Spanish · B1 · Everyday language
Two Choices Out in Spanish
In Spanish, to express 'neither... nor...', we use the correlative conjunction 'ni... ni...'. This structure helps exclude two options or items in a single sentence. Depending on where the 'ni... ni...' phrase is placed, you might also need the negative particle 'no' before the verb.
What you'll learn
- Use 'ni... ni...' to link two excluded items.
- Understand when to include the word 'no' before the verb.
- Correctly pluralize verbs when 'ni... ni...' functions as a compound subject.
Spanish phrases for two choices out
Ni tu libro de lectura ni tu carpeta de deberes están en la mochila.
Neither your reading book nor your homework folder is in the bag.
When the subjects come before the verb, the verb is plural and you don't use 'no'.
Hoy no tenemos ni fútbol ni natación.
We have neither football nor swimming today.
When 'ni... ni' follows the verb, you must put 'no' before the verb.
Ni la caja roja ni la caja azul caben en tu mochila escolar.
Neither the red box nor the blue box fits in your school bag.
'Caben' is plural because it refers to two separate boxes.
Tu amigo no come ni queso ni huevos.
Your friend eats neither cheese nor eggs.
Common way to express dietary restrictions using 'no... ni... ni'.
Ni mamá ni papá pueden recogerte temprano hoy.
Neither Mum nor Dad can collect you early today.
'Recoger' means to pick up or collect someone.
No necesitas ni dinero ni una entrada para el picnic del colegio.
You need neither money nor a ticket for the school picnic.
'Entrada' is used here for a ticket to an event or venue.
Este libro no es ni demasiado largo ni demasiado difícil para ti.
This book is neither too long nor too difficult for you.
Used here to link two adjectives describing the book.
No podemos encontrar tus zapatillas ni en el pasillo ni debajo de tu cama.
We can find your trainers neither in the hall nor under your bed.
Used to exclude two specific locations.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
carpeta de deberes
homework folder
Common school vocabulary.
recoger
to pick up / collect
Essential verb for discussing school runs.
zapatillas
trainers / sneakers
In Spain, this usually refers to sports shoes or slippers.
ni... ni
neither... nor
The standard pair for negative coordination.
Placement and the 'No' Rule
If 'ni... ni' comes before the verb, the verb stays positive (but plural). If 'ni... ni' comes after the verb, you must use 'no' before the verb.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Before Verb | Ni A ni B + Verb (plural) | Ni Juan ni Ana vienen. |
| After Verb | No + Verb + ni A ni B | No quiero ni zumo ni leche. |
More examples
No quiero ni ver la tele ni jugar a la consola.
I want neither to watch TV nor play on the console.
Using 'ni... ni' to link two infinitives (activities).
Ni el perro ni el gato tienen hambre.
Neither the dog nor the cat is hungry.
Notice the verb 'tienen' is plural.