na
In Kurdish, "no" is expressed as na or ne.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Ways to say it
| Kurdish |
|---|
| na |
| ne |
Both forms are used as negative particles to show disagreement, express negation or negate verbs within a sentence.
Which one should you use?
While both forms serve as negative particles, their usage depends on the specific dialect being spoken or the grammatical structure required by the sentence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form na is a negative particle used to negate verbs or express general negation in a sentence. The form ne is also used as a negative particle, often appearing in specific grammatical constructions or certain dialects.
Did you know?
- In many Kurdish cultures, a slight upward tilt of the head accompanied by a clicking sound of the tongue can mean na without saying a word.
- In some Kurdish villages, it is common to respond to a request with a polite 'Inshallah' which can subtly signal na without explicitly refusing.
- The Kurdish words na and ne share a common ancestor with the English word 'no' and the Latin 'non'.
Examples in context
- Xirokên sor bê navik in.Red blood cells have no nucleus.This sentence demonstrates the use of na to express the absence of a nucleus.Tatoeba #9639545 by biyolojiyabikurdi, translation #8637436 by Eccles17
- Girîn kêra ti tiştê nayê.Crying is of no avail.This sentence shows how na can be used to express that something is of no avail.Tatoeba #10019982 by canistrophedon, translation #19570 by shekitten
- Tu hestiyek neşikestîbû.No bone was broken.This sentence uses ne to express negation regarding a broken bone.Tatoeba #9968909 by biyolojiyabikurdi, translation #3847273 by andrewgtreantos
- Na, min karê din heye.No, I have other work to do.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Aras asks Layla if she is tired.
- ArasTu westiyayî?Are you tired?
- LaylaNa, ez ne westiyayî me.No, I am not tired.
- ArasTu dixwazî em herin?Do you want us to go?
- LaylaNa, ez dixwazim bimînim.No, I want to stay.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries na, ne, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries na, ne, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
