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{{Zulu-Page-Top}}
{{Zulu-Page-Top}}
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Zulu|Zulu]]  → [[Language/Zulu/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Zulu/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Present Tense</div>
Welcome to the exciting world of Zulu grammar! In this lesson, we will dive into the present tense, one of the essential building blocks of communication in Zulu. Understanding how to express actions occurring in the present time is crucial for beginners, as it allows you to engage in basic conversations about daily activities, routines, and preferences.
=== Importance of the Present Tense ===
The present tense in Zulu is not just about conveying actions happening now; it's about connecting with people, sharing experiences, and expressing thoughts. Imagine being able to tell someone about your daily routine or describe what you enjoy doing! Mastering the present tense opens the door to meaningful interactions, making your learning journey more enjoyable and fulfilling.
In this lesson, we will cover:


<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Zulu|Zulu]]  → [[Language/Zulu/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Zulu/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Verbs and Tenses → Present Tense</div>
* '''Formation of the Present Tense''': How to create present tense verbs for both regular and irregular verbs.
 
* '''Negation in the Present Tense''': How to express that an action is not happening.
 
* '''Examples''': Twenty illustrative examples to help you understand better.
 
* '''Practice Exercises''': Ten engaging exercises to reinforce your learning.
 
Let's embark on this journey together!


__TOC__
__TOC__


<h1>Present Tense in Zulu</h1>
=== Formation of the Present Tense ===


<p>As you continue to learn Zulu, you will encounter different verb tenses that are essential to master in order to become fluent. The present tense is one of the most important beginner grammar points that will facilitate communication and understanding in everyday conversations.</p>
The present tense in Zulu can be formed by using verb stems and applying specific prefixes that indicate the subject performing the action. Here's how to do it:


<h2>How to Form the Present Tense in Zulu</h2>
==== Regular Verbs ====


<p>The present tense is the basic form of the verb, describing an action that is currently ongoing or regularly occurring. In Zulu, it is formed by attaching a prefix to the stem of the verb. Unlike in English, there are different prefixes that correspond to different noun classes, a feature that reflects the Bantu language family's use of noun classes for grammatical agreement.</p>
Regular verbs in Zulu typically follow a predictable pattern. The general structure is as follows:


<p>In order to conjugate a verb in the present tense, you need to know the noun class of the subject. Once you have determined the noun class, you can attach the corresponding prefix to the stem of the verb.</p>
1. '''Subject prefix''': This indicates who is doing the action.


<p>The present tense can be divided into the affirmative form and the negative form. Below, we will look at how to form each one using regular and irregular verbs, and how to negate statements or questions.</p>
2. '''Verb stem''': The core part of the verb that conveys the action.


<h2>Affirmative Present Tense</h2>
3. '''Tense marker''': For present tense, this is often the prefix 'ya-' or 'si-' depending on the subject.


<h3>Regular Verbs</h3>
'''Example Structure''':


<p>Regular verbs are those that follow a standard pattern of conjugation. To form the present tense of regular verbs in Zulu, add the appropriate prefix to the stem of the verb, depending on the noun class of the subject. Here are the present tense forms for the verb "thanda" (to love) in the different noun classes:</p>
* '''Subject Prefix''' + '''Verb Stem''' + '''Tense Marker'''
 
Here’s a breakdown of how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Noun Class !! Prefix !! Stem !! Present Tense
 
! Zulu !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
|-
| 1 (Singular) || u- || thanda || uyathanda (you love)
 
| Ngiyafunda || [ŋi.jaˈfunda] || I am learning
 
|-
|-
| 2 (Singular) || ba- || thanda || baya(thanda) (he/she loves)
 
| Uyawathanda || [u.ja.wɑˈtʰanda] || You (singular) love them
 
|-
|-
| 3 (Singular) || u- || thanda || uyathanda (it loves)
 
| Uthanda || [uˈtʰanda] || He/She loves
 
|-
|-
| 4 (Singular) || i- || thanda || iyathanda (he/she loves)
 
| Sifunda || [siˈfunda] || We learn
 
|-
|-
| 5 (Singular) || li- || thanda || luyathanda (it loves)
 
| Niyabukela || [ni.jaˈbuke.la] || You (plural) are watching
 
|-
|-
| 6 (Singular) || A- || thanda || ayathanda (he/she loves)
 
|-
| Bayafika || [bɑ.jaˈfika] || They are arriving
| 7 (Plural) || ba- || thanda || bayathanda (they love)
 
|-
| 8 (Plural) || zi- || thanda || ziyathanda (they love)
|-
| 9 (Plural) || li- || thanda || liyathanda (they love)
|-
| 10 (Plural) || ma- || thanda || mayathanda (they love)
|}
|}


