मखु
makhu
The Newari word for "no" is मखु (makhu).
मखु is a particle used to express negation or to indicate disagreement with a statement or question.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
How do you pronounce it?
makhu
Did you know?
- When interacting with Newar speakers, a head wobble or a specific tilt of the head might actually communicate a 'no' or a disagreement even if the word मखु is not spoken.
- Because Newari was the primary language of the Kathmandu Valley for centuries, its ways of expressing negation influenced the local dialects of Nepali spoken in the region.
- The way negation is expressed in Newari can change significantly depending on the level of respect you are showing to the listener, a concept known as honorifics.
Example conversation
Rajesh and Maya are discussing a missing book.
- माया Mayaथुगु छगू पुस्तका खः?Thugu chagu pustaka kha?Is this your book?
- राजेश Rajeshमखु, थुगु जिगु मखु ।Makhu, thugu jigu makhu.No, this is not mine.
- माया Mayaछलां क्यना थुगु खः?Chhala kyna thugu kha?Is it the one you saw?
- राजेश Rajeshमखु, अथे मखु ।Makhu, athe makhu.No, it is not like that.
