• ValiantDust@feddit.org
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    13 days ago

    “Doch” is used to negate a negative question. So basically you are saying “Yes, I am afraid.”, but in one word. (Or is the correct negation “No, I am afraid.”? It’s really very confusing in English.)

    • Longpork3@lemmy.nz
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      12 days ago

      English actualy did have terms for that, they just got a bit bastardised with “yea” and “nay” dropping out of common speech:

      Will they not go? — Yes, they will.

      Will they not go? — No, they will not.

      Will they go? — Yea, they will.

      Will they go? — Nay, they will not.