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 (parolas, "they speak" or "he/she speaks" depending on context). Past uses -is (parolis, "spoke"). Future uses -os (paros, "will speak"). In addition to these, Esperanto includes the conditional mood, formed with -us (parolus, "would speak"), used for hypothetical or subordinate actions.

Non-finite forms and aspect are handled with different mechanisms, such as infinitives (-i, paroli) and participles, and with adverbs or auxiliary constructions to convey nuances like completion or progression. For many purposes, simple tenses suffice, and context or adverbs clarify timing.

Examples:

- 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.)

Notes:

- Verbotempoj do not mark person or number; verbs do not change form for "you," "he," or "they" beyond the context.

- Time reference is primarily indicated by the tense suffix, with additional words or particles providing aspect or emphasis as needed.