nào

Não is the primary negation word in Portuguese, serving as the negation particle that turns affirmative statements into negatives. It is used before the element that is being negated, most commonly before the verb in simple tenses (Não sei, Não posso). It also precedes auxiliary verbs in compound tenses (Eu não tenho visto). Além de negar verbos, não can modify adjectives and adverbs (Isso não é fácil; Ele não corre rápido) and can negate entire clauses. As a standalone response, simply saying “Não” can answer a yes–no question.

Etymology and scope: The word não originates from Latin non and has been integrated into Portuguese through the language’s historical development. It is used in both European and Brazilian Portuguese, serving the same core function, though regional pronunciation and stylistic preferences may influence its placement in emphatic constructions.

Usage notes: In ordinary syntax, não sits immediately before the verb or auxiliary that carries the negation. When negating a clause, the negation usually comes at the beginning of the verbal unit, but it can also appear earlier in a sentence for emphasis. In questions, não is used to negate the expected affirmative answer, often followed by the rest of the clause.

Examples:

- Não sei a resposta.

- Não é fácil.

- Não tenho dinheiro para isso.

- Você não vai comigo? Não.

See also: Portuguese negation, Brazilian Portuguese, European Portuguese.