This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

A2 adverb #8,000 most common 10 min read

tampouco

Top 8,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips tampouco in 30 Seconds

Explanation tampouco in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't really need to use 'tampouco' yet. It is better to focus on 'não' and 'também não'. However, you might see it in simple signs or very basic texts. Just remember: if you see 'tampouco', it usually means 'neither' or 'not... either'. It's like saying 'also no'. For example, if someone says 'I don't like milk', and you want to say 'neither do I', you could technically use it, but 'eu também não' is much more common for beginners. At this stage, just recognize it as a word that connects two 'nos'.

At the A2 level, you are starting to build longer sentences. 'Tampouco' is a great word to help you avoid repeating 'não' too many times. If you want to say 'He doesn't study and he doesn't work', you can say 'Ele não estuda, tampouco trabalha'. It makes your Portuguese sound a bit more 'grown-up'. You should also be careful not to confuse it with 'tão pouco', which sounds the same but means 'very little'. A2 learners should practice using 'tampouco' after a comma to add a second negative fact.

For B1 learners, 'tampouco' becomes a tool for better cohesion in writing. You are expected to write short essays or emails, and 'tampouco' helps link negative ideas smoothly. You will also start noticing the phrase 'nem tampouco'. While 'nem' already means 'neither', adding 'tampouco' makes the negation stronger. You should be able to use it to connect not just verbs, but also nouns and adjectives. For example: 'O hotel não era limpo, tampouco confortável.' (The hotel was not clean, nor comfortable).

At the B2 level, you should use 'tampouco' naturally in formal contexts. You understand that it is a more sophisticated version of 'também não'. You can use it in debates or presentations to categorically deny multiple points. You also understand its placement in more complex sentences, such as those involving the subjunctive or conditional moods. You are aware of its stylistic value—using it helps you vary your vocabulary and avoid the repetitive use of 'e também não' or 'e nem'.

C1 learners use 'tampouco' with precision and rhetorical flair. You might use it at the beginning of a sentence for dramatic effect (though this is rare and requires a specific structure). You are fully aware of the linguistic debate regarding the redundancy of 'nem tampouco' and can choose whether to use it based on the desired emphasis. You recognize 'tampouco' in classical literature and legal texts, understanding the subtle nuances it brings to the logic of an argument. It is a standard part of your academic or professional writing toolkit.

At the C2 level, 'tampouco' is a basic building block that you can manipulate for stylistic purposes. You might use it in irony, in complex legal drafting, or in high-level literary analysis. You understand its historical etymology and how it differs from similar structures in other Romance languages like Spanish ('tampoco') or French ('non plus'). For a C2 speaker, 'tampouco' is not just a vocabulary word; it's a structural element that contributes to the elegance and rhythmic balance of the Portuguese language.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

tampouco in 30 Seconds

Means 'neither' or 'nor'.
Used in negative sentences.
More formal than 'também não'.
Often confused with 'tão pouco'.

The Portuguese word tampouco is a sophisticated adverb primarily used to express the idea of 'neither' or 'not either' in negative contexts. It serves as a negative additive, reinforcing a previous negation. While it might seem intimidating to beginners, its logic is deeply rooted in the structural rhythm of Portuguese negation. It is essential to distinguish it from the phrase 'tão pouco' (so little), as they sound identical but function entirely differently. In the linguistic landscape of Brazil and Portugal, 'tampouco' often appears in formal writing, legal documents, and academic discourse, though it remains a staple of clear, educated speech.

Grammatical Role: It is an adverb of negation that adds a second negative point to a first one. It cannot usually start a negative sequence on its own without a preceding 'não' or 'nem'.
Register and Tone: While widely understood, it carries a slightly more formal weight than the simple 'também não'. Using 'tampouco' correctly can elevate your Portuguese from basic to intermediate or advanced levels.

Ele não ligou para avisar, tampouco mandou uma mensagem de texto.

Translation: He didn't call to let us know, neither did he send a text message.

