Language/Malayalam/Grammar/Negation
Hi Malayalam learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will be discussing negation in Malayalam grammar. This is an intermediate level lesson, so if you're a beginner in Malayalam, make sure you have a good grasp of basic grammar rules before diving into this lesson. Once you're comfortable with basic grammar, understanding negative forms will be a piece of cake! Don't worry, we will do our best to make this topic as easy as possible for you. 😀
Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Malayalam Grammar → Basic Sentence Structure → Present Tense ..., Future Tense, Past Tense Verbs & Direct and Indirect Speech.
Negation[edit | edit source]
In Malayalam grammar, we use different words to negate something based on the tense, case and number of the sentence. There are different words for negation in the present tense, past tense, and imperative forms.
The word "അല്ല" (alla) is used for negation in the present tense. For example:
| Malayalam | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ഞാൻ പോകുന്നില്ല | njaan pOkunnil(a) | I'm not going |
| അവൻ കഴിയുന്നില്ല | avan kazhiyunnil(a) | He's not eating |
| പഠിക്കാതെ സമയം ചിലവാക്കുക | padhikkkaathe samayam chilaavaakku | Don't spend time studying |
For negation in the past tense, the word "ഇല്ല" (illa) is used. For example:
| Malayalam | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ഞാൻ പോയില്ല | njaan poyilla | I didn't go |
| അവൻ കഴിയില്ല | avan kazhiyilla | He didn't eat |
| പഠിക്കാനില്ലാതെ സമയം ചിലവാക്കുക | padhikkaanillaathe samayam chilaavaakku | Don't spend time without studying |
In the imperative form, we use the word "വേണ്ട" (vente) to negate sentences. For example:
| Malayalam | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| പഠിക്കുക തിരിച്ചു പോകരുത് | padhikkuka thiricchu pokaaruth | Don't go without studying |
| കഴിയാത്തതു വെറുക്കുക | kazhiyaathathu verukkuka | Make sure you don't spoil it |
Negation of Nouns[edit | edit source]
When negating statements about nouns, the negation follows the same pattern as verbs. We use the same words for negating nouns in different tenses, numbers and cases. Let's see some examples:
| Malayalam | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| അത് കൂടിയില്ല | athu koodiyilla | That is not a room |
| അവൻ കണ്ടില്ല | avan kaNdiilla | He didn't see |
| സൂര്യനോക്കത്തിൽ കളിക്കാതെ പഠിക്കുക | sooryanoKKathil kaLikkathe padhikkuka | Don't play while looking at the sun |
Dialogue[edit | edit source]
Let's see a dialogue where negation is used:
- Person 1: പഠിച്ചു നോക്കുകയാണല്ലോ? (Padhichu noKKukaayaNallo?) (Have you studied?)
- Person 2: പഠിക്കാൻ സമയം കിട്ടിയില്ല. (Padhikkaan samayam kittiyilla) (I didn't get time to study.)
Practice Exercise[edit | edit source]
Using the examples and lessons above, try to form a negative sentence in Malayalam about an activity of your choice.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations! You have now learned how to use negation in Malayalam grammar. Keep practicing negation in your conversations and continue to improve your skills. Remember, to improve your Malayalam Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Sources[edit | edit source]
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Finished this lesson? Check out these related lessons: Malayalam Grammar → Advanced Sentence Structures ..., Malayalam Grammar → Basic Sentence Structure → Word Order, Pronouns & Give your Opinion.
➡ 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. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Plurals
- How to Use Have
- Questions
- How to Use Be
- Pronouns
- Adjectives
- Future Tense
- Conditional Mood
- Give your Opinion
- Nouns