báwo

Asking How

Level 1

Method questions use báwo ni + subject + ṣe + action expression.

How It Works

Báwo asks how. In the short greeting Báwo ni?, conversation supplies the person whose condition is being asked about. Fuller questions can identify the relevant situation. The question word has no agreement endings.

For method questions, use the supported sequence báwo ni, subject, ṣe and action expression. Aspect or prospective material stays within that frame. Compare Báwo ni a ṣe ń se ẹ̀wà?, which requests a cooking method, with Kí ni a ń sè?, which asks what is being cooked.

Preserve ṣe in the manner frame and se, 'cook,' before its ordinary object. English need not translate frame-internal ṣe as a separate 'do.' Context and aspect distinguish ongoing, customary and planned actions.

Examples (3)

  1. Báwo ni Kúnlé ṣe ń kọ orúkọ rẹ̀?

    How is Kúnlé writing his name?

    Ń marks the ongoing action; rẹ̀ is the third-person singular possessor.

  2. Báwo ni a ṣe ń se ẹ̀wà?

    How do we cook beans?

    Requests a method and distinguishes ṣe from se.

  3. Báwo ni ẹ ṣe máa dé ilé ìwòsàn?

    How will you get to the hospital?

    Requests a planned means of travel.