Word
nah
Phoneticsnah
US/ˈnɑ/
UK/nˈɑː/
Definitions
01saying no
interj. a casual way to say 'no'.
interj. an informal substitute for 'no', typically used to express a refusal or a negative answer in casual conversation.
“"Do you want to go for a run?" "Nah, I'm too tired today."”
“When asked if he intended to appeal the decision, he simply replied, "Nah, it's not worth the effort."”
Informal · Slang
Usage
Used as a standalone response or at the beginning of a sentence to signal a negative reply.
02giving something
interj. a word used when handing something to someone.
interj. a deictic particle used when offering or handing an object to another person.
“Nah, take the keys; I won't be needing them until tomorrow.”
“He thrust the document toward his colleague, muttering "Nah" as a signal for her to take it.”
Dialect
Usage
Primarily found in Southeast Asian varieties of English like Singlish or Manglish.
Teaching tip
This sense is specific to certain regional dialects; learners should be aware it is not standard in British or American English.
Synonyms