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

Zulu Grammar - How to Use "Be"

Hi Zulu learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn how to use the verb "be" in Zulu. We will look at the different forms of the verb and how to use them in sentences.

The verb "be" is used to describe a state or condition. In Zulu, it is conjugated differently depending on the subject of the sentence. The verb "be" is conjugated as follows:

Subject	Zulu	Pronunciation	English Translation
I	ngingu	/ŋɪŋɡʊ/	I am
You (singular)	ungu	/ʊŋɡʊ/	You are
He/She/It	yena	/jɛnɑ/	He/She/It is
We	sisingu	/sɪsɪŋɡʊ/	We are
You (plural)	singu	/sɪŋɡʊ/	You are
They	baya	/bɑjɑ/	They are

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

• Person 1: Ngiyaphila. (I am fine.)
• Person 2: Ngiyabonga. (Thank you.)
• Person 1: Uyaphila? (Are you fine?)
• Person 2: Yebo, ngiyaphila. (Yes, I am fine.)
• Person 1: Yena yaphila? (Is he/she/it fine?)
• Person 2: Yebo, yena yaphila. (Yes, he/she/it is fine.)
• Person 1: Sisingu siyaphila? (Are we fine?)
• Person 2: Yebo, sisingu siyaphila. (Yes, we are fine.)
• Person 1: Singu siyaphila? (Are you all fine?)
• Person 2: Yebo, singu siyaphila. (Yes, you all are fine.)
• Person 1: Baya baphila? (Are they fine?)
• Person 2: Yebo, baya baphila. (Yes, they are fine.)

To improve your Zulu Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

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Related Lessons

• Conditional Mood
• Give your Opinion
• Feminine
• Adverbs of time
• Questions
• Adverbs of frequency
• Adverbs of manner
• Plurals
• Negation
• Plural