no
/ˈno/
In Spanish, no is the word for no. Wiktionary also lists no pues.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| no | /ˈno/ |
| no pues | /no pwes/ (from spelling rules) |
The word no is used as a particle to show disagreement or negation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The expression no pues is a common colloquial filler or emphatic expression used in many Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, meaning 'well, no' or 'well, then'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, no is used as a particle to negate verbs. This differs from English, where 'not' is used to negate adjectives or nouns (for example, 'not happy').
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈno/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When creating a negative statement, remember that no must precede the verb. For example, use no quiero instead of quiero no.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, the double negative is not only grammatically correct but required in Spanish, such as saying no vi a nadie to mean 'I saw nobody'.
- Spanish speakers often use no at the end of a sentence as a tag question, similar to saying 'right?' or 'isn't it?' in English.
- The word pues in the phrase no pues shares a common ancestor with the English word 'post', stemming from the Latin word for 'after'.
Examples in context
- No, aún no sé.No, I still don't know.This sentence shows how to use no to express that you do not yet know something.Tatoeba #1502230 by marcelostockle, translation #9966252 by DJ_Saidez
- Esto y no más.This and no more.This sentence uses no to indicate a limit or amount.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- Yo ya dije no.I already said no.This sentence uses no to show that a refusal has already been stated.Tatoeba #4563333 by ecorralest101, translation #4562444 by Hybrid
- No, gracias. Estoy ocupado(a) con otros compromisos.No, thank you. I'm busy with other commitments.
- Lamentablemente no puedo asistir a la reunión.Unfortunately, I can't attend the meeting.
- Le agradezco la oferta, pero no puedo aceptar en este momento.I appreciate the offer, but I can't accept at this moment.
- No, gracias. Tengo otros planes.No, thanks. I have other plans.
- No, paso. No me interesa esa película.No, I'll pass. I'm not interested in that movie.
- Ni loco(a) voy a ir a esa fiesta.No way I'm going to that party.
- 3432 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are deciding whether to go out in the rain.
- Javier¿Quieres caminar al parque ahora?Do you want to walk to the park now?
- SofíaNo, está lloviendo mucho.No, it is raining a lot.
- Javier¿Entonces esperamos a que pare?So, shall we wait for it to stop?
- SofíaSí, eso es mejor.Yes, that is better.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries no, 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 no, pues, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
