Portuguese Phrase
Não, não faço.
Meaning
This phrase is a common and emphatic way to say "No, I don't" or "No, I don't do it" in Portuguese. The double negative structure is standard and grammatically correct, unlike in English. It's used to directly negate an action or confirm that you do not perform a certain activity.
When to use
You can use this phrase when someone asks if you do something, and your answer is negative. For example, if asked "Você fuma?" (Do you smoke?), you could reply "Não, não faço." It's also suitable for declining an offer or stating that you don't engage in a particular activity.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Não,nãofaço.
Não (first instance)
This 'Não' acts as a direct negative answer to a question, similar to 'No' in English. It stands alone as a complete thought.
Não (second instance)
This 'não' is an adverb of negation that directly precedes the verb 'faço'. In Portuguese, it's common and grammatically correct to use a double negative for emphasis or clarity, especially when the first 'não' answers a question.
Faço
'Faço' is the first-person singular conjugation of the verb 'fazer' (to do/to make) in the present tense. It means 'I do' or 'I make'. In this context, it means 'I do' or 'I do it'.
🗨In Conversation
Você joga futebol?
Do you play soccer?
Não, não faço.
No, I don't.
✕Common Mistakes
Não faço.
While grammatically correct, omitting the initial 'Não' can make the response sound less emphatic or complete in some contexts, especially when directly answering a yes/no question. The double 'não' reinforces the negation.
Eu não faço.
Adding 'Eu' (I) is not incorrect, but it's often omitted in spoken Portuguese when the subject is clear from the verb conjugation ('faço' already indicates 'I'). It can sound slightly more formal or add emphasis to the subject.
↔Alternatives
Não.
No.
Não, obrigado(a).
No, thank you.
Eu não faço isso.
I don't do that.
Cultural Tip
The use of double negatives, like in "Não, não faço," is a natural and grammatically correct feature of Portuguese, unlike in English where it's often considered incorrect. It serves to reinforce the negation and is very common in everyday speech. Don't be afraid to use it; it sounds perfectly natural to native speakers.