SAYING
NO
The following expressions are used for astrong no, especially a refusal ordenial。
Noway
Nothingdoing
Nota chance
Notif I can help it
Noton your life
Inyour dreams
Here are two more ways to say no that more sophisticated:
(That’sa) negative: from military talk
…Not! Slangy, colloquial and with sarcasm eg. Sure you can copy my test… NOT!
The three expressions that follow can beused in any situation that requires a no
answer. They’re very informal and familiar, so in more formal situations theymay be considered rude. They are the opposite of yeah, yup and uh-huh, respectively。
Nah
Nope
Uh-uh
The expressions that follow are polite waysto say no:
(I’m)afraid not (when no is not good news) eg. Neil: Can you join us for dinner? Mark: I’mafraid not。
Nocan do eg. James:Can you get the report to me by tomorrow? Adrienne: No can do. I have too much other work to do。
Ithink not eg. Randy:I’m going to borrow your car for a bit. Marcy: I think not!
Maybenot eg. Tim:Going ice skating would be fun. Pam: Maybe not. I can’t skate。