To understand 'tampouco', one must look at how negation works in clusters. In English, we say 'I don't like apples, nor do I like pears.' In Portuguese, 'tampouco' occupies that 'nor' or 'neither' space. It is frequently preceded by the conjunction 'nem', resulting in the emphatic 'nem tampouco'. Although some purists argue this is redundant (since both carry negative weight), it is a common and accepted practice in both literary and colloquial Portuguese to emphasize that the second negative point is just as important as the first.

Historically, the word is a contraction of 'tão' (so) and 'pouco' (little), but over centuries, it solidified into a single word with a specific grammatical function. This evolution is similar to how 'nevertheless' became a single unit in English. When you use 'tampouco', you are signaling to your listener that you are connecting two negative ideas in a cohesive manner. It prevents the repetition of 'não... não...', which can sound choppy and unrefined.

Common Contexts: 1. Refuting multiple accusations. 2. Listing things you didn't do. 3. Describing a lack of qualities in a person or object. 4. Formal legal denials.

Não conheço o autor, tampouco li sua obra principal.

In summary, 'tampouco' is your go-to tool for elegant negation. It allows for a rhythmic flow in sentences where multiple things are being denied. By mastering this word, you move beyond the 'sim/não' binary and start navigating the nuances of Portuguese logic and rhetoric.

Using tampouco correctly involves understanding its position relative to other negative markers. It almost always requires a prior negative context. You cannot simply walk into a room and say 'Tampouco quero café' unless someone has already established a negative premise (e.g., 'I don't want tea'). It is a connective tissue for negativity.

The 'Nem' Connection: The most common pattern is [Negative Clause] + [nem] + [tampouco]. Example: 'Não fui à festa, nem tampouco enviei presente.' This creates a strong, double-layered negation.

O projeto não foi aprovado, tampouco recebeu críticas construtivas.

The project wasn't approved, nor did it receive constructive criticism.

One of the trickiest aspects for English speakers is the word order. In English, we often say 'Neither do I' or 'I don't either'. In Portuguese, 'tampouco' usually sits between the two negative ideas or at the very end of the second clause. It acts as a bridge. For instance, 'Não gosto de frio, tampouco de calor extremo' (I don't like the cold, nor extreme heat). Here, 'tampouco' replaces the need for a second 'não'.

Let's look at more complex structures. In academic writing, 'tampouco' is used to dismiss multiple hypotheses. 'Os dados não corroboram a teoria inicial, tampouco sustentam a alternativa proposta pelo autor.' This usage shows a high level of precision. It suggests that both options are equally invalid. In speech, however, you might hear it used more simply: 'Não tenho dinheiro, tampouco tempo.' (I have neither money nor time).

Sentence Patterns: Pattern A: [Não + Verb], [tampouco + Verb].
Pattern B: [Não + Verb], [nem tampouco + Verb].
Pattern C: [Negative Statement]. [Tampouco + Verb]. (As a separate sentence for emphasis).

Não queremos guerra, tampouco aceitaremos provocações.

Finally, consider the contrast with 'também não'. While 'também não' is perfectly correct, 'tampouco' is often preferred when the speaker wants to avoid the repetitive sound of 'também'. It provides a stylistic variation that makes the speaker sound more articulate. In exams like the Celpe-Bras, using 'tampouco' correctly can demonstrate a mastery of cohesive devices in the Portuguese language.

While 'tampouco' is not as common as 'não' or 'nem' in the produce section of a supermarket, you will encounter it frequently in specific domains of Brazilian and Portuguese life. Understanding these contexts will help you recognize when it is appropriate to use it yourself.

The News and Media: Journalists often use 'tampouco' to summarize a series of failures or missing actions. 'O governo não se manifestou, tampouco apresentou um plano de ação.' It sounds objective and professional.
Legal and Bureaucratic Language: In contracts or court rulings, 'tampouco' is vital. It is used to define the limits of liability or the absence of rights. 'O réu não confessou o crime, tampouco ofereceu resistência à prisão.'

