When learning a new language, saying “no” is one of the most basic yet crucial words to master. In Russian, this word is “нет” (nyet), but there are various ways to express different nuances of “no” depending on the context. Understanding how to say “no” in Russian is essential for effective communication. Whether you need to decline an offer, express disagreement, or simply refuse, knowing various expressions will help you navigate conversations more confidently. This guide explores multiple ways to say “no” in Russian, complete with English pronunciation and translations.
1. The Basic No: Нет (Nyet)
- Translation: No
- Pronunciation: “NYET” ; /njet/
The simplest and most direct way to say “no” in Russian. This word can be used in almost any situation but might come off as blunt if used alone.
Example:
- A: Ты хочешь кофе? (Do you want coffee?)
- B: Нет. (No.)
2. The Polite No: Нет, спасибо (Nyet, Spasibo)
- Translation: No, thank you
- Pronunciation: “NYET, spa-SEE-ba” ; /njet spa’si
/
To soften your response, add “спасибо” (thank you) after “нет”. This polite form is appropriate in both casual and formal settings.
Example:
- A: Вы хотите попробовать десерт? (Would you like to try dessert?)
- B: Нет, спасибо. (No, thank you.)
3. The Emphatic No: Конечно нет! (Konechno Nyet!)
- Translation: Of course not!
- Pronunciation: “ka-NYECH-no NYET” ; /ka’njeʧno njet/
Use this when you want to strongly reject a suggestion or when something is clearly out of the question.
Example:
- A: Ты хочешь пропустить встречу? (Do you want to skip the meeting?)
- B: Конечно нет! (Of course not!)
4. The Categorical No: Ни в коем случае! (Ni v Koyem Sluchaye)
- Translation: Not in any case!
- Pronunciation: “nee v KO-yem SLOO-chai-ye” ; /ni v ‘kojem ‘slutʃaje/
This phrase is used to express a firm rejection, similar to saying “Absolutely not!”
Example:
- A: Мы должны поехать туда ночью? (Should we go there at night?)
- B: Ни в коем случае! (Not in any case!)
5. The Apologetic No: К сожалению, нет (K sozhaleniyu, Nyet)
- Translation: Regretfully, no
- Pronunciation: “k sa-zhah-LEH-nee-yu, NYET” ; /k saʒa’lʲenʲiju njet/
When you want to politely decline with a hint of regret, this phrase is ideal.
Example:
- A: Ты можешь прийти на вечеринку? (Can you come to the party?)
- B: К сожалению, нет. (Regretfully, no.)
6. The Resigned No: Да нет (Da Nyet)
- Translation: Well, no
- Pronunciation: “DAH NYET” ; /da njet/
This combines “да” (yes) and “нет” (no) but implies a resigned or reluctant “no”.
Example:
- A: Ты хочешь остаться? (Do you want to stay?)
- B: Да нет. (Well, no.)
7. The “Not Yet” No: Ещё нет (Yeshcho Nyet)
- Translation: Not yet
- Pronunciation: “ye-SHCHO NYET” ; /jʲeʃ’ʧo njet/
Use this when your answer is currently “no,” but might change in the future.
Example:
- A: Ты решил? (Have you decided?)
- B: Ещё нет. (Not yet.)
8. The Cool No: Не-а (Ne-a)
- Translation: Nah
- Pronunciation: “NYEH-a” ; /nʲeʔa/
A casual and informal way to say “no,” mostly used among friends.
Example:
- A: Хочешь пойти в кино? (Do you want to go to the movies?)
- B: Не-а. (Nah.)
9. The Apparent No: Не похоже (Ne Pokhozhe)
- Translation: It seems not
- Pronunciation: “NYEH po-KHO-zhe” ; /nʲe pʌ’xʌʒə/
This phrase suggests that something doesn’t look likely or isn’t going to happen.
Example:
- A: Погода улучшится? (Will the weather improve?)
- B: Не похоже. (It seems not.)
10. The Strong No: Ну нет! (Nu Nyet!)
- Translation: No way!
