nop
/ˈnop/
The English phrase "nope" can be translated into Spanish using nop, no po or nel.
Meaning: informal "no" (particle)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| nop | /ˈnop/ |
| no po | /no po/ (from spelling rules) |
| nel | /ˈnel/ /nel/ |
These terms are informal ways to express a negative response. The most straightforward and universal way to say no in Spanish is no. If you wish to be polite when declining an offer, you should use no, gracias (no, thank you). For more emphatic expressions like "no way" or "not a chance", you can use ni hablar or de ninguna manera.
Which one should you use?
The choice between these forms depends on the region. no po is a colloquial way to say no specifically in Chile, while nel is a slang term used primarily in Mexico.
Is it said differently in some regions?
nel is a slang term used primarily in Mexico, and no po is a colloquial way to say no specifically in Chilean Spanish.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈnop/
Did you know?
- The term nop might actually be a direct loan from the English 'nope', making it a rare example of English slang being adopted into Spanish.
- The Chilean way of saying 'nope', no po, is actually a contraction of the word pues, which usually means 'well' or 'then'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a slight upward nod of the head can accompany a verbal 'no' to add an air of skepticism or irony.
Examples in context
- –¿Irás a la fiesta? –Nel, estará muy aburrida.–Will you go to the party? –Nope, it'll be really boringThis sentence shows how to use nel to decline an invitation to a party.
- Nah, no me apetece.Nope, I don't feel like it.
- ¿Tienes fuego?Do you have a lighter?
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are talking about eating pizza.
- Lucía¿Quieres comer pizza hoy, Alejandro?Do you want to eat pizza today, Alejandro?
- AlejandroNop, prefiero algo más ligero.Nope, I prefer something lighter.
- Lucía¿Entonces quieres una ensalada?So do you want a salad?
- AlejandroSí, eso suena bien.Yes, that sounds good.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “nope” translations and entries nop, nel, 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 nel, no, nop, po, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Wiktionary CC BY-SA 4.0.
