nan
casual
The casual way to say "no" in French is nan. Other relaxed answers are ah non and the emphatic pas du tout. It is also called non.
Meaning: casual refusal (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| nan | casual |
| ah non | casual |
| pas du tout | emphatic |
| non | standard |
Nan is the spoken, clipped form of non. It is common in talk and texts and is rare in formal writing. Pas du tout means "not at all".
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In formal settings or when you refuse politely, use non and add merci, for example Non, merci.
Did you know?
- French uses si instead of oui to answer yes to a negative question.
Examples in context
- Nan, pas question.No, no way.
- Ah non, pas moi !Oh no, not me!
- Non, merci.No, thank you.
Example conversation
Louis and his friend Alice talk about going out.
- LouisOn sort ce soir ?Are we going out tonight?
- AliceNan, je suis crevée.No, I am exhausted.
- LouisAh non, tu rigoles ?Oh no, are you kidding?
