no
standard
The word for no in Argentina is no, the same as in standard Spanish. For a stronger no Argentines say ni ahí (no way) or para nada (not at all).
Meaning: negative answer (adverb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| no | standard |
| ni ahí | casual, Argentina |
| para nada | emphatic |
Ni ahí is informal and often used to refuse an idea, as in ¿Vamos a correr? Ni ahí. Para nada can be used in any setting.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In polite refusals people add gracias: No, gracias.
How does it change in a sentence?
No goes before the verb: No quiero. Spanish uses double negatives, so No tengo nada is correct.
Did you know?
- Ni ahí is typical of Rioplatense speech and is rarely used in Spain or Mexico.
Examples in context
- No, gracias.No, thank you.
- ¿Vas a venir? Ni ahí.Are you coming? No way.
- No me gusta para nada.I do not like it at all.
Example conversation
Gonzalo invites his friend Paula to go running early in Palermo.
- Gonzalo¿Salimos a correr a las seis?Shall we go running at six?
- PaulaNi ahí, es muy temprano.No way, it is too early.
- GonzaloBueno, entonces a las ocho.OK, then at eight.
