In 15 Seconds
- Indicates a plan is still flexible and not final.
- Commonly used with the verb 'estar' to describe situations.
- Polite way to avoid making an immediate commitment.
Meaning
This phrase describes a state of indecision or a plan that isn't set in stone yet. Use it when you are still weighing your options or waiting for more information before committing.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing vacation plans
O destino da viagem ainda não está firmemente decidido.
The travel destination is not yet firmly decided.
Business meeting about a project
A data de lançamento não está firmemente decidida.
The launch date is not firmly decided.
Texting a friend about a party
Vou ou não? Ainda não está firmemente decidido!
Am I going or not? It's not firmly decided yet!
Cultural Background
In Brazil, saying 'não estou firmemente decidido' is often a polite way to say 'no' without hurting feelings. It's part of the 'jeitinho brasileiro' to keep things flexible. Portuguese people tend to be more direct than Brazilians, but in formal settings, they value precise language. Using 'firmemente' shows you are a serious person who values logic. In Luanda, formal Portuguese is highly respected in business. This phrase is common in government and oil industry communications. In the Lusophone corporate world, 'não firmemente decidido' is a strategic 'hedge'. It prevents legal commitment before a contract is signed.
Add 'Ainda'
Adding 'Ainda' (yet) at the beginning makes you sound much more like a native speaker: 'Ainda não estou firmemente decidido'.
Gender Check
If you are a woman, you MUST say 'decidida'. This is the #1 mistake for beginners.
In 15 Seconds
- Indicates a plan is still flexible and not final.
- Commonly used with the verb 'estar' to describe situations.
- Polite way to avoid making an immediate commitment.
What It Means
Think of this as the 'maybe' zone. You have an idea or a plan. However, you haven't signed the contract yet. It means your mind is still open to changes. It is the opposite of a 'done deal'. Use it when things are still up in the air.
How To Use It
You usually pair this with the verb estar (to be). For example, Ainda não está firmemente decidido. This tells people the situation is flexible. You can use it for travel plans. You can use it for weekend hangouts. It sounds more polished than just saying 'I don't know'.
When To Use It
Use it when you want to sound thoughtful. It works great in business meetings. It also works when someone asks for your weekend plans. It suggests you are being careful with your choices. It is perfect for those 'we will see' moments in life. Use it when you want to keep your options open.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this if the decision is actually final. If you say this, people will try to convince you. Don't use it for small, instant choices. You wouldn't say this about choosing a soda flavor. It sounds a bit too heavy for trivial things. Also, avoid it if you are just being lazy. Be clear if you really mean 'no'.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers often value flexibility and 'jeitinho'. We don't always like to say a hard 'no' immediately. Using não firmemente decidido is a polite way to stall. It keeps the social harmony alive. It shows you are considering the other person's input. It reflects a culture that appreciates nuance over bluntness.
Common Variations
You might hear nada decidido ainda for something more casual. Or ainda estamos avaliando in a corporate setting. If you are with close friends, you might just say estou em dúvida. But não firmemente decidido remains the most balanced version. It is clear, professional, and very useful.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-formal collocation. It is safe to use with your boss, your mother-in-law, or a shopkeeper. It avoids the bluntness of a simple 'no'.
Add 'Ainda'
Adding 'Ainda' (yet) at the beginning makes you sound much more like a native speaker: 'Ainda não estou firmemente decidido'.
Gender Check
If you are a woman, you MUST say 'decidida'. This is the #1 mistake for beginners.
The Brazilian 'Maybe'
If a Brazilian says this to you about a party, there is a 50% chance they aren't coming. Don't take it personally!
Examples
6O destino da viagem ainda não está firmemente decidido.
The travel destination is not yet firmly decided.
Shows the person is still looking at different locations.
A data de lançamento não está firmemente decidida.
The launch date is not firmly decided.
Professional way to say the schedule might change.
Vou ou não? Ainda não está firmemente decidido!
Am I going or not? It's not firmly decided yet!
A slightly dramatic but clear way to say you're unsure.
Desculpe, meu pedido ainda não está firmemente decidido.
Sorry, my order is not firmly decided yet.
A bit formal for a restaurant, but very polite.
Se vou comer pizza? Isso não está firmemente decidido... mas provável!
If I'll eat pizza? That's not firmly decided... but likely!
Uses the formal structure for a funny contrast with a craving.
É uma grande mudança, por isso não está firmemente decidido.
It's a big change, so it's not firmly decided.
Conveys the weight of the decision and the hesitation.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'decidido' (pay attention to gender!).
Maria não está firmemente _______ sobre qual vestido comprar.
Since Maria is a woman, the adjective must be feminine singular.
Which sentence is the most appropriate for a formal business email?
You need to tell your boss you haven't picked a date for the meeting yet.
This is the most professional and clear option for a business context.
Match the Portuguese phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the various ways to express uncertainty in Portuguese.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
João: 'Você vai aceitar a oferta de emprego?' Ana: 'Ainda _______ firmemente decidida.'
We use the verb 'estar' for temporary states like being undecided.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMaria não está firmemente _______ sobre qual vestido comprar.
Since Maria is a woman, the adjective must be feminine singular.
You need to tell your boss you haven't picked a date for the meeting yet.
This is the most professional and clear option for a business context.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the various ways to express uncertainty in Portuguese.
João: 'Você vai aceitar a oferta de emprego?' Ana: 'Ainda _______ firmemente decidida.'
We use the verb 'estar' for temporary states like being undecided.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, it's a bit stiff. With friends, just say 'Ainda não sei' or 'Não decidi ainda'.
You can, but it sounds funny/ironic. It's like saying 'I have not yet reached a firm conclusion regarding the pepperoni'.
'Decidido' is for people making choices; 'resolvido' is for problems being fixed.
Yes, in Portuguese, the negation 'não' almost always precedes the verb.
Related Phrases
estar em dúvida
similarto be in doubt
bater o martelo
contrastto hammer the gavel / to finalize
estar assente
synonymto be settled
prego batido, ponta virada
contrastnail hammered, tip turned
