In Portuguese, what is the difference between "nenhum" and "nem um" (Diferença entre "nenhum" e "nem um")?

Answer 1

Hi there,

In Portuguese, "nenhum" and "nem um" have different meanings and usages, though they may seem similar at first glance.

1. Nenhum:
2. Meaning: "Nenhum" means "none" or "not any." It is used to indicate the absence of something or someone.
3. Usage: It is often used in negative sentences to emphasize the non-existence or absence.
4. Examples:
5. "Eu não tenho nenhum dinheiro." (I don't have any money.)
6. "Nenhum dos alunos veio à aula." (None of the students came to class.)
7. Nem um:
8. Meaning: "Nem um" means "not even one" or "not a single one." It emphasizes that not even a single item or person is present or involved.
9. Usage: It is used to highlight the complete absence, often for emphasis.
10. Examples:
11. "Ele não conseguiu nem um emprego." (He couldn't get even a single job.)
12. "Não havia nem um carro na rua." (There wasn't even one car on the street.)

Key Differences

1. Scope of Negation: "Nenhum" is a more general negation, indicating none at all, whereas "nem um" emphasizes the absence of even one single item.
2. Context: "Nenhum" is used for general negative statements, while "nem um" is used for emphasizing the total lack of even one instance.

If you have more questions about Portuguese language nuances or need further examples, feel free to reach out. I'm here to help!

Best regards,

Rubens

Answer 2

nem um - nor a

Answer 3

I have been away from Brazil for almost forty years, but I think that nenhum means none. Nem um is used as a comparison like "neither or" in "nem um nem outro."

You may need to confirm that with someone else, though. I took my Portuguese qualifications from my profile because I'm never certain.