не
ne[nɛ]
The English word 'no' is translated into Bulgarian as не (ne).
не is used as a particle to show disagreement or negation. It can also function as a negative adverb to negate verbs, adjectives and other parts of speech. Additionally, не can be used as a noun meaning 'a negating expression'.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
While the English 'no' can function as a noun, an adjective or an adverb, the Bulgarian не primarily functions as a particle or an adverb.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When negating the third person singular of the verb 'to be', place не before the verb е to form не е (is not).
How do you pronounce it?
ne
Did you know?
- In many parts of Bulgaria, people use non-verbal cues that are the opposite of Western customs. A nod of the head can actually mean 'no', while a shake of the head can mean 'yes'.
- Bulgarian allows for 'double negatives' where не is used twice in a sentence to strengthen the negation rather than canceling it out.
- The word не is a direct descendant of the Proto-Indo-European root *né, making it a distant relative of the English word 'no'.
Examples in context
- А ако каже не?What if she says no?This sentence shows how to use не when asking about a response.Tatoeba #4800001 by korobo4ka, translation #2415796 by Hybrid
- Това не го помня.I have no memory of that.This sentence demonstrates the use of не to negate a verb.Tatoeba #3006167 by korobo4ka, translation #2360151 by CK
- Никой не е объркан.No one's confused.This sentence shows the use of не in a negative statement.Tatoeba #4510095 by korobo4ka, translation #4496856 by CK
- Извинете, но не мога да ви помогна.Excuse me, but I can't help you.
- По-добре не ходете на това място вечерта.It's better not to go to that place in the evening.
- Радвам се да ви помогна, но не мога през този уикенд.I would love to help you, but I can't this weekend.
- Не, благодаря.No, thank you.
- Обаждаш ли му се? – Та няма шанс!Are you going to call him? – Not a chance!
- 115 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena asks Dimitar if he is hungry.
- Елена ElenaГладен ли си, Димитър?Gladen li si, Dimitar?Are you hungry, Dimitar?
- Димитър DimitarНе, не съм гладен.Ne, ne sam gladen.No, I am not hungry.
- Елена ElenaИскаш ли вода тогава?Iskash li voda togava?Do you want water then?
- Димитър DimitarНе, благодаря много.Ne, blagodarya mnogo.No, thank you very much.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries не, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries не, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
