Language/Afar/Grammar/How-to-Use-Have
Hi Afar learners! 😊
In this lesson, we'll be learning about how to use "have" in Afar grammar. "Have" is commonly used as an auxiliary verb in English, but in Afar, it is used as a standalone verb. Understanding how to use "have" is essential to mastering the Afar language. So let's get started!
Basic Usage
The verb "have" is translated into Afar as "min" (ምን፡). It is used to indicate ownership, possession or existence of something. The basic structure of a sentence using "have" in Afar language is:
Subject + min + Object
For example:
| Afar | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| soxoxu | sōxoxu | a flower |
| na | nā | I |
| min | mīn | have |
| soxoxu | sōxoxu | a flower |
So "na min soxoxu" (nā mīn sōxoxu) means "I have a flower".
Afar doesn't use the auxiliary "do" to form questions or negative sentences. Therefore, the question "Do you have a pen?" would be translated as "A pen, do you have it?" or "Pen, min ata?” (ፔን፤ ምን ኣታ?)
Let's practice with some examples:
- Q1: Translate "He has a car" in Afar.
A: "E min biri" (እ፡ ምን፡ ቢሪ)
- Q2: Translate "Do you have a house?" in Afar.
A: "A house, you have it?" or "Badda, min ata?" (ባድ፤ ምን ኣታ?)
Past Tense
To form the past tense of "have" in Afar, you need to add the suffix "-ey" (-ይ) to the verb "min".
Here's the structure of a sentence using "have" in the past tense:
Subject + verb in past tense "min-ey" + Object
For example:
| Afar | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| na | nā | I |
| min-ey | mīn-ey | had |
| soxoxu | sōxoxu | a flower |
So "na min-ey soxoxu" (nā mīn-ey sōxoxu) means "I had a flower".
Let's practice with some examples:
- Q1: Translate "She had a cat" in Afar.
A: "U min-ey morey" (ኡ፡ ምን፡ ነፋስ።)
- Q2: Translate "Did you have a dog?" in Afar.
A: "A dog, did you have it before?" or "Kaloo, min-ey jeere?" (ካሉ፤ ምን-ኣይ ጀር።)
Future Tense
To form the future tense of "have" in Afar, you need to add the auxiliary verb "dohi" (ዶሂ) before the verb "min".
Here's the structure of a sentence using "have" in the future tense:
Subject + auxiliary verb "dohi" + verb "min" + Object
For example:
| Afar | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| na | nā | I |
| dohi | dōhī | will |
| min | mīn | have |
| soxoxu | sōxoxu | a flower |
So "na dohi min soxoxu" (nā dōhī mīn sōxoxu) means "I will have a flower".
Let's practice with some examples:
- Q1: Translate "They will have a party" in Afar.
A: "Isu dohi min timbilul" (እሱ፡ ዶሂ፡ ምን፡ ትምብሉል).
- Q2: Translate "Will you have a drink later?" in Afar.
A: "A drink, will you have it later?" or "Shay, dohi min jukta?" (ሻይ፤ ዶሂ መንከሳል?)
Conclusion
Using "have" in Afar is straightforward once you know the basic structures for each tense. Don't hesitate to practice with native speakers on Polyglot Club and to ask them any questions. If you want to learn more about Afar Grammar, don't forget to check our grammar section. Keep up the good work! 🤗
➡ 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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