नाही
nāhī/na.ɦi/
The English word 'no' is translated into Marathi as नाही (nāhī).
नाही is used as a particle to show disagreement or negation. While it can serve as a standalone response meaning 'no', it is most commonly used as the negative particle 'not' to negate nouns or verbs.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In many contexts, नाही functions as the negative form of the verb 'to be', serving the meaning of 'is not', 'are not' or 'am not'.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has two syllables: nāhī. The sound is composed of the [n] from the word 'not', the [h] from the word 'have' and the [i] from the word 'happy'.
Did you know?
- When Marathi speakers want to say 'no' emphatically or firmly, they may use the word नको, which specifically means 'do not want' rather than 'is not'.
- In casual conversation, Marathi speakers may soften a 'no' by adding a trailing ग or रे to the end of नाही depending on the gender and closeness of the listener.
- The Marathi नाही can be traced back to the Sanskrit word नहि, which was used in ancient texts to mean 'not' or 'certainly not'.
Examples in context
- आज शाळा नाही आहे.There is no school today.This sentence uses नाही to state that school is not present today.Tatoeba #2353881 by sabretou, translation #242804 by CK
- काही फरक पडत नाही.It makes no difference.This sentence uses नाही to express that no difference is made.Tatoeba #3869007 by sabretou, translation #2082973 by Tamy
- मी नाही कसं म्हणू?How could I possibly say no?This sentence uses नाही to ask how one could say no.Tatoeba #6744810 by sabretou, translation #4014156 by CK
- 657 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Rahul asks Priya if she is tired.
- राहुल Rahulतू थकली आहेस का?Tū thakalī āhēs kā?Are you tired?
- प्रिया Priyaनाही, मी ठीक आहे.Nāhī, mī ṭhīk āhē.No, I am fine.
- राहुल Rahulमग आपण बाहेर जाऊया का?Mag āpaṇ bāhēr jāūyā kā?Then shall we go outside?
- प्रिया Priyaहो, नक्की जाऊया!Hō, nakkī jāūyā!Yes, let's definitely go!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries नाही, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries नाही, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
