Portuguese Phrase
E se eu decidir não tratar?
Meaning
The speaker is raising a hypothetical scenario: what would happen if they chose not to undergo a treatment. It can refer to medical therapy, a cosmetic procedure, or even a broader ‘treatment’ of a problem.
When to use
Use this sentence when discussing health‑related decisions with doctors, family, or friends, especially when you want to explore the consequences of refusing a proposed treatment.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Eseeudecidirnãotratar?
Conjunction E
Used to add a new idea, similar to 'and' in English.
Conditional 'se'
Introduces a hypothetical condition; translates to 'if' or 'what if'.
Subject pronoun 'eu'
First‑person singular pronoun, often optional in Portuguese but kept here for emphasis.
Verb 'decidir' + infinitive
When a verb of volition (decidir, querer, poder) is followed by another verb, the second stays in the infinitive.
Negation 'não'
Placed directly before the infinitive verb to negate the action.
Infinitive 'tratar'
Means 'to treat' (a disease, a problem, a situation).
🗨In Conversation
E se eu decidir não tratar?
And if I decide not to treat?
Então vamos analisar as alternativas e garantir que você esteja bem informado.
Then let's look at the alternatives and make sure you're well informed.
✕Common Mistakes
E se eu decidir tratar não?
The negation must stay directly before the infinitive; avoid placing it after the verb (e.g., *tratar não*).
E se eu decidir a não tratar?
When the subject is explicit, keep the verb in the present indicative (decidir). Do not use the infinitive *decidir* after *se*.
E se eu decidir não tratar
In spoken Brazilian Portuguese, the question mark is often omitted in informal notes, but in formal writing keep it.
↔Alternatives
E se eu optar por não fazer tratamento?
And if I choose not to undergo treatment?
E se eu decidir não receber tratamento?
And if I decide not to receive treatment?
E se eu preferir não tratar?
And if I prefer not to treat?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, patients are encouraged to ask questions and express doubts about any medical plan. It’s common to hear phrases like this in consultations, and doctors usually respond by explaining risks, benefits, and alternative options. Using a polite tone (e.g., "por favor" or "poderia me explicar…") helps keep the conversation respectful.