non
standard
The word for "no" is non. For a firmer answer say Mais non or Pas du tout, meaning "not at all".
Meaning: negative answer (adverb)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| non | standard |
| mais non | emphatic |
| pas du tout | not at all |
Louisiana speakers often start a reply with Mais, as in Mais non, cher, which softens the refusal.
How do you pronounce it?
Non is said with a nasal vowel, like "noh" without a hard "n".
Did you know?
- CODOFIL, the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana, was created in 1968 to support the French language in the state.
Examples in context
- Non, merci.No, thank you.
- Mais non, ce n'est pas vrai.Oh no, that is not true.
- Pas du tout!Not at all!
Example conversation
Valérie offers a second helping to her guest Hervé at a supper in Church Point.
- ValérieHervé, encore du gombo?Hervé, more gumbo?
- HervéNon, merci, j'ai assez mangé.No, thank you, I have eaten enough.
- ValérieMais non, prends-en encore!Oh no, have some more!
