nj js

Egyptian

Etymology

nj (“not”) +‎ js (negative particle).

Pronunciation

• (modern Egyptological) IPA^(key): /ni is/
  • Conventional anglicization: ni is

Particle

1. and not, but not, rather than; introduces a word or phrase negated in contrast to the preceding word or phrase.
   • c. 1900 BCE, The Instructions of Ptahhotep (pPrisse/pBN 186–194) lines 6.1–6.2 (74–77):

     jr gm.k ḏꜣjsw m ꜣt.f m ḥwrw nj js mjtw.k m ꜣd(w) jb.k r.f ḫft ẖzz.f jmj sw r tꜣ ḫsf.f n.f ḏs.f

     If you find a disputant in the act who is an inferior and not your equal, don’t let yourself rage at him in accordance with his being wretched; set him aside (literally, “to the earth”) and he himself will punish himself.

2. unless, except
   • c. 1900 BCE, The Instructions of Kagemni (pPrisse/pBN 183) lines 1.2–1.3:

     spd dsw r th-mtn nn ḥn nj js ḥr zp.f

     Sharp are the knives against one who transgresses the path; there is no haste except at its proper time.

References

• James P[eter] Allen (2010) Middle Egyptian: An Introduction to the Language and Culture of Hieroglyphs, 2nd edition, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, →ISBN, page 126.
• Hoch, James (1997) Middle Egyptian Grammar, Mississauga: Benben Publications, →ISBN, page 123