Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Negating-Sentences
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Introduction: Negating sentences is an important aspect of any language, as it allows us to express negation or denial. In Kinyarwanda, negation is achieved using different negative words and constructions. In this lesson, we will explore the various ways to negate sentences in Kinyarwanda. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently use negation in your conversations and understand negated sentences when you hear them.
Negating Sentences in Kinyarwanda: Negating sentences in Kinyarwanda involves the use of negative words and constructions. Let's explore some of the common ways to negate sentences in Kinyarwanda.
1. Using the Negative Word "Si": The negative word "si" is used to negate verbs in Kinyarwanda. It is placed before the verb in a sentence. Here are some examples:
| Kinyarwanda | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Si niyandikiraga. | 'si ni.yan.di.ki.ra.ga' | I am not writing. |
| Si wampamagaye. | 'si wam.pa.ma.ga.ye' | He is not eating. |
| Si wakora. | 'si wa.ko.ra' | She is not working. |
| Si dukunda. | 'si du.kun.da' | We do not love. |
| Si muraramuke. | 'si mu.ra.ra.mu.ke' | You (plural) are not happy. |
2. Using the Negative Word "Nt": The negative word "nt" is used to negate nouns and adjectives in Kinyarwanda. It is placed before the noun or adjective in a sentence. Here are some examples:
| Kinyarwanda | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Nt umwana. | 'nt um.wa.na' | Not a child. |
| Nt mwiza. | 'nt mwi.za' | Not beautiful. |
| Nt umukobwa. | 'nt u.mu.ko.bwa' | Not a girl. |
| Nt umugore. | 'nt u.mu.go.re' | Not a woman. |
| Nt umuhungu. | 'nt u.mu.hu.ngu' | Not a boy. |
3. Using the Negative Word "Ntawundi": The negative word "ntawundi" is used to express the absence of something or someone. It is placed before the noun in a sentence. Here are some examples:
| Kinyarwanda | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ntawundi umuntu. | 'nta.wun.di u.mu.n.tu' | No one. |
| Ntawundi umwenzi. | 'nta.wun.di u.mwe.nzi' | No friend. |
| Ntawundi umugabo. | 'nta.wun.di u.mu.ga.bo' | No man. |
| Ntawundi umugore. | 'nta.wun.di u.mu.go.re' | No woman. |
| Ntawundi umukobwa. | 'nta.wun.di u.mu.ko.bwa' | No girl. |
Cultural Insight: In Rwanda, the use of negation is an important aspect of communication. It allows individuals to express their opinions, preferences, and limitations. It is common to use negation in everyday conversation to convey a variety of meanings.
Exercise 1: Translate the following sentences into Kinyarwanda, using the appropriate negative word or construction:
1. She is not coming to the party. 2. We do not have any money. 3. He does not like to eat vegetables. 4. They are not going to the market. 5. I am not feeling well.
Solution: 1. Ntawundi agiye ku ishuri. 2. Si dukorana amafaranga. 3. Si yamvikanye kurya ibigori. 4. Si bose baciye ku isoko. 5. Si ndi umuzima.
Explanation: 1. "Ntawundi" is used to express the absence of the person coming to the party. 2. "Si" is used to negate the verb "dukorana" (to have) in the sentence. 3. "Si" is used to negate the verb "yamvikanye" (to like) in the sentence. 4. "Si" is used to negate the verb "baciye" (to go) in the sentence. 5. "Si" is used to negate the verb "ndi" (to be) in the sentence.
Exercise 2: Complete the following sentences with the appropriate negative word or construction:
1. Si ____________ kwiga Kinyarwanda. 2. Nt ____________ umwana wanjye. 3. Nt ____________ umugabo. 4. Si ____________ kurya ibiryo. 5. ____________ umuntu azi aho mbonye.
Solution: 1. Si ndi kwiga Kinyarwanda. 2. Nt umwana wanjye. 3. Nt umugabo. 4. Si ndi kurya ibiryo. 5. Ntawundi umuntu azi aho mbonye.
Explanation: 1. "Si" is used to negate the verb "ndi" (to be) in the sentence. 2. "Nt" is used to negate the noun "umwana" (child) in the sentence. 3. "Nt" is used to negate the noun "umugabo" (man) in the sentence. 4. "Si" is used to negate the verb "ndi" (to be) in the sentence. 5. "Ntawundi" is used to express the absence of someone who knows where I have seen.
Cultural Insight: Negation in Kinyarwanda is not only used to express denial but also to show politeness and respect. It is considered polite to use negation when declining an invitation or expressing a negative opinion.
Conclusion: In this lesson, we have learned how to negate sentences in Kinyarwanda using different negative words and constructions. We explored the use of "si" to negate verbs, "nt" to negate nouns and adjectives, and "ntawundi" to express absence. We also practiced translating and completing sentences using negation. By mastering the skill of negating sentences, you will be able to communicate more effectively and accurately in Kinyarwanda.
Sources[edit | edit source]
- 9.) The Verb: The Copulative - Learning Kinyarwanda
- Trainee Kinyarwanda Book Table of Contents
- 16.) The Verb: The Transitive - Learning Kinyarwanda
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Describing Nouns
- How to Use Have
- Noun Classes
- Negation
- Conditional Mood
- 0 to A1 Course
- Plurals
- Personal Pronouns
- Asking Questions
- How to Use Be
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