Zarma Verb "bay" — to know

bay

to know

Type

Cognitive verb

Patterns

6 tense/aspect forms

Completive (Past)

The unmarked (bare) verb form expresses completed actions — the default past tense.

Completive (past)

Structure: Subject + bay

Ay bay.

I knew.

Incompletive (Habitual)

The marker "ga" before the verb expresses habitual or general present actions.

Habitual marker: ga

Structure: Subject + ga + bay

Ay ga bay.

I know.

Progressive (Ongoing)

The marker "go ga" expresses actions currently in progress.

Progressive marker: go ga

Structure: Subject + go ga + bay

Ay go ga bay.

I am getting to know.

Future

The marker "ma" before the verb expresses future actions or intentions.

Future marker: ma

Structure: Subject + ma + bay

Ay ma bay.

I will know.

Negative (Habitual)

The marker "si" negates habitual or present actions.

Negative habitual marker: si

Structure: Subject + si + bay

Ay si bay.

I don't know.

Negative (Past)

The marker "mana" negates completed past actions.

Negative past marker: mana

Structure: Subject + mana + bay

Ay mana bay.

I didn't know.

Imperative (Commands)

Singular uses the bare verb. Plural adds wa before the verb.

Form	Zarma
Singular (you)	Bay!
Plural (you all)	Wa bay!

Example Sentences

Ay si bay.

I don't know.

Ni ga bay Zarma ciine?

Do you know the Zarma language?

A bay hari.

He/she knows the way.