Verbs in Oroha can be categorized into at least four basic types, according to their valence (Transitive vs. Intransitive) and their dynamism (Active vs. Stative).
Transitive Active verb VTA
Requires a direct object. Past tense is marked by ø, Present tense by ka.
hori -- to buy O
'E horia poo. He bought a pig.
Transitive Stative verb VTS
Requires a direct object. Present tense is marked by ø, Past tense by [??].
heresi -- to hold O
'E heresia wari uuhi. He is holding a whole yam.
Intransitive Active verb VIA
Cannot have a direct object. The Present tense is marked by ka, Past tense by [??].
mao -- to dance
Ka mao. He is dancing.
Intransitive Stative verb VIS
Cannot have a direct object. The Present tense is marked by ø, Past tense by [??].
tewa -- to be tall
'E tewa. He is tall.
At least some verbs can be both VIS and VIA. In such cases, the VIS form refers to a state of being, while the VIA form is inchoative, referring to entering or achieving that state of being.
to'oru -- 1. VIS to be sitting down, be seated.; 2. VIA to sit down
| 'E to'oru.
|
| He is (now) seated, sitting down.
|
| Ka to'oru.
|
| He is (in the process of) sitting down.
|
uura -- 1. VIS to be standing; 2. VIA to stand up
| 'E uura.
|
| He is (now) standing.
|
| Ka uura.
|
| He is (in the process of) standing up.
|
repo -- 1. VIS to be old; 2. VIA to get old
| 'E repo.
|
| He is old.
|
| Ka repo.
|
| He is getting old.
|
