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Igihe c'ubu

The Present Tense

Rule 1 of 2

Present Tense Formation

The present tense in Kirundi is formed by adding the tense marker "-ra-" between the subject prefix and the verb stem. After "n-" (I), it becomes "-da-".

Examples

Nda-soma (N + ra + soma)

I read

U-ra-kora

You work

A-ra-genda

He/She goes

Tu-ra-rya

We eat

Mu-ra-vuga

You (pl.) speak

Ba-ra-kunda

They love

Tips

  • •The "-ra-" marker indicates ongoing or habitual action
  • •After "n-" the marker becomes "-da-" for easier pronunciation
  • •The final vowel is typically "-a" in affirmative present