onomatopaeia of something similar to English's 'ah'.
usage; nasin kepeken
particle - emphasis (end of sentence)
The particle a adds emotion or emphasis. It can be used: 1. alone, 2. at the end of a sentence, or 3. at the end of a noun phrase.
-Sonja Lang, Toki Pona: The Language of Good (2014)
the particle 'a' is used to put emotion or emphasis. it functions somewhat similarly to the exclaimation mark (however, usage of exclaimation marks where applicable is still conventional.)
(emphasis)
particle - sound
the sound 'a' is often used to express laughter.
sound made during laughter.
particle - affirmation
occasionally, 'a' is used similarly to English's 'ah' or 'oh.
affirmation, acknowledgement
alternative usage; kepeken ante
particle - emphasis (beginning of sentence)
similar to ending 'a's, a at the beginning of a sentence also puts emphasis.
(emphasis)
particle - emphasis (middle of sentence)
similar to beginning and ending 'a's, putting it in the middle of a sentence emphasizes a word.
(emphasis)
adjective - as well
occasionally, someone would use 'a' like the alternative usage of kin - using it to mean 'as well' or 'also'.
as well, also, too.
moku li pona. telo li pona a!
food is good. water is also good!
theories/analysis; sona nasa
noun/verb - exclaim
a controversial way to use the word, making it a content word. using it to mean an exclaimation or to exclaim.
exclaim cry, shout, yell, shriek, interject
mi kute e a sina la mi pilin e ike.
when i hear your cry, i feel bad.
sina a e 'ike' la mi wile sona e ni: seme li ike?.
when you exclaim 'bad', i want to know this: what's bad?.
common phrases; toki
extra references; lipu ante
