sing
In Balinese, "no" is expressed as sing.
sing is used as a particle to express negation, typically used to negate verbs or adjectives.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
How does it change in a sentence?
To create an emphatic negation meaning "not at all" or "no way", you can add the particle ja to the word to form sing ja.
Did you know?
- In highly ritualized ceremonies, even the concept of 'no' is handled with extreme care to avoid bringing 'bad energy' or disharmony to the spiritual space through blunt rejection.
- In many Balinese social contexts, a person might avoid saying sing altogether to be polite, opting for a hesitant silence or a non-committal shrug instead. A direct 'no' can be perceived as unnecessarily blunt in traditional etiquette.
- The emphatic sing ja can be used sarcastically to mean 'as if' or 'yeah, right' in casual street speech.
Examples in context
- Sing.No.
- Sing nawang.I don't know.
- Sing dadi.It is not allowed.
Example conversation
Made and Nyoman are talking about eating together.
- MadeMade, jagi ngajeng mangkin?Made, do you want to eat now?
- NyomanSing, tiang kantun kenyang.No, I am still full.
- MadeYening kenten, tiang ngajeng pidarta.In that case, I will eat later.
- NyomanNggih, matur suksma.Yes, thank you.
