Portuguese is a language rich in nuances and expressions that can often puzzle learners, especially when it comes to phrases that seem similar but are used in very different contexts. Two such phrases are tampouco and tão pouco. Although they sound similar, their meanings and uses in the Portuguese language are distinct. This article will delve into these differences, providing a clear understanding of when and how to use each phrase correctly.
### Understanding Tampouco
Tampouco, often confused by learners with its Spanish counterpart “tampoco,” means “neither” or “either,” depending on the context. It is used to agree with a negative statement previously made. This word helps in reinforcing the negativity of the original statement.
Eu não gosto de frio, tampouco de calor excessivo.
(I don’t like the cold, nor do I like excessive heat.)
In this sentence, tampouco is used to add another negative preference similar to the first one. It is crucial to note that tampouco should only be used when the verb in the sentence is in a negative form.
Ele não fala inglês, tampouco espanhol.
(He doesn’t speak English, nor does he speak Spanish.)
Here again, tampouco is linking two negative statements, emphasizing that the subject lacks ability in both languages.
### When to Use Tão pouco
On the other hand, tão pouco is a phrase that can be broken down into tão (so) and pouco (little). It is used to quantify something, suggesting that the quantity or degree is small or less than expected.
Ele estudou tão pouco que reprovou no exame.
(He studied so little that he failed the exam.)
In this example, tão pouco quantifies the amount of studying done, which was insufficient.
Tinha tão pouco dinheiro que não pôde comprar o livro.
(He had so little money that he couldn’t buy the book.)
This sentence uses tão pouco to express that the amount of money was not enough to make a purchase.
### Contextual Differences
The key to understanding when to use tampouco or tão pouco lies in the context of the sentence. Tampouco is used to agree with a negative statement, adding another negative element to it. Tão pouco, however, quantifies a small amount or degree of something, often leading to a negative outcome but not necessarily being negative itself.
### Practice Makes Perfect
To solidify your understanding of these phrases, here are a few more examples:
Eu não gosto de acordar cedo, tampouco de dormir tarde.
(I don’t like waking up early, nor do I like going to bed late.)
Eles investiram tão pouco tempo na preparação que o projeto falhou.
(They invested so little time in preparation that the project failed.)
### Common Mistakes to Avoid
A common mistake learners make is using tampouco in a positive sentence or using tão pouco to agree with a negative statement. Remember, tampouco is strictly for adding negatives, and tão pouco is for quantifying small amounts.
### Conclusion
By understanding the nuances of tampouco and tão pouco, learners can greatly improve their proficiency in Portuguese. It’s all about grasping the context in which these phrases are used. Practice using them in sentences, and soon, choosing the right phrase will become second nature.
Remember, language learning is a journey of continuous learning and practice. Keep exploring and practicing, and you’ll master these subtleties in no time. With a clear grasp of tampouco and tão pouco, your Portuguese will not only be correct but will also sound more natural to native speakers.
