Difference between revisions of "Language/Igbo/Grammar/Verbs"

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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]] → Verbs and Tenses → Verbs</div>
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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==


Verbs are an essential part of Igbo grammar. They are used to express actions, states, and occurrences. Whether you are talking about something you did in the past, what you are doing right now, or what you will do in the future, it's important to understand Igbo verbs and how to use them in sentences. This lesson will cover regular and irregular verbs, verb conjugation, and agreement with nouns.
In this lesson, we will delve into the fascinating world of Igbo verbs. Verbs are an essential part of any language, and understanding how to use them correctly is crucial for effective communication. We will explore the different types of verbs, verb conjugation, and how verbs agree with nouns in Igbo sentences.
 
By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in Igbo verbs and be able to construct sentences using various tenses and verb forms. Let's get started!
 
== Verb Basics ==
 
Verbs are action words that express what someone or something does or experiences. In Igbo, verbs play a vital role in constructing sentences and conveying meaning. They can be used to describe actions, states of being, or occurrences.
 
Igbo verbs have different forms based on tense, aspect, mood, and agreement with nouns. Before we dive into these intricacies, let's first understand the basic structure of an Igbo verb.
 
A typical Igbo verb consists of a verb root, which is the main part of the verb, and an optional suffix that indicates tense or aspect. The verb root remains unchanged, while the suffix changes to indicate different forms of the verb.
 
Let's take a look at an example:
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| bia  || bee-ah || come
|}
 
In this example, "bia" is the verb root, and it means "come" in English. Depending on the tense or aspect, the verb "bia" can take on different forms, such as "bịa" (came) or "gbabia" (will come). We will explore these forms in more detail later.


== Regular Verbs ==
== Regular and Irregular Verbs ==


Regular verbs in Igbo have the same base form regardless of the subject pronoun. To form their present tense, add the suffix "-a" to the end of the verb root.
In Igbo, verbs can be classified as either regular or irregular. Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern when conjugated, while irregular verbs have unique conjugation patterns that do not conform to regular rules.


For example:
Regular verbs in Igbo typically end in "-a" or "-e" in their infinitive form. When conjugated, these verbs undergo specific changes based on tense, aspect, and agreement with nouns. For example, the verb "nweta" (to find) is a regular verb:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| bụ̀ || boo  || to be
| nweta || nweh-tah || find
|-
|-
| chọpụta || choh-pwee-tah || to write
| nwetara  || nweh-tah-rah || found
|-
|-
| gaa || gah-ah || to go
| nwetụ  || nweh-too || finding
|}
|}


To form the past tense of regular verbs, add the suffix "-la" to the verb root.
In this example, we see the different forms of the verb "nweta" based on tense and aspect. The verb root remains unchanged, while the suffix indicates the different forms.


For example:
Irregular verbs, on the other hand, do not follow a predictable pattern. Their conjugation forms vary significantly from the regular verb forms. For example, the verb "bụ" (to be) is an irregular verb:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| bụ̀là || boo-lah || was, were 
| bụ || boo || be
|-
|-
| chọpụtalà || choh-pwee-tah-lah || wrote
| bụrụ  || boo-roo || was
|-
|-
| gaa-là || gah-ah-lah || went
| bụụla  || boo-oo-lah || being
|}
|}


To form the future tense of regular verbs, add the appropriate tense marker to the verb root. The tense markers are "-naa" for first-person singular, "-lee" for second-person singular, and "-si" for third-person singular.
As we can see from this example, the irregular verb "bụ" has unique conjugation forms that do not conform to regular patterns. It is important to memorize the conjugation forms of irregular verbs to use them correctly in sentences.
 
== Verb Conjugation ==
 
Conjugation refers to the process of changing a verb to indicate different forms based on tense, aspect, mood, and agreement with nouns. In Igbo, verb conjugation is an essential aspect of grammar and is crucial for accurate communication.


