Negations

Use “no” before the verb. This is the most common form.

Structure:

[Subject] + no + [verb]

Examples:

• Yo no tengo dinero. – I don’t have money.

• Él no come carne. – He doesn’t eat meat.

• Nosotros no hablamos francés. – We don’t speak French.

In Spanish, double negatives are allowed and common. If a negative word (like nada, nadie, nunca, etc.) comes after the verb, you must also use “no” before the verb.

Examples:

• No veo nada. – I don’t see anything.

• No conozco a nadie. – I don’t know anyone.

• No quiero nunca salir. – I never want to go out.

Common Negative Words

Negatives at the Start

If the negative word comes before the verb, you don’t need to use “no.”

Examples:

• Nadie viene a la fiesta. – No one is coming to the party.

• Nunca como dulces. – I never eat sweets.