não extremamente importante
extremely important
Literally: {"n\u00e3o":"not","extremamente":"extremely","importante":"important"}
In 15 Seconds
- Signals a task isn't urgent.
- Manages expectations politely.
- Use for secondary priorities.
- Avoid for critical issues.
Meaning
Think of `não extremamente importante` as your go-to phrase when something isn't a top-tier crisis, but it's still on the radar. It's like saying, 'It's not the end of the world if this isn't done *right now*.' It carries a vibe of relaxed urgency, letting people know they can breathe a little easier about it.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about weekend plans
Podemos ir ao cinema no sábado, mas não é extremamente importante se não der.
We can go to the cinema on Saturday, but it's not extremely important if it doesn't work out.
In a work meeting about project tasks
A atualização do software pode esperar até a próxima semana; não é extremamente importante agora.
The software update can wait until next week; it's not extremely important now.
Discussing a minor issue with a colleague
Essa questão do formulário? Ah, não é extremamente importante, podemos resolver depois.
This form issue? Ah, it's not extremely important, we can solve it later.
Cultural Background
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, there's often a value placed on politeness and indirect communication, especially when delivering potentially unwelcome news. The phrase `não extremamente importante` emerged as a way to soften the impact of de-prioritizing a task or topic. It allows speakers to manage expectations without sounding blunt or dismissive, reflecting a cultural preference for maintaining harmony in interactions.
The 'It's Okay' Signal
Think of this phrase as giving someone permission to relax. It's a verbal nod that says, 'No need to panic or rush this specific thing.'
The Criticality Trap
Be super careful! Using 'não extremamente importante' for something that *is* actually critical (like a safety protocol or a major client deadline) can have serious consequences. Always double-check the stakes.
In 15 Seconds
- Signals a task isn't urgent.
- Manages expectations politely.
- Use for secondary priorities.
- Avoid for critical issues.
What It Means
This phrase is your secret weapon for managing expectations gently. It means something isn't a top priority. It's not urgent. It doesn't require immediate, intense focus. You're basically saying, 'It matters, but not *that* much, not *that* urgently.' It's the polite way to de-escalate a situation or task.
How To Use It
You use não extremamente importante when you want to signal that a task or topic can wait. It's perfect for delegating tasks without causing panic. You can use it in emails, meetings, or casual chats. It softens the blow of saying 'no' or 'later.' It's like adding a mental "no rush" sticker to an item. It tells the other person they can allocate their energy elsewhere for now. It’s a signal to relax, but not forget entirely.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine your boss asks you to finish a report by end of day. But there's another project that's critical for a client meeting tomorrow. You might say, 'I'll get to the report, but the client project is não extremamente importante right now.' Or, your friend wants to discuss a minor plot point from last night's show. You could reply, 'Can we talk about it later? It's não extremamente importante.' It’s all about context and managing priorities.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when you need to communicate that something is secondary. It's ideal for tasks that have a deadline, but it's flexible. Think of tasks that can be postponed without major consequences. It's great for managing your own workload too. If you're feeling overwhelmed, identify what's não extremamente importante. This helps you focus on what truly matters. It's also useful when someone is stressing about something minor. You can reassure them with this phrase. It’s a gentle way to say, 'Don't sweat the small stuff.'
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using não extremamente importante for critical issues. Never use it for emergencies or things with hard, unmovable deadlines. Don't say it about safety procedures or legal obligations. It’s also inappropriate for topics that are emotionally sensitive to someone. Using it here could sound dismissive or uncaring. If a client is expecting something by a certain time, and it's crucial for their business, this phrase is a no-go. It's not for when someone's feelings are genuinely hurt. That requires empathy, not a priority downgrade.
