nee
/neː/
The English phrase "no" is translated into Dutch as nee. Wiktionary also lists neen.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| nee | /neː/ | |
| neen | /neːn/ | formal |
The words nee and neen are particles used to show disagreement or negation. While they function as a direct way to say no, they can also be used as a noun to refer to a negating expression. Additionally, the related word geen is used as a determiner meaning "not any".
Which one should you use?
nee is used to answer a question or express disagreement, whereas geen is used to negate the existence of a noun, such as in the phrase "no apples".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
neen is a more formal or emphatic version. In colloquial speech, you might hear Nee joh! to mean "no way!"
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/neː/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use nee to mean "none" or "not any". In Dutch, you must use geen when negating a noun.
Did you know?
- There is a cultural tendency in Dutch communication called 'directness', where a nee is given without the apologetic cushions or 'softeners' common in English.
- The word neen is not just formal but is often used in specific regional dialects, such as in Flanders, more frequently than in the northern Netherlands.
- Because nee and neen both trace back to the Old Dutch word nēn, meaning 'none' or 'not one', they are cousins to the German word nein.
Examples in context
- Nee, ik ben moe.No, I'm tired.Tatoeba #451196 by Citrine, translation #66779 by mamat
- Was dat een neen?Was that a no?Tatoeba #5043084 by PaulP, translation #2649182 by CK
- Mijn papa zei nee.My dad said no.Tatoeba #997413 by martinod, translation #6177598 by sundown
- Ik moet helaas neen zeggen.I'm sorry, but I have to say no.
- Helaas kan ik niet aan jouw verzoek voldoen.Unfortunately, I cannot fulfill your request.
- Het spijt me, maar het is niet mogelijk om je hiermee te helpen.I am sorry, but it is not possible to assist you with this.
- Nee, dank je wel, ik hoef niets te drinken.No, thank you, I don't need anything to drink.
- Wil je nog een stuk taart? – Nee joh, ik zit al vol!Do you want another piece of cake? – No way, I'm already full!
- Kun je morgen voor me werken? – Nee, dat gaat niet lukken, sorry.Can you work for me tomorrow? – No, that's not going to work, sorry.
- Kunnen we het feestje bij jou thuis organiseren? – Geen sprake van, het is te klein bij mij.Can we organize the party at your place? – No way, it's too small at my place.
- Kom vanavond naar het feest! – Sorry, maar ik kan echt niet, ik heb andere plannen.Come to the party tonight! – Sorry, but I really can't, I have other plans.
- 303 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Daan are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- EmmaWil je pizza eten, Daan?Do you want to eat pizza, Daan?
- DaanNee, ik heb geen trek in pizza.No, I don't feel like pizza.
- EmmaZullen we dan pasta maken?Shall we make pasta then?
- DaanJa, dat is een goed idee!Yes, that is a good idea!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries nee, neen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nee, neen, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
