Basic Verbs

1. Ukuya

   To go

   Usage

   The basic form of "go"; the destination follows as "ukuya ku ..."

   Grammar Note

   "uku-" marks the infinitive; in use it is replaced by a subject marker ("ndeya" = I am going)

2. Ukwisa

   To come

   Usage

   The basic form of "come"; the command is "Isa" ("come")

   Grammar Note

   "uku-" and the stem "isa" combine into "ukwisa"

3. Ukulya

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic form of "eat"; often used as "Ndefwaya ukulya" ("I want to eat")

   Grammar Note

   "ifyakulya" ("food") is a noun built on the same stem

4. Ukunwa

   To drink

   Usage

   The basic form of "drink"; also used after a noun, as in "amenshi ya kunwa" ("drinking water")

   Grammar Note

   The pattern "ya kunwa" ("for drinking") after a noun is very common

5. Ukushita

   To buy

   Usage

   The basic form of "buy"; "Ndefwaya ukushita ..." means "I want to buy ..."

   Grammar Note

   "To sell" is "ukushitisha"; the endings differ only slightly, so listen closely

6. Ukumona

   To see

   Usage

   The basic form of "see"; "ukulolesha" means to look at carefully

   Grammar Note

   Also used in commands such as "Moneni!" ("Look!"); "-moneka" means "to look/appear"

7. Ukulolela

   To wait

   Usage

   The basic form of "wait", for waiting for a bus or a person

   Grammar Note

   The thing waited for follows directly, e.g. "balelolela ishitima" ("they are waiting for the train")

8. Ndefwaya ukulya.

   I want to eat.

   Usage

   Say it when you want a meal

   Grammar Note

   "nde-" = I am (doing), "-fwaya" = want. Any verb works in "Ndefwaya uku-..." to mean "I want to ...". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

9. Ndefwaya ici.

   I want this.

   Usage

   Point at something and say that you want it

   Grammar Note

   The wanted thing follows the verb directly; "ici" points to things of the "ici-" class. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

10. Ndefwaya ukusanga ___.

    I am looking for ___.

    Usage

    Put the thing or place you need in the blank (e.g. Cipatala = hospital)

    Grammar Note

    Literally "I want to find ___". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

11. Nalikwata.

    I have it.

    Usage

    A reply to "do you have ...?"; show the item as you say it

    Grammar Note

    "-kwata" means "have"; "na-" marks a completed state. The thing owned can follow the verb

12. Nshikwete.

    I do not have it.

    Usage

    Says you do not have something, e.g. when explaining a missing document

    Grammar Note

    "nshi-" is the first-person negative; "-kwete" is "have". The missing item can follow

13. Njebeni, mukwai.

    Please tell me.

    Usage

    A polite opener for asking about directions, prices, or anything you need to know

    Grammar Note

    The verb "-eba" (tell) with "-n-" (me) and the polite command ending "-eni". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

14. Nkasenda ici.

    I will take this.

    Usage

    Say it when you have decided what to buy

    Grammar Note

    "nka-" marks the future ("I will"); "-senda" means "take / carry". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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