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<div class="pg_page_title">Shona Grammar - How to Use "Be"</div>
<div class="pg_page_title">Shona Grammar - How to Use "Be"</div>
Hi [https://polyglotclub.com/language/shona Shona] learners! 😊<br>In this lesson, we will learn how to use the verb "be" in Shona. We will look at the different forms of the verb and how to use them in sentences. We will also look at some examples of how to use the verb in context. __TOC__


The verb "be" is used to describe a state or condition. It is used to describe a person's identity, location, or possession. In Shona, the verb "be" is conjugated differently depending on the subject of the sentence.  
Hi [https://polyglotclub.com/language/shona Shona] learners! 😊<br>
In this lesson, we will learn about the different ways to use the verb "be" in Shona. "Be" is one of the most commonly used verbs in the English language and in Shona as well. By the end of this lesson, you will know how to use "be" in various contexts and with different forms of Shona speech. <br>
Don't forget that to improve your [[Language/Shona|Shona]] [[Language/Shona/Grammar|Grammar]], you can also use the [https://polyglotclub.com Polyglot Club] website. [https://polyglotclub.com/find-friends.php?search=send&d=0&f=36&offre1=111 Find native speakers] and ask them any [https://polyglotclub.com/language/shona/question questions]! <br>   
 
__TOC__


The verb "be" has three forms: ndi, ndiri, and ndichau. The form of the verb depends on the subject of the sentence.  
== What is the Verb "Be" ==
The verb "be" is an English auxiliary verb. It is used to indicate various states of being, such as existence, identity, location, and so on. In Shona, however, the verb "be" is not necessarily translated as "be" all the time. Instead, it can be expressed through other elements of Shona speech, such as particles, pronouns, and verb tense.  


If the subject is singular, then the verb is conjugated as ndi. For example:
== How to Use "Be" to Indicate Existence ==
* Ndinokuda - I am here
* Ndinoziva - I know


If the subject is plural, then the verb is conjugated as ndiri. For example:
To indicate the existence of something or someone, we use the Shona particle "-po" or "-ko".
* Ndirikuda - We are here
* Ndiriziva - We know


If the subject is a pronoun, then the verb is conjugated as ndichau. For example:
{| class="wikitable"
* Ndichaukuda - You (singular) are here
! Shona !! Pronunciation !! English
* Ndichauziva - You (plural) know
|-
| Ndiri-ko || ndi-ree-ko || I am here
|-
| Iko || ee-ko || It is there
|-
| Uko || oo-ko || You are there
|-
| Vanhu vako vari kumusha || vanhoo vako vari koo-moo-sha || Your people are at home
|}
 
== How to Use "Be" to Indicate Identity ==


Here is a table with some examples of how to use the verb "be" in Shona:
To indicate the identity of someone or something, we use the pronoun "ndi" (I am), "u" (you are), or "a" (he/she/it is), followed by the name or description.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Shona !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
! Shona !! Pronunciation !! English Translation
| Ndinonzi Tariro || ndee-no-nzi ta-ree-ro || My name is Tariro
|-
|-
| Ndinokuda || n-dee-no-koo-da || I am here
| Unonzi Takunda || oo-no-nzi ta-koo-nda || Your name is Takunda
|-
|-
| Ndinoziva || n-dee-no-zee-va || I know
| Anonzwa kunyanya || aa-no-nzwa koo-nya-nya || He/she/it feels tired
|-
|-
| Ndirikuda || n-dee-ree-koo-da || We are here
| Anogara mumaokoake || aa-no-gaa-ra moo-mao-ko-aake || He/she/it is sitting in his/her/its arms
|}
 
== How to Use "Be" to Indicate Location ==
 
To indicate the location of someone or something, we use the Shona particle "-po" or "-ko", followed by the noun or pronoun.
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Shona !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| Ndiri muclass || ndi-ree moo-kla-ss || I am in class
|-
|-
| Ndiriziva || n-dee-ree-zee-va || We know
| Uri munzira || oo-ree moo-nzee-ra || You are on the road
|-
|-
| Ndichaukuda || n-dee-chow-koo-da || You (singular) are here
| Anogara pabhawa || aa-no-gaa-ra pa-bha-wa || He/she/it is on the roof
|-
|-
| Ndichauziva || n-dee-chow-zee-va || You (plural) know
| Tinoda kuziva kuti munhu ari kupi || tee-no-daa ku-zee-va koo-tee moo-nhoo a-ree koo-pee || We want to know where the person is
|}
|}


Let's look at some examples of how to use the verb "be" in context.
== How to Use "Be" with Verb Tenses ==


* Person 1: Ndinokuda? (Where am I?)  
In Shona, the verb "be" can also be used to form different tenses, such as present simple ("ndiri"), past simple ("ndakanga"), present continuous ("ndinoda kugara"), and past continuous ("ndainetse"), among others. Here are some examples:
* Person 2: Uyu unokuda kuHarare. (You are in Harare.)


