Meaning
Absolutely not, not even remotely close.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'ni de lejos' is often used in bars and social circles to debate everything from politics to football. It reflects the 'directo' nature of Spanish social interaction. While used in Mexico, it might sometimes be replaced by 'para nada' or 'ni de chiste' to add a bit more local flavor, though 'ni de lejos' remains perfectly standard. Argentines love emphasis. You'll hear 'ni de lejos' alongside 'ni ahí'. It fits the passionate argumentative style found in Buenos Aires cafes. In Colombia, where speech can be slightly more formal or 'softened', 'ni de lejos' is used to provide a clear, firm boundary in business or serious discussions.
Use it for emphasis
Don't just use it for 'no'. Use it when you want to show that someone is completely wrong. It makes you sound more confident.
Watch your tone
Because it's emphatic, it can sound a bit aggressive if you say it too loudly. Keep it casual.
Meaning
Absolutely not, not even remotely close.
Use it for emphasis
Don't just use it for 'no'. Use it when you want to show that someone is completely wrong. It makes you sound more confident.
Watch your tone
Because it's emphatic, it can sound a bit aggressive if you say it too loudly. Keep it casual.
Regional variations
In Spain, 'ni de lejos' is very common. In some parts of Latin America, 'para nada' is more frequent, but everyone will understand you.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la expresión correcta para enfatizar la negación.
Este restaurante no es tan bueno como el de ayer, ___.
We need 'ni de lejos' to show that the restaurant is not even close in quality.
Which response is the most natural way to say 'Not even close'?
¿Has terminado ya tus deberes?
The fixed idiom is 'Ni de lejos'.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
A: ¿Crees que este coche vale 50.000 euros? B: No, no vale tanto ___.
'Ni de lejos' fits perfectly to emphasize that the price is way too high.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesEste restaurante no es tan bueno como el de ayer, ___.
We need 'ni de lejos' to show that the restaurant is not even close in quality.
¿Has terminado ya tus deberes?
The fixed idiom is 'Ni de lejos'.
A: ¿Crees que este coche vale 50.000 euros? B: No, no vale tanto ___.
'Ni de lejos' fits perfectly to emphasize that the price is way too high.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot inherently, but it is very direct. Use it with friends or in casual debates. In a formal setting, it might sound a bit blunt.
No, that sounds like a literal translation from English. You must use 'ni' to get the idiomatic meaning.
They are very similar. 'Ni por asomo' is slightly more formal and implies 'not even a hint'.
No, 'ni de lejos' is strictly for negation. If you want to say 'by far' in a positive way, just use 'de lejos' (e.g., 'Es el mejor, de lejos').
Related Phrases
Ni por asomo
synonymNot even a hint of it
Ni de coña
slangNo way / No f***ing way
Para nada
similarNot at all
Dista mucho de
formalIs far from
