-ko / -mo / -na
Singular Possessors
After a noun, ko identifies the speaker, mo one addressee, and na one third-person possessor.
How It Works
Place the short possessor directly after the possessed noun, without ti, ni, or a modifier linker between them. Modern writing joins these dependent forms to the noun. In balayko, the ending names the speaker as owner; balaymo names one addressee; balayna names a third person.
A marker may introduce the whole phrase: ti balayko means “my house.” The possessor’s number is separate from the number of houses. Third-person na does not distinguish a male, female or inanimate possessor.
Possession includes relationships and association: maestrana is “his or her teacher.” Respectful address can use plural yo for one person. Known vowel-final hosts have attested shorter endings, as in librok and librom; learn those forms with the host rather than guessing contractions. The same pronouns can identify actors with non-actor-focus verbs, which is a separate function.
Examples (3)
- Balayko.
My house.
Possessed-noun fragment identifying the speaker as possessor.
- Balaymo.
Your house.
Possessed-noun fragment with a singular addressee as possessor.
- Balayna.
His, her, or its house.
Possessed-noun fragment with a third-person singular possessor.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- -mi / -tayo / -yo / -daOur, Your and Their
Provides plural and respectful possessor forms.
Level 1 - Noun + ti / ni + PossessorNaming the Owner
Names a possessor instead of using a short pronoun.
Level 1 - adda + Possessed NounHaving Something
Uses possessed nouns in having constructions.
Level 1 - Actor Forms -ko / -mo / -naNaming the Actor of a Patient-Focus Verb
Develops the verbal actor function of these forms.
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice -ko / -mo / -na in Bubblegum
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