Ch 15 · Lesson 8Esperanto · Chapter 15 · Lesson 8 · Grammar primer
Je: the preposition with no meaning
Rule 14 of the adds for when no other preposition fits: , , . Use it where usage has settled, and nowhere new.
The short version
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Rule 14 of the gives every preposition one meaning and adds for when none fits. Usage has settled it on clock times, the body part someone grabs ( ), believing in something ( ) and set phrases such as . Do not invent new uses: a preposition with a meaning is usually clearer.
Four corners of the preposition system need a closer look. has no meaning of its own, shares out a number, and can leave unclear whose role they replace, and -n after a place word means movement.
| Corner | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| | at three o'clock |
| | two apples each |
-n | | instead of me (object) |
| | everyone except him |
direction -n | | into the house |
je: the preposition with no meaning
Rule 14 of the gives every preposition one fixed meaning, then adds for when none of them fits. means nothing by itself; usage has settled it on a short list:
| Use | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| clock time | | at three o'clock |
| a body part held | . | He caught me by the arm. |
| belief in | . | I believe in God. |
| a difference | | younger by two years |
| set phrases | | to your health |
| set phrases | | to my surprise |
My arm is the part caught, so . His arm, the tool he caught me with, takes : . - He caught me with his arm.
The same rule lets a bare -n replace where the meaning survives. It is common for times and measures:
Not every can go. is I believe in you; is a different claim, I believe you (what you say).
Going further: po: so many each and the rest of the guide, when you want them. This lesson does not need them.
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