no
/ˈno/
In Spanish, 'no' means no. If unsure, use no. Wiktionary also lists no pues.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| no | /ˈno/ |
| no pues | /no pwes/ (from spelling rules) |
The word no is used to show disagreement or negation. While English uses different words for disagreement and negation, the Spanish no performs both functions.
Which one should you use?
In English, you use 'no' to disagree and 'not' to negate a verb. In Spanish, the single word no is used for both purposes.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a negation particle, no is placed before a verb to mean 'not'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈno/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying 'no' to an offer of food or drink is often seen as a polite formality. It is common practice to refuse once or twice before finally accepting.
- In some Spanish dialects, the word no is used as a tag question at the end of a sentence to seek confirmation, similar to saying 'right?' or 'isn't it?' in English.
- In formal Spanish, a double negative like no sé nada is grammatically correct and required, whereas in English double negatives are often considered incorrect.
Examples in context
- No, aún no sé.No, I still don't know.Tatoeba #1502230 by marcelostockle, translation #9966252 by DJ_Saidez
- Esto y no más.This and no more.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- Yo ya dije no.I already said no.Tatoeba #4563333 by ecorralest101, translation #4562444 by Hybrid
- 3432 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is discussing whether to go to a party.
- María¿Quieres ir a la fiesta hoy?Do you want to go to the party today?
- MateoNo, prefiero quedarme en casa.No, I prefer to stay at home.
- María¿Seguro que no quieres ir?Are you sure you don't want to go?
- MateoNo, realmente no tengo ganas.No, I really don't feel like it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries no, 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.