A empresa não enviou os documentos, tampouco respondeu aos e-mails de cobrança.

In literature, 'tampouco' is a favorite of authors like Machado de Assis or José Saramago. It allows for a certain rhythmic cadence in prose. When a character is described as having 'neither beauty nor grace', 'tampouco' provides a more poetic weight than simple negation. If you are reading a Portuguese novel, keep an eye out for it—it often signals a moment of categorical denial or a character's bleak outlook.

You will also hear it in political debates. When a politician wants to distance themselves from multiple issues, they will stack negations. 'Não concordo com essa lei, tampouco apoiarei sua implementação.' This usage is rhetorical; it emphasizes that the speaker is firm in their opposition across the board. In this sense, 'tampouco' is a word of strength and definitive boundaries.

Academic Lectures: Professors use it to narrow down definitions. 'Esta espécie não é encontrada na África, tampouco na Ásia.' It helps in providing precise geographical or conceptual boundaries.

Não é uma questão de sorte, tampouco de destino; é apenas trabalho duro.

In summary, while 'tampouco' might not be the first word you learn, it is the word you hear when things get serious, formal, or precise. It is the hallmark of someone who has moved beyond basic communication into the realm of nuanced expression.

The most frequent and notorious mistake involving tampouco is confusing it with the phonetic twin tão pouco. Even native speakers stumble on this one in writing, making it a prime candidate for grammar tests and professional proofreading.

Tampouco vs. Tão Pouco: Tampouco (one word) means 'neither/not either'.
Tão pouco (two words) means 'so little' or 'very little'.
Example: 'Ele trabalha tão pouco' (He works so little) vs 'Ele não trabalha, tampouco estuda' (He doesn't work, nor does he study).

Errado: Comi tampouco no almoço.
Certo: Comi tão pouco no almoço.

Incorrect use of the negative adverb when 'quantity' was intended.

Another common error is using 'tampouco' without a preceding negative statement. Because 'tampouco' is an additive negative, it needs something to add to. Saying 'Tampouco quero ir' as your very first sentence in a conversation is grammatically incomplete. You must first establish what else you don't want to do, or use 'também não' if it's a response to someone else's negative statement.

Misplacement in the sentence is also a hurdle. Learners sometimes place it before the main verb in a way that mimics English 'neither', but forgets the 'não'. Correct: 'Não como carne, tampouco peixe.' Incorrect: 'Tampouco como peixe' (unless it's a direct follow-up to 'Não como carne'). The word 'tampouco' essentially carries the 'not' inside it, but it still loves to have a 'não' or 'nem' nearby to anchor the sentence's negativity.

The 'Tão' Trap: Remember that 'tão' is an intensifier. If you can replace the phrase with 'muito pouco' (very little), then you should use two words: 'tão pouco'. If you are adding a negative idea, use 'tampouco'.

Não o vi hoje, tampouco o verei amanhã.

Lastly, don't confuse 'tampouco' with 'contudo' or 'entretanto' (however). Some learners hear the formal tone and assume it's a contrastive conjunction. It is not. It's an additive adverb. It's about 'and also not', not 'but'.

If you find 'tampouco' a bit too formal or difficult to remember, Portuguese offers several alternatives that can convey similar meanings. Each has its own nuance and level of formality.

Também não: The most common alternative. It is neutral and works in any situation. 'Não gosto de pizza, também não gosto de massa.' It is the direct equivalent of 'also not'.
Nem: A shorter, punchier conjunction. 'Não estudo nem trabalho.' It is the most frequent way to connect two negative verbs or nouns in daily speech.
Muito menos: Used when the second negative is even more unlikely or extreme than the first. 'Eu não sei nadar, muito menos mergulhar.' (I don't know how to swim, let alone dive).

