I suspect not Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈaɪ/ /ˈsəsˌpɛkt/, /səˈspɛkt/ /ˈnɑt

eye suh-SPEKT NAHT

UK

ˈaɪ/ /ˈsʌs.pɛkt/ /nˈɒt

eye sus-PEKT NOT

Definition

A polite or slightly doubtful way to say you do not believe something is true or will happen.

Usage & Nuances

Common in spoken English; softer and more polite than simply saying 'no.' Often used when you’re not 100% sure, or to gently disagree. Similar in tone to 'I don't think so.' Used for opinions more than facts.

• Spanish: creo que no - sospecho que no
• Portuguese (BR): acho que não - suspeito que não
• Portuguese (PT): acho que não - suspeito que não
• Chinese (Simplified): 我猜不是 - 我想不是
• Chinese (Traditional): 我猜不是 - 我想不是
• Hindi: मुझे संदेह है कि नहीं
• Arabic: أعتقد لا - أشك في ذلك
• Bengali: আমি মনে করি না - আমার সন্দেহ আছে
• Russian: я так не думаю - подозреваю, что нет
• Japanese: そうは思いません - そうじゃないと思います
• Vietnamese: tôi nghĩ là không - tôi nghi là không
• Korean: 그렇지 않을 것 같아요 - 아닐 것 같아요
• Turkish: sanmıyorum - zannetmiyorum
• Urdu: مجھے شک ہے کہ نہیں - میرا خیال نہیں
• Indonesian: saya rasa tidak - saya curiga tidak

Example Sentences

Will he come to the meeting? I suspect not.

basic

Is this going to work? I suspect not.

basic

Will it rain today? I suspect not.

basic

Do you think she'll say yes? I suspect not, but let's hope.

natural

Are we finished with everything? I suspect not—there's always more to do.

natural

Did you understand what he meant? I suspect not, honestly.

natural