🇮🇪 Irish phrases

How to Say "No" in Irish

The SPAIKING TeamJuly 27, 2026
Ní hea
"No" in Irish · say it like nee ha

The most natural way to say "No" in Irish is Ní hea. Tap the speaker above to hear it, then say it back out loud. That is the fastest way to make it stick.

Other ways to say it

Níl
used to say 'no' in response to a question about existence
Níl sé
used to say 'no' in a more emphatic way

When to use it

Use 'ní hea' when you want to simply say no to a question or statement. It is appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. You can use it in conversations, discussions, or when declining an offer.

Say it out loud, get corrected

Reading it is not the same as saying it. Practice "No" and thousands more with an AI coach that listens.

Examples in Irish

IrishEnglish
An bhfuil tú ag teacht? Ní hea.Are you coming? No.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 'ní hea' with 'níl', which is used for negating existence.

The fastest way to remember it

Vocabulary you only read fades fast. Vocabulary you say out loud sticks. Hear Ní hea, repeat it a few times, then use it in a real sentence. SPAIKING lets you practice exactly that, speaking Irish with a coach that corrects your pronunciation in real time. You can start with two free conversations.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'ní hea' used in formal situations?

Yes, it can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

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