Portuguese Phrase
Não, ainda não.
Meaning
This phrase is a standard way to express that an expected action or event has not occurred up to the present moment. It combines a direct negation with a temporal marker to imply that the situation might change in the future.
When to use
Use this phrase when answering questions about whether a task is finished, if someone has arrived, or if a specific goal has been met. It is universally applicable in both formal and casual settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Nãoaindanão
Double Negation
Portuguese uses double negatives frequently to provide emphasis and clarity without making the sentence positive.
Ainda
The word 'ainda' acts as an adverb of time; in negative sentences, it specifically translates to 'yet'.
🗨In Conversation
Você já terminou o dever de casa?
Have you finished your homework already?
Não, ainda não.
No, not yet.
✕Common Mistakes
Não, ainda.
Using 'ainda' alone means 'still'; you must include the second 'não' to convey 'not yet'.
Não, já não.
'Já não' means 'no longer' or 'not anymore', which changes the meaning from a pending action to a terminated one.
↔Alternatives
Ainda não.
Not yet.
Por enquanto não.
Not for now.
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, adding 'ainda' to a 'não' is often seen as more polite and optimistic than a simple 'não'. it suggests that you are working on it or that the event is still expected to happen, maintaining a smoother social flow.