Language/Sundanese/Grammar/Negation
Hi Sundanese learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn how to negate a sentence in Sundanese language. Negation is an important aspect of any language’s grammar as it helps us express a negative meaning. Let's dive into the world of Sundanese language and explore the negation pattern in it.
Take some time to dive into these other pages after completing this lesson: Pronouns, How to Use Be & Adjectives.
Negation in Sundanese[edit | edit source]
Negation in Sundanese language is done by placing the word 'Henteu' or 'Teu' before the verb. 'Henteu' is a more formal way of negation while 'Teu' can be used in informal contexts. The verb in negation pattern takes the affix 'Teu-' before the root word.
Here's an example:
| Sundanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Abdi | ['ab.di] | I |
| mangga | ['ma.ŋga] | eat |
| henteu | [hǝn.'tǝw] | not |
| makan | ['ma.kan] | eating |
So when we add 'Henteu' to negate the sentence, it becomes "Abdi henteu makan" which means "I am not eating". Similarly, if we use 'Teu', the negation pattern become "Abdi teu makan".
Let's look at some more examples:
| Sundanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Kumaha | [ku.'ma.ha] | How |
| kabare | [kǝ.'ba.ré] | are you |
| Henteu | [hǝn.'tǝw] | not |
| geulis | [gǝ.'wis] | fine (beautiful) |
So when we add 'Henteu' to negate the sentence, it becomes "Kumaha kabare henteu geulis" which means "How are you not fine?". Similarly, if we use 'Teu', the negation pattern becomes "Kumaha kabare teu geulis".
Double Negation[edit | edit source]
In Sundanese language, double negation is often used to intensify a negative meaning. Double negation is done by putting the word ‘euweuh’ after the verb, which roughly means ‘nothing’.
Here's an example:
| Sundanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Abdi | ['ab.di] | I |
| kapangan | [ka.pa.'ŋan] | eat |
| Teu | [tǝw] | not |
| euweuh | [ǝw.'wɛ.ʊh] | nothing |
| mayar | ['ma.jar] | also |
| duit | ['dǝ.wit] | money |
So when we add 'euweuh' to the negation pattern, it becomes "Abdi teu kapangan euweuh mayar duit" which means "I am not eating anything also no money". It is important to note that double negation is used for emphasis and should not be confused with the standard negation pattern.
Examples in Conversation[edit | edit source]
Here are some examples of negation in conversation:
- Person 1: Abdi henteu sareng saung **(I'm not with anyone)**
- Person 2: Anjeun loba **(You're lying)**
- Person 1: Naon urang bade ngajawab? **(What are we going to answer?)**
- Person 2: Henteu ngan, abdi teu ngarti **(I don't know, I don't understand)**
- Person 1: Aya taeun hasil belajar sok aya ujian **(There will be an exam at the end of the learning year)**
- Person 2: Abdi teu cepet hasil belajar **(I'm not quick in learning)**
Practice[edit | edit source]
Try to practice negation by forming your own sentences. Here are a few examples to get you started:
| Sundanese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Anjeun | [an.'dʒɛn] | You |
| maju | ['ma.dʒu] | go ahead |
| Teu | [tǝw] | not |
| saha | ['sa.ha] | who |
| ngomong | talk | |
| Henteu | [hǝn.'tǝw] | not |
1. Anjeun teu maju? **(Aren’t you going ahead?)** 2. Saha henteu ngomong? **(Who isn’t talking?)**
Further Learning[edit | edit source]
To improve your Sundanese 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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➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