I disagree
in SpanishNo estoy de acuerdo
/no ehs-TOY deh ah-KWER-doh/
This is the most direct, common, and universally understood way to say 'I disagree.' It's a neutral phrase that works in almost any situation, from a casual chat to a formal business meeting.
Expressing a different point of view is a key communication skill. Phrases like 'No estoy de acuerdo' help you do it clearly and respectfully.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Yo no lo veo así
/yo no lo VEH-oh ah-SEE/
Literally 'I don't see it that way,' this is a very common and slightly softer way to express disagreement. It focuses on your personal perspective, which can feel less confrontational than a direct 'I disagree.'
No opino lo mismo
/no oh-PEE-no lo MEES-mo/
Meaning 'I don't have the same opinion' or 'I don't think so.' Like 'Yo no lo veo así,' this is a polite way to state a difference of opinion by framing it as your own thought process.
Discrepo
/dees-KREH-poh/
This is a single-word, more formal equivalent of 'I disagree,' coming from the verb 'discrepar' (to disagree). It sounds more educated and can be more emphatic.
No comparto tu opinión
/no kom-PAR-toh too oh-pee-NYON/
Translates to 'I don't share your opinion.' This is a very polite and respectful way to disagree, often used in professional or formal contexts.
Pues yo creo que no
/pwes yo KREH-oh keh no/
A very conversational 'Well, I don't think so.' The word 'pues' (well) softens the disagreement and makes it sound more like a natural, spontaneous thought.
Para nada
/PAH-rah NAH-dah/
This means 'Not at all' or 'No way.' It's a strong, emphatic, and informal way to express disagreement. It completely rejects the other person's statement.
Con todo respeto, no estoy de acuerdo
/kon TOH-doh rres-PEH-toh, no ehs-TOY deh ah-KWER-doh/
Meaning 'With all due respect, I disagree.' This is a classic 'softening' phrase used to signal that you are about to contradict someone but mean no offense.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Choosing the right way to disagree depends heavily on formality and context. Here’s a quick guide to the most common variations.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| No estoy de acuerdo | Neutral | A clear, direct, all-purpose statement of disagreement. | You want to be extra diplomatic or soften the blow significantly. |
| Yo no lo veo así | Neutral | Politely offering a different perspective in everyday conversation. | You need to express a very strong, non-negotiable disagreement. |
| Discrepo | Formal | Formal debates, academic papers, or professional settings to sound articulate. | Casual conversations with friends, as it can sound pretentious. |
| No comparto tu opinión | Formal | Respectfully disagreeing with a superior or in a professional meeting. | A very informal chat where it might sound overly stiff. |
| Para nada | Informal | Strongly and emphatically disagreeing with friends about casual topics. | Formal settings, business meetings, or talking to your boss. |
📈Difficulty Level
The sounds are mostly familiar to English speakers. The 'r' in 'acuerdo' requires a slight tap of the tongue, but it's not a major hurdle.
The main phrase 'No estoy de acuerdo' is a fixed chunk, which is easy to memorize. The challenge is in learning the many variations and their contexts.
This is the hardest part. Knowing how to disagree politely without causing offense requires significant cultural awareness and varies by region and social context.
Key Challenges:
- Choosing the correct level of formality.
- Sounding polite and collaborative rather than confrontational.
- Understanding regional differences in directness.
💡Examples in Action
Entiendo tu punto, pero no estoy de acuerdo con la estrategia propuesta.
I understand your point, but I disagree with the proposed strategy.
¿La mejor pizza de la ciudad? Mmm, yo no lo veo así, para mí es la de la otra calle.
The best pizza in the city? Hmm, I don't see it that way, for me it's the one on the other street.
Discrepo respetuosamente con el autor sobre la interpretación de los hechos históricos.
I respectfully disagree with the author on the interpretation of the historical facts.
Él dice que el equipo jugó mal. ¡Para nada! Jugaron increíble.
He says the team played badly. Not at all! They played incredibly.
🌍Cultural Context
The Art of Indirect Disagreement
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, particularly in Mexico and Colombia, maintaining social harmony ('simpatía') is very important. People often prefer softer, more indirect ways of disagreeing, like 'Yo no lo veo así' (I don't see it that way), to avoid direct confrontation, especially in professional settings.
Directness in Spain
In Spain, people tend to be more direct in their communication. Saying 'No estoy de acuerdo' or even a casual 'Qué va' (No way) is common and not typically considered rude among peers. However, tone of voice is still crucial to convey respect.
The Role of 'Pero' (But)
A very common strategy for polite disagreement across the Spanish-speaking world is the 'yes, but...' formula. You first acknowledge the other person's point with 'Sí, entiendo' (Yes, I understand) or 'Tienes razón en eso' (You're right about that), and then introduce your counterpoint with 'pero...' (but...). This shows you were listening and value their opinion before offering your own.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'No acuerdo'
Mistake: "Learners often translate directly from English and say 'Yo no acuerdo.'"
Correction: No estoy de acuerdo.
Using 'Discrepo' Casually
Mistake: "Using the formal word 'Discrepo' in a very casual chat with friends about something trivial, like which ice cream flavor is best."
Correction: Pues, a mí no me gusta ese. / Yo no lo veo así.
Forgetting to Soften the Blow
Mistake: "Jumping straight to 'No estoy de acuerdo' in a sensitive or professional conversation without any preamble."
