negar
/neh-GAHR/
deny
Use 'negar' when you want to deny or contradict a statement or accusation.
negar(verb)
deny
?contradict a statement or accusation
,refuse
?refuse to give something or grant access
reject
?reject a claim
,disown
?deny relationship with someone
📝 In Action
Ella niega haber estado en la fiesta.
A2She denies having been at the party.
El banco me negó el préstamo.
B1The bank refused me the loan.
La empresa le negó la entrada a la fábrica.
B1The company denied him entry to the factory.
💡 Grammar Points
Stem Change Alert (e → ie)
In the present tense, the 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' (like 'nIEgo'), except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms, which stay regular (negamos, negáis).
Spelling Change in Preterite
To keep the 'g' sounding hard (like the 'g' in 'go') before the 'e' in the 'yo' form of the past tense, you must add a 'u': 'negué'. This is a common spelling rule for all -gar verbs.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using Subjunctive After Denying
Mistake: "Él niega que *sea* el culpable."
Correction: When denying a fact, Spanish typically uses the standard verb form (Indicative) in the second part: 'Él niega que *es* el culpable.' (He denies that he is the culprit).
⭐ Usage Tips
Denying vs. Refusing
Use this form ('negar') when contradicting a statement ('denying the rumor') or when refusing to give an object or access ('refusing the loan').
When someone refuses to do something, they use the reflexive form 'negarse a' followed by the action.
negar(verb)
refuse to
?to decline an action (negarse a + infinitive)
,deny oneself
?to abstain from something
be unwilling
?to show strong reluctance
📝 In Action
Me niego a trabajar horas extras.
B1I refuse to work overtime.
Se niega a creer la noticia, aunque es cierta.
A2He refuses to believe the news, even though it's true.
Los atletas deben negarse muchos postres.
B2Athletes must deny themselves many desserts.
💡 Grammar Points
The Crucial 'a'
When 'negarse' means 'to refuse to do something,' it MUST be followed by the small word 'a' and then the action verb: 'Se niega A pagar' (He refuses TO pay).
Reflexive Action
Since it is reflexive, you must always include the corresponding reflexive pronoun (me, te, se, nos, os) before the conjugated verb.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Omitting the Preposition
Mistake: "Me niego pagar la cuenta."
Correction: The correct structure requires 'a': 'Me niego A pagar la cuenta.' This pattern is common for many verbs expressing refusal or preparation.
⭐ Usage Tips
Strong Refusal
Using 'negarse a' implies a definite and often strong refusal, showing unwillingness or resistance.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: negar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the reflexive form of 'negar' to mean 'She refuses to leave'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'negar' and 'negarse'?
'Negar' (transitive) means to deny a statement ('I deny the rumor') or refuse an object ('They refused the gift'). 'Negarse' (reflexive) means to refuse to perform an action ('I refuse to go') and requires the preposition 'a' afterwards.
How do I remember the stem change for 'negar'?
Think of it like 'Niego' (I deny) rhymes with 'tengo' (I have). The 'e' changes to 'ie' in most forms, except for 'nosotros' and 'vosotros,' which stay regular.