no
neutral
The word for "no" is no in Colombia too, and people add para nada for "not at all". Qué va is a casual way to wave something off.
Meaning: negative answer (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| no | neutral |
| Qué va | casual |
| Para nada | emphatic |
Colombians often soften a refusal with extra words. A clear no is often followed by gracias, as in no, gracias.
When do people say it?
Direct refusals can feel blunt in Colombia, so people cushion them with a polite phrase like no, muchas gracias or ahora no puedo.
Did you know?
- The expression qué va is used in many countries, but in Colombia it is heard mostly in relaxed speech.
Examples in context
- No, gracias, estoy bien.No, thanks, I am fine.
- Para nada, no es molestia.Not at all, it is no bother.
- ¿Cansado? Qué va.Tired? Not at all.
Example conversation
A street vendor offers a hat to a tourist named Brian in Cartagena.
- Vendedor¿Quiere un sombrero?Do you want a hat?
- BrianNo, gracias.No, thanks.
- VendedorEstá en oferta.It is on sale.
- BrianNo, muchas gracias.No, thank you very much.
