dah
The English word "no" is expressed as dah in Apache.
dah is used as a particle to show disagreement or negation.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Did you know?
- Apache is part of the Athabaskan language family, which means its logic for negation is more similar to languages spoken in Alaska than to those of its neighbors in the Southwest.
- Apache verbs are so complex that a single word can contain the subject, the object, and the 'no' all bundled together in one long string of sounds.
- The Apache language has several different ways to express negation depending on whether the speaker is denying a fact or refusing a request.
Example conversation
Sarah is asking Michael if he is tired.
- SarahKʼééʼyááh, níyááł ałtsé?Are you tired already?
- MichaelDah, tʼáá kʼai.No, not at all.
- SarahKʼééʼyááh, níyááł nídaá?Are you sure?
- MichaelDah, áshį́į́h.No, I am not.
