nē

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no, no, no, I did not, no, rather
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A Latvian no used for refusal, for answers to negative questions, for self-correction, and as a noun-like word for a refusal or denial.

Examples

  • Nē, es šodien nenākšu.
    No, I will not come today.
  • Istabā valdīja klusums. Nē, drīzāk smaga spriedze.
    There was silence in the room. No, rather a heavy tension.
  • Bērns skaļi protestēja: nē, es negribu!
    The child protested loudly: no, I do not want to!
  • Uz šo jautājumu atbilde bija īsa: nē.
    The answer to that question was short: no.
  • Vai viņi nesaprot noteikumus? Nē, nesaprot.
    Do they not understand the rules? No, they do not.

Similar words

ne
ne
drīzāk
noraidījums
ne
atteikums
noliegums

Meanings

Negative answer or refusal

interjection
everyday
neutral
A direct negative answer, refusal, or protest against something just said, asked, or proposed.

Examples

  • Nē, es šodien nenākšu.
    No, I will not come today.
  • Vai tev vajag palīdzību? Nē, paldies.
    Do you need help? No, thank you.
  • Viņš piedāvāja vēl vienu kafiju, bet es teicu nē.
    He offered another coffee, but I said no.
  • Nē, tā nav mana soma.
    No, that is not my bag.
  • Bērns skaļi protestēja: nē, es negribu!
    The child protested loudly: no, I do not want to!
  • Uz šo jautājumu atbilde bija īsa: nē.
    The answer to that question was short: no.

Similar words

No to a negative question

interjection
grammar
neutral
A negative reply to a question already framed with a negative verb, confirming that the negative statement is true.

Examples

  • Vai tu neesi noguris? Nē, neesmu.
    Are you not tired? No, I am not.
  • Vai viņa neatnāks? Nē, neatnāks.
    Is she not coming? No, she is not coming.
  • Vai jūs to nezinājāt? Nē, nezinājām.
    Did you not know that? No, we did not.
  • Vai tev nav laika? Nē, nav.
    Do you not have time? No, I do not.
  • Vai viņi nesaprot noteikumus? Nē, nesaprot.
    Do they not understand the rules? No, they do not.
  • Vai tu nepaņēmi atslēgas? Nē, nepaņēmu.
    Did you not take the keys? No, I did not.

Similar words

Correction or stronger restatement

interjection
discourse
neutral
A turn in thought that rejects a weaker wording and replaces it with a more exact or stronger one.

Examples

  • Sākumā šķita, ka viņš kavējas. Nē, viņš vienkārši nenāks.
    At first it seemed he was late. No, he simply will not come.
  • Istabā valdīja klusums. Nē, drīzāk smaga spriedze.
    There was silence in the room. No, rather a heavy tension.
  • Viņa bija nogurusi. Nē, pavisam pārgurusi.
    She was tired. No, completely exhausted.
  • Tas nav tikai labs rezultāts. Nē, tas ir izcils.
    This is not just a good result. No, it is excellent.
  • Es domāju, ka tas būs grūti. Nē, tas būs gandrīz neiespējami.
    I think it will be hard. No, it will be almost impossible.
  • Viņš runāja mierīgi. Nē, pat pārāk mierīgi.
    He spoke calmly. No, even too calmly.

Similar words

A no or denial

noun
communication
neutral
The word treated as a thing: a refusal, rejection, or act of saying no.

Examples

  • Viņai bija grūti pateikt nē.
    It was hard for her to say no.
  • Komitejas nē apturēja visu projektu.
    The committee's no stopped the whole project.
  • Šis nē nozīmēja skaidru atteikumu.
    This no meant a clear refusal.
  • Bērns dzirdēja stingru nē un apklusa.
    The child heard a firm no and fell silent.
  • Dažreiz viens godīgs nē ir labāks par neskaidru solījumu.
    Sometimes one honest no is better than a vague promise.
  • Pēc viņas nē saruna ātri beidzās.
    After her no, the conversation ended quickly.

Similar words

Etymology

FAQ

What does nē mean?

nē means no in Latvian, especially as a negative answer, refusal, or protest.

What is the difference between nē and ne?

nē is a full answer meaning no, while ne is the negating particle before another word, as in negribu.

How is nē pronounced?

nē is pronounced /neː/, with a long ē sound.

Can nē be used as a noun?

nē can be treated as a noun-like word for a refusal or denial, as in pateikt nē.

How do negative questions work with nē?

After a negative question, nē usually confirms the negative answer, as in Nē, neesmu for No, I am not.

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