no es
/no es/from spelling rules
The English phrase "isn't" is translated into Spanish as no es.
This form is used for identity, origin and permanent characteristics.
Meaning: is not (verb)
Which one should you use?
This form specifically uses the verb ser and is appropriate for identity or permanent traits. It should not be used for temporary states or locations.
How does it change in a sentence?
To create the negative form, the word no is placed directly before the verb es.
How do you pronounce it?
/no es/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid attaching no to the end of the verb. In Spanish, the negation must precede the verb.
When do people say it?
In Mexico, the phrase no está chido is commonly used to express that something "isn't cool" or "isn't good."
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, no es can be used as a tag question at the end of a sentence to mean 'right?' or 'isn't it?'
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying no es can be softened by adding no es así to make a contradiction sound more polite or indirect.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, you can emphasize that something 'isn't' a certain way by adding 'para nada' at the end, meaning 'not at all'.
Examples in context
- No es un pez.It isn't a fish.This sentence shows how to use no es to identify a fish.Tatoeba #1513877 by marcelostockle, translation #1513674 by CM
- Ese no es Tom.That isn't Tom.This sentence uses no es to identify a person.Tatoeba #2625325 by Shishir, translation #2235898 by CK
- No es mi primo.He isn't my cousin.This sentence uses no es to identify a relationship.Tatoeba #399804 by hayastan, translation #297738 by CK
- No es ciertoIt isn't true
- Ella no está aquíShe isn't here
- Eso no es justoThat isn't fair
- No está listoHe isn't ready
- Mi teléfono no andaMy phone isn't working
- No es que no quiera ir, pero estoy ocupado/aIt isn't that I don't want to go, but I'm busy
- 1476 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- SofíaEsta pintura no es muy antigua.This painting isn't very old.
- AlejandroTienes razón, parece moderna.You are right, it looks modern.
- SofíaPero no es el estilo que busco.But it isn't the style I'm looking for.
- AlejandroBusquemos en la otra sala, Sofía.Let's look in the other room, Sofía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “isn't” translations, 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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
