nah

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/nɑː/
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A casual way to say no, show disagreement, or express lack of interest, often heard in informal speech and online chat.

Examples

  • She said nah when I asked to borrow her car.
  • He shrugged and replied nah.
  • Nah, I’m not interested.
  • I was going to go out, but nah, I’ll stay home.
  • Nah, that’s not how it works.

Similar words

not
nope
nay
no
negative
uh‑uh

Meanings

Casual refusal

interjection
everyday
informal
Used to express a negative response, disagreement, or lack of interest in a relaxed way.

Examples

  • Nah, I’m not interested.
  • She said nah when I asked to borrow her car.
  • Nah, that’s not how it works.
  • He shrugged and replied nah.
  • I was going to go out, but nah, I’ll stay home.

Similar words

Etymology

From a colloquial variant of no, recorded from the early 19th century.

FAQ

What does nah mean?

Nah is an informal way to say no or show disagreement.

When should I use nah?

Use it in casual conversation, text messages, or online chat when you want a relaxed negative.

Is nah appropriate in formal writing?

No, it sounds too informal for formal documents or emails.

How is nah pronounced?

It is pronounced /nɑː/.

Can nah be used as a verb?

No, it functions only as an interjection or adverb.

What are some synonyms for nah?

Synonyms include no, nope, not, negative, nay, and uh‑uh.

What are antonyms for nah?

Antonyms are yes, yeah, sure, and affirmative.

Where does nah come from?

It derives from a spoken variant of no that appeared in the early 1800s.

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