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Igihe c'ahera

The Past Tense

Rule 1 of 2

Simple Past Formation

The simple past tense indicates completed actions. The verb ending typically changes from "-a" to "-ye" or "-iye" depending on the verb.

Examples

Nasomye (from gusoma)

I read (past)

Wakoze (from gukora)

You worked

Yagiye (from kugenda)

He/She went

Twariye (from kurya)

We ate

Mwabonye (from kubona)

You (pl.) saw

Bakunda (from gukunda)

They loved

Tips

  • •The past tense often changes the final vowel of the verb
  • •Common endings: -ye, -iye, -ze
  • •Some verbs have irregular past forms