Verbotempoj
Verbotempoj are the finite verb tenses in Esperanto. They are used to express the time of an action and are formed by attaching a tense suffix to the verb root. The system is regular and invariant across persons and numbers, so one form fits all subjects.
The three simple finite tenses are present, past, and future. Present is formed with the suffix -as
Non-finite forms and aspect are handled with different mechanisms, such as infinitives (-i, paroli) and participles,
- Mi parolas Esperanton. (I speak Esperanto.)
- Mi parolis hieraŭ. (I spoke yesterday.)
- Li parolos morgaŭ. (He will speak tomorrow.)
- Ni parolus se ni povus. (We would speak if we could.)
- Verbotempoj do not mark person or number; verbs do not change form for "you," "he," or "they"
- Time reference is primarily indicated by the tense suffix, with additional words or particles providing aspect