The a or e After na-

Level 1

Second-group verb: na-a. First-group verb: na-e.

How It Works

The helper na- and the verb are joined with a hyphen, and a short vowel sits in front of the verb. Harmony decides which.

Root groupPrefixExample
first (i u e o)e-na-eri, na-eme
second (ị ụ ọ a)a-na-aga, na-agụ, na-abịa

This is why na-a… and na-e… turn up so often. The same prefix appears with ga- (ga-abịa) and in the forms where the pronoun follows the verb (Ana m eri).

If you are unsure which group a verb belongs to, check the dictionary or listen.

Examples (4)

  1. na-eri

    is eating

    Ri is first group, so e-.

  2. na-aga

    is going

    Ga is second group, so a-.

  3. na-agụ

    is reading

    Gụ is second group, so a-.

  4. na-eme

    is doing

    Me is first group, so e-.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaving the prefix out

    Ọ na-ri nri.
    Ọ na-eri nri.

    After na- the verb carries a- or e- in front.

How It Connects

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

The a or e After na-Level 1

Learn This First

This row explains the vowel after na-, so na- comes first.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.

Words in This Pattern

na