# Nah

/ˈnɑ/ (US) · /nˈɑː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/nah
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. saying no

interjection · CEFR A2 · Informal · Slang

a casual way to say 'no'.

For teachers: 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."

Usage: Used as a standalone response or at the beginning of a sentence to signal a negative reply.

### 2. giving something

interjection · CEFR C1 · Dialect

a word used when handing something to someone.

For teachers: 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.

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.

## Examples

- Do you want coffee? Nah, thanks.
- She asked if I wanted to go out, but I said nah because I was tired.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.