Bilanî · Let someone act
Use bila for suggestions, wishes and letting someone act.
By the end of this lessonBuild simple bila clauses and distinguish them from commands and necessity.
The idea
Use bila + subject + present subjunctive: Bila ew bixwîne (Let him/her read). Bila stays unchanged; the verb agrees with the subject. With xwendin, singular ew takes bixwîne and plural ew takes bixwînin. For a shared suggestion, Bila em bixwînin means Let us read.
See it in a sentence
Context determines whether bila expresses a suggestion, wish or permission. Negate the action with ne-: Bila ew nexwîne. This lesson covers simple present-subjunctive patterns, not past wishes. Bila is written separately from the verb.
Build it step by step
- Choose the meaning first: a requirement uses divê; a suggestion or wish can use bila. A direct command addresses the listener.
- Keep bila separate and unchanged. Add the subject and a subjunctive verb that agrees with it.
- For these verbs, replace bi- with ne- to negate the action. Preserve the person ending.
| Meaning | Example |
|---|---|
| Requirement: she must read | Divê ew bixwîne. |
| Direct command: read! | Bixwîne! |
| Let her read | Bila ew bixwîne. |
| Let them read | Bila ew bixwînin. |
| Let us not read | Bila em nexwînin. |
Take a sentence apart
introduces the suggestion or wish
they in this example
subjunctive with plural agreement
English can use “let her/them” or “let us”. Kurmanji keeps bila unchanged and marks the person on the verb.
A common trap
Incorrect: Bila em bixwîne.
Correct: Bila em bixwînin.
Em is plural, so its verb needs -in, not singular -e.
Grammar reference: Thackston, § 16.1(2) · Cohortative and hortatory subjunctive with bila