Sumerian Addenda · Signs

𒉡NU · [nu] · not — the negation

not

Where it comes from

Three wedges — among the simplest signs of the whole Sumerian course — and pure function: nu is the negation. Set before a verb it flips the sentence flat: zu “known,” nu-zu “unknown”; ak “done,” nu-ak “not done.”

How to remember it

Not is a small bar across the door: three strokes, no ceremony, entry denied. The smallest signs carry the largest switches — this one turns any statement off.

In the wild

Piece by piece:

• nu- — not
• ak — done, made

Two signs, and a deed is undone. The negation is taught in 102’s chapter 08.

Easily confused