Spoonfed Lesson 5: Morning in Town

santu means “very” or “intensely.” A degree modifier — it goes before its target: santu nipesi = very cold, santu popi = very big. You already know lumu (slightly); santu is the opposite end of the scale. The night in the hotel was cold!

konupi means “black.” The night is black and cold. You wait for morning.

siluka means “light” or “brightness.” Morning comes — light arrives. With the -i ending, siluki = bright: maseta no siluki = the day is bright.

nesilu means “now.” A preverb — it goes before the verb: nesilu seso = now go. Use it for emphasis when the timing matters. The traveler heads outside to explore.

nimeka means “river.” You spot a river running through the town.

lasipi means “fast” or “quick.” A modifier after the verb: seso lasipi = moves quickly. The river is fast this morning.

tokapu means “using” or “with (an instrument).” A preposition — tokapu pisoma lumi = using a small path. You follow a little path that runs along the river. With the -a ending, tokapa = a tool or instrument.

muneki means “slow” or “slowly.” The opposite of lasipi (fast). You take your time, walking slowly through the town.

supelo means “to work.” You see people heading to their jobs. With the -a ending, supela = work, a job.

menipu means “above.” A preposition — menipu nimeka = above the river. With the -i ending, menipi works as an adverb after a verb: seso menipi = move upward.

tupamu means “below” or “under.” The opposite of menipu (above). Here the river flows below the building. Like menipu, it also has a -i form: tupami = downward.

tonila means “part” or “portion.” Using the familiar possession pattern: tonila kipu pusaka = a part of the city. You are exploring one section of a larger place.

kapitu means “already.” An aspect preverb — it marks that an action is complete or in progress earlier than expected: kapitu supelo = already working. Even though it is early morning, people are already at work.

lepasu means “also” or “too.” It works as a preverb before the verb: lepasu latu munlo = also want to eat. It can also modify a whole sentence: lepasu sa seso = also, I go. You have been walking — now you also want to eat.

taselo means “to happen” or “to occur.” An intransitive verb — things happen, events occur. The city is alive with activity.

nentu means “six.” The numbers continue: notu (4), nulu (5), nentu (6). Same pattern — a quantifier before its target noun.

ninlu means “seven.” The morning walk reveals a growing town — seven buildings and counting.