li: Difference between revisions
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== Function of ''li'' ==▼
▲[[li]] is a [[:Category:Particles|particle]] in toki pona that separates the subject from the rest of the sentence.
''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
▲== Function of li ==
▲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.
; ona li moku. : They eat.
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== Multiple predicates ==
Typically,
; ona li kama li tawa. : They come and go.
''[[pu]]'' says that when multiple predicates are applied to
; mi toki. mi moku. : I speak and eat.
; mi toki li moku. : I speak and eat.
A downside of this method is exemplified in this sentence: it is ambiguous whether ''toki'' is meant to be a predicate or a modifier of ''mi''.
== Etymology ==
The
== References ==
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* [https://jonathangabel.com/toki-pona/basic-sentences/ sitelen sitelen Basic Sentences]
* [https://sowelitesa.kittycat.homes/lipu-sona/2 soweli Tesa Lesson 2]
*[https://github.com/kilipan/nasin-toki#the-particle-li nasin toki pona]
* [https://mun.la/sona/li.html jan Kekan San Actions with li]
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Revision as of 03:36, 28 February 2023
li is a particle in Toki Pona that separates the subject from the rest of the sentence.
Function of li
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.
- ona li moku.
- They eat.
- soweli li suwi.
- The dog is cute.
- kili li moku.
- Fruits are food.
- mi tawa tomo.
- I'm going home.
- sina en mi li lukin e sitelen tawa.
- You and I watch a movie.
Multiple predicates
Typically, li is repeated when multiple predicates apply to the same subject.
- ona li kama li tawa.
- They come and go.
pu says that when multiple predicates are applied to mi or sina, a new sentence should start.[1]
- mi toki. mi moku.
- I speak and eat.
Some speakers use a second li in this case. This is referred to as "extended li style" in ku.
- mi toki li moku.
- I speak and eat.
A downside of this method is exemplified in this sentence: it is ambiguous whether toki is meant to be a predicate or a modifier of mi.
Etymology
The Toki Pona particle li is from the Esperanto third-person singular pronoun "li."[2]