15 Expressions to say "no" like a Spanish person. We teach them to you

The Spanish language offers a wide variety of expressions. Today we are going to see some very curious expressions, which are used in a closer and colloquial context.

You will learn to say "no" in 15 different ways. And denying or rejecting something is not simply limited to the word "no." 

There are numerous expressions that allow speakers to reject plans, deny information, or express denial in various ways.

Master these expressions in spanish It is essential to understand and fully participate in everyday conversations with Spaniards.

Are you Spanish student? Well, if you want your communication to sound more natural, this article will be very useful to you.

If you need to improve your Spanish in every way, or even learn it from scratch, we can help you with that too.

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You can't deny that we have everything well thought out. Speaking of denying, we were going to talk about 15 expressions to say "no" like a true Spaniard, right? Well let's get to it! 

Saying "no" to reject an order, say something is not true, or deny an idea

In Spanish, as in any other language, there are times when you need to express your disagreement, deny something or refuse an order. 

the word "no"» is the most precise and common, but there are many other ways of saying the same thing in different contexts.

Most of the Spanish expressions that we are going to show you are used in contexts of familiarity, with friends or with people who give us confidence. 

They are types of expressions colloquial, but very used in oral communication.

We're also going to look at some more formal expressions that you could say in any situation.

Expressions to say "no" in Spanish

Without further ado, we begin with the expressions to say "no" as you would a native spanish. Pay attention!

Oh yes! Clear! What else?

This expression is used when someone makes a request or proposes something that does not benefit you and that you are not interested in doing it.

It is used with people you trust., since the question asked has a tone of irony.

It's like saying, "Do you have any more absurd requests?" 

But from your intonation, the person knows that you are not going to do it.

• Example: A friend asks you if you can leave your car with him this weekend to go with his girlfriend on a trip to the mountains. 

That request seems shameless to you, you would never leave your car to anyone unless it was an emergency. That's why you answer: «Oops, yes! Clear! What else?".

Oops! Yes, man! What else?

Very similar to the previous expression, it is used when you want to reject a request or proposal informally. It's also a little sarcastic but friendly.

• Example: Your coworker asks if you can cover his work shift on Saturday, and you don't want to do it. You answer: «Oops! Yes, man! What else?".

Oops! Yes, look!

We continue with more phrases to say «no». This expression is used to gently reject something, often when you don't want to say "no" directly.

• Example: A friend invites you to a party that you don't want to attend because your ex is also attending. You answer: «Oops! Yes, look! I'm not going to that party».

Don't even think about it

This is one of the negative expressions that is used when you want reject outright an idea or proposal, emphasizing that you are not willing to consider it, or even take a few seconds to think about it.

• Example: They suggest you take a long car trip, with you being the driver because you are the only one with a license. 

You don't like driving that much and you don't feel comfortable with the idea at all. That's why you answer:Don't even think about itI don't like long car trips..”

Don't even dream about it

Similar to "No way to think about it". This expression is used to reject an idea outright, indicating that it is impossible to consider. not even in dreams.

• Example: Someone suggests that you quit your secure job to start your own business with no prior experience. You answer: «Don't even dream about it,"That would be too risky.". 

No joke

It is used when you want to express that a suggestion or proposal is completely unacceptable or absurd. You wouldn't even jokingly say yes.

• Example: They suggest you jump with a parachute, but you are terrified of heights. You answer: «No joke, "I can't do that".

you freak it out

This expression is said when someone makes you an unusual, unrealistic or surprising proposal or statement, and you want to express your disbelief or rejection. The verb freak out is used a lot in youth slang.

• Example: Your friend suggests that you sell all your belongings and go live on a desert island. You answer: «You rock it! Why would I want to do that?

Nothing about that, darling. 

It is used in a casual way to deny something. It is a rather curious expression because it rhymes. Monada is like a pretty person.

• Example: A friend asks you to accompany him to a party that you don't really want to go to because you don't like several people, so you answer: «Nothing about that, darling.». 

No way!

This is one of the expressions to reject more direct and emphatic. It is used when you want to reject something immediately, so that there is no doubt about your denial.

• Example: Your boss asks you if you can work overtime on the weekend and you answer: "No way!"

At all!

This expression is formal and is used to reject a request or proposal in a manner polite but firm.

• Example:Your roommate asks you if you have eaten the dish she had prepared in the refrigerator, because it has disappeared. Then you answer: «Not at all! I have not been.

Never that!

This expression denotes a total rejection and emphatic. It is used when something is totally unthinkable to the person answering.

• Example: A friend asks you if you would like to move to another country to live and start a new life. You answer: «Never that! I am very happy here».

What's up!

This expression is colloquial and is widely used to deny something in a relaxed or even a little disinterested manner.

It's not that strong like some of the other expressions, which is why it is used a lot. In fact, many times its use is positive, as in the following example.

• Example: Your classmate asks if you mind if he opens the window, to which you respond: «What's up! Of course I don't care. open it».

Nanay

This colloquial word comes from the expression "nothing at all", which would become "na de na" and from there to the current "nanay."

It is also a fairly outright way of denying something, but in a street slang.

• Example: Your son has been asking you for money all week and today he asks you for 50 more euros, to which you respond: «Nanay, I don't give you more».

When frogs grow hair

This expression is used to indicate that something is totally impossible for it to happen. Frogs don't have hair, so it's a pretty sarcastic expression and humorous.

• Example:A friend asks you if you are going to have children one day. You, who are delighted with your single life, say: «Yes, I will have children when frogs grow hair».

Do you know how to count? Well don't count on me

This expression plays with the double meaning of the verb tell. First it refers to the ability to count numbers, and then it means trusting someone with something.

The expression implies that you are not going to receive that person's support for something in particular.

• Example: Suppose a friend has disappointed you several times by not keeping his promises. You can tell him: «Do you know how to count? Well don't count on me to help you next time.

And that's it for today's article! Now you know how to say "no" in different ways: some more direct, some more fun, some with emotional expressions and some softer.

If you liked the article or have any questions about the meaning of the expressions, do not hesitate to leave your comment in the box below.

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See you soon!

Article written by Carlos Martinez for Hispania, Spanish school. 

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