Language/Lingala/Grammar/Irregular-Verbs

Lingala → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Verbs and Conjugation → Irregular Verbs

In this lesson, you will learn about irregular verbs in Lingala and how to conjugate them in the present tense. Unlike regular verbs, these verbs do not follow the usual patterns of conjugation. They have unique conjugation settings that need to be learned by heart. Fortunately, most regular Lingala verbs can be easily identified by their suffix, -a. Irregular Lingala verbs, on the other hand, are less predictable but have some common features. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to use irregular verbs in Lingala and understand the specific conjugation patterns for these verbs.

Finish this lesson and explore these related pages: Nouns & Subject Pronouns.

Characteristics of Irregular Verbs in Lingala

Lingala irregular verbs have a unique conjugation pattern that is different from the standard -a verb conjugation. They do not follow the standard noun class agreements or the consonant-vowel pattern of -a verb conjugation. These verbs usually break into two syllables, though some do not. Learning these conjugations can be tricky, but with practice and patience, you will learn them.

Irregular verbs in Lingala fall into two general classes: those that change the last syllable when conjugating and those that do not. Understanding the conjugation pattern for these verbs requires a bit more concentration and memorization.

Lingala Irregular Verbs that Change the Last Syllable

Lingala irregular verbs that change their last syllable when conjugated are typically verbs that end in -ela, -ala or -ola.

Here's an example with the verb "kuela" (to lie down):

Lingala	Pronunciation	English
na-kwelí	nah-kweh-LEE	I lie down

Note how the final a in "kuela" is replaced by an i in the present tense.

Here are some other examples:

• "tala" (to be bald):

Lingala	Pronunciation	English
na-talí	nah-tah-LEE	I am bald

• "yéla" (to shout):

Lingala	Pronunciation	English
na-yelí	nah-yeh-LEE	I shout

• "ala" (to scrape):

Lingala	Pronunciation	English
na-alí	nah-ah-LEE	I scrape

• "kóla" (to buy):

Lingala	Pronunciation	English
na-kolí	nah-koh-LEE	I buy

Notice how the final syllable of these verbs is modified when they are conjugated. This modification is unique to each verb and must be learned for each verb individually.

Lingala Irregular Verbs that Do Not Change the Last Syllable

Lingala irregular verbs that do not change the last syllable when conjugated are typically verbs that have high tone on the last syllable. These verbs are less common than the ones that change their last syllable.

Here's an example with the verb "kóla" (to be worth):

Lingala	Pronunciation	English
na-kolá	nah-koh-LAH	I am worth

Note how the verb stem remains unchanged throughout the conjugation.

Here are some other examples:

• "tomá" (to take):

Lingala	Pronunciation	English
na-tomá	nah-toh-MAH	I take

• "bulá" (to burn):

Lingala	Pronunciation	English
na-bulá	nah-boo-LAH	I burn

• "lotá" (to pull):

Lingala	Pronunciation	English
na-lotá	nah-loh-TAH	I pull

• "kótá" (to cut):

Lingala	Pronunciation	English
na-kotá	nah-koh-TAH	I cut

Note that these verbs have a high tone in the final syllable of the infinitive form. They do not change the last syllable when conjugated, and the tone remains the same throughout the conjugation.

Summary

Irregular verbs in Lingala can be challenging to learn, but with practice and patience, you can master their conjugation patterns. The two general types of irregular verbs are those that change the last syllable when conjugated and those that do not. You need to memorize the conjugation pattern for each verb by heart. Some verbs have unique syllable modifications, while others maintain a high tone in the last syllable throughout the conjugation. Make sure to learn these patterns of conjugation to effectively use Lingala irregular verbs in the present tense.

By now, you have learned about irregular verbs in Lingala and how to conjugate them in the present tense. Practice these conjugation rules with other verbs to expand your vocabulary and fluency in Lingala!

Table of Contents - Lingala Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Nouns and Pronouns

• Singular and Plural Nouns
• Subject Pronouns
• Object Pronouns

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-10
• Telling Time

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Verbs and Conjugation

• Regular Verbs
• Irregular Verbs
• Negation

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Descriptive Adjectives
• Comparative and Superlative
• Adverbs

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Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

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Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Phrases

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Lingala Culture and Traditions

• Festivals and Celebrations
• Traditional Music and Dance
• Traditional Foods
• Arts and Crafts

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Professions and Hobbies

• Common Professions
• Hobbies and Interests

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Questions and Interrogatives

• Yes/No Questions
• Wh- Questions

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Daily Routines and Activities

• Morning Routine
• Work and School
• Evening Routine

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Imperatives and Commands

• Forming Imperatives
• Using Commands in Context