Basic Verbs

1. Kuhamba

   To go, to walk, to travel

   Usage

   The basic verb for "go", "walk" and "travel" (infinitive)

   Grammar Note

   The infinitive is ku- + stem (ku-hamba), with no initial u- unlike Zulu "ukuhamba". It is the stem of "hamba kahle". "kuya" is also used for "go to"

2. Kuta

   To come

   Usage

   The verb "to come" (infinitive)

   Grammar Note

   The stem is -ta. Do not use Zulu "woza". The imperative is "Ta"

3. Kudla

   To eat

   Usage

   The verb "to eat" (infinitive); the same form is the noun "food"

   Grammar Note

   The stem is -dla. "kudla" is also "food", so context decides.

4. Kunatsa

   To drink

   Usage

   The verb "to drink" (infinitive)

   Grammar Note

   The stem is -natsa. Do not use Zulu "phuza". The noun "drink" is sinatfo.

5. Kutsenga

   To buy

   Usage

   The verb "to buy" (infinitive)

   Grammar Note

   The stem is -tsenga (th becomes ts). Do not use Zulu "thenga". "To sell" is kutsengisa.

6. Kubona

   To see

   Usage

   The verb "to see" (infinitive); also used in the sense of "meet"

   Grammar Note

   The stem is -bona. "buka" is used for looking/watching.

7. Kulindza

   To wait

   Usage

   The verb "to wait" (infinitive)

   Grammar Note

   the subjunctive is "ulindze".

8. Ngifuna kuya

   I want to go.

   Usage

   An opener for a destination; add the place after it (e.g. "Ngifuna kuya elwandle")

   Grammar Note

   Composed by regular grammar rather than a fixed set phrase. ngi-funa (I want) + ku-ya (to go).

9. Ngifuna kudla.

   I want to eat.

   Usage

   When you are hungry and want a meal

   Grammar Note

   ngi-funa (I want) + ku-dla (to eat)

10. Ngifuna kukhipha imali.

    I want to withdraw money.

    Usage

    For use at a bank or an ATM

    Grammar Note

    ngi-funa (I want) + ku-khipha (to take out) + imali (money)

11. Ngicela ungitjele.

    Please tell me.

    Usage

    A polite request for information; follow it with what you want to know

    Grammar Note

    Composed by regular grammar rather than a fixed set phrase. ngicela + u-ngi-tjele (you tell me, subjunctive). Do not use Zulu "tshela"

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