Language/Central-pashto/Grammar/Common-Prepositions

◀️ Household Chores — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Prepositions of Place ▶️

Central Pashto → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Prepositions → Common Prepositions

Introduction

In this lesson, we will delve into the topic of common prepositions in Central Pashto. Prepositions are important elements in sentence structure as they indicate relationships between different parts of a sentence. By understanding and using prepositions correctly, you will be able to express ideas clearly and accurately in Central Pashto. Throughout this lesson, we will explore the meanings and usage of common prepositions, and provide you with ample examples to practice and reinforce your understanding.

Common Prepositions

Preposition 1: د

The preposition د (da) is one of the most commonly used prepositions in Central Pashto. It is used to indicate possession or ownership. Let's take a look at some examples:

Central Pashto	Pronunciation	English Translation
په کور کې لوبډله چېرته وي.	pa kōr ke lobəḍəla čərta wē.	The book is on the table.
زه له پښتنو پېښور کې وم.	za la paṣtənu peṣwar ke wam.	I am from the Pashtun tribe.
مې ته وړاندي شم.	me ta wəraṇḍi šam.	I am angry with you.

In the first example, the preposition د (da) is used to indicate the location of the book in relation to the table. In the second example, it is used to express origin or belonging. And in the third example, it is used to indicate the recipient of the emotion.

Preposition 2: په

The preposition په (pa) is another commonly used preposition in Central Pashto. It is used to indicate location, time, or manner. Let's see some examples:

Central Pashto	Pronunciation	English Translation
زه په مکتوب کې کليزه وم.	za pa məktub ke klēza wam.	I am busy with writing.
د کېسه په ځمکېدو کې شام.	da kesə pa žamkēdō ke šam.	I am sitting on the chair.
مې په هغه کار کې غواړم.	me pa həgə kār ke gwaṛam.	I am interested in that work.

In the first example, the preposition په (pa) is used to indicate the manner in which the person is busy (with writing). In the second example, it is used to indicate the location of the person in relation to the chair. And in the third example, it is used to express interest in a particular work.

Preposition 3: له

The preposition له (la) is used to indicate the source or origin of something. Let's look at some examples:

Central Pashto	Pronunciation	English Translation
زه له لوبډله چېرته راځم.	za la lobəḍəla čərta rāṣam.	I took the book from the table.
د هغه کور له دوسرې کې وي.	da həgə kōr la dōsarē ke wē.	The house is next to that one.
مې له ډېرې ژوند سره نندارم.	me la ḍērē žwand sara nandāram.	I have a good relationship with many people.

In the first example, the preposition له (la) is used to indicate the source from which the book was taken. In the second example, it is used to indicate the location of the house in relation to another one. And in the third example, it is used to express a relationship with multiple individuals.

Preposition 4: بې

The preposition بې (bē) is used to indicate absence or lack of something. Let's see some examples:

Central Pashto	Pronunciation	English Translation
زه بې پخوانۍ نشته.	za bē pəxwānəyə naštə.	I have no money.
مې بې شناخت لرم.	me bē šənāxat laram.	I have no knowledge.
د هغه کار بې ونډه وي.	da həgə kār bē wandə wē.	That work has no value.

In the first example, the preposition بې (bē) is used to indicate the absence of money. In the second example, it is used to indicate the lack of knowledge. And in the third example, it is used to express the absence of value in a particular work.

Cultural Insights

Central Pashto is spoken by the Pashtun people, who have a rich and vibrant cultural heritage. The usage of prepositions in Central Pashto is influenced by both regional variations and historical factors. It is important to note that while the examples provided in this lesson represent the general usage of prepositions in Central Pashto, there may be slight variations in different Pashtun communities.

Historically, the Pashtun people have been influenced by various cultures and civilizations, including Persian, Arabic, and Indian. These influences can be seen in the vocabulary and grammar of the Pashto language, including the usage of prepositions. For example, the preposition د (da) is derived from the Persian preposition "در" (dar), which also means "in" or "at". Similarly, the preposition له (la) is derived from the Persian preposition "از" (az), which means "from". These historical influences have shaped the language and contributed to its richness and diversity.

In Pashtun culture, hospitality is highly valued. It is common for Pashtun families to offer food and drinks to their guests. When expressing hospitality, the preposition په (pa) is often used to indicate the manner in which the food or drinks are served. For example, "په ګوټه کې چاي ورکړي" (pa gōṭə ke chāi warkəṛi) means "tea is served in a cup". This cultural practice highlights the importance of prepositions in Central Pashto as they play a crucial role in expressing specific meanings and nuances.

Exercises

Now it's time to put your knowledge of common prepositions in Central Pashto to the test. Complete the following exercises by filling in the blanks with the appropriate prepositions:

1. زه _____ میوه اړه ورکړم. 2. مې _____ ته غواړم. 3. د _____ کې دړه شوم. 4. مې _____ پښتنو پېښور کې وم. 5. زه _____ هغه کار کې علاقه لرم.

Solutions: 1. په (pa) 2. بې (bē) 3. په (pa) 4. له (la) 5. له (la)

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have successfully learned about common prepositions in Central Pashto. Prepositions are essential in understanding and constructing sentences in Central Pashto, and by mastering their usage, you will be able to express ideas accurately and fluently. Remember to practice using prepositions in different contexts to solidify your understanding. Keep up the good work, and continue to explore the fascinating world of Central Pashto!

Table of Contents - Central Pashto Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Personal Pronouns

• Subject Pronouns
• Object Pronouns

  ---

Numbers and Counting

• Numbers 1-10
• Numbers 11-20

  ---

Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject-Object-Verb
• Negation

  ---

Common Verbs

• Action Verbs
• State Verbs

  ---

Present Tense

• Present Simple
• Present Continuous

  ---

Food and Drink

• Common Foods
• Common Drinks

  ---

Questions

• Yes/No Questions
• Wh-Questions

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

  ---

Possessive Pronouns and Adjectives

• Possessive Pronouns
• Possessive Adjectives

  ---

House and Home

• Rooms and Furniture
• Household Chores

  ---

Prepositions

• Common Prepositions
• Prepositions of Place

  ---

Hobbies and Activities

• Common Hobbies
• Sports

  ---

Past Tense

• Past Simple
• Past Continuous

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Essentials

  ---

Pashtun Customs and Traditions

• Traditional Clothing
• Pashtun Cuisine

Other Lessons

• Prepositions of Place
• Personal pronouns
• Gender
• Nouns
• Possessive Pronouns
• Object Pronouns
• Wh Questions
• Future Tense
• Give your Opinion

◀️ Household Chores — Previous Lesson

Next Lesson — Prepositions of Place ▶️