ne
/nə/ particle A2- not (used alone to negate a verb, now chiefly with only a few particular verbs; see usage notes)
- not, no (used before a verb, with a coordinating negative element usually following; see usage notes)
- used in a subordinate clause before a subjunctive verb (especially when the main verb expresses doubt or fear) to provide extra overtones of doubt or uncertainty (but not negating its verb); the so-called "pleonastic" or "expletive" ne
- in comparative clauses usually translated with the positive sense of the subsequent negative · Apprendre le français est plus facile qu'on ne pense. Learning French is easier than you (might) think.
From the library
— Non, non, mon cher Edmond, mon fils, mon enfant, non ; mais je ne t'attendais pas, et la joie, le saisissement de te revoir ainsi à l'improviste… mon Dieu !
On dit toujours que la joie ne fait pas mal, et voilà pourquoi je suis entré ici sans préparation.
tu ne me quittes donc plus ?
n'est-ce pas plus que ne pouvait vraiment l'espérer un pauvre matelot comme moi ?
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