- Pronunciation: “NOO NYET” ; /nu njet/
This is a forceful rejection, often used to correct or contradict someone.
Example:
- A: Мы можем сделать это быстро? (Can we do this quickly?)
- B: Ну нет! (No way!)
More Ways to Say “No” in Russian
In Russian, saying “no” is straightforward with the word нет (pronounced “nyet”), but there are various ways to express denial or refusal depending on the context and level of politeness. Here’s a comprehensive guide to different ways to say “no” in Russian:
1. Нет
Translation: No
Pronunciation: /nyet/
Usage: This is the most basic and direct way to say “no” in Russian. It can be used in most situations but might sound blunt in casual or polite conversation.
Example:
A: Пойдём в кино? (Shall we go to the movies?)
B: Нет. (No.)
2. Нет, спасибо
Translation: No, thank you
Pronunciation: /nyet spa-SEE-ba/
Usage: A polite way to decline an offer. This phrase is universally applicable and helps avoid sounding curt.
Example:
A: Хотите ещё один напиток? (Would you like another drink?)
B: Нет, спасибо. (No, thank you.)
3. Конечно, нет!
Translation: Of course not!
Pronunciation: /ka-NYECH-na nyet/
Usage: Used to strongly reject something that is clearly unacceptable.
Example:
A: Давайте поедем на пляж в декабре. (Let’s go to the beach in December.)
B: Конечно, нет! (Of course not!)
4. Ни в коем случае!
Translation: Not in any case!
Pronunciation: /ni v KO-yem SLOO-chai/
Usage: An emphatic way to say that something is absolutely unacceptable.
Example:
A: Можно я возьму твою машину? (Can I take your car?)
B: Ни в коем случае! (Not in any case!)
5. Ни за что!
Translation: Not for anything!
Pronunciation: /nee za shto/
Usage: Used for strong refusals or dramatic rejections.
Example:
A: Поможешь мне с этим проектом? (Will you help me with this project?)
B: Ни за что! (Not for anything!)
6. К сожалению, нет
Translation: Regretfully, no
Pronunciation: /ka zla-ZHE-ni-ye nyet/
Usage: Indicates regret or disappointment about saying no.
Example:
A: Вы сможете прийти на встречу? (Will you be able to attend the meeting?)
B: К сожалению, нет. (Regretfully, no.)
7. Да нет
Translation: Well, no
Pronunciation: /da nyet/
Usage: A somewhat resigned or hesitant way to say no, often implying that the speaker is not entirely firm in their refusal.
Example:
A: Ты возьмёшь участие в конкурсе? (Will you participate in the contest?)
B: Да нет. (Well, no.)
8. Ещё нет
Translation: Not yet
Pronunciation: /ye-SHYO nyet/
Usage: Indicates that something is not the case at the moment but may change in the future.
Example:
A: Ты уже купил билет? (Have you bought the ticket yet?)
B: Ещё нет. (Not yet.)
9. Не
Translation: Nah
Pronunciation: /nyeh/
Usage: A more casual, informal way of saying “no,” often used among friends.
Example:
A: Мы пойдём в парк? (Shall we go to the park?)
B: Не, я устал. (Nah, I’m tired.)
10. Не похоже
Translation: It seems not
Pronunciation: /ne po-KHO-zhe/
Usage: Implies that the situation does not appear to support a positive response.
Example:
A: Мы сможем найти такси? (Can we find a taxi?)
B: Не похоже. (It seems not.)
11. Не уверен
Translation: Not sure
Pronunciation: /nye oo-VE-ren/
Usage: Indicates uncertainty or lack of confidence in the answer.
Example:
A: Ты сможешь прийти завтра? (Will you be able to come tomorrow?)
B: Не уверен. (I’m not sure.)
12. Не сейчас
Translation: Not now
Pronunciation: /nye see-CHAS/
Usage: Implies that the answer is “no” for the moment but may change later.
Example:
A: Мы обсудим это позже? (Shall we discuss it later?)
B: Не сейчас. (Not now.)
