nee
/neː/
No in Dutch is nee. Wiktionary also lists neen.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Ways to say it
| Dutch | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| nee | /neː/ | |
| neen | /neːn/ | formal |
The word is used as a particle to show disagreement or negation.
Which one should you use?
While nee is used to answer a question or express disagreement, geen is used as a determiner to mean 'no' or 'none' in the sense of 'not any' (for example, 'I have no bread').
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
neen is a more formal or slightly archaic version of nee.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/neː/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use nee when they should use geen to negate a noun (e.g., saying nee water instead of geen water for 'no water').
Did you know?
- In certain informal contexts, Dutch speakers use nee as a filler word or a way to start a sentence even when they are about to agree with the person.
- The form neen is often perceived as more 'Flemish' or southern, as it is used more frequently in Belgium than in the Netherlands.
- Dutch speakers often use nee in a way that sounds like a question to express surprise or disbelief, similar to saying 'No way!' in English.
Examples in context
- Nee, ik ben moe.No, I'm tired.Tatoeba #451196 by Citrine, translation #66779 by mamat
- Was dat een neen?Was that a no?This sentence uses nee as a noun meaning 'a no'.Tatoeba #5043084 by PaulP, translation #2649182 by CK
- Mijn papa zei nee.My dad said no.Tatoeba #997413 by martinod, translation #6177598 by sundown
- 303 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Noah are deciding what to eat for dinner.
- JuliaWil je pizza eten?Do you want to eat pizza?
- NoahNee, ik heb geen zin.No, I don't feel like it.
- JuliaZullen we dan pasta maken?Shall we make pasta then?
- NoahDat is een goed idee!That is a good idea!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries nee, neen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
