Language/Xhosa/Grammar/How-to-Use-Have

Xhosa Grammar - How to Use "Have"

Hi Xhosa learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will be focusing on the verb "have" and how to use it in Xhosa. We will cover the basics of the verb, its forms, and its uses. To help you better understand the material, we will also include cultural information and interesting facts about Xhosa.

Once you've mastered this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Future Tense & Pronouns.

Introduction

The verb "have" is one of the most commonly used verbs in any language, and Xhosa is no exception. We use the verb "have" to denote possession, ownership, and other related meanings. In Xhosa, the verb "have" is represented by the word "nga" and its various forms. In this lesson, we will be focusing on the different uses of "nga" and how to use it correctly in different contexts.

1. 1. Forms of "Nga" ##

The verb "nga" has a variety of forms depending on the tense, aspect, and mood that one wishes to convey. Like most Xhosa verbs, "nga" is an inflected verb, which means that its forms change depending on the subject and the tense. Below are some of the most common forms of "nga" in Xhosa:

Xhosa	Pronunciation	English
Nga	ŋa	Have
Andikho ngabanye	an-dikho n-ga-ba-nye	I don't have any others
Andimtholi ngoba engathi akhange emisebenzini	an-di-m-thol-i nga-ba 'nga-thi a-khan-ge e-mi-se-benzini	I have never met him before
Ndingumfundi ngamatsha	en-di-ngu-mfun-di nga-mat-sha	I am a student of medicine
Ndineendlela ezimbini zokuba ngumsebenzi wam	n-di-ne-eendlela e-zi-mbi-ni zo-ku-ba nga-um-se-ben-zi wam	I have two ways of doing my work

1. 1. Uses of "Nga" ##

1. 1. 1. Possession ###

One of the most common uses of "nga" is to denote possession, or the fact that someone has something. In Xhosa, to express possession, we use the singular or the plural possessive pronouns with the verb "nga". Below are some examples:

• Ndinezinkuni ezimbini. (I have two keys.)
• Unayo amathambo amabili. (She has two bones.)

1. 1. 1. Relationships and Family ###

"nga" can also be used to describe relationships and family ties. In Xhosa, we use the verb "nga" with the possessive pronouns "wam," "wakho," "wakhe," "wethu," "wanu," "wabo". Below are examples:

• Uyamthanda kakuhle umntu. (You really love that person.)
• Ndiyamuzwa uMama wam ebizwa ngokuba ngumfazi. (I hear my mother, who is called a woman.)

1. 1. 1. Auxiliary functions ###

"nga" can also used as an auxiliary verb to form compound tenses in Xhosa, such as the perfect and pluperfect. Here is an example:

• Uyangithanda oonceba ngenxa yokuba ndikuvinjelwe ukuba ndinokubalisela (You love me very much because I was baptized to make you happy)

1. 1. Conclusion ##

In conclusion, the verb "nga" is an essential verb in Xhosa, and it is used to convey possession, relationships, and auxiliary functions in compound tenses. By practicing the different forms of "nga", you will be able to express yourself more accurately and fluently in Xhosa. Remember that practice makes perfect, and don't hesitate to ask native speakers about any questions you may have.

To improve your Xhosa Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!

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➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎

Other Lessons

• Questions
• Negation
• Future Tense
• Conditional Mood
• Give your Opinion
• Adjectives
• Plurals
• Pronouns

Sources

• Xhosa language - Wikipedia
• Xhosa Grammar - How to Use "Have"
• The Grammar of isiXhosa on JSTOR