no
standard
In Puerto Rico you say no, and for a stronger "no way" people add qué va or para nada.
Meaning: negative answer (adverb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| no | standard |
| qué va | casual, Caribbean |
| para nada | emphatic |
Qué va is an emphatic Caribbean "no way" or "not at all". Para nada means "not at all".
How do you pronounce it?
No sounds like "noh" with a short vowel.
Did you know?
- Qué va is common across the Caribbean and also works as a polite way to wave off thanks.
Examples in context
- No, gracias.No, thank you.
- ¿Estás cansado? Qué va.Are you tired? Not at all.
Example conversation
Mario offers his friend Sonia more food at a family dinner.
- MarioSonia, ¿quieres más arroz?Sonia, do you want more rice?
- SoniaNo, gracias, estoy llena.No, thank you, I am full.
- Mario¿Ni un poquito?Not even a little?