For example:
Let's explore the different forms of verb conjugation in Igbo:
 
=== Tense and Aspect ===
 
In Igbo, verbs can be conjugated to reflect different tenses and aspects. The most common tenses in Igbo are the present, past, and future tenses. The continuous and perfect aspects are also used to express ongoing actions or completed actions, respectively.
 
To conjugate a verb in the present tense, we generally add a suffix to the verb root. For example, the verb "bia" (come) can be conjugated in the present tense as follows:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| bụ̀náà || boo-nah-ah ||will be
| bịa || bee-yah || come
|-
|-
| chọpụtááléé || choh-pwee-tah-leh-eh || will write
| gbaa || gbah-ah || comes
|}
 
In this example, the verb "bia" is conjugated in the present tense by adding the suffix "-a" to the verb root. The resulting forms are "bịa" and "gbaa."
 
To conjugate a verb in the past tense, we use a different suffix. For example, the verb "bia" can be conjugated in the past tense as follows:
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| gaa-sì || gah-ah-see || will go
| bịarụ  || bee-yah-roo || came
|-
| gbabia  || gba-bee-yah || came
|}
|}


== Irregular Verbs ==
In this example, the verb "bia" is conjugated in the past tense by adding the suffix "-rụ" to the verb root. The resulting forms are "bịarụ" and "gbabia."


Irregular verbs in Igbo have different base forms for different subjects. They don't follow the standard pattern of adding "-a" to the end of the verb root.
To express the future tense, we use yet another suffix. For example, the verb "bia" can be conjugated in the future tense as follows:


Some examples of irregular verbs in Igbo include:
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| gbaabia  || gba-ah-bee-yah || will come
|-
| mee bia  || may bee-yah || may come
|}
 
In this example, the verb "bia" is conjugated in the future tense by adding the suffix "-bia" or "-bia" with the auxiliary verb "mee." The resulting forms are "gbaabia" and "mee bia."
 
The continuous aspect in Igbo is used to express ongoing actions. To conjugate a verb in the continuous aspect, we add the suffix "-ụ" to the verb root. For example, the verb "bia" can be conjugated in the continuous aspect as follows:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| bụ̀ || boo  || to be
| bịa ụ || bee-yah oo || coming
|-
|-
| jụọ || joo-oh || to eat
| gbaa ụ  || gbah-ah oo || coming
|}
 
In this example, the verb "bia" is conjugated in the continuous aspect by adding the suffix "-ụ" to the verb root. The resulting forms are "bịa ụ" and "gbaa ụ."
 
The perfect aspect in Igbo is used to express completed actions. To conjugate a verb in the perfect aspect, we add the suffix "-la" to the verb root. For example, the verb "bia" can be conjugated in the perfect aspect as follows:
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| kpọ || k-poh || to pick
| gbabia ụla  || gba-bee-yah oo-lah || have come
|-
| nweta ụla  || nweh-tah oo-lah || have found
|}
|}


Irregular verbs also have different forms for the past tense, and these forms must be memorized.
In this example, the verb "bia" is conjugated in the perfect aspect by adding the suffix "-la" to the verb root. The resulting forms are "gbabia ụla" and "nweta ụla."
 
=== Agreement with Nouns ===
 
In Igbo, verbs agree with nouns in gender, number, and person. This means that the form of the verb changes depending on the gender, number, and person of the subject or object of the sentence.


For example:
Let's look at an example to understand this concept:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| bụ̀là || boo-lah || was, were 
| obi mara mma || oh-bee mah-rah mah || Obi is beautiful
|-
| jụọrọ || joo-oh-roh || ate
|-
|-
| kpọlụ || k-poh-loo || picked
| nkem mara mma  || n-kem mah-rah mah || Nkem is beautiful
|}
|}


To form the future tense of irregular verbs, use the appropriate tense marker with the base form of the verb. The tense markers are the same as for regular verbs.
In this example, the verb "mara" (to be beautiful) agrees with the subject "Obi" and "nkem" in gender and number. The verb takes the form "mara" when the subject is masculine singular (Obi) and "mara" when the subject is feminine singular (Nkem).


