What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'I don't even have an idea'. In this context, ni functions as an intensifying particle meaning 'not even'.
Which one should you use?
While no sé is a neutral expression for 'I don't know', no tengo ni idea is used when you want to emphasize your total ignorance. For various levels of intensity and formality, you might use other forms: ¡Ni idea! is a very short, informal way to say 'No idea!' and No tengo ni la más remota idea is an informal way to say 'I don't have the faintest idea'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal or emphatic tones, you can use No tengo idea alguna or no tengo la menor idea (I don't have the slightest idea). In very casual conversation, you can simply say ni idea to mean 'no clue'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, you may hear the expression No tengo ni pajolera idea. In several Latin American countries, the phrase No tengo ni la más mínima idea (I don't have even the minimum idea) is common.
How does it change in a sentence?
When you follow the phrase with a noun or a noun phrase, you must use the preposition de after it, as in no tengo ni idea de… (I have no idea of/about…).
How do you pronounce it?
/no tenɡo ni idea/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the emphatic version No tengo ni pajolera idea uses pajolera, a word derived from paja, meaning 'straw'. It implies the amount of knowledge is as insignificant as a piece of straw.
- The word idea is rooted in the Ancient Greek verb eídō, meaning 'to see'. In a linguistic sense, having an 'idea' is literally like seeing a pattern.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a common non-verbal gesture accompanying ni idea is a slight shrug of the shoulders paired with an outward turn of the palms to signal total helplessness.
Examples in context
- Lo siento, no tengo ni idea.I'm sorry, I have no idea.This sentence is useful for apologizing while stating you lack information using no tengo ni idea.Tatoeba #558657 by Shishir, translation #269536 by CK
- No tengo ni idea de qué es esto.I have no idea what this is.This sentence shows how to use the phrase followed by a noun phrase using no tengo ni idea.Tatoeba #7563464 by arh, translation #5213796 by CK
- No tengo ni idea cómo llegué aquí.I have no idea how I got here.This sentence demonstrates using the phrase to explain a lack of knowledge about a past action using no tengo ni idea.Tatoeba #5042467 by don_ramon, translation #2247244 by Hybrid
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are looking for a lost set of keys.
- LucíaAlejandro, ¿sabes dónde están las llaves?Alejandro, do you know where the keys are?
- AlejandroNo tengo ni idea, Lucía.I have no idea, Lucía.
- Lucía¿Las dejaste en la cocina?Did you leave them in the kitchen?
- AlejandroNo lo recuerdo, no tengo ni idea.I don't remember, I have no idea.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries idea, ni, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
