Basic Verbs

1. Kupita

   To go

   Usage

   The infinitive; the root without "ku-" is -pita

   Grammar Note

   The infinitive is ku- + root; conjugated forms are one word, e.g. "ndikupita" (I am going).

2. Kubwera

   To come

   Usage

   "Bwerani" is the polite imperative, "please come"

   Grammar Note

   The root is -bwera.

3. Kudya

   To eat

   Usage

   Used as in "Ndimadya nsima" (I eat nsima)

   Grammar Note

   The root is -dya.

4. Kumwa

   To drink

   Usage

   Used for drinking water, tea and other drinks

   Grammar Note

   The root is -mwa.

5. Kugula

   To buy

   Usage

   The verb for buying; selling is "kugulitsa"

   Grammar Note

   The root is -gula.

6. Kuona

   To see

   Usage

   "Ndikufuna kuona" means "I want to see"

   Grammar Note

   The root is -ona.

7. Kudikira

   To wait

   Usage

   The polite imperative is "Dikirani"

   Grammar Note

   The root is -dikira.

8. Ndikufuna kudya.

   I want to eat.

   Usage

   When you are hungry and want a meal

   Grammar Note

   A food can follow, as in "Ndikufuna kudya nsima".

9. Ndikufuna ichi.

   I want this.

   Usage

   Say it while pointing at what you want

   Grammar Note

   Putting the object directly after the verb gives "I want ...". Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

10. Ndikufunafuna ___.

    I am looking for ___.

    Usage

    Say what or where you are looking for; put a noun in the blank

    Grammar Note

    "-funafuna" doubles -funa "want" to mean "search for". Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

11. Ndili nacho.

    I have it.

    Usage

    For something of class 7, such as "chakudya"

    Grammar Note

    "-li na-" means "be with", i.e. have; "-cho" is "it" for class 7.

12. Ndilibe.

    I don't have it.

    Usage

    Says you do not have it

    Grammar Note

    ndi-li-be: "there is none with me".

13. Mundiuze, chonde.

    Please tell me.

    Usage

    When asking for directions, prices or other information

    Grammar Note

    The root -uza "tell" with "me" and the polite subject marker. Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

14. Nditenga.

    I'll take it.

    Usage

    What you say when you decide to buy: "Chabwino, nditenga"

    Grammar Note

    The root is -tenga "take"; it states a decision made on the spot. Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

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