Description

So, now we know how to say that someone (or something) takes an action. What about descriptors, like old, young, big, or small? Modifiers in toki pona use li, just like verbs! For example, ona li pona means they are good. As with the other use of li, it is dropped in sentences where the subject is sina or mi. Sound familiar? Remember that thank you in toki pona is sina pona -- literally you are good.

Context is key!

But does it ever get confusing that li has this double function? At times, yes, it can be ambiguous. Many words in toki pona can be both adjectives and verbs. For example, lukin means both to look and eye. So ona li lukin can mean either they look or it's an eye! Usually, it is pretty easy to figure out which meaning is intended from context. Throughout this course, you'll get better and better at using context to differentiate ambiguous meanings in toki pona. In this skill, you'll get some practice with describing things and learn some new adjectives!