The imperative mood is used to give commands, instructions, requests, warnings, and invitations. In Dusun, imperatives are expressed through sentence patterns and particles, not tense changes.
An imperative verb may appear by itself or be expanded with objects, locations, or directions. The command meaning remains the same; only the amount of information changes.
Using just the verb root gives a neutral or general command. The object or target is usually understood from context.
The same imperative verb can be expanded with an object, direction, or location to make the instruction clearer.
-o
Adding the suffix -o makes the command more direct or emphatic.
It often implies a specific object or urgency.
Ngoyo is used to command someone to go and perform an action. It initiates movement and is not a tense marker.
To forbid or stop an action, use kada before the verb.
Kano is used to invite others to act together with the speaker. It is inclusive and not forceful.
Understanding these imperative patterns will help you give instructions, make requests, and interact more naturally in everyday Dusun conversations.