नाई
nāī
The English word 'no' can be translated into Nepali using नाई (nāī). Wiktionary also lists हुन्न (hunna) and अहँ (ahã).
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Ways to say it
| Nepali | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| नाई | nāī | |
| हुन्न | hunna | |
| अहँ | ahã | [ʌɦʌ̃] (narrow) |
These terms are used to show disagreement or negation.
Which one should you use?
नाई is a general negation. In contrast, हुन्न is specifically used to say 'it won't work' or 'it is not permitted'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
अहँ is an informal, often blunt or dismissive way to say no, similar to 'nah' in English.
How do you pronounce it?
nāī
Did you know?
- In many parts of Nepal, a slight, rhythmic shake of the head from side to side actually signifies 'yes' rather than 'no'.
- In some traditional Nepali contexts, a direct 'no' is avoided entirely to maintain 'politeness', and people may instead use vague, non-committal sounds.
- If you are disagreeing with an elder or a person of high status, using a blunt 'no' like अहँ is considered a significant social error.
Examples in context
- म कपडा बुनाई मा राम्रो छुइन।I'm no good at knitting.This sentence uses the form नाई.Tatoeba #12358161 by taro, translation #11761019 by end
- होइन, धेरै धेरै धन्यवाद।No, thank you very much.
- म गर्न सक्दिनँ।I cannot do it.
- के तपाईँले मलाई उचित समयमा सहयोग गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ?Can you help me at the appropriate time?
Example conversation
Anita asks Dipesh if he wants more tea.
- अनीता Anitaके तपाईं अझै चिया खानुहुन्छ?Ke tapaai ajhai chiyaa khanuhunchha?Would you like more tea?
- दिपेश Dipeshनाई, मलाई चाहिँदैन।Naai, malai chaahidaina.No, I don't need any.
- अनीता Anitaपक्का होइन?Pakka hoina?Are you sure?
- दिपेश Dipeshहो, नाई।Ho, naai.Yes, no.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries अहँ, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
