che
The Sesotho word for no is che.
che is a particle used to express negation or to show disagreement with a statement or question.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
While che is used for negation, the word e is used for affirmation (yes).
Did you know?
- In many Sesotho speaking communities, saying che too bluntly to an elder can be seen as disrespectful. A polite person might instead use a softer tone or a phrase that implies a reluctant 'no' to maintain social harmony.
- If you are trying to say 'not' in a grammatical sense, such as 'I am not eating', the word che is often replaced by a specific negative prefix within the verb itself.
- In Sesotho, there is a distinction between denying a fact and refusing a request. While che handles the former, specific verb forms are used to express a refusal to do something.
Examples in context
- Che, ha ke batle.No, I do not want to.
- O se ke wa nthetsa, che.Don't bother me, no.
- Che, ha ke tsebe.No, I don't know.
Example conversation
Thabo asks Lerato if she is tired.
- ThaboNa u khathetse, Lerato?Are you tired, Lerato?
- LeratoChe, ke ntse ke na le matla.No, I still have energy.
- ThaboNa reye ka lapeng hona joale?Are we going home right now?
- LeratoEe, a re yeng.Yes, let's go.
