Learning Mongolian, a language from the Mongolic language family spoken primarily in Mongolia and the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, involves understanding its unique verb system. Mongolian verbs are characterized by their complex conjugation patterns, reflecting tense, mood, aspect, voice, person, and number. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of Mongolian verbs and their grammatical rules, including transliteration for pronunciation help.

Introduction to the Mongolian Verb System

The Mongolian verb system is notable for its agglutinative nature, where various grammatical aspects are expressed through the addition of suffixes to the verb stem. Understanding the structure of verb roots and how suffixes modify these roots is essential for mastering Mongolian verb conjugation.

Verb Conjugation Overview

Present Tense

The present tense in Mongolian describes current actions or habitual states and is often indicated by the verb in its base form or with minimal suffixes.

• Example with “унших” (unshikh – to read):
  • Би уншдаг (Bi unshdag) – I read/I am reading.

Past Tense

The past tense is formed by adding specific suffixes to the verb stem, indicating actions completed in the past.

• Example: Би уншсан (Bi unssan) – I read/I have read.

Future Tense

The future tense is expressed by adding suffixes that indicate actions that will occur.

• Example: Би унших болно (Bi unshikh bolno) – I will read.

Negative Form

To negate a verb in Mongolian, “үгүй” (ügüi) is used along with the verb stem or conjugated form.

• Example: Би уншахгүй (Bi unshakhgüi) – I will not read.

Imperative Mood

The imperative mood, used for commands or requests, often involves specific suffixes added to the verb stem.

• Example: Унш (Unsh) – Read! (informal singular)

Mood

Conditional Mood

The conditional mood, expressing hypothetical situations or conditions, is marked by specific suffixes.

• Example: Хэрвээ би уншвал (Khervee bi unshval) – If I read

Subjunctive Mood

The subjunctive mood, used for wishes or suggestions, also employs unique suffixes.

• Example: Би уншихыг хүсвэл (Bi unshikhyg khüsvel) – I wish to read

Aspect

Aspect in Mongolian indicates the nature of the action (completed vs. ongoing) and is expressed through verb conjugation.

• Perfective Aspect: Indicated by suffixes showing completed actions.
• Imperfective Aspect: Shown by suffixes or the use of auxiliary verbs for ongoing actions.

Voice: Active and Passive

Voice changes in Mongolian verbs indicate whether the subject performs or receives the action, often marked by specific suffixes.

• Active Voice Example: Би ном уншдаг (Bi nom unshdag) – I read a book.
• Passive Voice Example: Ном уншагддаг (Nom unshagddag) – The book is read.

Practice Exercises

1. Conjugate in Present Tense: Use “жүрэх” (jüreh – to run) to form sentences in the present tense for all persons.
2. Form Negative Sentences: Create negative sentences using “бичих” (bichikh – to write) in the future tense.
3. Imperative Mood Practice: Provide imperative forms for “идэх” (idekh – to go) for both singular and plural.
4. Conditional Mood Usage: Form a sentence in the conditional mood using “хийх” (khiikh – to do).

Conclusion

Understanding Mongolian verbs involves mastering the use of suffixes to modify the verb stem for tense, mood, aspect, and voice. Regular practice, along with active engagement in listening, speaking, reading, and writing exercises, will significantly enhance your proficiency in Mongolian. The complexity of the Mongolian verb system allows for precise expression of action, mood, and aspect, making it a key component of effective communication in this linguistically rich language.