The Verb "To Be"

This unit introduces the three forms of the verb “to be” in Zarma, each used in different contexts: identity, location, and existence.

Form 1: “ya…no” — Identity, Profession, or Description

Zarma	English
Ay ya volonter no	I am a Volunteer
Ni ya cawandiko no	You are a teacher
Ay ya gardifore no	I am a forester
Ay ya Amerik laabu boro no	I am American
Hamsa ya boro hanno no	Hamsa is a nice person
Ali ya boro dungurio no	Ali is a short person
Adamou ya boro kuku no	Adamou is a tall person

Form 2: “go” — Location

Zarma	English
Sara go fu	Sara is at home
Ay go buro	I am at the office
Ni go New York	You are at New York
Aissa go fuo ra	Aissa is in the house
Zankay go lokol	The children are at school
Ir go mota ra	We are in the car
I go porpora bon	They are on motorbike

Form 3: “go no” — Existence

Zarma	English
Noru go no	There is money
Kimberly go no	Kimberly is there
Volonteryan go no Niamey	There are Volunteers in Niamey