<p>As we can see in the table above, the corresponding prefixes for each noun class are added to the stem of the verb. The forms for noun classes 2 and 4 have parentheses around the ending because a vowel may be added for the sake of euphony (the sound of words), depending on the situation.</p>
==== Irregular Verbs ====
 
Some verbs in Zulu are irregular and do not follow the standard conjugation rules. These verbs often have unique forms that you will need to memorize.  


<p>For example, instead of "baya thanda," we can say "bayathanda".  Similarly, instead of "iyathanda," we can say "iy'ithanda" to avoid having two identical vowels next to each other. This is a common feature in Zulu and should be taken into account when consulting dictionary entries that may show alternative forms of verbs.</p>
'''Example Structure''':


<h3>Irregular Verbs</h3>
* '''Subject Prefix''' + '''Irregular Verb Form'''


<p>There are also irregular verbs in Zulu that do not follow the standard pattern of conjugation. These verbs usually require a change in the vowel of the stem for different noun classes. For example, let us look at the verb "biza" (to call):</p>
Here are a few common irregular verbs in the present tense.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Noun Class !! Prefix !! Stem !! Present Tense
 
! Zulu !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
|-
| 1 (Singular) || u- || biza || uyabiza (you call)
 
| Ngiyahamba || [ŋi.jaˈhamba] || I am going
 
|-
|-
| 2 (Singular) || ba- || biza || babiza (he/she calls)
 
| Uthola || [uˈtʰo.la] || He/She obtains
 
|-
|-
| 3 (Singular) || u- || biza || uyabiza (it calls)
 
| Siyabiza || [si.jaˈbiza] || We are calling
 
|-
|-
| 4 (Singular) || i- || biza || iyabiza (he/she calls)
 
| Niyabamba || [ni.jaˈbɑm.bɑ] || You (plural) are holding
 
|-
|-
| 5 (Singular) || li- || biza || layabiza (it calls)
 
|-
| Bayasiza || [bɑ.jaˈsi.za] || They are helping
| 6 (Singular) || A- || biza || ayabiza (he/she calls)
 
|-
| 7 (Plural) || ba- || biza || bayabiza (they call)
|-
| 8 (Plural) || zi- || biza || ziyabiza (they call)
|-
| 9 (Plural) || li- || biza || liyabiza (they call)
|-
| 10 (Plural) || ma- || biza || mayabiza (they call)
|}
|}


<p>As we can see in the table above, for some noun classes, the vowel in the stem changes completely, while in others, it is modified in a way that may not be intuitive. These verbs should be memorized and practiced as much as possible.</p>
=== Negation in the Present Tense ===
 
In Zulu, negating a verb in the present tense is straightforward. You simply add the prefix 'a-' to the verb form. Here’s the structure:
 
1. '''Subject prefix''': Indicates who is doing the action.
 
2. '''Negation prefix''': 'a-' to indicate negation.
 
3. '''Verb stem''': The core part of the verb.


<h2>Negative Present Tense</h2>
'''Example Structure''':


<p>Negating statements and questions in Zulu is also fairly straightforward. To form the negative present tense, the negative prefix "a-" is added before the appropriate subject prefix, followed by the stem of the verb. For example, let us look at the negative forms of the previous examples for the verbs "thanda" and "biza":[1]</p>
* '''Subject Prefix''' + '''Negation Prefix''' + '''Verb Stem'''


<h3>Regular Verbs</h3>
Let’s look at some examples of negated present tense verbs.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Noun Class !! Prefix !! Stem !! Negative Present Tense
 
