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

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

Similar words

nope
not
uh‑uh
negative
nay
no

Meanings

Usage

Use nah in informal conversation or text for a relaxed negative, but avoid it in formal writing.

Common mistakes

Using nah in a formal email sounds disrespectful.

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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