nee
/niəː/
The English word 'no' is translated into Afrikaans as nee.
Nee is used as a particle to express disagreement or to provide a negative answer to a question. It can also function as a noun meaning 'a negating expression', in which case the words nee or negatief can be used.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
While nee is the particle used to answer a question with 'no', the word nie is the negative particle used within a sentence to negate a verb or an adjective.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, the phrase Ek sal eerder nie, dankie. is used to maintain a more courteous tone. Additionally, the phrase Ek betwyfel dit, dankie. is used to mean 'I doubt it, thank you.'
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Afrikaans, a single negation is often followed by a second nie at the end of the clause, which is known as a double negative.
How do you pronounce it?
/niəː/
When do people say it?
When refusing an offer, it is common and polite to follow Nee with dankie (thank you).
Did you know?
- In some Afrikaans dialects, nee is used as a tag question at the end of a sentence, similar to the English 'right?' or 'isn't it?' In this context, the speaker is actually seeking agreement rather than expressing disagreement.
- The double negative involving nie is one of the most distinctive features of Afrikaans grammar, separating it clearly from its parent language, Dutch, which does not require the second negative particle.
- The Afrikaans word nee shares its roots with the Middle Dutch neen, making it a linguistic relative of the English 'nay'.
Examples in context
- Tom sal nee sê.Tom will say no.This sentence shows how to use the word nee to express a statement.Tatoeba #6456508 by Dewald, translation #6440610 by CK
- Nee, dit kan nie waar wees nie.No, it cannot be true.This sentence demonstrates using nee to start a sentence of negation.Tatoeba #2783391 by Diablofire, translation #66780 by fanty
- Kan ek jou help? Nee, dis oraait.Can I help you? No, it’s ok.This sentence shows how to use nee to answer a question.Tatoeba #9247088 by Monde, translation #9247039 by Monde
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Anika asks Pieter if he wants to watch a movie.
- AnikaWil jy saam met my fliek kyk?Do you want to watch a movie with me?
- PieterNee, ek is te moeg.No, I am too tired.
- AnikaIs jy dalk moeg van die werk?Are you perhaps tired from work?
- PieterJa, dit was 'n lang dag.Yes, it was a long day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries nee, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nee, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
