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<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Igbo|Igbo]]  → [[Language/Igbo/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Tenses</div>


<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Igbo|Igbo]]  → [[Language/Igbo/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Igbo/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Verbs and Tenses → Tenses</div>
Welcome to the fascinating world of Igbo grammar! Understanding tenses is crucial for mastering any language, and Igbo is no exception. Tenses allow us to express when actions occur, whether in the past, present, or future. They help us narrate stories, relate experiences, and communicate effectively with each other. This lesson is designed specifically for complete beginners, and it will guide you through the different tenses in the Igbo language, helping you build a solid foundation as you progress towards the A1 level.
 
In this lesson, we will cover the following:
 
* '''Introduction to Tenses''': Why tenses matter in Igbo.
 
* '''Present Tense''': Usage and examples.
 
* '''Past Tense''': Usage and examples.
 
* '''Future Tense''': Usage and examples.
 
* '''Continuous Aspect''': Understanding the ongoing actions.
 
* '''Perfect Aspect''': Understanding completed actions.
 
* '''Practice Exercises''': To reinforce your understanding.


__TOC__
__TOC__


Igbo, like many other languages, has several tenses that are used to indicate the time frame of an action or event. In this lesson, we will cover the basic tenses in Igbo, including the present, past, and future tenses, as well as the continuous and perfect aspects.  
=== Introduction to Tenses ===
 
Tenses in Igbo are essential for expressing time. They help us understand and convey when an action takes place. Igbo, like many languages, has its own unique way of denoting tenses. The three main tenses we will focus on are:
 
* '''Present Tense''': This describes actions happening currently.
 
* '''Past Tense''': This indicates actions that have already occurred.
 
* '''Future Tense''': This is used for actions that are yet to happen.
 
Additionally, we will explore the continuous and perfect aspects, which add depth to our understanding of time in Igbo. Let's dive into each tense step by step!
 
=== Present Tense ===
 
The present tense in Igbo is used to describe actions that are currently happening or general truths. It is often formed by using the verb stem, sometimes adjusting for subject pronouns.
 
==== Structure of Present Tense ====


==Present Tense==
In Igbo, the present tense is typically straightforward. The subject pronoun is followed by the verb stem. Here’s how it looks:


The present tense in Igbo is used to indicate actions that are currently happening or that occur regularly. The present tense is formed by adding a verb root to the personal prefix that agrees with the subject of the sentence.
* '''Subject Pronoun + Verb Stem'''


For example:
For example:
* "I eat" translates to "A na m eri." (I am eating.)
* "You drink" translates to "I na-ara." (You are drinking.)
Here are some examples of common verbs in the present tense:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| A na m eri || /á nà m ɛ́rí/ || I am eating
|-
| I na-ara || /í nà-árá/ || You are drinking
|-
| Ọ na-azụ ahịa || /ɔ́ nà-ázụ́ àhịa/ || He/She is shopping
|-
| Anyị na-asa || /ànyị nà-àsà/ || We are washing
|-
|-
| A na-ada mma || Ah nah-ah-dah mah || I am doing well
 
| Unu na-eji || /ùnù nà-èjì/ || You (plural) are using
 
|}
|}


In the example above, "na-ada" is the present tense of the verb "ada" (to do), and "m" is the personal prefix that agrees with the first person singular subject "I".
=== Past Tense ===


Other personal prefixes include:
Past tense in Igbo conveys actions that have already been completed. It is formed by adding specific prefixes or suffixes to the verb depending on the subject.
 
==== Structure of Past Tense ====
 
The basic structure for the past tense is:
 
* '''Subject Pronoun + Verb + (Tense Marker)'''
 
The tense marker for past can vary, but common markers include "rụ" or "chara". Here's how it goes:
 
For example:
 
* "I ate" translates to "A m eri" (I have eaten).
 
* "You drank" translates to "I na-ara" (You drank).
 
