pagh

tlh
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zero, 0, nothing, none, nobody
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/pʰɑɣ/
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The idea of zero or complete absence, with a separate grammatical use that sets one clause against another as an either-or choice.
Practice using pagh in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • lumtaHvIS, pagh ta'.
    While he procrastinates, he accomplishes nothing.
  • taH pagh taHbe'.
    To continue or not to continue.
  • bIjegh pagh bIHegh.
    You surrender or you die.
  • pagh ghaj HoD.
    The captain has nothing.
  • qep paghDIch luqel.
    They discuss the zeroth meeting.

Similar words

Meanings

Zero

noun
numbers
neutral
The number 0, indicating that no members of a counted set are present. Like other Klingon numbers, it precedes the noun it counts and can take number suffixes such as -logh and -DIch.

Usage

Use numerical pagh before a counted noun, as in pagh Duj “zero ships.” Add -logh for zero times and -DIch for the special zeroth form.

Examples

  • pagh tlhIngan pawpu'.
    Zero Klingons arrived.
  • pagh paq Daje'pu'.
    You bought zero books.
  • pagh jagh DIHoHpu'.
    We killed zero enemies.
  • paghlogh jIjeghpu'.
    I have surrendered zero times.
  • qep paghDIch luqel.
    They discuss the zeroth meeting.

Common mistakes

The number is placed after its noun by analogy with an ordinal, although ordinary cardinal numbers precede the noun.
IncorrectCorrect
Duj pagh wIghaj pagh Duj wIghaj

Similar words

Nothing or nobody

noun
quantity
neutral
The absence of any thing or person, used as a noun in the normal subject or object position. The context decides whether the natural English equivalent is “nothing,” “none,” or “nobody.”

Usage

Use nominal pagh wherever “nothing” or “nobody” fills a noun slot. Do not add a separate negative suffix merely because English often pairs these ideas with a negative verb.

Examples

  • chaH tu'laH pagh.
    Nobody can find them.
  • lumtaHvIS, pagh ta'.
    While he procrastinates, he accomplishes nothing.
  • pagh vIlegh.
    I see nothing.
  • pagh ghaj HoD.
    The captain has nothing.
  • pagh Sov yaS.
    The officer knows nothing.

Common mistakes

A counted noun is added when the intended object is simply “nothing,” changing the meaning to a numerical quantity.
IncorrectCorrect
pagh Duj vIlegh pagh vIlegh

Similar words

Either or between clauses

conjunction
language
neutral
A sentence conjunction presenting two alternatives, normally understood as an exclusive choice. It stands between the clauses it connects, unlike ghap, which joins noun phrases.

Usage

Use conjunction pagh between two clauses when one alternative or the other is meant. Use ghap for alternatives that are nouns and qoj when both options may remain possible.

Examples

  • taH pagh taHbe'.
    To continue or not to continue.
  • bIjegh pagh bIHegh.
    You surrender or you die.
  • Duj wIHIv pagh juH wIchegh.
    We attack the ship or we return home.
  • jagh HoH HoD pagh jagh jon.
    The captain kills the enemy or captures the enemy.
  • tlhIngan Hol Dajatlh pagh bItam.
    You speak Klingon or you are silent.

Common mistakes

The noun conjunction ghap is used between complete clauses instead of the sentence conjunction.
IncorrectCorrect
bIjegh ghap bIHegh bIjegh pagh bIHegh

Similar words

Usage

Context and position distinguish pagh as the number zero, a noun for nothing or nobody, or a conjunction between alternative clauses.

Common mistakes

Duj pagh wIghaj puts an ordinary number after its noun, while “we have zero ships” is pagh Duj wIghaj.

Etymology

FAQ

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