Double Negatives
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?
Additional Information
Category: Study Spanish