ના
nā
The English word "no" is translated into Gujarati as ના (nā).
ના is a particle used to express simple disagreement or negation. For the simplest and most straightforward way to say no, you can also use નહીં. If you wish to express that you are not interested in something, you can use the phrase મજા નહીં આવે.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
While ના is used as a particle for a simple "no", the related form નથી is a specific verb form used to negate the existence or state of something, such as saying "is not" or "are not".
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
nā
Did you know?
- When refusing a gift or food, it is common to say ના multiple times in a row as a cultural gesture of modesty before finally accepting.
- The word ના is also used as a questioning tag at the end of a sentence, similar to how English speakers add 'right?' or 'isn't it?' to seek confirmation.
- In many Gujarati households, a head shake to say ના may look like a slight side-to-side tilt or a wobble, which English speakers can easily mistake for a 'yes' or a hesitant 'maybe'.
Examples in context
- ના!No!This example shows the use of ના as an exclamation.Tatoeba #3268787 by Rav, translation #4606529 by hito
- ના.No.This example shows the use of ના as a standard response.Tatoeba #3268789 by Rav, translation #477061 by Ricardo14
- ના, હું આજે નહીં આવી શકું.nā, huṃ āje nahīṃ āvī śakuṃ.No, I cannot come today.
Example conversation
Niya and Mital are talking about going out.
- નિયા Niyaમિતલ, તારે બહાર જવું છે?Mital, tārē bāhār javu chē?Mital, do you want to go out?
- મિતલ Mitalના, મને અત્યારે નથી જવું.Nā, mane atyārē nathī javu.No, I don't want to go right now.
- નિયા Niyaશું તું થાકી ગયો છે?Shū tū thākī gayō chē?Are you tired?
- મિતલ Mitalના, બસ થોડું કામ છે.Nā, bas thōdu kām chē.No, I just have some work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries ના, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
