Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| no | /ˈno/ |
| no pues | /no pwes/ (from spelling rules) |
The word no is a particle used to show disagreement, negation or to indicate a negative response. While it can function as an exclamation similar to the English "no", it is also the standard tool for denying a statement or expressing a negative state.
Which one should you use?
In English, "no" is primarily an adverb or an exclamation, whereas in Spanish, no is the essential way to negate a verb. For example, you would use no to say "I do not want" (no quiero).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form no is the standard way to negate or disagree. The form no pues is a colloquial expression used to express resignation, disbelief or to act as a filler during a conversation transition.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase no pues is a very common colloquialism in Mexican Spanish, often translated as "well, no" or "well, then."
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, no acts as a negative particle used to negate verbs, functioning much like the English word "not".
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈno/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use no at the end of a sentence as a tag question, similar to 'right?' or 'isn't it?', to seek confirmation.
- The word no can be used as a noun in Spanish, as in un no, meaning 'a refusal' or 'a rejection'.
- The word pues in the phrase no pues is a distant relative of the English prefix 'post-', as both originate from the Latin word for 'after'.
Examples in context
- No, aún no sé.No, I still don't know.This sentence shows how to use no to express that you still do not know something.Tatoeba #1502230 by marcelostockle, translation #9966252 by DJ_Saidez
- Esto y no más.This and no more.This sentence uses no to indicate a limit or a finality.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- Yo ya dije no.I already said no.This sentence demonstrates using no to state that a refusal has already been given.Tatoeba #4563333 by ecorralest101, translation #4562444 by Hybrid
- ¿Quieres venir al cine conmigo?Do you want to come to the movies with me?
- No, gracias, tengo otros planes.No, thank you, I have other plans.
- ¿Podrías ayudarme con este proyecto?Could you help me with this project?
- Lo siento, pero no puedo en este momento.I'm sorry, but I can't at this moment.
- ¿Me prestas dinero para comprar ropa?Can you lend me money to buy clothes?
- Ay, no puedo en este momento, lo siento.Oh, I can't at this moment, I'm sorry.
- 3432 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing whether to go to the party.
- Sofía¿Quieres ir a la fiesta esta noche?Do you want to go to the party tonight?
- JavierNo, prefiero quedarme en casa.No, I prefer to stay at home.
- Sofía¿No te gusta la música de ese lugar?Don't you like the music at that place?
- JavierNo, es demasiado ruidosa para mí.No, it is too noisy for me.
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.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries no, pues, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
