Language/Southern-betsimisaraka-malagasy/Grammar/Negation
Hi Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will be discussing the grammar of negation in Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy. Negation is an important part of any language, and it is essential to understand how to use it correctly in order to communicate effectively.
Negation in Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy is formed by adding the particle 'tsy' to the beginning of a sentence. This particle is used to indicate that the statement is false or untrue. For example:
| Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Tsy misy ny zaza | tsy mee-see nee za-za | There is no child |
| Tsy misy ny vahiny | tsy mee-see nee va-hee-nee | There is no man |
| Tsy misy ny vehivavy | tsy mee-see nee ve-hee-va-vee | There is no woman |
| Tsy misy ny trano | tsy mee-see nee tra-no | There is no house |
| Tsy misy ny lalana | tsy mee-see nee la-la-na | There is no road |
The particle 'tsy' can also be used to negate verbs. To do this, the particle is placed before the verb. For example:
| Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Tsy mahazo ny zaza | tsy ma-ha-zo nee za-za | The child does not eat |
| Tsy mifanaraka ny vahiny | tsy mee-fa-na-ra-ka nee va-hee-nee | The man does not understand |
| Tsy mampahory ny vehivavy | tsy ma-ma-pa-ho-ree nee ve-hee-va-vee | The woman does not speak |
| Tsy mamaly ny trano | tsy ma-ma-lee nee tra-no | The house does not stand |
| Tsy mampitombo ny lalana | tsy ma-ma-pee-tom-bo nee la-la-na | The road does not lead |
It is also possible to negate adjectives and adverbs in Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy. To do this, the particle 'tsy' is placed before the adjective or adverb. For example:
| Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Tsy mahatsiaro ny zaza | tsy ma-ha-tsee-a-ro nee za-za | The child is not happy |
| Tsy mazava ny vahiny | tsy ma-za-va nee va-hee-nee | The man is not strong |
| Tsy mampihorohoro ny vehivavy | tsy ma-ma-pee-ho-ro-ho-ro nee ve-hee-va-vee | The woman is not beautiful |
| Tsy mampanontany ny trano | tsy ma-ma-pa-no-tan-ny nee tra-no | The house is not big |
| Tsy mampanontany ny lalana | tsy ma-ma-pa-no-tan-ny nee la-la-na | The road is not long |
It is important to note that the particle 'tsy' cannot be used to negate nouns. For example, the sentence 'tsy misy ny zaza' (there is no child) is correct, but the sentence 'tsy zaza' (not a child) is incorrect.
Negation is an important part of any language, and it is essential to understand how to use it correctly in order to communicate effectively. With practice and dedication, you will soon be able to use negation correctly in your Southern Betsimisaraka Malagasy conversations.
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