نه
në/nə/
The English word "no" is translated into Pashto as نه (në).
نه is a particle used to express negation or to show disagreement.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is në and the IPA is /nə/.
Did you know?
- While نه is the standard way to negate a sentence, simply saying 'no' to an elder in Pashto culture can be seen as blunt or even disrespectful.
- In many Pashto-speaking regions, instead of saying a flat 'no', people may use a subtle gesture, such as a slight upward tilt of the head or a clicking sound, to signify disagreement.
- The Pashto نه shares the same ancient Indo-European root as the English word 'no', the Latin 'non' and the Greek 'ne'.
Examples in context
- هیڅ سوک ځما اوښکی نه وینی.No one sees my tears.This sentence demonstrates how to use the form نه in a negative statement.Tatoeba #7875993 by rahimikdr, translation #3450254 by Plusquamperfekt
- نه، زه نه ځم.na, za na zam.No, I am not going.
Example conversation
Khan is asking Maryam if she wants tea.
- خان Khanمریم، آیا چای غواړې؟Maryam, aya chay ghware?Maryam, do you want tea?
- مریم Maryamنه، مننه خان.Na, manana Khan.No, thank you Khan.
- خان Khanنو اوبه څښې؟No obe tskshe?So, will you drink water?
- مریم Maryamهو، لږه اوبه راکړه.Ho, lga obe rakra.Yes, give me some water.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry نه, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries نه, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
