ná (02_Particles in Asaxi)
ná
Grammatical function
- Particle type: High Binding Particle (Polarity)
- Function: Negative Polarity Marker
- Meaning: “Not”, “No”, “Non-”. Used to negate actions, states, and facts.
Usage Notes (Positional Shifts)
1. Standard Negation (Suffix) In the Unmarked Non-Past tense, ná attaches to the end of the verb or predicate.
- Structure:
[Verb]-ná - Example: To wo shěsonůná. (“I do not read.“)
2. Tensed Negation (Infix) When a Tense Prefix (zè-, pa-) is present, ná migrates to the front of the verb root, sitting inside the tense frame.
- Structure:
[Tense] + ná + (x) + [Root] - Example: To wo pazènáshěsonů. (“I will not have read.“)
3. Stative Fusion (nè-) When negating Pure Existence (xi), ná fuses with the root to form nè.
- Structure:
ná+xi→ nè. - Example: nèŕa (Is not / Does not exist).
- Note: For all other Stative Verbs (e.g.,
niŕa,gapoŕa),náremains distinct as a prefix (e.g., nániŕa).
4. Prohibitive Mood (Command) Used with the Imperative particle hè to forbid an action.
- Structure:
[Verb] + ná + hè - Example: Aśùnáhè! (“Do not walk!“)
Pronunciation
IPA: /nɑ/
Example sentences
Standard: To wo aśùná. I do not walk.
Tensed: To wo zènâxijo. I did not see. (Note: ná + x + ijo).
Conditional (Unless): John aśù chěná… Unless John walks… (Lit: if-not John walks).
Antonyms
- xă (Yes / Indeed).