0 of 6 lessons completed
Lesson 1
Introduction to Present Tense
Learn the basics of expressing present actions in IsiZulu
What is Present Tense?
The present tense in IsiZulu describes actions happening now or habitual actions. Unlike English, IsiZulu verbs change based on who is doing the action.
Long vs Short Present
IsiZulu has two forms: the LONG present (with -ya-) for emphasis or when there's no object, and the SHORT present (without -ya-) when followed by an object.
Basic Structure
The basic structure is: Subject Concord + (ya) + Verb Root. For example: Ngi-ya-dla (I eat/am eating) or Ngi-dla ukudla (I eat food).
📖 Vocabulary & Examples
I am learning/studying
Ngiyafunda IsiZulu
You are going/walking
Uyahamba ekhaya
We are happy
Siyajabula namhlanje
They are working
Bayasebenza kanzima