nei
[ˈneiː]
The English word 'no' is translated into Icelandic as nei.
The particle nei is used to show disagreement or to negate a statement, such as answering a question with 'no'. While nei is the standard particle for negation, it can also function as a noun meaning 'a negation' or 'a no'.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
The particle nei is used to negate a statement or answer a question with 'no', whereas ekki is the adverb used to negate verbs or adjectives (meaning 'not').
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to express the meaning 'not any', you should use the determiners enginn, engin or ekkert instead of the particle nei.
When do people say it?
When declining an offer or service in Iceland, the standard polite way to say 'no thank you' is Nei takk.
Did you know?
- While nei is the word for 'no', Icelanders often use the word já meaning 'yes' in a sarcastic tone to actually convey a 'no' or an 'of course not' in casual conversation.
- The word nei is a true particle, meaning it remains unchanged regardless of the gender or number of the nouns it relates to in a sentence.
- The word nei is a direct descendant of the Old Norse word nei, which was used by the Vikings during the settlement of Iceland.
Examples in context
- Nei, ég skrifaði þetta ekki.No, I did not write this.This sentence shows how to use nei to negate a statement.Tatoeba #10613946 by nipbud, translation #10613955 by nipbud
- Nei, það er allt og sumt.No, that's all.This sentence demonstrates the use of nei in a simple phrase.Tatoeba #894476 by Swift, translation #43044 by Swift
- Nei takk. Ég er bara að skoða.No, thank you. I am just looking.This sentence shows how to use nei to politely decline an offer.Tatoeba #542147 by Swift, translation #65829 by Swift
- Afsakið, ég má ekki.Excuse me, I can't.
- Ég er hræddur um að ég geti ekki verið til staðar.I'm afraid I can't be there.
- Ekki núna.Not now.
- 24 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sigríður and Ólafur are talking about dinner.
- SigríðurViltu borða fisk í kvöld?Do you want to eat fish tonight?
- ÓlafurNei, ég vil frekar kjöt.No, I would prefer meat.
- SigríðurEr það í lagi ef við kaupum steik?Is it okay if we buy steak?
- ÓlafurJá, það hentar mér vel.Yes, that works well for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries nei, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries nei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
