VERBS (continued), -i, -u.
In the examples already given the verbs ending in "-as", "-is", "-os"
express "action" or "being" ("state") going on in present, past, or
future time, as "Mi skribas", I am writing; "Li legis", He read; "Ni
iros", We shall go.
If we wish merely to express the idea of action or state indefinitely,
without reference to any time or any subject, the verb must end in "-i,"
as "Vivi", To live; "Mi deziras lerni", I wish to learn; "Ni devas
labori", We must work.
(This is called the INDEFINITE or INFINITIVE Mood (manner of
expression), because not limited by reference to time or subject).
To give an "order" or "command", or to express "will, desire, purpose",
etc., the verb must end in "u", as "Donu al mi panon", Give (to) me
bread; "Iru for", Go away; "Estu felicxa", May you be happy! "Vivu la
regxo!" (Long) live the king!
In such cases as Tell "him to come", I want "you to sing", Allow "her to
speak", we have to use a second sentence with the verb ending in "u",
and beginning with "ke", that, as "Diru al li, ke li venu", Tell (say
to) him, that he come; "Mi deziras, ke vi kantu", I wish, that you sing;
"Permesu al sxi, ke sxi parolu", Allow her, that she speak. Sentences
like the last are often contracted, only the last subject and verb being
used, as "Sxi parolu", Let her speak; "Gxi kusxu", Let it lie; "Ni iru",
Let us go; "Ili dormu", Let them sleep. "Cxu vi volas ke mi tion faru?"
Do you wish me to do that? "Cxu mi tion faru?" Shall I do that?