tu
tu is a core number and content word relating to the number two.
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Pronunciation | /tu/ |
---|---|
Usage | 2023: Core (100% ↗︎ )2022: Core (99%) |
Book and era | nimi pu |
Part of speech | Number, content word |
Codepoint | U+F196E |
Etymology
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 kilimi 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 tuilo 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:[2]
two5, cut2 , divide2, pair5 , double4 , both4 , twice3 , couple3
sitelen pona
The sitelen pona glyph for tu () is two vertical lines. Like the glyph for mute (mute), 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).
References
- ↑ "Word Origins". tokipona.org. Archived from the original on 8 August 2002.
- ↑ Lang, Sonja. (18 July 2021). Toki Pona Dictionary. Illustrated by Vacon Sartirani. Tawhid. ISBN 978-0978292362. p. 381.
Further reading
- "tu" on lipu Linku
- "tu" on lipu Wikipesija
- "tu" on English Wiktionary