Chapter 5.1 Negation in Tamil

Negation can happen as a question, a command, or as a negative sentence. We will take a look at each of these separately. As we have seen so far the verb takes on the suffixes to denote negation in Tamil. The tense of the sentence decides the kind of suffix used for the negation. In Tamil, the infinitive form of a verb is formed in one of two ways, according to whether a verb is ‘strong’ or ‘weak.’ In forming the infinitive, the ‘strong’ verbs normally take the suffix க்க whereas weak verbs take அ.

In Tamil there are different ways to express negation. Let us look at these one at a time. We are only learning what is essential for the novice level in this chapter.

The word for “NO” in Tamil is இல்லை (illai).

Any sentence can be negated by adding this to the end of it. Here the English equivalent is “not”.

இல்லை also means “did not”. Note that this is when it is used in past tense. In spoken Tamil, the word இல்லை gets shortened to “லெ” (le) when used in past tense

Note: Here, the spoken ‘le” for negation should not be confused for the case suffix “LE” to mean “in”.

For future tense negation ”will not”, we use the infinitive form of the verb along with +மாட்ட + gender/number suffix.

For expressing “should not” and “must not” we use the suffix கூடாது. This is actually an auxiliary verb. It is the negative of the word கூடும் that means it is possible. The suffix +ஆது is added to it to make it a negation meaning “should not”. Here the word ends with கூடது; there are no other suffixes added to it.

For commands and requests depending on a verb and saying “do not”, we add +அதே for singular without respect +ஆதீர்கள்(ஆதீங்க spoken) respective plural/request to the infinitive verb. This is explained by the following examples.

The suffix +ஆது added to verbs express the inability to do that action. This can be used in all three tenses and also sometimes a secondary verb is added to convey a different meaning.

முடியாது (I cannot) is the opposite of முடியும் (can).

தெரியாது (do not know) is the opposite of தெரியும் (know).

பிடிக்காது (do not like) is the opposite of பிடிக்கும் (like).

These three words are important in expressing likes and dislikes.

Cultural Note About Expressing Dislikes: 

Tamil culture is based on humbleness. You will see many people who are wealthy and hold high positions be very humble and not show their status. Though status is important in society, the Tamil people do not like to show off. One must be very careful when expressing one’s dislikes or while refusing hospitality. In Tamil culture, guests are akin to gods. Understanding the difference between hospitality and invasion of privacy can be difficult if you are from the western culture. The rules of privacy are quite different in Tamil Nadu. Refusing to eat or to drink when visiting a family can be seen as snobbish. Explaining why you are doing so is essential. Stating “I have already eaten” when being offered food when you visit someone or saying “I will eat next time” is better than refusing to do so. Instead of simply stating “I do not like this”. It is best to be quiet unless it is something that will harm you in any way. This rule does not apply to shops and restaurants where you can state what you think in an appropriate way.

Activities for Learning Negation in Tamil:

Read these Tamil phrases aloud and record them into the box below.

நான் அவள் இல்லை
அவர் ஆசிரியர் இல்லை
அது எனுடையது இல்லை

அவன் வரவில்லை
அவர்கள் சாப்பிடவில்லை
அவள் பாடவில்லை

அவன் வரமாட்டான்
நான் அவனை பேச விடமாட்டேன்
ஆவள் அதை செய்யமாட்டாள்

நீங்கள் அதை சாப்பிடக்கூடாது
அவள் அவவை திட்டக்கூடாது
நான் இதை சொல்லக்கூடாது
நீ அங்கே போகக்கூடாது
அவர்கள் ஓடக்கூடாது

வராதீங்க
போகாதீங்க
சொல்லாதீங்க

Writing Practice:

Look at the table below, each row has one verb, one pronoun, one negative form and a verb. Use these three to make 10 negation phrases in Tamil. Write these sentences and turn them in to your teacher.