I expect not Meaning in English
expression
ˈaɪ/ /ɪkˈspɛkt/ /ˈnɑt
eye ik-SPEKT NAHT
ˈaɪ/ /ɛkspˈɛkt/ /nˈɒt
eye ek-SPEKT NOT
Definition
A polite or slightly reserved way to say you do not think something will happen or is true, often used in response to a question.
Usage & Nuances
Mild and slightly formal; softer than a direct 'no.' Often used in British English. Common in polite disagreements or unsure predictions. Less common in American English, where 'I don't think so' or 'probably not' are more usual.
Spanish: eso creo que no - supongo que noPortuguese (BR): acredito que não - espero que nãoPortuguese (PT): creio que não - espero que nãoChinese (Simplified): 我想不会Chinese (Traditional): 我想不會Hindi: मुझे नहीं लगताArabic: لا أعتقد ذلكBengali: আমার মনে হয় না - আশা করি নাRussian: скорее всего, нет - я так не думаюJapanese: そうは思いません - そうではないと思いますVietnamese: tôi nghĩ là không - tôi không mong vậyKorean: 그렇지 않을 것 같아요 - 아닐 것 같아요Turkish: sanmam - zannetmiyorumUrdu: میرا خیال نہیں - مجھے امید نہیںIndonesian: saya rasa tidak - saya kira tidak
Example Sentences
Will it rain tomorrow? I expect not.
basic
Do you think she knows? I expect not.
basic
Will the shop still be open? I expect not.
basic
Will they invite us to the party? I expect not, since we barely know them.
natural
Will the train be on time today? I expect not with all this snow.
natural
Are they planning any more meetings? I expect not, but I'll check for you.
natural