Portuguese Phrase

Não, normalmente não trabalho.

/nɐ̃w, noʁmaˈlʎɐ̃tʃi nɐ̃w tɾaˈbaʎu/

Meaning"No, I don’t usually work."

💡

Meaning

The speaker is saying that they do not work, and that this is the usual situation for them. The double negation emphasizes that working is not part of their regular routine.

🎯

When to use

Use this sentence when you want to politely decline a work‑related request or explain that you are currently unemployed or have a lifestyle that doesn’t involve a regular job.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Não,normalmentenãotrabalho.

Negation with 'não'

'Não' placed before a verb negates the action; it can also appear before an adverb for emphasis.

Adverb of frequency 'normalmente'

'Normalmente' means 'usually' and is placed before the verb it modifies.

Verb conjugation (present indicative)

'Trabalho' is the first person singular present indicative of 'trabalhar' (to work).

Comma usage in spoken Portuguese

A comma after 'Não' signals a brief pause, often used in spoken dialogue to separate the initial negation from the rest of the sentence.

🗨In Conversation

Você pode cobrir o turno da tarde hoje?

Can you cover the afternoon shift today?

Não, normalmente não trabalho.

No, I don’t usually work.

✕Common Mistakes

Não trabalho normalmente.
Placing the adverb after the verb can sound less natural; native speakers prefer the adverb before the verb.
Não normalmente não trabalho.
Two negatives in a row without a pause are confusing; keep the comma after the first 'Não'.
Não, normalmente não trabalho eu.
Pronoun 'eu' is usually omitted because the verb ending already indicates the subject.

↔Alternatives

Não, eu normalmente não trabalho.
No, I normally don’t work.
Não, não trabalho normalmente.
No, I don’t work usually.
Não, eu não trabalho habitualmente.
No, I don’t work habitually.

Cultural Tip

In Brazil, it’s common to answer a work‑related request with a brief negative followed by an explanation. Adding 'normalmente' softens the refusal, showing that the speaker’s situation is not a one‑off but a regular state. Avoid sounding too abrupt; a friendly tone and a smile help keep the conversation polite.