Language/Southern-sotho/Grammar/Negating-Sentences

Southern Sotho → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Questions and Negation → Negating Sentences

Negating sentences in any language can be a tough task, but with practice, it can become second nature. In this lesson, we will focus on how to negate sentences in Southern Sotho by negating verbs, nouns, adjectives, and forming negative questions. By the end of the lesson, you will be able to confidently construct negative sentences and questions in Southern Sotho.

Negating Verbs

To negate a verb in Southern Sotho, all you need to do is add the negative particle "ha" or "ho" (depending on the tense) before the verb. Let's take a look at some examples:

Southern Sotho	Pronunciation	English
Ke kopa lihlopha.	ke kɔpa liɬɔpha	I want a pen.
Ha ke kopa lihlopha.	ha ke kɔpa liɬɔpha	I don't want a pen.
O tla bona ka sebaka.	ɔ t͡ɬa bɔna ka sɛbaka	He will see with glasses.
Ho tla bona ke sebaka.	hɔ t͡ɬa bɔna ke sɛbaka	He will not see with glasses.

As you can see, all you need to do is place "ha" or "ho" before the verb to make it negative. "Ha" is used in the present tense while "ho" is used in other tenses.

Negating Nouns and Adjectives

To negate a noun or an adjective, you need to add the negative prefix "le" or "se" before the noun or adjective.

Let's take a look at some examples:

Southern Sotho	Pronunciation	English
Ntate Mohapi ke moruti.	n̩tate mɔhapɪ ke mɔruti	Mr. Mohapi is a teacher.
Se ntate Mohapi ke le moruti.	sɛ n̩tate mɔhapɪ ke ɬɛ mɔruti	Mr. Mohapi is not a teacher.
Kgotso e tla u fihla.	kgot͡so ɛ t͡ɬa u fiɬla	Peace will come to you.
Kgotso e se u fihla.	kgot͡so ɛ sɛ u fiɬla	Peace will not come to you.

In the examples above, we used the negative prefix "le" in the present tense to make the noun or adjective negative.

Forming Negative Questions

In Southern Sotho, negative questions are formed by adding the negative particle "ha" or "ho" at the beginning of a question. Let's take a look at some examples:

Southern Sotho	Pronunciation	English
Ha o tla bona?	ha ɔ t͡ɬa bɔna	Will you not see?
Ho na le sebaka?	hɔ na ɬɛ sɛbaka	Is there no glass?
Ha ke batla ruri?	ha ke bæt͡ɬa ruri	Don't I want it for real?

As you can see, the negative particle "ha" or "ho" is added at the beginning of the question. It is important to note that the question word stays in the same position as in a positive question.

In conclusion, negating sentences in Southern Sotho is quite easy once you understand the rules. All you need to do is add the negative particle "ha" or "ho" before a verb, and the negative prefix "le" or "se" before a noun or adjective. Negative questions are formed by adding "ha" or "ho" at the beginning of a question. Practice these rules and you will be able to confidently construct negative sentences and questions in Southern Sotho.

• Remember to take your time and practice these rules until you feel confident.

• Try to use negation in everyday sentences to help you remember the rules.

• If you're unsure, don't hesitate to ask a native speaker or your Southern Sotho teacher for help.

Table of Contents - Southern Sotho Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Southern Sotho

• The Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Oneself

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Classes
• Personal Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Counting Numbers
• Telling Time

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

  ---

Everyday Activities

• Daily Routines
• Hobbies and Interests

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Describing Nouns
• Describing Verbs

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating Habits

  ---

Southern Sotho Traditions

• Traditional Clothing
• Traditional Music and Dance

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Destinations

  ---

Questions and Negation

• Asking Questions
• Negating Sentences

  ---

Shopping and Money

• Shopping Vocabulary
• Money and Currency

  ---

Southern Sotho Family Life

• Family Structure
• Marriage and Ceremonies

Other Lessons

• How to Use Be
• Personal Pronouns
• Describing Nouns
• Negation
• Conditional Mood
• Questions
• Asking Questions
• Noun Classes
• 0 to A1 Course
• Future Tense