Future Tense in Moroccan Arabic

In this lesson, we will talk about the future tense in Moroccan Arabic, the simple form used, and the word (prefix) that indicates the future, followed by examples. this lesson is quite easy but understanding the present tense will make it even easier. Let’s start!

The Future Tense In Moroccan Arabic

The Word Of The Future: Ghadi/Gha

If you hear the word ghadi/غادي (going) in a sentence, that indicates that the person is talking about the future. Note that the short form of ghadi is gha/غ and you can use the one you like.

The Future Tense Form In Moroccan Arabic

The future tense form in Darija follows this formula:

Future tense = ghadi/gha + the present form without the prefix ka/ta

Example: ktb (to write) in the future:

Example: ja (to come) in the future:

Example: gls (to sit) in the future:

Note: you can practice what you’ve learned here, and learn how to pronounce each of the words in our Memrise course here, don’t know how to use the platform or sign up? we’ve got you covered in this easy-to-follow tutorial here.

Note that you can also conjugate the verb ghadi according to the pronoun, at the beginning I suggest that you keep things simple and use it as it is, but what about only saying (going)? :

Ghadi? Ghadya or Ghadyin?

Long story short, ghadya for feminine (including the pronoun I) and ghadyin for plural:

Example of the future with ghadi conjugated, gls:

And since ghadi means “going to” Ana ghadi l dar means: I’m going home, as simple as that.

We suggest that you revise the lesson about the present tense if you still have doubts about the form used.

Moroccan Arabic Future Tense Review

Quiz

Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences.

1. What is the primary way to indicate the future tense in Moroccan Arabic?
2. Provide the future tense conjugation of the verb “ktb” (to write) for the pronoun “he”.
3. How does the formation of the future tense in Moroccan Arabic relate to the present tense?
4. What are the two possible forms of the future tense indicator, and are there any differences in their usage?
5. Translate the following sentence into Moroccan Arabic: “I am going to sit.”
6. Conjugate the verb “ghadi” (going to) for the pronoun “we”.
7. How would you say “She is going to come” in Moroccan Arabic?
8. What is the meaning of “Ana ghadi l dar” and why?
9. Explain the difference in usage between “ghadi”, “ghadya”, and “ghadyin”.
10. Provide an example of a verb conjugated in the future tense using the conjugated form of “ghadi” for the pronoun “you” (feminine, singular).

Answer Key

1. The primary way to indicate the future tense in Moroccan Arabic is by using the word “ghadi” or its shortened form “gha” before the present tense verb form.
2. The future tense conjugation of “ktb” for “he” is “Howa ghadi yktb”.
3. The future tense is formed by combining “ghadi/gha” with the present tense verb form without the prefixes “ka/ta”.
4. The two forms are “ghadi” and “gha”. They are interchangeable and have no difference in meaning.
5. “I am going to sit” in Moroccan Arabic is “Ana ghadi ngls”.
6. The verb “ghadi” conjugated for “we” is “ghadyin”.
7. “She is going to come” in Moroccan Arabic is “Hia ghadi tji”.
8. “Ana ghadi l dar” means “I am going home” because “ghadi” can also mean “going” and “l dar” means “home”.
9. “Ghadi” is the standard form, “ghadya” is used for feminine singular (including “I”), and “ghadyin” is used for plural pronouns.
10. “Nti/Ntiya ghadya tktbi” – You (feminine, singular) are going to write.

Happy learning!

Oualid Cheddadi

Oualid Cheddadi is a language enthusiast who created Lingualid with the mission to inspire independent language learners worldwide, regardless of the language they are learning. The name “Lingualid” is derived from the Portuguese word for “language,” “língua,” and the last three letters of Oualid’s name, “Lid.”

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