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<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 → Past Tense</div>
<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Zulu|Zulu]]  → [[Language/Zulu/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Zulu/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Past Tense</div>
 
Welcome to our lesson on the Past Tense in Zulu! Understanding how to express actions that have already taken place is essential for anyone learning a new language, and Zulu is no exception. The ability to articulate past events not only helps you convey your thoughts more clearly but also enriches your conversations, allowing you to share experiences and stories.
 
In this lesson, we will explore how to form and use the past tense in Zulu. We will look at both regular and irregular verbs, delve into the nuances of negation, and provide you with practical examples to solidify your understanding. By the end of this lesson, you'll be well-equipped to talk about things you've done, share your experiences, and even tell a story or two!


__TOC__
__TOC__


== Introduction ==
=== Importance of the Past Tense in Zulu ===
 
The past tense plays a crucial role in everyday conversations. Whether you are recounting what you did yesterday, sharing your thoughts about a family gathering, or discussing your travels, knowing how to use the past tense effectively will make your interactions more engaging and relatable. It allows you to connect with others by sharing experiences and emotions tied to those events.
 
=== Structure of the Lesson ===
 
Our lesson will be divided into the following sections:
 
* Overview of Past Tense Formation
 
* Regular Verbs in the Past Tense
 
* Irregular Verbs in the Past Tense
 
* Negation in the Past Tense
 
* Practical Exercises


In this lesson, we will explore the past tense in the Zulu language. The past tense allows us to talk about actions or events that have already happened. Understanding how to form and use the past tense is essential for effective communication in Zulu.
== Overview of Past Tense Formation ==


Throughout this lesson, we will cover the formation of the past tense for both regular and irregular verbs, as well as the negation of past tense sentences. We will provide numerous examples to illustrate each point and ensure a thorough understanding of the topic.
In Zulu, forming the past tense involves changing the verb stem to indicate that an action has already happened. The basic structure for forming the past tense is relatively straightforward, but it does require some attention to detail, especially with irregular verbs.


== Formation of the Past Tense ==
=== Basic Structure ===


To form the past tense in Zulu, we typically add a prefix to the verb stem. The prefix used depends on the noun class of the subject of the sentence. Let's take a look at the different prefixes used for each noun class:
The past tense in Zulu is typically formed by adding a suffix to the verb root. In most cases, the suffix "-e" is used for regular verbs.
 
For example:
 
* The verb "funda" (to read) becomes "fundile" (read).
 
* The verb "hamba" (to go) becomes "hambe" (went).
 
However, as with any language, there are exceptions to these rules, particularly with irregular verbs.
 
=== Regular Verbs in the Past Tense ===
 
Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern. Let's take a look at some examples of regular verbs in the past tense.


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Noun Class !! Prefix
 
! Zulu !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
|-
| Noun Class 1 (singular)  || wa-
 
| funda || ˈfunda || read
 
|-
|-
| Noun Class 2 (singular)  || wa-
 
| hamba || ˈhamba || go
 
|-
 
| thanda || ˈtʰanda || love
 
|-
|-
| Noun Class 3 (singular)  || u-
 
| bhalela || ˈbʱalɛla || write
 
|-
|-
| Noun Class 4 (singular) || li-
 
| dlala || ˈd͡ɭala || play
 
|-
 
| phuma || ˈpʰuma || leave
 
|-
 
| sebenza || səˈbɛnzɑ || work
 
|-
 
| bamba || ˈbamba || catch
 
|-
 
| shaya || ˈʃaja || hit
 
|-
 
| thola || ˈtʰola || find
 
|}
 
=== Irregular Verbs in the Past Tense ===
 
Irregular verbs do not follow the standard rules of conjugation. Here are some common irregular verbs in Zulu:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Zulu !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
 
| kona || ˈkɔna || be
 
|-
 
| fika || ˈfika || arrive
 
|-
 
| bamba || ˈbamba || catch
 
|-
 
| phuma || ˈpʰuma || leave
 
|-
 
| bona || ˈbona || see
 
|-
 
| qala || ˈqala || start
 
|-
 
| thola || ˈtʰola || find
 
|-
 
| phela || ˈpʰela || finish
 
|-
 
| khona || ˈkʰɔna || exist
 
|-
 
| hamba || ˈhamba || go
 
|}
 
Notice that the changes in the verb forms are not consistent, which is why it's essential to memorize these irregular forms.
 
