Meaning
At no time; not ever.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'nunca' is often used in the phrase 'Nunca digas de este agua no beberé' (Never say I won't drink this water), meaning never say never. The phrase 'Nunca Más' is a powerful political statement referring to the end of military dictatorships and human rights abuses. In Mexican Ranchera music, 'nunca' is used to express eternal heartbreak or undying loyalty. In some Caribbean dialects, the 's' in 'jamás' is often aspirated, making 'nunca' the clearer choice for absolute negation in fast speech.
The One-Word Answer
If someone asks you a 'Have you ever...' question, a simple 'Nunca' is a perfectly natural and complete answer.
Double Negative Trap
Remember: No + Verb + Nunca. Don't forget the 'no' if 'nunca' is at the end!
Meaning
At no time; not ever.
The One-Word Answer
If someone asks you a 'Have you ever...' question, a simple 'Nunca' is a perfectly natural and complete answer.
Double Negative Trap
Remember: No + Verb + Nunca. Don't forget the 'no' if 'nunca' is at the end!
Emphasis with Jamás
If you want to sound really serious about a promise, use 'jamás' instead of 'nunca'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with 'nunca' or 'no... nunca'.
Yo _______ como carne porque soy vegetariano.
Since the blank is before the verb and there is no 'no', 'nunca' is the correct choice.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct option:
'Nunca' before the verb does not need 'no'.
Complete the dialogue.
Juan: ¿Has probado el tequila? Maria: No, _______.
Maria is saying she has never tried it.
Match the sentence to the situation.
Sentence: 'Nunca llego tarde al trabajo.'
This is a common way to describe a professional habit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Frequency Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo _______ como carne porque soy vegetariano.
Since the blank is before the verb and there is no 'no', 'nunca' is the correct choice.
Select the correct option:
'Nunca' before the verb does not need 'no'.
Juan: ¿Has probado el tequila? Maria: No, _______.
Maria is saying she has never tried it.
Sentence: 'Nunca llego tarde al trabajo.'
This is a common way to describe a professional habit.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, 'nunca' is much more common in everyday conversation. 'Jamás' is reserved for emphasis or formal writing.
Only if you mean 'I never don't...', which is a double negative meaning 'I always'. It's very rare.
Usually before the verb (Nunca como) or after with a 'no' (No como nunca).
No, 'nunca' is an adverb and is invariable. It never changes form.
You can say 'Nunca jamás'.
Yes, to mean 'never?'. For example: '¿Nunca has ido?' (Have you never gone?).
The opposite is 'siempre' (always).
Yes, 'Nunca fui' (I never went) or 'Nunca he ido' (I have never gone).
It is neutral. It's appropriate for both casual and formal situations.
It's a more emotional and colloquial way to emphasize that something has never happened in their entire life.
Related Phrases
jamás
synonymnever
tampoco
similarneither
siempre
contrastalways
a veces
similarsometimes
nunca jamás
specialized formnever ever
