negative answer. It shows you have considered the topic. It suggests you are a thoughtful person. In Brazil, people might prefer não tenho certeza. In Portugal, não estou seguro feels very natural and clear.
Common Variations
Não tenho a certeza(Very common in Portugal).Não tenho certeza(The standard in Brazil).Não estou bem certo(Adds a bit more emphasis).Ainda não decidi(Specifically for when you haven't decided yet).Pode ser, mas não estou seguro(The classic "maybe but I'm not sure" combo).
Usage Notes
This is a neutral phrase suitable for almost any situation. Remember to change the ending to 'segura' if you identify as female.
The Subjunctive Connection
When you say 'Não estou seguro de que...', the next verb should be in the Subjunctive (e.g., 'ele venha', 'isso seja'). This shows you are a high-level speaker.
Gender Matters!
If you are a woman and say 'Não estou seguro', it sounds like a grammatical error. Always use 'segura'.
The 'Maybe' Strategy
In Brazil, 'Não estou seguro' is often a polite way to say 'I don't want to do that'. Pay attention to the tone!
Examples
6Não estou seguro sobre esses números.
I am not sure about these numbers.
A professional way to flag a potential error.
Não estou seguro se quero ver um filme de terror.
I'm not sure if I want to watch a horror movie.
Expressing a personal preference with hesitation.
Não estou seguro, mas acho que é por ali.
I'm not sure, but I think it's that way.
Helping while clarifying you might be wrong.
Ainda não estou seguro se vou à festa.
I'm still not sure if I'm going to the party.
A classic way to delay a social commitment.
Não estou seguro se isso é comestível!
I'm not sure if this is edible!
A lighthearted joke about a friend's cooking.
Não estou seguro do meu futuro agora.
I'm not sure about my future right now.
Expressing vulnerability and honest doubt.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'seguro' (masculine or feminine).
Maria disse: 'Eu não estou ______ se quero ir à festa.'
Since Maria is female, the adjective must be 'segura'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to express doubt in a business meeting?
A: Não sei nada. B: Não estou seguro sobre esses números. C: Sei lá.
Option B is professional and polite. A is too blunt, and C is too slangy.
Fill in the missing line.
João: 'Você acha que vai chover?' Você: '_______, o céu está meio cinza.'
The context of 'the sky is gray' implies doubt, so 'Não estou seguro' is correct.
Match the phrase to its formality level.
1. Não estou seguro. 2. Sei lá. 3. Não estou convicto.
'Sei lá' is very informal, while 'convicto' is formal.
In which situation would you NOT use 'Não estou seguro'?
A: When you forgot your own name. B: When someone asks for the time and you don't have a watch. C: When you are deciding between two jobs.
You should be 'seguro' about your own name! It would sound very strange to use it there.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
5 exercisesMaria disse: 'Eu não estou ______ se quero ir à festa.'
Since Maria is female, the adjective must be 'segura'.
A: Não sei nada. B: Não estou seguro sobre esses números. C: Sei lá.
Option B is professional and polite. A is too blunt, and C is too slangy.
João: 'Você acha que vai chover?' Você: '_______, o céu está meio cinza.'
The context of 'the sky is gray' implies doubt, so 'Não estou seguro' is correct.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'Sei lá' is very informal, while 'convicto' is formal.
A: When you forgot your own name. B: When someone asks for the time and you don't have a watch. C: When you are deciding between two jobs.
You should be 'seguro' about your own name! It would sound very strange to use it there.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but 'Não estou seguro' is more polite and suggests you have thought about it.
Both are correct. 'De' is more formal, 'sobre' is more common in casual conversation.
Yes, as a noun ('o seguro'). As an adjective, it means 'sure' or 'safe'.
Because 'ser' is for permanent traits. Doubt is a temporary state, so we use 'estar'.
Yes, but 'Não tenho a certeza' is much more common there.
You say 'Tenho certeza absoluta' or 'Estou certíssimo'.
Yes, 'Este lugar não está seguro' means 'This place is not safe'.
It is 'Não estou segura'.
Yes, it's a synonym, but 'seguro' is slightly more common in Brazil.
Absolutely, it's very professional.
Related Phrases
Não tenho certeza
synonymI don't have certainty.
Não estou certo
similarI am not right/certain.
Tenho dúvidas
builds onI have doubts.
Quem sabe?
informalWho knows?