Here are some examples of common verbs in the past tense:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Person !! Personal Prefix
 
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
|-
| First Person Singular || m-
 
| A m eri || /á m ɛ́rí/ || I ate
 
|-
|-
| Second Person Singular || ị-
 
| I na-ara || /í nà-árá/ || You drank
 
|-
|-
| Third Person Singular (Masculine) || ụ-
 
| Ọ rụrụ ọrụ || /ɔ́ rúrụ́ àrụ́/ || He/She worked
 
|-
|-
| Third Person Singular (Feminine) || ị-
 
| Anyị nụrụ || /ànyị nùrụ́/ || We heard
 
|-
|-
| First Person Plural || anya-
 
|-
| Unu jiri || /ùnù jìrì/ || You (plural) used
| Second Person Plural || iyi-
 
|-
| Third Person Plural || ha-
|}
|}


==Past Tense==
=== Future Tense ===


The past tense in Igbo is used to indicate actions that have already occurred in the past. The past tense is formed by adding the suffix "-ghị" to the verb root and then adding the appropriate personal prefix.
Future tense describes actions that will occur later. Igbo often uses the prefix "ga" to indicate future actions.
 
==== Structure of Future Tense ====
 
The structure for future tense is:
 
* '''Subject Pronoun + Future Marker (ga) + Verb'''


For example:
For example:
* "I will eat" translates to "A ga m eri."
* "You will drink" translates to "I ga-ara."
Here are some examples of common verbs in the future tense:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| A kwado-ghị mma || Ah kwa-doh-ghee mah || I did not do well
 
| A ga m eri || /á gà m ɛ́rí/ || I will eat
 
|-
 
| I ga-ara || /í gà-árá/ || You will drink
 
|-
 
| Ọ ga-azụ ahịa || /ɔ́ gà-ázụ́ àhịa/ || He/She will shop
 
|-
 
| Anyị ga-asacha || /ànyị gà-ásachá/ || We will wash
 
|-
 
| Unu ga-eji || /ùnù gà-èjì/ || You (plural) will use
 
|}
|}


In the example above, "Kwado" is the verb root for "to do", and "-ghị" is the past tense suffix. The personal prefix "m-" is added to indicate the first person singular subject "I".
=== Continuous Aspect ===
 
The continuous aspect describes actions that are ongoing or in progress. In Igbo, this is often indicated by the presence of the verb "na" (to be) in conjunction with the verb stem.
 
==== Structure of Continuous Aspect ====


==Future Tense==
The structure is typically:


The future tense in Igbo is used to indicate actions that will occur in the future. The future tense is formed by adding the auxiliary verb "ga" before the verb root and then adding the appropriate personal prefix.
* '''Subject Pronoun + "na" + Verb Stem'''


For example:
For example:
* "I am eating" translates to "A na m eri."
* "You are drinking" translates to "I na-ara."
Here are some examples of verbs in the continuous aspect:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| A ga-ada mma || Ah gah-ah-dah mah || I will do well
 
| A na m eri || /á nà m ɛ́rí/ || I am eating
 
|-
 
| I na-ara || /í nà-árá/ || You are drinking
 
|-
 
| Ọ na-azụ ahịa || /ɔ́ nà-ázụ́ àhịa/ || He/She is shopping
 
|-
 
| Anyị na-asa || /ànyị nà-àsà/ || We are washing
 
|-
 
| Unu na-eji || /ùnù nà-èjì/ || You (plural) are using
 
|}
|}


In the example above, "ga-ada" is the future tense of the verb "ada" (to do), and "m" is the personal prefix that agrees with the first person singular subject "I".
=== Perfect Aspect ===


==Continuous Aspect==
The perfect aspect indicates actions that have been completed at some point before now. In Igbo, it is often indicated by the verb stem with specific markers.


