-na-

See also: Appendix:Variations of "na"

Chichewa

Alternative forms

• -da- (commonly used alternative)

Prefix

-ná-

1. Forms the past tense in verbs.

Usage notes

• To indicate the recent past, the high tone is shifted off the tense marker to the next syllable. Prescriptive grammars state that only the form -na- can be used this way, not -da-.
• Among most speakers, -na- and -da- are in free variation. The form -da- is most common in Malawi's Central Region, and was formerly designated as the standard.

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Swahili

Prefix

-na-

1. Forms the present tense in verbs.