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nunca

never

adverb NOON-kah Common
Grammar & Structure Negation

Usage Note

Nunca is a negative adverb meaning 'never'. When it follows the verb, a double negative is required: no lo hago nunca ('I never do it') — the no before the verb is mandatory. When nunca precedes the verb the no is dropped: nunca lo hago. Both constructions are grammatically correct and equally standard. Jamás is a near-synonym, slightly more emphatic or literary; the reinforced nunca jamás means 'never ever'.

Examples

"Nunca he estado en Japón."

Natural Translation

I have never been to Japan.

Literal Translation

Never have been in Japan

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