True Motu Dictionary

💬 AI-assisted grammar analysis: e functions as a verbal prefix marking a finite, asserted verb within the narrative. It activates the verb root and situates the action or state as occurring within the story world, typically with an explicit subject. The particle does not carry meaning independently but is essential for clause formation, distinguishing realised actions and states from nominal or dependent constructions. No direct English equivalent; grammatical function only.

💬 AI-assisted grammar analysis: ese functions as an agentive marker identifying the noun it follows as the intentional performer of the action expressed by the verb. It assigns clear agency and responsibility within the clause, distinguishing the actor from other participants or background elements. The marker is commonly used where intentional or consequential actions are narrated. No direct English equivalent; function expressed through active voice

💬 AI-assisted grammar analysis: ena functions as a relational classifier marker indicating correspondence or conformity to a defined kind, category, or pattern. In Genesis it is frequently used in creation and ordering contexts to express bounded classification rather than temporal sequence. The particle links entities to their appropriate kind or outcome, emphasizing order and continuity rather than change Indicates conformity or alignment, not time sequence. There is no perfect single Engli...

💬 3rd person plural possessive pronoun. "edia tano" (303×) = their land, "edia dirava" (220×) = their god, "edia hanua" (138×) = their village, "edia ruma" (108×) = their house. Part of possessive paradigm: egu (my), emu (your-sg), ena (his/her), eda (our), emui (your-pl), edia (their).

💬 First person singular possessive pronoun. Precedes nouns: "egu Dirava" (my God, 94×), "egu bese" (my people, 111×), "egu hesiai" (my servant, 95×), "egu hereva" (my word, 92×), "egu lalokau" (my beloved, 80×), "egu taravatu" (my law, 74×), "egu ruma" (my house, 47×). Part of possessive paradigm: egu (my), emu (your-sg), ena (his/her), emai (our), emui (your-pl), edia (their). Common in divine speech where God refers to "egu bese Israel" (my people Israel).

💬 Directional and extent marker indicating motion toward or continuation until. Most common phrase: "ela bona" (until/as far as, 1286×), marking endpoint of action or movement. Used with destinations: "dekena ela" (went to, 150×), "amo ela" (from...to, 241×). Shows direction of movement: "dae ela" (went up to, 47×), "isi ela" (rose up to, 43×). Often combines with "bona" for temporal extent: "ela bona hanaihanai" (until forever). Indicates both physical destinations and abstract limits.

💬 Second person singular possessive pronoun. Precedes nouns: "emu Dirava" (your God, 135×), "emu hesiai tauna" (your servant, 277×), "emu kara" (your deeds, 170×), "emu ruma" (your house, 75×). Part of possessive paradigm: egu (my), emu (your-sg), ena (his/her), emai (our), emui (your-pl), edia (their). Common in prayers and commands addressed to one person. Formula "mani emu kara" = polite request "please do".