How To Use Double Negatives In Portuguese

March 15, 2025

Pink Floyd’s “We don’t need no education” might make English teachers cringe, but in Portuguese, stacking negatives like NãoNo, notCommunity Slow audio Play audio Adverb , nadanothingCommunity Slow audio Play audio Adverb, Singular , and ninguémnobodyCommunity Slow audio Play audio Pronoun, Singular isn’t just acceptable—it’s grammatically mandatory. For example: 

• Eu não tenho nadaI don't have anythingCommunity Slow audio Play audio → literally means “I don’t have nothing”
• Eu não vejo ninguémI don't see anybodyCommunity Slow audio Play audio → literally means “I don’t see nobody”

Layered negatives are used to sharpen meaning, not confuse it. Now, let’s explore how doubling down on negative words in Portuguese can mean absolutely nothing (in the best way).

1. Não (no/not)

The basic negative word, typically placed before the verb.

Eu não gosto de sopaI do not like soupCommunity Slow audio Play audio

2. Nada (nothing)

This is used for things, actions, and concepts, but never people.

Ela não fez nadaShe didn't do anythingCommunity Slow audio Play audio

Ficámos sem nadaWe were left with nothingCommunity

3. Ninguém (nobody)

Used exclusively for people.

Não conheço ninguém no meu bairroI don't know anyone in my neighbourhoodCommunity Slow audio Play audio

4. Nenhum/Nenhuma (none)

Unlike nada and ninguém, which are invariable, these often change form to match the gender and number of the subject of the sentence. The variations are nenhumnone(masculine)Community Slow audio Play audio Quantifiers, Singular, Masculine , nenhumanone(feminine)Community Slow audio Play audio Quantifiers, Singular, Feminine , nenhunsnone(masculine, plural)Community Slow audio Play audio Quantifiers, Plural, Masculine , nenhumasnone(feminine, plural)Community Slow audio Play audio Quantifiers, Plural, Feminine . Some examples:

Nenhuma das opções me agradaNone of the options please meCommunity Slow audio Play audio

Não ouço cães nenhuns!I do not hear any dogs!Community Slow audio Play audio

Stacking Negatives Like A Pro

As mentioned above, you can combine these negative words to create double or even triple negatives, which actually strengthen the negative meaning.

Here are some possible combinations:

✅ Não + nada – Eu não vi nadaI didn't see anythingCommunity Slow audio Play audio

✅ Não + ninguém – Ele não conhece ninguémHe doesn't know anybodyCommunity Slow audio Play audio

✅ Não + nenhum/nenhuma – Não tenho nenhum problemaI don't have any problemCommunity Slow audio Play audio

✅ Não + nada + ninguém – Ele não disse nada a ninguémHe didn’t say anything to anyoneCommunity Slow audio Play audio

Here’s A Twist: Negatives That Secretly Mean “Yes”

One fascinating cultural aspect of Portuguese communication is how negatives are often used to express positive feelings. Portuguese culture values humility and moderation in expression. Using negative structures to convey positive meaning allows people to show appreciation without appearing over-enthusiastic, which might be perceived as insincere.

For example:

• Não é nada feioIt's not at all uglyCommunity Slow audio Play audio
  • What it means: It’s actually quite stylish.
• Não cozinhas nada malYou don't cook badly at allCommunity Slow audio Play audio
  • What it means: You’re a good cook.
• Não está mauIt's not badCommunity Slow audio Play audio
  • What it means: It’s fine.

Understanding these nuanced expressions will help you not only speak Portuguese better, but also interpret what Portuguese people really mean when they’re giving feedback or sharing opinions.

Here’s your quick negative reference guide:

Next time you’re in Portugal and someone asks if you need something, instead of just saying “Não”, you can try:

Não quero mais nada, obrigadoI don't want anything else, thank you (masc.)Community Slow audio Play audio

It’s courteous and grammatically correct!