Questions & Answers about Pumpu la aertubon per la pumpilo.
Why does pumpu end in -u?
The ending -u is the Esperanto volitive ending. In a sentence like this, it usually gives a command, request, or instruction.
So pumpu means something like:
- pump!
- do the pumping
- please pump
In everyday translation, English usually just uses the imperative: Pump ...
Who is being told to pump? There is no word for you.
In Esperanto, commands often leave the subject unstated, just like in English.
- Pump the tube.
- Pumpu la aertubon.
The you is understood. If needed, Esperanto can say Vi pumpu, but that is less neutral and usually adds emphasis.
Why does aertubon have an -n at the end?
The -n marks the direct object. It shows what is being pumped.
Here:
- pumpu = pump
- la aertubon = the air tube / inner tube
So the sentence is telling you to do the action to the tube, and Esperanto marks that with -n.