no
neutral
The word for "no" is no, and it does not change for a woman. To refuse politely, say No, gracias or add a title such as No, señora.
Meaning: refusing or answering no to a woman, politely (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | Note |
|---|---|
| no | neutral |
| No, gracias | polite |
| No, señora | polite |
No, gracias means "no, thank you" and fits an offer. For a clear but kind refusal, you can say Ahora no, gracias ("not now, thank you").
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
With an older woman or a stranger, use señora and the usted form, such as No puedo ayudarla. With a friend, No, lo siento is enough.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Learners sometimes add a second no like in English. In Spanish a double negative is correct, for example No quiero nada, meaning "I do not want anything".
Did you know?
- Spanish uses double negatives as a normal rule, so No tengo nada is correct and means "I have nothing".
Examples in context
- No, gracias, señora.No, thank you, madam.
- Ahora no, Lucía, lo siento.Not now, Lucía, I am sorry.
- No puedo ayudarla hoy.I cannot help you today.
Example conversation
A waiter offers more coffee to a guest at a restaurant.
- Camarero¿Le sirvo más café, señora?May I pour you more coffee, madam?
- ClientaNo, gracias. Ya estoy bien.No, thank you. I am fine.
- CamareroMuy bien, señora.Very well, madam.
