Use of Double Negatives in Spanish  

Spanish does not normally mix negative and affirmative words. Unlike English, Spanish allows for the use of double, and triple negatives.
  • Juan no necesita algo. (incorrect)
    Juan doesn't need anything. (correct)
  • Juan no necesita nada. (correct)
    Juan doesn't need nothing. (incorrect)
  • No tengo nada que hacer. (correct)
    I don't have nothing to do. (incorrect)

Let's look at some examples of sentences that use more than one negative expression:

  • No tienes nada que hacer.
    You don't have anything to do.
  • Ese niño no se lleva bien con nadie.
    That boy doesn't get along well with anyone.
  • Gabriel nunca ha contribuido nada a la clase.
    Gabriel has never contributed anything to the class.
  • Nunca debes hablar con ningún extraño.
    You should never speak to any stranger.
  • ¿No tienes nada que decir?
    Don't you have anything to say?
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