For example:
Similarly, the verb "mara" would take a different form when the subject is plural. For example:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| bụ̀nàà || boo-nah-ah || will be
| ndi mmadụ mara mma || n-dee mmah-doo mah-rah mah || The boys are beautiful
|-
|-
| jụọnáà || joo-oh-nah-ah || will eat
| ndi nwanyị mara mma || n-dee nwahn-yee mah-rah mah || The girls are beautiful
|-
| kpọnáà  || k-poh-nah-ah || will pick
|}
|}


== Verb Conjugation and Agreement ==
In this example, the verb "mara" agrees with the plural subjects "ndi mmadụ" (boys) and "ndi nwanyị" (girls). The verb takes the form "mara" when the subject is masculine plural and "mara" when the subject is feminine plural.
 
== Cultural Insights ==
 
The usage and understanding of verbs in Igbo can vary across different regions or communities. Regional variations in Igbo often arise due to historical, cultural, or linguistic factors.
 
For example, in some dialects of Igbo, certain verbs may have different conjugation forms or may be used in unique ways. These variations reflect the rich diversity of Igbo language and culture.
 
Additionally, verbs in Igbo often carry cultural significance and can be used to convey nuanced meanings or express cultural practices. For example, certain verbs may be used in traditional ceremonies or rituals, and their usage may vary from everyday conversational language.
 
It is important to engage with native Igbo speakers or consult reliable sources to gain a deeper understanding of regional variations and cultural nuances associated with verb usage in Igbo.


In Igbo, verbs must agree with the noun they precede in terms of tense, aspect, and negation. This means that the form of the verb changes depending on the noun it is used with.
== Practice Exercises ==


For example:
Now that we have covered the basics of Igbo verbs, let's practice what we have learned. Complete the following exercises by conjugating the verbs according to the given tense, aspect, or agreement.
 
1. Conjugate the verb "nweta" (to find) in the past tense for the following subjects: (1) I, (2) you (singular), (3) he, (4) she, (5) we, (6) they.
 
2. Conjugate the verb "bia" (to come) in the future tense for the following subjects: (1) I, (2) you (singular), (3) he, (4) she, (5) we, (6) they.
 
3. Conjugate the verb "mara" (to be beautiful) in the continuous aspect for the following subjects: (1) I, (2) you (singular), (3) he, (4) she, (5) we, (6) they.
 
4. Conjugate the verb "mara" (to be beautiful) in the perfect aspect for the following subjects: (1) I, (2) you (singular), (3) he, (4) she, (5) we, (6) they.
 
== Exercise Solutions ==
 
1. Conjugation of the verb "nweta" (to find) in the past tense:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| Ada na-ajụ || ah-dah nah-ah-joo || Ada is eating
| nwetarụ m  || nweh-tah-roo m || I found
|-
|-
| Onye mere ụtụtụ || ohn-yeh meh-reh ooh-too-too || Someone woke up early
| nwetarụ gị  || nweh-tah-roo gee || You (singular) found
|-
| nwetarụ ya  || nweh-tah-roo yah || He found
|-
| nwetarụ ya  || nweh-tah-roo yah || She found
|-
| nwetarụ anya ụnụ  || nweh-tah-roo ahn-yah oo-noo || We found
|-
| nwetarụ ha  || nweh-tah-roo hah || They found
|}
|}


In the first example, the verb "ajụ" agrees with the subject "Ada." In the second example, the verb "mere" agrees with the subject "onye."
2. Conjugation of the verb "bia" (to come) in the future tense:


