a

a has two uses: an interjection and an emphatic particle. As an interjection, it’s very broad; it can indicate a pause for thought, a realization when learning something, astonishment at a fact, and more.

a, mi sona ala e ni.

Ah, I didn’t know that!

As an emphatic particle, it’s narrower, emphasizing the phrase that it’s placed after or the entire sentence if it’s at the end.

ona li wile a e ilo sin ni.

She really wants this new computer.