no
/ˈno/
The English word 'no' is translated to Spanish as 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 particle no is used to show disagreement or negation. Additionally, the phrase no pues is a colloquial filler or reaction used to express surprise, disbelief or to signal a transition in conversation, often translated as 'well, no' or 'well then'.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, where 'no' is often used to answer a question, in Spanish, no is frequently used to negate the verb itself within the sentence structure.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, no serves as a negation particle placed before a verb to mean 'not'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈno/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often forget that no is required to negate a verb in Spanish, such as saying 'Yo sé no' instead of the correct 'Yo no sé'.
Did you know?
- If you are looking at the number '0' in certain historical Spanish contexts, the word 'no' can be a contraction of the Latin 'numero'.
- In Spanish, repeating the word twice as no, no is often used not for emphasis, but to politely soften a refusal to make it sound less blunt.
- While no usually means 'no', adding it to the end of a sentence as ¿no? transforms the statement into a tag question similar to the English 'right?' or 'isn't it?'
Examples in context
- No, aún no sé.No, I still don't know.This example shows how to use no to indicate that one still does not know something.Tatoeba #1502230 by marcelostockle, translation #9966252 by DJ_Saidez
- Esto y no más.This and no more.This example uses no to indicate a limit or extent.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- Yo ya dije no.I already said no.This example demonstrates the use of no to express a refusal or a previous decision.Tatoeba #4563333 by ecorralest101, translation #4562444 by Hybrid
- Me gustaría ayudarte, pero en esta ocasión debo decir que no, mamá.I would like to help you, but in this occasion, I have to say no, Mom.
- No, mamá, eso no es posible.No, Mom, that's not possible.
- Lo siento, mami, pero no puedo hacerlo ahora.I'm sorry, Mommy, but I can't do it right now.
- Ay, mamá, no me pidas eso, por favor.Oh, Mom, please don't ask me that.
- ¿Vas a ir a la reunión familiar mañana?Are you going to the family gathering tomorrow?
- No, mamá, no podré asistir. Debo estudiar para un examen.No, Mom, I won't be able to attend. I have to study for an exam.
- ¿Puedes ayudarme con las compras?Can you help me with the groceries?
- Lo siento, mami, pero estoy ocupado ahora. No podré ir al supermercado contigo.I'm sorry, Mommy, but I'm busy right now. I won't be able to go to the supermarket with you.
- 3432 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro asks Lucía if she wants to go to the cinema.
- Alejandro¿Quieres ir al cine conmigo, Lucía?Do you want to go to the cinema with me, Lucía?
- LucíaNo, tengo mucho trabajo hoy.No, I have a lot of work today.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, podemos ir mañana.Don't worry, we can go tomorrow.
- LucíaNo, mañana tampoco puedo.No, I can't tomorrow either.
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.
