Spanish · B1 · Everyday language
Neither choice fits in Spanish
In Spanish, the construction 'ni... ni' is used to express 'neither... nor'. This allows you to rule out two options simultaneously. A key difference from English is that if 'ni... ni' follows the verb, a negative word like 'no' must precede the verb, creating a double negative which is grammatically required in Spanish.
What you'll learn
- Master the use of 'ni... ni' to exclude two possibilities.
- Understand the placement of the negative 'no' in relation to the verb.
- Learn how to link nouns, verbs, and adjectives using negative coordination.
Spanish phrases for neither choice fits
La respuesta no es ni siete ni nueve.
The answer is neither seven nor nine.
Note the 'no' before the verb 'es' because 'ni' follows it.
No puedo ni silbar ni chasquear los dedos.
I can neither whistle nor snap my fingers.
Use 'ni' to link two infinitive verbs.
Esta llave no sirve ni para la verja ni para el armario.
This key fits neither the gate nor the cupboard.
'No sirve para' is a common way to say something doesn't fit or work for a purpose.
Ni mamá ni papá saben la contraseña.
Neither Mum nor Dad knows the password.
When 'ni... ni' starts the sentence, 'no' is usually omitted and the verb is plural.
El ruido no vino ni de una habitación ni de la otra.
The noise came from neither room.
Literally: 'neither from one room nor the other'.
No necesitamos ni pegamento ni cuerda para esta tarea.
We need neither glue nor string for this task.
Simple exclusion of two nouns.
La etiqueta no tiene ni nombre ni fecha.
The label has neither a name nor a date.
Common usage for missing information.
No he visto ni oído a ese pájaro antes.
I have neither seen nor heard that bird before.
Linking two past participles.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
silbar
to whistle
A common verb for making sounds with the mouth.
chasquear
to snap / to click
Used with 'los dedos' to mean snapping fingers.
verja
gate
Usually refers to a metal or iron gate/fence.
armario
cupboard / closet
Generic term for storage furniture.
The Double Negative Rule
If 'ni... ni' comes after the verb, you must put 'no' before the verb. If the 'ni... ni' subjects come before the verb, 'no' is not used.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| After Verb | No + Verb + ni + ni | No como ni carne ni pescado. |
| Before Verb | Ni + Ni + Verb (Plural) | Ni Juan ni Ana vienen. |
More examples
No es ni azul ni verde.
It's neither blue nor green.
Excluding adjectives.
Ni el niño ni la niña quieren dormir.
Neither the boy nor the girl wants to sleep.
Notice the plural verb 'quieren' used with two singular subjects.