Common Mistakes
A common slip-up is using it for genuinely important things. This can lead to misunderstandings or missed opportunities. Another mistake is using it in very formal settings where directness is key. It can sound too casual or even passive-aggressive. Learners sometimes forget the nuance. They might think it means 'not important at all,' which is stronger. Or they might use it when something *is* actually very important, just not the *most* important. It's a fine line, like trying to parallel park a unicycle.
não muito importante
✓não extremamente importante
pouco importante
✓não extremamente importante
não urgentemente importante
✓não extremamente importante
nada importante
✓não extremamente importante
Similar Expressions
There are other ways to convey a similar idea. Não é urgente means 'it's not urgent,' focusing purely on time. Pode esperar literally means 'it can wait.' Não é prioridade means 'it's not a priority,' which is very direct. Deixa pra lá is more like 'forget it' or 'leave it,' often implying it's not worth pursuing. Não é o fim do mundo translates to 'it's not the end of the world,' used for reassurance. Each has a slightly different flavor and intensity.
Common Variations
Sometimes, people might say não é *tão* importante assim ('it's not *that* important'). The assim adds a touch of colloquialism. You might also hear não é *lá* muito importante ('it's not *all that* important'). The lá acts as an intensifier, but in a way that slightly diminishes. In Brazil, não é das coisas mais importantes ('it's not among the most important things') is also common. These variations offer subtle shifts in tone and emphasis, like adding different filters to the same photo.
Memory Trick
Imagine a New Elephant Is Not Extremely Important. Okay, maybe a bit silly! Let's try this: Picture someone not looking extremely happy about something important. They're shrugging. That shrug is the vibe of não extremamente importante. It's a lack of intense reaction to something that *could* warrant it, but doesn't need to. The 'N-E-I' sound is key. Think 'neigh' (like a horse saying no) to extreme importance.
Quick FAQ
- What's the core meaning? It means something isn't a top priority and doesn't need immediate, intense attention. It's a gentle way to signal lower urgency.
- Can I use it for deadlines? Yes, if the deadline is flexible or if there are more pressing tasks. It implies the task can wait.
- Is it rude? Generally no, it's a polite way to manage expectations. However, context matters; avoid it for critical issues.
Usage Notes
This phrase sits comfortably in neutral to informal contexts. While usable in professional settings, ensure the situation truly warrants downplaying importance; otherwise, it can sound dismissive. Avoid using it for critical safety, legal, or client-facing deadlines where clarity and urgency are paramount.
The 'It's Okay' Signal
Think of this phrase as giving someone permission to relax. It's a verbal nod that says, 'No need to panic or rush this specific thing.'
The Criticality Trap
Be super careful! Using 'não extremamente importante' for something that *is* actually critical (like a safety protocol or a major client deadline) can have serious consequences. Always double-check the stakes.
Combine for Clarity
Pair 'não extremamente importante' with a suggestion for when it *should* be done, or what *is* important instead. E.g., 'This isn't extremely important now, let's focus on the client report first.'
Harmony Over Bluntness
In many Portuguese-speaking contexts, directness can sometimes be seen as confrontational. This phrase is a perfect example of how to communicate a lower priority indirectly and politely, maintaining social harmony.
Examples
12Podemos ir ao cinema no sábado, mas não é extremamente importante se não der.
We can go to the cinema on Saturday, but it's not extremely important if it doesn't work out.
Here, the speaker is showing flexibility about the movie plan. It's a nice idea, but not essential.
A atualização do software pode esperar até a próxima semana; não é extremamente importante agora.
The software update can wait until next week; it's not extremely important now.
This clearly communicates that the software update is not the immediate priority, allowing focus on other tasks.
Essa questão do formulário? Ah, não é extremamente importante, podemos resolver depois.
This form issue? Ah, it's not extremely important, we can solve it later.
The phrase is used to downplay the urgency of a minor administrative task.
Domingo é dia de relaxar e deixar as preocupações de lado. Esse relatório pode esperar, não é extremamente importante.
Sunday is a day to relax and put worries aside. This report can wait, it's not extremely important.
Used humorously to justify not working on a less critical task on a weekend.
Entendo sua sugestão sobre a nova funcionalidade. No momento, não é extremamente importante para nossa roadmap.
