ܢ-

Assyrian Neo-Aramaic

Etymology

Possibly dissimilated from ܐܸܢ (in, “if”). (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.).

Pronunciation

• (Standard) IPA^(key): [nə.]

Adverb

ܢ- • (n-)

1. indicating desire or permission may (used with the imperative)

   ܢܢܵܨܚܝܼܬܘܿܢ ܥܲܠ ܐܵܓ݂ܘܿܢܵܐ ܐܸܕܠܲܝܠܹܐ ― n-nāṣḥīton ʿal āḡonā idlaylē ― May you win the game tonight

   ܢܗܵܢܹܐ ܠܘܼܟ݂ ― n-hānē luḵ! ― bon appetit (literally, “May it benefit you.”)

Usage notes

• In many dialects of colloquial Assyrian Neo-Aramaic, this is considered formal and more common in various fixed expressions. Instead the imperative or -ܕ (-d) is used.