no
/ˈno/
The English word 'no' is translated into Spanish as no. If unsure, use 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) |
no is a particle used to show disagreement or negation. It can also function as a determiner meaning 'none' or 'not any' when used with nouns.
Which one should you use?
Unlike English, where 'no' is primarily an adverb or particle, in Spanish no can also function as a determiner meaning 'none' or 'not any' when used with nouns.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase no pues is a colloquial filler used to express disbelief, resignation or to start a sentence with a sense of 'well, then'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
no pues is a very common colloquialism in Mexican Spanish.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, no is used as a particle to negate verbs, placed directly before the conjugated verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈno/
Did you know?
- Spanish speakers often use the double negative no… no to express a strong 'yes' or agreement when responding to a negative question.
- In Spanish, no can be used at the end of a sentence as a tag question to seek confirmation, similar to how English speakers use 'right?' or 'isn't it?'
- The word pues in the phrase no pues shares an ancient root with the English word 'post', both descending from the Latin 'post'.
Examples in context
- No, aún no sé.No, I still don't know.Tatoeba #1502230 by marcelostockle, translation #9966252 by DJ_Saidez
- Esto y no más.This and no more.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- Yo ya dije no.I already said no.Tatoeba #4563333 by ecorralest101, translation #4562444 by Hybrid
- No, gracias.No, thank you.
- Me encantaría, pero no me es posible.I would love to, but it's not possible for me.
- Agradezco la invitación, pero debo rechazarla.I appreciate the invitation, but I must decline.
- Lo siento, pero no me apetece.I'm sorry, but I don't feel like it.
- ¡Ni de broma!No way!
- no pasa nadaNothing happens
- No pasa nada, no puedo.No problem, I can't.
- No pasa nada, gracias.Don't worry about it, thanks.
- No, parceroNo, buddy.
- No, güeyBuddy or dude
- No, hueónDude
- 3432 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are deciding whether to eat out tonight.
- Sofía¿Quieres ir a un restaurante hoy?Do you want to go to a restaurant today?
- JavierNo, prefiero comer en casa.No, I prefer to eat at home.
- SofíaPero, ¿no tienes comida?But, don't you have food?
- JavierNo, tengo que ir al supermercado.No, I have to go to the supermarket.
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.