I understand your suggestion about the new feature. At the moment, it's not extremely important for our roadmap.
This is a polite way to decline a feature request without completely dismissing it.
Desculpa o atraso na resposta, estava ocupado com o trabalho. Mas sua mensagem não era extremamente importante, então tudo bem.
Sorry for the late reply, I was busy with work. But your message wasn't extremely important, so it's okay.
This sounds a bit dismissive and could hurt feelings, showing a potential negative use.
✗ O prazo para o projeto é amanhã, mas não é extremamente importante se atrasar.
✗ The deadline for the project is tomorrow, but it's not extremely important if it's late.
This is a dangerous mistake! Critical deadlines should never be described this way.
Meu Wi-Fi caiu de novo 🙄. Não é extremamente importante agora, já que estou vendo um meme.
My Wi-Fi dropped again 🙄. It's not extremely important right now, since I'm looking at a meme.
A lighthearted, relatable comment about a minor tech issue.
✗ Preciso entregar este relatório hoje para o chefe, mas não é extremamente importante.
✗ I need to deliver this report today for the boss, but it's not extremely important.
This is contradictory and confusing. If it's for the boss *today*, it likely IS important.
Podemos organizar os arquivos antigos, mas não é extremamente importante fazer isso hoje.
We can organize the old files, but it's not extremely important to do it today.
This clearly indicates the task is optional or can be deferred.
Qual filme você prefere ver? Para mim, não é extremamente importante.
Which movie do you prefer to watch? For me, it's not extremely important.
Shows indifference or flexibility regarding a minor choice.
Oi [Nome], quando tiver um tempo, poderia me enviar aquele documento? Não é extremamente importante, mas ajudaria.
Hi [Name], when you have time, could you send me that document? It's not extremely important, but it would help.
A polite request that doesn't put pressure on the recipient.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase.
This sentence implies the decoration is nice but not a top priority right now, fitting the meaning of 'not extremely important'.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which sentence uses 'não extremamente importante' appropriately?
While tidying up is good, it's usually not a critical, high-stakes issue compared to a factory fire, a final exam, or a budget meeting, making 'não extremamente importante' suitable here.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
While 'muito importante' means 'very important', the target phrase is 'não extremamente importante', which implies a specific nuance of 'not *that* important' rather than just 'not very important'.
Fill in the blank.
This context suggests the speaker is willing to help but indicates the task isn't urgent or a high priority for them right now.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase correctly.
Which option best fits the meaning of 'not extremely important'?
A party invitation is typically a low-priority item, making 'not extremely important' a suitable description, unlike emergencies or critical reports.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
This sentence is grammatically correct and uses the phrase appropriately to indicate that while feedback is appreciated, it doesn't hold decisive weight.
Translate this sentence into Portuguese.
Direct translation applying the phrase 'não extremamente importante' to the context of a task's current priority.
Find and fix the error in the sentence.
This sentence correctly uses the phrase to express indifference about a non-critical choice, like wall color.
Fill in the blank with the most suitable option.
The second part of the sentence ('podemos revisá-lo mais tarde') strongly suggests that the technical detail is not urgent, making 'não é extremamente importante' the best fit.
Choose the sentence that uses the phrase with the correct nuance.
Which sentence implies that something is not a top priority but still has some relevance?
While a deadline implies importance, saying it's 'not extremely important' suggests it's flexible or less critical than other deadlines, fitting the nuance.
Put the words in the correct order to form a sentence.
This exercise helps learners practice the correct word order for the phrase itself.
Translate this sentence into Portuguese.
Translating a conditional sentence that uses the phrase to express flexibility regarding a task's completion time.
🎉 Score: /12
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Spectrum for 'não extremamente importante'
Casual chats, texting friends, online comments.
Relaxa, isso não é extremamente importante agora.
General conversations, emails to colleagues, everyday situations.
Podemos resolver isso depois, não é extremamente importante.
Rarely used in very formal settings; might sound too casual or dismissive.
A questão apresentada não é extremamente importante para a decisão final.
