In English, the word “surprise” requires context to know whether it’s positive or negative. The only thing it definitely suggests is a lack of expectation of whatever happens. Sometimes also, lack of preparation for whatever happens.

Surprise birthday party. Surprise attack. Surprise scientific discovery.

charghwI’ vaghnerya’ngan

rInpa’ bomnIS be’’a’ pI’.




On Oct 29, 2019, at 3:05 PM, mayqel qunen'oS <mihkoun@gmail.com> wrote:

ok, I understand so far.

But being on the subject..

Since english isn't my native language, there's something else I wonder too.

We have the verb {mer} for "surprise". In english, does the verb "surprise", has an inherent positive or negative meaning ?

Are both of the following acceptable ?

{muQuchmoH be'nalwI', mumerpu'}
my wife surprised me, in order to make me happy

{romuluSnganpu' peqmeH tlhInganpu', merpu'}
the klingons surprised the romulans in order to slaughter them

- bara'qa'
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