"No way, José!" Other Ways to Say "No"
Even though English students often learn synonyms for lots of words, many don't know alternatives to one of the most basic: "No"!
In fact, there are quite a few different ways to express the same thing. However, depending on the situation, some choices are better than others.
This article will introduce some of the different words and expressions you can use when you want to reject an idea or invitation. Be sure to pay attention to the explanations and examples so that you can use them correctly yourself.
Basic alternatives to “No”
No, thank you.
We'll begin with a simple addition. "No" alone can sound very direct and even unfriendly. If you'd like to make it a bit softer, simply add "thank you" at the end.
A
Would you like something to eat?
B
No, thank you.
I’m afraid not. / Unfortunately, no.
Use these phrases to apologize or show regret for a negative answer.
A
Are you coming to the party later?
B
I'm afraid not. I have to work.
A
Can you swim?
B
Unfortunately, no. I never learned when I was a kid.
Strong ways to say “No”
Sometimes you want your rejection to sound forceful and strong, and there are plenty of ways to do this.
Under no circumstances
Use this expression to emphasize that there is no possible way you will agree.
Under no circumstances will we agree to their demands.
= We will not agree to their demands no matter the circumstances.
Out of the question.
This is an emphatic way to say "No" or to give a negative response.
A
Can we push back the deadline to next week?
B
That's out of the question; we need to be on time.
Flying economy class is out of the question. I only fly business class or higher!
Of course not.
This expression implies that the answer to a question is obviously "No."
A
Is Lisa coming to the game?
B
Of course not. She hates sports.
Most certainly not. / Absolutely not.
These expressions are both very bold. "Most certainly not" sounds a little formal.
A
Do you think his plan will work?
B
Most certainly not. / Absolutely not.
Not at all.
This is a strong and straightforward way to say "No."
A
Do you like classical music?
B
Not at all. It's too slow for me.
Casual ways to say “No”
Just because you reject something doesn't mean you have to do it in a serious way; there are many funny and informal ways to do it. Just be sure to only use these expressions with people that you have a close relationship with!
No way, José.
José is a Spanish name, but because its pronunciation rhymes with "no way," people add it to the end for a little bit of fun.
A
Let's go inside that old haunted house!
B
No way, José! You can go by yourself!
Not in a million years.
This expression basically means "Never"!
A
Would you ever go bungee jumping?
B
Not in a million years! I'd try skydiving, though.
When pigs fly.
Since pigs don't have wings, this expression has the same meaning as "not in a million years."
A
It's your turn to sing a karaoke song.
B
When pigs fly! Give the microphone to someone else!
Nope. / Nah.
These are both very informal words, so use them carefully.
A
Have you seen that new movie yet?
B
Nope. How was it?
A
Can you cook?
B
Nah, not really, but I'd like to learn one day.
Forget it.
This expression is used to strongly reject requests.
A
Can you lend me $10?
B
Forget it. You never paid back the money I lent you last month!
Not on your life.
Here is another strong, informal way to reject things. Remember: it's "on your life," not "in your life."
A
Have you ever thought about moving to another city?
B
Not on your life! I love my hometown and I never want to leave.
In British English, people often use a variation of this phrase: "Not on your nelly!"
Related article: Should You Learn British English or American English?
Yeah, right.
People often use positive words sarcastically to express negativity, and "Yeah, right" is a very common example.
A
Did Yuki go to the concert?
B
Yeah, right. Yuki hates big crowds.
Please.
Similar to the previous expression, this "please" is used with sarcasm to reject something that is obvious or completely unlikely. Think of it as a shorter way of saying, "Please, don't say such foolish things."
A
Have you been to that fancy new restaurant downtown?
B
So I can pay too much for my food in a room full of arrogant people? Please.
When "please" is used in this way, the intonation should be flat or go down instead of up, which is how it's normally used when making requests. You can hear it used this way in a scene from The Matrix Reloaded; the man in white uses it to reject an idea suggested by the man in black.
Give me a break.
This common expression is similar to "please," explained above.
A
Do you think Charles will help us?
B
Charles? Give me a break. He's too lazy to help.
Are you kidding (me)?
This phrase often expresses surprise in a sarcastic way. Depending on the situation, it can equal either a strong yes or a strong no, so you'll need to pay attention to the context to understand which one the speaker means.
A
Do you want to join the marathon with me?
B
Are you kidding? I'm too out of shape for that. I need to lose some weight first!
*"Out of shape" is an expression that refers to being overweight or not fit.
Wrap-up
"No" can be expressed in a variety of formal and informal ways. The most important thing is to choose the expression that is most appropriate for the situation and the people you are speaking to.
If you'd like suggestions on how to refuse things in a more polite way, this article has what you need: 5 Tips on Saying "No" to Invitations in the Nicest Way Possible