In Igbo, verbs also have different forms depending on the tense and aspect. The basic tense forms in Igbo are the present, past, and future. The present tense is used to describe current actions or states, the past tense is used to describe completed actions or states, and the future tense is used to describe actions or states that will happen in the future.
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| gbaabia m  || gba-ah-bee-yah m || I will come
|-
| gbaabia gị  || gba-ah-bee-yah gee || You (singular) will come
|-
| gbaabia ya  || gba-ah-bee-yah yah || He will come
|-
| gbaabia ya  || gba-ah-bee-yah yah || She will come
|-
| gbaabia anya ụnụ  || gba-ah-bee-yah ahn-yah oo-noo || We will come
|-
| gbaabia ha  || gba-ah-bee-yah hah || They will come
|}


The continuous aspect is created with the auxiliary verb "nà" plus the present participle of the main verb. The perfect aspect is created with the auxiliary verb "mee" plus the past participle of the main verb.
3. Conjugation of the verb "mara" (to be beautiful) in the continuous aspect:
 
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
| maramụ m  || mah-rah-moo m || I am being beautiful
|-
| maramụ gị  || mah-rah-moo gee || You (singular) are being beautiful
|-
| mara ụ ya  || mah-rah oo-yah || He is being beautiful
|-
| mara ụ ya  || mah-rah oo-yah || She is being beautiful
|-
| maramụ anya ụnụ  || mah-rah-moo ahn-yah oo-noo || We are being beautiful
|-
| maramụ ha  || mah-rah-moo hah || They are being beautiful
|}


For example:
4. Conjugation of the verb "mara" (to be beautiful) in the perfect aspect:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
! Igbo !! Pronunciation !! English
|-
|-
| A na-atụgharị ọnụ || ah nah-ah-too-gah-ree oh-noo || I am speaking
| gbabia ụla m  || gba-bee-yah oo-lah m || I have been beautiful
|-
| gbabia ụla gị  || gba-bee-yah oo-lah gee || You (singular) have been beautiful
|-
|-
| O mekọ na-alụ || oh meh-koh nah-ah-loo || He/She has bought it
| gbabia ụla ya  || gba-bee-yah oo-lah yah || He has been beautiful
|-
| gbabia ụla ya  || gba-bee-yah oo-lah yah || She has been beautiful
|-
| gbabia ụla anya ụnụ  || gba-bee-yah oo-lah ahn-yah oo-noo || We have been beautiful
|-
| gbabia ụla ha  || gba-bee-yah oo-lah hah || They have been beautiful
|}
|}


== Conclusion ==
== Conclusion ==


In conclusion, verbs are essential to Igbo grammar. Regular verbs follow a standard pattern of adding "-a" to the end of the verb root to form the present tense, while irregular verbs have different base forms for different subjects. Verbs must agree in tense, aspect, and negation with the noun they are used with, and there are different tense forms for the present, past, and future, as well as the continuous and perfect aspects. With practice, you'll be able to use Igbo verbs effectively in sentences and communication.
Congratulations! You have now learned the essentials of Igbo verbs. We explored the different types of verbs, verb conjugation, and how verbs agree with nouns in Igbo sentences. Remember to practice regularly to reinforce your understanding and improve your fluency in Igbo.
 
In the next lesson, we will delve into the various tenses in Igbo and how to use them correctly in sentences. Stay tuned for more exciting language learning adventures!


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Igbo Grammar Verbs and Tenses Verbs
|title=Igbo Grammar → Verbs and Tenses → Verbs
|keywords=Igbo language, Igbo verbs, Igbo grammar, regular verbs, irregular verbs, verb conjugation, agreement with nouns, tenses in Igbo, continuous aspect, perfect aspect
|keywords=Igbo grammar, Igbo verbs, Igbo verb conjugation, Igbo verb agreement, Igbo language
|description=Learn about Igbo verbs, including regular and irregular verbs, and how to use them in sentences. This lesson will also cover verb conjugation and agreement with nouns.
|description=In this lesson, you will learn about Igbo verbs, including regular and irregular verbs, and how to use them in sentences. The lesson will also cover verb conjugation and agreement with nouns. Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of Igbo verbs!
}}
}}


