nå (NOW Aspectual Marker) - now

nå (18_Conjunctions & Clause Linking)

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nå

Grammatical function

• Type: Temporal Particle / Adverb
• Function: Current State Marker
• Meaning: “Now”, “At this moment”, “Already” (when combined with Past Tense).

Syntax

Placed at the end of the clause or sentence to anchor the action to the immediate present.

• Structure: [Action] nå.

Usage Notes (Tense Interaction)

The meaning shifts slightly based on the tense of the verb it modifies.

1. With Non-Past: “Now” / “Currently.”

   • Example: Shěsonů nå. (Reading now).

2. With Past (zè-): “Already.” (The past action is relevant now).

   • Example: Zèshěsonů nå. (Read already / Have read).

Etymology

na (On) + å (Time). Lit: “On-time” / “Top-time” (The moment resting on the present).

Pronunciation

IPA: /nau̯/ (Based on å = /au̯/)

Example sentences

Present (Now): To wo xoxo nå. I am departing now. Past (Already): To wo zèchỏnů nå. I have already eaten.

Derived terms

• panå (Not yet / Front-now).
• ninå (Therefore / To-now).