no
/ˈnɔ/
The English word 'no' is translated to Italian as no.
no is a particle used to show disagreement or negation. You can strengthen this denial with the phrase assolutamente no (absolutely no). For a more colorful, colloquial way to say someone has no chance, you can use nemmeno per sogno (not even in a dream).
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
While no is used as a standalone particle to answer a question or express disagreement, non is the adverb used to negate verbs and adjectives within a sentence.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a noun meaning 'a no' or 'a refusal', no follows the same gender rules as other masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnɔ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use no to negate a verb, such as saying no voglio. Instead, you should use the adverb non, as in non voglio.
When do people say it?
If you need to soften a refusal, you might use the phrase Mi dispiace, ma… (I'm sorry, but…).
Did you know?
- If you want to say 'no' with extra dramatic flair to indicate something is completely impossible, you can say col cavolo!, which literally translates to 'with the cabbage!'
- In certain Italian regional gestures, a single upward flick of the chin can communicate 'no' more effectively than the word itself.
- The phrase no? is frequently added to the end of a sentence to seek confirmation, functioning similarly to the English tag 'right?' or 'isn't it?'
Examples in context
- No, no e no!No, no, and furthermore, no!This example shows the use of no for emphatic negation.Tatoeba #4726765 by Guybrush88, translation #1490778 by niceguydave
- No, non lo è.No, it's not.This example shows no used to negate a statement.Tatoeba #4758375 by Guybrush88, translation #694439 by AmberShadow
- No, non lo so.No, I don't know.This example shows no used to negate a verb phrase.Tatoeba #2596763 by Guybrush88, translation #66782 by orcrist
- Non posso aiutarti.I can't help you.
- Mi dispiace, ma non posso accettare la tua offerta.I'm sorry, but I can't accept your offer.
- No, non posso uscire stasera.No, I can't go out tonight.
- Assolutamente no! Non posso aiutarti con quella richiesta.Absolutely not! I can't help you with that request.
- Nemmeno per sogno! Non voglio mangiare quel cibo!Not even in a dream! I don't want to eat that food!
- Grazie mille per l'invito, ma…Thank you so much for the invitation, but…
- 5325 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Giulia are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- LorenzoAndiamo al cinema stasera?Are we going to the cinema tonight?
- GiuliaNo, sono troppo stanca.No, I am too tired.
- LorenzoVuoi ordinare una pizza a casa?Do you want to order a pizza at home?
- GiuliaSì, è un'ottima idea.Yes, that is a great idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries no, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
