Basic Verbs

1. U ya

   To go

   Usage

   The basic form of the verb "to go"

   Grammar Note

   The base form of a verb starts with "u"

2. U ḓa

   To come

   Usage

   The basic form of the verb "to come"

   Grammar Note

   "ḓ" has a mark below

3. U ḽa

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic form of the verb "to eat"

   Grammar Note

   "ḽ" has a mark below; it shares its root with "zwiḽiwa" (food)

4. U nwa

   To drink

   Usage

   The basic form of the verb "to drink"

   Grammar Note

   Used as "u nwa maḓi" (to drink water)

5. U renga

   To buy

   Usage

   The basic form of the verb "to buy"

   Grammar Note

   The verb for selling is "rengisa"

6. U vhona

   To see

   Usage

   The basic form of the verb "to see"

   Grammar Note

   Meeting is "u vhonana" (to see each other)

7. U lindela

   To wait

   Usage

   The basic form of the verb "to wait"

   Grammar Note

   The request form ends in "-e": "lindele"

8. Ndi khou ṱoḓa u ya

   I want to go

   Usage

   States that you want to go somewhere

   Grammar Note

   "khou" marks an ongoing state; put a verb after "ṱoḓa u" to say "want to ..."

9. Ndi khou ṱoḓa u ḽa

   I want to eat

   Usage

   Used when you want to eat

   Grammar Note

   The same pattern as "Ndi khou ṱoḓa u ya", only the verb changes. This is a composed sentence; native review is advised

10. A thi ṱoḓi

    I do not want it

    Usage

    Used to refuse something offered

    Grammar Note

    In the negative, "ṱoḓa" ends in "-i"

11. Ndi khou ṱoḓa

    I am looking for it / I want it

    Usage

    Introduces what you are looking for or want

    Grammar Note

    The verb means both "look for" and "want"; put the object after it

12. Ndi ḓo ḓa

    I will come

    Usage

    Promises that you will come

    Grammar Note

    "ḓo" marks the future

13. Ndi ḓo badela

    I will pay

    Usage

    States that you will pay

    Grammar Note

    "ḓo" marks the future

14. Ndi khou ṱoḓa u bvisa tshelede

    I want to withdraw money

    Usage

    Used when you want to take money out, for example at a bank

    Grammar Note

    "bvisa" means to take out. This is a composed sentence; native review is advised

15. Mmbudzeni

    Please tell me

    Usage

    A polite way to ask someone to tell you

    Grammar Note

    Built from "mbudza" (tell) with "me" and the plural command ending "-ni"; it can be used respectfully with one person

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