Language/Czech/Grammar/Negation
Hi Czech learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will be discussing the basics of negation in Czech. Negation is an important part of any language, and it is essential to understand how to use it correctly in order to communicate effectively. We will look at the different ways to express negation in Czech, as well as some examples of how to use them. So let's get started!
Negation in Czech
Negation in Czech is expressed using the word ne (pronounced [nɛ], IPA: /nɛ/). This word is placed before the verb or adjective that you want to negate. For example:
| Czech | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Nemluvím | [nɛmlʊviːm] | I don't speak |
| Nejsem | [nɛjsm] | I'm not |
| Není | [nɛniː] | It isn't |
| Nejsou | [nɛjsoʊ] | They aren't |
| Nebyl | [nɛbɪl] | He wasn't |
It is important to note that the word ne is not used when negating nouns. Instead, the word žádný (pronounced [ʒaːdnɪ], IPA: /ʒaːdnɪ/) is used. For example:
| Czech | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Žádný muž | [ʒaːdnɪmuːʒ] | No man |
| Žádná žena | [ʒaːdnajaːʒɛna] | No woman |
| Žádné dítě | [ʒaːdnɛdiːtɛ] | No child |
| Žádné auto | [ʒaːdnɛauto] | No car |
| Žádný pes | [ʒaːdnɪpɛs] | No dog |
It is also possible to use the word nikdo (pronounced [nɪkdo], IPA: /nɪkdo/) to express a negative statement about people. For example:
| Czech | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Nikdo nechce | [nɪkdonexce] | Nobody wants |
| Nikdo nemůže | [nɪkdonemuːʒɛ] | Nobody can |
| Nikdo nesmí | [nɪkdonesmɪ] | Nobody must |
| Nikdo neví | [nɪkdoneviː] | Nobody knows |
| Nikdo neumí | [nɪkdoneumiː] | Nobody knows how |
Finally, it is also possible to use the word nikdy (pronounced [nɪkdɪ], IPA: /nɪkdɪ/) to express a negative statement about time. For example:
| Czech | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Nikdy nezapomenu | [nɪkdɪnezapomɛnu] | I will never forget |
| Nikdy neusnu | [nɪkdɪneusnu] | I will never sleep |
| Nikdy neodejdu | [nɪkdɪneodɛjdu] | I will never leave |
| Nikdy neztratím | [nɪkdɪneztraːtim] | I will never lose |
| Nikdy nezapomínám | [nɪkdɪnezapomɪnaːm] | I will never forget |
Conclusion
In conclusion, negation in Czech is expressed using the word ne for verbs and adjectives, and žádný for nouns. The word nikdo is used to express a negative statement about people, and nikdy is used to express a negative statement about time. With these words, you will be able to express yourself clearly and accurately in Czech.
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