! Zulu !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
|-
| 1 (Singular) || a- || thanda || ange(thanda) (you don't love)
 
| Angifundi || [aŋiˈfundi] || I am not learning
 
|-
|-
| 2 (Singular) || e- || thanda || ange(thanda) (he/she doesn't love)
 
| Awuthandi || [a.wuˈtʰandi] || You (singular) do not love
 
|-
|-
| 3 (Singular) || a- || thanda || ange(thanda) (it doesn't love)
 
| Akathandi || [a.kɑˈtʰandi] || He/She does not love
 
|-
|-
| 4 (Singular) || e- || thanda || angi(thanda) (he/she doesn't love)
 
| Asifundi || [a.siˈfundi] || We do not learn
 
|-
|-
| 5 (Singular) || e- || thanda || engithanda (it doesn't love)
 
| Aniyabukela || [a.ni.jaˈbuke.la] || You (plural) are not watching
 
|-
|-
| 6 (Singular) || e- || thanda || ange(thanda) (he/she doesn't love)
 
|-
| Abafiki || [a.bɑˈfiki] || They are not arriving
| 7 (Plural) || ba- || thanda || abangathandi (they don't love)
 
|-
| 8 (Plural) || azi- || thanda || azingathandi (they don't love)
|-
| 9 (Plural) || a- || thanda || angathandi (they don't love)
|-
| 10 (Plural) || ama- || thanda || angenathandi (they don't love)
|}
|}


<h3>Irregular Verbs</h3>
=== Summary of the Present Tense ===
 
To summarize, the present tense in Zulu is formed by combining subject prefixes with verb stems and tense markers for regular verbs. Irregular verbs have unique conjugations that must be memorized. Additionally, negation is achieved by using the prefix 'a-' before the verb stem.
 
Understanding these concepts will empower you to express a wide variety of actions and thoughts in Zulu!
 
== Practice Exercises ==
 
Now that we've covered the theory, let's put your knowledge to the test! Here are some engaging exercises designed to help you practice what you've learned.
 
=== Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences ===
 
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in the present tense.
 
1. Ngiy___ (funda) iZulu.
 
2. Uthanda ___ (buka) izincwadi.
 
3. Niy___ (hamba) ekhaya.
 
4. Bay___ (dansa) kahle.
 
5. Ang___ (thanda) ukudla.
 
=== Exercise 2: Translate to Zulu ===
 
Translate the following sentences into Zulu.
 
1. I am not learning Zulu.
 
2. They are watching the movie.
 
3. You (singular) do not like the food.
 
4. She is not coming.
 
5. We are playing soccer.
 
=== Exercise 3: Identify the Negation ===
 
Identify the negated form of the following verbs and write them down.
 
1. Ngiyahamba
 
2. Uthanda
 
3. Bayafika
 
4. Niyabukela
 
5. Asifundi
 
=== Exercise 4: Conjugate Regular Verbs ===
 
Conjugate the following regular verbs in the present tense for all subject prefixes.
 
1. (funda) - to learn
 
2. (dansa) - to dance
 
3. (buka) - to watch
 
=== Exercise 5: Create Your Own Sentences ===
 
Using the verbs, create sentences in the present tense.
 
1. (thanda) - to love
 
2. (hamba) - to go
 
3. (siza) - to help
 
=== Exercise 6: Match the Sentences ===
 
Match the English sentences with their Zulu translations.
 
1. I am going to the market. 
 
2. They do not like the weather. 


{| class="wikitable"
3. You are learning Zulu. 
! Noun Class !! Prefix !! Stem !! Negative Present Tense
 
|-
4. She loves her family. 
| 1 (Singular) || a- || biza || angi'biza (you don't call)
 
|-
5. We are not eating.
| 2 (Singular) || e- || biza || engibiza (he/she doesn't call)
 
|-
| A | B |
| 3 (Singular) || a- || biza || angi'biza (it doesn't call)
 
|-
|---|---|
| 4 (Singular) || e- || biza || angi'biza (he/she doesn't call)
 
|-
| a. Ngiyahamba emakethe. | 1. |
| 5 (Singular) || e- || biza || engibiza (it doesn't call)
 
|-
| b. Abathandi isimo. | 2. |  
| 6 (Singular) || e- || biza || angi'biza (he/she doesn't call)
 
|-
| c. Uyafunda isiZulu. | 3. |  
| 7 (Plural) || ba- || biza || abangibizi (they don't call)
 
|-
| d. Uthanda umndeni wakhe. | 4. |  
| 8 (Plural) || azi- || biza || azingibizi (they don't call)
 
|-
| e. Asidli. | 5. |  
| 9 (Plural) || a- || biza || angibizi (they don't call)
 
|-
=== Exercise 7: Fill in the Gaps ===
| 10 (Plural) || ama- || biza || angenibizi (they don't call)
 
|}
Fill in the gaps with the correct negation.
 