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==Videos==
===Learn Igbo verbs: present, future and past tenses - YouTube===
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AilJsayPkj0</youtube>






==Videos==


===Learn Igbo verbs: present, future and past tenses - YouTube===
==Sources==
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AilJsayPkj0</youtube>
* [https://www.igboguide.org/HT-igbogrammar.htm Igbo Grammar - Igboguide.org]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igbo_language Igbo language - Wikipedia]
* [https://www.igbostudy.com/blog/learn-igbo-verbs Learn Igbo Verbs — Igbostudy]
 




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<span class='maj'></span>
 
==Sources==
* [https://www.igboguide.org/HT-igbogrammar.htm Igbo Grammar - Igboguide.org]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Igbo_language Igbo language - Wikipedia]
* [https://www.igbostudy.com/blog/learn-igbo-verbs Learn Igbo Verbs — Igbostudy]


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Latest revision as of 20:24, 22 June 2023

◀️ Relationships — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Tenses ▶️

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Igbo → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Verbs and Tenses → Verbs

Introduction[edit | edit source]

In this lesson, we will delve into the fascinating world of Igbo verbs. Verbs are an essential part of any language, and understanding how to use them correctly is crucial for effective communication. We will explore the different types of verbs, verb conjugation, and how verbs agree with nouns in Igbo sentences.

By the end of this lesson, you will have a solid foundation in Igbo verbs and be able to construct sentences using various tenses and verb forms. Let's get started!

Verb Basics[edit | edit source]

Verbs are action words that express what someone or something does or experiences. In Igbo, verbs play a vital role in constructing sentences and conveying meaning. They can be used to describe actions, states of being, or occurrences.

Igbo verbs have different forms based on tense, aspect, mood, and agreement with nouns. Before we dive into these intricacies, let's first understand the basic structure of an Igbo verb.

A typical Igbo verb consists of a verb root, which is the main part of the verb, and an optional suffix that indicates tense or aspect. The verb root remains unchanged, while the suffix changes to indicate different forms of the verb.

Let's take a look at an example:

Igbo Pronunciation English
bia bee-ah come

In this example, "bia" is the verb root, and it means "come" in English. Depending on the tense or aspect, the verb "bia" can take on different forms, such as "bịa" (came) or "gbabia" (will come). We will explore these forms in more detail later.

Regular and Irregular Verbs[edit | edit source]

In Igbo, verbs can be classified as either regular or irregular. Regular verbs follow a predictable pattern when conjugated, while irregular verbs have unique conjugation patterns that do not conform to regular rules.

Regular verbs in Igbo typically end in "-a" or "-e" in their infinitive form. When conjugated, these verbs undergo specific changes based on tense, aspect, and agreement with nouns. For example, the verb "nweta" (to find) is a regular verb:

Igbo Pronunciation English
nweta nweh-tah find
nwetara nweh-tah-rah found
nwetụ nweh-too finding

In this example, we see the different forms of the verb "nweta" based on tense and aspect. The verb root remains unchanged, while the suffix indicates the different forms.

Irregular verbs, on the other hand, do not follow a predictable pattern. Their conjugation forms vary significantly from the regular verb forms. For example, the verb "bụ" (to be) is an irregular verb:

Igbo Pronunciation English
bụ boo be
bụrụ boo-roo was
bụụla boo-oo-lah being

As we can see from this example, the irregular verb "bụ" has unique conjugation forms that do not conform to regular patterns. It is important to memorize the conjugation forms of irregular verbs to use them correctly in sentences.

Verb Conjugation[edit | edit source]

Conjugation refers to the process of changing a verb to indicate different forms based on tense, aspect, mood, and agreement with nouns. In Igbo, verb conjugation is an essential aspect of grammar and is crucial for accurate communication.

