Language/Rundi/Grammar/Negation
Hi Rundi learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will talk about negation in Rundi grammar. Negation is an essential part of the language, as it allows you to create negative sentences and express negation, doubt, or possibility. Negation is expressed in Rundi either by using negative words, negative particles, or negating the verb.
Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Say Hello and Greetings in Rundi, Give your Opinion & How to Use Be.
Negative Words[edit | edit source]
In Rundi grammar, negative words are used to negate a sentence or part of a sentence. There are three main negative words in Rundi: ntaco, ntaca, and ntahe. These words can be translated as “no,” “not,” or “never” in English.
Examples[edit | edit source]
The table below shows some examples of negative words and their usage in sentences:
| Rundi | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ntaco | /ntaˈtʃɔ/ | no, not |
| ntahe | /ntaˈhɛ/ | never |
| ntaça | /ntaˈtʃa/ | not |
| ntaco ico | /ntaˈtʃɔ iˈtʃɔ/ | no one |
| ntaco se | /ntaˈtʃɔ sɛ/ | not yet |
| ntaco kari | /ntaˈtʃɔ kaˈri/ | not at all |
Usage[edit | edit source]
To negate a sentence in Rundi, you can use ntaco or ntaça. Ntahe is used to express negation in an absolute sense. For example:
- Ufise ibintu bmwe? - Do you have anything?
- Oya, ntaco nfise nka mutima. - No, I don't have anything in my heart.
- Noneho ntaco yavuga amagambo. - He is not speaking any words.
Negative Particles[edit | edit source]
The second way to negate a sentence in Rundi is to use negative particles. These particles typically come after the verb to negate the sentence.
Examples[edit | edit source]
The table below shows some examples of negative particles and their usage in sentences:
| Rundi | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| nti | /ˈnti/ | not |
| ngo | /ˈŋɡo/ | not |
| nanje | /naˈɲɛ/ | not |
| te | /tɛ/ | not, don't |
Usage[edit | edit source]
To negate a sentence using negative particles, simply add the particle after the verb. For example:
- Yavuze nti yarongoye. - He said he didn't lose it.
- Ndabona ngo ntishobora gushaka inda. - I saw that he can't look for the cows.
- Ntacyo nanje ntekereza iki. - I don't know what I can tell you.
- Te mbegaakira ko mukwano. - Don't forget that you are my friend.
Negating the Verbs[edit | edit source]
Negating the verb is another way to express negation in Rundi. Verbs in Rundi can be negated by adding the negative particle "ti" to the stem of the verb.
Examples[edit | edit source]
The table below shows some examples of negating verbs in Rundi:
| Rundi | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| gutanga | /ɡuˈtaŋɡa/ | to give |
| ntitanga | /ntiˈtaŋɡa/ | not to give |
| kurangiza | /kuɾaˈŋɡiza/ | to finish |
| ntitangarangiza | /ntiˈtaŋɡarаŋɡiza/ | not to finish |
| kuvwa | /kuˈvwa/ | to hear |
| ntivwa | /ntiˈvwa/ | not to hear |
Usage[edit | edit source]
To negate the verb, add the negative particle "ti" to the stem of the verb. It is essential to know the stem of the verb to negating a verb in Rundi. For example:
- Mbajije ntitanga ibyaha byose. - I did not give all the sins.
- Ntiyumva ntitango kubonana nawe. - I don't feel like seeing you.
- Ntitangarangiza inkumi, ngaho ntangarangiza n'ibindi. - I did not finish eating, so I didn't finish the rest either.
Conversation[edit | edit source]
Here is an example dialogue to demonstrate negation in action:
- Person 1: Wavuze ibintu byinshi kandi baboneye ni we... (You said many things but they are not true)
- Person 2: Harya uyu? (Who is him?)
- Person 1: Uyu wankumbuye... (This one who called me...)
- Person 2: Ntitunda ari ko... (I am not sure it was him...)
In this dialogue, you can see the usage of negative particles and negative words in action.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Negation is an essential part of Rundi grammar. The use of negative words, particles, and negating the verb are necessary to express negative sentences in Rundi. Keep practicing and don't hesitate to ask questions to find native speakers and ask them any questions. You can also check the Grammar section on the Polyglot Club website for more information on Rundi grammar.
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Sources[edit | edit source]
Finished this lesson? Check out these related lessons: How to Use Have & Questions.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Gender
- Plurals
- How to Use Be
- Give your Opinion
- Pronouns
- Conditional Mood
- Adjectives
- Questions
- How to Use Have