How to say “not really” like a native speaker
A gentle negative answer: something is not quite true, or you do not particularly want or like it. It is usually softer than a plain “no”.
All phrases · Small talk
Hear “not really” in real speech
Clip 1 · Brené Brown
Listening to shame | Brené Brown | TED · 1:20
About this video
Brené Brown discusses shame and vulnerability, starting with how exposed she felt after an earlier talk. She considers how shame can make people withdraw from difficult conversations, including conversations about privilege.
In context
And she said, "I saw your talk live-streamed.It was not really you.
It was a little different than what you usually do.
Clip 2 · Sir Ken Robinson
How to escape education's death valley | Sir Ken Robinson | TED · 8:15
About this video
Ken Robinson discusses education and the conditions that help learning grow. He contrasts curiosity with a culture of compliance in which teachers and children are encouraged to follow routines.
In context
There he is. He's dieting.Is he losing any weight? Not really.
Teaching is a word like that.
Clip 3 · Kelly McGonigal
How to Make Stress Your Friend | Kelly McGonigal | TED · 6:09
About this video
Kelly McGonigal asks the audience about stress and discusses how people interpret their stress responses. She explains why she wants listeners to reconsider what a pounding heart and other signs of stress mean.
In context
And this is one of the reasons that chronic stress is sometimes associated with cardiovascular disease.It's not really healthy to be in this state all the time.
But in the study, when participants viewed their stress response as helpful, their blood vessels stayed relaxed like this.
When to use “not really”
- Answering a food preference question: “Do you like olives?” “Not really.”
- Describing limited progress: “Have you started packing?” “Not really. I've only found a bag.”
Possible connected-speech patterns in “not really”
The T can be light before R. Stress “not” for a firm denial or “really” to soften the extent of the claim.
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A slow line to begin with: listen to how “don’t need to” runs together, then say it at the speaker’s pace.
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