Language/Standard-moroccan-tamazight/Grammar/Present-Tense-Verbs
As a beginner in Standard Moroccan Tamazight, one of the most important aspects of the language to learn is present tense verbs. In this lesson, we will cover how to conjugate and use present tense verbs in Tamazight.
Conjugating Present Tense Verbs
In Tamazight, present tense verbs are formed by changing the ending of the verb based on the subject pronoun. Here is an example using the verb "to speak" (izri):
| Subject | Verb | Conjugation |
|---|---|---|
| I | izri | izrin |
| You (masculine) | tizri | tizrith |
| You (feminine) | tizri | tizrit |
| He/She/It | yizri | yizr |
| We | nezriw | nezriwin |
| You (plural) | tezriw | tezriwin |
| They | yizru | yizrunt |
Note that the subject pronouns are not necessary in Tamazight because the verb form already indicates the subject. However, they may be used for emphasis or clarity.
It's also important to remember that Tamazight has two different pronouns for "you". The masculine form is used when addressing a man or a group of men, while the feminine form is used when addressing a woman or a group of women. Addressing a mixed group of men and women, it's common to use the masculine form.
Using Present Tense Verbs
Present tense verbs are used to describe actions that are currently happening or habits.
Here are a few examples:
- I speak Tamazight. - Izrin Tamazight.
- She eats breakfast every day. - Tifawt ttef deg wayeḍ.
- We study in the library. - Nettafqen di teɣdemt.
One important thing to note is that in Tamazight, adverbs of frequency generally come before the verb, while in English they come after the verb. For example,
- Every day I go to work. - Deg wakal kra necteq d lɛemal.
- Sometimes he plays football. - D imal-aɣ lmɛiqar ur yezmir sɛa.
Keep practicing present tense verb conjugations and usage to improve your Tamazight skills!