What does it mean word for word?
The expression is composed of the negation ni (not even) and the infinitive hablar (to speak), literally meaning 'not even to speak [of it]'.
Which one should you use?
Ni de broma, which means 'not even as a joke', is an informal way to show that something is highly improbable. For more formal situations, you can use No hay posibilidad (there is no possibility) or the even more emphatic No existe la más mínima probabilidad to stress that there is absolutely no chance of something happening.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Ni hablar is a colloquial expression used in informal or semi-formal conversation. It is widely understood but is not typically used in highly formal writing. For formal contexts, use No hay posibilidad or No existe la más mínima probabilidad. To be very informal, you might say Ni de broma.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the phrase ni en pedo is used to convey extreme doubt or disbelief.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌni aˈblaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Argentina, the extremely vulgar and emphatic version ni en pedo translates literally to 'not even in a stupor' or 'not even drunk'.
- If you want to sound extra dramatic in Spain, you can say ni por asomo, which implies that even the slightest shadow or hint of the possibility is absent.
- The verb hablar is a linguistic 'doublet' with the older Spanish form fablar, meaning the 'h' in the modern word actually replaced a 'f' sound over centuries.
Examples in context
- ¿Crees que le voy a devolver su dinero? – Ni de broma.Do you think I'll give him his money back? – Not a chance.
- ¿Vas a prestarle tu coche?Are you going to lend him your car?
- ¡Ni hablar de eso!Not a chance regarding that!
- Ni hablar, no voy a ir a esa fiesta.Not a chance, I am not going to that party.
- ¿Me prestas tu coche? ¡Ni hablar!Will you lend me your car? Absolutely not!
- Ni hablar de volver a ese restaurante.Not a chance of going back to that restaurant.
Example conversation
María asks Alejandro to lend her his favorite book.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿me prestas tu libro favorito?Alejandro, will you lend me your favorite book?
- Alejandro¡Ni hablar! Lo cuido demasiado.Not a chance! I take too much care of it.
- MaríaPrometo devolverlo en perfecto estado.I promise to return it in perfect condition.
- AlejandroSigue siendo un no, María.It is still a no, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ni hablar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hablar, ni, CC BY-SA 4.0.
