Language/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.
➡ 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. 😎
Related Lessons