How to Decline a Job Offer Politely in Portuguese
A clear, appreciative refusal lets the employer close the process and understand that your decision is final.
Real Life Portuguese · 5 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
Use Agradeço a oportunidade (I appreciate the opportunity) to acknowledge the offer. Then say Decidi não aceitar a proposta (I decided not to accept the offer). The verb decidir makes the decision clear without requiring a long explanation.
Thank the employer before sharing your decision
If you are sending a message, include the role or company name so the recipient can identify which offer you mean.
Agradeço a oportunidade e o tempo da equipe durante o processo.
I appreciate the opportunity and the team's time during the process.
Depois de analisar a proposta, decidi não aceitar a vaga.
After reviewing the offer, I decided not to accept the position.
Give a brief reason only if you want to
You may name a broad reason, such as outra oportunidade (another opportunity) or o momento não é adequado (the timing is not right). You do not owe a detailed account of private circumstances.
Avoid writing that you might accept later unless you mean it. If you want to stay in touch, say that directly and do not imply a future opening is guaranteed.
Aceitei outra oportunidade que está mais alinhada aos meus objetivos.
I accepted another opportunity that is more aligned with my goals.
Neste momento, não vou conseguir seguir com a vaga.
At this time, I won't be able to move forward with the position.
Close on a professional note
Agradeço novamente and desejo sucesso à equipe are warm ways to close. Keep the message concise and send it through the channel used for the offer unless the employer requested another process.
Once you have declined, the employer may continue with another candidate. A prompt reply helps everyone plan.
Agradeço novamente e desejo sucesso à equipe.
Thank you again, and I wish the team success.
Espero que possamos manter contato para oportunidades futuras.
I hope we can stay in touch about future opportunities.
Put it into practice
Thank the employer, state that you are declining, and give only the explanation you are comfortable sharing.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I hope we can stay in touch about future opportunities”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
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