Portuguese Phrase
Não, obrigado.
Meaning
Literally ‘No, I am obliged’, this phrase is the standard way to politely decline an offer or invitation in Portuguese. The gender‑specific form (obrigado/obrigada) matches the speaker’s gender.
When to use
Use it when someone offers you food, a drink, a favor, or any invitation and you want to refuse without sounding rude. It works in both formal and informal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãoobrigado/obrigada
Não (negation)
‘Não’ is an adverb meaning ‘no’ or ‘not’; it is placed before the expression you are negating.
Obrigado / Obrigada (gender agreement)
‘Obrigado’ is used by male speakers, ‘obrigada’ by female speakers. It literally means ‘obliged’, but functions as ‘thank you’.
Comma usage
A short pause (comma) after ‘Não’ signals a polite, separate thank‑you; written Portuguese usually includes it.
🗨In Conversation
Quer um café?
Would you like a coffee?
Não, obrigado.
No, thank you.
✕Common Mistakes
Não, obrigado.
Female speakers should use ‘obrigada’ to agree with their gender.
Não obrigado.
A comma after ‘Não’ signals a polite pause; without it the phrase can feel rushed.
Não, obrigado muito.
The adverb ‘muito’ should come before ‘obrigado’: ‘Não, muito obrigado.’
↔Alternatives
Não, muito obrigado.
No, thank you very much.
Não, agradeço.
No, I appreciate it.
Não, estou bem, obrigado.
No, I'm fine, thank you.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil it is common to say ‘obrigado’ even when you’re not literally obliged; it’s simply a polite way to express gratitude. In informal contexts you might hear ‘não, valeu’ (no, thanks) or ‘não, beleza’ (no, it's fine). Remember to match the gender of ‘obrigado/obrigada’ with your own gender, not the gender of the person you’re speaking to.