Brief Introduction to the Language | Essentials for speaking and writing the language | The Dictionary

Na

Etymology

variant of n (possessive particle)

particle

  1. indicates controlling possession of a thing, used either as a suffix, prefix, or affix

  2. introduces a relative clause expressing activity on the part of the topic preceding the relative clause
Usage notes The particle na indicates real ownership, that is, having rights over an object or thing (as a book, movie, play) such as creator's rights, as opposed to mere possession. It suggests actual control of that thing rather than just having it. Therefore, uikai na ye indicates that the book is written by me rather than bought for reading purposes. The reason that the possessed and the possessor can switch positions in a phrase is that the noun of more animacy is always considered the possessor.