How to Say "nobody" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “nobody” is “nadie” — A1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
No hay nadie en la casa.
There is nobody in the house.
Nadie sabe la respuesta.
No one knows the answer.
No quiero hablar con nadie.
I don't want to talk to anyone.
The Spanish Double Negative
In Spanish, it's correct to say 'No... nadie'. It might feel strange, but think of it as adding extra emphasis. 'No vino nadie' is the right way to say 'Nobody came'.
Starting a Sentence with 'Nadie'
If 'nadie' starts the sentence, you don't need to use 'no'. For example, 'Nadie vino' means 'Nobody came' and is just as correct as 'No vino nadie'.
Always Acts Singular
Even though 'nadie' means zero people, the verb that follows it is always in the 'he/she' form. For example, 'Nadie sabe' (Nobody knows), not 'Nadie saben'.
The 'Personal a'
When 'nobody' is the one receiving an action, you need to put 'a' in front of 'nadie'. For example, 'No vi a nadie' (I didn't see anyone).
Forgetting the 'no'
Mistake: “Vino nadie a la fiesta.”
Correction: No vino nadie a la fiesta. When 'nadie' comes after the verb, you almost always need 'no' before the verb.
Using 'Nadie' for Things
Mistake: “En la caja no hay nadie.”
Correction: En la caja no hay nada. Use 'nadie' only for people. For things, use 'nada' (nothing).
Forgetting the 'personal a'
Mistake: “No conozco nadie aquí.”
Correction: No conozco a nadie aquí. When 'nobody' is receiving the action from the verb (like 'knowing' them), you need to add the 'a'.
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.