Saying No in Irish: Ní, Níor, Ná and Nach
A summary of Irish negatives: which word to use in the present, past, future, commands and negative questions, with examples.
Irish has several words for "not", and each belongs to a particular tense or use. This guide puts them side by side.
The four negative words
| Word | Use | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| ní | present and future | lenition |
| níor | past (regular verbs) | lenition |
| ná | commands ("don't") | h before a vowel |
| nach | negative questions and "that ... not" | eclipsis |
Present tense: ní
- Ólaim tae. → Ní ólaim tae. — I don't drink tea.
- Itheann sé feoil. → Ní itheann sé feoil. — He doesn't eat meat.
Past tense: níor
For regular verbs, use níor followed by the lenited verb, with no d':
- D'ól mé. → Níor ól mé. — I didn't drink.
- Bhuail sé. → Níor bhuail sé. — He didn't hit.
- Cheannaigh sí. → Níor cheannaigh sí. — She didn't buy.
Irregular verbs use special forms:
| Positive | Negative |
|---|---|
| Bhí mé | Ní raibh mé |
| Chonaic mé | Ní fhaca mé |
| Dúirt mé | Ní dúirt mé |
| Rinne mé | Ní dhearna mé |
Future tense: ní
- Ólfaidh mé. → Ní ólfaidh mé. — I won't drink.
- Beidh mé ann. → Ní bheidh mé ann. — I won't be there.
The verb "to be": níl
The negative of tá is níl:
- Tá mé tuirseach. → Níl mé tuirseach. — I'm not tired.
Commands: ná
- Ná habair é. — Don't say it.
- Ná bí buartha. — Don't be worried.
- Ná bac leis. — Don't bother with it.
Negative questions: nach
- Nach bhfuil tú tuirseach? — Aren't you tired?
- Nach maith leat tae? — Don't you like tea?
Common mistakes
- Using ní in the past instead of níor.
- Forgetting lenition after ní and níor.
- Using ná in statements. It is for commands.
Tips
- Learn each negative with an example.
- Practise turning positive sentences negative.
- Use the dictionary to check verb forms.
English Irish Dictionary
Offline English–Irish (Gaeilge) dictionary with clear, accurate meanings
More about English Irish Dictionary
Animals and Nature in Irish
Irish words for farm animals, wildlife, plants and landscape features such as mountains, lakes and the sea.
Read article →GAA Words in Irish: Peil, Iomáint and Camógaíocht
The Irish names for Gaelic football, hurling and camogie, key match terms such as cúl and pointe, and the story of the Cumann Lúthchleas Gael.
Read article →Getting Around in Irish: Directions and Transport
Irish words for transport, roads and directions, with the phrases you need to ask the way and understand bilingual road signs.
Read article →Irish Music Words: Ceol, Amhrán, Damhsa and Seisiún
Irish words for traditional music, instruments, songs and dance, including bodhrán, fidil, sean-nós and céilí.
Read article →