Assa (us-suh) - Existential verb

In the last lesson you learnt to use Kashi Assa to ask somebody how they are doing in Konkani. We also learnt that the literal translation of Kashi Assa is How is it to be.

Konkani language is structured around the idea of existence. We might imagine a system where verbs or grammatical structures are focused on the state of being, presence, or reality of something or someone. The very foundation of communication revolves around what exists in different forms and how it is perceived. This makes Assa and Na two most powerful words to exist in Konkani language.

Let’s learn about all different forms of existence and how Assa and Na are used in each of these situations.

An existential verb refers to a verb that specifically expresses the state of being, existence, or presence of something. It typically relates to whether something exists or is present in a particular context, rather than describing an action or process. Depending on the nature of the existence being described, existential verb might be further categorized into following forms:

  • To exist (general existence of something or someone)

  • To be present (indicating actual presence in a place)

  • To persist (indicating continuous existence over time)

In English, verb to be is the fundamental existential verb, however, it might take different forms depending on the the nature of the existence mentioned above. Ex: when used for identity “I am a teacher”, location “The book is on the table”, and state of being “She is happy”. In Konkani, everything is Assa.

Devu assa = God exists / There is god (to exist)

Haav California assa = I am in California (to be present)

Tuv kusheri assa = You are happy (to persist)

Na (naa) - Non-existence

Now lets looks at the opposite of existence—an absence or negation of being. In English, no/not/none are used to negate the existence. Ex: The book is not on the table. Similarly, Konkani uses Na to negate existence.

Devu na = God doesn’t exist / There is no god

Haav California na = I am not in California (to be present)

Tuv kusheri na = You are not happy (to persist)