negativo
/neɡaˈtibo/
The English word 'negative' is translated into Spanish as negativo.
negativo is an adjective used to describe something that is not positive or neutral, such as something bad, undesirable or unfavourable. It is also used as a noun in specific contexts: in mathematics to refer to a negative quantity, and in photography to refer to a photographic negative.
Meaning: not positive or neutral, bad, undesirable, unfavourable (adj)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, negativo must agree with the noun it describes. You should use negativa for feminine singular nouns, negativos for masculine plural nouns and negativas for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/neɡaˈtibo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, saying en negativo when referring to a bank account implies being 'overdrawn' or in debt.
- In Spanish grammar, negativo can be used as a noun to describe a 'no' answer or a refusal in formal communication.
- While negativo describes a bad attitude, Spanish speakers often use the word pesimista to describe someone who focuses on the negative side of life.
Examples in context
- Mi saldo es negativo.My balance is negative.This sentence shows how to describe a negative balance.Tatoeba #7679339 by arh, translation #7774443 by shekitten
- Los resultados fueron negativos.The results were negative.This sentence shows how to describe plural results.Tatoeba #11550364 by ecorralest101, translation #238615 by CM
- El resultado del test es negativo.The test result is negative.This sentence shows how to describe a negative test result.Tatoeba #9381920 by ignacio, translation #9382169 by DJ_Saidez
- No tengo nadaI have nothing
- Nunca he estado allíI have never been there
- No tengo ningunoI have none
- No le gusta ni el café ni el téHe likes neither coffee nor tea
- Es imposible hacerlo rápidamenteIt is impossible to do it quickly
- No es verdad lo que dicesWhat you say is not true
- No sé nada de nadaI don't know anything at all
- Nunca jamás voy a hacerloI'm never, ever going to do it
- No hago eso ni loco/aI would never do that in a million years
- Eso es mentiraThat's a lie
- 16 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a bad review of a new restaurant.
- MaríaEl comentario fue muy negativo.The comment was very negative.
- JavierEs un efecto negativo para el negocio.It is a negative effect for the business.
- MaríaJavier, no seas tan negativo.Javier, don't be so negative.
- JavierSolo digo la verdad.I am just telling the truth.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “negative” translations and entries negativo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
