nā
In Old English, the word for 'no' is nā.
nā is a particle used to express negation or to show disagreement.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
What does it mean word for word?
The particle nā is a combination of the negative particle ne and the adverb ā (meaning always or ever), so it literally translates to 'never' or 'not ever'.
Which one should you use?
While nā is the particle used for disagreement or negation, the related form nān is a determiner meaning 'not any' or 'none'.
Related words
Did you know?
- Old English frequently used 'double negatives' for emphasis, such as combining nā with another negative word. Unlike modern standard English, this did not cancel out the negation but made it stronger.
- The word nā reflects a common Germanic pattern of combining a negative particle with a word for 'ever' to create a strong 'no'.
- The word nā shares its DNA with the modern English word 'never', which also combines 'not' and 'ever'.
Examples in context
- Nā! Hit nis sōþ.No! It's not true.This example shows how to use nā to express disagreement with a statement.Tatoeba #13880364 by rul, translation #12869408 by rul
- Nis þǣr nān nyt on.There's no benefit to this.This example demonstrates the use of nān as a determiner.Tatoeba #13893518 by rul, translation #13342195 by rul
- Nā, ic eom þīn fæder.No, I am your father.This example shows nā being used to negate a claim about one's identity.Tatoeba #13880382 by rul, translation #10028900 by espamatics
- Hēo cwæð: "Nā, ic ne wylle þæt dōn."She said: "No, I don't want to do that."
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Eadgyth asks Æthelstan if he is hungry.
- EadgythEart þu hungrig, Æthelstan?Are you hungry, Æthelstan?
- ÆthelstanNā, ic eom full.No, I am full.
- EadgythWilt þū hwæt drincan?Do you want to drink something?
- ÆthelstanNā, ic ne wille.No, I do not want to.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
