ọ̀pọ̀ / díẹ̀

A Lot and a Little

Level 2

Ọ̀pọ̀ àwọn + plural nominal expression; noun + díẹ̀.

How It Works

Ọ̀pọ̀ expresses a large quantity. The attested ọ̀pọ̀ àwọn frame precedes a plural nominal expression and names many members of the group. Many does not entail every member, and no fixed number defines it. The expanded ọ̀pọ̀lọpọ̀ is also established.

Nominal díẹ̀ follows the noun. With a count noun, ìwé díẹ̀ means “a few books”. With a substance noun, omi díẹ̀ means “a little water”. The noun does not need an English-style plural ending; the quantity phrase supplies the count interpretation.

Distinguish quantity from degree. Díẹ̀ after a color predicate limits the degree of that property rather than counting objects. Preserve these attested frames instead of moving every quantity expression to the English position before a noun. The evidence for ọ̀pọ̀ àwọn does not establish every possible placement of ọ̀pọ̀.

Examples (3)

  1. Ọ̀pọ̀ àwọn akẹ́kọ̀ọ́ wà ní ilé-ìwé.

    Many students are at school.

    The phrase expresses a large quantity without asserting all.

  2. Títí ra ìwé díẹ̀.

    Títí bought a few books.

    Díẹ̀ follows a count noun.

  3. Kẹ́mi mu omi díẹ̀.

    Kẹ́mi drank a little water.

    Díẹ̀ measures a small amount of a substance.

How It Connects

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

ọ̀pọ̀ / díẹ̀Level 2A Lot and a Little

Learn This First

Ọ̀pọ̀ expresses a large quantity; nominal díẹ̀ follows its noun.