17 Methods To Say ‘No’ in Italian When You Want Extra Expression
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Saying “no” in Italian is as simple because it will get: Say no, like in English, however with a extra open pronunciation of the letter “o.” It’s additionally used just a little in another way in sentences than in English. No and sì (“sure” in Italian) are word-sentences, which means every is an entire sentence. They don’t require any Italian verbs or further elements of speech to make sense. Nonetheless, an easy “no” can usually be a bit harsh, so studying other ways to say it’ll assist you to higher deal with social conditions.
The right way to use no in Italian
Few phrases are as simple to be taught in Italiana as no. It’s spelled, sounds, and means the identical in English, Italian, and Spanish. Nonetheless, there’s a distinction to remember.
In Italian grammar, no is an adverb that solutions a query instantly. In all different circumstances, you utilize non (no/not).
- Parli spagnolo? = Do you converse Spanish?
- No. Parlo italiano. = No, I converse Italian.
- Io non parlo spagnolo, parlo italiano. = I don’t converse Spanish, I converse Italian.
- Non calpestare le aiuole. = Do not stroll on the flower beds.
English and Italian generally don’t match, resembling while you say “no drawback” in Italian and related phrases.
- Non c’è problema. = No drawback.
- Non entrare. = No trespassing.
- Non ho tempo. = I’ve no time.
- Preferisco di no. = I choose not.
There are solely two exceptions that enable the usage of no outdoors of direct replies.
- oblique speech
- Mi ha fatto no con la testa. = He shook his head no.
- Gli ho detto di no. = I advised him no.
- when anticipating a negation
- Perché? No, non me lo dire. = Why? No, don’t inform me.
Replying no within the Italian language
Italians are inclined to keep away from quick or blunt replies. So, they usually match no with different expressions that reinforce it or clarify its motive.
- Sei mai stato in Italia? = Have you ever ever been to Italy?
- Hai ancora fame? = Are you continue to hungry?
- No, no. Sono pienissimo! = No, no. I’m completely full!
- Vuoi andare alla festa? = Do you need to go to the social gathering?
- No di certo. = Undoubtedly not.
You can too use different Italian phrases to melt it.
- No, grazie. = No, thanks.
- Forse no. = Possibly not.
- Purtroppo, no. = Sadly, no.
- Mi sa di no. = I don’t assume so.
- Temo di no. = I’m afraid not.
Like in English, there are mounted phrases the place no means “sure.”
- Andiamo al cinema stasera? = Lets go to the flicks tonight?
- Mi vieni a prendere in stazione? = Will you choose me up on the station?
How do you say ‘no’ in Italian politely?
Many Italian expressions can substitute “no” in Italian and are sometimes a better option while you need to sound well mannered or decline invites in formal settings.
Vorrei, ma non posso
The well mannered expression vorrei, ma non posso means “I wish to, however I can’t.” In addition to utilizing the verb volere (to need), it may mix with different softening expressions.
- Davvero, non posso. = Actually, I can’t.
- Mi spiace, ma non posso. = I’m sorry, however I can’t.
- Scusa, non posso proprio. = Sorry, I actually can’t.
Mi spiace
Italians usually depend on facial expressions and hand gestures to take care of uncomfortable conditions like saying “no.” To politely refuse a suggestion or an invite, they will say solely mi spiace (I’m sorry) with a delicate gesture like shaking the pinnacle as a no, or barely displaying the palms of the arms, which means “I can’t do something about it.”
Come se avessi accettato
In semi-formal conditions, you may say “no” in Italian with the expression come se avessi accettato (as if I had accepted).
A typical instance is when somebody gives you meals or drinks at a dinner, and also you need to politely and respectfully refuse. It usually goes with a delicate “cease” hand gesture.
- Ancora un po’ di vino? = Some extra wine?
- Come se avessi accettato. Thanks. = As if I had accepted. Thanks.
- Venite anche voi al pub? = Are you coming to the pub, too?
- Grazie, ma è molto tardi. Come se avessimo accettato. = Thanks, however it’s very late. As if we had accepted.
La ringrazio, ma devo rifiutare
This formal strategy to say “no” actually means “I thanks, however I need to refuse.” You’ll hear it particularly in skilled settings.
- Vuole unirsi a noi per cena? = Would you want to affix us for dinner? (formal you)
- La ringrazio, ma devo rifiutare. = Thanks, however I need to refuse. (formal you)
Sarà per la prossima volta
Sarà per la prossima volta interprets to “Possibly subsequent time.” It’s a heat and optimistic strategy to decline, that softens the “no” by suggesting you’re open to plans.
