Language/Lingala/Grammar/Verb-To-Have-and-To-Be

The simple present tense of the verb TO HAVE (kozala na)

Let's review the last lesson about the verb TO BE

I am> Nazali/naza

You are> Ozali/oza

He/she is > Azali/aza

It is> Ezali/eza

We are> Tozali/toza

You are> Bozali/boza

They are> Bazali/baza

The verb TO HAVE(POSSESS) derive from the verb TO BE. In fact, we litteraly say TO BE WITH (kozala na)

I have (got)> Naza(li) na: I have a phone> Naza na telefoni

You have (got)> Oza(li) na: You have a house> Oza na ndaku

He/she has (got)> Aza(li) na: He/she has a book> Aza na buku

It has (got)> Eza(li) na: It has a door> Eza na porti (ekuke)

We have (got)> Toza(li) na: We have a dog> Toza na mbwa

You have (got)> Boza(li) na: You have siblings> Boza na bandeko

They have (got)> Baza(li) na: They have children> Baza na bana.

Note: The spoken language always use the short form of the verb. We say 'naza' instead of 'nazali' though the complete form is used in formal writings.