hoy no
/oi no/from spelling rules
The English phrase "not today" is translated into Spanish as hoy no.
hoy no is a common standalone response used to decline an invitation, refuse an offer or decline a request for action.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of hoy (today) and no (no/not).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries like Mexico, you may use Hoy no, gracias to mean "Not today, thanks."
How do you pronounce it?
/oi no/
Did you know?
- Depending on the region, hoy no can be used as a playful or flirtatious way to delay an encounter rather than a firm rejection.
- The word hoy is a linguistic fossil from the Old Spanish word oy, which is why the 'h' is silent.
- While hoy no is a polite refusal, saying only no can be perceived as overly blunt or aggressive in many Spanish-speaking cultures.
Examples in context
- Hoy no, tengo mucho trabajo.Not today, I have a lot of work.
- ¿Quieres ir al cine? Hoy no.Do you want to go to the cinema? Not today.
- Lo siento, pero hoy no puedo.I'm sorry, but I can't today.
Example conversation
Daniel asks Lucía to go for a walk.
- Daniel¿Quieres ir al parque, Lucía?Do you want to go to the park, Lucía?
- LucíaHoy no, Daniel, estoy muy cansada.Not today, Daniel, I am very tired.
- Daniel¿Y mañana puedes?And can you tomorrow?
- LucíaSí, mañana me parece perfecto.Yes, tomorrow sounds perfect to me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hoy, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
