Basic Verbs

1. Kuluta

   To go

   Usage

   The basic form of "to go"; "ku-" marks the infinitive

   Grammar Note

   It conjugates as in "Mukuluta nkhu?" (where are you going); the subjunctive "Mulute" means "go (you all)"

2. Kwiza

   To come

   Usage

   The basic form of "to come"; "Zani" is "please come"

   Grammar Note

   The past merges -ka- with the initial i, as in "wakiza" (he came)

3. Kurya

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic form of "to eat", as in the invitation "Torani, murye" (take and eat)

   Grammar Note

   It is also spelled "kulya"; the noun "chakurya" (food) is formed from this verb

4. Kumwa

   To drink

   Usage

   The basic form of "to drink"

   Grammar Note

   The noun "chakumwa" (a drink) is formed from this verb

5. Kugula

   To buy

   Usage

   The basic form of "to buy"; selling is "kuguliska"

   Grammar Note

   "-gula" covers buy, sell and barter, and "-guliska" specifically means "sell"

6. Kuwona

   To see

   Usage

   The basic form of "to see"; "Wonani!" is "look!"

   Grammar Note

   The same root as in "Tiwonanenge" (see you again)

7. Kutandara

   To wait

   Usage

   The basic form of "to wait"; "Tandarani" is "please wait"

   Grammar Note

   Besides "wait" it also means "stay on, remain"

8. Nkhukhumba kurya

   I want to eat

   Usage

   To say you would like to eat

   Grammar Note

   "nkhu-khumba" plus an infinitive means "I want to ...", the same as "Nkhukhumba kulya chibanthu". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

9. Nkhukhumba ichi

   I want this

   Usage

   Said while pointing at something in a shop or market

   Grammar Note

   "ichi" points at a thing (class 7); use "ivi" for several things. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

10. Nkhupenja ___

    I am looking for ___

    Usage

    Put a place or thing in the blank to say what you are looking for

    Grammar Note

    "-penja" is "look for", the same verb as in "Mukupenja vichi?" (what are you looking for). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

11. Nili nacho

    I have it

    Usage

    A reply to "do you have it"; "cho" refers back to a thing (class 7)

    Grammar Note

    "-li na" means "have", as in "ivyo nili navyo" (the things I have). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

12. Nilije nacho

    I don't have it

    Usage

    To say you do not have something

    Grammar Note

    "-lije" is the negative of "-li na", as in "Nilije kanthu" (I have nothing). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

13. Chonde, niphalirani

    Please tell me

    Usage

    To ask someone for directions, a price or other information

    Grammar Note

    "-phalira" is "tell to", "ni-" is "me" and "-ni" is the polite imperative. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

14. Nkhutora ichi

    I'll take this

    Usage

    When you decide to buy something

    Grammar Note

    "-tora" is "take"; the plural imperative is "Torani". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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