Negative Wishes

Level 6

Nár can introduce a negative wish in suitable literary or formulaic constructions. Distinguish that use from past negative relative and complement clauses.

How It Works

Nár can introduce a negative wish in suitable literary or formulaic constructions. Distinguish that use from past negative relative and complement clauses.

Nár can introduce a negative wish, often in formulaic or literary language. The sentence expresses what the speaker hopes will not happen, rather than reporting a past negative event. This use must be distinguished from identical-looking nár in relative and reported clauses.

Examples (3)

  1. Nár laga Dia do lámh.

    May God not weaken your hand.

  2. Nár fheice tú a leithéid arís.

    May you never see the like again.

  3. Nár imí an t-ádh uait.

    May your luck not leave you.

How It Connects

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Negative WishesLevel 6

Learn This First

Contrast affirmative wishes with their negative subjunctive construction.

Words in This Pattern

nár