dōn
The English phrase "do" is translated into Old English as dōn.
The verb dōn is used to describe the act of performing tasks.
Meaning: perform tasks (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
The infinitive form is dōn. To express the past tense "did", use dōde. For the past participle "done", use gedōn. If you are issuing a command, use the imperative form dō.
Did you know?
- In Old English, dōn was not always used as a helping verb to form questions or negatives. A speaker would simply say 'I sleep not' rather than 'I do not sleep'.
- In Old English, dōn could be used to mean 'creating' or 'making' something, not just performing a task. This versatility meant a speaker could use dōn where a modern English speaker would strictly use 'make'.
- The word dōn is a cognate of the German word tun. Both descend from a Proto-Germanic root meaning 'to set' or 'to put'.
Examples in context
- And hū mæg hē þæt dōn?And how can he do that?This sentence shows how to ask how someone can perform an action using dōn.Tatoeba #13855213 by rul, translation #13850525 by rul
- Mē ne þynċþ þæt iċ þæt for þē dōn mæġ.I don't think that I can do that for you.This sentence illustrates a statement about the ability to perform an action for someone else using dōn.Tatoeba #13900915 by rul, translation #7236108 by CK
- Iċ nolde þē nǣfre ġeþafian þæt tō dōnne.I'd never allow you to do that.This sentence demonstrates the use of dōn when expressing a refusal to allow an action.Tatoeba #13907377 by rul, translation #6350375 by CK
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Godric and Wulfrun are discussing daily chores.
- GodricHwæt wille þū nū dōn?What do you want to do now?
- WulfrunIċ sceal mīn weorc dōn.I must do my work.
- GodricMæg iċ þē helpan?May I help you?
- WulfrunĠēa, Godric, help mē.Yes, Godric, help me.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
