Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Esperanto grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about Mi havas libron aŭ katon.
Why do both libro and kato have the -n ending in "Mi havas libron aŭ katon"?
In Esperanto, the direct object of a verb is marked with the accusative ending -n. Since havas is a transitive verb, both "book" and "cat" are its objects and therefore take the -n ending, becoming libron and katon.
What does the word aŭ mean in this sentence, and does it imply an exclusive choice?
Aŭ means "or" in Esperanto. It is used here to present a choice between two alternatives. Generally, aŭ is understood to imply an either/or situation—that is, one option or the other (and not both simultaneously)—unless context suggests an inclusive interpretation.
Why is there no definite article like la before "libro" or "kato" in the sentence?
In Esperanto, the definite article la is only used when referring to specific or previously mentioned items. In this sentence, "libro" and "kato" are indefinite, meaning they refer to any book or any cat, so no article is needed.
How is the present tense indicated in the verb havas in this sentence?
The verb havas is in the present tense, indicated by the ending -as. In Esperanto, verbs do not change based on the subject; -as always marks the present tense, so havas means "have" or "has" for any subject.
How would the sentence change if I wanted to express that I have both a book and a cat?
To indicate that you have both items, you would replace aŭ (or) with kaj (and). The sentence would become: Mi havas libron kaj katon.