13. Не-а
Translation: Naw
Pronunciation: /nyeh-ah/
Usage: A casual and slightly informal way to say “no,” often used with friends.
Example:
A: Попробуешь этот новый ресторан? (Will you try this new restaurant?)
B: Не-а. (Naw.)
14. Ну нет!
Translation: No way!
Pronunciation: /nu nyet/
Usage: A strong, emphatic way to reject something, indicating disagreement or disbelief.
Example:
A: Мы можем сделать это без помощи? (Can we do this without help?)
B: Ну нет! (No way!)
15. Не в этой жизни
Translation: Not in this lifetime
Pronunciation: /nye v E-toi ZHEE-znee/
Usage: A very strong refusal, often used humorously or to emphasize that something is absolutely impossible.
Example:
A: Ты попробуешь прыгнуть с парашютом? (Will you try skydiving?)
B: Не в этой жизни. (Not in this lifetime.)
16. Я не уверен
Translation: I’m not sure
Pronunciation: /ya nye oo-VE-ren/
Usage: Used to express uncertainty or indecision.
Example:
A: Ты хочешь идти в кино? (Do you want to go to the movies?)
B: Я не уверен. (I’m not sure.)
17. Не надо
Translation: No need
Pronunciation: /nyeh NAH-duh/
Usage: Indicates that something is not necessary or that you prefer not to do something.
Example:
A: Нужно купить больше еды. (We need to buy more food.)
B: Не надо. (No need.)
18. Не могу
Translation: I can’t
Pronunciation: /nye ma-GOO/
Usage: Indicates an inability to do something, often used to express personal limitations.
Example:
A: Ты можешь помочь мне с этим? (Can you help me with this?)
B: Не могу. (I can’t.)
19. Не получится
Translation: It won’t work
Pronunciation: /nye po-LOO-chits-a/
Usage: Used to express that something is not feasible or won’t succeed.
Example:
A: Мы сможем сделать это к сроку? (Can we get this done by the deadline?)
B: Не получится. (It won’t work.)
20. Ничего не выйдет
Translation: Nothing will come of it
Pronunciation: /nee-chee-VOH nye VY-yet/
Usage: A way to say that an attempt or plan will not be successful.
Example:
A: Мы попробуем еще раз? (Shall we try again?)
B: Ничего не выйдет. (Nothing will come of it.)
21. Ничего не изменится
Translation: Nothing will change
Pronunciation: /nee-chee-VOH nye iz-MYE-nits-a/
Usage: Indicates that no matter what is done, the outcome will remain the same.
Example:
A: Давай попробуем снова. (Let’s try again.)
B: Ничего не изменится. (Nothing will change.)
22. Не желаю
Translation: I don’t want
Pronunciation: /nye zhe-LA-yu/
Usage: A more formal or strong way to express that you do not wish to do something.
Example:
A: Пойдешь на встречу? (Will you go to the meeting?)
B: Не желаю. (I don’t want to.)
23. Мне это не интересно
Translation: I’m not interested
Pronunciation: /mne E-to nye in-tee-RE-sna/
Usage: Indicates that something does not capture your interest.
Example:
A: Хотите посмотреть этот фильм? (Do you want to watch this movie?)
B: Мне это не интересно. (I’m not interested.)
24. Не думаю
Translation: I don’t think so
Pronunciation: /nye DOO-ma-yu/
Usage: Suggests doubt or disagreement with a suggestion or proposal.
Example:
A: Мы сможем найти решение? (Will we find a solution?)
B: Не думаю. (I don’t think so.)
25. Не получится у нас
Translation: It won’t work for us
Pronunciation: /nye po-LOO-chits-ya oo nas/
Usage: Indicates that a plan or action will not be effective or suitable.
Example:
A: Мы сможем сделать это сами? (Can we do it ourselves?)
B: Не получится у нас. (It won’t work for us.)
26. Я не готов
Translation: I’m not ready
Pronunciation: /ya nye go-TOF/
Usage: Used when you are not prepared or willing to proceed with something.
