ni de broma
/ni de bɾoma/from spelling rules
The English phrase "no way josé" can be expressed in Spanish as ni de broma.
Ni de broma is an informal expression used to say that something is absolutely impossible or that you strongly refuse to do it.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ni de broma literally translates to "not even as a joke".
Which one should you use?
While 'no way José' is a rhyming English idiom, 'ni de broma' is the functional Spanish equivalent that relies on the concept of a 'joke' rather than a rhyme.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ni de broma is an informal way to express a strong refusal or impossibility. De ninguna manera can be used in formal contexts to express strong disagreement or refusal. Ni de coña is a colloquial way of saying 'No way' that can be considered slightly vulgar. ¡Ni hablar! Is an informal expression used to assertively express disbelief or strong disagreement.
Is it said differently in some regions?
En serio, no me digas is used primarily in Spain to express disbelief or surprise.
How do you pronounce it?
/ni de bɾoma/
Did you know?
- The word broma in ni de broma likely comes from the Byzantine Greek word brôma, which originally meant 'food' or 'shipworm'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying ni de broma is often accompanied by a sharp shake of the head or a hand gesture to emphasize the absolute nature of the refusal.
- If you attempt to translate 'no way' literally as 'no hay camino', a Spanish speaker will likely be confused, as that phrase refers to a physical path being missing rather than a refusal.
Examples in context
- ¡Ni de broma voy a ese concierto!No way am I going to that concert!
- ¿Quieres que te preste mi coche? ¡Ni de broma!You want me to lend you my car? No way!
- Ni de broma aceptaré ese trato.I will absolutely not accept that deal.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a difficult task at work.
- Sofía¿Puedes terminar este informe hoy, Daniel?Can you finish this report today, Daniel?
- Daniel¡Ni de broma, Sofía! Tengo demasiado trabajo.No way, Sofia! I have too much work.
- Sofía¿De verdad es tan difícil?Is it really that difficult?
- DanielSí, es imposible hacerlo ahora.Yes, it is impossible to do it now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ni de broma, 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 broma, de, ni, CC BY-SA 4.0.
