non
/nɔ̃/
The English word 'no' is translated into French as non.
The word non is the most common and straightforward way to say 'no' in French. It is used as a particle to show disagreement or to negate a statement. You may also encounter it as a noun, such as when referring to 'a no' (receiving a refusal).
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some parts of France, particularly in the north and east, the word point can sometimes replace pas or non in negations.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When non is used as a noun meaning 'a no', it is treated as a masculine noun and takes the article un, as in un non.
How do you pronounce it?
/nɔ̃/
Did you know?
- The French word 'si' is used to say 'yes' specifically when contradicting a negative question, such as 'You aren't coming?' 'Si!' (Yes, I am!).
- If someone says 'pas question' to you, they are not literally saying 'not a question', but are actually using an idiom for 'no way' or 'absolutely not'.
- The word non shares the same Latin root as the English word 'none', creating a linguistic bridge between the two languages.
Examples in context
- Oui ou non ?Yes or no?This example shows how to ask a choice between yes or no using non.Tatoeba #569861 by sacredceltic, translation #562905 by kebukebu
- Il a dit non.He said no.This sentence demonstrates the use of non to report what someone said.Tatoeba #3647366 by sacredceltic, translation #2863323 by Amastan
- J'ai dit non !I said no!This sentence demonstrates the use of non to express a personal refusal.Tatoeba #7839009 by sacredceltic, translation #4986153 by Airvian
- Non, pas du toutNo, not at all
- En aucun cas je ne peux venir demainUnder no circumstances can I come tomorrow
- Je regrette, mais non, je ne peux pas vous aiderI'm sorry, but no, I can't help you
- Ah non, pas question!Oh no, out of the question!
- 768 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo asks Emma if she wants some dessert.
- HugoTu veux du dessert, Emma ?Do you want some dessert, Emma?
- EmmaNon, merci, je n'ai plus faim.No, thank you, I am not hungry anymore.
- HugoTu es sûre ?Are you sure?
- EmmaOui, vraiment non.Yes, really no.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries non, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries non, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
