In 15 Seconds
- Means 'not obviously wrong' or 'seems okay'.
- Use when something is acceptable, not necessarily perfect.
- Implies cautious agreement or lack of strong disapproval.
- Good for brainstorming, suggestions, and tentative validation.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to when something feels right, or at least not *definitely* wrong. It's that little voice saying, 'Yeah, that makes sense!' or 'I'm not sure, but it doesn't seem broken.' It carries a vibe of cautious optimism or quiet agreement.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend about a movie suggestion
Aquele filme que você sugeriu, `não obviamente errado`, acho que vou assistir.
That movie you suggested, it's not obviously wrong, I think I'll watch it.
Discussing a work project idea
Sua proposta para o relatório é `não obviamente errado`, podemos explorar isso.
Your proposal for the report is not obviously wrong, we can explore that.
Responding to a technical suggestion online
Hmm, essa solução para o bug parece `não obviamente errado`, vou tentar.
Hmm, this solution for the bug seems not obviously wrong, I'll try it.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, this is often used to avoid conflict.
Agreement
Always check the gender of the noun.
In 15 Seconds
- Means 'not obviously wrong' or 'seems okay'.
- Use when something is acceptable, not necessarily perfect.
- Implies cautious agreement or lack of strong disapproval.
- Good for brainstorming, suggestions, and tentative validation.
What It Means
Ever feel like something is okay, even if you can't prove it's perfect? That's não obviamente errado! It means 'not obviously wrong.' You're saying something seems acceptable. It might not be the *best* solution. But it's certainly not a disaster. It’s like saying, 'It’ll do for now.' It’s a subtle way to express tentative approval. Or maybe just a lack of strong disapproval. It’s the linguistic equivalent of a shrug that says, 'It’s fine.'
How To Use It
Use não obviamente errado when you're evaluating something. Think about ideas, suggestions, or even a quick fix. You're not giving a glowing review. You're just confirming it passes a basic test. It's not a ringing endorsement. It’s more like, 'No red flags here!' You can use it in spoken conversations. It also works well in texts or emails. Just don't expect it to win awards for enthusiasm. It's about avoiding negatives, not highlighting positives. It's a safe bet when you're unsure.
Real-Life Examples
Imagine your friend suggests a movie. You haven't seen it. You say, 'Hmm, não obviamente errado.' You mean it seems like a decent choice. Or maybe you fixed a leaky faucet yourself. You check it later. It’s not dripping. You think, 'Okay, não obviamente errado.' It’s working for now. It’s not a professional repair, but it’s not broken. You might also use it in a team meeting. Someone proposes a strategy. You think it’s plausible. You say, 'I think that approach is não obviamente errado.' It’s a way to agree without committing too hard. It’s a clever way to show you're listening. And that you’re processing the information. You're not just saying 'yes' blindly. You're saying 'yes, and here's why it's not a 'no'.' It's a nuanced response.
When To Use It
Use não obviamente errado when you need to express mild agreement. Or when you want to signal that something is acceptable. It's perfect for situations where you're not the expert. But you can tell it's not a terrible idea. Think about brainstorming sessions. Or casual discussions with colleagues. It's also great for confirming understanding. Someone explains a complex topic. You grasp the basics. You can say, 'That explanation seems não obviamente errado.' It shows you're engaged. It avoids the pressure of saying 'I fully understand.' It's a low-stakes way to participate. It's useful when you want to buy time. Or when you need to think more. You can use it to gently push back too. If someone calls something 'wrong,' you might say, 'Well, it's não obviamente errado.' You're offering a different perspective. A less critical one.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use não obviamente errado for things that are clearly correct. If a math problem has a perfect answer, just say it's correct! This phrase implies uncertainty. It suggests a potential for error. So, avoid it for absolute truths. Also, don't use it in highly formal settings. Like a legal deposition or a presidential speech. It sounds a bit too casual. It might be misinterpreted. It's not ideal when you need to show strong confidence. Or when you're making a critical decision. If you're a surgeon, don't tell the patient their diagnosis is não obviamente errado. They want certainty! It’s also not for expressing strong positive feelings. If you love a song, say you love it! Don't say it's 'not obviously wrong.' That's just weird. It's for situations where 'good enough' is okay.
Common Mistakes
A common mistake is thinking it means 'definitely correct.' It doesn't! It's the opposite of 'obviously wrong.' It's a subtle distinction. Another error is using it when something *is* obviously wrong. Like if your code has a syntax error. Saying não obviamente errado would be confusing. You might also overuse it. If everything you say is 'not obviously wrong,' people might think you're indecisive. Or that you lack strong opinions. Remember, it's about *lack* of obvious error, not presence of correctness.
obviamente errado
✓não obviamente errado (This is the most direct mistake: using the opposite meaning!)
muito certo
✓não obviamente errado (Using a strong positive when a neutral is needed.)
Similar Expressions
Think of 'it's not wrong,' 'that makes sense,' or 'seems okay.' These capture a similar vibe. 'It's plausible' is also close. 'Reasonable' works too. In Portuguese, faz sentido (it makes sense) is a good friend. Parece bom (seems good) is another option. Não está errado is almost identical. But não obviamente errado adds a layer. It emphasizes the *obviousness* of the wrongness. It implies you've considered it. And found no glaring flaws. It's a bit more nuanced than just 'not wrong.'
