nedda
The English word "no" is translated into Luganda as nedda.
nedda is a particle used to express disagreement or to indicate negation.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
How does it change in a sentence?
As a particle, nedda does not change its form based on the subject or the tense of the sentence.
Did you know?
- When answering a question that starts with a negative, such as 'You are not coming?', a speaker might use yee (meaning 'yes') to agree that they are indeed not coming.
- Luganda distinguishes between nedda, used for disagreeing with a statement, and taliyo, which is used to say 'no' when meaning 'there is none' or 'he is not here'.
- In traditional Luganda culture, saying nedda too bluntly to an elder can be seen as disrespectful, so speakers often cushion the negation with a title like Ssebo (sir) or Nyabo (madam).
Example conversation
Nantongo is asking Ssebo if he has finished the work.
- NantongoOmalidde omulimu?Have you finished the work?
- SseboNedda, nkyali ku mukyukye.No, I am still on it.
- NantongoOnyinyiridde?Are you tired?
- SseboNedda, nkyali bulungi.No, I am still fine.
