Language/Yue-chinese/Grammar/Negation
Hi Yue Chinese learners! π
In this lesson, we will learn about negation in Yue Chinese. This is an important aspect of language learning, as it allows us to express negative opinions, ideas, and thoughts in our conversations.
Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Nouns, Yue Chinese Grammar β Final Review β Comprehensive Review, Describing Actions & 0 to A1 Course.
Basic Negation with ε[edit | edit source]
In Yue Chinese, one of the most common ways to express negation is by using the word "ε" (mou). This word is equivalent to the English word "no" or "not". We use it in conjunction with verbs or adjectives to create negative sentences. To make a negative statement, follow this pattern:
Verb / adjective + ε
For example:
Yue Chinese | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
ει£ | mou5 sik6 | Not eating |
ει’ | mou5 cin2 | No money |
εθ¬η²ε£ | mou5 gong2 cou1 hau2 | Not speaking profanity |
Here's a dialogue between two people. Notice how the verb "ι£" (to eat) is negated using "ε".
- Person 1: δ½ ι£εεοΌ (nei5 sik6 zo2 mou5?) (Have you eaten?)
- Person 2: εοΌζει£γ (mou5, ngo5 mou5 sik6.) (No, I haven't eaten.)
Negating with ε[edit | edit source]
Another common way to express negation in Yue Chinese is by using the character "ε" (m4). This particle functions as a basic negator for verbs, indicating the negative tense, similar to the word "do not" in English. The structure of negation with ε is:
ε + Verb
For example:
Yue Chinese | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
εε | m4 haam3 | Not crying |
ει£ | m4 sik6 | Not eating |
εε» | m4 heoi3 | Not going |
Here's another dialogue between two people, this time using "ε" to negate the verb "ι£" (to eat).
- Person 1: δ½ ι£εεοΌ (nei5 sik6 zo2 mou5?) (Have you eaten?)
- Person 2: εοΌζει£γ (m4, ngo5 mou5 sik6.) (No, I haven't eaten.)
Negation with εεΎ[edit | edit source]
"εεΎ" (mou5 dak1) is another common way to negate something in Yue Chinese. This phrase expresses the idea of "cannot" or "not able to". It is often used with verbs to indicate that someone is not able to do something. The structure of negation with εεΎ is:
Verb + εεΎ
For example:
Yue Chinese | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
ζΎεε° | wan2 m4 dou2 | Cannot find |
εεΎι£ | mou5 dak1 sik6 | Cannot eat |
η©εε° | waan2 m4 dou2 | Cannot play |
Here's a dialogue between two people. Notice how "εεΎ" is used to express that someone cannot eat.
- Person 1: δ½ ι£ει£εοΌ (nei5 sik6 m4 sik6 aa3?) (Are you going to eat?)
- Person 2: εεΎοΌζι£εε°γ (mou5 dak1, ngo5 sik6 m4 dou2.) (I can't eat, I cannot find anything to eat.)
Negation with εδΉ[edit | edit source]
"εδΉ" (mou5 mat1) is another way Yue Chinese speakers use to negate. It is equivalent to "nothing" or "not at all" in English. The structure of negation with εδΉ is:
Verb + εδΉ
For example:
Yue Chinese | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
εδΉι | mou5 mat1 je5 | Nothing |
εδΉη¨ | mou5 mat1 jung6 | Useless |
εδΉηΆι© | mou5 mat1 ging1 jim6 | No experience |
Here's another dialogue between two people, this time using "εδΉ" to negate the idea of having no money.
- Person 1: δ»ζ₯ε»εε»ι£ι£―οΌ(gam1 jat6 heoi3 m4 heoi3 sik6 faan6?) (Are you going to have dinner today?)
- Person 2: εδΉι’οΌεε»γ (mou5 mat1 cin2, m4 heoi3.) (I don't have any money, I won't go.)
Review and practice[edit | edit source]
Now that we have learned the different ways to express negation in Yue Chinese, it's time to practice. Here's a short exercise:
Translate the following sentences into Yue Chinese:
1. I don't want to go. 2. There's nothing to see here. 3. She cannot speak Cantonese. 4. He's not singing. 5. We don't have time.
Cultural Tips[edit | edit source]
In Cantonese culture, using negative language can be considered impolite or even offensive. When communicating with others, try to frame your thoughts in a positive light or use indirect language. Showing politeness is valued in Cantonese culture and can help build better relationships with others.
If you're interested in learning more about Yue Chinese grammar, check out the Grammar section on the Yue Chinese page. To improve your Yue Chinese grammar, you can also use Polyglot Club. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Sources[edit | edit source]
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Give your Opinion
- Pronouns
- How to Use Have
- Plurals
- Conditional Mood
- Adjectives
- Future Tense
- Nouns
- Questions