Example:
A: Ты готов к экзамену? (Are you ready for the exam?)
B: Я не готов. (I’m not ready.)
27. Не хочу
Translation: I don’t want
Pronunciation: /nye ha-CHOO/
Usage: A direct way to express that you do not wish to do something.
Example:
A: Хочешь попробовать этот десерт? (Do you want to try this dessert?)
B: Не хочу. (I don’t want to.)
28. Мне не нравится
Translation: I don’t like it
Pronunciation: /mne nye NRA-vi-tsa/
Usage: Used to express dislike or disapproval of something.
Example:
A: Как тебе эта идея? (What do you think of this idea?)
B: Мне не нравится. (I don’t like it.)
29. Не планирую
Translation: I don’t plan to
Pronunciation: /nye pla-NEE-roo-yu/
Usage: Indicates that you have no intention or plan to do something.
Example:
A: Ты планируешь поехать в отпуск в следующем месяце? (Do you plan to go on vacation next month?)
B: Не планирую. (I don’t plan to.)
30. Не получится, увы
Translation: It won’t work, alas
Pronunciation: /nye po-LOO-chits-a, oo-VY/
Usage: A formal or slightly dramatic way to express that something is not going to work out.
Example:
A: Мы можем это закончить сегодня? (Can we finish this today?)
B: Не получится, увы. (It won’t work, alas.)
31. Сомневаюсь
Translation: I doubt
Pronunciation: /som-nye-VA-yus’/
Usage: Used when you are uncertain or skeptical about something.
Example:
A: Ты уверен, что это хорошая идея? (Are you sure this is a good idea?)
B: Сомневаюсь. (I doubt it.)
32. Это не то, что я хочу
Translation: This is not what I want
Pronunciation: /E-to nye to, shto ya ha-CHU/
Usage: A way to express that something does not meet your expectations or desires.
Example:
A: Как насчет этого предложения? (How about this proposal?)
B: Это не то, что я хочу. (This is not what I want.)
33. Вряд ли
Translation: Doubtful
Pronunciation: /vryad LEE/
Usage: Indicates that something is unlikely or not expected to happen.
Example:
A: Ты думаешь, что мы сможем это сделать? (Do you think we can do this?)
B: Вряд ли. (Doubtful.)
34. Может быть, в другой раз
Translation: Maybe another time
Pronunciation: /MO-zhet byit, v dru-GOY raz/
Usage: Suggests postponing or deferring the action to a different time.
Example:
A: Мы пойдем в театр сегодня? (Shall we go to the theater today?)
B: Может быть, в другой раз. (Maybe another time.)
35. Не стоит
Translation: Not worth it
Pronunciation: /nye STO-it/
Usage: Indicates that something is not worthwhile or advisable.
Example:
A: Стоит ли попробовать еще раз? (Is it worth trying again?)
B: Не стоит. (Not worth it.)
36. Это не то, что я имел в виду
Translation: This is not what I meant
Pronunciation: /E-to nye to, shto ya e-MYEL v vee-DOO/
Usage: Indicates that the result or suggestion is not what was intended.
Example:
A: Мы достигли соглашения? (Have we reached an agreement?)
B: Это не то, что я имел в виду. (This is not what I meant.)
37. Не хочу этим заниматься
Translation: I don’t want to deal with this
Pronunciation: /nye ha-CHU E-tim za-nee-MA-tsa/
Usage: Expresses reluctance or refusal to handle a particular task or issue.
Example:
A: Можешь помочь с этим проектом? (Can you help with this project?)
B: Не хочу этим заниматься. (I don’t want to deal with this.)
38. Ничего не изменится
Translation: Nothing will change
Pronunciation: /nee-chee-VOH nye iz-MYE-nits-a/
Usage: Suggests that there will be no difference or improvement.
Example:
A: Попробуем изменить ситуацию? (Shall we try to change the situation?)
B: Ничего не изменится. (Nothing will change.)
39. Это не моя работа
Translation: It’s not my job
Pronunciation: /E-to nye mo-YA ra-BO-ta/
Usage: Indicates that the task or responsibility is not within your scope or role.
