Negation

How to say 'no' and negate sentences

Overview

Negation in Bisaya uses different words depending on what you're negating. The main negation words are 'dili', 'wala', and 'ayaw'. Each has a specific use: • DILI - negates future actions, adjectives, and nouns • WALA - negates past/completed actions and existence • AYAW - used for negative commands (don't!)

Examples

Dili ko mokaon

I will not eat

💡 'Dili' negates future actions - things that haven't happened yet

Wala ko kakaon

I didn't eat / I haven't eaten

💡 'Wala' negates past actions - things that didn't happen

Ayaw kaon!

Don't eat!

💡 'Ayaw' is used for negative commands/imperatives

Wala siya diri

He/She is not here

💡 'Wala' also negates existence or presence

Dili maayo

Not good

💡 'Dili' negates adjectives

Dili ko estudyante

I am not a student

💡 'Dili' negates nouns/identity statements

Wala koy kwarta

I don't have money

💡 'Wala' + pronoun + 'y' for 'don't have'

💡 Tips to Remember

•Use 'dili' for negating adjectives, nouns, and future actions
•Use 'wala' for negating past actions, existence, and possession
•Use 'ayaw' for telling someone NOT to do something (commands)
•'Wala' + pronoun + 'y' = don't have: 'Wala koy oras' (I don't have time)
•'Dili' can also mean 'not' in general statements

Markers (Ang, Ug, Sa)

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