nie
/ˈɲɛ/
The English word "no" is translated into Polish as nie.
nie is a particle used to express negation or disagreement. It can also function as a noun meaning a negating expression. You can use it to decline offers, such as by saying Nie, dziękuję (No, thank you) or more informally Nie, dzięki (No, thanks). If you want to express a regretful refusal, you might say Niestety, nie (Unfortunately, no) followed by Spróbuję innym razem (I will try another time).
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a particle, nie functions like the English word "not" and is used to negate verbs, adjectives and adverbs.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈɲɛ/
Did you know?
- The word nie is used in the common Polish expression niezły, which literally means 'not bad' but is actually used to mean 'quite good' or 'impressive'.
- In many Slavic languages, including Polish, the word nie can be used to create a double negative, such as saying 'I don't know nothing'.
- The Polish word for 'no' nie is a cognate of the English word 'nay', both tracing back to the same prehistoric root.
Examples in context
- Tu nie ma piwa.There's no beer here.This sentence demonstrates the use of nie to indicate the absence of beer.Tatoeba #2827311 by MarekMazurkiewicz, translation #423144 by CM
- Już nie ma soli.There's no more salt.This sentence shows how nie is used to state that salt is no longer present.Tatoeba #552888 by Bilberry, translation #467337 by CK
- Nie ma tu bryzy.There is no breeze here.This sentence uses nie to indicate the absence of a breeze.Tatoeba #12401003 by polski_ren, translation #2041867 by halfb1t
- Czy masz ochotę na kawę?Would you like some coffee?
- Czy możesz pomóc mi z tym projektem?Can you help me with this project?
- 1014 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Piotr and Anna are discussing whether to go for a walk in the rain.
- PiotrPójdziemy dzisiaj na spacer?Shall we go for a walk today?
- AnnaNie, teraz pada deszcz.No, it is raining now.
- PiotrMoże weźmiemy parasole?Maybe we should take umbrellas?
- AnnaNie, wolę zostać w domu.No, I prefer to stay at home.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries nie, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nie, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
