Basic Verbs

1. Kwenda

   To go

   Usage

   Put a destination next to it and the meaning gets across

   Grammar Note

   Swahili infinitives begin with ku-. "Kwenda" is a contraction of ku- + enda.

2. Kuja

   To come

   Usage

   For asking someone to come to you, or checking an arrival

3. Kula

   To eat

   Usage

   For inviting someone to eat or asking whether something is edible

4. Kunywa

   To drink

   Usage

   Also used to check whether water is safe to drink

5. Kununua

   To buy

   Usage

   States your intent to buy; point at the item as you say it

6. Kuona

   To see

   Usage

   For asking to be shown something, and for sightseeing talk

7. Kusubiri

   To wait

   Usage

   For arranging to meet, or explaining you are queuing

8. Nataka kwenda

   I want to go

   Usage

   The pattern for telling a taxi or a ticket clerk where you are going

9. Nataka kula

   I want to eat

   Usage

   Combine it with the name of a dish

10. Nataka hii

    I want it

    Usage

    Point while you say it and the order is complete

11. Sitaki

    I don’t need it

    Usage

    To refuse a bag, an add-on, or a persistent vendor

    Grammar Note

    si- (I do not) + taka (want). Negation is built with a prefix, not a separate word.

12. Ninatafuta

    I’m looking for it

    Usage

    When hunting for a place or an item; show a map or photo

13. Ninayo

    I have it

    Usage

    The answer when asked whether you have something

14. Sina

    I don’t have it

    Usage

    For saying you have no change or no document

15. Nataka kutoa pesa

    I’ll withdraw money

    Usage

    States your business at an ATM or bank counter

16. Nataka kuweka nafasi

    I’ll make a reservation

    Usage

    For securing a room, a table, or a tour

17. Tafadhali nisaidie

    Please help me with it

    Usage

    For concrete help — carrying a bag, filling in a form

18. Tafadhali niambie

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Opens a request for information: a route, a price, a time

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