Alo
To go
Usage
The basic form of "to go". The destination follows directly
Grammar Note
The dictionary form is an infinitive starting with a-. Person prefixes change it, and "to come" is a separate word, "alotu"
Alotu
To come
Usage
Means "to come" toward the speaker, for inviting someone or making plans
Grammar Note
The dictionary form is an infinitive starting with a-. It is separate from "alo" (go) and marks movement toward a reference point
Anya
To eat
Usage
Means "to eat" things you chew; used at meals
Grammar Note
The dictionary form is an infinitive starting with a-. It is for chewed food; for drinks use "aok"
Aok
To drink
Usage
Means "to drink" water, milk, tea and the like
Grammar Note
The dictionary form is an infinitive starting with a-. It is only for drinks; for food use "anya"
Adol
To see
Usage
Means "to see". The thing you want to see follows it
Grammar Note
The dictionary form is an infinitive starting with a-. The thing seen follows it
Ainyang'u
To buy
Usage
Means "to buy" at a market or shop. The item follows it
Grammar Note
The dictionary form is an infinitive starting with a-, meaning "shop, buy, trade". The "ng'" is a back-of-the-tongue nasal
Aanyu
To wait
Usage
Means "to wait" for a person or thing
Grammar Note
The dictionary form is an infinitive starting with a-. The doubled vowel is written "aanyu"
Aret
To help
Usage
Means "to help" someone
Grammar Note
The dictionary form is an infinitive starting with a-. The person to be helped follows it
Kayieu nalo
I want to go
Usage
Add the place you want to go: Kayieu nalo sokoni (I want to go to the market)
Grammar Note
"-yieu" means "want", and the next verb takes the "na-" form ("that I ..."). The destination follows with no preposition. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended
Kayieu nanya
I want to eat
Usage
Add what you want to eat: Kayieu nanya endaa (I want to eat food)
Grammar Note
"-yieu" means "want", and the next verb takes the "na-" form. The food follows. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended
Kayieu naok
I want to drink
Usage
Add what you want to drink: Kayieu naok enkare (I want to drink water)
Grammar Note
"-yieu" means "want", and the next verb takes the "na-" form. The drink follows. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended
Kayieu nadol
I want to see
Usage
Add what you want to see: Kayieu nadol oldoinyo (I want to see the mountain)
Grammar Note
"-yieu" means "want", and the next verb takes the "na-" form. The thing to see follows. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended
Aata iropiyiani
I have money
Usage
Says you have money, for example when agreeing a payment
Grammar Note
"aata" means "I have", and the thing owned follows. The negative is "maata". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended
Maata iropiyiani
I don't have money
Usage
Says you have no money on you, in bargaining or payment
Grammar Note
"maata" is the negative of "aata" (I have). The thing you lack follows. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended
More Maasai phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Places & Areas
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Laundry
- Language Learning
- Volunteering
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Feelings
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences