Language/Rundi/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be
Hi Rundi learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn how to use the verb "be" in Rundi. We will look at the different forms of the verb and how to use them in sentences. We will also look at some examples of sentences using the verb "be".
Introduction
The verb "be" is one of the most important verbs in any language. In Rundi, it is used to express existence, identity, location, and other states of being. It is also used to form the passive voice. In this lesson, we will look at the different forms of the verb "be" and how to use them in sentences.
Forms of the Verb "Be"
The verb "be" has three forms in Rundi:
- ni (present tense)
- bw (past tense)
- bwa (future tense)
Present Tense
The present tense of the verb "be" is ni. It is used to express a state or condition that exists in the present moment. Here are some examples of sentences using the present tense of the verb "be":
- Person 1: Ndabona nyina? (Do you see my mother?)
- Person 2: Ndabona. Ni mu muhanzi. (Yes, I see her. She is a singer.)
- Person 1: Urugero rwawe ni rwiza? (Is your job difficult?)
- Person 2: Ntiyo. Ni rwiza cyane. (No, it is very difficult.)
Past Tense
The past tense of the verb "be" is bw. It is used to express a state or condition that existed in the past. Here are some examples of sentences using the past tense of the verb "be":
- Person 1: Urugero rwawe bwawe rwiza? (Was your job difficult?)
- Person 2: Ntiyo. Bwawe rwiza cyane. (No, it was very difficult.)
- Person 1: Urugero rwawe bwawe umukobwa? (Were you a girl?)
- Person 2: Ntiyo. Bwawe umukobwa. (No, I was a girl.)
Future Tense
The future tense of the verb "be" is bwa. It is used to express a state or condition that will exist in the future. Here are some examples of sentences using the future tense of the verb "be":
- Person 1: Urugero rwawe bwawe rwiza? (Will your job be difficult?)
- Person 2: Ntiyo. Bwawe rwiza cyane. (No, it will be very difficult.)
- Person 1: Urugero rwawe bwawe umukobwa? (Will you be a girl?)
- Person 2: Ntiyo. Bwawe umukobwa. (No, I will be a girl.)
Examples
Here are some examples of sentences using the verb "be" in Rundi:
| Rundi | Pronunciation | English Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Ni umuntu. | /ni ʊmʊntʊ/ | I am a person. |
| Bwawe umukobwa. | /bwawe ʊmʊkɔbwa/ | You were a girl. |
| Bwawe umukobwa. | /bwawe ʊmʊkɔbwa/ | You will be a girl. |
| Ni mu muhanzi. | /ni mʊ mʊhanzi/ | He is a singer. |
| Bwawe mu muhanzi. | /bwawe mʊ mʊhanzi/ | He was a singer. |
| Bwawe mu muhanzi. | /bwawe mʊ mʊhanzi/ | He will be a singer. |
Dialogue
Here is an example of a dialogue using the verb "be" in Rundi:
- Person 1: Ndabona nyina? (Do you see my mother?)
- Person 2: Ndabona. Ni mu muhanzi. (Yes, I see her. She is a singer.)
- Person 1: Urugero rwawe ni rwiza? (Is your job difficult?)
- Person 2: Ntiyo. Ni rwiza cyane. (No, it is very difficult.)
- Person 1: Urugero rwawe bwawe rwiza? (Was your job difficult?)
- Person 2: Ntiyo. Bwawe rwiza cyane. (No, it was very difficult.)
- Person 1: Urugero rwawe bwawe umukobwa? (Were you a girl?)
- Person 2: Ntiyo. Bwawe umukobwa. (No, I was a girl.)
- Person 1: Urugero rwawe bwawe rwiza? (Will your job be difficult?)
- Person 2: Ntiyo. Bwawe rwiza cyane. (No, it will be very difficult.)
- Person 1: Urugero rwawe bwawe umukobwa? (Will you be a girl?)
- Person 2: Ntiyo. Bwawe umukobwa. (No, I will be a girl.)
Conclusion
In this lesson, we have looked at the different forms of the verb "be" in Rundi and how to use them in sentences. We have also seen some examples of sentences using the verb "be". To improve your Rundi Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
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