The continuous aspect in Igbo is used to indicate actions that are currently in progress. The continuous aspect is formed by adding the verb "nwere" (to have) to the verb root and then adding the appropriate personal prefix.
==== Structure of Perfect Aspect ====
 
The structure is usually:
 
* '''Subject Pronoun + Verb Stem + (Perfect Marker)'''


For example:
For example:
* "I have eaten" translates to "A rụ m eri."
* "You have drunk" translates to "I rụ-ara."
Here are some examples of verbs in the perfect aspect:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| A nwere-ada mma || Ah nweh-reh-ah-dah mah || I am doing well
|}


In the example above, "nwere-ada" is the continuous aspect of the verb "ada" (to do), and "m" is the personal prefix that agrees with the first person singular subject "I".
| A rụ m eri || /á rụ́ m ɛ́rí/ || I have eaten
 
|-
 
| I rụ-ara || /í rụ́-árá/ || You have drunk
 
|-


==Perfect Aspect==
| Ọ rụụrụ ọrụ || /ɔ́ rụ́rụ́ àrụ́/ || He/She has worked


The perfect aspect in Igbo is used to indicate actions that have been completed in the past. The perfect aspect is formed by adding the auxiliary verb "bu" (to be) to the verb root and then adding the appropriate personal prefix.
|-


For example:
| Anyị rụụrụ || /ànyị rụ́ụrụ́/ || We have heard


{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| A bu-ada mma || Ah boo-ah-dah mah || I have done well
 
| Unu rụ jiri || /ùnù rụ́ jìrì/ || You (plural) have used
 
|}
|}


In the example above, "bu-ada" is the perfect aspect of the verb "ada" (to do), and "m" is the personal prefix that agrees with the first person singular subject "I".
== Practice Exercises ==
 
Now that you’ve learned about tenses, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Below are some exercises designed to reinforce your understanding of Igbo tenses. After each exercise, detailed solutions and explanations will be provided.
 
=== Exercise 1: Identify the Tense ===
 
Identify the tense of the following sentences and write your answer as Present, Past, or Future.
 
1. A ga m eri.
 
2. A m eri.
 
3. I ga-ara.
 
4. Ọ rụrụ ọrụ.
 
5. A na m asacha.
 
=== Exercise 2: Translate to Igbo ===
 
Translate the following sentences into Igbo.
 
1. I am reading.
 
2. They will dance.
 
3. We have finished the work.
 
4. You (plural) are cooking.
 
5. She drank water.
 
=== Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks ===
 
Choose the correct tense marker (na, rụ, ga) to fill in the blanks.
 
1. A ___ m eri. (I am eating)
 
2. I ___-ara. (You drank)
 
3. Ọ ___-rụ ọrụ. (He/She has worked)
 
4. Unu ___-asa. (You are washing)
 
5. A ___ m asacha. (I will wash)
 
=== Exercise 4: Change the Tense ===
 
Rewrite the following sentences by changing the tense as indicated.
 
1. A na m eri (Change to past)
 
2. I ga-ara (Change to present)
 
3. Ọ rụrụ ọrụ (Change to future)
 
4. A rụ m eri (Change to continuous)
 
5. Unu rụ jiri (Change to perfect)
 
=== Exercise 5: Create Sentences ===
 
Use the following verbs to create sentences in the present tense.
 
1. to write
 
2. to dance
 
3. to learn
 
4. to play
 
5. to sing
 
=== Exercise 6: Matching Exercise ===
 
Match the Igbo sentences with their English translations.
 
1. A ga m eri.
 
2. I na-ara.
 
3. A rụ m eri.
 
4. Ọ ga-azụ.
 
5. Unu rụ-ara.
 
a. You have drunk.
 
b. I will eat.
 
c. You are drinking.
 
d. He/She will shop.
 
e. I have eaten.
 
=== Exercise 7: True or False ===
 
Read the following statements and determine if they are true or false.
 
1. A na m eri means "I will eat."  
 
2. A rụ m eri means "I have eaten."  
 
3. I ga-ara means "You are drinking."
 
4. Ọ na-azụ ahịa means "He/She is shopping."
 
5. Unu ga-eji means "You (plural) used."
 
=== Exercise 8: Conjugate the Verbs ===
 
Conjugate the following verbs in the present tense.
 
1. to learn
 
2. to work
 
3. to play
 
4. to teach
 
5. to watch
 
=== Exercise 9: Sentence Transformation ===
 
Transform the following sentences from present to future tense.
 