Comparação:
1. Não li o livro, tampouco vi o filme. (Formal/Elegant)
2. Não li o livro e também não vi o filme. (Neutral/Common)
3. Não li o livro nem vi o filme. (Direct/Simple)

Another word often associated with 'tampouco' is sequer. While 'tampouco' means 'neither', 'sequer' means 'even' in a negative sense (not even). 'Ele não disse sequer um 'oi'.' (He didn't even say 'hi'). They are often used together in complex negative descriptions to build emphasis.

In some regional dialects, especially in rural areas or among older generations, you might hear 'nem menos', though this is less standard than 'muito menos'. The key is to recognize that 'tampouco' sits at the top of the formality ladder, providing a clean, concise way to link negative thoughts without the clunkiness of repeating 'não' multiple times.

Summary Table: - Tampouco: Formal, additive negative.
- Nem: Universal, connecting negative.
- Também não: Conversational, additive negative.
- Muito menos: Emphatic, 'let alone'.

Não é rico, tampouco é feliz.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The transition from a phrase meaning 'so little' to an adverb meaning 'neither' happened over centuries, as speakers used the idea of 'so little' to emphasize that something was essentially non-existent.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /tæmˈpoʊ.koʊ/

US /tæmˈpoʊ.koʊ/

The stress is on the second syllable: tam-POU-co.

Rhymes With

pouco louco rouco soco foco bloco troco oco

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as two separate words (tão pouco).
Missing the nasal sound on the 'am'.
Stressing the first syllable instead of the second.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize once you know the meaning; common in texts.

Writing 4/5

Difficult because of the confusion with 'tão pouco' and proper positioning.

Speaking 4/5

Requires a prior negative statement to sound natural.

Listening 3/5

Sounds identical to 'tão pouco', so context is needed to distinguish.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

não nem também pouco tão

Learn Next

sequer outrossim contudo todavia entretanto

Advanced

não obstante conquanto posto que premissa

Grammar to Know

Negative Reinforcement

In Portuguese, double negatives are often used for emphasis rather than canceling each other out. 'Tampouco' reinforces the first 'não'.

Adverb Placement

'Tampouco' usually follows the comma in a compound sentence.

Pleonasm (Redundancy)

'Nem tampouco' is technically redundant but widely accepted in all but the most pedantic contexts.

Phonetic Homonyms

'Tampouco' vs 'Tão pouco' - context determines the meaning in speech.

Coordination

'Tampouco' can coordinate two independent clauses that are both negative.

Examples by Level

Eu não gosto de café, tampouco de chá.

I don't like coffee, neither tea.

Basic use of tampouco to connect two nouns in a negative context.

Ele não fala inglês, tampouco espanhol.

He doesn't speak English, nor Spanish.

Connecting two languages with a negative adverb.

Não é frio, tampouco quente.

It's not cold, neither hot.

Connecting two adjectives.

Ela não tem carro, tampouco bicicleta.

She doesn't have a car, nor a bicycle.

Showing lack of two different items.

Não como carne, tampouco peixe.

I don't eat meat, neither fish.

Expressing dietary restrictions.

Não hoje, tampouco amanhã.

Not today, nor tomorrow.

Negating two time periods.

O menino não chora, tampouco ri.

The boy doesn't cry, neither does he laugh.

Connecting two verbs in the present tense.

Não quero isso, tampouco aquilo.

I don't want this, nor that.

Using demonstrative pronouns with tampouco.

Não recebi o e-mail, tampouco a mensagem.

I didn't receive the email, nor the message.

Connecting two objects of a negative verb.

Ele não sabe cozinhar, tampouco quer aprender.

He doesn't know how to cook, neither does he want to learn.

Connecting two verb phrases.

Não fomos ao cinema, tampouco ao teatro.

We didn't go to the cinema, nor to the theater.

Using past tense with tampouco.

Ela não é alta, tampouco baixa demais.

She isn't tall, neither is she too short.

Adding a second negative description.

Não comprei pão, tampouco leite.

I didn't buy bread, nor milk.

Negating two items in a list.

O cachorro não late, tampouco morde.

The dog doesn't bark, neither does it bite.

