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qué va

This is a warm, casual way to reject an idea without sounding rude.

Quick answer

qué va

Natural: no way / not at all
Literal: “what goes”

How it is used

—¿Estás enfadado? —¡Qué va!—Are you angry? —Not at all!
Qué va, es mucho más fácil.No way, it is much easier than that.
—¿Fue caro? —Qué va.—Was it expensive? —Not at all.
Qué va, si acabo de llegar.Come on, I just got here.

Where it is said

It is strongest in Spain; many Latin American speakers prefer <b>para nada</b> or <b>qué esperanzas</b> instead.

A mini dialogue

— ¿Te molesta que me quede?— Do you mind if I stay?
— ¡Qué va! Quédate.— Not at all! Stay.

Watch out

qué va

It is not an insult, but it is informal, so avoid it in job interviews and other formal settings.

Check yourself

What does “¡Qué va!” express?

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