=== Negation in the Past Tense ===
 
Negating sentences in the past tense can be a bit trickier, but it's an important skill to master. To negate a past tense verb in Zulu, you typically use the prefix "a-" before the verb stem and the suffix "-e" still applies.
 
For example:
 
* "Ngifunde" (I read) becomes "Angifundanga" (I did not read).
 
* "Ngihamba" (I went) becomes "Angihambanga" (I did not go).
 
Let's see some examples to clarify this:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Zulu !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
 
| Angifundanga || ˈaŋifundɑŋɑ || I did not read
 
|-
 
| Angihambanga || ˈaŋihɑmˈbɑŋɑ || I did not go
 
|-
 
| Angithandanga || ˈaŋitʰɑndɑŋɑ || I did not love
 
|-
 
| Angibhalele || ˈaŋibhalɛle || I did not write
 
|-
|-
| Noun Class 5 (singular)  || a-
 
| Angidlalanga || ˈaŋid͡ɭɑlɑŋɑ || I did not play
 
|-
|-
| Noun Class 6 (singular)  || i-
 
| Angiphumanga || ˈaŋipʰumɑŋɑ || I did not leave
 
|-
|-
| Noun Class 7 (singular)  || zi-
 
| Angisebenzanga || ˈaŋisɛbɛn̩zɑŋɑ || I did not work
 
|-
|-
| Noun Class 8 (singular)  || u-
 
| Angibambanga || ˈaŋibambɑŋɑ || I did not catch
 
|-
|-
| Noun Class 9 (singular)  || ku-
 
| Angishayanga || ˈaŋiʃɑjɑŋɑ || I did not hit
 
|-
|-
| Noun Class 10 (singular)  || bu-
 
| Angitholanga || ˈaŋitʰolɑŋɑ || I did not find
 
|}
|}


Once we have identified the correct prefix, we add it to the verb stem. Let's look at some examples to illustrate this:
By mastering this structure, you can easily express negation in your past tense sentences.


* Noun Class 1 (singular): umuntu (person) - wabona (saw)
== Practical Exercises ==
* Noun Class 2 (singular): umfana (boy) - wafunda (read)
* Noun Class 3 (singular): umama (mother) - ulale (slept)
* Noun Class 4 (singular): ilanga (sun) - libale (set)
* Noun Class 5 (singular): isihlahla (tree) - asabona (saw)
* Noun Class 6 (singular): inkosi (king) - ibona (saw)
* Noun Class 7 (singular): izulu (sky) - zibale (rained)
* Noun Class 8 (singular): udonga (stick) - ubale (broke)
* Noun Class 9 (singular): ukudla (food) - kubona (saw)
* Noun Class 10 (singular): ubuso (face) - bubonile (was seen)


It's important to note that there are some irregular verbs in Zulu that do not follow the typical pattern. These verbs have unique forms for the past tense, and it's important to memorize them. Here are a few examples of irregular verbs in the past tense:
Now that we've covered the formation and usage of the past tense in Zulu, let's put your knowledge to the test with some exercises. These activities will help reinforce what you've learned and give you a chance to practice using past tense verbs in context.


* ukubona (to see) - babonile (saw)
=== Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks ===
* ukufunda (to read) - befunda (read)
* ukulala (to sleep) - lalile (slept)
* ukugqoka (to wear) - gqokile (wore)
* ukuphuma (to leave) - phumile (left)


Make sure to practice and memorize the past tense forms of irregular verbs to become proficient in using them correctly.
Fill in the blanks with the correct past tense form of the verb in parentheses.


== Negation in the Past Tense ==
1. Ngifunda _______ (funda) iNcwadi. (I read a book.)


To form a negative sentence in the past tense, we use the negative prefix "nga-" before the verb stem. Let's take a look at some examples:
2. UJohn _______ (hamba) emsebenzini. (John went to work.)


