what does "para nada" mean and in what context would it be used?

Question

what does "para nada" mean and in what context would it be used?

Answer 1

Similar to "not at all" in English.

Answer 2

If "Para nada" is not appropriate as a resonse to "Gracias", how would one use "Para nada" (that is, in what context?).

Heh-heh, that's what I was trying to do with my silly comment.

You use "para nada" to deny something, more or less emphatically.

"¿te molesta que ponga música mientras trabajas" (Do you mind if I play music while you work?) - "No, para nada" (No, not at all).

"¿te parece bien esta propuesta para el cliente?" - (¿Do you like this proposal for the client?) "No,(no me gusta) para nada."

"Esos colores no me convencen para nada" - "I'm not at all convinced by that color scheme".

Answer 3

It's my understanding that the phrase "Para nada" would be used as a response when someone expresses thanks. It's like when we say in English "You're welcome" or "My pleasure".

For example:

Someone says to you: "Muchisimas gracias"

You could then respond with any one of several possible comments such as: "Por nada" "Para nada" "De nada" "No hay de que" "El placer es mío" "Es un placer para mí"

Not at all ;-) . You are thinking of "por nada" (This is one occasion where you could use "para nada" - as in "absolutely not!") - Gekkosan, May 11, 2010

I'm sorry, Gekkosan, I don't understand your comment. Are you saying that "para nada" would NOT be used as a response when someone expressed thanks? - Pajaro44, May 11, 2010

Right. . "Para nada" is not correct. You *can* say "por nada" which means "for nothing" (You are thanking me for nothing). - Gekkosan, May 11, 2010

I realize that you *can* reply with "not at all" in English when someone says thank you, but it doesn't work in Spanish with "para nada". - Gekkosan, May 11, 2010

Gracias for the clarification, Gekkosan! - Pajaro44, May 11, 2010

Sorry, Gekkosan, for another question: If "Para nada" is not appropriate as a resonse to "Gracias", how would one use "Para nada" (that is, in what context?). - Pajaro44, May 11, 2010