Messages: 3
Language: English
Vespero_ (User's profile) May 12, 2012, 5:39:18 AM
All right, everyone, time to put on your Grammar Hats!
According to Lernu's dictionary, "devi" means "to ought to, to have to, must, should." Simple enough. But then what about the -us ending? And then what about "devus?"
Also, does Esperanto differentiate between "should" as in "It should be there," (where "should" indicates that one is speaking of things being in their proper place or order) and "should" as in "We should go," (where "should" indicates a suggestion)?
Would one say "Mi irus" or "Mi devus iri?" Is there a difference?
Sincerely,
Vespero.
According to Lernu's dictionary, "devi" means "to ought to, to have to, must, should." Simple enough. But then what about the -us ending? And then what about "devus?"
Also, does Esperanto differentiate between "should" as in "It should be there," (where "should" indicates that one is speaking of things being in their proper place or order) and "should" as in "We should go," (where "should" indicates a suggestion)?
Would one say "Mi irus" or "Mi devus iri?" Is there a difference?
Sincerely,
Vespero.
RiotNrrd (User's profile) May 12, 2012, 7:06:51 AM
sudanglo (User's profile) May 12, 2012, 8:22:53 AM
Short answer - 'devas' is stronger, more adamant, than 'devus'
It must be there - devas
It should be there - devus.
We must go - devas
We should go - devus.
Mi irus, se mi havus la monon - I would go if I had the money (I don't)
Ni iru - Let's go.
Devus can also cover 'would/should have to'.
You might find it instructive to go to Tekstaro.com and search with 'devus'. Set the number of hits higher than 100 (the default).
It must be there - devas
It should be there - devus.
We must go - devas
We should go - devus.
Mi irus, se mi havus la monon - I would go if I had the money (I don't)
Ni iru - Let's go.
Devus can also cover 'would/should have to'.
You might find it instructive to go to Tekstaro.com and search with 'devus'. Set the number of hits higher than 100 (the default).