Language/Rundi/Grammar/Negating-Sentences

◀️ Asking Questions — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Health Vocabulary ▶️

Rundi → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Questions and Negation → Negating Sentences

Introduction

In this lesson, we will explore the topic of negating sentences in Rundi. Negation is an important aspect of any language, as it allows us to express disagreement, denial, or negation of a statement. Understanding how to negate sentences in Rundi will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in the language. In this lesson, we will cover the use of negative words and verb conjugations to express negation. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently negate sentences in Rundi and express disagreement or denial.

Negating Sentences in Rundi

Negating sentences in Rundi involves the use of negative words and changes in verb conjugations. Let's explore each of these aspects in detail.

Negative Words

In Rundi, there are several negative words that can be used to negate a sentence. These negative words are placed before the verb in the sentence. Here are some commonly used negative words in Rundi:

Rundi	Pronunciation	English Translation
Nt	[nt̪]	Not, do not
Nti	[nt̪i]	No, not
Ntaco	[nt̪a.t͡ʃo]	None, nothing
Ntibaho	[nt̪i.ba.ho]	I don't know
Ntibikorwa	[nt̪i.bi.ko.rwa]	It is not done

Here are some examples of negating sentences using these negative words:

• Ntibikorwa. (It is not done.)
• Ntiyibona. (I don't see it.)
• Ntaco wibaza? (Don't you have any questions?)

Verb Conjugations

In addition to using negative words, verb conjugations also change when negating sentences in Rundi. The verb form used in negated sentences is called the negative verb form. To form the negative verb form in Rundi, the prefix "n-" is added to the verb stem. Let's look at some examples:

• Kurya (to eat) - Ntakurya (I don't eat)
• Gushaka (to search) - Ntagushaka (I don't search)
• Guhamagara (to talk) - Ntaguhamagara (I don't talk)

Note that when using the negative verb form, the subject pronoun is not used in the sentence. Instead, the subject is implied based on the verb form itself.

Negating Questions

When negating questions in Rundi, the negative word "nti" is commonly used. It is placed at the beginning of the sentence before the verb. Here are some examples:

• Nti wibaza? (Don't you have any questions?)
• Nti wiyibuka? (Don't you remember?)
• Nti wibona? (Don't you see?)

Cultural Insights

In Burundian culture, expressing disagreement or denial is often done politely and indirectly. It is important to consider the context and the relationship between the speakers when negating statements. Burundians value harmony and avoiding confrontation, so negating sentences may be done in a more subtle manner. It is common to use phrases such as "I don't really think so" or "I'm not sure about that" instead of a direct "no" or "I disagree."

Practice Exercises

Now, let's practice what we have learned. Translate the following sentences into Rundi, negating them using the appropriate negative words and verb conjugations.

1. I don't like to dance. 2. She doesn't speak French. 3. We don't have any money. 4. Don't you want to go to the party? 5. I don't know the answer.

Here are the correct translations:

1. Ntawumva guhimbaza. 2. Ntaguhabwa. 3. Ntacuhabwa amafaranga. 4. Nti wiyumva gushika ku mugoroba? 5. Ntibibaza ibyemezo.

Explanation: 1. The verb "guhimbaza" (to dance) is negated using the prefix "nta-" to form "ntawumva guhimbaza." 2. The verb "gushaka" (to speak) is negated using the prefix "nta-" to form "ntaguhabwa." 3. The verb "kubaho" (to have) is negated using the prefix "nta-" to form "ntacuhabwa amafaranga." 4. The question "Do you want to go to the party?" is negated by adding the negative word "nti" at the beginning of the sentence: "Nti wiyumva gushika ku mugoroba?" 5. The verb "kubibaza" (to know) is negated using the prefix "nta-" to form "ntibibaza ibyemezo."

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have learned how to negate sentences in Rundi. This skill will greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in the language and express disagreement or denial. Remember to practice using negative words and verb conjugations in various contexts to solidify your understanding. In the next lesson, we will continue exploring questions in Rundi, focusing on forming different types of questions. Keep up the great work!

Table of Contents - Rundi Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Rundi Language

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Classes
• Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers
• Days and Months

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Describing with Adjectives
• Describing with Adverbs

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Dining Vocabulary

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Using Prepositions
• Using Conjunctions

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

  ---

Burundian Culture

• History and Traditions
• Music and Dance

  ---

Hobbies and Entertainment

• Common Hobbies
• Entertainment Vocabulary

  ---

Questions and Negation

• Asking Questions
• Negating Sentences

  ---

Health and Emergencies

• Health Vocabulary
• Emergency Vocabulary

  ---

Rundi Etiquette and Customs

• Social Etiquette
• Festivals and Celebrations

Sources

• Rundi Grammar: Learn About the Past Tense for Verbs and Tenses

Other Lessons

• Noun Classes
• Using Prepositions
• Give your Opinion
• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• How to Use Be
• Conditional Mood
• Adjectives
• Plurals
• Questions

◀️ Asking Questions — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Health Vocabulary ▶️