Leksion Chamoru: The prefix acha-

Acha- is called a similative prefix. That means we add it to a word to indicate equality or similarity to something. I know that's a little confusing, but hopefully the examples will help.

1. Guaguan = Expensive.
   Achaguaguan = As expensive, equaly expensive.
   "Guaguan i rediu." = "The radio is expensive."
   "Achaguaguan i rediu yan i TV." = "The radio is as expensive as the TV."
2. Åmko' = Old, with age, elder.
   Acha'åmko' = As old, same age.
   "Guiya i mas åmko' gi familiå-ña." = "She's the oldest in her family."
   "Acha'åmko' si Jose yan si Juan, sa' dinga siha." = "Joe and John are the same age, because they are twins."
3. Dånkolo = Big, large.
   Achadåmkolo = As big, equal size.
   "Dånkolo i gima'." = "The house is large."
   "Manachadånkolo i kuåtto-ta siha." = "Are rooms are the same size."

This prefix forces the primary stress of the word to fall on the 2nd syllable. For the examples above:

1. Achaguaguan => a-CHA-gwa-gwan
2. Acha'åmko' => a-CHA'-um-koo'
3. Achadånkolo => a-CHA-dun-koh-loo

Some people (myself included) usually use cha- rather than acha-.