Macché!
slang, emphatic
Italians often say Macché! for an emphatic "no way". Other casual choices are Neanche per sogno!, "not even in a dream", and Ma no!
Meaning: informal ways to say no (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Italian | Note |
|---|---|
| Macché! | slang, emphatic |
| Ma no! | casual |
| Neanche per sogno! | informal, emphatic |
Macché! rejects an idea or a claim sharply, as in Macché, non è vero! Ma no! is softer and also means "oh no, not at all".
Which one should you use?
Plain No is always correct. The slang forms add feeling, from surprise to strong refusal.
When do people say it?
Italian speech comes with gestures, and a flick of the hand under the chin or a raised palm often goes along with Macché!
Did you know?
- Macché is a contraction of ma che, literally "but what", and is used to wave away something as absurd.
Examples in context
- Macché, non ci vado!No way, I am not going!
- Neanche per sogno!Not in a million years!
- Ma no, figurati!Oh no, not at all!
Example conversation
Elena asks her brother Matteo to tidy up the kitchen.
- ElenaPuoi lavare i piatti?Can you wash the dishes?
- MatteoMacché, tocca a te!No way, it is your turn!
- ElenaNeanche per sogno, l'ho fatto ieri!Not a chance, I did it yesterday!
