no
/ˈno/
The English word 'no' is translated into Spanish as 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 to show disagreement or negation. It functions as both a particle to express disagreement and as an adverb to negate verbs. While English distinguishes between 'no' (for disagreement) and 'not' (to negate verbs), Spanish uses no for both purposes.
Which one should you use?
The phrase no pues is a colloquial filler used to express disbelief, exasperation or a reaction to something unexpected.
Is it said differently in some regions?
no pues is a very common filler expression in Mexican Spanish.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, no is used as a negative adverb to negate verbs, similar to the English word 'not'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈno/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using nada (nothing) to negate a verb. For example, do not say Yo nada sé. Instead, use no to say Yo no sé.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, a quick upward flick of the head or a slight noise made with the tongue can act as a non-verbal no even if the word is not spoken.
- While no is used for negation, Spanish speakers often use a double negative for emphasis. A sentence like No conozco a nadie literally means 'I do not know nobody' but is the correct way to say 'I do not know anyone'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, saying no can be seen as too blunt. People often use softer phrases like me parece que no or no creo to avoid sounding rude.
Examples in context
- No, aún no sé.No, I still don't know.This example shows how to use no to express that you still do not know something.Tatoeba #1502230 by marcelostockle, translation #9966252 by DJ_Saidez
- Esto y no más.This and no more.This sentence uses no to express a limit or an amount.Tatoeba #2268897 by cueyayotl, translation #2268896 by _undertoad
- Yo ya dije no.I already said no.This sentence demonstrates using no to state that a refusal has already been given.Tatoeba #4563333 by ecorralest101, translation #4562444 by Hybrid
- No, gracias.No, thank you.
- Lamentablemente, no es posible.Unfortunately, it's not possible.
- Me temo que no.I'm afraid not.
- No estoy interesado(a), pero gracias por preguntar.I'm not interested, but thank you for asking.
- No puedo, lo siento mucho.I can't, I'm really sorry.
- Ni loco(a).No way/Not a chance.
- No me apetece.I don't feel like it.
- Nel.No
- En absoluto.Absolutely not.
- Ni de coña.No way
- 3432 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are deciding what to eat.
- ElenaNo quiero comer pizza hoy.I don't want to eat pizza today.
- Alejandro¿No te gusta la pizza?You don't like pizza?
- ElenaSí, pero ya comí ayer.Yes, but I already ate it yesterday.
- AlejandroEstá bien, busquemos otra cosa.That's fine, let's look for something else.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
