Language/Georgian/Grammar/Negation

Georgian Grammar - Negation

Hi Georgian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will focus on negation in Georgian. Negation is an essential aspect of any language as it allows speakers to express the negative form of verbs and statements. Understanding the rules and patterns of negation in Georgian allows learners to expand their vocabulary and express themselves more accurately in conversations. So let's dive into Georgian negation!

Negative verbs

In Georgian, negation is expressed by adding the particle "არ" (ar) before the verb. For example, the affirmative form "წაიკითხა" (tsaik'itkha) meaning "he/she read" becomes negative by adding "არ" (ar) before the verb: "არ წაიკითხა" (ar tsaik'itkha) meaning "he/she didn't read".

The particle "არ" (ar) is the most common way to express negation in Georgian and applies to all verb types. For example, the affirmative form "ვისაც" (visats) meaning "to whoever" becomes negative by adding "არ" (ar) before the verb: "არ ვისაც" (ar visats) meaning "to no one".

Here are more examples of negative verbs in Georgian:

Georgian	Pronunciation	English
არ მიყვარდა	ar miqvardha	didn't love
არ მუსიკა მომიყვანა	ar musika momiqvanna	didn't bring me the music
არ თქვი	ar tkvi	don't say
არაფერს არ მითვალის	arapers ar mitvalis	doesn't think anything

Keep in mind that Georgian verbs have different patterns depending on tense, person, and number. Therefore, when negating a verb, it is essential to consider the same patterns and add the negation particle accordingly.

Negative adjectives and adverbs

In Georgian, negation can also be expressed through the use of negative adjectives or adverbs. Negative adjectives are formed by adding the particle "არ" (ar) before the adjective. For example, the affirmative form "კარგი" (k'argi) meaning "good" becomes negative by adding "არ" (ar) before the adjective: "არ კარგი" (ar k'argi) meaning "not good".

Similarly, negative adverbs are formed by adding the particle "არ" (ar) before the adverb. For example, the affirmative form "კარგად" (k'argad) meaning "well" becomes negative by adding "არ" (ar) before the adverb: "არ კარგად" (ar k'argad) meaning "not well".

Here are more examples of negative adjectives and adverbs in Georgian:

Georgian	Pronunciation	English
არაგანური	araganuri	non-Georgian
არ გაჭირვება	ar gachirveba	doesn't hurt
არ მასწავლებენ	ar masats'avleben	don't teach
არადანადგარი	aradanadgari	unpopular/ unknown

Double negation

In Georgian, double negation is not only possible but is also frequently used. Double negation, as the name suggests, involves using two negative particles in a sentence. For example, the sentence "არაღარ ვუყურებ" (aragar vuq'ureb) meaning "I'm not listening" uses a double negation where "არა" (ara) and "არ" (ar) are used together.

Using double negation in Georgian is idiomatic and adds emphasis to the negative statement. In English and other languages, double negation cancels out and becomes affirmative; however, in Georgian language, they function differently.

Here are more examples of double negation in Georgian:

• არავითარაა არა (aravitaara ara) - none of them are not
• არ ვიცი არა (ar vitsi ara) - I don't know anything.

Dialogue

Here's a dialogue between two Georgian speakers that includes the use of negation in context:

• Person 1: დაგიბრუნებ (dagibruneb) - come back to me
• Person 2: არ დავბრუნდებ (ar davbrundeb) - I won't come back to you

Cultural insights

As Georgian learners, it is important to understand the role of negation in the language and the culture. Georgian, like many other languages, uses negation in different social contexts. For example, Georgian culture is known for its hospitality and generosity, which means that refusing an invitation can be challenging. Therefore, using double negation in this context can be a subtle way to decline without making the other person feel refused.

Practice with Polyglot Club

To practice negation in Georgian and improve your overall Georgian skills, use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions you may have.

Grammar

For more information on Georgian grammar, check out the Grammar page on the Polyglot Club website.

Sources

• Georgian language
• Double negation in Georgian language

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Related Lessons

• Noun Inflection
• Plural
• Pronouns
• The Genitive Case
• The Conjugation System
• Inflection of adjectives with nouns
• The postposition of the Adverbial
• Vocative case markers “—ო” and “—ვ”
• The postposition of the Instrumental