no
/ˈno/
The Spanish word for no is no. Wiktionary also lists no pues.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
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 or negation. It can also function as an adverb meaning not any, in which case it is related to the words ninguno and ninguna.
Which one should you use?
In English, the word 'no' is used for disagreement while 'not' is used for negation. In Spanish, the single word no is used for both of these functions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase no pues is a colloquialism used to express disbelief, exasperation or to signal a transition in a conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression no pues is very common in Mexican Spanish, where it acts as an emotive particle or a filler.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word no functions both as a particle for disagreement and as an adverb meaning 'not' to negate verbs.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈno/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use a double negative, such as no sé nada, which translates literally as 'I don't know nothing' and is grammatically correct.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a slight tilt of the head or a click of the tongue can accompany no to signal a softer or more polite refusal.
- If you see the word no used in a mathematical context, it might actually be a contraction of the Latin word for 'number', which is numero.
Examples in context
- No, aún no sé.No, I still don't know.Tatoeba #1502230 by marcelostockle, translation #9966252 by DJ_Saidez
- Esto y no más.This and no more.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- Yo ya dije no.I already said no.Tatoeba #4563333 by ecorralest101, translation #4562444 by Hybrid
- No, lo siento.No, I'm sorry.
- Me temo que no es posible.I'm afraid that's not possible.
- No creo que pueda cumplir con eso en este momento.I don't think I can fulfill that at the moment.
- ¡Ojalá pudiera, pero no puedo!I wish I could, but I can't!
- No puedo ayudarte con eso, amiga.I can't help you with that, friend.
- No voy a poder ir a la fiesta, lo siento.I won't be able to go to the party, sorry.
- 3432 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing dinner plans.
- Mateo¿Quieres comer pizza hoy, Lucía?Do you want to eat pizza today, Lucía?
- LucíaNo, prefiero comer en casa.No, I prefer to eat at home.
- Mateo¿No tienes hambre?Are you not hungry?
- LucíaTengo hambre, pero no quiero pizza.I am hungry, but I don't want pizza.
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.
