Zarma Verb "karaa" — to read

karaa

to read

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 + karaa

Ay karaa.

I read (past).

Incompletive (Habitual)

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

Habitual marker: ga

Structure: Subject + ga + karaa

Ay ga karaa.

I read (regularly).

Progressive (Ongoing)

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

Progressive marker: go ga

Structure: Subject + go ga + karaa

Ay go ga karaa.

I am reading.

Future

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

Future marker: ma

Structure: Subject + ma + karaa

Ay ma karaa.

I will read.

Negative (Habitual)

The marker "si" negates habitual or present actions.

Negative habitual marker: si

Structure: Subject + si + karaa

Ay si karaa.

I don't read.

Negative (Past)

The marker "mana" negates completed past actions.

Negative past marker: mana

Structure: Subject + mana + karaa

Ay mana karaa.

I didn't read.

Imperative (Commands)

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

Form	Zarma
Singular (you)	Karaa!
Plural (you all)	Wa karaa!

Example Sentences

Ni go ga karaa tira?

Are you reading a book?

Izey ga karaa cawyanoo ra.

The children read at school.

Ay ma karaa a suba.

I will read it tomorrow.