non
/nɔ̃/
The English word 'no' is translated into French as non.
non is used as a particle to show disagreement or to express negation. It can also function as a noun meaning 'a no' or 'a negative response'.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
While non is the standard way to say 'no' as a particle, pas is used to negate verbs and adjectives within a sentence structure.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
As a noun, non can be used to represent a negative response, such as in the phrase 'Il a dit non' (He said no).
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔ̃/
Did you know?
- French speakers sometimes use si instead of non when they are contradicting a negative question to say 'yes' in a way that means 'actually, yes'.
- The expression non mais… is often used as an exclamation of disbelief or annoyance, functioning more like 'you've got to be kidding me' than a literal negation.
- Adding non to the end of a sentence, such as C'est beau, non ?, turns the negation into a tag question meaning 'isn't it?'
Examples in context
- Oui ou non ?Yes or no?This example shows how to offer a choice between 'yes' or 'no'.Tatoeba #569861 by sacredceltic, translation #562905 by kebukebu
- Il a dit non.He said no.This sentence demonstrates how to report that someone said non.Tatoeba #3647366 by sacredceltic, translation #2863323 by Amastan
- J'ai dit non !I said no!This sentence shows how to emphasize that you have said non.Tatoeba #7839009 by sacredceltic, translation #4986153 by Airvian
- Non, merci.No, thank you.
- Je suis désolé(e), mais je ne peux pas.I'm sorry, but I can't.
- Je crains que ce ne soit pas possible.I'm afraid that's not possible.
- Merci pour l'invitation, mais je vais devoir décliner.Thank you for the invitation, but I will have to decline.
- Non, désolé(e).No, sorry.
- Non, je peux pas, désolé(e).No, I can't, sorry.
- Merci, mais je vais devoir passer mon tour.Thanks, but I'll have to pass.
- 768 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are deciding whether to go to a movie.
- GabrielTu veux aller au cinéma ce soir ?Do you want to go to the cinema tonight?
- LéaNon, je suis trop fatiguée.No, I am too tired.
- GabrielEt demain ?And tomorrow?
- LéaNon, je travaille toute la journée.No, I am working all day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries non, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
