Basic Verbs

1. Tafiya

   To go

   Usage

   The base verb of movement — combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   Hausa verbs are cited as verbal nouns. Tafiya (going) becomes ina tafiya ("I am going").

2. Zuwa

   To come

   Usage

   For someone or something arriving where you are

3. Ci

   To eat

   Usage

   The base verb for anything about meals

4. Sha

   To drink

   Usage

   Used for drinks and for taking medicine

5. Saya

   To buy

   Usage

   The base verb for stating you want to purchase something

6. Gani

   To see

   Usage

   Covers both sightseeing and checking something

7. Jira

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for arranging to meet

8. Ina son tafiya

   I want to go

   Usage

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

9. Ina son ci

   I want to eat

   Usage

   The pattern for naming a dish you want

10. Ina son wannan

    I want it

    Usage

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

11. Ba na buƙata

    I don't need it

    Usage

    To decline a bag, a receipt or a tout

12. Ina nema

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

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

13. Ina da shi

    I have it

    Usage

    To state you have something — tickets or documents, typically

14. Ba ni da shi

    I don't have it

    Usage

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

15. Ina son cire kuɗi

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    When looking for an ATM or explaining you need cash first

16. Ina son yin ajiyar wuri

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

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

17. Don Allah a taimaka mini da wannan

    Please help me with it

    Usage

    For concrete assistance — lifting a bag, working a machine

18. Don Allah a gaya mini

    Please tell me

    Usage

    When you want information — directions or times, for instance

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