Inklingo

How to Say "absolutely not" in Spanish

The Spanish word forabsolutely notis naricesB2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishB2
nounB2informal
in the fixed phrase 'ni de narices'
A small, cartoonish figure shrugging their shoulders dramatically, looking utterly confused and bewildered with a gaping mouth, representing intense questioning or surprise.

Examples

¿Qué narices haces aquí a estas horas?

What the heck are you doing here at this hour?

No vamos a ir a esa fiesta. ¡Ni de narices!

We are not going to that party. Absolutely not!

¿Dónde narices has escondido mis llaves?

Where on earth have you hidden my keys?

Using 'Narices' as an Intensifier

When used in questions starting with qué, dónde, quién, etc., 'narices' doesn't literally mean 'noses.' It simply adds strong feeling, frustration, or annoyance, similar to saying 'the heck' or 'the hell' in English.

Using 'Narices' in Formal Settings

Mistake:Using '¿Qué narices quiere?' when speaking to your boss.

Correction: This usage is very informal and can be considered rude or vulgar in formal settings. Stick to '¿Qué quiere?' or '¿Qué es lo que quiere?'

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