Language/Rundi/Grammar/Negating-Sentences
Negating sentences is a crucial aspect of any language, including Rundi. By negating sentences in Rundi, you can express disagreement or denial. In this lesson, you will learn how to negate sentences in Rundi, including the use of negative words and verb conjugations.
Negative Words
In Rundi, negative sentences are formed by adding a negative word to the sentence. The most common negative words in Rundi are "niba" and "nti". They both have the same meaning of "not" or "no."
Here is a table with some examples:
| Rundi | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ubuhamya ntabwo bwamaze | u.bu.ha.mjɑ n.tɑ.bwɔ bwa.ma.ze | The story is not finished yet |
| Nti hari impuhwe zindihe | n.ti hɑ.ɾi im.pu.hwe zin.di.he | There are no ripe bananas here |
| Niba arabona, aza atanga | ni.ba ɑ.ɾɑ.bo.nɑ, ɑ.ʒɑ ɑ.tɑ.ŋɑ | If he doesn't see it, he won't give it. |
Note that "nti" is used when negating verbs, while "niba" is used when negating entire sentences, usually in conditional phrases.
Negating Verbs
To negate verbs in Rundi, use the negative word "nti" before the verb in the present tense:
- Mfise ntibona. (I don't see him/her.)
- Ntibaroye inzu. (They didn't build the house.)
- Ntituzobona. (We won't see each other.)
In the past tense, "nti" is placed before the auxiliary verb "yari" to create the negative form:
- Nti yari asize. (He didn't help.)
- Nti yari avuye. (She didn't come out.)
In the future tense, "nti" is placed before the verb "kuba":
- Nti ntuzokubona. (We won't see each other.)
- Nti nuzokuba urya. (You won't eat that.)
Negating Sentences with Niba
In conditional phrases, use the negative word "niba" to negate the entire sentence. Here's how to make a sentence negative with "niba":
- Niba ntakwubaha, ntakwubatira. (If I don't love you, I won't marry you.)
- Niba yagerageza, ntiyakwifuriza. (If he doesn't finish quickly, he won't receive a reward.)
- Niba ntakwubaka, ntakwubahiriza. (If I don't love you, I won't even greet you.)
In the same way, "niba" can also be used to negate sentences with "andihamagara" (I hope) or "tuzogusigara" (let's hope).
- Niba utabona, ntahindura. (If you don't see it, don't touch it.)
- Niba Bidenzeye akazuba, ntangara. (If Bidenzeye doesn't come early, don't wait.)
Conclusion
Negating sentences is a crucial aspect of any language, and in Rundi, it is no different. By using the right negative words and verb conjugations, you can express disagreement or denial with ease. Keep practicing negating sentences, and you will be well on your way to mastering Rundi grammar.
Other Lessons
- Noun Classes
- Using Prepositions
- Give your Opinion
- Alphabet and Pronunciation
- How to Use Be
- Conditional Mood
- Adjectives
- Plurals
- Questions