Grammar
Spanish negation: no, nada, nadie and nunca
Learn Spanish negation with no, nada, nadie, nunca and double negatives.
Spanish often uses “no” before the verb plus another negative word after it.
Pattern and examples
Read the Spanish example first, then check the English meaning. The note explains what to notice.
| Pattern | Spanish example | English meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| no | No entiendo. | I do not understand. | basic negation |
| nada | No quiero nada. | I do not want anything. | nothing / anything |
| nadie | No hay nadie. | There is nobody. | nobody / anybody |
| nunca | Nunca voy allí. | I never go there. | can come before verb |
| tampoco | Yo tampoco. | Me neither. | negative agreement |
| ningún | No tengo ningún problema. | I do not have any problem. | before masculine singular noun |
How to study this grammar point
Spanish grammar becomes easier when you learn small sentence patterns. Repeat one example aloud, then change only the noun, verb or time expression.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Avoiding double negativesSpanish double negatives are normal: no veo nada.
- Confusing también and tampocoUse “tampoco” for negative agreement.
Make your own examples
Say three sentences aloud using one Spanish expression from this page. Then replace one word to make the sentence personal.
- Read the Spanish example slowly.
- Repeat it without looking at the English meaning.
- Change the person, time or place.
FAQ
What should I practice first?
Start by copying the examples aloud, then change one word at a time to make your own sentences.
Do I need perfect grammar to communicate?
No. Clear communication comes first, but these patterns help you sound more natural and avoid confusing mistakes.