1. A na m asacha (I am washing)


==Summary==
2. Ọ na-azụ ahịa (He/She is shopping)


In summary, Igbo has several tenses that are used to indicate the time frame of an action or event. The present tense is used to indicate actions that are currently happening or that occur regularly, the past tense is used to indicate actions that have already occurred in the past, and the future tense is used to indicate actions that will occur in the future. The continuous aspect is used to indicate actions that are currently in progress, while the perfect aspect is used to indicate actions that have been completed in the past.
3. Unu na-eri (You are eating)


By using the appropriate tense and aspect, you can effectively communicate when an action occurred or will occur in Igbo. In the next lesson, we will cover Igbo adjectives and adverbs.
4. I na-ama (You are knowing)
 
5. Anyị na-asa nri (We are bathing)
 
=== Exercise 10: Contextual Usage ===
 
Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) in Igbo using at least three different tenses.
 
== Solutions to Exercises ==
 
=== Exercise 1: Identify the Tense ===
 
1. Future
 
2. Present
 
3. Future
 
4. Past
 
5. Present
 
=== Exercise 2: Translate to Igbo ===
 
1. A na m agụ.
 
2. Ha ga egwu.
 
3. Anyị rụpụtara ọrụ.
 
4. Unu na-esi nri.
 
5. Ọ rụrụ mmiri.
 
=== Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks ===
 
1. na
 
2. rụ
 
3. rụ
 
4. na
 
5. ga
 
=== Exercise 4: Change the Tense ===
 
1. A rụ m eri.
 
2. I na-ara.
 
3. Ọ ga-azụ ọrụ.
 
4. A na m eri.
 
5. Unu rụ-ara.
 
=== Exercise 5: Create Sentences ===
 
1. A na m ede.
 
2. A na m egwu.
 
3. A na m mụta.
 
4. A na m egwu.
 
5. A na m abụ.
 
=== Exercise 6: Matching Exercise ===
 
1 - b
 
2 - c
 
3 - e
 
4 - d
 
5 - a
 
=== Exercise 7: True or False ===
 
1. False
 
2. True
 
3. False
 
4. True
 
5. False
 
=== Exercise 8: Conjugate the Verbs ===
 
1. A na m mụta.
 
2. A na m rụọ.
 
3. A na m egwu.
 
4. A na m kụziere.
 
5. A na m lelee.
 
=== Exercise 9: Sentence Transformation ===
 
1. A ga m asacha.
 
2. Ọ ga-azụ ahịa.
 
3. Unu ga-eri.
 
4. I ga-ama.
 
5. Anyị ga-asa nri.
 
=== Exercise 10: Contextual Usage ===
 
A na m agụ akwụkwọ. A na m eri nri. A ga m asacha. (I am reading a book. I am eating food. I will wash.)
 
Remember, practicing consistently is key to mastering tenses in Igbo. Keep engaging with the language, and soon you'll find yourself more comfortable with expressing time in your conversations!


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Igbo Grammar Verbs and Tenses Tenses Lesson
 
|keywords=Igbo language, tenses in Igbo, present tense, past tense, future tense, continuous aspect, perfect aspect
|title=Understanding Igbo Tenses for Beginners
|description=In this lesson, you will learn about the different tenses in Igbo, such as present, past, and future, and how to use them correctly in sentences. This lesson will also cover the continuous and perfect aspects.
 
|keywords=Igbo language, Igbo tenses, present tense, past tense, future tense, continuous aspect, perfect aspect
 
|description=In this lesson, you will learn about tenses in Igbo, including present, past, and future, with practical examples and exercises for beginners.
 
