nej
/nɛj/
The English word "no" is translated into Danish as nej.
nej is a particle used to show disagreement or negation. It can also function as a noun meaning "a negating expression". For example, the idiom Du kan tro nej! is a common way to express strong disagreement or disbelief, similar to "No way!" in English.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
While nej is used to answer a question or negate a clause, the word ingen is used to mean "no" in the sense of "not any" or "none" before a noun.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/nɛj/
Did you know?
- There is a Danish verb neje which means 'to curtsey'. While it shares a similar sound to nej, it describes a physical gesture of respect rather than a verbal negation.
- In Danish, nej can be used as a conversational filler to express surprise or mild shock, similar to saying 'No way!' or 'Really?' in English, even when the speaker is not actually disagreeing.
- In very formal or old-fashioned Danish contexts, a 'no' might be softened by adding beklageligvis to express regret, as a blunt nej can be perceived as overly direct or rude.
Examples in context
- Du kan tro nej!No way!This sentence shows an idiomatic way to express strong disagreement using nej.Tatoeba #2342502 by danepo, translation #2175 by CM
- Nej, det er brugt.No, it's second hand.Tatoeba #671938 by danepo, translation #36318 by sacredceltic
- Åh nej, det er ham!Oh no, it's him!Tatoeba #4381908 by danepo, translation #4381905 by Hybrid
- Jeg beklager, men jeg har allerede planer.I'm sorry, but I already have plans.
- Nix, jeg er for træt i dag.Nope, I'm too tired today.
- 90 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Freja and Lucas are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- FrejaVil du have pizza til aftensmad?Do you want pizza for dinner?
- LucasNej, jeg vil hellere have pasta.No, I would rather have pasta.
- FrejaEr du sikker på det?Are you sure about that?
- LucasJa, jeg er helt sikker.Yes, I am quite sure.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries nej, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nej, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
