Language/Tamil/Grammar/Negation

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Tamil Grammar - Negation

Hi Tamil learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will explore the topic of negation in Tamil grammar. Negation is an essential part of any language, and learning how to use it correctly is crucial to becoming a fluent Tamil speaker. We'll explain the different ways to negate sentences, including the use of negative particles, and provide examples for each.

Consider exploring these related pages after completing this lesson: Verb Classes, Adjective and Adverb Relationships, Future Tense எதிர்காலம் & Pronouns.

Negation in Tamil

Negation in Tamil changes the meaning of a sentence from positive to negative. To negate a sentence, you can use various negative particles. The most common negative particles in Tamil are இல்லை (illai) and அல்ல (alla).

Negation Using இல்லை (illai)

The negative particle இல்லை (illai) is used to negate sentences in Tamil. It is usually placed after the verb or auxiliary verb in a sentence.

Example:

Tamil	Pronunciation	English
நான் கடை செல்லவில்லை.	Nāṉ kaṭai cellavillai.	I am not going to the shop.

Note: The negative particle can be used with all persons (first, second, and third) to form negative sentences.

Example:

Tamil	Pronunciation	English
நீ பார்க்கவில்லை.	Nī pārkkavillai.	You are not seeing.
அவர்கள் வந்தவில்லை.	Avarkaḷ vandhavillai.	They did not come.

Negation Using அல்ல (alla)

The negative particle அல்ல (alla) is also used to negate sentences in Tamil. It is placed after the verb or auxiliary verb in a sentence.

Example:

Tamil	Pronunciation	English
நான் சாப்பிட்டது அல்ல.	Nāṉ sāppiṭṭadhu alla.	I didn't eat.

Note: The negative particle அல்ல (alla) is generally used by speakers who are from the southern part of Tamil Nadu. People from the northern part of Tamil Nadu tend to use இல்லை (illai) instead.

Example:

Tamil	Pronunciation	English
அவன் எப்போதும் எழுந்து கொள்ளவில்லை.	Avan eppōdhum ezhundhu koḷḷavillai.	He does not always get up.

Negation Using other particles

Other particles can also be used for negation in Tamil. For example, ஒதுக்கமில்லை (odhukkamillai) means "not at all" in English.

Example:

Tamil	Pronunciation	English
நீ இதை ஒதுக்கமில்லை.	Nī ithai odhukkamillai.	You do not like it at all.

Dialogues

Here are some dialogues to help you understand negation in Tamil better:

• Person 1: நீ கடை செல்லவில்லையா? (Nī kaṭai cellavillaiyā?) (Aren't you going to the shop?)
• Person 2: ஆம் நான் சென்றேன். (Ām nāṉ ceṉṟēṉ.) (Yes, I went.)

• Person 1: நீ இந்த புத்தகம் படிக்கவில்லையா? (Nī indha puttakam paṭikkavillaiyā?) (Don't you read this book?)
• Person 2: எப்போதும் இதை படிக்கவில்லை. (Eppōdhum ithai paṭikkavillai.) (I never read this.)

Summary

Negation in Tamil is an essential topic that is used daily. It is used to negate sentences and statements in conversations. The two common negative particles are இல்லை (illai) and அல்ல (alla), with the former commonly used in the north of Tamil Nadu and the latter in the south.

To improve your Tamil Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

Sources

• negation in tamil
• negation meaning in Tamil | negation translation in Tamil - Shabdkosh
• Tamil grammar - Wikipedia

Other Lessons

• Plural Noun Suffix Addition
• That, This, and Question Words
• Prepositions
• Adjective (பெயரடை)
• Questions
• Pronouns
• Tamil Finite Verbs Conjugation
• Future Tense எதிர்காலம்
• Personal Pronouns

Table of Contents - Tamil Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Tamil Grammar

• Tamil Script and Pronunciation
• Nouns and Pronouns

  ---

Daily Life Vocabulary

• Greetings and Introductions
• Numbers and Time
• Food and Drink
• Family and Relationships
• Travel and Transportation

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Profession and Work Vocabulary

• Jobs and Professions
• Office and Workplace
• Business Communication

  ---

Tamil Culture and Customs

• Festivals and Celebrations
• Art and Music
• Cuisine and Eating Habits
• Tamil Cinema

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives
• Adverbs

  ---

Health and Fitness Vocabulary

• Body Parts and Symptoms
• Physical Fitness and Exercise

  ---

Cases and Postpositions

• Nominative and Accusative Cases
• Postpositions

  ---

Nature, Environment and Wildlife Vocabulary

• Flora and Fauna
• Environment and Pollution

  ---

Tamil Literature and History

• Sangam Literature
• Chola Empire

  ---

Negation and Interrogation

• Negation
• Interrogation

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