नहीं
nahī̃/nə.ɦĩː/
The English word no is translated into Hindi as नहीं (nahī̃). Wiktionary also lists जी नहीं (jī nahī̃).
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| नहीं | nahī̃ | /nə.ɦĩː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| जी नहीं | jī nahī̃ | /d͡ʒiː nə.ɦĩː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
नहीं is used as a particle to show disagreement or negation.
Which one should you use?
Use जी नहीं instead of नहीं to be more polite or formal when disagreeing with someone.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The two-syllable word is pronounced /nə.ɦĩː/. The romanization is nahī̃.
Did you know?
- The Hindi word जी is a very distant relative of the English word 'quick' and the French word 'vif'. All these words trace back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning 'life'.
- In many parts of India, a 'no' is expressed not with the word नहीं but with a subtle side-to-side tilt of the head. This 'head bobble' can be more common than speaking the word in casual conversation.
- While नहीं is the standard for 'no', the word ना is also used in informal settings or songs. It provides a softer or more rhythmic sound than the formal particle.
Examples in context
- अभी तक कोई नहीं मरा।No one has died yet.This sentence shows the use of नहीं in a context of death.Tatoeba #9844511 by anushka, translation #4246061 by CK
- कोई और ये नहीं समझता।No one else would've understood this.This sentence shows the use of नहीं in a context of understanding.Tatoeba #11370671 by Sorcien, translation #11341053 by sundown
- किसी ने जवाब नहीं दिया।No one responded.This sentence shows the use of नहीं in a context of responding.Tatoeba #8889274 by simranbansal, translation #2249603 by CK
- 117 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anjali asks Amit if he wants to go to the market.
- अंजलि Anjaliक्या आप बाज़ार चलेंगे?Kya aap bazaar chalenge?Will you go to the market?
- अमित Amitनहीं, मैं बहुत थक गया हूँ।Nahi, main bahut thak gaya hoon.No, I am very tired.
- अंजलि Anjaliक्या आप खाना खाएंगे?Kya aap khaana khayenge?Will you eat food?
- अमित Amitनहीं, मुझे भूख नहीं है।Nahi, mujhe bhookh nahi hai.No, I am not hungry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries नहीं, जी नहीं, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries जी, नहीं, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
