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== Function of li == |
== Function of li == |
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li separates the subject from the predicate. |
li separates the subject from the predicate. The predicate can be a verb (with or without object), a noun, an adjective, or a prepositional phrase. It is omitted when the subject is "mi" or "sina" alone. |
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; soweli li suwi. : The dog is cute. |
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; kili li moku. : Fruits are food. |
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; mi tawa tomo. : I'm going home. |
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; sina en mi li lukin e sitelen tawa. : You and I watch a movie. |
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== Multiple predicates == |
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Typically, [[li]] is repeated when multiple predicates apply to the same subject. |
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; ona li kama li tawa. : They come and go. |
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== Common mistakes/misconceptions == |
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li is not a copula. It does not mean "to be." |
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[[pu]] says that when multiple predicates are applied to "mi" or "sina" a new sentence should start.<ref>[[pu]] p. 56</ref> |
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It isn't used when the subject is mi or sina, with no modifiers. |
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; mi toki. mi moku. : I speak and eat. |
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mi pona = "I'm fine" |
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Many speakers, however, use a second [[li]] in this case: |
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The exception to this is when there are multiple predicates, or the subject is modified. |
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; mi toki li moku. : I speak and eat. |
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This is referred to as "extended li style" and has received official sanction from [[ku]]. |
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mi mute li wawa = "We are strong" |
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== |
== References == |
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<references /> |
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== External resources == |
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* [[pu]] Lessons 2 through 5. |
* [[pu]] Lessons 2 through 5. |
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* [https://lipu-sona.pona.la/ jan Lentan Lessons 1-4] |
* [https://lipu-sona.pona.la/ jan Lentan Lessons 1-4] |
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