}}
}}


{{Igbo-0-to-A1-Course-TOC}}
{{Template:Igbo-0-to-A1-Course-TOC}}


[[Category:Course]]
[[Category:Course]]
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[[Category:Igbo-0-to-A1-Course]]
[[Category:Igbo-0-to-A1-Course]]
<span gpt></span> <span model=gpt-3.5-turbo></span> <span temperature=1></span>
<span openai_correct_model></span> <span gpt></span> <span model=gpt-4o-mini></span> <span temperature=0.7></span>
 
 
 


==Videos==
==Videos==
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===Igbo Language 25 - Verbs and Tenses - YouTube===
===Igbo Language 25 - Verbs and Tenses - YouTube===
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L09C6vZ4x5E</youtube>
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L09C6vZ4x5E</youtube>
==Sources==
* [https://ezinaulo.com/igbo-lessons/verbs/past-tense/ Past Tense Verbs in Igbo Language – Ezinaụlọ]
* [https://www.igbovillagesquare.com/2020/12/igbo-verb-tenses-tensi.html Igbo Verb Tenses (Tensi) - Igbo Village Square]
* [https://ezinaulo.com/igbo-lessons/verbs/present-tense/ Present tense Verbs in Igbo Language – Ezinaụlọ]




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<span class='maj'></span>
 
==Sources==
* [https://ezinaulo.com/igbo-lessons/verbs/past-tense/ Past Tense Verbs in Igbo Language – Ezinaụlọ]
* [https://www.igbovillagesquare.com/2020/12/igbo-verb-tenses-tensi.html Igbo Verb Tenses (Tensi) - Igbo Village Square]
* [https://ezinaulo.com/igbo-lessons/verbs/present-tense/ Present tense Verbs in Igbo Language – Ezinaụlọ]


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Latest revision as of 12:17, 2 August 2024

◀️ Verbs — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Numbers ▶️

D8912FF2-7292-437A-8C2E-94BA6AB09A6B.png
Igbo → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Tenses

Welcome to the fascinating world of Igbo grammar! Understanding tenses is crucial for mastering any language, and Igbo is no exception. Tenses allow us to express when actions occur, whether in the past, present, or future. They help us narrate stories, relate experiences, and communicate effectively with each other. This lesson is designed specifically for complete beginners, and it will guide you through the different tenses in the Igbo language, helping you build a solid foundation as you progress towards the A1 level.

In this lesson, we will cover the following:

  • Introduction to Tenses: Why tenses matter in Igbo.
  • Present Tense: Usage and examples.
  • Past Tense: Usage and examples.
  • Future Tense: Usage and examples.
  • Continuous Aspect: Understanding the ongoing actions.
  • Perfect Aspect: Understanding completed actions.
  • Practice Exercises: To reinforce your understanding.

Introduction to Tenses[edit | edit source]

Tenses in Igbo are essential for expressing time. They help us understand and convey when an action takes place. Igbo, like many languages, has its own unique way of denoting tenses. The three main tenses we will focus on are:

  • Present Tense: This describes actions happening currently.
  • Past Tense: This indicates actions that have already occurred.
  • Future Tense: This is used for actions that are yet to happen.

Additionally, we will explore the continuous and perfect aspects, which add depth to our understanding of time in Igbo. Let's dive into each tense step by step!

Present Tense[edit | edit source]

The present tense in Igbo is used to describe actions that are currently happening or general truths. It is often formed by using the verb stem, sometimes adjusting for subject pronouns.

Structure of Present Tense[edit | edit source]

In Igbo, the present tense is typically straightforward. The subject pronoun is followed by the verb stem. Here’s how it looks:

  • Subject Pronoun + Verb Stem

For example:

  • "I eat" translates to "A na m eri." (I am eating.)
  • "You drink" translates to "I na-ara." (You are drinking.)

Here are some examples of common verbs in the present tense:

Igbo Pronunciation English
A na m eri /á nà m ɛ́rí/ I am eating
I na-ara /í nà-árá/ You are drinking
Ọ na-azụ ahịa /ɔ́ nà-ázụ́ àhịa/ He/She is shopping
Anyị na-asa /ànyị nà-àsà/ We are washing
Unu na-eji /ùnù nà-èjì/ You (plural) are using

Past Tense[edit | edit source]

Past tense in Igbo conveys actions that have already been completed. It is formed by adding specific prefixes or suffixes to the verb depending on the subject.

Structure of Past Tense[edit | edit source]

The basic structure for the past tense is:

  • Subject Pronoun + Verb + (Tense Marker)

The tense marker for past can vary, but common markers include "rụ" or "chara". Here's how it goes:

For example:

  • "I ate" translates to "A m eri" (I have eaten).
  • "You drank" translates to "I na-ara" (You drank).

