xè- (23_Modality & Verbal Compounding)
xè-
Grammatical function
- Type: Modal Prefix (Auxiliary Root)
- Meaning: To try to; expresses the attempt or exertion to perform an action.
Usage Note
- Derivation: Derived from the exertion component (xè) of the verb xèjå (“to try”).
- Position: Attaches to the front of the main verb root, following Tense and Negation prefixes.
- Morphophonology (Bridge Rule): Because this prefix ends in a vowel (-è), if the following main verb root begins with a vowel, the hiatus-breaking bridge -x- must be inserted.
- Example:
xè+ijo(see) → xèxijo.
- Example:
Structure
[Tense] - [Negation] - xè - [Root]
Pronunciation
IPA: /ɦə/
Example sentence
To wo xèshěsonů. I try to read.
| Asaxi | To | wo | xè-shěso-n-ů |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morphemes | to | wo | xè-shěso-n-ů |
| Gloss | SUBJ | 1SG | CON-book-BRG.PERF-VBZ |
Alternative Forms
- x
Antonyms
- x
Derived terms
- xèjå (To try/attempt - Full verb form).