o: Difference between revisions

==Functions==

 

{{tp|[[o]]}} can be followed by a verb, in which case the sentence is interpreted as a command or [[imperative]]. The [[Glossary#subject|subject]] of the sentence is omitted.

 

{{Example|o pakala ala e ijo mi!|Do not break my things!|o pakala ala e ijo-mi}}

 

{{tp|[[o]]}} can follow a [[Glossary#noun|noun]] to show that the speaker is addressing that person, place, or thing. This is known as a [[vocative]]. The [[o]] phrase can go either at the start or the end of a sentence.

 

{{Example|soweli mi o, sina moku e lipu mi tan seme?|Doggo, why did you eat my homework?|soweli mi o 　 sina moku e lipu mi tan seme}}

 

{{tp|[[o]]}} can replace {{tp|[[li]]}} to indicate that the speaker wishes or hopes for something, or believes that it's better for something to be the case. This is known as an [[optative]] sentence. In many cases, it can be translated with "should" or with sentences starting with "may". In some cases it is used to express "must" or "have to", a meaning that is traditionally covered by {{tp|[[wile]]}}.