όχι
óchi[ˈo̞çi]
The English word 'no' is translated into Greek as όχι (óchi).
όχι is a particle used to show disagreement or negation. It can also function as a noun meaning 'a negating expression'.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
While όχι is used as a standalone response or to negate a whole clause, δεν is the particle used to negate verbs within a sentence.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When negating a verb, you must use the particle δεν (or its shortened form δε) before the verb, rather than using όχι. Other related forms used to mean 'not any' include δεν, δε and κανένας.
How do you pronounce it?
óchi
Did you know?
- In Greece, a slight upward nod of the head often means όχι. This gesture can be confusing because it looks like a 'yes' to many English speakers.
- The word όχι shares an ancient ancestor with the English word 'not' via the Proto-Indo-European root *ne, meaning 'not'.
- To avoid appearing blunt or rude when refusing an offer, Greeks often bypass όχι entirely in favor of more indirect, polite phrases.
Examples in context
- Όχι, δεν βλέπω CNN.No, I do not watch CNN.This example shows how to use όχι as a standalone response.Tatoeba #4706918 by pinkmpnster, translation #4124429 by cy3
- Πρέπει να μάθεις να λες όχι.You need to learn to say no.This sentence uses όχι as a noun.Tatoeba #10675075 by amoeba, translation #9387271 by DJ_Saidez
- Πόσες φορές πρέπει να πω όχι;How many times do I have to say no?This sentence shows the use of όχι in a question.Tatoeba #5425188 by Zeus, translation #5424833 by Hybrid
- Όχι, ευχαριστώ.No, thank you.
- Λυπάμαι, αλλά δεν μπορώ να συμφωνήσω.I'm sorry, but I cannot agree.
- Όχι, δεν θέλω.No, I don't want to.
- Μωρέ, τι λες τώρα?Come on, what are you saying now?
- Καλή τύχη!Good luck!
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Kostas and Maria are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- Κώστας KostasΘέλεις να παραγγείλουμε πίτσα;Theleis na parangeiloume pizza;Do you want to order pizza?
- Μαρία MariaΌχι, δεν πεινάω ακόμα.Ochi, den pineo akoma.No, I am not hungry yet.
- Κώστας KostasΤότε προτιμάς κάτι άλλο;Tote protimas kati allo;Then do you prefer something else?
- Μαρία MariaΌχι, θα περιμένω λίγο.Ochi, tha perimeno ligo.No, I will wait a bit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries όχι, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries όχι, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
