Using 2 "no's" in a sentence

Question

I'm not sure when to use the word "no" twice.

For example, ¿Toma ella el jugo de naranja?

No, no toma jugo de naranja.

Or could you just say No toma jugo de naranja. ? I'm used to always writing two "no's" when the answer is a no, but I don't always see two "no's" written in my Spanish book.

Is it two "no's" when answering a question only?

When you are just stating a fact can you just use 1 no?

Answer 1

Is it two "no's" when answering a question only?

Yes, this is why you're using "no" two times. First, your answering the question in the negative, i.e., No (she doesn't drink OJ). Then, you need to put the sentence in the negative, i.e., No tomar jugo de naranja.

Put it all together and you get, "No, no toma jugo de naranja."

When you are just stating a fact can you just use 1 no?

Yes, exactly. You've got it!

We need something akin to im's that tell you when someone else is writing an answer at the same time. - 0074b507, Dec 3, 2009

I know. I wish it showed somewhere that an answer was in the process. Oh, well, I'm sure the poster appreciates two answers confirming the same information. - --Mariana--, Dec 3, 2009

Yes, the poster does appreciate the 2 answers. Thanks! - thaibean06, Dec 5, 2009

Answer 2

The first no answers the yes/no question. The 2nd no forms the "not" for the verb.

No, she does not....

No, no toma...

Yes, it is a construction for answering questions.

The double negative does show itself in other Spanish contexts with negative words like ninguno, nada, ni, etc., but the No,no is for answering questions.