Am 30.09.2020 um 20:17 schrieb Will Martin:
Everyone has been using the word “wish” to describe the verb suffix {-jaj}. My understanding has been that it’s more like a blessing than a wish.
I agree with what you say. The word "wish" is used because that's how TKD describes it: <<This suffix is used to express a desire or wish on the part of the speaker that something take place in the future. [...] {-jaj} is often translated with "may" or "let," and it is particularly useful when placing a curse or making a toast.>> (TKD, addendum 176) So, yes: you don't use that to express a wish for a Christmas present, or a wish for a sandwich. The suggested usage of the translation with "may" reminds me of a quote spoken by Q in TNG: "May whatever god you believe in have mercy on your soul..." – Q does not literally "wish" that it happens, he says it more like a blessing. (Now I want to check how the translation of "Let it snow" was made :-) ) -- Lieven L. Litaer aka the "Klingon Teacher from Germany" http://www.tlhInganHol.com http://klingon.wiki/En/Type9VerbSuffixes