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Portuguese Phrase

Te escrevo para dizer que não estou satisfeito.

/tʃi isˈkɾevu paɾa diˈzeɾ ki nɐ̃w̃ isˈtoʊ sa.tʃisˈfej.tu/
Meaning"I am writing to tell you that I am not satisfied."
💡

Meaning

This phrase is a direct and somewhat formal way to express dissatisfaction in written communication. It literally translates to 'I write to you to say that I am not satisfied.' The use of 'te' indicates an informal address, but the overall structure is quite assertive.

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When to use

You would typically use this phrase in a letter, email, or formal message when you need to clearly state your dissatisfaction with a product, service, or situation. It's suitable for customer service complaints, formal feedback, or expressing a grievance to someone you have an informal relationship with but need to be direct.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Teescrevoparadizerquenãoestousatisfeito

1

Te (Object Pronoun)

'Te' is an informal direct or indirect object pronoun meaning 'you'. In Brazilian Portuguese, it typically precedes the verb in informal speech and writing. In European Portuguese, it often follows the verb with a hyphen (e.g., 'escrevo-te').

2

Escrevo (Verb 'Escrever')

'Escrevo' is the first-person singular ('eu') present tense conjugation of the verb 'escrever' (to write). It indicates an action happening now or habitually.

3

Para dizer (Infinitive Clause)

'Para' means 'to' or 'in order to', and 'dizer' is the infinitive form of 'to say' or 'to tell'. This construction expresses the purpose of the action ('escrevo').

4

Não estou satisfeito (Estar + Adjective)

'Não estou satisfeito' means 'I am not satisfied'. 'Estar' (to be) is used for temporary states, conditions, or feelings, while 'ser' (to be) is for permanent characteristics. Satisfaction is a temporary state, hence 'estar' is correct here.

🗨In Conversation

A

Recebi seu e-mail. Qual é o problema?

I received your email. What's the problem?

Te escrevo para dizer que não estou satisfeito com o produto que recebi.

I am writing to tell you that I am not satisfied with the product I received.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Eu escrevo para dizer que não sou satisfeito.

    Using 'ser' (sou) instead of 'estar' (estou) for a temporary state like satisfaction. 'Ser satisfeito' would imply a permanent state of being satisfied, which is grammatically incorrect in this context.

  • Eu te escrevo para dizer que não estou satisfeito.

    While not strictly wrong, in Brazilian Portuguese, the object pronoun 'te' usually comes before the verb in informal contexts, making 'Te escrevo' more natural and common than 'Eu te escrevo'.

  • Te escrevo para dizer que não estou contente.

    While 'contente' means 'happy' or 'pleased', 'satisfeito' specifically means 'satisfied' and is more appropriate when expressing dissatisfaction with a service or product.

↔Alternatives

  • Gostaria de expressar minha insatisfação.

    I would like to express my dissatisfaction.

  • Não estou contente com a situação.

    I am not happy with the situation.

  • Estou insatisfeito com o serviço.

    I am dissatisfied with the service.

pt

Cultural Tip

Brazilians tend to be quite direct in written communication, especially in formal or semi-formal contexts like complaints. While 'te' (informal 'you') is used, the phrase itself carries a weight of seriousness. In more formal settings, you might use 'lhe escrevo' (formal 'you') or 'Escrevo para informar que não estou satisfeito' to avoid the direct object pronoun 'te' altogether.