Basic Verbs

1. Ruḥ

   To go

   Usage

   The base verb of movement; combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   Also spelled "ṛuḥ". The person is marked by endings, e.g. "ruḥeɣ" (I go).

2. As-d

   To come

   Usage

   For someone or something arriving where you are

   Grammar Note

   The particle "d" marks motion toward the speaker and is almost always needed for "come".

3. Ečč

   To eat

   Usage

   The base verb for anything about meals

   Grammar Note

   The stem changes with tense: "ččeɣ" (I eat), "ččiɣ" (I ate). Imperative plural: "ččet".

4. Sew

   To drink

   Usage

   Used for drinks and for taking medicine

   Grammar Note

   For example "Sew aman" (drink water).

5. Aɣ

   To buy

   Usage

   The base verb for stating you want to purchase something

   Grammar Note

   The stem changes: "Uɣeɣ-t" (I bought it).

6. Wali

   To see

   Usage

   Covers both sightseeing and checking something

   Grammar Note

   Person endings follow, e.g. "walaɣ" (I see).

7. Rǧu

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for arranging to meet

   Grammar Note

   Spellings vary: ṛǧu / rǧu / arǧu. For example "Rǧu-yi" (wait for me).

8. Bɣiɣ ad ruḥeɣ

   I want to go

   Usage

   The pattern for naming a destination in a taxi or at a counter

   Grammar Note

   Add "ɣer + place": "Bɣiɣ ad ruḥeɣ ɣer lbanka" (I want to go to the bank).

9. Bɣiɣ ad ččeɣ

   I want to eat

   Usage

   The pattern for naming a dish you want

   Grammar Note

   An object can follow, as in "Bɣiɣ ad ččeɣ kra" (I want to eat something).

10. Bɣiɣ wagi

    I want this one

    Usage

    Point at something and say it; works as an order on its own

    Grammar Note

    For a feminine item: "Bɣiɣ tagi". An object clitic also works: "Bɣiɣ-t" (I want it).

11. Ur t-ḥwaǧeɣ ara

    I don't need it

    Usage

    To decline a bag, a receipt or a tout

    Grammar Note

    The object clitic comes before the verb. For a feminine item: "Ur tt-ḥwaǧeɣ ara".

12. Ttnadiɣ-t

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    For naming what you are looking for; showing a photo speeds it up

    Grammar Note

    For a feminine item: "Ttnadiɣ-tt". Composed from verified words by regular grammar; a close attested example is "Ttnadiɣ-t ur t-ufiɣ".

13. Sɛiɣ-t

    I have it

    Usage

    To state you have something, tickets or documents typically

    Grammar Note

    For a feminine item: "Sɛiɣ-tt".

14. Ur t-sɛiɣ ara

    I don't have it

    Usage

    To state you do not have something, small change or a card say

    Grammar Note

    For a feminine item: "Ur tt-sɛiɣ ara". A noun can replace the clitic, as in "Ur sɛiɣ ara aman" (I have no water).

15. Ad d-jebdeɣ idrimen

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    When looking for an ATM or explaining you need cash first

    Grammar Note

    Attested in the longer "Ad ruḥeɣ ad d-jebdeɣ idrimen" (I will go to withdraw money); this card is the second half of that sentence.

16. Ad ḥeṛṛeɣ

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    To offer to book a room, a table or a tour

    Grammar Note

    Usually with an object, as in "Ad ḥeṛṛeɣ ṭṭabla" (I will reserve a table). Few stand-alone examples, so it needs native review.

17. Ttxil-k, ɛiwen-iyi deg wagi

    Please help me with it

    Usage

    For concrete assistance such as lifting a bag or working a machine

    Grammar Note

    To a woman: "Ttxil-m, ɛiwen-iyi deg wagi". Composed from the attested "Ttxil-k ɛiwen-iyi deg ccɣel-iw" (please help me with my job).

18. Ttxil-k, ini-yi-d

    Please tell me

    Usage

    When you want information, directions or times for instance

    Grammar Note

    To a woman: "Ttxil-m, ini-yi-d". The plural forms differ, e.g. "Inimt-iyi-d" for several women.

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