Describing habits negatively.

Não entendi a lição, tampouco o exercício.

I didn't understand the lesson, nor the exercise.

Expressing double lack of understanding.

Não está chovendo, tampouco fazendo sol.

It isn't raining, nor is it sunny.

Describing weather conditions.

A empresa não lucrou este ano, tampouco reduziu seus custos.

The company didn't profit this year, nor did it reduce its costs.

Business context for negation.

Não concordo com sua opinião, nem tampouco com seus métodos.

I don't agree with your opinion, nor even with your methods.

Using 'nem tampouco' for emphasis.

O governo não investiu em saúde, tampouco em educação.

The government didn't invest in health, nor in education.

Social/Political context.

Não sou especialista, tampouco pretendo ser.

I am not an expert, nor do I intend to be.

Expressing lack of intention.

Ela não respondeu ao convite, tampouco justificou a ausência.

She didn't respond to the invitation, nor did she justify her absence.

Connecting two social actions.

O filme não era longo, tampouco cansativo.

The movie wasn't long, nor was it tiring.

Negative adjectives describing an experience.

Não havia ninguém na rua, tampouco nas praças.

There was no one in the street, nor in the squares.

Describing absence in multiple locations.

Não conseguimos o desconto, tampouco o brinde.

We didn't get the discount, nor the gift.

Connecting two nouns in a transaction.

O autor não abordou o tema central, tampouco as consequências sociais.

The author didn't address the central theme, nor the social consequences.

Academic/Literary criticism.

Não negamos os fatos, tampouco aceitamos sua interpretação.

We don't deny the facts, nor do we accept your interpretation.

Formal denial in a debate.

A medida não foi eficaz, tampouco bem recebida pela população.

The measure was not effective, nor well-received by the population.

Describing public reaction to policy.

Não se trata de uma falha técnica, tampouco de erro humano.

It is not a matter of a technical failure, nor of human error.

Eliminating multiple possibilities.

Não temos provas suficientes, tampouco testemunhas confiáveis.

We don't have enough evidence, nor reliable witnesses.

Legal/Investigative context.

O clima não permitiu a decolagem, tampouco o pouso de outras aeronaves.

The weather didn't allow for takeoff, nor for the landing of other aircraft.

Technical/Operational context.

Não pretendemos mudar a estratégia, tampouco alterar o cronograma.

We don't intend to change the strategy, nor to alter the schedule.

Professional commitment to a plan.

A criança não parava de chorar, tampouco aceitava o brinquedo.

The child wouldn't stop crying, nor would they accept the toy.

Describing resistant behavior.

A teoria não resiste ao escrutínio empírico, tampouco se sustenta logicamente.

The theory does not withstand empirical scrutiny, nor is it logically sustained.

High-level academic language.

Não se pode ignorar a história, tampouco negligenciar o futuro.

One cannot ignore history, nor neglect the future.

Philosophical/Rhetorical statement.

A reforma não trouxe os benefícios esperados, tampouco mitigou as desigualdades.

The reform did not bring the expected benefits, nor did it mitigate inequalities.

Socio-economic analysis.

O palestrante não foi claro, tampouco demonstrou domínio do assunto.

The speaker was not clear, nor did they demonstrate mastery of the subject.

Critical assessment of performance.

Não houve diálogo entre as partes, tampouco tentativa de conciliação.

There was no dialogue between the parties, nor an attempt at conciliation.

Diplomatic/Legal context.

A obra não é original, tampouco apresenta um estilo refinado.

The work is not original, nor does it present a refined style.

Artistic criticism.

Não se deve subestimar o adversário, tampouco superestimar as próprias forças.

One should not underestimate the opponent, nor overestimate one's own strengths.

Strategic advice using balanced negation.

A decisão não foi unânime, tampouco isenta de controvérsias.

The decision was not unanimous, nor free from controversy.

Describing a complex institutional process.

A narrativa não se limita ao plano factual, tampouco se rende ao mero onirismo.