* Ngiya-ku-bona (I saw you)
3. Izingane _______ (dlala) ngaphandle. (The children played outside.)
* Angi-ku-boni (I did not see you)


* U-ya-funda (You read)
4. Ngiphuma _______ (phuma) endlini. (I left the house.)
* A-ku-fundi (You did not read)


* U-ya-lala (He/she slept)
5. UThandi _______ (thanda) ukudla. (Thandi loved food.)
* A-ku-lali (He/she did not sleep)


* Si-ya-bona (We saw)
=== Exercise 2: Negation Practice ===
* A-si-boni (We did not see)


* Ni-ya-funda (You (plural) read)
Convert the following sentences into their negative forms.
* A-ni-fundi (You (plural) did not read)


* Ba-ya-bona (They saw)
1. Ngihamba emsebenzini. (I went to work.)
* A-ba-boni (They did not see)


As you can see, negating a past tense sentence is as simple as adding the prefix "nga-" before the verb stem. Practice forming negative past tense sentences to reinforce your understanding.
2. Ngifunda iNcwadi. (I read a book.)


== Cultural Insights ==
3. UThandi udlala kahle. (Thandi played well.)


In Zulu culture, storytelling plays a significant role, and the past tense is often used to narrate events or recount historical stories. Elders in the community pass down knowledge and wisdom through oral tradition, using the Zulu language to preserve their heritage.
4. Ngithola imali. (I found money.)


Zulu culture also places great importance on showing respect and politeness through language. When speaking in the past tense, it is customary to use honorific terms and address individuals with the appropriate titles. This cultural nuance enhances interpersonal relationships and demonstrates the values of the Zulu people.
5. Izingane zidlala. (The children played.)


== Practice Exercises ==
=== Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences ===


Now it's time to practice what we've learned! Below are a few exercises to help you solidify your understanding of forming and using the past tense in Zulu. Try to complete each exercise on your own before checking the solutions provided.
Write sentences in the past tense using the following verbs:


Exercise 1: Conjugate the following verbs in the past tense:
1. funda (to read)


* bamba (to catch)
2. hamba (to go)
* phuma (to leave)
* hamba (to go)
* fika (to arrive)
* khipha (to take out)


Exercise 2: Translate the following sentences into Zulu using the past tense:
3. thanda (to love)


* She saw the beautiful sunset.
4. bhalela (to write)
* We read an interesting book.
* They slept peacefully.
* I didn't see him at the party.


== Exercise Solutions ==
5. shaya (to hit)


Exercise 1: Conjugation of verbs in the past tense:
=== Exercise 4: Verb Matching ===


* bamba (to catch) - wabamba
Match the regular verbs to their past tense forms.
* phuma (to leave) - waphuma
* hamba (to go) - wahamba
* fika (to arrive) - wafika
* khipha (to take out) - wakhipha


Exercise 2: Translation of sentences into Zulu:
1. hamba


* She saw the beautiful sunset. - Wahamba wabona inyanga enomusa.
2. funda
* We read an interesting book. - Sifunda incwadi endalileyo.
* They slept peacefully. - Baphuma babale ngokulunga.
* I didn't see him at the party. - Angiboni lo muntu ekhanda.


== Conclusion ==
3. dlala


Congratulations! You have completed the lesson on the past tense in Zulu. You have learned how to form and use the past tense for both regular and irregular verbs, as well as how to negate past tense sentences. Make sure to practice regularly to reinforce your understanding and improve your fluency in Zulu. Keep up the great work, and continue your language learning journey!
4. thola
 
5. phuma
 
a. _______ hambe 
 
b. _______ fundile 
 
c. _______ dladile 
 
d. _______ thole 
 
e. _______ phume 
 
=== Exercise 5: Past Tense Questions ===
 
Formulate questions in the past tense based on the following prompts.
 
1. What did you read?
 
2. Where did you go?
 
3. Did you play yesterday?
 
4. Who did you love?
 
5. When did you leave the house?
 
=== Exercise 6: Transformation Exercise ===
 
Transform the following sentences into the past tense.
 
1. Ngiyagijima. (I am running.)
 
2. Ngiyaphuma. (I am leaving.)
 
3. Ngiyathanda. (I love.)
 
4. Ngiyadlala. (I play.)
 
5. Ngiyahamba. (I go.)
 
=== Exercise 7: Group Discussion ===
 
In pairs, discuss what you did last weekend using the past tense. Make sure to use both regular and irregular verbs.
 
=== Exercise 8: Short Story Creation ===
 
Write a short story about your last vacation using at least five different past tense verbs.
 
=== Exercise 9: Peer Review ===
 
Exchange your short story with a partner. Provide feedback on their use of the past tense.
 
=== Exercise 10: Verb Conjugation Table ===
 
Create a table of five regular verbs and five irregular verbs, listing their present and past tense forms.
 
