Basic Verbs

14 phrases · Maasai with romanization, English and audio

  1. 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"

  2. 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

  3. 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"

  4. 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"

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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"

  8. 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. 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

  12. 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

  13. 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

  14. 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

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