How to Say "Nuh Uh" in French

nan

/nɑ̃/

The English phrase "nuh uh" can be translated into French as nan.

nan is an informal way to say no or to deny that something is true.

Which one should you use?

While non is the standard way to say no, nan is used in casual speech to sound more dismissive or colloquial, similar to 'nuh-uh' in English.

nan is an informal, phonetic reduction of the standard word non.

/nɑ̃/

In highly casual French, nan can be paired with nan mais to start a sentence, where it no longer means 'no' but acts as a filler to express disbelief.
Depending on the pitch, nan ? with a rising intonation can actually function as a question meaning 'really?', rather than a denial.
Using nan can sometimes sound like 'baby talk' to French ears, as it mimics the way young children simplify their speech.

Nan nan, ce n'est pas vrai.
Nuh-uh, that's not true.
This sentence is useful for seeing how to use nan to deny a statement.
Tatoeba #3228551 by sacredceltic, translation #3226705 by Hybrid
« Nan nan. » « Ouais ouais. »
"Nuh-uh." "Uh-huh."
This sentence shows how nan can be used as a short, conversational response.
Tatoeba #3228550 by sacredceltic, translation #3226707 by Hybrid
Nan, je n'ai rien fait.
Nuh uh, I didn't do anything.

Gabriel is teasing Manon about eating the last cookie.

Manon

Tu as mangé le dernier biscuit, n'est-ce pas ?
You ate the last cookie, didn't you?
Gabriel

Nan, c'est faux !
Nuh uh, that's not true!
Manon

Pourtant, il y a des miettes sur ton visage.
Yet, there are crumbs on your face.
Gabriel

C'est juste de la poussière, je te jure.
It's just dust, I swear.

Sources

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