Zarma Verb "caw" — to learn / to study

caw

to learn / to study

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 + caw

Ay caw.

I learned.

Incompletive (Habitual)

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

Habitual marker: ga

Structure: Subject + ga + caw

Ay ga caw.

I learn / study.

Progressive (Ongoing)

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

Progressive marker: go ga

Structure: Subject + go ga + caw

Ay go ga caw.

I am studying.

Future

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

Future marker: ma

Structure: Subject + ma + caw

Ay ma caw.

I will learn.

Negative (Habitual)

The marker "si" negates habitual or present actions.

Negative habitual marker: si

Structure: Subject + si + caw

Ay si caw.

I don't study.

Negative (Past)

The marker "mana" negates completed past actions.

Negative past marker: mana

Structure: Subject + mana + caw

Ay mana caw.

I didn't learn.

Imperative (Commands)

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

Form	Zarma
Singular (you)	Caw!
Plural (you all)	Wa caw!

Example Sentences

Ay go ga caw Zarma.

I am learning Zarma.

Izey ga caw cawyanoo ra.

The children study at school.

Caw nda gaaham!

Study hard!