ne- + imperative
Negative Commands
Write ne- together with the command: Nevėluok! (Don't be late!), Nerūkykite. (Do not smoke.), Nesijaudink. (Don't worry.)
How It Works
Simple verbs
vėluok → nevėluok, rūkykite → nerūkykite, bijok → nebijok (don't be afraid). It works the same with -kime: nepamirškime (let's not forget).
Reflexive verbs
In an unprefixed reflexive verb, the reflexive ending leaves the end of the word and goes right after ne-: jaudinkis → nesijaudink, rūpinkitės → nesirūpinkite. If the verb has a prefix, -si- is already inside and nothing moves: atsisėsk → neatsisėsk. See Reflexive -si- After a Prefix.
Objects go into the genitive
After a negative command, a direct object normally takes the genitive: Pamiršk raktus → Nepamiršk raktų! (Don't forget the keys!) See Genitive After Negation.
Other negative words
Words like niekam and niekada still need ne- on the verb: Niekam nesakyk. (Don't tell anyone.) See Negative Words With Ne-.
Spelling
Ne- is written together with verbs. It is written apart only when you contrast two things: Ne rašyk, o skaityk. (Don't write, read.)
Examples (6)
- Nevėluok!
Don't be late!
Word by Word: Don't-be-late!
- Nerūkykite.
Do not smoke.
Word by Word: Don't-smoke.
- Nesijaudink, viskas bus gerai.
Don't worry, everything will be fine.
Word by Word: Don't-worry, everything will-be well.
Jaudintis is reflexive, so -si- moves to sit after ne-.
- Nepamiršk raktų!
Don't forget the keys!
Word by Word: Don't-forget keys!
The object is in the genitive, raktų, because the command is negative.
- Niekam nesakyk.
Don't tell anyone.
Word by Word: To-nobody don't-tell.
- Nebijok, šuo nekanda.
Don't be afraid, the dog doesn't bite.
Word by Word: Don't-fear, dog doesn't-bite.
Common Mistakes
Writing ne as a separate word.
Ne vėluok!Nevėluok!Ne- is joined to the verb. It is written apart only when you contrast two actions.
Leaving the reflexive ending at the end.
Nejaudinkis!Nesijaudink!In a negative command, -si- moves to sit right after ne-: nesijaudink.
Keeping the object in the accusative.
Nepamiršk raktus!Nepamiršk raktų!After a negated verb, the direct object normally goes into the genitive: raktų.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Negative commands combine command forms with ordinary negation rules.
- Commands: -k, -kiteCommands with -k and -kite
Recognize the command form before negating it.
Level 3 - Genitive After Negation
Know that verbal negation normally changes an accusative object to genitive.
Level 2 - Reflexive -si- After a Prefix
Place the reflexive marker after ne- in a reflexive negative command.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- ne- + verbNegation with Ne-
The same ne- makes ordinary verbs negative and is written together with them.
Level 1 - Reflexive -siReflexive Verbs in -si
Unprefixed reflexive verbs move -si- after ne-: nesijaudink. A prefixed verb keeps its existing internal position.
Level 2 - niekas / niekada + ne-Negative Words with Ne-
Niekam and niekada still need ne- on the verb: Niekam nesakyk.
Level 2 - Commands: -kimeLet's with -kime
Ne- also makes let's negative: nepamirškime.
Level 3
Practice ne- + imperative in Bubblegum
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