Correction: Entiendo tu perspectiva, pero no comparto tu opinión. / Con todo respeto, yo lo veo de otra manera.
💡Pro Tips
Acknowledge First, Disagree Second
A golden rule for polite disagreement is to first validate the other person's point. Start with phrases like 'Entiendo lo que dices' (I understand what you're saying) or 'Es un punto interesante' (That's an interesting point) before you introduce your own with '...pero yo creo que...' (...but I think that...).
Use Questions to Disagree
A subtle and very effective way to disagree is by asking a question. Instead of saying 'I disagree,' you could ask, '¿Pero no has considerado que...?' (But have you not considered that...?) or '¿Y qué pasa con...?' (And what about...?). This invites discussion rather than creating a confrontation.
Match the Intensity
Pay attention to how strongly you want to disagree. For a mild difference of opinion, 'No lo veo exactamente así' (I don't see it exactly like that) is great. For a very strong, total disagreement with friends, '¡Para nada!' or '¡Qué va!' (in Spain) works perfectly.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
Spaniards are generally more direct. Disagreement is often seen as a normal part of a lively conversation, not necessarily a personal attack. Using phrases like 'Pues hombre, yo creo que no' is very common and conversational.
Mexico
Politeness and maintaining harmony are highly valued. Disagreement is often cushioned with softening phrases ('Con todo respeto...'), diminutives, or indirect phrasing. A direct 'No estoy de acuerdo' might be reserved for situations where you feel very strongly or have a close relationship with the person.
Argentina
Argentinians, especially in Buenos Aires, are known for being passionate and direct in conversation and debate. Disagreeing is common and often done with expressive hand gestures and a passionate tone. 'Che' is often used to get someone's attention before disagreeing.
💬What Comes Next?
After you say you disagree
¿Ah, no? ¿Por qué?
Oh no? Why?
Porque en mi opinión...
Because in my opinion...
You've expressed a different viewpoint
Bueno, es tu punto de vista.
Well, that's your point of view.
Sí, cada uno lo ve a su manera.
Yes, everyone sees it their own way.
In a more formal discussion
¿Podrías explicar tu razonamiento?
Could you explain your reasoning?
Claro. El problema principal que veo es que...
Of course. The main problem I see is that...
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, a blunt 'I disagree' can sound quite harsh in many contexts, leading people to use softer phrases like 'I'm not so sure about that' or 'I see your point, but...'. While Spanish also has these softeners, the standard phrase 'No estoy de acuerdo' is generally perceived as less confrontational than its direct English equivalent, especially when delivered with a neutral tone.
The baseline for disagreeing in Spanish is often more direct than in polite American or British English. Learners should focus on mastering the 'softening' techniques (like acknowledging the other person's point first) to navigate different social situations effectively, especially in more formal or harmony-focused cultures within Latin America.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say I agree in Spanish
This is the natural opposite and essential for any conversation involving opinions.
How to say I think that... in Spanish
After disagreeing, you'll need to state your own opinion with phrases like 'Yo creo que...' or 'Pienso que...'
How to say I understand in Spanish
Using 'Entiendo' is a key part of politely acknowledging someone's point before you disagree with it.
How to ask What do you think? in Spanish
Learning to ask for others' opinions is just as important as giving your own.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: I disagree
Question 1 of 3
You're in a business meeting with your boss. Which phrase is the MOST appropriate way to express disagreement with her idea?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is saying 'No estoy de acuerdo' considered rude in Spanish?
Not inherently, no. It's a neutral and direct phrase. However, politeness depends on context and tone. In a formal setting or with a superior, it's always better to soften it with phrases like 'Con respeto...' or by acknowledging their point first: 'Entiendo, pero no estoy de acuerdo.'
What's the real difference between 'No estoy de acuerdo' and 'Discrepo'?
'No estoy de acuerdo' is the everyday, all-purpose phrase. 'Discrepo' is its formal, more educated-sounding cousin. You'd use 'Discrepo' in a university debate, a formal report, or a serious business negotiation, but you'd almost never use it when arguing with a friend about where to get lunch.
How can I disagree without sounding argumentative?
Focus on 'I' statements and soften your language. Instead of a blunt 'no,' try 'Yo no lo veo de esa manera' (I don't see it that way) or 'Tengo una perspectiva diferente' (I have a different perspective). Also, acknowledging their point first with 'Entiendo tu punto, pero...' works wonders.
What's a really strong, informal way to say 'No way!'?
'¡Para nada!' is the most common and universal option for 'Not at all!' or 'No way!'. In Spain, you'll also hear '¡Qué va!' frequently. Both are very informal and should only be used with friends or in very casual situations.
Do I need to change the phrase for 'he/she disagrees'?
Yes, you do. The verb 'estar' changes. For 'he/she disagrees,' you would say 'Él/Ella no está de acuerdo.' For 'we disagree,' it's 'No estamos de acuerdo,' and for 'they disagree,' it's 'No están de acuerdo.'
Is it better to be direct or indirect when disagreeing in Spanish?
It depends heavily on the region and the situation. As a general rule for learners, it's safer to start with more indirect, polite forms ('Yo no lo veo así') until you get a feel for the local culture and your relationship with the person. Being too direct can be risky, whereas being too polite is rarely a problem.
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