Basic Verbs

1. Deemuu

   To go

   Usage

   The dictionary form of the verb, ending in -uu.

   Grammar Note

   deemuu = to go; imperatives are deemi (sg.) and deemaa (pl/hon.).

2. Dhufuu

   To come

   Usage

   The dictionary form; the past is dhufe (he) and dhufte (you sg.).

   Grammar Note

   dhufuu = to come.

3. Nyaachuu

   To eat

   Usage

   The dictionary form; same root as the noun nyaata (food).

   Grammar Note

   nyaachuu = to eat; ch is the sound in "church".

4. Dhuguu

   To drink

   Usage

   The dictionary form; same root as the noun dhugaatii (drink).

   Grammar Note

   dhuguu = to drink; dh is an implosive d.

5. Bituu

   To buy

   Usage

   The dictionary form; in sentences it appears as bitadha (I buy).

   Grammar Note

   bituu = to buy.

6. Arguu

   To see / to find

   Usage

   Means to catch sight of or find; ilaaluu is to look at something.

   Grammar Note

   arguu = to see, to find.

7. Eeguu

   To wait

   Usage

   Also means to guard; imperatives are eegi (sg.) and eegaa (pl/hon.).

   Grammar Note

   eeguu = to wait, to guard.

8. Deemuu nan barbaada.

   I want to go.

   Usage

   To say "I want to go" before naming the place.

   Grammar Note

   Infinitive + nan barbaada (I want); the verb comes last.

9. Nyaachuu nan barbaada.

   I want to eat.

   Usage

   When you are hungry.

   Grammar Note

   nyaachuu = eating, nan barbaada = I want.

10. Dhuguu nan barbaada.

    I want to drink.

    Usage

    When you are thirsty.

    Grammar Note

    dhuguu = drinking, nan barbaada = I want.

11. Kana nan barbaada.

    I want this.

    Usage

    Handy when pointing at something to order or buy.

    Grammar Note

    kana = this (object), nan barbaada = I want; the object comes before the verb.

12. Kana hin barbaadu.

    I don't want this.

    Usage

    For turning down something offered.

    Grammar Note

    hin barbaadu = do not want; the negative hin goes before the verb.

13. Kana nan qaba.

    I have this.

    Usage

    When showing something you have.

    Grammar Note

    qaba = have.

14. Kana hin qabu.

    I don't have this.

    Usage

    To say you do not have something.

    Grammar Note

    hin qabu = do not have.

15. Maallaqa baasuu nan barbaada.

    I want to withdraw money.

    Usage

    At a bank or cash machine.

    Grammar Note

    maallaqa = money, baasuu = taking out, nan barbaada = I want.

16. Maallaqa nan kaffala.

    I will pay.

    Usage

    When offering to pay.

    Grammar Note

    kaffala = pay (from kaffaluu).

17. Kana nan bitadha.

    I'll buy this.

    Usage

    When you have decided to buy.

    Grammar Note

    bitadha = I buy (for myself).

18. Maaloo, natti himi.

    Please tell me.

    Usage

    When asking for directions or a price; natti himaa to several people or an elder.

    Grammar Note

    natti = to me, himi = tell (sg. imperative).

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