Ni siquiera
Example: Ni siquiera llamaste para avisar que llegarías tarde.
Definition
"Ni siquiera" is an expression used to emphasize that something did not happen or was not done, often implying surprise or disappointment. It means 'not even' and highlights the absence of an expected action or event, as in 'Ni siquiera called to warn they would be late.'
Etymology
The Spanish expression "ni siquiera" combines "ni," meaning 'nor' or 'not even,' and "siquiera," meaning 'at least' or 'even.' Together, they form an emphatic phrase used to stress the minimal expectation that was not met. Did you know? "Siquiera" comes from Latin "siquidem," reinforcing the idea of 'at least' or 'indeed.'
Learn to use this expression actively
"Ni siquiera" appears in the Vocaplus list "Spanish - General - Modismos y refranes - (A2) - parte 1", containing 106 commonly used expressions.
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