negar
/neˈɡaɾ/
The English verb 'deny' is translated into Spanish as negar. Wiktionary also lists salir al paso de.
Meaning: to assert that something is not true (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| negar | /neˈɡaɾ/ |
| salir al paso de | /saliɾ al paso de/ (from spelling rules) |
negar is used to assert that something is not true. If you wish to express a formal denial of a request or proposal, you might use rechazar (to reject). In formal situations involving the denial of permissions or privileges, the phrase no conceder (not grant) is also common.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between denying a fact and refusing an action. Use negar to assert that a fact is untrue, but use negarse a when a person refuses to perform a specific action.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun form of the verb negar is negación. You can also use the reflexive form negarse a to change the meaning from 'to deny a fact' to 'to refuse to' do something.
How do you pronounce it?
/neˈɡaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish phrase salir al paso de can be used to mean 'to preemptively deny' or 'to head off' an accusation. It literally translates to 'to go out to the step of', suggesting one is stepping out to meet an incoming move before it lands.
- The word salir in the phrase salir al paso de is a cognate of the English word 'sally'.
- The verb negar can be used in the phrase negar la evidencia, which is often used when someone ignores obvious facts rather than just lying about them.
Examples in context
- No lo pude negar.I couldn't deny it.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb negar in a past tense context.Tatoeba #6563389 by EdwinPujols, translation #3736611 by CK
- No lo voy a negar.I won't deny it.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb negar in a future tense context.Tatoeba #7915484 by Seael, translation #2271954 by CK
- No lo puedo negar.I can't deny it.This sentence is useful for practicing the verb negar in a present tense context.Tatoeba #10229914 by Seael, translation #1951468 by CK
- Debo negar su solicitud de préstamo debido a su historial crediticio.I must deny your loan request due to your credit history.
- 34 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are talking about a news report.
- DanielEl testigo decidió negar los hechos.The witness decided to deny the facts.
- María¿Realmente vas a negar lo que viste?Are you really going to deny what you saw?
- DanielNo puedo negar la verdad.I cannot deny the truth.
- MaríaEs mejor que no lo niegues más.It is better if you do not deny it any longer.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “deny” translations and entries negar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, negar, paso, salir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
