nah
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /nˈɑː/
US
- /ˈnɑ/
Description
- no
- not really
- informal refusal
- casual disagreement
- I'm good
"Nah" is a very informal way of saying "no" or "not really." It is common in casual speech when someone wants to turn something down, disagree in a relaxed way, or show they are not interested. For example, if someone asks, "Want another slice of pizza?" a natural reply might be, "Nah, I'm good." It can sound friendly, neutral, or a little blunt, depending on how it is said, but it usually feels more relaxed than a plain "no."
"Nah" is a common informal word people use instead of "no," "not really," or "I don't want to." It appears often in everyday conversation, especially when the speaker wants to sound relaxed, casual, or unceremonious. In many situations, it softens a refusal by making it sound natural rather than formal: "Do you want coffee?" "Nah, I'm fine." In other cases, it shows mild disagreement: "Was the movie good?" "Nah, not really."
Its meaning depends a lot on tone. A soft "Nah, that's okay" can sound polite and easygoing. A firmer "Nah" can sound dismissive, doubtful, or strongly opposed. People also use it when reacting to an idea they do not accept, or to a situation they find unbelievable: "Nah, that can't be right." Because of this, the word can range from friendly refusal to clear rejection.
Because it is so informal, "nah" fits best in conversation, texting, and other relaxed settings. It is less suitable in formal writing or professional situations, where "no," "no thank you," or "I would rather not" may sound better. Overall, it is a short, flexible, everyday way to refuse something, disagree, or show a lack of interest without using a more formal expression.
Examples
- 1
Casual answer
"Do you want to watch another episode?" "Nah, I'm tired."
Usage
nah is very casual; use "no" in formal situations
- 2
Reassurance
"Are you mad at me?" "Nah, I just need a minute."
- 3
Rejecting a plan
"Nah, I don't think that plan will work."
- 4
Clarification
"Nah, that's not what I meant."
- 5
No problem
"Nah, you're good; I already fixed it."
Phrase
you're good
there is no problem, or you do not need to do anything
- 6
Change of mind
I was going to call him, but nah, it can wait.
Phrase
but nah
used when you decide against something you just considered
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- nah