Basic Verbs

1. Ukuya

   To go

   Usage

   Put a destination next to it and the meaning gets across

   Grammar Note

   Xhosa infinitives begin with uku-.

2. Ukuza

   To come

   Usage

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

3. Ukutya

   To eat

   Usage

   For inviting someone to eat or asking whether something is edible

4. Ukusela

   To drink

   Usage

   Also used to check whether water is safe to drink

5. Ukuthenga

   To buy

   Usage

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

6. Ukubona

   To see

   Usage

   For asking to be shown something, and for sightseeing talk

7. Ukulinda

   To wait

   Usage

   For arranging to meet, or explaining you are queuing

8. Ndifuna ukuya

   I want to go

   Usage

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

9. Ndifuna ukutya

   I want to eat

   Usage

   Combine it with the name of a dish

10. Ndiyayifuna

    I want it

    Usage

    Point while you say it and the order is complete

11. Andiyifuni

    I don’t need it

    Usage

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

12. Ndiyayikhangela

    I’m looking for it

    Usage

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

13. Ndinayo

    I have it

    Usage

    The answer when asked whether you have something

14. Andinayo

    I don’t have it

    Usage

    For saying you have no change or no document

15. Ndifuna ukutsala imali

    I’ll withdraw money

    Usage

    States your business at an ATM or bank counter

16. Ndifuna ukubhukisha

    I’ll make a reservation

    Usage

    For securing a room, a table, or a tour

17. Nceda undincede ngale nto

    Please help me with it

    Usage

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

18. Nceda undixelele

    Please tell me

    Usage

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

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