Language/Standard-estonian/Grammar/Negation

Standard Estonian Grammar - Negation

Hi Standard Estonian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will be discussing the basics of negation in Standard Estonian. We will look at how to form negative sentences, as well as some common mistakes to avoid.

Negation is an important part of any language, and Standard Estonian is no exception. Negation is used to express the opposite of a statement or idea. In Standard Estonian, there are two main ways to form a negative sentence: using the word ei (no) or using the word pole (not).

Let's take a look at some examples of how to use these words in a sentence.

Using Ei

The word ei is used to negate a verb. It is placed directly before the verb in the sentence. For example:

Standard Estonian	Pronunciation	English Translation
Ma ei taha	mɑ ɛi tɑhɑ	I don't want
Ta ei ole siin	tɑ ɛi olɛ siiŋ	He is not here
Me ei tea	mɛ ɛi tɛɑ	We don't know
Nad ei saa	nɑd ɛi sɑɑ	They can't

It is important to note that the word ei is always followed by the infinitive form of the verb.

Using Pole

The word pole is used to negate a noun or adjective. It is placed directly before the noun or adjective in the sentence. For example:

Standard Estonian	Pronunciation	English Translation
See pole minu auto	sɛɛ polɛ minu ɑutɔ	This is not my car
Ta pole kõige parem	tɑ polɛ køigɛ pɑrɛm	He is not the best
Me pole kunagi näinud	mɛ polɛ kunɑgi nɑinud	We have never seen
Nad pole kunagi kuulnud	nɑd polɛ kunɑgi kuulnud	They have never heard

It is important to note that the word pole is always followed by the nominative form of the noun or adjective.

Common Mistakes

When forming negative sentences in Standard Estonian, it is important to avoid some common mistakes.

• Do not use the word ei with a noun or adjective.
• Do not use the word pole with a verb.
• Do not use the word ei with the verb olema (to be). Instead, use the word pole.

For example:

Correct	Incorrect
Ta pole kõige parem	Ta ei ole kõige parem
Ma ei taha	Ma pole taha
Me pole kunagi näinud	Me ei ole kunagi näinud
Nad pole kunagi kuulnud	Nad ei ole kunagi kuulnud

Practice

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

Try forming some negative sentences using the words ei and pole. Here are some examples to get you started:

Standard Estonian	Pronunciation	English Translation
Ma ei tea	mɑ ɛi tɛɑ	I don't know
Ta pole siin	tɑ polɛ siiŋ	He is not here
Me ei saa	mɛ ɛi sɑɑ	We can't
Nad pole tahtnud	nɑd polɛ tɑhtnud	They haven't wanted

Now it's your turn! Try forming some negative sentences of your own.

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➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

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