Common Variations
You might hear não está obviamente errado. This is very similar. It just uses the verb estar (to be). Sometimes people shorten it. They might just say não errado (not wrong). This is simpler. But loses the nuance of 'obvious.' You could also say parece não obviamente errado. This adds 'seems.' It further softens the statement. It emphasizes your perception. It's like saying, 'From where I stand, it doesn't look obviously wrong.' These variations add subtle shades of meaning. They’re good to know.
Memory Trick
Picture a detective at a crime scene. He's looking at a clue. It's not a smoking gun, but it's *not* clearly unrelated either. He thinks, 'Hmm, não obviamente errado.' The 'não' (not) is key. It negates the 'obviamente errado' (obviously wrong). So, remember: the clue is *not* obviously wrong. It might be useful! It's not a perfect piece of evidence. But it's not useless junk either. It's a clue that *could* lead somewhere. It’s not obviously a dead end.
Quick FAQ
Q. Is it positive or negative?
A. It's more neutral, leaning slightly positive. It negates a negative ('obviously wrong'), implying acceptability.
Q. Can I use it for opinions?
A. Yes, especially if you want to be diplomatic. You can say someone's opinion is não obviamente errado.
Q. Is it formal?
A. It's generally neutral to informal. Avoid it in very formal speeches. But it's fine for most everyday situations. And even many professional ones. It’s not slang, but it's not stiff either. Just right for most modern communication. Like texting your boss about a minor issue. Or discussing a project plan with a colleague. It shows you've thought about it. Without being overly critical or overly enthusiastic. It's a balanced choice.
Usage Notes
This phrase carries a neutral to informal tone. It's useful for expressing tentative approval or acknowledging that something isn't flawed in an obvious way. Avoid using it in situations requiring strong conviction or absolute certainty, as it implies a degree of reservation or simply the absence of immediate red flags.
Agreement
Always check the gender of the noun.
Examples
12Aquele filme que você sugeriu, `não obviamente errado`, acho que vou assistir.
That movie you suggested, it's not obviously wrong, I think I'll watch it.
Here, 'não obviamente errado' means the suggestion seems plausible and worth considering, even if the speaker isn't 100% convinced it's brilliant.
Sua proposta para o relatório é `não obviamente errado`, podemos explorar isso.
Your proposal for the report is not obviously wrong, we can explore that.
This is a professional but not overly enthusiastic endorsement. It means the idea is sound enough to move forward with.
Hmm, essa solução para o bug parece `não obviamente errado`, vou tentar.
Hmm, this solution for the bug seems not obviously wrong, I'll try it.
Used in a tech context, it means the suggested fix appears workable and worth testing.
Meu primeiro bolo caseiro! Pode não parecer perfeito, mas é `não obviamente errado`, né? 😉
My first homemade cake! It might not look perfect, but it's not obviously wrong, right? 😉
A humorous, self-deprecating caption acknowledging the effort while assuring followers it's edible.
Minha abordagem inicial seria esta, mas estou aberto a sugestões, pois não é `não obviamente errado`.
My initial approach would be this, but I'm open to suggestions, as it's not obviously wrong.
Here, the candidate signals flexibility and acknowledges their plan is sound but not necessarily final or perfect.
Basicamente, a ideia é essa. Se não está `não obviamente errado`, o resto se encaixa.
Basically, the idea is this. If it's not obviously wrong, the rest fits together.
This implies that if the core concept is sound, the details will follow logically. It's a bit abstract.
✗ Eu pensei que sua ideia era `obviamente errado`, mas agora vejo que não.
✗ I thought your idea was obviously wrong, but now I see it's not.
This is a direct misuse of the opposite meaning. The speaker is correcting a previous misjudgment.
✗ O plano é `muito bom` para começar.
✗ The plan is very good to start.
This example shows the *wrong* phrasing for a situation where 'não obviamente errado' would fit better, implying the speaker is trying to say 'it's acceptable' but using too strong a positive.
Podemos tentar ir por ali? Parece `não obviamente errado`.
Can we try going that way? It seems not obviously wrong.
A simple, direct way to suggest a path forward that doesn't seem problematic.
Eu não sei se é a melhor saída, mas é `não obviamente errado`.
I don't know if it's the best way out, but it's not obviously wrong.
Expresses a feeling of uncertainty but also relief that there's at least one workable option.
A estrutura geral está `não obviamente errado`. Podemos refinar os detalhes depois.
The general structure is not obviously wrong. We can refine the details later.
Indicates the foundational aspect is solid and doesn't need immediate correction, allowing focus on finer points.
Olha, o corte é ousado, mas `não obviamente errado`! Combina com você.
Look, the cut is bold, but not obviously wrong! It suits you.
A polite way to give feedback on something potentially risky, implying it's acceptable and even looks good.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form.
A decisão não é obviamente ________.
Decisão is feminine, so it must be errada.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesA decisão não é obviamente ________.
Decisão is feminine, so it must be errada.
🎉 Score: /1
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, it shows you are analytical.
Related Phrases
não está errado
similarIt is not wrong