English · Greetings & essentials
Nahi / na in English: Not (नहीं / न)
Not
Hindi (Devanagari)
नहीं / न
Hindi (English letters)
nahi / na
नहीं / न (nahi / na) can be expressed as “Not” in English. For example: “I won't be able to come today.”
“nahi / na” kehna ho, to English mein “Not” use karein. Neeche poore sentences aur Hindi meanings saath diye hain. Context dekhkar apna sentence chunein.
Refusal
I won't be able to come today.
मैं आज नहीं आ पाऊँगा।
main aaj nahi aa paunga.
How to pronounce “Not”
Say it in English
naht
This is a sound guide for English, using a common American pronunciation. CAPITAL letters mark the stronger syllable in a longer word. Say the example sentence at a comfortable pace; Hindi spelling does not map sound for sound to English.
Not: Hindi meaning and useful expressions
| English | Hindi meaning | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Not | नहीं / न nahi / na The basic adverb form; compare the complete expressions below. | The basic adverb form; compare the complete expressions below. |
| I won't be able to come today. | मैं आज नहीं आ पाऊँगा। main aaj nahi aa paunga. Refusal | Refusal |
| This size is not available. | यह साइज़ नहीं है। yah size nahi hai. Stock | Stock |
“Not” adds information about time, place, frequency, or how something happens. Its position in the example helps make the meaning clear.
Notice which part of the sentence the word describes. Moving a time or frequency word can change the emphasis, so start with the complete example pattern.
How to use “Not” in English sentences
1. Refusal
I won't be able to come today.
मैं आज नहीं आ पाऊँगा।
main aaj nahi aa paunga.
2. Stock
This size is not available.
यह साइज़ नहीं है।
yah size nahi hai.
3. Soft aap
Please don't worry — all is fine.
आप परेशान नहीं हों, सब ठीक है।
aap pareshan nahi hon, sab theek hai.
Common mistakes with “Not”
Instead of
Me won't be able to come today.
Say this
I won't be able to come today.
Use I for the person doing or experiencing the action. Me cannot replace I as the subject of this sentence.
Instead of
This size are not available.
Say this
This size is not available.
Keep is with the singular subject in this sentence. Check the complete subject before choosing is or are.
Declining extra dessert
Read both roles. Say the English lines out loud before checking the Hindi meaning.
Partner
Will you take more sweets?
Show Hindi meaning
आप और मिठाई लेंगे?
aap aur mithaai lenge?
You
No, thank you.
Show Hindi meaning
नहीं, धन्यवाद।
nahi, dhanyavaad.
Partner
Not even a little?
Show Hindi meaning
थोड़ी सी भी नहीं?
thodi si bhi nahi?
You
Really not — I'm full.
Show Hindi meaning
सच में नहीं, पेट भर गया।
sach mein nahi, pet bhar gaya.
Your turn: use “Not”
Say this in English: यह साइज़ नहीं है। (yah size nahi hai.)
Reveal sample answer
This size is not available.
यह साइज़ नहीं है।
yah size nahi hai.
Compare your word order with “This size is not available.” Then use the same pattern to say something about your own day.
Questions about “Not” in English
Nahi / na ko English mein kya kehte hain?
नहीं / न (nahi / na) can be expressed as “Not” in English. For example: “I won't be able to come today.”
What does “Not” mean in Hindi?
In the sense taught here, “Not” means नहीं / न (nahi / na). The sentence “I won't be able to come today.” shows it in context.
How do I use “Not” in a sentence?
This size is not available. Hindi meaning: यह साइज़ नहीं है। (yah size nahi hai.). “Not” adds information about time, place, frequency, or how something happens. Its position in the example helps make the meaning clear.
What should I watch for when using “Not”?
Notice which part of the sentence the word describes. Moving a time or frequency word can change the emphasis, so start with the complete example pattern.