1. Angi___ (buka) iTV.
 
2. U___ (thanda) ukufunda.
 
3. Bayi___ (hamba) emsebenzini.
 
4. Niy___ (dansa) emzansi.
 
5. Asiy___ (dlela) izithelo.
 
=== Exercise 8: True or False ===
 
Read the statements and decide if they are true or false based on the present tense rules.
 
1. "Ngiyahamba" means "I am not going."
 
2. "Awuthandi" means "You (singular) do not love."
 
3. "Bayafika" means "They are arriving."
 
4. "Asifundi" means "We are learning."
 
5. "Angifundi" means "I am not learning."
 
=== Exercise 9: Verb Conjugation Chart ===
 
Create a chart for the following verbs in the present tense.
 
1. (thola) - to get
 
2. (phumelela) - to succeed
 
3. (sebenza) - to work
 
=== Exercise 10: Speaking Practice ===
 
Pair up with a classmate and practice speaking using the present tense. Take turns asking and answering questions about daily activities.
 
'''Example Questions''':
 
1. Wenzani namhlanje? (What are you doing today?)
 
2. Uthanda ukufunda? (Do you love to learn?)
 
3. Niyahamba kuphi? (Where are you going?)
 
== Solutions to Exercises ==
 
=== Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences ===
 
1. Ngiyafunda
 
2. Uthanda ukubuka
 
3. Niyahamba
 
4. Bayadansa
 
5. Angithandi
 
=== Exercise 2: Translate to Zulu ===
 
1. Angifundi isiZulu.
 
2. Babuka ifilimu.
 
3. Awuthandi ukudla.
 
4. Akakhona.
 
5. Sidlala ibhola.
 
=== Exercise 3: Identify the Negation ===
 
1. Angihambi
 
2. Awuthandi
 
3. Abafiki
 
4. Aniyabukela
 
5. Asifundi
 
=== Exercise 4: Conjugate Regular Verbs ===
 
1. (funda)
 
* Ngifunda
 
* Ufunda
 
* Ufundile
 
* Sifunda
 
* Nifunda
 
* Bayafunda
 
2. (dansa)
 
* Ngidansa
 
* Udansa
 
* Udanse
 
* Sidansa
 
* Nidansa
 
* Badansa
 
3. (buka)
 
* Ngibuka
 
* Ubuka
 
* Ubukile
 
* Sibuka
 
-Nibuka
 
* Babuka
 
=== Exercise 5: Create Your Own Sentences ===
 
''Answers will vary based on student responses.''
 
=== Exercise 6: Match the Sentences ===
 
1. a
 
2. b
 
3. c
 
4. d
 
5. e
 
=== Exercise 7: Fill in the Gaps ===
 
1. Angibuki


<p>Note the subtle difference in the use of the prefixes for the negative form. Also, be on the lookout for vowel changes and euphonic adjustments that occur in the negative present tense forms for different noun classes.</p>
2. Uthandi


3. Bayahamba


<h2>Usage of the Present Tense</h2>
4. Niyadansa


<p>The present tense is used in Zulu to describe ongoing or habitual actions that are taking place in the present moment or on a regular basis. It is also commonly used for future events that are planned or scheduled to take place soon, as well as for requests and suggestions.</p>
5. Asidli


<h3>Present Continuous</h3>
=== Exercise 8: True or False ===


<p>The present continuous form, which is expressed as "is/are + verb-ing" in English, is often used in Zulu to express ongoing actions in the present. The auxiliary verb for the present continuous form is the verb "yeza" (to come) followed by the present participle of the main verb. Here is an example:</p>
1. False


<ul>
2. True
<li>Sithatha amaphesenti esipilini. (We are taking pens in the classroom.)</li>
<li>Ngithi wena uyeza ushiye kwami amaphesenti. (I'm saying you come and leave me pens. )</li>
</ul>


<h3>Future Events</h3>
3. True


<p>The present tense is often used in Zulu to describe future events, especially those that are planned or scheduled to take place soon. In these cases, the context of the conversation or the use of certain keywords can help signal that the present tense is being used as a future tense. Here is an example:</p>
4. False


<ul>
5. True
<li>Ngibonile besithi sizokwenza sheshuku. (I've seen them say that we will do it tomorrow.) </li>
</ul>


<h3>Requests and Suggestions</h3>
=== Exercise 9: Verb Conjugation Chart ===


<p>The present tense can also be used to make polite requests or suggestions in Zulu. In this context, the present tense is often used with the words "nga" (please) or "nakanjani" (how about). Here is an example:</p>
''Answers will vary based on student responses.''


