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Greenlandic grammar · A1

-niar-: Intend To, Plan To

-niar- means "intend to, want to, try to". It goes before the ending, and with the "because" endings or the -lu- endings it says what something is done for.

  • Arlaannik amigaateqarpit? Nerisassarsinialerpunga.

    Do you need anything? I am shopping for groceries. (lit. I am setting out to get food)

01

If I Want To

With "if", -niar- gives "if I want to, if I am to".

  • Biilerniaruma allagartaq pisariaqarteqqaassavara.

    I need a driver's license to drive a car. (lit. if I want to drive, I will first need a license)

  • Illoqarfiup qeqqanukarniaruma aqqutissara nassuiarsinnaaviuk?

    Can you tell me how to get to the city center? (lit. if I want to go to the center)

02

So That, In Order To

With -ssa- "will" and the "because" endings, or with the contemporative, it gives "so that", "in order to".

  • Massakkut ilinniarpunga misilitsinnissaq angusiniassagama.

    I'm studying now so that I can pass the exam.

  • Sianertungaana nalunaarutiginiarlugu suliartorsinnaananga.

    I'm calling to let you know that I won't be coming in today. (-niar- + -lugu: in order to let you know it)

03

Please

In a command, -niar- often translates as "please".

  • Kaagimik peqqinniarit, nammineq sanaaraara.

    Please, have some more cake. I made it myself.

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