ノー

のー
noun, interjection
no
informalcommunication
1. no
A refusal or negative response, used in compound words or as an interjection.
the courage to say no
I firmly rejected his proposal.

ノー is the English "no" used in Japanese, primarily in compound words or set phrases rather than as a standalone refusal.

Compounds

  • ノーコメント (no comment)
  • ノーベル(しょう) (Nobel Prize)
  • ノースリーブ (sleeveless)
  • ノーネクタイ (no necktie - casual dress code)

Usage

In everyday speech, Japanese speakers typically use いいえ, いや, or ううん to say "no" rather than ノー. ノー is mainly used in loanword compounds or for emphatic effect.

The opposite is イエス (yes).

Related Words

Antonym: イエス (yes)