je

Je: When Nothing Else Fits

Level 4

Use je when no other preposition fits, and choose a clearer word when one exists.

How It Works

UseExampleMeaning
clock timeNi ekiros je la oka.We will set out at eight o'clock.
body partAna kaptis min je la mano.Ana took me by the hand.
rich, ill, lackingriĉa je arbarojrich in forests
size of a differenceje unu jaro pli junaone year younger
set phraseJe mia miro ...To my surprise ...

It is easy to use je too often, because it seems to fit everywhere. First ask whether en, al, de, pri or another preposition fits, and use je only when none does.

A day or a length of time usually takes -n instead of je. A clock time takes je, because -n would point to a date.

Examples (5)

  1. La kunveno komenciĝos je la tria.

    The meeting will begin at three o'clock.

    Je is the usual word for a clock time.

  2. Kofi kaptis la infanon je la mano, kaj ili transiris la straton.

    Kofi took the child by the hand, and they crossed the street.

    Je shows the body part that is grabbed.

  3. Ana estas je tri jaroj pli aĝa ol mi.

    Ana is three years older than I am.

    Je shows the size of the difference; -n (tri jarojn) is also possible.

  4. Je mia miro, la studento jam parolis tre bone.

    To my surprise, the student already spoke very well.

    Je mia miro is a set phrase.

  5. Tiu lando estas riĉa je arbaroj.

    That country is rich in forests.

    Je shows what the country has plenty of.

Common Mistakes

  • Using je where another preposition fits.

    Mi loĝas je Parizo.
    Mi loĝas en Parizo.

    Je is for places where no other preposition fits. Here en shows where.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

jeLevel 4Je: When Nothing Else Fits

Learn This First

Je is the preposition left over when no other preposition fits.