Chapter 10: Pronouns and Possessives

Section 10.1: Demonstrative Pronouns (Tiu, Ĉi Tiu, Tiu Ĉi)

Demonstrative pronouns in Esperanto are used to point out or indicate specific objects or people. Here are the most commonly used demonstrative pronouns:

  1. tiu - that (singular)

  2. ĉi tiu - this (singular)

  3. tiu ĉi - this/these (singular or plural)

These pronouns can be used to indicate objects or people in proximity (ĉi tiu) or those at a distance (tiu).

Examples:

  • Tiu libro estas granda. - That book is big.

  • Ĉi tiu aĉetas kukojn. - This one buys cakes.

  • Tiu ĉi estas mia amiko. - This one is my friend.

Section 10.2: Possessive Pronouns (Mia, Via, Lia, Ŝia, Ĝia)

Possessive pronouns in Esperanto indicate possession or ownership. They agree with the gender and number of the possessed noun. Here are the most commonly used possessive pronouns:

  • mia - my

  • via - your (singular)

  • lia - his

  • ŝia - her

  • ĝia - its

These pronouns are placed before the noun they modify to indicate possession.

Examples:

  • Mia hundo estas granda. - My dog is big.

  • Via libro estas interesa. - Your book is interesting.

  • Lia domo estas malnova. - His house is old.

  • Ŝiaj infanoj estas amikaj. - Her children are friendly.

  • Ĝia rozo estas bela. - Its rose is beautiful.

Section 10.3: Possessive Nouns (My Book, Your Cat, etc.)

To form possessive phrases in Esperanto, you can use possessive pronouns followed by a noun. Here's how you construct possessive nouns:

  • Possessive Pronoun + Noun

Examples:

  • Mia libro - My book

  • Via kato - Your cat

  • Lia aŭto - His car

  • Ŝia domo - Her house

  • Ĝia amiko - Its friend

By using demonstrative pronouns and possessive pronouns effectively, you can indicate specific objects, people, and possession accurately in Esperanto. Practice incorporating these pronouns into your conversations and writing to express ownership and point out objects or individuals.