Portuguese Phrase
Não, eu vou sozinho.
Meaning
The speaker is refusing an offer or suggestion and states that they will go alone. It can be used when declining a companion's invitation to join a trip, activity, or event.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to politely turn down someone's company, emphasizing that you prefer to go by yourself. It works in casual conversation, travel situations, or when making plans with friends or family.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãoeuvousozinho
Negation with Não
Use 'não' before a verb or statement to negate it, equivalent to 'no' or 'not' in English.
Subject Pronoun 'eu'
The subject pronoun 'eu' (I) is often optional in Portuguese because the verb ending indicates the subject, but it can be added for emphasis or clarity.
Future of Intent: 'vou' + infinitive
'Vou' is the first‑person singular present of 'ir' used as an auxiliary to express a near‑future intention, similar to 'I am going to...'.
Adverb 'sozinho'
'Sozinho' means 'alone' or 'by oneself' and agrees in gender with the subject (masculine singular). For a female speaker it would be 'sozinha'.
🗨In Conversation
Quer que eu vá ao cinema com você?
Do you want me to go to the movies with you?
Não, eu vou sozinho.
No, I'm going alone.
✕Common Mistakes
Não eu vou sozinho.
Missing comma makes the negation sound abrupt; a pause (comma) separates the refusal from the statement.
Eu vou sozinha.
Use 'sozinha' only if the speaker is female; otherwise it is a gender mismatch.
Não, eu vai sozinho.
Verb must agree with the subject: 'vou' (I go), not 'vai' (he/she goes).
↔Alternatives
Não, eu vou por conta própria.
No, I'm going on my own.
Não, prefiro ir sozinho.
No, I prefer to go alone.
Não, vou sozinho mesmo.
No, I'm going alone anyway.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil and Portugal, refusing a companion is usually softened with a smile or a brief explanation to avoid sounding rude. Adding a reason (e.g., 'preciso de um tempo para mim') makes the refusal sound more courteous. Also note that 'sozinho' changes to 'sozinha' for female speakers, and to the plural forms 'sozinhos' or 'sozinhas' when referring to groups.