The Suffix -il

forms words for a tool, implement or means:

• tranĉilo – knife
• hakilo – axe
• ŝlosilo – key
• timigilo – scarecrow

💡 Memory aid: -il names the instrument for an action:

• tranĉi (to cut) → tranĉilo (knife)
• ŝlosi (to lock) → ŝlosilo (key)

The Suffix -estr

-estr names the head or responsible person:

• urbestro – mayor
• ŝipestro – ship's captain

With -ar, it can name a leading group:

• lernejestraro – school administration

Combining suffixes

Known suffixes can appear together:

• manĝi → manĝilo – eating utensil
• ŝlosilo → ŝlosilaro – set of keys
• sana → sanigi – to heal
• sanigi → sanigilo – medicine, healing tool

Time, side and point as word parts

Some exercise words are built from common roots. The last root usually carries the main meaning:

• mezo – middle
• tago – day
• nokto – night
• flanko – side
• punkto – point

With -e, these often become adverb-like expressions: when, where, or from which side:

• tage – by day, during the day
• nokte – at night
• flanke – at the side

Roots can also combine directly:

• mezo + punkto → mezpunkto – midpoint