É incerto
Literally: It is uncertain
Use `é incerto` to describe any situation where the final result is still a mystery.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it when an outcome is not yet decided.
- Works in both professional and casual settings.
- A polite way to say 'I don't know yet'.
Meaning
It's a way to say something is uncertain or up in the air. You use it when you aren't sure about a result or a future event.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about the weather for a trip
O tempo para amanhã ainda é incerto.
The weather for tomorrow is still uncertain.
Discussing a work promotion
A minha promoção na empresa é incerta.
My promotion at the company is uncertain.
Texting a friend about a party
É incerto se vou conseguir ir à festa.
It's uncertain if I'll be able to go to the party.
Cultural Background
The phrase reflects a certain 'fado' or fatalistic streak in Lusophone cultures, acknowledging that many things are out of human control. It is frequently used in Portuguese media to discuss economic trends or political shifts, often with a sigh of resignation. In Brazil, it can be used to politely dodge a commitment without being rude.
The 'Ser' vs 'Estar' Trick
Use `é incerto` for things that feel like a general fact. Use `está incerto` if you think the uncertainty is very temporary and will be resolved in minutes.
Don't be too vague
If you use this too much in business without explaining why, people might think you are unprepared rather than just being realistic.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it when an outcome is not yet decided.
- Works in both professional and casual settings.
- A polite way to say 'I don't know yet'.
What It Means
É incerto is your go-to phrase for the great unknowns of life. It literally means "It is uncertain." You use it when you don't have a clear answer. It suggests that things could go either way. It’s not just about being unsure. It implies that the situation itself lacks a defined outcome. Think of it as the verbal equivalent of a shrug.
How To Use It
You can use it as a standalone sentence. Or, you can link it to a specific topic. For example, É incerto se ele vem (It’s uncertain if he’s coming). It works perfectly at the start of a sentence. It also works as a short reply to a question. It’s very flexible and grammatically simple for you to use.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing plans that aren't finalized yet. It’s great for talking about the weather or the economy. Use it at work when a project deadline is wobbly. Use it with friends when the weekend plans are still a mess. It’s perfect for texting when you don't want to commit. It sounds more sophisticated than just saying "I don't know."
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for things that are definitely happening. If your mom asks if you're hungry, don't say é incerto. That just sounds weirdly dramatic. Avoid it in very high-stakes emotional moments. If someone asks if you love them, é incerto might get you slapped. It’s for facts and situations, not usually for basic personal feelings. Keep it for things that truly have multiple possible outcomes.
Cultural Background
Portuguese speakers often value flexibility in social planning. The phrase é incerto reflects a cultural comfort with ambiguity. It’s common in news broadcasts and political discussions in Portugal and Brazil. It carries a touch of realism about how unpredictable life can be. It’s a polite way to avoid giving a definitive "no." It leaves the door open for a "yes" later on.
Common Variations
You might hear está incerto instead of é incerto. É implies a permanent state of uncertainty. Está suggests it’s just uncertain right now. You can also say não se sabe (it's not known). Or try quem sabe? (who knows?) for a more casual vibe. If you want to sound fancy, use é uma incógnita (it's an unknown).
Usage Notes
The phrase is highly versatile. While technically neutral, it can sound slightly more sophisticated than a simple 'maybe' in professional emails.
The 'Ser' vs 'Estar' Trick
Use `é incerto` for things that feel like a general fact. Use `está incerto` if you think the uncertainty is very temporary and will be resolved in minutes.
Don't be too vague
If you use this too much in business without explaining why, people might think you are unprepared rather than just being realistic.
The Polite No
In many Portuguese-speaking circles, saying `é incerto` is a polite way to decline an invitation without hurting feelings. It's the 'maybe' that usually means 'probably not'.
Examples
6O tempo para amanhã ainda é incerto.
The weather for tomorrow is still uncertain.
Standard use for unpredictable natural events.
A minha promoção na empresa é incerta.
My promotion at the company is uncertain.
Used here to express professional doubt.
É incerto se vou conseguir ir à festa.
It's uncertain if I'll be able to go to the party.
A soft way to say you might not make it.
Se o jantar vai ser comestível? É incerto!
If dinner will be edible? It's uncertain!
Using the phrase to make a joke about someone's skills.
O futuro da economia permanece incerto.
The future of the economy remains uncertain.
Very common in journalism and formal writing.
O nosso futuro juntos parece tão incerto agora.
Our future together seems so uncertain right now.
Used to express deep personal doubt and vulnerability.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the phrase about a football match result.
O resultado do jogo de hoje ___ incerto.
We use the verb 'ser' (é) to describe the state of uncertainty regarding the result.
How would you tell a friend that your arrival time is not fixed?
A que horas chegas? ___, depende do trânsito.
'É incerto' correctly indicates that the time depends on an external factor like traffic.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'É incerto'
Used with friends to avoid commitment.
Vais sair? É incerto.
Standard daily usage for facts.
O horário é incerto.
Used in news or business reports.
O desfecho é incerto.
Where to use 'É incerto'
Weather Forecast
Will it rain?
Business Meeting
Project deadlines
Social Life
Party attendance
Sports
Match outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
11 questionsIt means 'It is uncertain.' It's used when you don't know the outcome of a situation, like É incerto se vai chover (It's uncertain if it will rain).
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend without any issues.
Yes! If someone asks 'Are you coming?', you can simply reply É incerto to mean you aren't sure yet.
Não sei means 'I don't know' (personal lack of knowledge). É incerto means the situation itself is unpredictable.
You would say O futuro é incerto. It's a very common philosophical phrase in Portuguese.
Not usually to describe a person's character. You'd use it for their actions or plans, like O plano dele é incerto.
Not exactly slang, but people might say Tá no ar (It's in the air) to mean the same thing informally.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Yes, but be careful. Saying O que sinto é incerto (What I feel is uncertain) is quite heavy and dramatic.
The opposite is É certo (It is certain) or É garantido (It is guaranteed).
Use é for general situations and está for specific, temporary moments. Both are often interchangeable in casual speech.
Related Phrases
Quem sabe?
Talvez
Não é garantido
Está por decidir
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