Portuguese · Everyday expressions

How to pronounce não in Portuguese

não

No

NUHW/ˈnɐ̃w̃/

Brazilian Portuguese; reference: Brazil · Choose 1.00× to hear the original pace.

não is pronounced /ˈnɐ̃w̃/ in Portuguese. In não: For vowels marked with a tilde, let air resonate through the nose while the mouth keeps its vowel shape. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.

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Find the sounds in não

The reference transcription for não is /ˈnɐ̃w̃/. Read adjacent consonants together without inserting extra vowels. The mark /ˈ/ comes immediately before the main stressed syllable. Give that syllable a little more prominence without swallowing the others.

  1. 1.Nasal resonance

    In não: For vowels marked with a tilde, let air resonate through the nose while the mouth keeps its vowel shape.

    Watch out: Do not add a strong n or m just because an English respelling uses one to suggest nasality.

Hear it in context

Não, obrigado. Já estou cheio.

No, thank you. I'm already full.

Listen once, say it aloud, then replay at 1.00×. Keep the word connected to the surrounding sentence rather than giving every syllable equal weight.

Pronunciation and variety

The recording uses a Brazilian Portuguese voice for não. Portuguese in Portugal and other regions can differ in vowel reduction and consonants. The reference may list several realizations; the transcription here is selected for a Brazilian or unmarked pronunciation.

The English-style respelling is approximate. Use the IPA and recording together for vowel quality and consonants that do not have an exact English equivalent.

Meaning and everyday use

Questions about não

How do you pronounce não?

não is pronounced /ˈnɐ̃w̃/ in Portuguese. In não: For vowels marked with a tilde, let air resonate through the nose while the mouth keeps its vowel shape. Listen to the word on its own, then compare it with the example sentence.

What should I listen for first?

In não: For vowels marked with a tilde, let air resonate through the nose while the mouth keeps its vowel shape. Start at 0.75×, then return to 1.00× to hear the natural rhythm.

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