ნუთუ

Georgian

Etymology

From Old Georgian ნუთუ (nutu). Equivalent to ნუ (nu, negative particle) +‎ თუ (tu, “if”). Compare the similar development in Armenian միթե (mitʻe).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [nutʰu]
• Hyphenation: ნუ‧თუ

Particle

ნუთუ • (nutu)

1. Used in interrogative sentences to add a nuance of doubt, surprise, or astonishment, implying that the speaker thinks of the circumstance as improbable.

   Synonym: განა (gana)

   ნუთუ მართლა წავიდა? ― nutu martla c̣avida? ― Surely he hasn't really left?

2. (sarcastic) oh really

Further reading

• Vogt, Hans (1971), Grammaire de la langue géorgienne‎ (in French), Oslo: Universitetsforlaget, page 214