Brazilians don't say SIM (yes) | Brazilian Portuguese

Summary

In this lesson, learners discover how to respond to questions in Brazilian Portuguese without using 'sim' (yes) or 'não' (no). Instead, speakers use the same verb from the question, 'isso' (that/this), or informal expressions like 'hum' for yes and 'eh' for no. The video also explains how gestures such as nodding or shaking the head complement verbal responses. Through a series of practice questions, viewers are encouraged to apply these techniques, helping them speak more naturally in informal conversations. The lesson emphasizes practical, everyday language use in Brazilian Portuguese.

Takeaways

• 😀 Brazilians rarely use the word 'sim' (yes) to answer questions in everyday conversations.
• 😀 Instead of 'sim', Brazilians often repeat the verb from the question, conjugated in the same tense.
• 😀 The pronoun (like 'eu') is optional in responses because the verb conjugation often indicates the subject.
• 😀 The word 'isso' can replace 'sim' when agreeing with someone or affirming a statement.
• 😀 In questions with the word 'já' (already), 'já' can be used in place of 'sim' for an affirmative response.
• 😀 To give negative responses, Brazilians can use 'não' (no) alone or with the verb (e.g., 'não gosto').
• 😀 When pronouncing 'não' alone, it should be clear, but it is often shortened when combined with a verb.
• 😀 Informal responses often involve gestures like nodding ('hum') for yes and shaking the head ('eh') for no.
• 😀 The lesson includes a practical exercise where learners respond to questions by repeating the verb in the answer.
• 😀 Viewers are encouraged to practice by leaving a question and their answer in the comments, applying the learned methods.
• 😀 The video promotes a free trial of a program that provides additional resources to learn Brazilian Portuguese.

Q & A

Why do Brazilians rarely use the word 'sim' to respond to questions?

Brazilians rarely use 'sim' in everyday speech because it's more natural to use the verb from the question itself to answer. This avoids repetition and keeps responses concise.

What is the most traditional way to respond affirmatively in Portuguese?

The most traditional way to respond affirmatively in Portuguese is by using the word 'sim', followed by the verb in the same tense used in the question.

How can you answer affirmatively in Portuguese without using 'sim'?

In everyday conversation, Brazilians often omit 'sim' and simply use the verb from the question, conjugated in the same tense. For example, if asked 'Você gosta de viajar?' (Do you like to travel?), the response could be 'Gosto' (I like).

What does the word 'isso' mean in the context of agreeing with someone in Portuguese?

The word 'isso' is used as a shorthand for 'isso é verdade' (that's true) or 'isso está correto' (that's correct). It serves to affirm or agree with a statement made by someone else.

When can the word 'já' be used as a substitute for 'sim'?

'Já' is used when the question includes the word 'já'. It’s a common way to confirm something, such as in 'Você já foi ao Brasil?' (Have you been to Brazil?), to which you can respond 'Já' (Yes, I have).

How do you respond negatively to a question in Portuguese?

To respond negatively, you can use 'não' alone, or 'não' followed by the verb. For example, if asked 'Você gosta de chocolate?' (Do you like chocolate?), the response would be 'Não, não gosto' (No, I don't like it).

What is the difference between pronouncing 'não' by itself and before a verb?

When 'não' is pronounced by itself, it is enunciated clearly. However, when it precedes a verb, it is often shortened or pronounced more quickly, like 'não gosto' (I don’t like).

What are the common gestures Brazilians use to indicate 'yes' or 'no'?

To indicate 'yes', Brazilians often nod their head up and down while saying 'hum'. To indicate 'no', they shake their head from side to side, sometimes accompanied by 'não'. These gestures are common in informal settings.

How can you practice responding without using the word 'sim' or 'não'?

One way to practice is by answering questions using only the verb from the question, as shown in the examples. For instance, instead of saying 'sim' or 'não', you respond with 'gosto', 'estudo', 'aceito', etc., depending on the verb tense.

What was the purpose of the exercise in the video?

The exercise aimed to help viewers practice responding to questions without using 'sim' or 'não'. By focusing on using the correct verb conjugation, learners can sound more natural in everyday conversations.