The narrative is not limited to the factual plane, nor does it surrender to mere oneirism.

Highly specialized literary analysis.

Não obstante o esforço, o projeto não logrou êxito, tampouco angariou simpatia.

Notwithstanding the effort, the project did not achieve success, nor did it garner sympathy.

Using 'não obstante' with 'tampouco' for formal complexity.

A ontologia em questão não pressupõe o ser, tampouco o exclui categoricamente.

The ontology in question does not presuppose being, nor does it categorically exclude it.

Philosophical/Metaphysical discourse.

Não se vislumbra uma solução imediata, tampouco se vislumbra um consenso tardio.

An immediate solution is not glimpsed, nor is a late consensus glimpsed.

Repetition of 'vislumbra' for rhetorical effect with tampouco.

O réu não agiu com dolo, tampouco com culpa negligente, segundo a defesa.

The defendant did not act with intent, nor with negligent fault, according to the defense.

Precise legal terminology (dolo/culpa).

A estrutura não é rígida, tampouco desprovida de uma ordem subjacente.

The structure is not rigid, nor devoid of an underlying order.

Scientific/Structural description.

Não há evidências de plágio, tampouco de má conduta acadêmica.

There is no evidence of plagiarism, nor of academic misconduct.

Formal institutional investigation.

A política externa não prioriza o comércio, tampouco negligencia as alianças militares.

Foreign policy does not prioritize trade, nor does it neglect military alliances.

Geopolitical analysis.

Common Collocations

nem tampouco

tampouco se

tampouco o

tampouco os

tampouco é

tampouco foi

tampouco pretende

tampouco admite

tampouco quis

tampouco pode

Common Phrases

Nem tampouco

— An emphatic way of saying 'nor even' or 'neither'. It combines two negative markers.

Não aceito desculpas, nem tampouco atrasos.

Não... tampouco...

— The standard structure for connecting two negative ideas.

Não entendi a pergunta, tampouco a resposta.

Tampouco eu

— A formal way to say 'Neither do I'.

Você não vai? Tampouco eu.

Tampouco se sabe

— Used to say 'It is also not known'.

Não se sabe quem foi, tampouco se sabe o porquê.

Tampouco importa

— Used to say 'It doesn't matter either'.

Não sei onde ele está, tampouco importa.

Tampouco é o caso

— Used in arguments to say 'Nor is it the case that...'.

Não é falta de tempo, tampouco é o caso de falta de interesse.

Tampouco faz sentido

— Used to dismiss a second idea as illogical.

A ideia não é boa, tampouco faz sentido agora.

Tampouco se aplica

— Common in legal/formal contexts to exclude a second rule.

A regra não vale para nós, tampouco se aplica a eles.

Tampouco houve

— Used to describe the absence of a second event.

Não houve festa, tampouco houve comemoração.

Tampouco será

— Future negative additive.

Não foi hoje, tampouco será amanhã.

Often Confused With

tampouco vs tão pouco

Means 'so little'. Phonetically identical but grammatically different.

tampouco vs também

Means 'also' (positive). Tampouco is the negative version.

tampouco vs contudo

Means 'however'. Tampouco is additive, not contrastive.

Idioms & Expressions

"Não é carne, tampouco peixe"

— Used to describe something that is undefined or ambiguous (neither one thing nor another).

O projeto dele não é carne, tampouco peixe; ninguém entende o objetivo.

Colloquial/Metaphorical

"Nem tanto ao mar, nem tampouco à terra"

— A variation of a proverb suggesting balance (don't go to extremes).

Precisamos de equilíbrio: nem tanto ao mar, nem tampouco à terra.

Literary

"Não fede, tampouco cheira"

— Something that is indifferent, mediocre, or has no impact.

A nova música dele não fede, tampouco cheira.

Informal

"Não diz que sim, tampouco que não"

— Describing someone who is being evasive or indecisive.

Ele está enrolando: não diz que sim, tampouco que não.

