никогда vs ни разу
nikogda vs ni razu — never vs not once
Register: neutral
What it really means
Никогда means never, at no time. Ни разу means not once and emphasizes zero occurrences; both normally combine with не in Russian negative clauses. Ни разу often makes a claim more specific.
Examples in natural speech
Я никогда не курил.
I have never smoked.
Она никогда не опаздывает.
She is never late.
Я ни разу не был в Казани.
I have not been to Kazan once.
Он ни разу не позвонил.
He did not call once.
Никогда не сдавайся.
Never give up.
Common mistakes
Do not omit не: ни разу не видел. Use никогда for general “never,” ни разу for counted occasions.
Memory tip
Никогда denies time; ни разу counts zero times.
Frequently asked questions
Which means not once?
Ни разу.
Is не needed?
Usually yes.
How do I say never?
Никогда.
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