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 a particle used to show disagreement or negation. It can be used as a standalone response to mean 'no', but it is also the standard way to negate a verb, such as in no quiero for 'I don't want'.
Which one should you use?
While no can be used as a simple response to a question, it also serves as the standard particle to negate a verb.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form no pues is a colloquial expression.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The colloquialism no pues is very common in Mexican Spanish.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, no is used as a negation particle placed before a verb to mean 'not'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈno/
When do people say it?
In Mexico, the phrase No hay bronca is used to mean 'no problem' or 'it's okay.'
Did you know?
- The double negative is not only common but required in Spanish. Saying no conozco a nadie literally translates to 'I don't know nobody', but it is the grammatically correct way to say 'I don't know anyone'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a simple no can be considered too blunt or rude. People often soften the refusal by using phrases like me gustaría, pero… to avoid appearing confrontational.
- The English word 'no' and the Spanish no share a common ancestor in the Latin word nōn.
Examples in context
- No, aún no sé.No, I still don't know.This sentence is useful for seeing how no functions 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 in a phrase.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- Yo ya dije no.I already said no.This sentence demonstrates using no to express a refusal or negative response.Tatoeba #4563333 by ecorralest101, translation #4562444 by Hybrid
- No, gracias.No, thank you.
- No puedo, lo siento.I can't, I'm sorry.
- Me gustaría pero ya tengo otros compromisos.I'd like to, but I already have other commitments.
- No, gracias, no me interesa.No, thanks, I'm not interested.
- No creo que sea una buena idea.I don't think it's a good idea.
- No tengo ganas de salir esta noche.I don't feel like going out tonight.
- No hay bronca, no puedo acompañarte.No problem, I can't join you.
- No, ¿por qué? No entiendo lo que dices.No, why? I don't understand what you're saying.
- 3432 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier asks María if she wants to go to a party.
- Javier¿Quieres ir a la fiesta hoy?Do you want to go to the party today?
- MaríaNo, no puedo ir hoy.No, I cannot go today.
- Javier¿Estás muy cansada, María?Are you very tired, María?
- MaríaSí, estoy muy cansada.Yes, I am 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.
