Language/Xhosa/Grammar/Future-Tense
Hi Xhosa learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about the Xhosa grammar for the future tense. We will discover how to form the future tense, how to conjugate verbs, and we will look at some examples.
Introduction
The future tense in Xhosa is used to describe events or actions that have not yet happened but will happen in the future. The future tense is an important part of Xhosa grammar because it allows us to communicate plans and make future arrangements.
To form the future tense, we combine the auxiliary verb "za" (meaning "be about to") with the infinitive of the main verb. Therefore, the structure is "za + infinitive verb".
Conjugating Verbs in the Future Tense
In Xhosa, verbs are not conjugated according to person or number, so the same form of the verb is used for all subjects. Below, you can find examples of the verb "ukufunda" (meaning "to learn") in the future tense.
| Xhosa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| uza kufunda | oo-zah koo-foon-dah | I will learn / he, she, it will learn / they will learn |
Examples
Below are some examples of how to use the future tense in Xhosa:
- Ndiya za kufunda abafundi besikolo sakwaNtu. (I am about to teach the students at Ntu's school.)
- Uza kuxo ke ukuhamba. (He is about to travel abroad.)
- Abantu bazakuva isilwane. (The people will hear the animal.)
- Mabuya mama kusasa. (Mom should come back tomorrow morning.)
Here is a dialogue to illustrate the Xhosa grammar for the future tense:
- Person 1: Ndiya za kumnikela intlawulo. (I am about to give him the solution.)
- Person 2: Ende nawe uthe ngowokuqala kuba ufuna amandla kanjalo. (Are you going with him because you want to be influential like that?)
- Person 1: Ewe, ndifuna bayoleke ngam. (Yes, I want them to rely on me.)
Using the Future Tense in Everyday Conversations
Using the future tense in everyday conversations is an essential part of becoming fluent in Xhosa. You can talk about future arrangements, such as meetings or events, plans, predictions, and more.
For example, you can say:
- Kusuka buka somandla kwasolwandle ngelixa kuthiwa asibolangeni. (The storm will come from the ocean when they say we're not ready.)
- Iziko likaRhodes lisalulekile kakhulu, kodwa lapha ngamunye uyakuza akuphinde akhulelwe umntana wakwe. (The Rhodes Memorial is very beautiful, but when someone comes here, he will never leave his child unattended.)
You can use the Polyglot Club website to practice speaking with native speakers, ask them any questions about Xhosa grammar, and improve your language skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the future tense in Xhosa is formed by combining the auxiliary verb "za" with the infinitive of the main verb. Verbs are not conjugated according to person or number, and the same form is used for all subjects. Using the future tense is essential for everyday conversations because it allows us to communicate future plans, arrangements, and predictions.
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➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Sources
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