dices que no
/diθes ke no/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'do you say no' is translated into Spanish as dices que no.
This phrase is a question used to ask if someone is refusing an offer or disagreeing with a statement.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the question is formed by using rising intonation or adding question marks, rather than changing word order as in English. To change the subject to 'he', 'she' or 'you' (formal), change 'dices' to 'dice'.
How do you pronounce it?
/diθes ke no/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a verbal 'no' might be avoided in favor of a polite hesitation or a change of subject to save 'face' during a transaction.
- The word que in this phrase is a distant relative of the English word 'who'.
- In some dialects, especially in the Caribbean, the 's' sound in dices may be softened or dropped entirely, making it sound more like dice que no.
Examples in context
- ¿Dices que no a la propuesta?Do you say no to the proposal?
- Si le dices que no, se pondrá triste.If you say no to him, he will be sad.
- No entiendo por qué dices que no.I don't understand why you say no.
Example conversation
Javier is offering Lucía a piece of cake.
- Javier¿Quieres un trozo de pastel, Lucía?Do you want a piece of cake, Lucía?
- LucíaNo, gracias, estoy llena.No, thanks, I am full.
- Javier¿De verdad dices que no?Do you really say no?
- LucíaSí, no puedo comer más.Yes, I cannot eat any more.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries no, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