Neutral

"Não tem eira, tampouco beira"

— To be very poor or have nothing (neither a threshing floor nor a roof edge).

O coitado não tem eira, tampouco beira na vida.

Old-fashioned/Idiomatic

"Nem oito, nem tampouco oitenta"

— Neither 8 nor 80 (avoiding extremes).

Não precisa ser radical: nem oito, nem tampouco oitenta.

Common Idiom

"Não por isso, tampouco por aquilo"

— For no specific reason at all.

Ele saiu da empresa não por isso, tampouco por aquilo; só queria mudar.

Neutral

"Não tira, tampouco põe"

— Something that adds nothing and changes nothing.

Essa sua opinião não tira, tampouco põe nada no debate.

Colloquial

"Não vai, tampouco deixa ir"

— Someone who doesn't act but prevents others from acting (dog in the manger).

Ele é um estorvo: não vai, tampouco deixa ir.

Common

"Não faz, tampouco manda fazer"

— Describing a lazy or incompetent leader.

O gerente é péssimo: não faz, tampouco manda fazer.

Neutral

Easily Confused

tampouco vs tão pouco

They sound exactly the same.

Tampouco is 'neither'; tão pouco is 'so little'.

Comi tão pouco (so little). Não comi, tampouco bebi (neither).

tampouco vs nem

Both are used for negation.

Nem is a conjunction; tampouco is an adverb. 'Nem' is more common.

Não quero nem ver. Não quero ver, tampouco ouvir.

tampouco vs também não

They have the same meaning.

'Também não' is informal/neutral; 'tampouco' is formal.

Eu também não sei. (Casual) / Tampouco eu sei. (Formal)

tampouco vs sequer

Both appear in negative sentences.

Sequer means 'not even'; tampouco means 'neither'.

Não tenho sequer um real. Não tenho dinheiro, tampouco crédito.

tampouco vs jamais

Both are negative adverbs.

Jamais means 'never'; tampouco means 'neither'.

Jamais farei isso. Não fiz, tampouco farei.

Sentence Patterns

Não [A], tampouco [B].

Não como maçã, tampouco pera.

Não [Verb], tampouco [Verb].

Não estudo, tampouco trabalho.

[Negative sentence]. Tampouco [Verb].

Ele não veio. Tampouco avisou.

Não [Verb], nem tampouco [Verb].

Não vi, nem tampouco ouvi.

Sem [Noun], tampouco [Noun].

Sem dinheiro, tampouco amigos.

Não se trata de [A], tampouco de [B].

Não se trata de sorte, tampouco de acaso.

Não [Verb] sequer [Noun], tampouco [Noun].

Não disse sequer oi, tampouco tchau.

Não obstante [A], não [Verb], tampouco [Verb].

Não obstante o frio, não nevou, tampouco choveu.

Word Family

pouco

tão

tampouquinho

pouquíssimo

pouquidade

How to Use It

frequency

Moderate (High in writing, lower in casual speech)

Common Mistakes

Writing 'tampouco' when meaning 'so little'. → tão pouco
'Tampouco' is for 'neither'. 'Tão pouco' is for quantity. This is the #1 mistake.
Using 'tampouco' as the very first word without context. → também não / não
'Tampouco' needs a previous negative idea to 'add' to.
Spelling it as 'tanpouco'. → tampouco
In Portuguese, we use 'm' before 'p' and 'b'.
Using 'tampouco' to mean 'however'. → contudo / entretanto
'Tampouco' adds a negative; it doesn't show contrast.
Thinking it is a verb. → N/A
It is an adverb and does not conjugate.

Tips

Elevate Your Essays

Replace 'e também não' with 'tampouco' in your writing to instantly sound more academic and sophisticated.

Agreeing with Negatives

If someone says 'Não gosto de frio', you can reply 'Tampouco eu' for a very elegant agreement.

The Redundancy Rule

Don't worry about 'nem tampouco'. Even though it's redundant, it's used by the best writers for rhythmic emphasis.

