ne
Meanings
Particle
1. not (used alone to negate a verb, now chiefly with only a few particular verbs; see usage notes) (literary)
2. not, no (used before a verb, with a coordinating negative element usually following; see usage notes)
3. 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
4. in comparative clauses usually translated with the positive sense of the subsequent negative
Examples37469
Le prince de France nous aime, celui d'Espagne ne cesse de nous secourir.
The prince of France loves us, that of Spain does not cease in helping us.
Apprendre le français est plus facile qu'on ne pense.
Learning French is easier than you (might) think.
L'amour s'en va, et le tien ne saurait durer.
Love goes away, and yours will not be able to last.
Je ne sais rien de plus odieux que l'hypocrisie.
I don't know anything more odious than hypocrisy.
Ah! mes cheveux blanchiront avant que ma tête ne tombe!
Oh! My hair will go white before my head falls!
Ne seriez-vous pas Tom ?
Aren't you Tom?