Basic Verbs

1. مشى

   mshā

   To go

   Usage

   The "he went" form, used as the basic citation form.

   Grammar Note

   The present is built with prefixes, as in "nemshi" (I go).

2. جا

   jā

   To come

   Usage

   The "he came" form.

   Grammar Note

   The present is "nejji" (I come).

3. كلا

   klā

   To eat

   Usage

   The "he ate" form.

   Grammar Note

   The present is "nākel" (I eat).

4. شرب

   shrab

   To drink

   Usage

   The "he drank" form.

   Grammar Note

   The present is "neshrab" (I drink).

5. شرى

   shrā

   To buy

   Usage

   The "he bought" form.

   Grammar Note

   The present is "neshri" (I buy).

6. شاف

   shāf

   To see

   Usage

   The "he saw" form.

   Grammar Note

   The present is "nshūf" (I see).

7. استنى

   stanna

   To wait

   Usage

   The "he waited" form; the imperative has the same shape.

   Grammar Note

   The present is "nestanna" (I wait).

8. نحب نمشي

   nḥebb nemshi

   I want to go

   Usage

   The standard way to say where you want to go; add "l-" and a place name.

   Grammar Note

   Another verb follows "nḥebb" directly; "want to" is expressed with the present of "like". A sentence assembled from attested words.

9. نحب ناكل

   nḥebb nākel

   I want to eat

   Usage

   A simple way to say you want a meal.

   Grammar Note

   "nḥebb" + the present of a verb. A sentence assembled from attested words.

10. نحب هاذا

    nḥebb hādhā

    I want this

    Usage

    Point at an item in a shop and say this.

    Grammar Note

    With a noun after it, "nḥebb" means like or want. A sentence assembled from attested words.

11. ما لازمنيش

    mā lāzemni-sh

    I don't need it

    Usage

    To turn down a pushy offer or an extra service.

    Grammar Note

    "lāzemni" (I need) wrapped in "mā … -sh". A sentence assembled from attested words.

12. نلوج عليه

    nlūj ʿlīh

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Tell a shop assistant what you are looking for.

    Grammar Note

    "Look for" is "lūj ʿalā" with "ʿalā" (on) attached. A sentence assembled from attested words.

13. عندي

    ʿandi

    I have it

    Usage

    To say you have something.

    Grammar Note

    Having is "ʿand + person", so no verb is needed.

14. ما عنديش

    mā ʿandi-sh

    I don't have it

    Usage

    To say you do not have something.

    Grammar Note

    Negation with "mā … -sh"; the "-sh" ends up on "ʿandi".

15. نحب نجبد فلوس

    nḥebb nejbed flūs

    I want to withdraw money

    Usage

    At a bank or ATM when you want cash.

    Grammar Note

    "Withdraw" is the present of "jbed" (to pull). A sentence assembled from attested words.

16. نحب نعمل حجز

    nḥebb neʿmel ḥajz

    I want to make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a hotel or restaurant.

    Grammar Note

    "Reserve" is said as "make a reservation". A sentence assembled from attested words.

17. عاوني في هاذا من فضلك

    ʿāwni fī hādhā min faḍlek

    Please help me with this

    Usage

    Asks for help with a concrete job such as buying a ticket or carrying luggage.

    Grammar Note

    "fi" introduces what you need help with. A sentence assembled from attested words.

18. قلي من فضلك

    qelli min faḍlek

    Please tell me

    Usage

    An opener for asking about directions or prices.

    Grammar Note

    The imperative "say" plus "to me"; same for both genders. A sentence assembled from attested words.

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