The 'So Little' Test

If you can replace the word with 'muito pouco' (very little), write it as two words: 'tão pouco'.

Context Clues

If you hear it after a negative verb like 'não', it's almost certainly 'tampouco' (neither).

Spotting Logic

When you see 'tampouco', look back in the text for the first thing the author is denying. It's part of a list.

Pairing

Practice pairing 'tampouco' with common verbs like 'saber', 'querer', and 'poder'.

Celpe-Bras Tip

Using 'tampouco' correctly in the writing portion of the Celpe-Bras exam can boost your score in 'Cohesion and Coherence'.

Nasal Clarity

Make sure the 'am' is nasalized. If it sounds like 'tam' in 'tamper', it's incorrect. It should sound like 'tã'.

Avoid Repetition

Use 'tampouco' to break the 'não... não... não...' pattern in long descriptions.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'TAM' as 'Too' and 'POUCO' as 'Paucity' (little). Together they mean 'Too little to happen, neither does the other thing'. Or simply remember: Tampouco = 'T' for 'Também' + 'Não'.

Visual Association

Imagine two doors with 'X' marks on them. The first 'X' is 'Não', the second 'X' is 'Tampouco'. They are twin negatives.

Word Web

não nem também não sequer muito menos tão pouco pouco jamais

Challenge

Try to write a paragraph about a bad restaurant experience using 'tampouco' at least three times to list things they didn't have or do right.

Word Origin

From the contraction of 'tão' (so) and 'pouco' (little).

Original meaning: Literally 'so little', which evolved into a negative additive adverb.

Romance (Latin roots: tam + paucus).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it in extremely informal street slang might sound 'too posh' or out of place.

English speakers often struggle because English uses 'neither/nor' or 'not... either', which have different sentence positions. 'Tampouco' is more flexible in its placement than 'neither'.

Found in the works of Brazilian realist Machado de Assis. Commonly used in the 1988 Brazilian Constitution. Used in lyrics by formalistic MPB (Música Popular Brasileira) songwriters.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Rejecting options

Não quero este, tampouco aquele.
Não aceito o preço, tampouco o prazo.

Describing lack of skills

Não falo francês, tampouco alemão.
Não sei nadar, tampouco mergulhar.

Formal denials

Não estive lá, tampouco vi nada.
Não assinei o contrato, tampouco o li.

Weather/Environment

Não há vento, tampouco chuva.
Não é longe, tampouco perto.

Academic writing

O estudo não é conclusivo, tampouco abrangente.
A hipótese não foi testada, tampouco refutada.

Conversation Starters

"Você não gosta de viajar? Tampouco eu!"

"Não entendi o que o chefe disse, tampouco o e-mail. E você?"

"Não temos tempo para o projeto, tampouco dinheiro. O que fazemos?"

"Ele não ligou para você? Tampouco para mim!"

"Não está sol hoje, tampouco está calor. Vamos sair?"

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre algo que você não gosta de comer, tampouco de beber.

Descreva um lugar que você não conhece, tampouco tem vontade de visitar.

Pense em duas habilidades que você não tem, tampouco pretende aprender.

Escreva sobre uma decisão que não foi fácil, tampouco rápida de tomar.

Reflita sobre um erro que você não cometeu, tampouco gostaria de ver outros cometendo.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, it is very common and accepted, though some consider it redundant. It adds emphasis to the negation.

Usually only if it follows a negative statement in the previous sentence. It is an additive adverb, so it needs something to add to.

'Tampouco' is Portuguese; 'tampoco' is Spanish. They mean the same thing and function similarly.

Yes, but it is more common in writing and formal speech than in casual daily life.

You can say 'Tampouco eu' or 'Nem eu tampouco'.

No. That is 'tão pouco' (two words).

Grammatically, it is an adverb of negation.

Yes, e.g., 'Sem dinheiro, tampouco esperança.' (Without money, nor hope).

A little bit, but it's still very much alive in professional and literary Portuguese.

No, it is an adverb, so it is invariable.