Yoruba Verbs: Tense Without Conjugation
Yoruba verbs never change form. Instead, small particles show whether an action is ongoing, completed or in the future.
Yoruba has no verb endings. A small word placed before the verb shows time.
The particles
| Meaning | Particle | Example |
|---|---|---|
| ongoing action | ń | Mo ń jẹun. I am eating. |
| completed action | ti | Mo ti jẹun. I have eaten. |
| future | yóò | Èmi yóò jẹun. I will eat. |
| habit | máa | Mo máa ń jẹun ní àárọ̀. I usually eat in the morning. |
Bare verb
A verb with no particle often refers to a past or completed action, especially with action verbs:
- Mo lọ sí ọjà. I went to the market.
- Ó dé. He or she has arrived.
Examples with lọ (go)
- Mo ń lọ. I am going.
- Mo ti lọ. I have gone.
- Èmi yóò lọ. I will go.
- Mo máa ń lọ. I usually go.
Time words
Time words also help:
- òní (today)
- àná (yesterday)
- ọ̀la (tomorrow)
Same verb for all persons
- Mo jẹ, o jẹ, ó jẹ, a jẹ, ẹ jẹ, wọ́n jẹ
Why this is simpler
You do not need to learn conjugation tables. Learn each verb once, and combine it with the pronoun and particle.
Tips
- Learn ń, ti and yóò.
- Put them before the verb.
- Use the dictionary to learn verbs in their plain form.
English Yoruba Dictionary
Offline English–Yoruba dictionary with clear, accurate meanings
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