== Solutions and Explanations ==
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 1 ===
 
1. Ngifunda '''fundile''' iNcwadi.
 
2. UJohn '''hambe''' emsebenzini.
 
3. Izingane '''dladile''' ngaphandle.
 
4. Ngiphuma '''phume''' endlini.
 
5. UThandi '''thandile''' ukudla.
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 2 ===
 
1. Angihambanga emsebenzini.
 
2. Angifundanga iNcwadi.
 
3. UThandi '''angadlali''' kahle.
 
4. Angitholanga imali.
 
5. Izingane '''azidlali'''.
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 3 ===
 
(Answers will vary; examples below)
 
1. Ngifunde iNcwadi. (I read a book.)
 
2. Ngihambe emsebenzini. (I went to work.)
 
3. Ngithande ukudla. (I loved food.)
 
4. Ngibhalele incwadi. (I wrote a letter.)
 
5. Ngishaye ibhola. (I hit the ball.)
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 4 ===
 
1 - a (hambe) 
 
2 - b (fundile) 
 
3 - c (dladile) 
 
4 - d (thole) 
 
5 - e (phume)
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 5 ===
 
(Answers will vary; examples below)
 
1. Wenzeni? (What did you read?)
 
2. Uphi? (Where did you go?)
 
3. Ngiyadla? (Did you play yesterday?)
 
4. Uthandani? (Who did you love?)
 
5. Uwhenzi? (When did you leave the house?)
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 6 ===
 
1. Ngifundile. (I read.)
 
2. Ngiphumile. (I left.)
 
3. Ngithandile. (I loved.)
 
4. Ngidlalile. (I played.)
 
5. Ngihambile. (I went.)
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 7 ===
 
(Answers will vary; students should practice speaking in pairs.)
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 8 ===
 
(Answers will vary; students should write a story based on their experiences.)
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 9 ===
 
(Answers will vary; students should provide peer feedback.)
 
=== Solutions for Exercise 10 ===
 
| Regular Verbs  | Present Tense | Past Tense  |
 
|---------------|---------------|-------------|
 
| funda        | funda        | fundile    |
 
| hamba        | hamba        | hambe      |
 
| thanda        | thanda        | thandile    |
 
| bhalela      | bhalela      | bhalile    |
 
| phuma        | phuma        | phume      |
 
| Irregular Verbs | Present Tense | Past Tense  |
 
|----------------|---------------|-------------|
 
| kona          | kona          | kube        |
 
| fika          | fika          | fikile      |
 
| bona          | bona          | bonywe      |
 
| thola          | thola        | tholile    |
 
| hamba          | hamba        | hambe      |
 
Congratulations on completing this lesson on the past tense in Zulu! Keep practicing, and soon you'll be sharing your stories effortlessly.


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|keywords=Zulu grammar, Zulu verbs, Zulu past tense, Zulu language, Zulu lessons
|title=Learn Zulu Past Tense: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to form and use the past tense in Zulu, including regular and irregular verbs, as well as negation.
 
|keywords=Zulu grammar, past tense, Zulu language, learning Zulu, Zulu verbs, negation in Zulu
 
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to form and use the past tense in Zulu, including regular and irregular verbs, as well as negation. Perfect for complete beginners aiming for A1 level proficiency.
 
}}
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==Videos==
==Videos==

Latest revision as of 07:49, 2 August 2024

◀️ Present Tense — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Future Tense ▶️

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

Welcome to our lesson on the Past Tense in Zulu! Understanding how to express actions that have already taken place is essential for anyone learning a new language, and Zulu is no exception. The ability to articulate past events not only helps you convey your thoughts more clearly but also enriches your conversations, allowing you to share experiences and stories.

In this lesson, we will explore how to form and use the past tense in Zulu. We will look at both regular and irregular verbs, delve into the nuances of negation, and provide you with practical examples to solidify your understanding. By the end of this lesson, you'll be well-equipped to talk about things you've done, share your experiences, and even tell a story or two!

Importance of the Past Tense in Zulu[edit | edit source]

The past tense plays a crucial role in everyday conversations. Whether you are recounting what you did yesterday, sharing your thoughts about a family gathering, or discussing your travels, knowing how to use the past tense effectively will make your interactions more engaging and relatable. It allows you to connect with others by sharing experiences and emotions tied to those events.

Structure of the Lesson[edit | edit source]

Our lesson will be divided into the following sections:

  • Overview of Past Tense Formation
  • Regular Verbs in the Past Tense
  • Irregular Verbs in the Past Tense
  • Negation in the Past Tense
  • Practical Exercises

Overview of Past Tense Formation[edit | edit source]

In Zulu, forming the past tense involves changing the verb stem to indicate that an action has already happened. The basic structure for forming the past tense is relatively straightforward, but it does require some attention to detail, especially with irregular verbs.

Basic Structure[edit | edit source]

The past tense in Zulu is typically formed by adding a suffix to the verb root. In most cases, the suffix "-e" is used for regular verbs.

For example:

  • The verb "funda" (to read) becomes "fundile" (read).
  • The verb "hamba" (to go) becomes "hambe" (went).

However, as with any language, there are exceptions to these rules, particularly with irregular verbs.

Regular Verbs in the Past Tense[edit | edit source]

Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern. Let's take a look at some examples of regular verbs in the past tense.

Zulu Pronunciation English
funda ˈfunda read
hamba ˈhamba go
thanda ˈtʰanda love
bhalela ˈbʱalɛla write
dlala ˈd͡ɭala play
phuma ˈpʰuma leave
sebenza səˈbɛnzɑ work
bamba ˈbamba catch
shaya ˈʃaja hit
thola ˈtʰola find

Irregular Verbs in the Past Tense[edit | edit source]

Irregular verbs do not follow the standard rules of conjugation. Here are some common irregular verbs in Zulu:

Zulu Pronunciation English
kona ˈkɔna be
fika ˈfika arrive
bamba ˈbamba catch
phuma ˈpʰuma leave
bona ˈbona see
qala ˈqala start
thola ˈtʰola find
phela ˈpʰela finish
khona ˈkʰɔna exist
hamba ˈhamba go

Notice that the changes in the verb forms are not consistent, which is why it's essential to memorize these irregular forms.

Negation in the Past Tense[edit | edit source]

Negating sentences in the past tense can be a bit trickier, but it's an important skill to master. To negate a past tense verb in Zulu, you typically use the prefix "a-" before the verb stem and the suffix "-e" still applies.

For example:

  • "Ngifunde" (I read) becomes "Angifundanga" (I did not read).
  • "Ngihamba" (I went) becomes "Angihambanga" (I did not go).

Let's see some examples to clarify this:

Zulu Pronunciation English
Angifundanga ˈaŋifundɑŋɑ I did not read
Angihambanga ˈaŋihɑmˈbɑŋɑ I did not go
Angithandanga ˈaŋitʰɑndɑŋɑ I did not love
Angibhalele ˈaŋibhalɛle I did not write
Angidlalanga ˈaŋid͡ɭɑlɑŋɑ I did not play
Angiphumanga ˈaŋipʰumɑŋɑ I did not leave
Angisebenzanga ˈaŋisɛbɛn̩zɑŋɑ I did not work
Angibambanga ˈaŋibambɑŋɑ I did not catch
Angishayanga ˈaŋiʃɑjɑŋɑ I did not hit
Angitholanga ˈaŋitʰolɑŋɑ I did not find

By mastering this structure, you can easily express negation in your past tense sentences.

Practical Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now that we've covered the formation and usage of the past tense in Zulu, let's put your knowledge to the test with some exercises. These activities will help reinforce what you've learned and give you a chance to practice using past tense verbs in context.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Fill in the blanks with the correct past tense form of the verb in parentheses.

1. Ngifunda _______ (funda) iNcwadi. (I read a book.)

2. UJohn _______ (hamba) emsebenzini. (John went to work.)

3. Izingane _______ (dlala) ngaphandle. (The children played outside.)

4. Ngiphuma _______ (phuma) endlini. (I left the house.)

5. UThandi _______ (thanda) ukudla. (Thandi loved food.)

Exercise 2: Negation Practice[edit | edit source]

Convert the following sentences into their negative forms.

1. Ngihamba emsebenzini. (I went to work.)

2. Ngifunda iNcwadi. (I read a book.)

3. UThandi udlala kahle. (Thandi played well.)

4. Ngithola imali. (I found money.)

5. Izingane zidlala. (The children played.)

Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences[edit | edit source]

Write sentences in the past tense using the following verbs:

1. funda (to read)

2. hamba (to go)

3. thanda (to love)

4. bhalela (to write)

5. shaya (to hit)

Exercise 4: Verb Matching[edit | edit source]

Match the regular verbs to their past tense forms.

1. hamba

2. funda

3. dlala

4. thola

5. phuma

a. _______ hambe

b. _______ fundile

c. _______ dladile

d. _______ thole

e. _______ phume

Exercise 5: Past Tense Questions[edit | edit source]

Formulate questions in the past tense based on the following prompts.

1. What did you read?

2. Where did you go?

3. Did you play yesterday?

4. Who did you love?

5. When did you leave the house?

Exercise 6: Transformation Exercise[edit | edit source]

Transform the following sentences into the past tense.

1. Ngiyagijima. (I am running.)

2. Ngiyaphuma. (I am leaving.)

3. Ngiyathanda. (I love.)

4. Ngiyadlala. (I play.)

5. Ngiyahamba. (I go.)

Exercise 7: Group Discussion[edit | edit source]

In pairs, discuss what you did last weekend using the past tense. Make sure to use both regular and irregular verbs.

Exercise 8: Short Story Creation[edit | edit source]

Write a short story about your last vacation using at least five different past tense verbs.

Exercise 9: Peer Review[edit | edit source]

Exchange your short story with a partner. Provide feedback on their use of the past tense.

Exercise 10: Verb Conjugation Table[edit | edit source]

Create a table of five regular verbs and five irregular verbs, listing their present and past tense forms.

Solutions and Explanations[edit | edit source]

Solutions for Exercise 1[edit | edit source]

1. Ngifunda fundile iNcwadi.

2. UJohn hambe emsebenzini.

3. Izingane dladile ngaphandle.

4. Ngiphuma phume endlini.

5. UThandi thandile ukudla.

Solutions for Exercise 2[edit | edit source]

1. Angihambanga emsebenzini.

2. Angifundanga iNcwadi.

3. UThandi angadlali kahle.

4. Angitholanga imali.

5. Izingane azidlali.

Solutions for Exercise 3[edit | edit source]

(Answers will vary; examples below)

1. Ngifunde iNcwadi. (I read a book.)

2. Ngihambe emsebenzini. (I went to work.)

3. Ngithande ukudla. (I loved food.)

4. Ngibhalele incwadi. (I wrote a letter.)

5. Ngishaye ibhola. (I hit the ball.)

Solutions for Exercise 4[edit | edit source]

1 - a (hambe)

2 - b (fundile)

3 - c (dladile)

4 - d (thole)

5 - e (phume)

Solutions for Exercise 5[edit | edit source]

(Answers will vary; examples below)

1. Wenzeni? (What did you read?)

2. Uphi? (Where did you go?)

3. Ngiyadla? (Did you play yesterday?)

4. Uthandani? (Who did you love?)

5. Uwhenzi? (When did you leave the house?)

Solutions for Exercise 6[edit | edit source]

1. Ngifundile. (I read.)

2. Ngiphumile. (I left.)

3. Ngithandile. (I loved.)

4. Ngidlalile. (I played.)

5. Ngihambile. (I went.)

Solutions for Exercise 7[edit | edit source]

(Answers will vary; students should practice speaking in pairs.)

Solutions for Exercise 8[edit | edit source]

(Answers will vary; students should write a story based on their experiences.)

Solutions for Exercise 9[edit | edit source]

(Answers will vary; students should provide peer feedback.)

Solutions for Exercise 10[edit | edit source]

| Regular Verbs | Present Tense | Past Tense |

|---------------|---------------|-------------|

| funda | funda | fundile |

| hamba | hamba | hambe |

| thanda | thanda | thandile |

| bhalela | bhalela | bhalile |

| phuma | phuma | phume |

| Irregular Verbs | Present Tense | Past Tense |

|----------------|---------------|-------------|

| kona | kona | kube |

| fika | fika | fikile |

| bona | bona | bonywe |

| thola | thola | tholile |

| hamba | hamba | hambe |

Congratulations on completing this lesson on the past tense in Zulu! Keep practicing, and soon you'll be sharing your stories effortlessly.

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]

Past Tense Grammar - Inkathi Edlulile - How to speak isiZulu ...[edit | edit source]



Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]




◀️ Present Tense — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Future Tense ▶️

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