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Questions & Answers about Eu não quero nada.
Why does the sentence use both não and nada? Isn’t one negative marker enough?
In Portuguese, using both não and nada is standard practice. Não negates the verb (quero), and nada serves as a negative pronoun meaning "nothing" or "anything" in a negative context. Together, they reinforce the negation without canceling each other out, unlike in English where a double negative is often avoided.
How does the word order in Eu não quero nada compare to a positive sentence?
In a positive sentence, you might say Eu quero algo ("I want something"). The structure is similar, with Eu as the subject and quero as the verb. In the negative sentence, the negation não is placed before the verb, and nada—a negative pronoun—follows to indicate the absence of any object. The overall order remains subject + verb + object, with the negation elements added.
What is the grammatical role of nada in this sentence?
Nada functions as a negative pronoun acting as the object of the verb quero. It means "nothing" or "anything" when used in a negative statement, reinforcing that there is no object desired.
Is the use of a double negative in this sentence acceptable in Portuguese?
Yes, it is not only acceptable but also grammatically correct to use a double negative in Portuguese. Unlike in English—where double negatives can unintentionally cancel each other out—in Portuguese, negative concord is the norm. Both não and nada work together to clearly convey the intended negation.
Can the subject Eu be omitted in this sentence?
Yes, subject pronouns in Portuguese are often dropped because the verb conjugation makes the subject clear. For example, Não quero nada is perfectly acceptable. Including Eu can add emphasis or clarity, but it isn’t necessary for the sentence to be understood.
What is the tense and form of the verb quero?
Quero is the first person singular present tense form of the verb querer, which means "to want." It directly translates to "I want" in English and is used here to indicate a current desire or state of mind.