Negation with na-, ne-, ni-
Negation with na-, ne-, ni-
Can negate sentences in present tense and imperative
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Ez naxwînim.
I don't read.
Ew Kurd nine.
They are not Kurdish.
Nexwîne! Bisekine!
Don't read! Wait!
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Negasyon di Kurmancî de:
| Rewş | Pêşgir | Mînak |
|---|---|---|
| Dema niha | na- | Ez naxwînim. (I don't read.) |
| Ferman | ne- | Nexwîne! (Don't read!) |
| Bûn (copula) | n- | Ez Kurd nim. (I am not Kurdish.) |
Girîng: Na- şûna di- digire: dixwînim → naxwînim (NOT *dinaxwînim).
Common Error Patterns
Error with Negation with na-, ne-, ni-
Review the rules for Neyînîkirin
Ez naxwînim.
I don't read.
Na- replaces di- for negation: dixwînim → naxwînim.
Ew Kurd nine.
They are not Kurdish.
Nine = negative copula for 3rd plural (ne + -in + e).
Nexwîne! Bisekine!
Don't read! Wait!
Ne- for negative imperative. Bi- for positive imperative.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises