Lesson 15 - The Optative or the Potential Mood

Question 1

How is the optative or the potential mood case formed?

Answer 1

The optative expresses mainly probability and advice, and ideas such as those conveyed by if, might, would, etc. It is formed by adding -eyya to the verbal base before terminations.

It should be observed that the terminations of the second and first persons are similar to those of the present tense.

Question 2

3rd person sg. optative or potential mood of

pacati

Answer 2

(So) paceyya

If he would cook

Question 3

2nd person sg. optative or potential mood of

pacati

Answer 3

(Tvaṃ) paceyyāsi

If you (sg.) would cook

Question 4

1st person sg. optative or potential mood of

pacati

Answer 4

(Ahaṃ) paceyyāmi

If I would cook

Question 5

3rd person pl. optative or potential mood of

pacati

Answer 5

(Te) paceyyuṃ

If they would cook

Question 6

2nd person pl. optative or potential mood of

pacati

Answer 6

(Tumhe) paceyyātha

If you (pl.) would cook

Question 7

1st person pl. optative or potential mood of

pacati

Answer 7

(Mayaṃ) paceyyāma

If we would cook