li + Definite Direct-Object Clitic

Li with Definite Direct-Object Clitics

Level 5

Central-type clusters replace singular li with hi after a definite third-person direct object; Valencian commonly keeps li first.

How It Works

In the Central-type pattern, li plus el becomes l'hi, li plus la becomes la hi, li plus els becomes els hi, and li plus les becomes les hi. The final hi identifies the recipient in these combinations; it need not refer to a place.

In a sentence with several recipients, make clear that this table describes one recipient only. La hi enviaré can mean sending the feminine item to him or her in the Central-type pattern; li la enviaré is not its regular pre-vowel Valencian spelling. Before a vowel Valencian la elides when allowed, producing li l'enviaré. Keeping examples before consonants first helps learners see the underlying gender contrast without mistaking an apostrophe for a different object.

Examples (3)

  1. La carpeta, la hi donaré.

    The folder, I will give it to her.

  2. La carpeta, li la donaré. (Valencià.)

    The folder, I will give it to her. (Valencian.)

  3. Les claus, les hi deixaré.

    The keys, I will leave them with him.

How It Connects

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li + Definite Direct-Object CliticLevel 5Li with Definite Direct-Object Clitics

Learn This First

Choose a coherent regional singular-recipient and definite-object pattern.

Words in This Pattern