Yara suna motsa jiki yanzu.

The children are exercising now.

Breakdown of Yara suna motsa jiki yanzu.

• ne: to be
• yanzu: now
• yaro: the child
• jiki: the body

Questions & Answers about Yara suna motsa jiki yanzu.

What does yara mean exactly, and is it singular or plural?

Yara means children. It is a plural noun.

• The usual singular is yaro = boy / child (male).
• A common word for girl (child) is yarinya.

So:

• yaro = a (male) child / boy
• yara = children (boys and/or girls, or just “children” in general)

Why is there no word for the in Yara suna motsa jiki yanzu? How do I say the children?

Hausa normally has no separate word for the article the.

Definiteness is shown by:

1. Context

   • Yara suna motsa jiki yanzu.
     Depending on context this can mean Children are exercising now or The children are exercising now.

2. A suffix on the noun (often used when you really mean the):

   • yaran = the children
   • Yaran suna motsa jiki yanzu. = The children are exercising now.

So both are correct:

• Yara suna motsa jiki yanzu. → Children / The children are exercising now.
• Yaran suna motsa jiki yanzu. → Clearly The children are exercising now.

What exactly does suna mean? Is it just the same as English are?