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Questions & Answers about La infano ludas sur la seĝo.
Why is there no word for a (indefinite article) before infano?
Esperanto does not use an indefinite article like English does. Nouns without “la” (the definite article) are simply understood as unspecified or indefinite.
What is the difference between ludi and ludas?
ludi is the infinitive form of the verb (meaning “to play”), while ludas is the present-tense form (“plays” or “is playing”).
Why is sur used here instead of other prepositions?
sur specifically means “on top of” or “upon.” Since the child is playing on the chair, sur is the appropriate preposition.
Why do we say La infano and not just Infano?
Esperanto uses la to indicate the definite article “the,” just as in English. Saying La infano clarifies that we’re talking about a particular child, rather than children in general.
Does La infano ludas sur la seĝo mean the same as The child is playing on the chair in English?
Yes. In Esperanto, the present tense ludas can translate both “plays” and “is playing” in English, so the sentence corresponds to both forms.