Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| no | /ˈno/ |
| no pues | /no pwes/ (from spelling rules) |
The word no is used to show disagreement or negation. It also acts as a particle to mean 'not' when placed before a verb. For example, if you want to negate a noun (such as 'no books'), you would typically use ningún or ninguna instead of just no.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, no pues is a colloquial expression used as an emphatic filler to express surprise or resignation or to start a sentence similarly to 'Well, no…' or 'Well then…'. In Spain, the phrase ni de broma is used to express a strong negative response meaning 'not even jokingly'. In some Latin American countries, particularly Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay, the informal expression ¡Ni borracho! is used to mean 'not even drunk!'
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, no is used as a negative particle before verbs to mean 'not'.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈno/.
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word no can be used as a question tag at the end of a sentence to seek confirmation, similar to saying 'right?' or 'isn't it?' in English.
- Depending on the region, a single no can be accompanied by a slight upward tilt of the head or a quick clicking sound with the tongue to emphasize the refusal.
- The colloquial filler pues in the phrase no pues originates from the Vulgar Latin *pos, which is related to the English prefix 'post-'.
Examples in context
- No, aún no sé.No, I still don't know.This sentence shows how to use no in a negative response.Tatoeba #1502230 by marcelostockle, translation #9966252 by DJ_Saidez
- Esto y no más.This and no more.This sentence uses no to indicate a limit.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- Yo ya dije no.I already said no.This sentence uses no to indicate a previously stated refusal.Tatoeba #4563333 by ecorralest101, translation #4562444 by Hybrid
- No, lo siento.No, I'm sorry.
- Lo lamento, pero no puedo en este momento.I'm sorry, but I can't at the moment.
- Me gustaría, pero ya tengo otros planes.I would like to, but I already have other plans.
- ¡Ni borracho! Le tengo miedo a las alturas.Not even drunk! I'm afraid of heights.
- Ni de broma, tengo que estudiar para los exámenes.Not even jokingly, I have to study for exams.
- 3432 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel asks María if she wants more coffee.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿quieres más café?Daniel, do you want more coffee?
- DanielNo, gracias, ya tengo suficiente.No, thank you, I already have enough.
- María¿Estás seguro?Are you sure?
- DanielSí, no necesito más.Yes, I don't need any more.
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.
