Inklingo

How to Say "nor" in Spanish

The Spanish word fornoris niA2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishA2

ni

Connector word (Conjunction)A2
Used in 'neither...nor...' constructions
A plate holding a piece of broccoli and a piece of cauliflower, with a large red X drawn over both, indicating they are not wanted.

Examples

No me gusta el café ni el té.

I don't like coffee or tea.

Mi hermano no come carne ni pescado.

My brother eats neither meat nor fish.

No tengo ni idea de qué estás hablando.

I don't have even a clue what you're talking about.

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).

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.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.