Language/Shona/Grammar/How-to-Use-Be

Shona Grammar - How to Use "Be"

Hi Shona learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn how to use the verb "be" in Shona. 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 how to use the verb in context.

The verb "be" is used to describe a state or condition. It is used to describe a person's identity, location, or possession. In Shona, the verb "be" is conjugated differently depending on the subject of the sentence.

The verb "be" has three forms: ndi, ndiri, and ndichau. The form of the verb depends on the subject of the sentence.

If the subject is singular, then the verb is conjugated as ndi. For example:

• Ndinokuda - I am here
• Ndinoziva - I know

If the subject is plural, then the verb is conjugated as ndiri. For example:

• Ndirikuda - We are here
• Ndiriziva - We know

If the subject is a pronoun, then the verb is conjugated as ndichau. For example:

• Ndichaukuda - You (singular) are here
• Ndichauziva - You (plural) know

Here is a table with some examples of how to use the verb "be" in Shona:

Shona	Pronunciation	English Translation
Ndinokuda	n-dee-no-koo-da	I am here
Ndinoziva	n-dee-no-zee-va	I know
Ndirikuda	n-dee-ree-koo-da	We are here
Ndiriziva	n-dee-ree-zee-va	We know
Ndichaukuda	n-dee-chow-koo-da	You (singular) are here
Ndichauziva	n-dee-chow-zee-va	You (plural) know

Let's look at some examples of how to use the verb "be" in context.

• Person 1: Ndinokuda? (Where am I?)
• Person 2: Uyu unokuda kuHarare. (You are in Harare.)

• Person 1: Ndirikuda? (Where are we?)
• Person 2: Tiri kuMutare. (We are in Mutare.)

• Person 1: Ndichaukuda? (Where are you?)
• Person 2: Ndichaukuda kuChitungwiza. (You are in Chitungwiza.)

As you can see, the verb "be" is used to describe a person's identity, location, or possession. It is important to remember that the form of the verb depends on the subject of the sentence.

Now that you have learned how to use the verb "be" in Shona, why not practice your new skills by talking to native speakers? You can use the Polyglot Club website to find native speakers and ask them any questions!

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