Example:
A: Можешь сделать это? (Can you do this?)
B: Это не моя работа. (It’s not my job.)
40. Я не согласен
Translation: I disagree
Pronunciation: /ya nye sa-GLA-syen/
Usage: A formal way to express disagreement.
Example:
A: Мы должны сделать это так. (We should do it this way.)
B: Я не согласен. (I disagree.)
41. Не уверен
Translation: Not sure
Pronunciation: /nye oo-VE-ren/
Usage: Indicates uncertainty about something.
Example:
A: Думаешь, это хорошая идея? (Do you think this is a good idea?)
B: Не уверен. (Not sure.)
42. Я против
Translation: I’m against
Pronunciation: /ya PRO-tiv/
Usage: A strong way to express opposition or disagreement.
Example:
A: Мы должны повысить цены. (We should raise the prices.)
B: Я против. (I’m against.)
43. Не получится так легко
Translation: It won’t be that easy
Pronunciation: /nye po-LOO-chits-a tak LYE-kha/
Usage: Indicates that achieving something will not be as simple as it seems.
Example:
A: Мы сможем сделать это быстро? (Can we do this quickly?)
B: Не получится так легко. (It won’t be that easy.)
44. Не уверен, что это возможно
Translation: Not sure if it’s possible
Pronunciation: /nye oo-VE-ren, shto E-to voz-MOZH-no/
Usage: Suggests doubt about the feasibility of a plan or idea.
Example:
A: Мы можем завершить проект до завтра? (Can we finish the project by tomorrow?)
B: Не уверен, что это возможно. (Not sure if it’s possible.)
45. Мне это не нужно
Translation: I don’t need it
Pronunciation: /mne E-to nye NOOzh-na/
Usage: Expresses that something is not required or necessary.
Example:
A: Хочешь, я помогу тебе с этим? (Do you want me to help you with this?)
B: Мне это не нужно. (I don’t need it.)
46. Это не для меня
Translation: It’s not for me
Pronunciation: /E-to nye dlya me-NYA/
Usage: Indicates that something is not suited to your preferences or needs.
Example:
A: Попробуешь этот стиль одежды? (Will you try this style of clothing?)
B: Это не для меня. (It’s not for me.)
47. Не думаю, что это хорошая идея
Translation: I don’t think it’s a good idea
Pronunciation: /nye DOO-ma-yu, shto E-to kha-RO-sha-ya i-DYE-ya/
Usage: A way to express that you believe a suggestion is not wise.
Example:
A: Как насчет этого плана? (How about this plan?)
B: Не думаю, что это хорошая идея. (I don’t think it’s a good idea.)
48. Это не совсем то, что я хотел
Translation: It’s not exactly what I wanted
Pronunciation: /E-to nye so-FSYEM to, shto ya kha-TYEL/
Usage: Indicates that the result is close but not precisely what was desired.
Example:
A: Это то, что ты хотел? (Is this what you wanted?)
B: Это не совсем то, что я хотел. (It’s not exactly what I wanted.)
49. Не хочу в это углубляться
Translation: I don’t want to delve into this
Pronunciation: /nye ha-CHU v E-to oo-gloob-LYA-tsa/
Usage: Expresses a reluctance to explore or discuss something in depth.
Example:
A: Давай обсудим это подробнее. (Let’s discuss this in more detail.)
B: Не хочу в это углубляться. (I don’t want to delve into this.)
50. Мне это не нравится
Translation: I don’t like it
Pronunciation: /mne E-to nye NRA-vi-tsa/
Usage: Indicates dislike or dissatisfaction with something.
Example:
A: Как тебе этот вариант? (What do you think of this option?)
B: Мне это не нравится. (I don’t like it.)
Conclusion
Mastering different ways to say “no” in Russian allows you to respond appropriately in various situations. From formal refusals to casual declines, these phrases will enhance your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in Russian-speaking environments. Use this guide as a reference to ensure you always have the right words at your disposal.
