نه
na/ˈnuh/
The English word 'no' is translated into Persian as نه (na).
نه is a particle used to show disagreement or negation.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
While نه is the standard way to say no, the word خیر is a more formal and polite way to say 'no' than نه. Additionally, adding a rising intonation to نه turns the negation into a question, often used to mean 'No?' or 'Really?' in a surprised or seeking-confirmation sense.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is na and the IPA is /ˈnuh/.
Did you know?
- Due to the custom of ta'arof (social etiquette), a person might say نه several times to a gift or offer before finally accepting it.
- The Persian word نه is an unexpected linguistic relative of the English word 'nine'.
- In Iranian culture, a 'no' is often expressed through the gesture of raising the eyebrows and slightly tilting the head back, sometimes without saying نه at all.
Examples in context
- نه. من می‌خواهم نقدی بپدازم.No. I want to pay in cash.This example shows how to use نه to negate a preference.Tatoeba #11129805 by sinakd, translation #456513 by lukaszpp
- نه، او دوست‌پسر جدید من نیست.No, he's not my new boyfriend.This example shows how to use نه to negate a statement of identity.Tatoeba #739870 by pliiganto, translation #1427 by LittleBoy
- نه؟No.This example shows the use of نه as a questioning particle.Tatoeba #6098670 by Towhidn, translation #477061 by Ricardo14
- ظاهراً من نمیتونم حضور داشته باشم.Apparently, I can't attend.
- من وقت ندارم و نمیتونم کمکتون کنم.I don't have time and can't help you.
- ببخشید، امشب نمیتونم بیام.I'm sorry, I can't come tonight.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Amir and Maryam are discussing whether to go to a party.
- امیر Amirمریم، می‌خواهی به مهمانی برویم؟Maryam, mikhahi be mehmāni beravim?Maryam, do you want to go to the party?
- مریم Maryamنه، من الان وقت ندارم.na, man al'ān vaght nadāram.No, I don't have time right now.
- امیر Amirواقعاً؟ پس فردا می‌روی؟vaghe'an? pas fardā miravi?Really? Then will you go tomorrow?
- مریم Maryamنه، فردا هم درگیر هستم.na, fardā ham dargir hastam.No, I am busy tomorrow too.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry نه, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries نه, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
