Basic Verbs

1. போக

   pōka

   To go

   Usage

   The base verb of movement — combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   These are infinitives ending in -அ. போக (to go) becomes நான் போகிறேன் ("I go").

2. வர

   vara

   To come

   Usage

   For someone or something arriving where you are

3. சாப்பிட

   cāppiṭa

   To eat

   Usage

   The base verb for anything about meals

4. குடிக்க

   kuṭikka

   To drink

   Usage

   Used for drinks and for taking medicine

5. வாங்க

   vāṅka

   To buy

   Usage

   The base verb for stating you want to purchase something

6. பார்க்க

   pārkka

   To see

   Usage

   Covers both sightseeing and checking something

7. காத்திருக்க

   kāttirukka

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for arranging to meet

8. எனக்கு போக வேண்டும்

   eṉakku pōka vēṇṭum

   I want to go

   Usage

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

9. எனக்கு சாப்பிட வேண்டும்

   eṉakku cāppiṭa vēṇṭum

   I want to eat

   Usage

   The pattern for naming a dish you want

10. எனக்கு இது வேண்டும்

    eṉakku itu vēṇṭum

    I want it

    Usage

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

11. எனக்கு வேண்டாம்

    eṉakku vēṇṭām

    I don't need it

    Usage

    To decline a bag, a receipt or a tout

12. நான் தேடுகிறேன்

    nāṉ tēṭukiṟēṉ

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

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

13. என்னிடம் இருக்கிறது

    eṉṉiṭam irukkiṟatu

    I have it

    Usage

    To state you have something — tickets or documents, typically

14. என்னிடம் இல்லை

    eṉṉiṭam illai

    I don't have it

    Usage

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

15. நான் பணம் எடுக்கப் போகிறேன்

    nāṉ paṇam eṭukkap pōkiṟēṉ

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    When looking for an ATM or explaining you need cash first

16. நான் முன்பதிவு செய்யப் போகிறேன்

    nāṉ muṉpativu ceyyap pōkiṟēṉ

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

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

17. இதில் எனக்கு உதவுங்கள்

    itil eṉakku utavuṅkaḷ

    Please help me with it

    Usage

    For concrete assistance — lifting a bag, working a machine

18. எனக்குச் சொல்லுங்கள்

    eṉakkuc colluṅkaḷ

    Please tell me

    Usage

    When you want information — directions or times, for instance

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