Zarma Verb "maa" — to hear / to listen

maa

to hear / to listen

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 + maa

Ay maa.

I heard.

Incompletive (Habitual)

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

Habitual marker: ga

Structure: Subject + ga + maa

Ay ga maa.

I hear (regularly).

Progressive (Ongoing)

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

Progressive marker: go ga

Structure: Subject + go ga + maa

Ay go ga maa.

I am listening.

Future

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

Future marker: ma

Structure: Subject + ma + maa

Ay ma maa.

I will hear.

Negative (Habitual)

The marker "si" negates habitual or present actions.

Negative habitual marker: si

Structure: Subject + si + maa

Ay si maa.

I don't hear.

Negative (Past)

The marker "mana" negates completed past actions.

Negative past marker: mana

Structure: Subject + mana + maa

Ay mana maa.

I didn't hear.

Imperative (Commands)

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

Form	Zarma
Singular (you)	Maa!
Plural (you all)	Wa maa!

Example Sentences

Ni maa a?

Did you hear it?

Maa ay se!

Listen to me!

Ay si maa boŋ.

I can't hear well.