Language/Dari/Grammar/Negation
Hi Dari learners! 😊
In this lesson, you will learn about negation in Dari grammar. Negation is used to negate a sentence or a phrase, making it negative. It’s an essential part of any language, so let's get started!
Basics
In Dari, negation is achieved via the particle نه which is added after the verb, preceding the object or the complement. For example:
| Dari | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| مانده‌ام. نه. | mândeam. na | I didn’t stay. |
| من خسته شدم. نه. | man khaste shodam. na | I’m not tired. |
In the examples above, we can see that نه is added after the verb to negate the sentence. Note that the same particle is added for both present and past tenses. For imperative forms of the verbs, however, the negation particle مت is used:
| Dari | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| نرو! مت! | na-rau! mat! | Don't go! |
Negation with quantifiers
Negation in Dari language is also used with quantifiers such as every, any, some, and no. In this case, the particle نه is added before the quantifier. For example:
| Dari | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| هیچ دفعه نمی‌آید. | hîch def'e namiyâyad. | He never comes. |
| همه چیز را دارد، نه فقط کمی. | hame chîz râ dârad, na faqat kamî. | He has everything, not just a little. |
In the examples above, we can see how the negative particle is used before the quantifier to negate the sentence. Note that the negative particle can also be used with other parts of speech, such as adjectives and adverbs:
| Dari | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| کودکی نه صبوری دارد. | kudaki na saburi dârad. | The child is not patient. |
| زنده نیست. | zendeh nist. | He is not alive. |
Double negation
In Dari grammar, double negation is not allowed. Using two negative particles in the same sentence leads to ambiguity, and it changes the meaning of the sentence. Therefore, one should be careful when using negative sentences in Dari language.
| Dari | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| من هیچ کاری نمی‌کنم. | man hîch kârî nemîkonam. | I do nothing. |
| من هیچ کاری نمی‌نکنم. | man hîch kârî nemîkonam. | I am not doing anything. |
In the example above, we can see how the meaning of the sentence changes when using double negation. It is always better to avoid double negation to ensure clarity and accuracy in the message being conveyed.
Practice Sentences
Let us practice some negative sentences with the help of a dialogue between two friends:
- Person 1: Øچرا به عرض سلام من حتی جواب ندادی؟ (Cherâ be ‘arz-e salâm-e man hat'i javâb nadad-i?) (Why didn't you even respond to my greeting?)
- Person 2: من فراموش کردم، ببخشید. (Man farâmosh kardam, bebakhshid.) (I forgot, sorry.)
- Person 1: پس بیا قرار دیگری بگذاریم. (Pas biâ gharrâr-e digar-i begozârim.) (So, let's plan for another meeting.)
- Person 2: نه، قرار بعدی نخواهم داد. (Na, gharrâr-e badi nakhâham dâd.) (No, I won't plan for another meeting.)
Tips
To improve your Dari grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Sources
➡ 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. 😎
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