* Person 1: Ndirikuda? (Where are we?)  
{| class="wikitable"
* Person 2: Tiri kuMutare. (We are in Mutare.)  
! Shona !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| Ndiri kufamba || ndi-ree koo-fa-mba || I am walking
|-
| Ndakanga ndisina kudei || ndaa-kaa-nga ndi-see-na koo-daa-yi || I was not hungry
|-
| Ndinoda kuzovhura maziso angu || ndi-no-daa koo-zo-vhu-ra ma-zee-so aa-ngu || I want to open my eyes
|-
| Ndainetse kuimba || ndaa-ee-net-se koo-eem-ba || I was singing
|}
 
== Practice Dialogue ==
 
Person 1: Ndiri kumusha. (I am at home)
Person 2: Ahh, ndinokumbirawo uchindinzwa. (Oh, please say that again?)
Person 1: Ndinoenda kumabhazi. (I am going to the bus station)
Person 2: Unotenga ticket here here? (Are you buying a ticket here?)
Person 1: Aiwa, ndirikungoenda kunoviga kwaHwange. (No, I am going to Victoria Falls)
Person 2: Ahh, unonzwa kunyanya? (Oh, are you feeling tired?)


* Person 1: Ndichaukuda? (Where are you?)
== Conclusion ==
* Person 2: Ndichaukuda kuChitungwiza. (You are in Chitungwiza.)


As you can see, the verb "be" is used to describe a person's identity, location, or possession. It is important to remember that the form of the verb depends on the subject of the sentence.  
In this lesson, we learned how to use the verb "be" in different contexts and with different forms of Shona speech. Don't forget the key points: to indicate existence, we use the Shona particles "-po" or "-ko"; to indicate identity, we use the pronouns "ndi", "u", or "a", followed by the name or description; to indicate location, we use the Shona particle "-po" or "-ko", followed by the noun or pronoun; and to form different tenses, we use different forms of the verb "be".


Now that you have learned how to use the verb "be" in Shona, why not practice your new skills by talking to native speakers? You can use the [https://polyglotclub.com Polyglot Club] website to find native speakers and ask them any [https://polyglotclub.com/language/shona/question questions]!
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.<br>➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎


<hr>➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.<br>➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎


<span link>Excellent job on conquering this lesson! Consider delving into these related pages: [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Present-Tense|Present Tense]] & [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Negation|Negation]].</span>
{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Shona Grammar - How to Use "Be"
|title=Shona Grammar - How to Use "Be"
|keywords=Shona, grammar, be, verb, conjugation, identity, location, possession
|keywords=Shona, Grammar, Shona Grammar, be, existece, identity, location, verb tense, practice dialogue
|description=In this lesson, we will learn how to use the verb "be" in Shona. We will look at the different forms of the verb and how to use them in sentences. We will also look at some examples of how to use the verb in context.
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to use the verb "be" in various contexts and with different forms of Shona speech to indicate existence, identity, location, and to form different tenses.
}}
}}


==Videos==
==Videos==
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<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRA0taFz1yA</youtube>
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRA0taFz1yA</youtube>


 
==Other Lessons==
==Related Lessons==
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Gender|Gender]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Conditional-Mood|Conditional Mood]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Negation|Negation]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Negation|Negation]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Gender|Gender]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Adjectives|Adjectives]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Adjectives|Adjectives]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Plurals|Plurals]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Give-your-Opinion|Give your Opinion]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Pronouns|Pronouns]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Pronouns|Pronouns]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Questions|Questions]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Questions|Questions]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Give-your-Opinion|Give your Opinion]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Plurals|Plurals]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/Conditional-Mood|Conditional Mood]]
* [[Language/Shona/Grammar/How-to-Use-Have|How to Use Have]]
 
<span class='maj'></span>
==Sources==
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shona_language Shona language - Wikipedia]
* [https://www.mustgo.com/worldlanguages/shona/ Shona Language - Dialects & Structure - MustGo]
* [http://learn101.org/shona_grammar.php Shona Grammar | LEARN101.ORG]


