How to say “no” in Italian
Imagine you are in Italy and an Italian friend or colleague asks you something. You can easily say “yes” or “no”, but sometimes you might need to add some more information.
Being able to respond to invitations is essential to properly have conversations in Italian. Here, I will show you different ways to express disagreement, refusal, or denial.
“No” in Italian
No
This is the most direct and universal way to say “no”. It works in nearly all situations.
Hai fame?
Are you hungry?
No.
No.
Non Posso
If you want to politely decline an offer or say you can’t do something, you can say non posso (I can’t).
Vieni alla festa?
Are you coming to the party?
Mi dispiace, non posso.
I’m sorry, I can’t.
Non è Possibile
This phrase is great when something is out of your hands or it simply isn’t possible.
Possiamo incontrarci oggi?
Can we meet today?
Purtroppo, non è possibile.
Unfortunately, it’s not possible.
Assolutamente no
For a more forceful or emphatic “no” you can say assolutamente no. It is used when you want to make it clear that there’s no chance of something happening.
Posso prendere in prestito la tua macchina?
Can I borrow your car?
Assolutamente no!
Absolutely not!
Neanche per Sogno!
Very funny and informal way to say “no” that I like a lot. It is often used when someone asks for something unreasonable.
Posso saltare la scuola domani?
Can I skip school tomorrow?
Neanche per sogno!
Not even in your dreams!
Nemmeno per Idea
Similar to neanche per sogno, this phrase expresses disbelief or rejection of an absurd suggestion.
Vuoi fare il bungee jumping?
Do you want to go bungee jumping?
Nemmeno per idea!
Not even in your wildest ideas!
Macché!
Another informal and dismissive way to say “no” is macché, composed of the conjunction ma and the relative pronoun che. It is like saying “no way” or “of course not”.
Alla fine hai prenotato il volo?
Did you eventually book the flight?
Macché!
Of course not!
Non se ne Parla
This phrase means the topic isn’t even up for discussion. It is a typical parents’ answer!
Posso uscire stasera?
Can I go out tonight?
Non se ne parla!
It’s out of the question!
Mi Dispiace, ma no
If you want to soften your refusal, you can use this phrase. It’s a polite way to say no without sounding harsh.
Ti va di uscire più tardi?
Do you feel like going out later?
Mi dispiace, ma no.
I’m sorry, but no.
Non Penso
This is my favorite way to say “no” because I am a very undecisive person. It is an uncertain or soft way of declining, and suggests that you are not convinced, without being too direct.
Credi che vinceranno la partita?
Do you think they’ll win the game?
Non penso.
I don’t think so.
Non credo is a valid alternative.
Pioverà domani?
Will it rain tomorrow?
Non credo.
I don’t believe so.
Magari!
Magari is an expression that most Italian learners struggle with. It literally means “maybe” or “I wish” and is often used to politely say no to something you wish could happen, but won’t.
Andiamo in vacanza alle Maldive?
Shall we go on vacation to the Maldives?
Magari!
I wish!
Polite and Formal Ways to say “no”
La Ringrazio, ma Devo Rifiutare
This is a respectful and formal way to express your thanks while firmly declining an offer. The use of la ringrazio adds a courteous touch and notice that it makes use of the formal Lei.
Accetta l’invito alla cena ufficiale?
Do you accept the invitation to the official dinner?
La ringrazio, ma devo rifiutare.
Thank you, but I must decline.
Non Credo sia Fattibile
This phrase is helpful in a formal context where you need to politely say no by emphasizing that something isn’t practical or possible.
Potrebbe terminare il progetto entro domani?
Could you finish the project by tomorrow?
Non credo sia fattibile.
I don’t think it’s feasible.
Temo di Dover Declinare
This is a slightly more formal and refined way to say “I’m sorry, but no”. It is used when you regretfully decline an invitation or proposal.
Le andrebbe di partecipare alla conferenza?
Would you like to attend the conference?
Temo di dover declinare.
I’m afraid I must decline.
Apprezzo l’offerta, ma Devo Declinare
This is a courteous and gracious way to say no, used to acknowledge an offer before refusing it.
Vorrebbe unirsi al nostro team per il progetto?
Would you like to join our team for the project?
Apprezzo l’offerta, ma devo declinare.
I appreciate the offer, but I must decline.
Mi Vedo Costretto a Rifiutare
This phrase expresses that you’re declining because of external circumstances, making your refusal more understandable and less personal.
Potrebbe accettare l’incarico aggiuntivo?
Could you accept the additional responsibility?
Mi vedo costretto a rifiutare.
I am forced to refuse.
