لا
la
The English word "no" is translated into Arabic as لا.
لا is a particle used to show disagreement or negation. It can function as the English word "no" or as a particle meaning "not" to negate verbs or nouns.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Modern Standard Arabic, لا acts as a particle to negate verbs or nouns, similar to how the English word "not" is used.
How do you pronounce it?
la
Did you know?
- In many Arabic dialects, a common way to say 'no' is not through the word لا, but by clicking the tongue against the roof of the mouth, known as a 'tsk' sound.
- In many Arabic-speaking cultures, it is considered impolite to say لا directly when refusing an invitation. People often use phrases like 'God willing' or 'by the grace of God' to softly decline instead.
- The word لا is a direct linguistic sibling to the Hebrew word לֹא, meaning the two languages share the same ancient root for negation.
Examples in context
- من سيقول لك لا؟Who would say no to you?This sentence shows how to use لا to mean "no".Tatoeba #11986980 by dididodo, translation #10912901 by Amastan
- لا أحد علم بذلك.No one knew it.This sentence demonstrates using لا to mean "no" in the context of "no one".Tatoeba #1593944 by Amastan, translation #703345 by papabear
- لا أتذكر ما حصل.I have no memory of what happened.This sentence shows the use of لا to negate a verb.Tatoeba #2604962 by Samer, translation #2360152 by CK
- عذرًا، لا يمكنني ذلكExcuse me, I can't do that.
- ما فيش فايدةIt's not useful.
- لا، ما بقدرNo, I can't.
- ما رح قدرI won't be able to.
- لا، ما يمديNo, it's not possible.
- ما أقدر أساعدكI can't help you.
- 249 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ahmed asks Layla if she wants some coffee.
- أحمد Ahmedهل تريدين بعض القهوة يا ليلى؟Hal turidina ba'd al-qahwa ya Layla?Do you want some coffee, Layla?
- ليلى Laylaلا، شكراً لك يا أحمد.La, shukran laka ya Ahmad.No, thank you, Ahmed.
- أحمد Ahmedهل أنتِ متعبة؟Hal anti mut'aba?Are you tired?
- ليلى Laylaلا، أنا بخير.La, ana bikhayr.No, I am fine.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries لا, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
