also: ノウ
interjection
Used as a direct interjection or quoted answer meaning refusal, rejection, or a negative response. It has a somewhat English-style feel in Japanese, and ordinary conversation may also use いいえ or いや depending on context.
See also: イエス
その提案には、はっきりノーと言うべきだ。
You should clearly say no to that proposal.
「参加しますか」と聞かれて、彼は「ノー
When asked, "Will you participate?" he answered, "No."
prefix
no; without; not needed; not allowed
Prefix attached to nouns, often in katakana-style or slogan-like compounds. Depending on the compound, it can mean 'without X,' 'X-free,' 'X not required,' or 'no X allowed.'
今日はノーネクタイでお越しください。
Please come without a tie today.
このプランはノーチャージです。
This plan has no charge.
毎週水曜日はノー残業デーです。
Every Wednesday is a no-overtime day.
A standard Japanese negative answer, often more natural than ノー in ordinary polite conversation.
A casual Japanese negative response; less formal and often more conversational than ノー.
No detailed language-of-origin information is available. ノー is the standard katakana form used for this foreign-style 'no' expression, with ー marking the long vowel; ノウ is listed as an irregular kana variant.