FSI Language Courses

Zarma Verb "di" — to see

di
to see
Type
Perception verb
Patterns
6 tense/aspect forms

Completive (Past)

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

Completive (past)

Structure: Subject + di

Ay di.

I saw.

Incompletive (Habitual)

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

Habitual marker: ga

Structure: Subject + ga + di

Ay ga di.

I see (regularly).

Progressive (Ongoing)

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

Progressive marker: go ga

Structure: Subject + go ga + di

Ay go ga di.

I am seeing.

Future

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

Future marker: ma

Structure: Subject + ma + di

Ay ma di.

I will see.

Negative (Habitual)

The marker "si" negates habitual or present actions.

Negative habitual marker: si

Structure: Subject + si + di

Ay si di.

I don't see.

Negative (Past)

The marker "mana" negates completed past actions.

Negative past marker: mana

Structure: Subject + mana + di

Ay mana di.

I didn't see.

Imperative (Commands)

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

Form Zarma
Singular (you) Di!
Plural (you all) Wa di!

Example Sentences

Ni di a?

Did you see him/her?

Ay di ni suba.

I will see you tomorrow.

I mana di fo.

They didn't see anything.