لا
la
In Arabic, "no" is said as لا (la).
The particle لا is used to show disagreement or negation. It can also function as a negative particle meaning "not" when placed before a present tense verb. Additionally, it can act as a determiner meaning "not any."
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
You can repeat it as la, la to mean "no, no" for stronger emphasis.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When used as a particle meaning "not", لا is placed before a present tense verb.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is la. It is pronounced with a long "a" sound, similar to the "la" in "lava".
Did you know?
- In many Arabic speaking cultures, it is common to signal لا by slightly tilting the head back and making a small clicking sound with the tongue.
- In Arabic calligraphy, the shape of لا is a unique ligature created by combining the letters lam and alif.
- In certain religious or formal contexts, the word لا is the foundation for the 'testimony of faith', where it is used to negate all false gods.
Examples in context
- من سيقول لك لا؟Who would say no to you?This sentence shows the use of لا to mean "no".Tatoeba #11986980 by dididodo, translation #10912901 by Amastan
- لا أحد علم بذلك.No one knew it.This sentence shows the use of لا in the phrase "no one".Tatoeba #1593944 by Amastan, translation #703345 by papabear
- لا أتذكر ما حصل.I have no memory of what happened.This sentence shows the use of لا as a negation.Tatoeba #2604962 by Samer, translation #2360152 by CK
- لا، آسف لا يمكنني حاليًا.No, I'm sorry, I can't at the moment.
- عفوًا، لا يمكنني ذلك.Excuse me, I can't do that.
- لا، ما بقدر اليوم أنا عندي أمور.No, I can't today, I have things to do.
- 249 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nour and Youssef are deciding whether to order pizza.
- نور Nourهل نطلب بيتزا اليوم؟Hal natlub pizza al-yawm?Shall we order pizza today?
- يوسف Youssefلا، أنا لست جائعاً.La, ana lastu ja'i'an.No, I am not hungry.
- نور Nourهل تريد أن تأكل شيئاً آخر؟Hal turid an takul shay'an akhar?Do you want to eat something else?
- يوسف Youssefلا، شكراً لكِ.La, shukran laki.No, thank you.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
