Negation

Negation

Ekspi forms negation with the prefix ne’.

1. Basic Negation

ne’ is placed directly before the main verb.

• somes = eat

• ne’somes = not eat / do not eat

The prefix does not change according to the subject, tense, or number.

2. Negation with Subjects

The subject stays in its normal position.

• eu ne’somes = I do not eat

• tu ne’somes = you do not eat

• peo ne’somes = he does not eat

• pea ne’somes = she does not eat

3. Negation with the Past Tense

When the past auxiliary da is used, ne’ comes directly before the main verb.

Subject + da + ne’ + verb

• eu da ne’somes = I did not eat

• peo da ne’somes = he did not eat

4. Negation with the Future Tense

When the future auxiliary va is used, ne’ also comes directly before the main verb.

Subject + va + ne’ + verb

• eu va ne’somes = I will not eat

• ulo va ne’somes = we will not eat

5. Rule Summary

ne’ always attaches directly to the main verb.

The tense auxiliary remains separate:

• Present: ne’ + verb

• Past: da + ne’ + verb

• Future: va + ne’ + verb

The verb itself does not change when negated.