non
/nɔ̃/
The English word 'no' is translated into French as non.
non is used as a particle to show disagreement or negation. It can also function as a noun meaning 'a no' or 'a negative response', such as in the phrase un non catégorique (a categorical no).
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔ̃/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers sometimes mistakenly use pas to mean the standalone word 'no'. However, pas is a particle used within a negation (such as ne… pas) and cannot stand alone as a direct answer to a question.
Did you know?
- In many French-speaking regions, a person might answer a question with si instead of non to contradict a negative statement. For example, if someone asks 'You are not coming?', you answer si to say 'Yes, I am coming'.
- The word non can be used as a question tag at the end of a sentence, similar to 'right?' or 'isn't it?', as in C'est beau, non ?
- The French word non is derived from the Latin word nōn.
Examples in context
- Oui ou non ?Yes or no?This sentence shows how to use non in the phrase 'Yes or no?'Tatoeba #569861 by sacredceltic, translation #562905 by kebukebu
- Il a dit non.He said no.This sentence shows how to use non to describe what someone said.Tatoeba #3647366 by sacredceltic, translation #2863323 by Amastan
- J'ai dit non !I said no!This sentence shows how to use non when expressing that you have said no.Tatoeba #7839009 by sacredceltic, translation #4986153 by Airvian
- Non, merci.No, thank you.
- Je suis désolé(e), mais ce n'est pas possible.I'm sorry, but that's not possible.
- J'apprécie votre proposition, mais je dois décliner.I appreciate your offer, but I have to decline.
- Je regrette, mais je ne peux pas accepter votre invitation.I'm sorry, but I can't accept your invitation.
- Malheureusement, je suis déjà engagé(e) à cette heure-là.Unfortunately, I'm already committed at that time.
- Nan, c'est pas possible.Nah, that's not possible.
- Ah non, je peux pas.Oh no, I can't.
- 768 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are discussing whether to go to the cinema.
- HugoTu veux aller au cinéma ce soir ?Do you want to go to the cinema tonight?
- ChloéNon, je suis trop fatiguée.No, I am too tired.
- HugoTu veux rester à la maison ?Do you want to stay at home?
- ChloéOui, c'est une bonne idée.Yes, that is a good idea.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries non, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries non, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
