akwai
Saying Something Exists
The item follows akwai; a location can precede or follow the construction.
How It Works
Akwai introduces something that exists or is present, sometimes implying availability. It takes no continuative subject marker and stays unchanged with singular and plural items. A noun naming the item follows it. A location phrase can come before or after the existential construction.
When the item is understood, akwai can answer alone: Akwai abinci? Akwai. ‘Is there food? There is some.’ An expressed pronoun uses the direct-object set: shi for masculine singular, ta for feminine singular, and su for plural reference. Ga instead points out an expressed referent. Absence is expressed with babu, which takes independent pronouns. The reference also permits existential da and da akwai; these are alternatives rather than required additions.
Examples (3)
- Akwai ruwa a nan.
There is water here.
The location follows the existential construction.
- A kasuwa akwai littattafai.
There are books at the market.
The location comes first; akwai remains unchanged with a plural item.
- Akwai mota? Akwai ta.
Is there a car? There is one.
The answer uses feminine direct-object ta.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- babuSaying There Is None
Expresses absence and can leave the item understood.
Level 1 - gaPointing Something Out
Points out an expressed referent.
Level 1 - ni / ka / ki / shi / taDirect Object Pronouns
Supplies singular object pronouns used after akwai.
Level 3 - mu / ku / suPlural Direct Objects
Supplies plural object pronouns used after akwai.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice akwai in Bubblegum
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