{{Shona-Page-Bottom}}
{{Shona-Page-Bottom}}
<span links></span>

Latest revision as of 22:17, 27 March 2023

Zimbabwe-flag-polyglotclub-Wiki.jpg
Shona Grammar - How to Use "Be"

Hi Shona learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about the different ways to use the verb "be" in Shona. "Be" is one of the most commonly used verbs in the English language and in Shona as well. By the end of this lesson, you will know how to use "be" in various contexts and with different forms of Shona speech.
Don't forget that to improve your Shona Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

What is the Verb "Be"[edit | edit source]

The verb "be" is an English auxiliary verb. It is used to indicate various states of being, such as existence, identity, location, and so on. In Shona, however, the verb "be" is not necessarily translated as "be" all the time. Instead, it can be expressed through other elements of Shona speech, such as particles, pronouns, and verb tense.

How to Use "Be" to Indicate Existence[edit | edit source]

To indicate the existence of something or someone, we use the Shona particle "-po" or "-ko".

Shona Pronunciation English
Ndiri-ko ndi-ree-ko I am here
Iko ee-ko It is there
Uko oo-ko You are there
Vanhu vako vari kumusha vanhoo vako vari koo-moo-sha Your people are at home

How to Use "Be" to Indicate Identity[edit | edit source]

To indicate the identity of someone or something, we use the pronoun "ndi" (I am), "u" (you are), or "a" (he/she/it is), followed by the name or description.

Shona Pronunciation English
Ndinonzi Tariro ndee-no-nzi ta-ree-ro My name is Tariro
Unonzi Takunda oo-no-nzi ta-koo-nda Your name is Takunda
Anonzwa kunyanya aa-no-nzwa koo-nya-nya He/she/it feels tired
Anogara mumaokoake aa-no-gaa-ra moo-mao-ko-aake He/she/it is sitting in his/her/its arms

How to Use "Be" to Indicate Location[edit | edit source]

To indicate the location of someone or something, we use the Shona particle "-po" or "-ko", followed by the noun or pronoun.

Shona Pronunciation English
Ndiri muclass ndi-ree moo-kla-ss I am in class
Uri munzira oo-ree moo-nzee-ra You are on the road
Anogara pabhawa aa-no-gaa-ra pa-bha-wa He/she/it is on the roof
Tinoda kuziva kuti munhu ari kupi tee-no-daa ku-zee-va koo-tee moo-nhoo a-ree koo-pee We want to know where the person is

How to Use "Be" with Verb Tenses[edit | edit source]

In Shona, the verb "be" can also be used to form different tenses, such as present simple ("ndiri"), past simple ("ndakanga"), present continuous ("ndinoda kugara"), and past continuous ("ndainetse"), among others. Here are some examples:

Shona Pronunciation English
Ndiri kufamba ndi-ree koo-fa-mba I am walking
Ndakanga ndisina kudei ndaa-kaa-nga ndi-see-na koo-daa-yi I was not hungry
Ndinoda kuzovhura maziso angu ndi-no-daa koo-zo-vhu-ra ma-zee-so aa-ngu I want to open my eyes
Ndainetse kuimba ndaa-ee-net-se koo-eem-ba I was singing

Practice Dialogue[edit | edit source]

Person 1: Ndiri kumusha. (I am at home) Person 2: Ahh, ndinokumbirawo uchindinzwa. (Oh, please say that again?) Person 1: Ndinoenda kumabhazi. (I am going to the bus station) Person 2: Unotenga ticket here here? (Are you buying a ticket here?) Person 1: Aiwa, ndirikungoenda kunoviga kwaHwange. (No, I am going to Victoria Falls) Person 2: Ahh, unonzwa kunyanya? (Oh, are you feeling tired?)

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

In this lesson, we learned how to use the verb "be" in different contexts and with different forms of Shona speech. Don't forget the key points: to indicate existence, we use the Shona particles "-po" or "-ko"; to indicate identity, we use the pronouns "ndi", "u", or "a", followed by the name or description; to indicate location, we use the Shona particle "-po" or "-ko", followed by the noun or pronoun; and to form different tenses, we use different forms of the verb "be".

➡ 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. 😎


Excellent job on conquering this lesson! Consider delving into these related pages: Present Tense & Negation.

Videos[edit | edit source]

Learn Shona: How to use 'I' in Shona sentences (Shona Grammar ...[edit | edit source]

Other Lessons[edit | edit source]

Sources[edit | edit source]


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