Ways to say it
| Latin | IPA |
|---|---|
| minime | [ˈmɪ.nɪ.meː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈmiː.ni.me] (narrow) |
| ne | [ˈneː] (Classical Latin, narrow) [ˈnɛː] (narrow) |
minime is used as a standalone, emphatic response to mean 'no' or 'not at all'. It is the standard way to answer a question with a strong 'no'.
What does it mean word for word?
The adverb minime is the adverbial form of minimus (smallest) and literally means 'not in the least' or 'not at all'.
Which one should you use?
While nōn is a simple negation used with verbs or adjectives, minime is used as an emphatic, standalone response. The form ne functions as a negative particle in specific constructions, such as certain types of indirect questions or prohibitions, rather than serving as a direct answer to a yes/no question.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle ne is used in specific grammatical constructions, such as prohibitions or certain indirect questions, rather than as a direct way to say 'no' to a question.
Did you know?
- Latin has no single word for 'no'. Romans answered with minime , with non plus the verb ( non sum , 'I am not'), or by denying the verb itself.
Examples in context
- Nemo in exedra est.There's no one in the room.This sentence uses nemo (no one), built from ne and homo.Tatoeba #1272176 by alexmarcelo, translation #418624 by CK
- Cur me nemo monuit?Why did no one warn me?This sentence also uses nemo , 'no one'.Tatoeba #5146181 by alexmarcelo, translation #2662194 by Hybrid
- Nemo te amat, Maria.No one loves you, Mary.Here nemo is the subject of the sentence.Tatoeba #5117446 by alexmarcelo, translation #5129556 by CarpeLanam
- 219 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia asks Marcus if he is tired.
- JuliaEsne lassus, Marce?Are you tired, Marcus?
- MarcusMinime, non sum lassus.Not at all, I am not tired.
- JuliaVisne iterum ludere?Do you want to play again?
- MarcusIta, volo ludere!Yes, I want to play!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries minime, ne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries minime, ne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