<ul>
=== Exercise 10: Speaking Practice ===
<li>Ngifuna ufunde isikhathi eside nami, Nakanjani? (I want to learn at a convenient time for me. How about?)</li>
</ul>


<h2>Conclusion</h2>
''Answers will vary based on student responses.''


<p>By now, you have a better understanding of how to form and use the present tense in Zulu. By practicing the examples and exercises above, you can gain confidence in expressing yourself through simple statements and questions in everyday conversations. Make sure to pay attention to vowel changes, euphonic adjustments, and noun class agreement as you become more comfortable using present tense verbs in your Zulu conversations.</p>
Congratulations on completing this lesson on the present tense! As you continue your journey in learning Zulu, remember that practice makes perfect. Engage with native speakers, write your thoughts in Zulu, and don’t hesitate to make mistakes—it's all part of the learning process!


{{#seo:
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|keywords=Zulu, present tense, Zulu grammar, learning Zulu, Zulu verbs


{{Zulu-0-to-A1-Course-TOC}}
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to form and use the present tense in Zulu, including regular and irregular verbs, as well as negation.
 
}}
 
{{Template:Zulu-0-to-A1-Course-TOC}}


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==Videos==
 
===Present Tense - Grammar - How to speak isiZulu - YouTube===
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6EMLyw8vtQ</youtube>
 
===Negative Present Tense in isiZulu - Learn Zulu - YouTube===
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iym6k85Gtg8</youtube>
 
===The Verb Hamba in Present Tense In isiZulu Beginner Zulu Lessons ...===
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dic1whDPAsc</youtube>
 
 
 
 
==Sources==
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zulu_grammar Zulu grammar - Wikipedia]
* [https://keet.wordpress.com/2017/07/23/a-grammar-of-the-isizulu-verb-present-tense/ A grammar of the isiZulu verb (present tense) | Keet blog]
* [http://ilovelanguages.org/zulu_lesson13.php Zulu Lesson 13 - Present Tense and Survival Expressions]
 
 
 
==Other Lessons==
* [[Language/Zulu/Grammar/Adverbs-of-manner|Adverbs of manner]]
* [[Language/Zulu/Grammar/Adjectives|Adjectives]]
* [[Language/Zulu/Grammar/Noun-Classes|Noun Classes]]
* [[Language/Zulu/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be|How to Use Be]]
* [[Language/Zulu/Grammar/Plural|Plural]]
* [[Language/Zulu/Grammar/Give-your-Opinion|Give your Opinion]]
* [[Language/Zulu/Grammar/How-to-Use-Have|How to Use Have]]
* [[Language/Zulu/Grammar/Conjunctions|Conjunctions]]
* [[Language/Zulu/Grammar/Plurals|Plurals]]
* [[Language/Zulu/Grammar/Adverbs-of-time|Adverbs of time]]
 
 




{{Zulu-Page-Bottom}}
{{Zulu-Page-Bottom}}
<span pgnav>
{| class="wikitable pg_template_nav"
|[[Language/Zulu/Vocabulary/Days,-Months,-and-Seasons|◀️ Days, Months, and Seasons — Previous Lesson]]
|[[Language/Zulu/Grammar/Past-Tense|Next Lesson — Past Tense ▶️]]
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Latest revision as of 07:48, 2 August 2024

◀️ Days, Months, and Seasons — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Past Tense ▶️

Zulu.jpg
Zulu → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Present Tense

Welcome to the exciting world of Zulu grammar! In this lesson, we will dive into the present tense, one of the essential building blocks of communication in Zulu. Understanding how to express actions occurring in the present time is crucial for beginners, as it allows you to engage in basic conversations about daily activities, routines, and preferences.

Importance of the Present Tense[edit | edit source]

The present tense in Zulu is not just about conveying actions happening now; it's about connecting with people, sharing experiences, and expressing thoughts. Imagine being able to tell someone about your daily routine or describe what you enjoy doing! Mastering the present tense opens the door to meaningful interactions, making your learning journey more enjoyable and fulfilling.

