li
  | |
| Pronunciation | /li/ |
|---|---|
| Usage | 2023: Core (100% → )2022: Core (100%) |
| Book and era | nimi pu |
| Part of speech | Particle |
| Codepoint | U+F1927 |
li is a particle used to introduce the predicate, that is, it separates the subject from the rest of the sentence.
Etymology
The word li is derived from the Esperanto third-person singular pronoun "li".[1]
Function
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 mokuona li moku.
They eat.
soweli li suwisoweli li suwi.
The dog is cute.
kili li mokukili li moku.
Fruits are food.
mi tawa tomomi tawa tomo.
I'm going home.
sina en mi li lukin e sitelen tawasina 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 tawaona 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.[2]
mi toki mi mokumi 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 moku li tokimi moku li toki.
I eat and speak.
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.
mi moku li tokimi moku li toki.
The food-related me is talking.
References
- ↑ Word Origins. Archived from the original on 2 November 2019. Toki Pona.
- ↑ Lang, Sonja. (25 May 2014). Toki Pona: The Language of Good. Tawhid. ISBN 978-0978292300. OCLC 921253340. p. 56.
External links
Resources
- Toki Pona: The Language of Good: Lessons 2–5
- jan Kekan San: Actions with li
- jan Lentan: Lessons 1–4
- soweli Tesa: Lesson 2
- nasin toki pona: the particle li
- Jonathan Gabel: Basic Sentences