Independent Pronouns as Direct Objects

Level 5

A recipient precedes the direct object, which can use an independent pronoun such as ita.

How It Works

Hausa distinguishes short direct-object forms, such as feminine ta, from independent forms, such as ita. Independent ni, kai, ke, shi, ita, mu, ku, su can serve as direct objects after an indirect object. This environment does not inherently mark formal register or object emphasis. Several independent and short forms share their ordinary spelling.

The recipient or beneficiary ordinarily follows the verb immediately; the direct object follows it. In Na nuna masa ita, masa identifies the male recipient, while ita identifies the feminine item shown. Their genders are independent.

Compare Mun kira ta, ‘We called her’, with a clause containing both recipient and object. The verb still follows its object-conditioned pattern. Independent pronouns also follow prepositions, including the da used with Grade 5 verbs; there they are prepositional objects. These environments do not establish free substitution for every short direct object.

Examples (3)

  1. Na nuna masa ita.

    I showed it to him.

    Ita refers to a feminine item after recipient masa.

  2. Mun kawo miki ita.

    We brought it to you.

    Miki identifies a female recipient; ita identifies a feminine item.

  3. Zan nuna mata ita.

    I will show it to her.

    The recipient and feminine item have separate pronouns.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Independent Pronouns as Direct ObjectsLevel 5

Learn This First

Recognize short direct-object and recipient pronouns before interpreting an independent pronoun as the separate direct object after a recipient.

Words in This Pattern

nikaishiitaitamukusukée