Learn Hardcore Greek: Όχι, δεν θέλω τίποτα τώρα.

They do different jobs. Όχι is the stand‑alone reply “No” to whatever was asked. Δεν is the normal negator placed before a verb. Greek also uses negative concord with words like τίποτα, so you’ll often see more than one negative element. You can drop the interjection and just say: Δεν θέλω τίποτα τώρα.

Is this a “double negative” that cancels out in Greek?

No. In Greek, multiple negatives reinforce each other (negative concord). With negative indefinites like τίποτα/κανένας, you must keep δεν: Δεν θέλω τίποτα = “I don’t want anything.” If you remove δεν, it’s ungrammatical here.

Could I write δε θέλω instead of δεν θέλω?

Yes. Many speakers keep the -ν in δεν everywhere; others drop it before certain consonants (like θ, φ, χ, σ, ζ, μ, ν, λ, ρ). Keeping -ν is always safe: δεν θέλω. Both forms are accepted in modern usage.

What’s the difference between δεν and μη(ν)?

Δεν negates statements in the indicative: Δεν θέλω.
Μη(ν) is used with prohibitions and the subjunctive: Μην πας! “Don’t go!”, να μην πάω “so that I don’t go.”
They’re not interchangeable.

What exactly does τίποτα mean?

With negation: “anything/nothing” → Δεν θέλω τίποτα = “I don’t want anything.”
In questions: “anything” → Θέλεις τίποτα; = “Do you want anything?” For affirmative “something,” use κάτι: Θέλω κάτι = “I want something.”

Can τίποτα be used on its own in casual speech?

Yes. Τίποτα; can mean “Anything?” / “What’s up?” And Θέλεις τίποτα; is a common “Do you want anything?”

Is there a difference between τίποτα and τίποτε?

Same meaning. Τίποτα is the most common; τίποτε feels a bit more formal or regional but is perfectly correct.

Can I say Όχι, δε θέλω κάτι τώρα?

Avoid that. Under negation you typically use τίποτα, not κάτι. Say Όχι, δεν θέλω τίποτα τώρα. Use κάτι in affirmative contexts: Θέλω κάτι τώρα.

Where can I place τώρα in the sentence?

It’s flexible:

Δεν θέλω τίποτα τώρα. (neutral)
Τώρα δεν θέλω τίποτα. (slight focus on “now”)
Δεν θέλω τώρα τίποτα. (also possible, focusing on the time) Fronting or moving it changes emphasis more than meaning.

How do I emphasize “nothing”?

Front it: Τίποτα δεν θέλω τώρα. This strongly highlights “nothing.” You can also add καθόλου/διόλου: Δεν θέλω τίποτα απολύτως.

How would I say “not anymore” instead of “now”?

Use πια or πλέον: Δεν θέλω τίποτα πια/πλέον. That means “I don’t want anything anymore.”

What’s a more polite way to refuse?

Add thanks or use a conditional:

Όχι, ευχαριστώ. Δεν θα ήθελα τίποτα τώρα.
Όχι, ευχαριστώ, δεν θέλω τίποτα προς το παρόν.

How do I pronounce the tricky sounds?

Όχι: χ = a rough “h,” like German “ch” in “ich” → roughly “Ó-chi” [ˈoçi].
δεν: δ = “th” in “this” [ð].
θέλω: θ = “th” in “thin” [θ]. Stress the bolded syllables: Όχι, δεν θέλω τίποτα τώρα.

Is the comma after Όχι required?

Yes, you normally use a comma after interjections like Όχι, just as in English “No, …”.

Can I write the sentence without Όχι?

Absolutely: Δεν θέλω τίποτα τώρα. It’s a complete, natural sentence on its own.