a
a is a particle of toki pona used for emphasis and to show emotion.
Function of a
"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.