saan
The English phrase "no" is translated into Ilocano as saan.
Saan is used to show disagreement or negation. It can function as a standalone response meaning "no" or as a particle used to negate verbs and adjectives.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
Saan is the direct antonym of wen, which means "yes".
How does it change in a sentence?
When you use saan to negate a noun, it is often followed by the linker a to connect to that noun, resulting in the phrase saan a.
Did you know?
- When a speaker wants to say 'no' to a person's presence or existence rather than an action, they might use 'awnay' or 'awan' instead of 'saan'.
- In traditional Ilocano social etiquette, saying saan directly to an elder can be perceived as too blunt, so speakers often use indirect phrases to avoid a direct negation.
- The word 'saan' is actually a cognate of many other Austronesian words that denote 'not' or 'none', showing its deep roots in the regional linguistic family.
Examples in context
- Saan a takrot ni Tom.Tom is no coward.This sentence shows the use of saan to negate a noun.Tatoeba #4661331 by saluyot, translation #2648695 by CK
- Wen kadi dayta wenno saan?Is that a yes or no?This example demonstrates how to use saan in a question about choosing between yes or no.Tatoeba #4670058 by saluyot, translation #3413247 by CK
- Imbagam latta koma a saan.You could've said no.This sentence illustrates using saan as a standalone response.Tatoeba #4677361 by saluyot, translation #2646683 by CK
- Haanak nga uminom ti kape.I don't drink coffee.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maria asks Manuel if he is hungry.
- MariaManganen, Manuel? Mabisin kan?Let's eat, Manuel? Are you hungry?
- ManuelSaan, nabusog ak pay.No, I am still full.
- MariaSaan ka aya a kayat ti kanen?Is there nothing you want to eat?
- ManuelSaan, nabusog ak talaga.No, I am really full.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
