nada
word
Definition
A Spanish and Portuguese word meaning 'nothing', commonly borrowed into informal English. Often used casually to mean 'nothing' or 'it's no big deal'.
Usage & Nuances
Very common in American English due to Spanish influence, especially in the Southwest. Key phrases: 'zip, zilch, nada' (emphatic nothing), 'de nada' (you're welcome). Used for casual emphasis: 'I got nada.' Understood by virtually all English speakers despite being Spanish.
Example Sentences
I searched everywhere but found nada.
basic
What did they offer you? Nada. Absolutely nothing.
basic
De nada — it was my pleasure to help.
basic
Zip, zilch, nada — that's how much progress we made today.
natural
He promised the world but delivered nada in the end.
natural
I've been refreshing my inbox all morning and — you guessed it — nada.
natural