🚫👍

How to Say ‘That's not right.’ in Portuguese

Isso não está certo.

EE-soo nowng es-TAH SEHR-too

[EE-soo nowng es-TAH SEHR-too]

💬 Usage Tip: "Not right" in the sense of incorrect uses estar: não está certo. Swap in other words the same way: não está correto "it's not correct".

Phrase Breakdown

Isso

[EE-soo]

that; it

A demonstrative pronoun referring to an idea, option, or suggestion already mentioned.

Example

Se for uma mesa junto à janela, isso seria ideal.

If it is a table by the window, that would be ideal.

não está certo.

nowng es-TAH SEHR-too

isn't right.

'Não' is nasal, like 'nowng'. 'Está' is 'shTAH', since the first 'e' is almost swallowed. 'Certo' means right or correct: 'SEHR-too'.

Example

O preço não está certo.

The price isn't right.

Words in this phrase

não

[nowng]

not

Negation word used to deny or reverse the statement.

Example

Em "Não falta", "Não" prepara uma observação com tom divertido.

In "Doesn't lack," "not" sets up an observation with a playful tone.

está

[es-TAH]

A form of the verb 'to be,' used for state or condition.

Example

Está ótima esta noite.

It is great tonight.

certo

[SEHR-too]

right / correct

Adjective meaning accurate or correct.

Example

O preço está certo.

The price is correct.

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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