Four forms of the verb “to be”. In Ateso there are four forms of the verb “to be”.

• The first used to express where abouts of something (Ejaas ore — They are at home) or existence of something (Ejaas ikacudak — There are sorcerers).
• The second form qualifies a state (Eraas Iteso — They are Iteso).
• The third is used to express numerical value of more than one(quantity) and is therefore applicable only as plural (Imwaas itomon —They are ten).
• The fourth, is a rare form that the other three, it is used to express size, price or quantity (Etaas ai? — How big is it?).

The infinitives of these four forms are:

1. Ajaus (or Ajaut)
2. Araus (or Araut)

• Amwaus (or Amwaut)

1. Atiaus (or Atiaut)

Verb “To be” and “To have”

Present tense

The present tense of the verb “to be”.

• Ajai –- I am

Ijai —You are

Ejai — She/he is

Kijai (Kijaa) — We are

Ijaas — You are

Ejaas — They are

• Arai — I am

Irai — You are

Erai — She/he is

Kirai –- We are

Iraas — you are

Eraas — they are

• Kimwai — We are

Imwaas — You are

Imwaas – They are

• Etiai — I am

Itiai — You are

Etiai — She/he is

Kitiai — We are

Itiaas — You are

Etiaas — They are