In this lesson, we will cover:

  • Formation of the Present Tense: How to create present tense verbs for both regular and irregular verbs.
  • Negation in the Present Tense: How to express that an action is not happening.
  • Examples: Twenty illustrative examples to help you understand better.
  • Practice Exercises: Ten engaging exercises to reinforce your learning.

Let's embark on this journey together!

Formation of the Present Tense[edit | edit source]

The present tense in Zulu can be formed by using verb stems and applying specific prefixes that indicate the subject performing the action. Here's how to do it:

Regular Verbs[edit | edit source]

Regular verbs in Zulu typically follow a predictable pattern. The general structure is as follows:

1. Subject prefix: This indicates who is doing the action.

2. Verb stem: The core part of the verb that conveys the action.

3. Tense marker: For present tense, this is often the prefix 'ya-' or 'si-' depending on the subject.

Example Structure:

  • Subject Prefix + Verb Stem + Tense Marker

Here’s a breakdown of how to conjugate regular verbs in the present tense.

Zulu Pronunciation English
Ngiyafunda [ŋi.jaˈfunda] I am learning
Uyawathanda [u.ja.wɑˈtʰanda] You (singular) love them
Uthanda [uˈtʰanda] He/She loves
Sifunda [siˈfunda] We learn
Niyabukela [ni.jaˈbuke.la] You (plural) are watching
Bayafika [bɑ.jaˈfika] They are arriving

Irregular Verbs[edit | edit source]

Some verbs in Zulu are irregular and do not follow the standard conjugation rules. These verbs often have unique forms that you will need to memorize.

Example Structure:

  • Subject Prefix + Irregular Verb Form

Here are a few common irregular verbs in the present tense.

Zulu Pronunciation English
Ngiyahamba [ŋi.jaˈhamba] I am going
Uthola [uˈtʰo.la] He/She obtains
Siyabiza [si.jaˈbiza] We are calling
Niyabamba [ni.jaˈbɑm.bɑ] You (plural) are holding
Bayasiza [bɑ.jaˈsi.za] They are helping

Negation in the Present Tense[edit | edit source]

In Zulu, negating a verb in the present tense is straightforward. You simply add the prefix 'a-' to the verb form. Here’s the structure:

1. Subject prefix: Indicates who is doing the action.

2. Negation prefix: 'a-' to indicate negation.

3. Verb stem: The core part of the verb.

Example Structure:

  • Subject Prefix + Negation Prefix + Verb Stem

Let’s look at some examples of negated present tense verbs.

Zulu Pronunciation English
Angifundi [aŋiˈfundi] I am not learning
Awuthandi [a.wuˈtʰandi] You (singular) do not love
Akathandi [a.kɑˈtʰandi] He/She does not love
Asifundi [a.siˈfundi] We do not learn
Aniyabukela [a.ni.jaˈbuke.la] You (plural) are not watching
Abafiki [a.bɑˈfiki] They are not arriving

Summary of the Present Tense[edit | edit source]

To summarize, the present tense in Zulu is formed by combining subject prefixes with verb stems and tense markers for regular verbs. Irregular verbs have unique conjugations that must be memorized. Additionally, negation is achieved by using the prefix 'a-' before the verb stem.

Understanding these concepts will empower you to express a wide variety of actions and thoughts in Zulu!

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now that we've covered the theory, let's put your knowledge to the test! Here are some engaging exercises designed to help you practice what you've learned.

Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences[edit | edit source]

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in the present tense.

1. Ngiy___ (funda) iZulu.

2. Uthanda ___ (buka) izincwadi.

3. Niy___ (hamba) ekhaya.

4. Bay___ (dansa) kahle.

5. Ang___ (thanda) ukudla.

Exercise 2: Translate to Zulu[edit | edit source]

Translate the following sentences into Zulu.

1. I am not learning Zulu.

2. They are watching the movie.

3. You (singular) do not like the food.

4. She is not coming.

5. We are playing soccer.

Exercise 3: Identify the Negation[edit | edit source]

Identify the negated form of the following verbs and write them down.

1. Ngiyahamba

2. Uthanda

3. Bayafika

4. Niyabukela

5. Asifundi

Exercise 4: Conjugate Regular Verbs[edit | edit source]

Conjugate the following regular verbs in the present tense for all subject prefixes.

