Language/Central-pashto/Grammar/Future-Tense
Hi Central Pashto learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will be discussing the Central Pashto future tense. The future tense is used to talk about events or states that have not yet happened but are expected to happen in the future. We will explain the formation of the future tense and its different use cases. We will also provide some cultural insights along the way. So let's get started! 🚀
Once you've mastered this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Present Continuous & Plurals.
Forming the Future Tense[edit | edit source]
In order to form the future tense in Central Pashto, we use the auxiliary verb "za" (to go) followed by the infinitive form of the main verb. Let's look at some examples below:
| Central Pashto | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| زه د کتاب وکړم | Za da kitab wakram | I will read the book |
| زه د چوکاوکۍ کوم | Za da chokawkay kom | I will drink tea |
| زه د ننګې سترګېدله | Za da Nanage Staragayadala | I will travel to Nangarhar |
| زه په خپله کولو کې ډیر خوشحالم | Za pa khapla koloh ke deer khushhalm | I will be very happy in my house |
As you can see in the examples above, the auxiliary verb "za" is conjugated and the main verb is in its infinitive form. Also, note that the auxiliary verb "za" is at the beginning of the sentence. This structure is followed throughout the future tense.
Let's use our newly learned knowledge of the future tense by creating a dialogue below:
- Person 1: سترونګه ماشومانه به څوک چارته خوړی؟ زه د چاې پیسی کوم | (What do you want to eat for dinner tonight? I will make pasta.)
- Person 2: یوه د ننګې ملمه ورکړې کړم، زه ننګې ته سفر کوم۔ | (I have a meeting in Nangarhar tonight, I will travel to Nangarhar tonight.)
Irregular Verbs in the Future Tense[edit | edit source]
Unfortunately, not all verbs follow the same pattern as the examples given above. There are some verbs that have irregular future tense forms. Let's look at some examples below:
| Central Pashto | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| زه داواز ته نه رسوم | Za dawaz ta na rasoam | I will not send the letter |
| زه کېدله کوم | Za kedayla kom | I will catch it |
| زه تاسو ته پیغام زمونږمه کوم | Za tasu ta peigham zamaungama kom | I will send you a message |
These verbs have different patterns as compared to regular verbs. For example "rasoam" in the first example means "I will send" and has the root verb "ras" which changes to "raso" with the addition of "am" at the end which refers to the first person singular.
Let's continue with the same dialogue again using some irregular verbs:
- Person 1: تاسو لوستلی کونکی ماشومانه خوړوی ؟ | (Which baby chicken do you want?)
- Person 2: دا ښې که زه کېدمې وشو | (I will take this one, I will catch it.)
Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]
In Pashtun culture, it is often emphasized to have a positive outlook. This is even seen in the way the future tense is used. For example, while in English we may say "I might fail the exam" in Central Pashto we would say "I will pass the exam". This is because the Pashtun culture tends to focus on positivity, particularly when it comes to future outcomes.
In addition, the Pashtun culture is a proud culture that emphasizes amicability and hospitality towards guests. It is common to use the future tense in invitations for meals or other events. For example, someone may say "I will make food for you tomorrow" which is a way of expressing hospitality and goodwill towards guests.
Practice Exercise[edit | edit source]
To practice the future tense, try translating the following sentences into Central Pashto:
1. I will go to the market tomorrow. 2. Will you come to my house tonight? 3. She will not call you tomorrow. 4. We will eat dinner at 7 pm tonight. 5. They will visit their relatives next week.
Additional Resources[edit | edit source]
To improve your Central Pashto Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Sources[edit | edit source]
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]