The suffix -ghach turns verbs into nouns and is often translated as "-ness" (for states or qualities) or "-tion" (for actions or processes) in English. For example:
- belghach – pleasure (from bel "be pleased")
- lo'laHghach – value or worth (from lo'laH "be valuable")
- naDHa'ghach – discommendation
- naDqa'ghach – re-commendation
When used with stative verbs (like "be big" or "be honored"), -ghach expresses a state or condition: the quality of being X. With active verbs, it refers more to a process, action, or result: the act of doing X.
Does -ghach Require a Suffix?
Normally, -ghach follows another verb suffix (Types 1–8 or a rover). Adding it to a bare verb stem is technically allowed but considered stylistically unusual. For example:
- tlhutlhtaHghach – the act of drinking (with -taH, this means an ongoing process)
- tlhutlhghach – a rare or poetic form meaning "a drinking" (marked and uncommon)
A word like belghach (from bel "be pleased") would be understood, but it feels unnatural—similar to saying “*pleasureness” or “*giveness” in English. Such forms are typically reserved for poetry, philosophy, or technical language. They are grammatically valid but draw attention and may feel awkward in everyday speech.
On Verbs That Already Have Noun Forms
Some verbs already have established noun counterparts. For example, nob means both "to give" (verb) and "gift" (noun). Using -ghach on these verbs creates different meanings:
- nobtaHghach – the process of giving
- nobta'ghach – a specific, completed giving event
- nobghach – a one-time donation (but feels unusual or marked)
These forms allow for fine distinctions not normally available in English, such as between an ongoing process, a completed action, or a general concept.
Stative Verbs and Semantic Nuance
When used with stative verbs (verbs that describe conditions or qualities), -ghach typically produces a noun representing that quality:
- quvghach – "honoredness" (a marked form based on quv "be honored")
- belpu'ghach – an instance of pleasure ("having been pleased")
These words highlight specific moments or states and are especially useful when trying to express complex or nuanced ideas.
Aspect Suffixes and -ghach
Aspect suffixes like -ta' or -pu' can be added before -ghach to show whether the action is completed:
- nobta'ghach – the act of having given (a finished gift-giving event)
- belpu'ghach – a particular moment of having been pleased
These forms are useful for describing individual instances of actions, such as a specific gift exchange or emotional reaction.
Can You Add a Prefix?
Technically, it is possible to include a verb prefix along with -ghach, such as vI- or Da-. However, this is extremely rare and considered very marked. For example:
- vIleghghach – a "sighting of him/her by me"
While the meaning would be understood, this kind of construction feels experimental or poetic—something a writer or philosopher might use to achieve a special effect.
Summary
-ghach is a flexible suffix that allows verbs to become nouns, expressing states, qualities, actions, or results. It usually follows another suffix and is used to form either abstract concepts ("pleasure," "honor") or process-oriented terms ("giving," "maintenance"). While bare-stem usage is possible, it is uncommon and highly marked. Klingon speakers use these forms creatively, but carefully.
Choosing when and how to use -ghach is an art—and when used well, it opens up new ways to express precise and powerful ideas in Klingon.