In 15 Seconds
- Used to highlight similarities between two different things or ideas.
- A polite, nuanced way to say 'it is basically similar.'
- Perfect for avoiding blunt comparisons in social or work settings.
Meaning
This phrase is a way to say that two things have a lot in common. It's like saying 'it's not exactly the same, but it's pretty close.'
Key Examples
3 of 6Comparing two types of coffee
Este café é não totalmente diferente do que tomamos em casa.
This coffee is not totally different from the one we drink at home.
Discussing a new work project
O novo plano é não totalmente diferente da nossa estratégia anterior.
The new plan is not totally different from our previous strategy.
Texting a friend about a movie
O filme é bom, não totalmente diferente do primeiro.
The movie is good, not totally different from the first one.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use this to soften feedback.
Use it to be diplomatic
It's the perfect way to disagree politely.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to highlight similarities between two different things or ideas.
- A polite, nuanced way to say 'it is basically similar.'
- Perfect for avoiding blunt comparisons in social or work settings.
What It Means
Think of não totalmente diferente as a bridge between two ideas. You use it when you want to point out similarities. It suggests that while things aren't identical, they share a core essence. It’s a softer way of saying 'it’s similar.' It leaves room for small differences. Use it when you don't want to be too bold. It’s perfect for comparing movies, food, or even people.
How To Use It
Place this phrase after the subject you are comparing. You can use it to compare a new experience to an old one. For example, if you try a new fruit, say it's não totalmente diferente from an orange. It works well with the word de to link two things. You might say 'A is não totalmente diferente de B.' It sounds natural and thoughtful. It shows you are paying attention to details. It’s a great tool for building conversation.
When To Use It
Use it when you are exploring new things with friends. It’s great at a restaurant when describing a dish. Use it in a meeting to compare a new strategy to an old one. It helps people feel comfortable with change. It’s a 'safe' phrase for social situations. Use it when you want to avoid a flat 'yes' or 'no.' It adds a nice layer of nuance to your speech. Texting it is also very common and easy.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if things are exactly the same. That would just be confusing for everyone. Avoid it if two things are polar opposites. Saying a cat is não totalmente diferente from a toaster makes no sense. Don't use it in high-stakes legal documents where precision is king. It’s a bit too 'vibey' for a strict contract. Also, avoid it if you are trying to be extremely brief. Just say igual if you are in a huge rush.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers often love nuance and 'soft' language. We don't always like to be blunt or direct. Phrases like this allow for a polite middle ground. It reflects a culture that values connection and finding commonality. It’s a very social phrase that keeps the conversation flowing. It avoids the 'harshness' of saying things are completely different. It’s about finding the familiar in the unfamiliar.
Common Variations
Não é tão diferente: Not so different.É quase a mesma coisa: It’s almost the same thing.Tem as suas semelhanças: It has its similarities.Não foge muito disso: It doesn't stray far from that.É parecido: It is similar (the most direct version).
Usage Notes
This phrase is highly versatile and sits comfortably in the neutral register. It is particularly useful for avoiding absolute statements in conversation.
Use it to be diplomatic
It's the perfect way to disagree politely.
Examples
6Este café é não totalmente diferente do que tomamos em casa.
This coffee is not totally different from the one we drink at home.
Comparing a new experience to a familiar one.
O novo plano é não totalmente diferente da nossa estratégia anterior.
The new plan is not totally different from our previous strategy.
Using similarity to make a new idea feel safer.
O filme é bom, não totalmente diferente do primeiro.
The movie is good, not totally different from the first one.
Short, conversational comparison.
Ele é chato, não totalmente diferente de você!
He is annoying, not totally different from you!
Playful teasing using the phrase to link two people.
A sensação foi triste, mas não totalmente diferente de um alívio.
The feeling was sad, but not totally different from relief.
Comparing complex emotions.
Esta abordagem é, de fato, não totalmente diferente das normas atuais.
This approach is, in fact, not totally different from current norms.
Adding 'de fato' makes it sound more authoritative.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Este projeto ___ ___ ___ do anterior.
The phrase requires the adjective 'diferente'.
🎉 Score: /1
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
1 exercisesEste projeto ___ ___ ___ do anterior.
The phrase requires the adjective 'diferente'.
🎉 Score: /1
Frequently Asked Questions
1 questionsYes, but be careful. It might sound like you are comparing their personalities in a clinical way.
Related Phrases
Quase igual
synonymAlmost the same
