fẹ́
Wanting Something
Subject + fẹ́ + noun phrase or action phrase.
How It Works
Place fẹ́ after the subject. A noun phrase names a wanted thing; a direct action phrase identifies what the subject wants to do. The verb does not acquire person or number endings. In the direct action pattern illustrated here, the main subject is also the intended actor.
Compare Mo fẹ́ àga, “I want a chair,” with Mo fẹ́ ra àga, “I want to buy a chair.” Adding the verb specifies the desired event. Ordinary kò precedes fẹ́ to deny the desire.
The textbook distinguishes wanting from fẹ́ràn, “like/love.” This is a constructional distinction, not an exhaustive dictionary definition: the comparative article also attests fẹ́ meaning “marry” with a person as complement.
Examples (3)
- Mo fẹ́ àga tuntun.
I want a new chair.
The noun phrase names the wanted item.
- Wọ́n fẹ́ kọ́ ilé.
They want to build a house.
The subject is also the intended builder.
- Bísí kò fẹ́ ṣiṣẹ́ lálẹ́.
Bísí does not want to work at night.
Negation denies the desire.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Follow fẹ́ with a wanted thing or a desired action.
Related Patterns
Practice fẹ́ in Bubblegum
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