Basic Verbs

18 phrases · Basque with romanization, English and audio

  1. joan

    To go

    Usage

    The key motion verb; combine it with a destination

    Grammar Note

    The participle is the citation form; "I go" is "noa"

  2. etorri

    To come

    Usage

    Used when a person or a vehicle arrives

    Grammar Note

    "I come" is "nator"

  3. jan

    To eat

    Usage

    The basic verb for anything about meals

    Grammar Note

    "I eat" is "jaten dut"

  4. edan

    To drink

    Usage

    For ordering or declining drinks

    Grammar Note

    "I drink" is "edaten dut"

  5. erosi

    To buy

    Usage

    Shopping verb; pair it with the item name

    Grammar Note

    "I buy" is "erosten dut"

  6. ikusi

    To see

    Usage

    For sightseeing, and for asking to be shown an item

    Grammar Note

    "Ikusi" is perceiving; "begiratu" is looking deliberately

  7. itxaron

    To wait

    Usage

    For queues and for explaining a meeting arrangement

    Grammar Note

    "To wait for" takes the dative

  8. Joan nahi dut

    I want to go

    Usage

    The standard way to state a destination; add a place name

    Grammar Note

    "Want to" is the participle plus "nahi dut"; a destination takes "-ra"

  9. Jan nahi dut

    I want to eat

    Usage

    State what you feel like eating; add the dish name

  10. Hau nahi dut

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at an item and say you would like it

    Grammar Note

    Say it while pointing; "hau" means "this"

  11. Ez dut behar

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Decline a bag, a receipt, or anything else you do not need

  12. Bila nabil

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say what you are trying to find, place or object

    Grammar Note

    Literally "I go about searching"; name the object first: "Geltokiaren bila nabil"

  13. Badut

    I have it

    Usage

    States possession; used to confirm tickets or bookings

    Grammar Note

    The prefix "ba-" reinforces the affirmative

  14. Ez dut

    I don't have it

    Usage

    States you do not have it, e.g. no cash on you

  15. Dirua atera nahi dut

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    State your intent at an ATM or a bank

    Grammar Note

    A cash machine is "kutxazain automatikoa"

  16. Erreserba egin nahi dut

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a table or a room

  17. Lagundu ahal didazu?

    Please help me

    Usage

    Ask for concrete help: carrying a bag, working a machine

    Grammar Note

    "Ahal" expresses ability and "didazu" encodes "you → me"

  18. Esadazu, mesedez

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Prefaces a question when you want information

    Grammar Note

    The imperative of "esan" (to say) with "to me" built in

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