ぬ
(nu)
Not (classical/formal negative form)
Usage Frequency
RARE
N2
JLPT
ぬ
(nu)
Not (classical/formal negative form)
Usage Frequency
RARE
N2
JLPT
Definition
An old-fashioned or classical form for negating verbs, equivalent to '〜ない' in modern Japanese.
How to Use
Verb stem + ぬ
Common Usage
This form is more archaic and not commonly used in modern Japanese.
Context, Limitations and Specificities
When to use?
Used in classical Japanese literature or to give a poetic or old-fashioned feel.
Limitations and specificities
Not used in modern conversational Japanese.
Primarily found in written texts rather than spoken language.
Limited to verb negation.
Example Sentences
彼は決して諦めぬ。
かれはけしてあきらめぬ。
Kare wa keshite akirame nu.
He never gives up.
泳がぬ魚。
およがぬさかな。
Oyoganu sakana.
A fish that does not swim.
聞こえぬ声。
きこえぬこえ。
Kikoenu koe.
A voice that cannot be heard.
雨が止まぬ。
あめがやまぬ。
Ame ga yamanu.
The rain does not stop.
物語は終わらぬ。
ものがたりはおわらぬ。
Monogatari wa owaranu.
The story does not end.
君は忘れぬ。
きみはわすれぬ。
Kimi wa wasurenu.
You do not forget.
花は枯れぬ。
はなはかれぬ。
Hana wa karenu.
The flower does not wither.
風は吹かぬ。
かぜはふかぬ。
Kaze wa fukanu.
The wind does not blow.
星は消えぬ。
ほしはきえぬ。
Hoshi wa kienu.
The star does not vanish.
音は聞こえぬ。
おとはきこえぬ。
Oto wa kikoenu.
The sound cannot be heard.