Em 15 segundos
- A direct way to deny a false statement or mistake.
- Focuses on the facts rather than attacking the person speaking.
- Works in both casual friendships and professional workplaces.
Significado
You use this phrase to say that someone is wrong or lying. It is a direct way to correct a mistake or defend yourself against a false claim.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Correcting a friend about a plan
That's not true, we agreed to meet at seven, not six!
That's not true, we agreed to meet at seven, not six!
Defending yourself at work
That's not true; I sent that email on Friday morning.
That's not true; I sent that email on Friday morning.
Texting a sibling who is joking
Lol that's not true! I never said I liked his haircut.
Lol that's not true! I never said I liked his haircut.
Contexto cultural
Americans value directness. Saying 'That's not true' is seen as being honest and straightforward, especially in business. Brits often use 'understatement' to be polite. They might say 'I'm not sure that's quite right' instead of 'That's not true.' Directly saying 'That's not true' can be seen as rude. It's better to say 'It's a bit different' to save face. Germans appreciate factual accuracy. Correcting someone with 'Das stimmt nicht' (That's not true) is very common and not considered rude.
Soften the blow
Add 'Actually' or 'I'm sorry, but...' before the phrase to sound more polite.
Facts only
Don't use this for opinions like 'This movie is bad.' Use 'I disagree' instead.
Em 15 segundos
- A direct way to deny a false statement or mistake.
- Focuses on the facts rather than attacking the person speaking.
- Works in both casual friendships and professional workplaces.
What It Means
That's not true is your go-to tool for setting the record straight. It simply means 'what you just said is a lie' or 'you are mistaken.' It is clear, honest, and very direct. You are pointing at a statement and saying it does not match reality. It is like hitting a 'reset' button on a conversation that is going in the wrong direction.
How To Use It
Using this is easy because it is a complete sentence. You can say it immediately after someone says something incorrect. You can add but or actually afterward to explain the real facts. For example, That's not true, I actually finished the report yesterday. It works well in person, over the phone, or in a quick text message. Just be careful with your voice. A soft voice sounds like a gentle correction. A loud voice sounds like an angry argument.
When To Use It
Use it when you need to defend your reputation. If a friend says you forgot their birthday (and you didn't!), say it. If a coworker thinks a project is late, use it to correct them. It is great for casual debates about movies or sports too. If someone says 'The moon is made of cheese,' this is your best response. It keeps things simple without needing fancy vocabulary.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this with your boss if they are just sharing an opinion. If they say 'This coffee is bad,' don't say That's not true just because you like it. That is an opinion, not a fact. Also, be careful in very formal ceremonies or with elderly people in some cultures. It can sound a bit blunt or rude if you don't follow it up with a polite explanation. Sometimes, I disagree is a softer choice for sensitive topics.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, especially in the US and UK, people value 'straight talk.' Being direct is often seen as being honest. However, calling someone a 'liar' is very aggressive. Using That's not true is a clever middle ground. It attacks the statement, not the person. This allows you to disagree while keeping the peace. It has been a staple of English dialogue in movies and courtroom dramas for decades.
Common Variations
If you want to sound more casual, you can say That's not right or No way. If you want to be slightly more formal, try That is incorrect. In a heated argument, people often shorten it to just Not true! For a very soft correction, you might say I don't think that's quite true. Each version changes the 'temperature' of the conversation.
Notas de uso
This phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. It focuses on the accuracy of the information rather than the character of the speaker.
Soften the blow
Add 'Actually' or 'I'm sorry, but...' before the phrase to sound more polite.
Facts only
Don't use this for opinions like 'This movie is bad.' Use 'I disagree' instead.
The 'That' vs 'It' rule
Use 'That's not true' to refer to what someone JUST said. Use 'It's not true' for general rumors.
Exemplos
6That's not true, we agreed to meet at seven, not six!
That's not true, we agreed to meet at seven, not six!
Used to clarify a simple misunderstanding about time.
That's not true; I sent that email on Friday morning.
That's not true; I sent that email on Friday morning.
Professional but firm correction of a work-related fact.
Lol that's not true! I never said I liked his haircut.
Lol that's not true! I never said I liked his haircut.
Casual and lighthearted denial of a joke.
That's not true! Pineapple definitely belongs on pizza.
That's not true! Pineapple definitely belongs on pizza.
Using a strong denial for a funny, subjective topic.
That's not true, I really do care about what you think.
That's not true, I really do care about what you think.
Used to reassure someone and deny a hurtful assumption.
I heard you're moving to London? - That's not true, I'm staying here.
I heard you're moving to London? - That's not true, I'm staying here.
Providing the correct information to stop a rumor.
Teste-se
Complete the sentence to disagree with a false statement.
A: The earth is flat. B: That's ___ true!
We use 'not' to negate the adjective 'true'.
Which response is the most natural for a factual correction?
Someone says: 'The capital of the USA is New York.'
'That's not true' is the standard way to correct a factual error.
Fill in the missing part of the dialogue.
Boss: I heard you missed the deadline. You: Actually, ___, I finished it yesterday.
'That's not true' is the most common and professional way to deny a false claim.
Match the phrase to the best context.
Context: Someone says your favorite color is green, but it's actually blue.
For a simple fact about yourself, 'That's not true' is perfect.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosA: The earth is flat. B: That's ___ true!
We use 'not' to negate the adjective 'true'.
Someone says: 'The capital of the USA is New York.'
'That's not true' is the standard way to correct a factual error.
Boss: I heard you missed the deadline. You: Actually, ___, I finished it yesterday.
'That's not true' is the most common and professional way to deny a false claim.
Context: Someone says your favorite color is green, but it's actually blue.
For a simple fact about yourself, 'That's not true' is perfect.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
3 perguntasIt depends on your tone. If said calmly, it is a normal correction. If shouted, it is very rude.
Yes, but it sounds very formal or emphatic. 'That's not true' is much more common in daily life.
'That's false' is more formal and often used in tests or legal contexts. 'That's not true' is for everyday talk.
Frases relacionadas
That's false
synonymThe statement is incorrect.
You're wrong
similarThe person is making a mistake.
I disagree
contrastI have a different opinion.
That's a lie
specialized formThe statement is a deliberate falsehood.
