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Devi and -us

글쓴이: Vespero_, 2012년 5월 12일

글: 3

언어: English

Vespero_ (프로필 보기) 2012년 5월 12일 오전 5:39:18

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.

RiotNrrd (프로필 보기) 2012년 5월 12일 오전 7:06:51

sudanglo (프로필 보기) 2012년 5월 12일 오전 8:22:53

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).

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