In Algerian language, just like in Arabic, the majority of verbs are derived from root letters. For example the root letters of the regular verb "to write " are made of three consonants: k , t, and b (ktb = كتب ). The root letters of the irregular verbs include at least one vowel; like for example qal (قال = to say), dar (دار = to do), mca (مشى =to walk). In addition, there are two special cases corresponding to "to be" and "to have". Typical examples are provided in the the Verbs sections .
Regular Verbs
The great majority of the verbs have only consonants as root letters, like ktb. These are regular verbs. The rule to conjugate them is very simple: add to the root letters a prefix or suffix that represents the pronoun . For example:
I write = ana nktb . the n is added to show the pronoun Ana (I)
Note: To make pronunciation easier a short vowel e is added between some of the consonants (nktb = nekteb).
Irregular Verbs
There are some verbs that have a vowel (a. u, or i) in the root letters, like dar . These are considered as irregular verbs because they are conjugated differently compared to the regular verbs. In addition to adding pronoun letters, it is often necessary to change the root vowel to another vowel (ex. qal/yqul; dar/ydir, mca/yemci).
Once the root letters known, the verbs regular or irregular are all conjugated in similar ways. See other verbs sections for complete examples (present, future, past, imperative.... ).
To be and to have
"To be" verb is derrived from the Arabic verb kan (كان) except for the present tense (use of rani, rak etc...)
"To have " has no direct equivalent. The word ɛand (عند) is used instead together with possesives pronouns.
Pronouns
Once a prefix and/or suffix is added to a verb, the pronouns are not usuallay required to know the subject of the verb.