In the last lesson we were introduced to Verb Type 4. We learned that a Verb Type 4 verb is when one of the seven pronouns is doing something with a direct object of the animate (a’aw) category. This means that there are actually two pronouns involved. Let’s learn a few Verb Type 4 verbs and animate nouns that we will use throughout this lesson.

Verb Type 4 – “a” “i” “m” “n” and “zh” endings

waabam – to see something/someone
minwenim – to like something/someone
zaagi – to love someone
miigwechiwi – to thank someone

Animate Nouns

animosh(ag) – dog
bineshiinh(yag) – bird
makwa(g) – bear
mitig(oog) – tree
abinoojiinh(yag) – child
nookomis(ag) – my grandma
opin(iig) – potato

We also learned a condensed version of the Verb Type 4 – “a” “i” “m” “n” and “zh” endings chart. We understand that the one of the seven pronouns can do something to someone else.

For example: I thank you all, I love him, Just us see them.

But what if one of the seven pronouns does an action to an animate (a’aw) object? If the object is singular, the object would be considered the “wiin” category. If the object is plural, the object would be considered the “wiinawaa” category.

For example: All of us see with the dog (wiin). Just us see the birds (wiinawaa).

When using the complete Verb Type 4 (vta) – “a” “i” “m” “n” and “zh” endings chart, find the pronoun representing who is doing the action in the far-left column. Then find the pronoun representing who is having the action done to them (the object of the action) in the top row.