person gesturing NO

This emoji, which shows a person making an 'X' with their arms, carries the meaning of a strong refusal, like 'No' or 'Not allowed.'

Try using this when a friend suggests eating food you dislike or proposes something you don't want to do. It's a fun way to convey a firm refusal.

Windows 11

Apple

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Google

While this 'X' gesture is widely used in Japan to mean 'no,' it's now intuitively understood in many cultures. It's very effective for clearly and visually showing prohibition, refusal, or opposition.

In the West, 'No' is usually expressed by shaking one's head or holding a hand out, but this emoji has an exaggerated feel derived from anime and games. So, you'll see it more often in playful situations like 'No way!' or 'Not a chance!' than in serious refusals.