non
/nɔ̃/
In French, the word for "no" is non.
The word non is used as a particle to express disagreement or negation. It can also function as a noun to mean "a no".
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term Nenni is an archaic word that originated in some rural areas of France.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun meaning "a no", non is a masculine noun, such as un non.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔ̃/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use pas instead of non when providing a one-word answer to a question.
Did you know?
- If someone asks you a question with a negative structure like 'You're not coming, are you?', replying with non actually confirms you are NOT coming, which is the opposite of English logic.
- The French word non can be used as a tag question at the end of a sentence, similar to 'right?' or 'isn't it?' in English.
- There is a specific, more forceful way to say 'no' in a protest or to express disbelief: Que non !, which functions almost like an exclamation of 'No way!'
Examples in context
- Oui ou non ?Yes or no?This example shows how to use non in a choice between two options.Tatoeba #569861 by sacredceltic, translation #562905 by kebukebu
- Il a dit non.He said no.This sentence demonstrates using non to report what someone said.Tatoeba #3647366 by sacredceltic, translation #2863323 by Amastan
- J'ai dit non !I said no!This sentence shows the use of non as a direct exclamation.Tatoeba #7839009 by sacredceltic, translation #4986153 by Airvian
- Non, je ne peux pas venir ce soir, mais que dirais-tu de se voir demain?No, I can't come tonight, but how about meeting tomorrow?
- 768 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon asks Nathan if he wants some dessert.
- ManonTu veux un morceau de gâteau, Nathan ?Do you want a piece of cake, Nathan?
- NathanNon, merci, je n'ai plus faim.No, thank you, I'm not hungry anymore.
- ManonTu es sûr ? C'est délicieux !Are you sure? It's delicious!
- NathanOui, non, vraiment, ça va aller.Yes, no, really, I'll be fine.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries non, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