Here are some examples of common verbs in the past tense:

Igbo Pronunciation English
A m eri /á m ɛ́rí/ I ate
I na-ara /í nà-árá/ You drank
Ọ rụrụ ọrụ /ɔ́ rúrụ́ àrụ́/ He/She worked
Anyị nụrụ /ànyị nùrụ́/ We heard
Unu jiri /ùnù jìrì/ You (plural) used

Future Tense[edit | edit source]

Future tense describes actions that will occur later. Igbo often uses the prefix "ga" to indicate future actions.

Structure of Future Tense[edit | edit source]

The structure for future tense is:

  • Subject Pronoun + Future Marker (ga) + Verb

For example:

  • "I will eat" translates to "A ga m eri."
  • "You will drink" translates to "I ga-ara."

Here are some examples of common verbs in the future tense:

Igbo Pronunciation English
A ga m eri /á gà m ɛ́rí/ I will eat
I ga-ara /í gà-árá/ You will drink
Ọ ga-azụ ahịa /ɔ́ gà-ázụ́ àhịa/ He/She will shop
Anyị ga-asacha /ànyị gà-ásachá/ We will wash
Unu ga-eji /ùnù gà-èjì/ You (plural) will use

Continuous Aspect[edit | edit source]

The continuous aspect describes actions that are ongoing or in progress. In Igbo, this is often indicated by the presence of the verb "na" (to be) in conjunction with the verb stem.

Structure of Continuous Aspect[edit | edit source]

The structure is typically:

  • Subject Pronoun + "na" + Verb Stem

For example:

  • "I am eating" translates to "A na m eri."
  • "You are drinking" translates to "I na-ara."

Here are some examples of verbs in the continuous aspect:

Igbo Pronunciation English
A na m eri /á nà m ɛ́rí/ I am eating
I na-ara /í nà-árá/ You are drinking
Ọ na-azụ ahịa /ɔ́ nà-ázụ́ àhịa/ He/She is shopping
Anyị na-asa /ànyị nà-àsà/ We are washing
Unu na-eji /ùnù nà-èjì/ You (plural) are using

Perfect Aspect[edit | edit source]

The perfect aspect indicates actions that have been completed at some point before now. In Igbo, it is often indicated by the verb stem with specific markers.

Structure of Perfect Aspect[edit | edit source]

The structure is usually:

  • Subject Pronoun + Verb Stem + (Perfect Marker)

For example:

  • "I have eaten" translates to "A rụ m eri."
  • "You have drunk" translates to "I rụ-ara."

Here are some examples of verbs in the perfect aspect:

Igbo Pronunciation English
A rụ m eri /á rụ́ m ɛ́rí/ I have eaten
I rụ-ara /í rụ́-árá/ You have drunk
Ọ rụụrụ ọrụ /ɔ́ rụ́rụ́ àrụ́/ He/She has worked
Anyị rụụrụ /ànyị rụ́ụrụ́/ We have heard
Unu rụ jiri /ùnù rụ́ jìrì/ You (plural) have used

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now that you’ve learned about tenses, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Below are some exercises designed to reinforce your understanding of Igbo tenses. After each exercise, detailed solutions and explanations will be provided.

Exercise 1: Identify the Tense[edit | edit source]

Identify the tense of the following sentences and write your answer as Present, Past, or Future.

1. A ga m eri.

2. A m eri.

3. I ga-ara.

4. Ọ rụrụ ọrụ.

5. A na m asacha.

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

Translate the following sentences into Igbo.

1. I am reading.

2. They will dance.

3. We have finished the work.

4. You (plural) are cooking.

5. She drank water.

Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Choose the correct tense marker (na, rụ, ga) to fill in the blanks.

1. A ___ m eri. (I am eating)

2. I ___-ara. (You drank)

3. Ọ ___-rụ ọrụ. (He/She has worked)

4. Unu ___-asa. (You are washing)

5. A ___ m asacha. (I will wash)

Exercise 4: Change the Tense[edit | edit source]

Rewrite the following sentences by changing the tense as indicated.

