неа
nea
The Russian word for 'nah' is неа (nea).
неа is a colloquial way to say 'no'.
Meaning: no (intj)
Which one should you use?
While нет is the standard, neutral way to say 'no', неа is much more casual and is used primarily among friends or in relaxed settings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
неа is an informal, colloquial way to say no, similar to the English 'nah'.
How do you pronounce it?
nea
Did you know?
- If someone answers неа to a question that starts with разве не… ('isn't it…'), they are actually agreeing with the negative premise of the question.
- While неа is very casual, using it with a boss or a stranger in Russia might be perceived as much more childish or even rude than a simple 'no' would be in English.
- The word неа is actually a phonetic distortion of the standard нет, where the crisp final 't' is replaced by a lazy, open vowel sound.
Examples in context
- Давай, не надоLet's not, no need
- Неа, я не хочу это делать.Nea, ya ne khochu eto delat'.Nah, I don't want to do that.
- Неа, я занят.Nea, ya zanyat.Nah, I'm busy.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about going to a party.
- Анастасия AnastasiaСергей, ты пойдёшь на вечеринку?Sergey, ty poydyosh' na vecherinku?Sergey, are you going to the party?
- Сергей SergeyНеа, я хочу остаться дома.Nea, ya khochu ostat'sya doma.Nah, I want to stay home.
- Анастасия AnastasiaПочему ты не хочешь идти?Pochemu ty ne khochesh' idti?Why don't you want to go?
- Сергей SergeyЯ очень устал сегодня.Ya ochen' ustal segodnya.I am very tired today.
