Chapter 10: Pronouns and Possessives
Section 10.1: Demonstrative Pronouns (Tiu, Ĉi Tiu, Tiu Ĉi)
Demonstrative pronouns in Esperanto are used to point out or indicate specific objects or people. Here are the most commonly used demonstrative pronouns:
- tiu - that (singular)
- ĉi tiu - this (singular)
- tiu ĉi - this one/that one (singular); these/those (plural)
These pronouns can be used to indicate objects or people in proximity (ĉi tiu or tiu ĉi) or those at a distance (tiu).
Examples:
- Tiu libro estas granda. - That book is big.
- Ĉi tiu aĉetas kukojn. - This one buys cakes.
- Tiu ĉi estas mia amiko. - This one is my friend.
Section 10.2: Possessive Pronouns (Mia, Via, Lia, Ŝia, Ĝia)
Possessive pronouns in Esperanto indicate possession or ownership. Unlike some other languages, these pronouns do not change based on the gender or number of the noun they modify. Here are the most commonly used possessive pronouns:
- mia - my
- via - your (singular)
- lia - his
- ŝia - her
- ĝia - its
These pronouns are placed before the noun they modify to indicate possession.
Examples:
- Mia hundo estas granda. - My dog is big.
- Via libro estas interesa. - Your book is interesting.
- Lia domo estas malnova. - His house is old.
- Ŝiaj infanoj estas amikaj. - Her children are friendly.
- Ĝia rozo estas bela. - Its rose is beautiful.
Section 10.3: Possessive Phrases (My Book, Your Cat, etc.)
To form possessive phrases in Esperanto, you use possessive pronouns followed by a noun. Here's how you construct possessive phrases:
- Possessive Pronoun + Noun
Examples:
- Mia libro - My book
- Via kato - Your cat
- Lia aŭto - His car
- Ŝia domo - Her house
- Ĝia amiko - Its friend
By using demonstrative pronouns and possessive pronouns effectively, you can accurately indicate specific objects, people, and ownership in Esperanto. Practice incorporating these pronouns into your conversations and writing to express possession and point out objects or individuals.