tu

tu is a core number and content word relating to the number two.

tu
Pronunciation	/tu/
Usage	2023: Core (100% ↗︎ )2022: Core (99%)
Book and era	nimi pu
Part of speech	Number, content word
Codepoint	󱥮 U+F196E

Etymology

The word tu is derived from English two.

Semantic space

The semantic space of tu includes the number two. By extension, it includes division and separation into two parts, more frequently when used as a transitive verb (see also kipisi). For dividing into more parts, the word mute is generally used.

mi tu e kili　

mi tu e kili.

I slice the apple (in half).

There may be ambiguity when tu is used as a modifier, as it may be confused for the numeral.

ilo tu

ilo tu

two tools; cutting tool

pu

In the "Official Toki Pona Dictionary" section, the book Toki Pona: The Language of Good defines tu as:

NUMBER  two

ku

For Toki Pona Dictionary, respondents in ma pona pi toki pona translated these English words as tu:

two⁵81–100% of respondents, pair⁵81–100% of respondents, double⁴61–80% of respondents, both⁴61–80% of respondents, twice³41–60% of respondents, couple³41–60% of respondents, cut²21–40% of respondents, divide²21–40% of respondents

sitelen pona

The sitelen pona glyph for tu (󱥮) is two vertical lines. Like the glyph for mute (mutemute), it is probably derived from tally marks (𝍷𝍷) or one or multiple systems based on them, such as counting rods (𝍡), Roman numerals (Ⅱ, ⅱ), or Brahmi (𑁓) or Chinese numerals (二).

sitelen sitelen

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Further reading

• "tu" on lipu Linku
• "tu" on lipu Wikipesija
• "tu" on English Wiktionary