नहीं (Not)

The main way to say 'not' or 'no' in Hindi

Example

मैं नहीं जाऊँगा

I won't go

नहीं is for statements (I don't, he doesn't). For commands (don't do this!), use मत instead. मैं नहीं जाऊँगा (I won't go) vs. मत जाओ (don't go).

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Means 'also', 'too', or 'even' — adds someone or something to what's being said

Means 'only', 'just', or emphasizes 'that very' — narrows focus to one thing

Highlights a topic — 'as for me...', 'well, I...', adds emphasis

A softer 'not' — used in polite speech, writing, or as a tag question ('right?')

Used to tell someone not to do something — 'don't go', 'don't eat'