नहीं
nahī̃/nə.ɦĩː/
The English word 'no' is translated into Hindi as नहीं (nahī̃). Wiktionary also lists जी नहीं (jī nahī̃).
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| नहीं | nahī̃ | /nə.ɦĩː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
| जी नहीं | jī nahī̃ | /d͡ʒiː nə.ɦĩː/ (Hindi, Standard) |
The primary way to express negation or disagreement in Hindi is by using the particle नहीं. It can also function as a noun meaning a negating expression.
Which one should you use?
While नहीं is the standard way to say no, you can use जी नहीं to express disagreement more politely or formally.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of नहीं is /nə.ɦĩː/ (nahī̃). It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In certain Hindi dialects, a speaker might say नहीं while performing a 'head bobble' that looks like a yes to English speakers but actually means 'no' or 'maybe'.
- The word जी is a distant relative of the English word 'quick' and the French word 'vif'.
- While नहीं is the standard negation, Hindi also uses ना as a shorter version that can turn a statement into a question similar to 'right?' or 'isn't it?'
Examples in context
- अभी तक कोई नहीं मरा।No one has died yet.This sentence shows how नहीं is used in the context of 'no one'.Tatoeba #9844511 by anushka, translation #4246061 by CK
- कोई और ये नहीं समझता।No one else would've understood this.This sentence demonstrates the use of नहीं with a verb to show negation.Tatoeba #11370671 by Sorcien, translation #11341053 by sundown
- किसी ने जवाब नहीं दिया।No one responded.This sentence provides an example of using नहीं to indicate a lack of response.Tatoeba #8889274 by simranbansal, translation #2249603 by CK
- मुझे खेद है, लेकिन मैं उस समय व्यस्त हूँI am sorry, but I am busy at that time.
- 117 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Pooja asks Rahul if he wants to go to the cinema.
- पूजा Poojaक्या तुम आज फिल्म देखना चाहते हो?Kya tum aaj film dekhna chahte ho?Do you want to watch a movie today?
- राहुल Rahulनहीं, मुझे बहुत काम है।Nahin, mujhe bahut kaam hai.No, I have a lot of work.
- पूजा Poojaक्या तुम कल चल सकते हो?Kya tum kal chal sakte ho?Can you go tomorrow?
- राहुल Rahulनहीं, कल भी नहीं।Nahin, kal bhi nahin.No, not even tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries नहीं, जी नहीं, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries जी, नहीं, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
