Zarma Verb "ceeci" — to look for / to search

ceeci

to look for / to search

Type

Action verb

Patterns

6 tense/aspect forms

Completive (Past)

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

Completive (past)

Structure: Subject + ceeci

Ay ceeci.

I looked for.

Incompletive (Habitual)

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

Habitual marker: ga

Structure: Subject + ga + ceeci

Ay ga ceeci.

I look for (regularly).

Progressive (Ongoing)

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

Progressive marker: go ga

Structure: Subject + go ga + ceeci

Ay go ga ceeci.

I am looking for.

Future

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

Future marker: ma

Structure: Subject + ma + ceeci

Ay ma ceeci.

I will look for.

Negative (Habitual)

The marker "si" negates habitual or present actions.

Negative habitual marker: si

Structure: Subject + si + ceeci

Ay si ceeci.

I don't look for.

Negative (Past)

The marker "mana" negates completed past actions.

Negative past marker: mana

Structure: Subject + mana + ceeci

Ay mana ceeci.

I didn't look for.

Imperative (Commands)

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

Form	Zarma
Singular (you)	Ceeci!
Plural (you all)	Wa ceeci!

Example Sentences

Ay go ga ceeci goyo.

I am looking for work.

Ceeci boŋ!

Search well!

I ceeci a amma i mana du.

They looked for it but didn't find it.