Similarities Cross Linguistically
1 min read · 224 words
I learn languages from time to time and I often notice some specific shared grammatical notions.
Mandarin
Manadarin has a concept of measure words, we got that too but much simpler. For countables (ie fruit, vegetables, small to minute technologies), you can use 'kaĝbe/kaĝbtiin/kaĝbeet' kinda analogous to 个:
Kaĝbe qaares (one lemon)
Kaĝbtin faqqous (two cucumbers)
tleeŧe kaĝbeet ħomṣ (three chickpeas)
For number 2, Mandarin uses one numeral for counting (二 -> ŧniin) and another one for counting items (两 -> zouz) .
To express ongoing actions, you use 在 before your verb which also means 'in; at". We also use 'fi' for indicating progressives which also means 'in; at' but before your object. However, if your sentence naturally lacks an object you use 'qaaĝed/qaaĝde/qaaĝdiin' before the verb.
To express desire, ie 'to want' you use 要 which can also signify 'to take time'. In Tunisian, the verb 'ħabb' means both 'to want' and 'to take time'.
Beeş yetşarje, yħebblo zouz sweeyaĝ ("In order for it to charge, it would take 2 hours")
充电需要两个小时 ("So it can charge, it would take 2 hours")
How oddly "couşe" and "烤箱" sound and both meaning 'oven'
Norwegian
The def-indep possession construction is exactly the same:
Hunden min (lit:"the dog mine")
El kalb mteeĝi (lit:"the dog mine")
'og' sounds like 'w' and they both mean 'and'.