Language/Igbo/Grammar/Future-Tense

Igbo Grammar - Future Tense

Hi Igbo learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about the future tense in Igbo language. Future tense refers to actions or events that will happen in the future. We will provide you with examples and cultural information that will help you understand this concept.

The Future Tense

The future tense in Igbo is formed differently depending on the verb class. However, for most verbs, the future tense is formed by adding "ga" or "gba" before the verb root. For example:

Igbo	Pronunciation	English
ga-adịghị	[ɡa a-di-ɡʱi]	will not come	gbanụ	[ɡba-nu]	will buy	ga-amụ	[ɡa a-mu]	will eat	gbanwee	[ɡban-we-e]	will speak

It is important to note that not all verbs follow this pattern. Some verb classes use "kwuo" or "kwe" to form the future tense.

Examples

Let's see some examples of the future tense in use:

• Person 1: Kelechi, gbanụ anya ube n'ọkụ? ([kelechi, gba-nu anya ube n'o-ku?] - Kelechi, will you buy some oranges at the market?)
• Person 2: Ee, ga-abanụ. ([e: ga-a-ba-nu] - Yes, I will buy them.)
• Person 1: Maka ndị na-ekwu etiti ya anya, ị ga-agachị n'elu ugha. ([maka ndi na-ekwu e-titi ya a-n-ya, i ga-a-ga-chi n'elu u-gha] - Because those who speak the same language will meet at the marketplace.)
• Person 2: N'ezie, ga-anwụ. ([n-ezie, ga-a-nwu] - Okay, I will try to come.)

Cultural Information

In Igbo culture, individuals are expected to make plans for the future and set goals. Knowledge and wisdom are valued and shared from generation to generation, particularly through storytelling. It is common for families to gather in the evenings and listen to stories passed down from their ancestors.

In addition, traditional Igbo celebrations such as the new yam festivals and masquerade festivals are carefully planned in advance. These festivals attract people from all over the region and showcase traditional Igbo culture through dance, music and storytelling.

Practice Exercise

Conjugate the following verbs in the future tense:

1) jiri 2) dị 3) bịa 4) nwụ 5) nye

Solutions

Igbo	Pronunciation	English
ga-jịrị	[ɡa d͡ʒi-ri]	will see	ga-adị	[ɡa a-di]	will be	ga-abịa	[ɡa a-bi-a]	will come	ga-anwụ	[ɡa a-nwu]	will wear	ga-anye	[ɡa a-nje]	will give

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

Sources

• Future Tense Verbs in Igbo Language – Ezinaụlọ
• Igbo Grammar - Future Tense
• Past Tense Verbs in Igbo Language – Ezinaụlọ

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Related Lessons

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