Language/Kinyarwanda/Grammar/Negating-Sentences
Negating sentences in Kinyarwanda is an important part of understanding the language and being able to communicate effectively. In this lesson, you will learn different negative words and constructions used in Kinyarwanda.
Negative Words
In Kinyarwanda, there are several negative words that are commonly used in negating sentences. Here are some of the most important ones:
Nt --> Not
The word "nt" is used to negate a sentence. It can be added to the beginning of a sentence or after the subject. For example:
| Kinyarwanda | English |
|---|---|
| Ntugashyira ibyo uvuga hano | Do not say those things here |
Nti --> Not (reponse to a question)
The word "nti" is used to respond negatively to a yes/no question. It is always used in response to a question, not as a sentence starter. For example:
| Kinyarwanda | English | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Yewe, ukoresha imodoka? | Yes, do you use a car? | Nti, sinukoresha | No, I do not use one |
Nta --> Not any
The word "nta" is used to indicate "not any". It is used before the word it is negating. For example:
| Kinyarwanda | English |
|---|---|
| Ntago hari ibijumba hano | There are not any pineapples here |
Ntawundi --> Not another
The word "ntawundi" is used to indicate "not another", "not any other". It is used before the word it is negating. For example:
| Kinyarwanda | English | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ntawundi murugo rwose muli iki kigo? | Are all classrooms in this school? | Oya, ntago | No, not another |
Ntaho --> Not where
The word "ntaho" is used to indicate "not where". It is used before the word it is negating. For example:
| Kinyarwanda | English | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ntaho ibikoresho biwundi bifite ikinyabupfura? | Where can I find cheap clothes? | Oya, ntago hano | No, not here |
Ntago --> Not there
The word "ntago" is used to indicate "not there". It is used before the word it is negating. For example:
| Kinyarwanda | English | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ntago hari ibikoresho byiza? | Are there good clothes? | Oya, ntago | No, not there |
Negative Constructions
There are also different negative constructions that can be used to negate sentences in Kinyarwanda. Here are some of the most important ones:
Si --> Negative Imperative
The word "si" is used before the verb in an imperative sentence to make it negative. For example:
| Kinyarwanda | English |
|---|---|
| Simvura | Do not sleep |
Ntib --> Not/Virtual Future
The word "ntib" is used before the verb in a sentence to indicate that the action is not going to happen or is unlikely to happen. For example:
| Kinyarwanda | English |
|---|---|
| Ntibyabashije ibikorwa byifatwa | The work may not be done |
Ntabwo --> Not yet
The word "ntabwo" is used before the verb in a sentence to indicate that the action has not yet happened or will not happen soon. For example:
| Kinyarwanda | English |
|---|---|
| Ntabwo nagiye | I am not yet going there |
Ntiy --> Not yet/Still
The word "ntiy" is used before the verb in a sentence to indicate that the action has not yet started or is still ongoing. For example:
| Kinyarwanda | English |
|---|---|
| Ntiyatanze | I have not done it yet |
Ntit --> Not really/have not
The word "ntit" is used before the verb in a sentence to indicate that the action has not been done or is unlikely to be done. For example:
| Kinyarwanda | English |
|---|---|
| Ntitifuza kwibaruka hano | I do not really want to go back there |
Conclusion
Negating sentences in Kinyarwanda can be challenging, but with practice and patience, you will be able to master it. By understanding the different negative words and constructions used in the language, you will be able to communicate effectively and confidently with native speakers.
Other Lessons
- Describing Nouns
- How to Use Have
- Noun Classes
- Negation
- Conditional Mood
- 0 to A1 Course
- Plurals
- Personal Pronouns
- Asking Questions
- How to Use Be