Zarma Verb "ci" — to say / to tell

to say / to tell

Type

Communication verb

Patterns

6 tense/aspect forms

Completive (Past)

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

Completive (past)

Structure: Subject + ci

Ay ci.

I said.

Incompletive (Habitual)

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

Habitual marker: ga

Structure: Subject + ga + ci

Ay ga ci.

I say (regularly).

Progressive (Ongoing)

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

Progressive marker: go ga

Structure: Subject + go ga + ci

Ay go ga ci.

I am saying.

Future

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

Future marker: ma

Structure: Subject + ma + ci

Ay ma ci.

I will say.

Negative (Habitual)

The marker "si" negates habitual or present actions.

Negative habitual marker: si

Structure: Subject + si + ci

Ay si ci.

I don't say.

Negative (Past)

The marker "mana" negates completed past actions.

Negative past marker: mana

Structure: Subject + mana + ci

Ay mana ci.

I didn't say.

Imperative (Commands)

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

Form	Zarma
Singular (you)	Ci!
Plural (you all)	Wa ci!

Example Sentences

A ci mate?

What did he/she say?

Ci ay se!

Tell me!

I ga ci Zarma.

They speak Zarma.