Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
How to Say Nothing in Spanish: Nada
Nada · pronoun / noun · NAH-dah
Nothing in Spanish is nada. Unlike English, Spanish requires a double negative when nada follows the verb: No tengo nada (I don't have nothing = I have nothing). When nada starts the sentence, no additional negation is needed: Nada me importa (Nothing matters to me).
NAH-dah — two syllables, stress on the first. Both vowels are open 'ah' sounds. One of the most recognizable Spanish words worldwide.
No quiero nada, gracias.
I don't want anything, thanks.
Nothing in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for nothing, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| nada | nothing | NAH-dah | Default, widely understood |
| la nada | nothing | philosophical: nothingness |
How Native Speakers Use Nada
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Double negative (standard)
No pasó nada grave durante el viaje.
Nothing serious happened during the trip.
No + verb + nada is the standard double-negative structure, which is grammatically correct in Spanish.
Beginning of sentence
Nada puede detenerme ahora.
Nothing can stop me now.
When nada precedes the verb, no additional no is used.
Casual response
—¿Qué haces? —Nada, aquí nada más.
—What are you doing? —Nothing, just hanging out.
Nada alone is a common one-word answer in casual conversation.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Nada
Omitting the double negative
Incorrect: Yo tengo nada.
Correct: No tengo nada. / Nada tengo.
When nada comes after the verb, Spanish requires no before the verb. This double negative is mandatory and grammatically correct, unlike in English.
Using nada as an adjective
Incorrect: Tengo nada dinero.
Correct: No tengo nada de dinero. / No tengo dinero.
Nada is a pronoun, not an adjective. To modify a noun, use nada de + noun (nothing of) or simply negate the verb.
Lock in Nothing Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Nada used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using nada in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear No quiero nada, gracias. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
Save, review, repeat, stay consistent
Tap any word to save it. Parrot's spaced-repetition system surfaces it right before you'd forget, no manual flashcard creation. The watch, parrot back, save, review cycle turns recognition into fluency at 2.7x the speed of traditional study.
Common Questions About Nothing in Spanish
- How do you say nothing in Spanish?
- Nothing is nada. It functions as a pronoun and requires the double-negative structure when placed after the verb: No sé nada (I know nothing).
- Why does Spanish use double negatives?
- Double negation (no + verb + nada/nadie/nunca) is mandatory and standard grammar in Spanish. It does not create a positive meaning — it reinforces the negation.
- What is the difference between nada and ninguno?
- Nada means nothing (a thing). Ninguno/ninguna means none or not any (of a specific group): No quiero ninguno (I don't want any of them) vs. No quiero nada (I don't want anything).