How to Say “Never” in Portuguese
The most direct translation of “never” in Portuguese is “nunca”. This word is widely used in both European and Brazilian Portuguese and covers most situations where you would use “never” in English.
Examples of “Nunca” in Sentences
- Eu nunca fui ao Brasil. – I have never been to Brazil.
- Ela nunca come carne. – She never eats meat.
- Nunca é tarde para aprender. – It’s never too late to learn.
Alternative Ways to Express “Never” in Portuguese
While “nunca” is the standard term, there are other expressions and phrases that can convey a similar meaning depending on the context:
1. Jamais
Jamais is another word for “never” in Portuguese. It is often used for emphasis or in more formal situations, and can be translated as “never” or “ever”.
- Eu jamais esquecerei você. – I will never forget you.
- Isso jamais acontecerá. – That will never happen.
2. Combining “Nunca” with Other Words
Sometimes, “nunca” is combined with other words for emphasis. For example:
- Nunca mais – Never again
- Nunca mesmo – Never ever
Example: Eu nunca mais vou voltar lá. – I will never go back there.
Negating Verbs with “Nunca”
In Portuguese, “nunca” is typically placed before the verb or at the beginning of the sentence. Unlike English, you don’t usually need an additional negative word like “not” in the sentence. Here’s the structure:
- Nunca + verb + rest of the sentence
Example: Nunca vi esse filme. – I have never seen this movie.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not use a double negative with “nunca” (e.g., “não nunca” is incorrect in most cases).
- Be careful with verb placement to ensure your sentence sounds natural.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master the use of “never” in Portuguese is through practice. Engage in conversations, watch Portuguese-language media, and use interactive platforms like Talkpal to reinforce your learning. By hearing and using “nunca” and its alternatives in context, you’ll become more comfortable and confident in your Portuguese skills.
Conclusion
Saying “never” in Portuguese is straightforward with “nunca”, but remember that “jamais” and combinations like “nunca mais” are also useful, depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Practice using these expressions in your daily interactions, and leverage language learning resources like Talkpal to enhance your fluency. Soon, you’ll find it second nature to express “never” in any Portuguese conversation!
