Language/Maltese/Grammar/Regular-Verbs
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In this lesson, we will learn how to conjugate regular verbs in Maltese in the present tense. Verbs are a fundamental part of language, and they allow us to express actions and states of being. Knowing how to conjugate verbs correctly is essential for effective communication in Maltese.
Verbs in Maltese
In Maltese, a verb is a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being. Verbs are usually composed of a root or stem, to which different endings are added to indicate tense, mood, and person.
There are three main types of verbs in Maltese: regular verbs, irregular verbs, and defective verbs. In this lesson, we will focus on regular verbs.
Conjugating Regular Verbs in the Present Tense
Regular verbs in Maltese follow a predictable pattern when conjugated in the present tense. To conjugate a regular verb, you need to know the root or stem of the verb and the appropriate endings for each person and gender.
Let's take the verb "ktieb" (write) as an example:
| Maltese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ktieb | /k-tiĕb/ | write |
We can conjugate "ktieb" in the present tense as follows:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| First Person | Niktib | Niktbu |
| Second Person | Tiktib | Tiktibu |
| Third Person Masculine | Jiktib | Jiktbu |
| Third Person Feminine | Tiktib | Tiktbu |
As you can see, the endings for each person and gender are added to the root of the verb "ktieb" to form the present tense conjugation.
Let's look at another example with the verb "saħħa" (be healthy):
| Maltese | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| saħħa | /să-ħħa/ | be healthy |
We can conjugate "saħħa" in the present tense as follows:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| First Person | Ninsaħħu | Ninsaħħu |
| Second Person | Tinsaħħu | Tinsaħħew |
| Third Person Masculine | Jinsaħħu | Jinsaħħu |
| Third Person Feminine | Tinsaħħu | Tinsaħħew |
Again, we can see that the endings for each person and gender are added to the root of the verb "saħħa" to form the present tense conjugation.
Regular Verb Endings
The endings for regular verbs in the present tense depend on the person and gender of the subject. Here are the endings for each person and gender:
| Person | Masculine Singular | Feminine Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Person | -ni | -ni | -na |
| Second Person | -ek | -ek | -u |
| Third Person | -u | -et | -u |
As you can see, the masculine singular and plural endings are the same, while the feminine singular has a different ending (-et) from the masculine singular and plural endings.
It's important to note that the endings for regular verbs remain the same regardless of the tense, mood, or aspect of the verb.
Examples
Let's practice using regular verbs in the present tense with some examples:
- Tiftaħ it-tieqa. (You open the door.)
- Niftaħ il-kitba. (We open the book.)
- Titkellem Malti. (She speaks Maltese.)
- Jirnexxielu jitlef. (They succeed in cleaning.)
- Tgħix qrib tal-baħar. (He lives near the sea.)
In each of these examples, we can see how the regular verb is conjugated in the present tense according to the person and gender of the subject.
Conclusion
In this lesson, we have learned how to conjugate regular verbs in Maltese in the present tense. Remember to pay attention to the root or stem of the verb and the appropriate endings for each person and gender. By mastering the conjugation of regular verbs, you will be able to express actions and states of being accurately in Maltese.
Other Lessons
- Conditional Mood
- Irregular Verbs
- Adjectives
- How to Use Be
- Future Tense
- Past Participle in Maltese
- Possessive Pronouns
- Maltese Alphabet
- Questions
Sources
- Maltese Irregular Verbs & Function Words | PDF | Language ...
- Maltese verbs: the full conjugation of to get - Learn Any Language
| ◀️ Demonstrative Pronouns — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Irregular Verbs ▶️ |