جب تک ... نہ
Unless a Necessary Condition Is Met
This cannot happen → until that happens.
How It Works
In a sentence such as جب تک جواب نہ آئے، فیصلہ نہیں ہو سکتا, the decision cannot happen before the answer arrives. English may translate the relationship with “until” or “unless.”
The نہ clause marks the condition that has not yet been met. Do not translate نہ in isolation as a requirement for the event never to happen.
This describes a necessary condition. It does not guarantee that the result will occur as soon as the condition is met; other conditions may still matter.
Examples (4)
- جب تک اجازت نہ ملے، ہم اندر نہیں جا سکتے۔
We cannot go inside unless we get permission.
Permission is required before entry.
- جب تک رقم جمع نہ ہو، بکنگ مکمل نہیں ہو گی۔
The booking will not be complete until the payment is deposited.
The payment must happen, despite نہ in its clause.
- جب تک سب لوگ نہ آئیں، اجلاس شروع نہ کیجیے۔
Please do not begin the meeting until everyone arrives.
The condition sets a limit on a polite instruction.
- جب تک تم خود کوشش نہ کرو، یہ کام نہیں سیکھ سکتے۔
You cannot learn this task unless you try it yourself.
Trying is necessary, but the sentence does not promise instant learning.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Recognize the until construction and the role of its internal negative. Use a subjunctive for an event that is still pending.
Related Patterns
Words in This Pattern
Practice جب تک ... نہ in Bubblegum
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