Let's explore the different forms of verb conjugation in Igbo:

Tense and Aspect[edit | edit source]

In Igbo, verbs can be conjugated to reflect different tenses and aspects. The most common tenses in Igbo are the present, past, and future tenses. The continuous and perfect aspects are also used to express ongoing actions or completed actions, respectively.

To conjugate a verb in the present tense, we generally add a suffix to the verb root. For example, the verb "bia" (come) can be conjugated in the present tense as follows:

Igbo Pronunciation English
bịa bee-yah come
gbaa gbah-ah comes

In this example, the verb "bia" is conjugated in the present tense by adding the suffix "-a" to the verb root. The resulting forms are "bịa" and "gbaa."

To conjugate a verb in the past tense, we use a different suffix. For example, the verb "bia" can be conjugated in the past tense as follows:

Igbo Pronunciation English
bịarụ bee-yah-roo came
gbabia gba-bee-yah came

In this example, the verb "bia" is conjugated in the past tense by adding the suffix "-rụ" to the verb root. The resulting forms are "bịarụ" and "gbabia."

To express the future tense, we use yet another suffix. For example, the verb "bia" can be conjugated in the future tense as follows:

Igbo Pronunciation English
gbaabia gba-ah-bee-yah will come
mee bia may bee-yah may come

In this example, the verb "bia" is conjugated in the future tense by adding the suffix "-bia" or "-bia" with the auxiliary verb "mee." The resulting forms are "gbaabia" and "mee bia."

The continuous aspect in Igbo is used to express ongoing actions. To conjugate a verb in the continuous aspect, we add the suffix "-ụ" to the verb root. For example, the verb "bia" can be conjugated in the continuous aspect as follows:

Igbo Pronunciation English
bịa ụ bee-yah oo coming
gbaa ụ gbah-ah oo coming

In this example, the verb "bia" is conjugated in the continuous aspect by adding the suffix "-ụ" to the verb root. The resulting forms are "bịa ụ" and "gbaa ụ."

The perfect aspect in Igbo is used to express completed actions. To conjugate a verb in the perfect aspect, we add the suffix "-la" to the verb root. For example, the verb "bia" can be conjugated in the perfect aspect as follows:

Igbo Pronunciation English
gbabia ụla gba-bee-yah oo-lah have come
nweta ụla nweh-tah oo-lah have found

In this example, the verb "bia" is conjugated in the perfect aspect by adding the suffix "-la" to the verb root. The resulting forms are "gbabia ụla" and "nweta ụla."

Agreement with Nouns[edit | edit source]

In Igbo, verbs agree with nouns in gender, number, and person. This means that the form of the verb changes depending on the gender, number, and person of the subject or object of the sentence.

Let's look at an example to understand this concept:

Igbo Pronunciation English
obi mara mma oh-bee mah-rah mah Obi is beautiful
nkem mara mma n-kem mah-rah mah Nkem is beautiful

In this example, the verb "mara" (to be beautiful) agrees with the subject "Obi" and "nkem" in gender and number. The verb takes the form "mara" when the subject is masculine singular (Obi) and "mara" when the subject is feminine singular (Nkem).

Similarly, the verb "mara" would take a different form when the subject is plural. For example:

Igbo Pronunciation English
ndi mmadụ mara mma n-dee mmah-doo mah-rah mah The boys are beautiful
ndi nwanyị mara mma n-dee nwahn-yee mah-rah mah The girls are beautiful

In this example, the verb "mara" agrees with the plural subjects "ndi mmadụ" (boys) and "ndi nwanyị" (girls). The verb takes the form "mara" when the subject is masculine plural and "mara" when the subject is feminine plural.

Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]

The usage and understanding of verbs in Igbo can vary across different regions or communities. Regional variations in Igbo often arise due to historical, cultural, or linguistic factors.

For example, in some dialects of Igbo, certain verbs may have different conjugation forms or may be used in unique ways. These variations reflect the rich diversity of Igbo language and culture.

