ni
/nee/
Here, 'ni' helps list things you don't want or like, connecting two 'no's: 'No quiero ni brócoli ni coliflor' (I don't want broccoli nor cauliflower).
ni (Connector word (Conjunction))
📝 In Action
No me gusta el café ni el té.
A1I don't like coffee or tea.
Mi hermano no come carne ni pescado.
A2My brother eats neither meat nor fish.
No tengo ni idea de qué estás hablando.
B1I don't have even a clue what you're talking about.
Ni su mejor amigo lo sabía.
B1Not even his best friend knew it.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Double No' Rule
In Spanish, it's correct to use 'no' before the verb and 'ni' to connect negative things. Think of it as reinforcing the 'no': No quiero ni pizza ni pasta. (I don't want pizza or pasta).
Connecting Two 'No's
Use 'ni... ni...' the same way you use 'neither... nor...' in English. It's for rejecting two or more options. No es ni alto ni bajo. (He is neither tall nor short).
Emphasis with 'Not Even'
You can use 'ni' by itself to add emphasis, meaning 'not even'. No tengo ni un euro. (I don't have even one euro).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'o' Instead of 'ni'
Mistake: "When listing things you don't like or want, it's easy to use 'o' (or) like in English: `No me gusta el café o el té.`"
Correction: In Spanish, you must use 'ni' in negative lists: `No me gusta el café ni el té.` Use 'o' for choices between things you *do* want.
⭐ Usage Tips
Dramatic Opener
You can start a sentence with 'Ni' for a dramatic effect, meaning 'Not even...'. Ni el presidente pudo resolver el problema. (Not even the president could solve the problem).
The phrase '¡Ni que...!' is used to say 'As if!' when you think someone is exaggerating, like offering a winter coat on a warm day.
ni (Phrase starter)
📝 In Action
—Cuidado, el plato está caliente. —¡Tranquilo! ¡Ni que fuera tonto!
B2—Be careful, the plate is hot. —Relax! As if I were a fool!
Quiere que le compre un coche. ¡Ni que yo fuera millonario!
B2He wants me to buy him a car. As if I were a millionaire!
—Ponte un abrigo. —¡Pero si hace sol! ¡Ni que estuviéramos en el Polo Norte!
C1—Put on a coat. —But it's sunny! It's not as if we're at the North Pole!
💡 Grammar Points
A Special Verb Form Follows
The phrase '¡ni que...!' is almost always followed by a verb in a special form used for hypothetical situations (the imperfect subjunctive). For example, fuera instead of soy or era.
⭐ Usage Tips
How to Use It
Use '¡Ni que...!' when you want to react to something someone said or did that you think is exaggerated, unreasonable, or silly. It's like saying 'You've got to be kidding me!'
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: ni
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly means 'I don't have even one dollar'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Spanish speakers say 'No... ni...'? Isn't that a double negative?
Great question! In English, double negatives are usually a mistake, but in Spanish, they are often required. When you start a sentence with 'No', you need to continue using other negative words like 'ni', 'nada', or 'nunca'. Think of it as the 'no' at the beginning setting the whole sentence to 'negative mode'.
What's the difference between 'o' and 'ni'?
It's simple: 'o' is for choices ('or'), and 'ni' is for rejections ('nor'). Use 'o' when you're talking about options: '¿Quieres té o café?' (Do you want tea or coffee?). Use 'ni' when you're rejecting options: 'No quiero ni té ni café.' (I don't want tea or coffee).
Can I list more than two things with 'ni'?
Absolutely! You can list as many things as you want. Just put 'ni' before each one. 'No me gusta ni el lunes, ni la lluvia, ni el tráfico.' (I don't like Mondays, nor the rain, nor the traffic.)