47. In many sentences where the possessor is already sufficiently
indicated, English nevertheless uses a possessive adjective, as in "I
wash my face," "he shakes his head," but on the other hand omits it
entirely with certain words indicating relationship, as in "Brother gave
it to me," etc. In both cases Esperanto uses the article instead of the
possessive adjective, unless the fact of possession is to be emphasized:
Mi lavas la vizagxon, I wash my face.
Li skuas la kapon, he shakes his head.
La patro estas alta, Father is tall.
Mi donis gxin al la patro, I gave it to Father.