Portuguese Phrase
Não, eu não trabalho nos fins de semana.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and clear way to state your professional boundaries regarding your schedule. It utilizes the standard Portuguese double negative structure, which provides emphasis without being considered incorrect or overly aggressive.
When to use
Use this phrase when a colleague or manager asks about your availability on Saturdays or Sundays. It is appropriate for both spoken conversation and written communication like emails or Slack messages.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Não,eunãotrabalhonosfins de semana
Double Negative
In Portuguese, it is grammatically correct and common to use 'não' before the verb even if the sentence starts with 'Não'.
Contraction 'Nos'
This is the mandatory contraction of the preposition 'em' and the plural article 'os', used here to indicate a habitual time.
🗨In Conversation
Você pode me enviar os arquivos no sábado?
Can you send me the files on Saturday?
Não, eu não trabalho nos fins de semana.
No, I don't work on weekends.
✕Common Mistakes
Não, eu não trabalho em fins de semana.
Using 'nos' (the contraction of em + os) is much more natural when referring to weekends as a recurring habit.
Não, eu não trabalho no fim de semana.
The singular form 'no fim de semana' usually refers to one specific upcoming weekend rather than a general rule.
↔Alternatives
Eu folgo aos fins de semana.
I have weekends off.
Não estou disponível aos sábados e domingos.
I am not available on Saturdays and Sundays.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil and Portugal, maintaining a distinction between work and personal time is highly valued in the corporate world. While 'fim de semana' is the standard term, you will also frequently hear 'final de semana' used interchangeably in Brazil.