Language/Sango/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be

Sango Grammar - How to Use "Be"

Hi Sango learners! 😊

In this lesson, we will learn how to use the verb "be" in Sango. The verb "be" is used to connect two things in a sentence. We will learn how to use it properly, with examples and cultural information.

Don't hesitate to look into these other pages after completing this lesson: Adjectives & How to Use Have.

The Verb "Be"

The verb "be" in Sango has two forms: "ni" and "mbi". They are used differently, depending on the context of the sentence.

"Ni" is used as a copula. It connects the subject of the sentence to the predicate noun, which describes the subject. For example:

Sango	Pronunciation	English
Sango ni seko	[saŋɔ ni sɛkɔ]	Sango is a language
Mama ni oyɛ	[mama ni ɔjɛ]	Mama is happy

"Mbi" is used to express existence or location. For example:

Sango	Pronunciation	English
Nga mbi ti?	[ŋa mbi ti]	Where are you?
Balanga mbi sala	[balanga mbi sala]	The Balanga are in the market

Negation

To form a negative sentence in Sango, you can use the word "ti" before the verb. For example:

Sango	Pronunciation	English
Ti ni koci	[ti ni kɔci]	Sango is not difficult
Ti mbi sala	[ti mbi sala]	They are not at the market

Questions

To form a question in Sango, you can change the intonation at the end of the sentence, or add the question word "ti". For example:

Sango	Pronunciation	English
Mə̀rə̀ ti tɛ̂?	[mərə ti tɛ]	Is Marie there?
Ti ni yɛ̂?	[ti ni jɛ]	Are you happy?

Cultural Information

In Sango culture, greetings are important. They serve as a way to show respect and establish relationships with others. Here are some common greetings in Sango:

• Nga faagre? (How are you?)
• Nga ti sara? (What's your name?)
• Yango naye? (Where are you from?)

Let's see an example dialogue:

• Person 1: Nga faagre? ([How are you?])
• Person 2: Mbi sala. ([I'm at the market.])

To improve your Sango Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

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➡ 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

• Future Tense
• Negation
• How to Use Have
• Pronouns
• Give your Opinion
• Plurals
• Adjectives
• Questions
• Conditional Mood

Sources

• Sango Grammar - How to Use "Be"
• Sango language - Wikipedia
• Sango Grammar - How to Use "Have"