kafin / bayan
Before and After
Kafin introduces a subjunctive event; bayan introduces a plain completive event, and bayan da a relative completive event.
How It Works
Kafin introduces a subjunctive clause: kafin mu tafi ‘before we leave’. Its subject can differ from the main subject. Ordinary spelling does not show the subjunctive subject’s low tone.
For ‘after’, bayan introduces a plain completive clause; bayan da introduces a relative completive clause. Compare bayan baƙi sun iso and bayan da baƙi suka iso, both ‘after the guests arrived’. The linker changes the required clause marking. A completed event can precede a later planned event.
Bayan also introduces nominal durations: bayan kwana biyu means ‘after two days’. Such a phrase contains no clause-subject marker. Distinguish finite event clauses from nominal durations.
Examples (4)
- Kafin mu tafi, za mu sha ruwa.
Before we leave, we will drink water.
Kafin introduces a subjunctive event.
- Bayan baƙi sun iso, za mu ci abinci.
After the guests arrive, we will eat.
Bayan selects plain completive sun; arrival precedes the planned meal.
- Bayan kwana biyu, Hauwa ta dawo.
After two days, Hauwa returned.
The nominal duration contains no clause-subject marker.
- Bayan da baƙi suka iso, muka buɗe ƙofa.
After the guests arrived, we opened the door.
Bayan da selects relative completive suka; muka advances the account.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Recognize dependent actions, relative completed events and counted nominal durations before distinguishing before/after clauses from durations such as kwana biyu.
- Intended and Directed Actions
Recognize dependent actions, relative completed events and counted nominal durations before distinguishing before/after clauses from durations such as kwana biyu.
Level 3 - Completed Actions After Focus
Recognize dependent actions, relative completed events and counted nominal durations before distinguishing before/after clauses from durations such as kwana biyu.
Level 3 - Counting Nouns
Recognize dependent actions, relative completed events and counted nominal durations before distinguishing before/after clauses from durations such as kwana biyu.
Level 1
Related Patterns
Words in This Pattern
Practice kafin / bayan in Bubblegum
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