initsaliurutijunnaqinnga

ASKING POLITELY FOR SOMETHING TO BE DONE

 

1. The Verb -junnaq- / -gunnaq- / -runnaq-

This affix is used to talk about the ability to do something:

-junnaq- is added to stems that end in vowels.

-runnaq- is added to stems that end in q

-gunnaq- is added to stems that end in k or t
Qaijunnaqtutit. You can come.
Piitamut uqaalajunnaqqit? Can you call Peter (on the phone)?
Sinigunnangittuq He can’t sleep.
Isirunnaqtusik. The two of you can come in.

 

2. The Verb -qu

-qu- is an affix used to talk about something that you want to have happen. Note that when –qu- is added to a stem that ends in a consonant, it deletes the final consonant.

 

aniqujanga He asks her to leave.
isiquguk Tell him to come in.
siniqujagit I want you to sleep.
uqaalaqujait You tell him to call.

 

 

3. -jjuti, -guti & –ruti

These affixes are added to verbs to express the idea of doing something for someone else:

-jjuti is added to stems that end in vowels.

-ruti is added to stems that end in q

-guti is added to stems that end in k or t
inissaliurutijunnaqinnga Can you make an appointment for me?
allavimmik salumaqsaijjutijanga He cleans the office for her.
qangatasuukkuvimmuurutijara
I will take her to the airport.