"On Wednesdays, we attend English class."

This is a basic present simple sentence, but what is the best translation?

How about this?:

"On Wednesdays we attend English class."

The English here is correct, but there's a problem: the most literal translation of တက္တယ္ is "attend" but it doesn't sound right to native speakers. It's too formal. If you want to sound like a native speaker, you need to say something else. Here's a better translation:

"Have" is good for talking about what time classes happen.

Different verbs for different situations

To talk about different ideas about classes we need to use some different verbs: "go" and "come". We use both of these with "to" when we talk about class. Here are some examples.

"I have to attend class."

Again, native speakers don't use "attend" here.

Where is she?

Where is the person she's talking to?

Is she coming or going to class?

Here's a better answer:

Oh-oh, a naughty student! But how do we translate it? 

"You didn't attend class yesterday."

Again, native speakers wouldn't use "attend" in this sentence.

Where are they? Do we use "come" or "go"?

In this example, English is more complicated than Burmese, because we don't use one verb for ထက္တယ္. So next time you want to talk about class, remember to try not to use attend! You can practice using the exercises below.

Practice (scroll down for answers)

1. "Where are you _________?" "To class."
2. I _________science class at 9am every weekday.
3. When I was at school, we never _________ class on Saturdays and Sundays.
4. "Will Aye Aye and Aung Myo be at home tomorrow?" "No, they have to _________ English class."
5. This student has very bad attendance. She doesn't _________ class often.
6. "Bye teacher!" "Wait a minute! Are you  _________ class next week?"

Answers

1. "Where are you going?" "To class."
2. I have science class at 9am every weekday.
3. When I was at school, we never had class on Saturdays and Sundays.
4. "Will Aye Aye and Aung Myo be at home tomorrow?" "No, they have to go to English class."
5. This student has very bad attendance. She doesn't come to class often.
6. "Bye teacher!" "Wait a minute! Are you coming to class next week?"