1. (funda) - to learn

2. (dansa) - to dance

3. (buka) - to watch

Exercise 5: Create Your Own Sentences[edit | edit source]

Using the verbs, create sentences in the present tense.

1. (thanda) - to love

2. (hamba) - to go

3. (siza) - to help

Exercise 6: Match the Sentences[edit | edit source]

Match the English sentences with their Zulu translations.

1. I am going to the market.

2. They do not like the weather.

3. You are learning Zulu.

4. She loves her family.

5. We are not eating.

| A | B |

|---|---|

| a. Ngiyahamba emakethe. | 1. |

| b. Abathandi isimo. | 2. |

| c. Uyafunda isiZulu. | 3. |

| d. Uthanda umndeni wakhe. | 4. |

| e. Asidli. | 5. |

Exercise 7: Fill in the Gaps[edit | edit source]

Fill in the gaps with the correct negation.

1. Angi___ (buka) iTV.

2. U___ (thanda) ukufunda.

3. Bayi___ (hamba) emsebenzini.

4. Niy___ (dansa) emzansi.

5. Asiy___ (dlela) izithelo.

Exercise 8: True or False[edit | edit source]

Read the statements and decide if they are true or false based on the present tense rules.

1. "Ngiyahamba" means "I am not going."

2. "Awuthandi" means "You (singular) do not love."

3. "Bayafika" means "They are arriving."

4. "Asifundi" means "We are learning."

5. "Angifundi" means "I am not learning."

Exercise 9: Verb Conjugation Chart[edit | edit source]

Create a chart for the following verbs in the present tense.

1. (thola) - to get

2. (phumelela) - to succeed

3. (sebenza) - to work

Exercise 10: Speaking Practice[edit | edit source]

Pair up with a classmate and practice speaking using the present tense. Take turns asking and answering questions about daily activities.

Example Questions:

1. Wenzani namhlanje? (What are you doing today?)

2. Uthanda ukufunda? (Do you love to learn?)

3. Niyahamba kuphi? (Where are you going?)

Solutions to Exercises[edit | edit source]

Exercise 1: Complete the Sentences[edit | edit source]

1. Ngiyafunda

2. Uthanda ukubuka

3. Niyahamba

4. Bayadansa

5. Angithandi

Exercise 2: Translate to Zulu[edit | edit source]

1. Angifundi isiZulu.

2. Babuka ifilimu.

3. Awuthandi ukudla.

4. Akakhona.

5. Sidlala ibhola.

Exercise 3: Identify the Negation[edit | edit source]

1. Angihambi

2. Awuthandi

3. Abafiki

4. Aniyabukela

5. Asifundi

Exercise 4: Conjugate Regular Verbs[edit | edit source]

1. (funda)

  • Ngifunda
  • Ufunda
  • Ufundile
  • Sifunda
  • Nifunda
  • Bayafunda

2. (dansa)

  • Ngidansa
  • Udansa
  • Udanse
  • Sidansa
  • Nidansa
  • Badansa

3. (buka)

  • Ngibuka
  • Ubuka
  • Ubukile
  • Sibuka

-Nibuka

  • Babuka

Exercise 5: Create Your Own Sentences[edit | edit source]

Answers will vary based on student responses.

Exercise 6: Match the Sentences[edit | edit source]

1. a

2. b

3. c

4. d

5. e

Exercise 7: Fill in the Gaps[edit | edit source]

1. Angibuki

2. Uthandi

3. Bayahamba

4. Niyadansa

5. Asidli

Exercise 8: True or False[edit | edit source]

1. False

2. True

3. True

4. False

5. True

Exercise 9: Verb Conjugation Chart[edit | edit source]

Answers will vary based on student responses.

Exercise 10: Speaking Practice[edit | edit source]

Answers will vary based on student responses.

Congratulations on completing this lesson on the present tense! As you continue your journey in learning Zulu, remember that practice makes perfect. Engage with native speakers, write your thoughts in Zulu, and don’t hesitate to make mistakes—it's all part of the learning process!

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]

Present Tense - Grammar - How to speak isiZulu - YouTube[edit | edit source]

Negative Present Tense in isiZulu - Learn Zulu - YouTube[edit | edit source]

The Verb Hamba in Present Tense In isiZulu Beginner Zulu Lessons ...[edit | edit source]



Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]




◀️ Days, Months, and Seasons — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Past Tense ▶️

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