Language/Fijian/Grammar/Future-Tense

Fijian Grammar - Future Tense

Hi Fijian learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will look at the future tense in Fijian grammar. We will also provide cultural information, interesting facts alongside with simple and informal tone or analogies to illustrate complex concepts. Don't hesitate to practice with natives or find more information about Fijian grammar and culture on Polyglot Club. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

Overview

In Fijian grammar, the future tense is formed by using the auxiliary verb na qai right before the verb to describe the future event. This auxiliary chain brings about a similar meaning to "will" in English. For example:

Fijian	Pronunciation	English
Au na qai lako mai.	ow na nɑi lɑko mai	I will come.
O sa na qai lako e na koro.	o sa na nɑi lɑko e nɑ koro	You will go to the village. Note: In Fijian grammar, the future tense does not differentiate between immediate or distant future like in some languages. Using Demonstrative Words Demonstrative words can be used to show future tense in Fijian. It is more commonly used among the elderly population but still relevant in the modern language. For instance: Fijian English Era vinaka qo naqai rarawa. It will be good after the hard work. Dialogue Person 1: O na rawa tikoga. (I will be finished soon.) Person 2: Na vica na gauna? (How much time?) Person 1: E rua na bogi qo. (Two nights from now.) Formation with Time Markers Time markers can be paired with the future tense to give a clearer sense of time. For example: Fijian English Na bogi mai, au na qai lako mai. I will come after tomorrow. Dialogue Person 1: O sa dua na siga ni ta. (You have a special day.) Person 2: Io, e na bogi mai. (Yes, after tomorrow.) Using the Future Tense in Passive Voice To construct a passive sentence in the future tense in Fijian grammar, the subject is followed by na qai and then the verb in the passive voice. Here is an example: Fijian English Na koro o na qai tara ga. The village will be built. Special Case : Future Inference In some cases, the Fijian future tense can relate to more than just an event in the future. It can also be used to describe a decision that has yet to be made. For example: Fijian English E via lako na vale eCI. I am thinking of going to the other house. Note: 'via' (thinking of) is used in a similar way to 'na qai' (will) in the future tense. Exaggerated Future Actions Fijian grammar includes an exaggerated future form to suggest a stronger action or event that will happen in the future. In this form, the word 'na qai' is repeated twice before the main verb. For example: Fijian Pronunciation English Sa na qai na qai kerekere na vatu ena matasawalevu. sa na nɑi nɑi kere-nkere-na vɑtu ena mɑtɑsɑwɑlevu The big rock will be completely pulverized. Additional Tips - It is essential to learn the use of the future tense to convey future events accurately in Fijian culture. - Don't be afraid to exaggerate in the language and have fun with the exaggerated tense. Conclusion Future tense in Fijian grammar can be expressed in several ways such as demonstrative words or future inference. Time markers are an effective way to signify time in phrases, and the exaggerated form allows expressing enthusiasm or exaggeration. With these tools, the future tense can accurately convey the upcoming events in Fijian culture. ➡ 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. 😎 Sources Adding Tense to Fijian Sentences---The past---Now---The future ... A STUDY OF FIJIAN GRAMMATICAL PARTICLES A THESIS ... Verb Systems in Fijian Verb-Subject-Object Languages in Wikipedia Great work on completing this lesson! Take a moment to investigate these connected pages: Plurals & Questions. Other Lessons Questions Pronouns Plurals Negation Conditional Mood Adjectives Give your Opinion How to Use Have