Russian Vocabulary (and Wisdom)

How to say "not, -n't" in Russian

This Russian word is one of the top 1000 words in Russian. The complete list of most common Russian words is available here.

не

Meaning: not, -n't, no, without

Pronunciation: [nʲeh]

Part of speech: particle (this word doesn't change form)

Rank: #3 (see frequency list)

Example sentences:

Я не знаю.
I don't know.
Это не правда.
That's not true.
literal This not truth.
Мне от этого не легче.
That doesn’t make it any easier for me.
Чемодан не тяжелый, а лёгкий.
The suitcase is not heavy but light.
Это ты разбил вазу? Нет, не я!
Was it you who broke the vase? No, not me!
Хочешь не хочешь, а придётся заплатить.
Whether you like it or not, you’ll have to pay.
Какой русский не любит быстрой езды?
What Russian doesn't like a fast ride? (Nikolai Gogol)
Это не шутка.
This is not a joke.
У него не было времени.
He didn't have time.
Книга оказалась не такой, как я думал.
The book turned out to be not what I thought it was.
Вас совсем не узнать!
One would barely recognize you!
Он не мог не улыбнуться.
He couldn't help smiling.

Idioms and set expressions:

не к чему = there is no need
Не за что! = Don't mention it! (response to gratitude)
не раз = time and again
не по себе = ill at ease, feeling uneasy
тем не менее = nevertheless

Phrase recordings: Copyright(c) 2011 MasterRussian.com. All rights reserved.
Word recordings: Copyright(c) 2006 Streit Goulnara, Streit Eric, Vion Nicolas. Copyright(c) 2007 S. Sakhno, N. Vion. Distributed under CC-BY.

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