Language/Zulu/Grammar/Future-Tense

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ZuluGrammar0 to A1 Course → Verbs and Tenses → Future Tense

Introduction[edit | edit source]

In this lesson, we will explore the future tense in Zulu. The future tense is used to talk about actions or events that will happen after the present moment. Understanding how to form and use the future tense is essential for expressing future plans, predictions, and intentions in Zulu. We will also cover regular and irregular verbs in the future tense, as well as negation. By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid understanding of how to use the future tense in Zulu and be able to construct sentences with confidence.

Forming the Future Tense[edit | edit source]

To form the future tense in Zulu, we use the auxiliary verb "za" (meaning "to come") followed by the infinitive form of the main verb. The structure is as follows:

Subject + za + verb

Let's look at some examples to illustrate this:

Zulu Pronunciation English
Ngizokufunda. ngi-zo-ku-fun-da I will study.
Uzoya kufika. u-zo-ya ku-fi-ka He will arrive.
Sizokwamukela. si-zo-kwa-mu-ke-la We will welcome.
Bazokhombisa. ba-zo-khom-bi-sa They will show.

As you can see, the auxiliary verb "za" remains the same regardless of the subject. It is only the main verb that changes according to the subject and noun class agreement rules we have previously discussed in the course.

Regular and Irregular Verbs[edit | edit source]

In Zulu, most verbs follow a regular pattern when conjugated in the future tense. However, some verbs are irregular and undergo changes in their stem or have unique conjugation patterns. Let's explore both regular and irregular verbs in the future tense.

Regular Verbs[edit | edit source]

Regular verbs in the future tense follow a predictable pattern. To conjugate a regular verb in the future tense, we remove the infinitive marker "-a" and add the appropriate suffix for the subject. Here are some examples:

Zulu Pronunciation English
Uzokufunda. u-zo-ku-fun-da You will study.
Izokwenza. i-zo-kwen-za It will do/make.
Sizokunikeza. si-zo-ku-ni-ke-za We will give.
Bazokuthola. ba-zo-ku-tho-la They will find.

As you can see, the suffixes "-a" are replaced with "-eza" for the singular and "-za" for the plural subjects. This pattern applies to most regular verbs in Zulu.

Irregular Verbs[edit | edit source]

Irregular verbs, on the other hand, do not follow the regular conjugation pattern in the future tense. These verbs have unique conjugation forms or undergo stem changes. Here are some examples of irregular verbs in the future tense:

Zulu Pronunciation English
Uzokwazi. u-zo-kwa-zi You will know.
Izokwenzeka. i-zo-kwen-ze-ka It will happen.
Sizokuqonda. si-zo-ku-qon-da We will understand.
Bazokuya. ba-zo-ku-ya They will come.

As you can see, these irregular verbs have unique conjugation forms that do not follow the regular pattern. It is important to memorize the conjugation forms of irregular verbs to use them correctly in the future tense.

Negation in the Future Tense[edit | edit source]

To negate a sentence in the future tense, we use the negative particle "a" before the auxiliary verb "za." The structure is as follows:

Subject + a + za + verb

Let's look at some examples:

Zulu Pronunciation English
Angizokufunda. a-ngi-zo-ku-fun-da I will not study.
Azoyafika. a-zo-ya-fi-ka He will not arrive.
Asizokwamukela. a-si-zo-kwa-mu-ke-la We will not welcome.
Abazokhombisa. a-ba-zo-khom-bi-sa They will not show.

As you can see, the negative particle "a" appears before the auxiliary verb "za." This indicates the negation of the action or event described by the main verb.

Cultural Insight[edit | edit source]

In Zulu culture, the future tense plays a significant role in expressing respect and politeness. When making future plans or commitments, it is important to use the future tense to show your intention and commitment to fulfill your promises. For example, if you want to invite someone to an event, you would say "Ngizokufunela kusho ukuthi uyofika?" (I will invite you, may I say you will come?). This shows respect and acknowledges that the person has the freedom to accept or decline the invitation.

Zulu culture also emphasizes the importance of community and collective responsibility. When talking about future actions or events involving a group, it is common to use the plural form of the future tense. This reflects the communal nature of decision-making and the involvement of multiple individuals in shaping the future. For example, if a group of friends plans to go on a trip, they would say "Sizokwenda eThekwini" (We will go to Durban). This highlights the shared responsibility and unity within the group.

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now, let's practice what we have learned. Translate the following sentences into Zulu using the future tense. The solutions will be provided after each exercise for you to check your answers.

1. She will cook dinner. 2. We will visit our grandparents. 3. They will learn how to dance. 4. I will not forget your birthday. 5. Will you come to the party?

Solutions:

1. Uzokotheka isidlo samanzi. 2. Sizokubonisa izibhelu zethu. 3. Bazokufunda ukudansa. 4. Angizokhohlwa ubirthday bakho. 5. Uzoya kuya endhlanganweni?

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to form and use the future tense in Zulu. You now have the knowledge to express future plans, predictions, and intentions in Zulu. Remember to pay attention to the conjugation patterns of regular and irregular verbs, as well as the use of negation in the future tense. Keep practicing and incorporating the future tense into your conversations to become more fluent in Zulu.

Table of Contents - Zulu Course - 0 to A1[edit source]


Introduction to Zulu


Greetings and Introductions


Nouns and Pronouns


Numbers and Time


Verbs and Tenses


Family and Relationships


Adjectives and Adverbs


Food and Dining


Prepositions and Conjunctions


Travel and Transportation


Zulu Culture and Traditions

Videos[edit | edit source]

Future Tense in isiZulu- Grammar - How to speak isiZulu - Beginner ...[edit | edit source]



Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]




◀️ Past Tense — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Family Members ▶️

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