Where to Use 'não extremamente importante'
Delegating tasks
Can you handle this later? It's not extremely important.
Managing workload
I'll focus on the main project; this can wait.
Casual conversation
Don't worry about it, it's not extremely important.
Setting expectations
This feature is nice, but not extremely important right now.
Reassuring someone
It's okay if you missed that detail.
Online comments
Yeah, that minor bug isn't extremely important.
Comparing 'não extremamente importante' with Similar Phrases
Usage Categories for 'não extremamente importante'
Workplace
- • Delegating tasks
- • Managing project scope
- • Setting realistic deadlines
Social
- • Making flexible plans
- • Downplaying minor issues
- • Reassuring friends
Personal
- • Self-management
- • Reducing stress
- • Focusing energy
Communication Nuance
- • Polite refusal
- • Softening bad news
- • Managing expectations
Practice Bank
12 exercisesA decoração da festa é legal, mas ______ agora.
This sentence implies the decoration is nice but not a top priority right now, fitting the meaning of 'not extremely important'.
Which sentence uses 'não extremamente importante' appropriately?
While tidying up is good, it's usually not a critical, high-stakes issue compared to a factory fire, a final exam, or a budget meeting, making 'não extremamente importante' suitable here.
Find and fix the mistake:
O novo post no meu blog não é muito importante.
While 'muito importante' means 'very important', the target phrase is 'não extremamente importante', which implies a specific nuance of 'not *that* important' rather than just 'not very important'.
Eu posso te ajudar com isso, mas ______ no momento.
This context suggests the speaker is willing to help but indicates the task isn't urgent or a high priority for them right now.
Which option best fits the meaning of 'not extremely important'?
A party invitation is typically a low-priority item, making 'not extremely important' a suitable description, unlike emergencies or critical reports.
Find and fix the mistake:
Seu feedback é valioso, mas não é extremamente importante para a decisão final.
This sentence is grammatically correct and uses the phrase appropriately to indicate that while feedback is appreciated, it doesn't hold decisive weight.
This task is not extremely important right now.
Hints: Task -> tarefa, Right now -> agora
Direct translation applying the phrase 'não extremamente importante' to the context of a task's current priority.
Find and fix the mistake:
Para mim, a cor da parede não é extremamente importante, podemos pintar qualquer cor.
This sentence correctly uses the phrase to express indifference about a non-critical choice, like wall color.
Aquele detalhe técnico que você mencionou ______; podemos revisá-lo mais tarde.
The second part of the sentence ('podemos revisá-lo mais tarde') strongly suggests that the technical detail is not urgent, making 'não é extremamente importante' the best fit.
Which sentence implies that something is not a top priority but still has some relevance?
While a deadline implies importance, saying it's 'not extremely important' suggests it's flexible or less critical than other deadlines, fitting the nuance.
Arrange the words in the correct order:
Click words above to build the sentence
This exercise helps learners practice the correct word order for the phrase itself.
It's not extremely important if we finish this today.
Hints: If -> se, We finish -> terminarmos
Translating a conditional sentence that uses the phrase to express flexibility regarding a task's completion time.
🎉 Score: /12
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
18 questionsIt means something is not a top priority and doesn't require immediate, intense effort. Think of it as a gentle signal that it can wait or is less critical than other matters. It's like saying, 'It matters, but not *that* much, not *right now*.'
It's generally considered neutral. You can use it in most everyday situations, from casual chats with friends to more professional settings like emails or team meetings. However, avoid it in highly formal speeches or official documents where precision is paramount.
Yes, it's a softer way to decline or postpone something. Instead of a hard 'no,' you're indicating that the request or task isn't a high priority for you or the current situation. It manages expectations without being overly dismissive.
'Não é urgente' focuses specifically on time – there's no immediate rush. 'Não extremamente importante' is broader; it suggests the task itself has lower significance, regardless of time. Something can be not urgent but still important, or vice-versa.
