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How to Say ‘I don't understand.’ in Portuguese

Não percebo.

nowng pur-SEH-boo

[nowng pur-SEH-boo]

💬 Usage Tip: To make something negative, just put não in front of the verb. The same works for any verb: não falo "I don't speak".

Phrase Breakdown

Não

[nowng]

no / not

'Não' is used to say 'no' or to make a verb negative.

Example

Não concordo com esse valor.

I do not agree with that amount.

percebo

[pur-SEH-boo]

I understand

From the verb 'perceber'; with 'Não' it means 'I don't understand'.

Example

Quando falam depressa, Não percebo bem.

When people speak quickly, I don't understand well.

Guides for Portuguese learners

The Portuguese You Actually Need in Your First Month in PortugalThe European Portuguese phrases for your first weeks in Portugal: paperwork, renting a flat, the bank, the health centre, cafés, trains and your new neighbours.

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