lè

Being Able to

Level 2

Subject + lè + action phrase: someone can act.

How It Works

Place lè after the subject and before the action verb. Objects and destinations follow their own verb. The modal has no person or number ending: changing the subject does not require conjugating it. Context distinguishes personal ability from circumstances that make an action possible.

Compare Bísí lè kọrin, “Bísí can sing,” with Bísí ń kọrin, “Bísí is singing.” The first expresses ability; the second presents singing as underway. Ability alone does not establish that singing occurs.

Ordinary negation precedes the modal: kò lè denies ability or possibility. A time expression can locate the possible action. References also gloss lè as “may”; the examples here illustrate ability and circumstantial possibility.

Examples (3)

  1. Bísí lè kọrin.

    Bísí can sing.

    Lè expresses the subject's ability.

  2. A lè ra ẹja níbí.

    We can buy fish here.

    The location provides an opportunity to buy fish.

  3. Tádé kò lè gbé àpótí náà.

    Tádé cannot carry the box.

    Kò precedes lè to deny ability or possibility.

How It Connects

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lèLevel 2Being Able to

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