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då (Relational Particle) - For, Indicates recipient (indirect object)

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då (Relational Particle)

då

Grammatical function

  • Particle type: Relational Particle (NPCP)
  • Function 1: Dative Case (Recipient)
    • Meaning: “To”, “For” (giving to someone).
  • Function 2: Benefactive / Purpose
    • Meaning: “For the sake of”, “On behalf of”, “In order to”, “For (a cause)“.
    • Equivalent: Japanese 為 (tame).

Usage Note: Difference from English Oblique Case

In English, pronouns in the Oblique (Objective) Case (e.g., him, her, me) are used for both the Direct Object (the target of an action) and the Indirect Object (the recipient).

  • English Direct Object: I see him.
  • English Indirect Object: I gave him the apple.

Asaxi strictly separates these functions:

  1. Direct Object: Is Unmarked (no particle).
  2. Indirect Object (Recipient): Must be marked with då.

Therefore, you cannot use då to mark the target of a transitive verb like “see” (ijo). It is exclusively for the entity receiving or benefiting from the noun or action.

Pronunciation

IPA: /dau̯/

Example sentences

1. Predicative Dative (Intended For) Used when the purpose of the subject is to be given to someone. To apo John dåŕa. The apple is for John.

2. Standard Dative Case (Beneficiary) Used when an action is performed for someone’s benefit. To wo shěso då John ma. I have a book for John. (Lit: I book for-John have).

3. Negative Predicative Dative Used to deny that an object is intended for a specific person. To onýj shěso wo nádåŕa. The book is not for me.

Recipient: To wo shěso då John dao. I give the book to John.

Purpose: Då frë, to wa patáka. For (the sake of) freedom, we will wage war.

Alternative Forms

x

Antonyms

Null

Derived terms

  • dåŕa (Predicative Fusion): The result of fusing då + xiŕa. Means “To be for” or “To be intended for”.

  • nádåŕa (Negative Predicative): Means “Is not for” or “Is not intended for”.

Compound Forms

  • dåni (Transfer): A fusion of då (Recipient) + ni (Direction). Used specifically for verbs of transfer (like dao - to give) where the object moves physically towards the recipient.

    • Example: John dåni Tom apa zèdao. (John gave apples to Tom).

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