- Vieni al mare con noi domani? = Are you coming to the seashore with us tomorrow?
- Sarà per la prossima volta. Grazie. = Possibly subsequent time. Thanks.
Robust and casual methods to say ‘no’
Whether or not you’re in a pleasant state of affairs and need to say “no” with emphasis, or that you must set a agency boundary, these expressions depart no room for doubt.
Non mi va
A nonetheless well mannered, however agency expression is non mi va (I don’t really feel like). It sounds a bit dry if you happen to say it while you don’t need to do one thing, however it’s impartial when saying “no” to foods and drinks gives.
- Prendi l’ultimo pezzo di torta. = Take the final piece of cake.
- Non mi va, grazie. = I don’t really feel prefer it.
Two barely stronger variations are:
- Non ho voglia. = I don’t really feel prefer it.
- Non voglio. = I don’t need to.
Ma quando mai?
When somebody makes an unfair accusation, as an alternative of claiming “No, I didn’t,” you may say: Ma quando mai? This expression combines irritation and offense in equal elements, and it’s normally reserved for spoken Italian.
- So che hai perso tu le mie chiavi. = I do know you misplaced my keys.
- Ma quando mai? = No method, I didn’t! (actually: When did that ever occur?)
Scordatelo
Brief, sharp, and type of bitter, scordatelo is a robust strategy to say “no” in Italian and means “Neglect it.” It’s an easy strategy to state that you’ll by no means do or settle for one thing—they usually can cease asking.
- Mi presti la tua macchina? = Can I borrow your automobile?
Neanche per sogno
Actually which means “not even in a dream” (and the same neanche per concept “not at the same time as an concept”), these are playful but agency methods to say “completely not.” They go well with a pleasant surroundings, however they’re teasing.
- Ti pago per andare alla riunione al mio posto. = I pay you to go to the assembly in my place.
- Neanche per sogno! = Completely not!
Non ci penso proprio
Much like neanche per concept is non ci penso neanche (I’m not even interested by it or I don’t assume so.) There is no such thing as a clearer strategy to say: “No method.”
- Vuoi trasferirti lì? = Do you need to transfer there?
- Non ci penso proprio. = No method.
Non accetterò mai
If you wish to categorical a definitive refusal in a proper surroundings, you may say: non accetterò mai (I’ll by no means settle for.) It’s fairly severe and dramatic, however you may inform it mockingly in pleasant settings.
- Posso farle una controfferta? = Can I make you a counteroffer?
- Non accetterò mai. = I’ll by no means settle for.
Mi rifiuto
You can too use the precise reverse verb rifiutare (to refuse) to create an equally direct and highly effective “no” in Italian.
- Puoi mentire per coprirmi? = Are you able to mislead cowl for me?
Ma sei fuori?
Very casual and humorous environments enable robust sentences that, in different settings, will likely be thought-about very impolite. That is the case of Ma sei fuori?, which suggests “Are you loopy?”
- Facciamo il bagno! = Let’s go swimming!
- Ma sei fuori? Si gela! = Are you loopy? It’s freezing chilly!
Aspetta e spera
Actually “wait and hope,” aspetta e spera is a sarcastic Italian idiom that works in lots of contexts. Consider it because the English “till hell freezes.” Like its English counterpart, it may be a strategy to say “no” or “maintain dreaming.”
- Prima o poi mi presterai i tuoi orecchini. = Eventually you’ll lend me your earrings.
- Aspetta e spera. = Yeah, maintain dreaming.
Different phrases for ‘no’ in Italian dialects
Technically, Italian dialects are vernaculars, not regional variations of the Italian language, as a result of all of them advanced from Latin on the identical time. That’s why you may hear completely different pronunciations even of a typical phrase like no when touring in Italy.
In Sicily, folks usually say “no” with a tongue click on, producing a sound just like “ntz” paired with a fast, upward head motion. Different curious ones are:
- nun and none (Southern areas)
- nou, nono, and nossi (Sardinian)
When you received’t discover these variations in grammar books, diving into the Italian language and tradition will put together you to note and choose up on these nuances when talking with native Italians. Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion methodology is designed that can assist you get travel-ready with fast 10-minute classes and further options that allow you to follow Italian in real-life situations.
