ni hablar
/ˌni aˈblaɾ/
The English phrase "no chance" is expressed in Spanish as ni hablar.
ni hablar is used to express that a suggestion or possibility is completely out of the question, meaning something is absolutely impossible or will not be allowed.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "not even to speak".
Which one should you use?
You might use Ni de broma (not even as a joke) to express that something is highly unlikely or impossible or En tus sueños (in your dreams) to express the same idea informally.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
ni hablar is an informal idiomatic expression. For a formal alternative, you can use No hay posibilidad, which means "there is no possibility".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌni aˈblaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word hablar comes from the Latin fabulārī, which means 'to chat'. This is the same root that gives English the word 'fable'.
- If you want to be more dismissive, you can say Ni de coña, which is a much stronger and more vulgar way to say 'no chance' in Spain.
- In some contexts, ni hablar is not used as a refusal but as a way to say 'not to mention'. For example, if someone is already tired, they might add ni hablar del hambre to say 'let alone the hunger'.
Examples in context
- Lo siento, pero no hay posibilidad.I'm sorry, but there is no chance.
- Ni de broma, no me gusta ese tipo de música.No chance, I don't like that kind of music.
- ¿Podemos ir al cine esta noche? ¡Ni hablar!Can we go to the cinema tonight? No chance!
- Ni hablar de ir a esa fiesta.No way am I going to that party.
- ¿Me prestas tu coche? ¡Ni hablar!Can I borrow your car? No chance!
- Ni hablar de que yo lo haga.There is no way I am doing that.
Example conversation
Daniel wants to borrow Sofía's laptop.
- Sofía¡Hola, Sofía! ¿Me prestas tu computadora?Hi, Sofía! Will you lend me your computer?
- Daniel¡Ni hablar! La necesito para mi trabajo.No chance! I need it for my work.
- Sofía¿Solo la quiero por una hora.I only want it for one hour.
- DanielLo siento, Daniel, pero no puedo.I'm sorry, Daniel, but I can't.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ni hablar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
