🚫🤬

How to Say ‘Don't swear!’ in Portuguese

Não digas palavrões!

NOW DEE-gash pah-lah-VROYNSH

[NOW DEE-gash pah-lah-VROYNSH]

💬 Usage Tip: When you tell someone you call tu not to do something, the verb changes form: diz "say" becomes não digas "don't say". In the same way, fala "speak" becomes não fales "don't speak".

Phrase Breakdown

Não digas

NOW DEE-gash

Don't say

A negative command using the subjunctive form 'digas' (from 'dizer', to say). 'Não' has a nasal sound, roughly 'nowng': 'nowng DEE-gahsh'. In Portugal, a final 's' sounds like 'sh'.

Example

Não digas isso!

Don't say that!

Words in this phrase

Não

[NOW]

Not

A word used to form a negative clause or phrase.

Example

Você não pode sair.

You cannot leave.

digas

[DEE-gash]

say (negative command)

Subjunctive form of 'dizer' used for informal negative commands to 'tu'.

Example

Não digas isso à mãe.

Don't say that to mum.

palavrões!

pah-lah-VROYNSH

swear words!

The plural of 'palavrão' (swear word, literally 'big word'). The ending 'ões' is nasal, like 'oynsh': 'pah-lah-VROYNSH'.

Example

Ele diz muitos palavrões.

He says a lot of swear words.

Words in this phrase

palavrões

[pah-lah-VROYNSH]

swear words

Plural of 'palavrão'; rude or offensive words.

Example

Os miúdos aprendem palavrões na escola.

Kids learn swear words at school.

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.

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Moved to Lisbon with zero Portuguese and honestly thought I’d be pointing at menus forever. Three weeks in and I’m having real conversations with my landlord.”

Priya N., 35, Freelance Designer

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager

“Learning a language has never been as immediately impactful. Now I can charm the locals and navigate the food scene like a boss.”

Alex M., 42, Software Engineer