N2124/217

動詞の未然形 + ぬ

Meanings

  • Classical negative marker
  • Classical verb negation (not)
  • Literary negation auxiliary used with the irrealis form of verbs

About this pattern

Explanation

ぬ is a classical (literary) negative auxiliary that attaches to the 未然形 (irrealis form) of a verb to indicate negation. It is primarily found in classical Japanese texts, poetry, or stylized modern writings. It carries a stronger, more formal or archaic nuance than ない, and can also convey a sense of negation in general statements or narration in old literature. In modern usage, it can appear in historical dramas or quotes to evoke antiquity. ぬ is not used in everyday conversation in contemporary Japanese.

Learn in context

Example sentences

彼はそれを語はぬ。

He will not say that.

この謎は誰も解くぬ。

No one can solve this mystery (in the classical sense).