How to Say “No” in Dari

Ways to say it

In Dari, 'no' is used as a particle to express disagreement or negation. For expressing the concept of 'not any', the word هیچ is used. Additionally, the word نه can function as a noun meaning 'a negating expression'.

Which one should you use?

While نخیر is the standard formal way to express negation, خیر is a more concise, highly formal or literary version. The form نه is the common way to express no in casual settings.

Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?

To say no formally, use نخیر. If you want to be even more concise or are writing in a literary context, you may use خیر. In informal situations, use نه. If you are declining a request informally, you might say Nemishe (It is not possible). In formal settings, you can politely decline a request by saying Mumkin nist (It is not possible) or by using the phrase Bebakhshid, vali… (Apologies, but…).

Related words

Not any (det): هیچ.

A negating expression (noun): نه.

How do you pronounce it?

naxayr

When do people say it?

When refusing a request in a formal setting, you can use Sepasgozaram (I appreciate it) to show gratitude before providing your refusal.