non
/nɔ̃/
The English word "no" is translated into French as non.
The most straightforward and widely used way to say "no" in French is non. It can be used as a particle to show disagreement or negation, and it can also function as a noun to mean "a negating expression". Common phrases include non, merci (no, thank you) and Je regrette, mais non (I'm sorry, but no).
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
While non is the standard way to say "no" as a particle, it is often used in response to a question, whereas pas is used to negate a verb within a sentence.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The word non cannot be used as a direct adverb to negate a verb like the English word "not". Instead, you must use ne… pas to negate a sentence.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔ̃/
Did you know?
- When answering a negative question like 'You aren't coming?', a French speaker uses si instead of non to say 'yes, I am'. Using non in this context would agree with the negative premise.
- French speakers often use non at the end of a sentence as a tag question, similar to 'right?' or 'isn't it?' For example, C'est beau, non ? translates to 'It is beautiful, no?'
- The French non shares a direct ancestor with the English 'none', both descending from the Latin nōn.
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 example shows using non to report what someone said.Tatoeba #3647366 by sacredceltic, translation #2863323 by Amastan
- J'ai dit non !I said no!This example shows using non to express a firm refusal.Tatoeba #7839009 by sacredceltic, translation #4986153 by Airvian
- Est-ce que vous pourriez m'aider? – Non, je suis désolé(e), je ne peux pas.Could you help me? – No, I'm sorry, I can't.
- Madame, est-ce que je peux vous déranger un instant? – Je regrette, mais non, je suis très occupé(e).Ma'am, can I bother you for a moment? – I'm sorry, but no, I'm very busy.
- Est-ce que vous pouvez terminer le projet avant demain? – Je crains que ce ne soit impossible, il faudra plus de temps.Can you finish the project by tomorrow? – I'm afraid it's impossible, it will take more time.
- Veux-tu une part de gâteau? – Non, merci, je suis déjà rassasié(e).Do you want a slice of cake? – No, thank you, I'm already full.
- Allez, on va sauter en parachute! – Pas question, j'ai le vertige!Come on, let's go skydiving! – Out of the question, I'm afraid of heights!
- Tu viens à la fête ce soir? – Nan, je suis fatigué(e), je vais rester chez moi.Are you coming to the party tonight? – Nah, I'm tired, I'll stay home.
- 768 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chloé and Gabriel are discussing their plans for the evening.
- ChloéTu veux aller au cinéma ce soir ?Do you want to go to the cinema tonight?
- GabrielNon, je suis trop fatigué.No, I am too tired.
- ChloéTu ne veux pas sortir du tout ?You don't want to go out at all?
- GabrielNon, je préfère rester ici.No, I prefer to stay here.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries non, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries non, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