1. A na m eri (Change to past)

2. I ga-ara (Change to present)

3. Ọ rụrụ ọrụ (Change to future)

4. A rụ m eri (Change to continuous)

5. Unu rụ jiri (Change to perfect)

Exercise 5: Create Sentences[edit | edit source]

Use the following verbs to create sentences in the present tense.

1. to write

2. to dance

3. to learn

4. to play

5. to sing

Exercise 6: Matching Exercise[edit | edit source]

Match the Igbo sentences with their English translations.

1. A ga m eri.

2. I na-ara.

3. A rụ m eri.

4. Ọ ga-azụ.

5. Unu rụ-ara.

a. You have drunk.

b. I will eat.

c. You are drinking.

d. He/She will shop.

e. I have eaten.

Exercise 7: True or False[edit | edit source]

Read the following statements and determine if they are true or false.

1. A na m eri means "I will eat."

2. A rụ m eri means "I have eaten."

3. I ga-ara means "You are drinking."

4. Ọ na-azụ ahịa means "He/She is shopping."

5. Unu ga-eji means "You (plural) used."

Exercise 8: Conjugate the Verbs[edit | edit source]

Conjugate the following verbs in the present tense.

1. to learn

2. to work

3. to play

4. to teach

5. to watch

Exercise 9: Sentence Transformation[edit | edit source]

Transform the following sentences from present to future tense.

1. A na m asacha (I am washing)

2. Ọ na-azụ ahịa (He/She is shopping)

3. Unu na-eri (You are eating)

4. I na-ama (You are knowing)

5. Anyị na-asa nri (We are bathing)

Exercise 10: Contextual Usage[edit | edit source]

Write a short paragraph (3-5 sentences) in Igbo using at least three different tenses.

Solutions to Exercises[edit | edit source]

Exercise 1: Identify the Tense[edit | edit source]

1. Future

2. Present

3. Future

4. Past

5. Present

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

1. A na m agụ.

2. Ha ga egwu.

3. Anyị rụpụtara ọrụ.

4. Unu na-esi nri.

5. Ọ rụrụ mmiri.

Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

1. na

2. rụ

3. rụ

4. na

5. ga

Exercise 4: Change the Tense[edit | edit source]

1. A rụ m eri.

2. I na-ara.

3. Ọ ga-azụ ọrụ.

4. A na m eri.

5. Unu rụ-ara.

Exercise 5: Create Sentences[edit | edit source]

1. A na m ede.

2. A na m egwu.

3. A na m mụta.

4. A na m egwu.

5. A na m abụ.

Exercise 6: Matching Exercise[edit | edit source]

1 - b

2 - c

3 - e

4 - d

5 - a

Exercise 7: True or False[edit | edit source]

1. False

2. True

3. False

4. True

5. False

Exercise 8: Conjugate the Verbs[edit | edit source]

1. A na m mụta.

2. A na m rụọ.

3. A na m egwu.

4. A na m kụziere.

5. A na m lelee.

Exercise 9: Sentence Transformation[edit | edit source]

1. A ga m asacha.

2. Ọ ga-azụ ahịa.

3. Unu ga-eri.

4. I ga-ama.

5. Anyị ga-asa nri.

Exercise 10: Contextual Usage[edit | edit source]

A na m agụ akwụkwọ. A na m eri nri. A ga m asacha. (I am reading a book. I am eating food. I will wash.)

Remember, practicing consistently is key to mastering tenses in Igbo. Keep engaging with the language, and soon you'll find yourself more comfortable with expressing time in your conversations!

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


Greetings and Introductions


Nouns and Pronouns


Family and Relationships


Verbs and Tenses


Numbers and Time


Adjectives and Adverbs


Food and Drink


Prepositions and Conjunctions


Travel and Transportation


Igbo Customs and Traditions

Videos[edit | edit source]

Learn Igbo verbs: present, future and past tenses - YouTube[edit | edit source]

Igbo Language 25 - Verbs and Tenses - YouTube[edit | edit source]



Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]




◀️ Verbs — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Numbers ▶️

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