нет
net[nʲet]
The English phrase "no" is expressed in Russian as нет (net).
нет is the most basic and widely used way to say "no" in Russian, functioning as a particle to show disagreement or negation.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
While нет is used to express "no" as a standalone answer or negation, the particle не is used to negate specific words, such as verbs or adjectives, within a sentence.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When нет is used to indicate the non-existence of something (meaning "there is no" or "there are no"), it is followed by a noun in the genitive case. Additionally, you should use не to negate a verb rather than нет.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is net.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use нет to negate a verb (for example, saying я нет знаю instead of я не знаю). You must use не to negate verbs.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, saying да нет literally 'yes no' does not mean the speaker is conflicted. It is a common idiom used to mean 'not really' or a soft 'no'.
- The historical form of нет used the word ту, which meant 'here' or 'there'. This makes the word's original meaning 'is not here'.
- In Russia, a simple нет can sometimes be perceived as too blunt or rude. People often soften the negation by adding извините 'sorry' or using a questioning tone to be more polite.
Examples in context
- И да и нет.Yes and no.This sentence shows how to use нет in the phrase "Yes and no.".Tatoeba #2310286 by marafon, translation #51133 by shanghainese
- Нет, я не пою.No, I'm not singing.This sentence shows how to use нет to start a sentence.Tatoeba #407647 by Hellerick, translation #66799 by Dejo
- О нет, это он!Oh no, it's him!This sentence shows how to use нет in an exclamation.Tatoeba #4581244 by Selena777, translation #4381905 by Hybrid
- Вы можете завершить эту задачу к завтрашнему утру? | Нет, к сожалению, у меня уже запланированы другие задачи.Can you complete this task by tomorrow morning? | No, unfortunately, I already have other tasks scheduled.
- Можете помочь мне с этим проектом? | Извините, но у меня другие планы и я не смогу помочь.Can you help me with this project? | Sorry, but I have other plans, and I won't be able to help.
- Пойдешь в кино со мной вечером? | Нет, спасибо, сегодня у меня уже планы.Will you come to the movies with me tonight? | No, thank you, I already have plans for tonight.
- Можешь одолжить мне деньги? | Ни за что, у меня самому сейчас трудности с деньгами.Can you lend me some money? | No way, I'm having financial difficulties myself right now.
- 3604 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dmitry asks Maria if she wants more tea.
- Дмитрий DmitryМария, ты хочешь ещё чаю?Mariya, ty khochesh' eshchyo chayu?Maria, do you want more tea?
- Мария MariaНет, спасибо, я больше не хочу.Net, spasibo, ya bol'she ne khochu.No, thank you, I don't want any more.
- Дмитрий DmitryХорошо, я принесу только воду.Khorosho, ya prinesu tol'ko vodu.Okay, I will just bring some water.
- Мария MariaДа, это было бы отлично.Da, eto bylo by otlichno.Yes, that would be great.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries нет, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries нет, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
