Spanish Phrase
No insistas si dicen que no.
Meaning
Literally, "Don't keep insisting if they say no." It is a gentle but firm advice not to push someone who has already refused. The phrase can be used both in personal advice and in more formal contexts where respecting a refusal is expected.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to tell a friend, colleague, or even yourself to stop pressing a request after the other party has clearly said "no". It works well in situations like borrowing items, asking for a favor, or trying to persuade someone to change their mind.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Noinsistassidicenqueno
Negación simple (No)
The word "No" placed before a verb gives a negative command or request.
Imperativo negativo (insistas)
"Insistir" in the second‑person singular negative imperative is formed with "no" + present subjunctive: no insistas.
Conjunción condicional (si)
"Si" introduces a conditional clause meaning "if".
Presente de indicativo (dicen)
"Dicen" is the third‑person plural present indicative of "decir" – "they say".
Conjunción completiva (que)
"Que" links the subordinate clause to the main clause, similar to "that" in English.
Negación en la subordinada (no)
The second "no" negates the verb in the subordinate clause: "they say no".
🗨In Conversation
¿Te puedo pedir que me ayudes con el proyecto?
Can I ask you to help me with the project?
No insistas si dicen que no.
Don't keep insisting if they say no.
✕Common Mistakes
Insistas si dicen que no.
Missing the leading "No" turns the sentence into a positive command, which changes the meaning completely.
No insistas si no dicen que no.
The double negation "no" before "dicen" makes the clause confusing; the correct form is simply "dicen que no".
No insistas si dicen no.
In Spanish the subordinate clause needs the conjunction "que" after "dicen" to be grammatically complete.
↔Alternatives
No le insistas si te dice que no.
Don't insist on them if they tell you no.
No sigas insistiendo cuando te rechazan.
Don't keep insisting when they reject you.
No insistas cuando te dicen que no.
Don't insist when they say no.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking cultures, a clear "no" is taken seriously. Pressuring someone after they have refused can be seen as disrespectful or even aggressive. Using a phrase like "No insistas si dicen que no" shows you respect personal boundaries and helps maintain good relationships.