Using it for a critical task can lead to serious misunderstandings or negative consequences. People might neglect something vital, assuming it's okay to delay. It undermines the perceived importance and could cause problems, like missing a crucial deadline.
'Não é prioridade' is more direct and states clearly that something is not at the top of the list. 'Não extremamente importante' is slightly softer and focuses more on the degree of importance rather than its position in a sequence. Both convey a similar idea of de-prioritization.
Yes, Portuguese culture often values indirect communication and politeness. This phrase allows speakers to convey that something isn't urgent or critical without sounding blunt or dismissive, helping to maintain smoother social interactions and harmony.
Potentially, yes. Like many phrases, tone of voice and context are key. If said with a roll of the eyes or in a situation where something *is* clearly important, it could be interpreted sarcastically to mean the opposite, or to mock someone else's priorities.
A frequent mistake is using it for genuinely critical tasks, thinking it just means 'not urgent.' Another is confusing it with 'not important at all,' which is a much stronger statement. It implies some level of importance, just not 'extreme' importance.
In professional settings, always ensure the task truly isn't critical. It's often best paired with what *is* important, like: 'The report can wait; the client proposal is not extremely important right now.' This clarifies priorities effectively.
While the core meaning remains consistent across Portuguese-speaking countries, the frequency and specific contexts might vary slightly. In Brazil, variations like 'não é *tão* importante assim' are common and carry a similar sentiment.
Yes, it can be used for reassurance, but carefully. If someone made a small error, you could say, 'Don't worry about that typo; it's not extremely important.' It helps them feel less anxious about minor slip-ups.
If something is truly unimportant or irrelevant, you might use phrases like 'não tem importância nenhuma' (it has no importance) or 'é irrelevante' (it's irrelevant). 'Não extremamente importante' still implies some degree of relevance or potential importance.
Generally, the structure 'Subject + não é extremamente importante' is standard. You could say 'Isso não é extremamente importante' (This isn't extremely important) or 'A tarefa não é extremamente importante' (The task isn't extremely important). The core phrase 'não é extremamente importante' should remain intact.
While 'não extremamente importante' is 'not extremely important,' 'not very important' is closer to 'não muito importante.' The nuance is subtle: 'não muito importante' suggests a lower level of importance overall, whereas 'não extremamente importante' implies it's not *critically* important, but might still be somewhat relevant.
It's generally not recommended for sensitive emotional topics. Saying someone's feelings aren't 'extremely important' could sound dismissive and hurtful. For emotional issues, more empathetic language is needed.
Try using it in low-stakes situations first: texting friends about plans, commenting online, or describing your own workload. Role-playing scenarios where you need to de-prioritize a task can also be very effective for practice.
Yes, 'não é *tão* importante' is a very common and natural variation, especially in informal Brazilian Portuguese. It carries a very similar meaning, essentially saying 'it's not *that* important,' often with a slightly more casual tone.
Related Phrases
não é urgente
related topicIt's not urgent
Both phrases indicate a lack of immediate need, but 'não é urgente' focuses solely on time, while 'não extremamente importante' addresses the overall significance.
não é prioridade
synonymIt's not a priority
This phrase is a more direct synonym, clearly stating that the item is lower on a list of tasks or concerns.
pode esperar
related topicIt can wait
This phrase is a practical consequence of something not being extremely important; it directly suggests postponement.
não é o fim do mundo
related topicIt's not the end of the world
This expression is used for reassurance when something minor goes wrong, similar to how 'não extremamente importante' can downplay a task's urgency.
pouco importante
related topicLittle important / Unimportant
While related, 'pouco importante' suggests a generally low level of importance, whereas 'não extremamente importante' implies it might have some relevance but isn't critical.
deixa pra lá
related topicForget it / Leave it
This phrase is more dismissive, suggesting something should be abandoned or ignored entirely, unlike 'não extremamente importante' which allows for future consideration.
é crucial
antonymIt's crucial
This is a direct antonym, representing the opposite end of the importance spectrum, highlighting what 'não extremamente importante' is *not*.