a
  | |
| Pronunciation | /a/ |
|---|---|
| Usage | 2023: Core (99% → )2022: Core (99%) |
| Book and era | nimi pu ("synonym" in pu) |
| Part of speech | Particle |
| Codepoint | U+F1900 |
a is a particle used to indicate emphasis and emotion.
Function
"a" is a very versatile word. It can be used by itself, after a word, or at the beginning or end of a sentence.
"a" at the beginning of the sentence can mean "ah" or "oh":
- a ni li pona tawa mi
- oh, this is good for me.
"a" at the end can emphasize the whole sentence, like adding a exclaimation mark.
- ni li pona tawa mi a
- this is truly excellect for me.
"a" directly after a word can emphasize that word.
- ni li pona a tawa mi
- this is great for me
It typically applies to the word immediately before it:
- ona a li pali e tomo
- She builds a house
- ona li pali a e tomo
- He builds a house
- ona li pali e tomo a
- They build a house
"a" can also be used on its own:
- a, mi sona
- Oh, ok, I understand
- a pakala
- Aw crap
- a a a
- Laughter — "hahaha"
History
In pu, this word is a synonym of the word kin, also used by some for emphasis.
External links
Resources
- pu: Lesson 10
- jan Kekan San: Intejections
- jan Lentan: Lesson 7
- soweli Tesa: Lesson 10
- nasin toki pona: the emoticle a
- Jonathan Gabel: Interjections and Commands