Basic Verbs

1. Pai

   To go

   Usage

   The basic verb for going somewhere

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary glosses it as to move on or depart. Corresponds to Indonesian "pergi"

2. Datang

   To come

   Usage

   To come or arrive, as in "Salamaik datang"

   Grammar Note

   Same form as Indonesian

3. Makan

   To eat

   Usage

   To eat; "Makanlah!" means "please eat"

   Grammar Note

   Same form as Indonesian; the dictionary example is "makan jo samba lado" (eat with chilli sambal)

4. Minum

   To drink

   Usage

   To drink something

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary glosses it as putting water in the mouth and swallowing. Same form as Indonesian

5. Mambali

   To buy

   Usage

   When shopping; the stem is "bali"

   Grammar Note

   ma- + bali (buy). The dictionary glosses it as getting something by paying. Corresponds to Indonesian "membeli"

6. Caliak

   To see / look

   Usage

   To look at something; you can point and say it to ask to see an item

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary glosses it as to look at, to observe. Corresponds to Indonesian "lihat" but the form differs; the verb form is "mancaliak"

7. Tunggu

   To wait

   Usage

   To ask someone to wait or to say you are waiting

   Grammar Note

   Same form as Indonesian

8. Ambo nio pai

   I want to go

   Usage

   Add the place after it, for example "Ambo nio pai ka Bukittinggi"

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary glosses "nio" as to like or wish. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

9. Ambo nio makan

   I want to eat

   Usage

   Tells a restaurant you would like to eat

   Grammar Note

   "Nio" + verb means "want to"; word order is subject, auxiliary, verb. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

10. Ambo nio iko

    I want this

    Usage

    Said while pointing at an item to say you want it

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary glosses "nio" as to like or wish; "iko" points to something near. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

11. Ambo indak paralu

    I do not need it

    Usage

    Used to decline a sales pitch or an unneeded offer

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary glosses "paralu" as needed or useful; close to "Iko ndak paralu" (this is not needed). This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

12. Ambo sadang mancari

    I am looking for it

    Usage

    Add what you are looking for after it, for example "Ambo sadang mancari kunci"

    Grammar Note

    "Sadang" marks an ongoing action, as in "Ambo sadang manulis pasan". This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

13. Ambo punyo

    I have it

    Usage

    Says you have something

    Grammar Note

    "Punyo" is not in the dictionary but is used as in "Inyo punyo 2.000 buku". This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

14. Ambo indak punyo

    I do not have it

    Usage

    Says you do not have something

    Grammar Note

    The negator "indak" goes before the verb. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

15. Tolong bantu ambo sabanta

    Please help me for a moment

    Usage

    Asks for a little help

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary glosses "sabanta" as a short while and "bantu" as to help. This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

16. Tolong agiah tau ambo

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Asks someone to let you know something such as directions or a price

    Grammar Note

    "Agiah tau" is "give knowledge". The dictionary glosses "agiah" as give, and "tau" is used as in "Awak indak tau do". This is a sentence composed from dictionary-verified words

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