no
/ˈno/
The English word 'no' is translated into 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) |
no is used to show disagreement or negation. As a particle, it functions like the English word 'not' when placed before verbs. Additionally, no pues is a colloquial filler or emphatic expression used to express disbelief, resignation or to start a response.
Which one should you use?
While no can be used as a standalone response to mean 'no', it also functions as an adverb meaning 'not' to negate verbs.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression no pues is a very common colloquialism in Mexican Spanish.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a negation particle before verbs, no functions like the English word 'not'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈno/
Did you know?
- In some regions, saying no with a specific rising intonation can actually imply a hesitant 'yes' or an invitation for the speaker to insist.
- In some contexts, no is used as a question tag to seek confirmation, similar to saying 'right?' or 'isn't it?' in English.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a slight upward nod of the head can accompany no to soften the blow of a refusal.
Examples in context
- No, aún no sé.No, I still don't know.Tatoeba #1502230 by marcelostockle, translation #9966252 by DJ_Saidez
- Esto y no más.This and no more.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- Yo ya dije no.I already said no.Tatoeba #4563333 by ecorralest101, translation #4562444 by Hybrid
- ¿Podrías ayudarme con mi mudanza este fin de semana? Lamentablemente, no puedo. Tengo otros compromisos.Could you help me with my move this weekend? Unfortunately, I can't. I have other commitments.
- ¿Te gustaría acompañarme al concierto? Me encantaría, pero no es posible. Tengo una reunión importante esa noche.Would you like to join me for the concert? I would love to, but it's not possible. I have an important meeting that night.
- ¿Podrías prestarme dinero hasta el próximo viernes? Lo siento, no puedo. Estoy pasando por una situación financiera complicada.Could you lend me some money until next Friday? Sorry, I can't. I'm going through a tough financial situation.
- ¿Quieres salir a comer esta noche? No me es posible, tío. Tengo que estudiar para un examen mañana.Do you want to grab dinner tonight? It's not possible, dude. I have to study for an exam tomorrow.
- 3432 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are deciding whether to go to the park.
- Sofía¿Quieres ir al parque hoy?Do you want to go to the park today?
- MateoNo, prefiero quedarme en casa.No, I prefer to stay at home.
- Sofía¿No te gusta el sol?Don't you like the sun?
- MateoNo, hace demasiado calor.No, it is too hot.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
