-ebl-
-ebl-: Can Be Done
-ebl- says what can be done to a thing.
How It Works
| Verb | With -ebl- | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| legi | legebla | readable |
| manĝi | manĝebla | edible |
| vidi | videbla | visible |
| trinki | trinkebla | drinkable |
The verb behind -ebl- normally has an object: you read something, eat something, see something. The -ebl- word describes that something. It takes the usual adjective endings: La fungoj estas manĝeblaj.
The word does not describe the one who is able to act: for that, use povi, as in Li povas legi. The adverb in -eble is common. Kompreneble means of course, that is, in a way that anyone can understand.
Examples (5)
- La skribo de Wei estas legebla.
Wei's handwriting is readable.
Legebla describes the handwriting: it can be read.
- La fungoj estas manĝeblaj, kaj ni kolektis ilin.
The mushrooms are edible, and we gathered them.
Manĝeblaj agrees with fungoj, so it has -j.
- De ĉi tie la monto estas videbla.
From here the mountain is visible.
Videbla means that it can be seen.
- Ĉu la akvo en la lago estas trinkebla?
Is the water in the lake drinkable?
Trinkebla asks whether the water can be drunk.
- Kompreneble mi helpos vin.
Of course I will help you.
Kompreneble is the adverb form, meaning of course.
How It Connects
Learn This First
The ending -ebl- means can be done and has the sense of a passive.
Related Patterns
Practice -ebl- in Bubblegum
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