Inklingo

How to Say "not ever" in Spanish

English → Spanish

nunca

noon-kahˈnunka

adverbA1general
Use 'nunca' for the most common and general way to say 'never' in Spanish, suitable for everyday conversation and writing.
A person with a look of disgust shaking their head 'no' at a plate of slimy snails, with a large red 'X' drawn over the plate to signify 'never'.

Examples

Nunca como mariscos.

I never eat seafood.

Ella nunca ha viajado en avión.

She has never traveled by plane.

No he visto nunca una película tan buena.

I have never seen such a good movie.

The 'Double Negative' Rule

In Spanish, it's perfect to use 'no' and 'nunca' together. If 'nunca' comes AFTER the action word (verb), you MUST add 'no' before it. Example: 'No voy nunca al gimnasio.'

Placement is Key

If you put 'nunca' BEFORE the action word (verb), you DON'T use 'no'. Example: 'Nunca voy al gimnasio.' Both ways mean the exact same thing!

Forgetting 'no'

Mistake: “Yo como nunca espinacas.”

Correction: Correct: 'Yo no como nunca espinacas' or 'Yo nunca como espinacas'. Remember the rule: if 'nunca' comes after the action, you need 'no' before it.

jamás

adverbA2emphatic
Use 'jamás' when you want to add extra emphasis to 'never,' often implying surprise, a strong denial, or a more formal or literary tone.

Examples

Jamás he visto una película tan buena.

I have never seen such a good movie.

Choosing Between 'Nunca' and 'Jamás'

Learners often wonder if 'jamás' is always stronger than 'nunca.' While 'jamás' can add emphasis, 'nunca' is the default and perfectly acceptable translation for 'never' in almost all situations. Don't overuse 'jamás' unless you specifically want to add strong emphasis or formality.

Related Translations

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