How do you express future intentions using the -nnam suffix?

Understanding the -nnam Suffix in Sinhala

The Sinhala language employs various verb forms to denote tense, mood, and intention. Among these, the -nnam suffix is particularly significant when expressing intentions or decisions about future actions. Unlike the simple future tense, which merely states what will happen, using -nnam adds a layer of personal intent or conditionality, much like saying “I will (do something), if…” or “If that’s the case, I will…” in English.

How to Form the -nnam Suffix

Attaching the -nnam suffix to a verb root in Sinhala is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Start with the verb root (the base form of the verb).
2. Add the -nnam suffix directly to the verb root.

For example:

• gihin (go) + nnam = gihinnam (If I go, I will…/I will go…)
• kala (do) + nnam = kalannam (If I do, I will…/I will do…)

This structure is typically used in the first person, indicating the speaker’s intention or decision about a future action.

When to Use the -nnam Suffix

The -nnam suffix is used in various situations to express:

• Intentions: Stating what you plan or intend to do. Example: Api yannam (We will go/I intend to go)
• Decisions: Indicating a decision made at the moment of speaking, often in response to new information.
• Conditional Future Actions: Expressing actions that depend on a certain condition. Example: Oya ennang, mama gihinnam (If you come, I will go)

Difference Between -nnam and the Simple Future

It’s important to distinguish between the -nnam form and the simple future tense in Sinhala. The simple future is used for stating facts or scheduled events, while -nnam is used for personal intentions, immediate decisions, or conditional responses. For example:

• Simple future: Mama yanawa (I will go)
• With -nnam: Mama yannam (I intend to go/I’ll go [since that’s the case])

Common Mistakes and Tips for Learners

Many Sinhala learners confuse the contexts in which -nnam should be used. Here are some tips to avoid common errors:

• Use -nnam when expressing a decision made in the moment or in response to someone.
• Do not use -nnam for scheduled, habitual, or impersonal future actions—use the simple future instead.
• Practice with native speakers or language tools like Talkpal to get a feel for natural usage.

Practice Examples

Here are some sentences to help you practice:

• Oba awa nam, mama gihinnam. (If you come, I will go.)
• Hodai, mama kalannam. (Alright, I’ll do it.)
• Api balannam. (We’ll see/I’ll check.)

Try creating your own sentences and check them with native speakers or AI language learning tools like Talkpal for feedback.

Conclusion: Mastering Future Intentions in Sinhala

Understanding and using the -nnam suffix is essential for expressing future intentions, decisions, and conditional actions in Sinhala. By practicing this form, you can communicate more naturally and fluently, making your conversations richer and more precise. For learners using platforms like Talkpal, focusing on this grammatical structure will help you progress from basic communication to more advanced, nuanced expression in Sinhala.