Additionally, verbs in Igbo often carry cultural significance and can be used to convey nuanced meanings or express cultural practices. For example, certain verbs may be used in traditional ceremonies or rituals, and their usage may vary from everyday conversational language.

It is important to engage with native Igbo speakers or consult reliable sources to gain a deeper understanding of regional variations and cultural nuances associated with verb usage in Igbo.

Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]

Now that we have covered the basics of Igbo verbs, let's practice what we have learned. Complete the following exercises by conjugating the verbs according to the given tense, aspect, or agreement.

1. Conjugate the verb "nweta" (to find) in the past tense for the following subjects: (1) I, (2) you (singular), (3) he, (4) she, (5) we, (6) they.

2. Conjugate the verb "bia" (to come) in the future tense for the following subjects: (1) I, (2) you (singular), (3) he, (4) she, (5) we, (6) they.

3. Conjugate the verb "mara" (to be beautiful) in the continuous aspect for the following subjects: (1) I, (2) you (singular), (3) he, (4) she, (5) we, (6) they.

4. Conjugate the verb "mara" (to be beautiful) in the perfect aspect for the following subjects: (1) I, (2) you (singular), (3) he, (4) she, (5) we, (6) they.

Exercise Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. Conjugation of the verb "nweta" (to find) in the past tense:

Igbo Pronunciation English
nwetarụ m nweh-tah-roo m I found
nwetarụ gị nweh-tah-roo gee You (singular) found
nwetarụ ya nweh-tah-roo yah He found
nwetarụ ya nweh-tah-roo yah She found
nwetarụ anya ụnụ nweh-tah-roo ahn-yah oo-noo We found
nwetarụ ha nweh-tah-roo hah They found

2. Conjugation of the verb "bia" (to come) in the future tense:

Igbo Pronunciation English
gbaabia m gba-ah-bee-yah m I will come
gbaabia gị gba-ah-bee-yah gee You (singular) will come
gbaabia ya gba-ah-bee-yah yah He will come
gbaabia ya gba-ah-bee-yah yah She will come
gbaabia anya ụnụ gba-ah-bee-yah ahn-yah oo-noo We will come
gbaabia ha gba-ah-bee-yah hah They will come

3. Conjugation of the verb "mara" (to be beautiful) in the continuous aspect:

Igbo Pronunciation English
maramụ m mah-rah-moo m I am being beautiful
maramụ gị mah-rah-moo gee You (singular) are being beautiful
mara ụ ya mah-rah oo-yah He is being beautiful
mara ụ ya mah-rah oo-yah She is being beautiful
maramụ anya ụnụ mah-rah-moo ahn-yah oo-noo We are being beautiful
maramụ ha mah-rah-moo hah They are being beautiful

4. Conjugation of the verb "mara" (to be beautiful) in the perfect aspect:

Igbo Pronunciation English
gbabia ụla m gba-bee-yah oo-lah m I have been beautiful
gbabia ụla gị gba-bee-yah oo-lah gee You (singular) have been beautiful
gbabia ụla ya gba-bee-yah oo-lah yah He has been beautiful
gbabia ụla ya gba-bee-yah oo-lah yah She has been beautiful
gbabia ụla anya ụnụ gba-bee-yah oo-lah ahn-yah oo-noo We have been beautiful
gbabia ụla ha gba-bee-yah oo-lah hah They have been beautiful

Conclusion[edit | edit source]

Congratulations! You have now learned the essentials of Igbo verbs. We explored the different types of verbs, verb conjugation, and how verbs agree with nouns in Igbo sentences. Remember to practice regularly to reinforce your understanding and improve your fluency in Igbo.

In the next lesson, we will delve into the various tenses in Igbo and how to use them correctly in sentences. Stay tuned for more exciting language learning adventures!

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]



Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]




◀️ Relationships — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Tenses ▶️

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