no
/ˈno/
In Spanish, 'no' is used to say 'no'. If unsure, use no. Wiktionary also lists no pues.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| no | /ˈno/ |
| no pues | /no pwes/ (from spelling rules) |
The word no is used to show disagreement or negation. It can be used as a standalone response to answer a yes/no question, or it can be used as a particle to negate a verb. In certain colloquial contexts, the phrase no pues is used as a filler to express resignation, emphasize a point or show disagreement.
Which one should you use?
In English, 'no' is used to answer a question and 'not' is used to negate a verb, but Spanish uses no for both of these functions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
no pues is a colloquial filler phrase.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a particle to negate verbs, no is placed directly before the conjugated verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈno/
Did you know?
- Spanish has a double negative construction where no is used twice in a sentence to strengthen the negation, which is grammatically correct unlike in standard English.
- If you are studying the history of the word pues in the phrase no pues, you will find it originates from the Latin word for 'after', which is the same root found in the English word 'post'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a slight tilt of the head or a clicking sound with the tongue can accompany no to make the refusal more emphatic.
Examples in context
- No, aún no sé.No, I still don't know.This sentence shows the use of no as a response.Tatoeba #1502230 by marcelostockle, translation #9966252 by DJ_Saidez
- Esto y no más.This and no more.This sentence shows the use of no to indicate a limit.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- Yo ya dije no.I already said no.This sentence shows the use of no as a direct statement of refusal.Tatoeba #4563333 by ecorralest101, translation #4562444 by Hybrid
- Lamentablemente, no podré asistir.Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend.
- Agradezco mucho la invitación, pero me es imposible asistir.I greatly appreciate the invitation, but it's impossible for me to attend.
- Disculpe, pero tengo otros compromisos ese día.I'm sorry, but I have other commitments that day.
- Le agradezco la invitación, pero no podré estar presente.I appreciate the invitation, but I won't be able to attend.
- Gracias por invitarme, pero tengo otros planes.Thank you for inviting me, but I have other plans.
- 3432 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel asks Elena if she wants to go to the cinema.
- Daniel¿Quieres ir al cine hoy?Do you want to go to the cinema today?
- ElenaNo, prefiero quedarme en casa.No, I prefer to stay at home.
- Daniel¿No te gusta la idea?Don't you like the idea?
- ElenaNo, solo estoy muy cansada.No, I am just very tired.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries no, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries no, pues, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
