Basic Verbs

1. Mandeha

   To go

   Usage

   Put a destination next to it and the meaning gets across

   Grammar Note

   Malagasy cites verbs in the active m- form; the future replaces it with h- (mandeha → handeha).

2. Tonga

   To come

   Usage

   For asking someone to come to you, or checking an arrival

3. Mihinana

   To eat

   Usage

   For inviting someone to eat or asking whether something is edible

4. Misotro

   To drink

   Usage

   Also used to check whether water is safe to drink

5. Mividy

   To buy

   Usage

   States your intent to buy; point at the item as you say it

6. Mijery

   To see

   Usage

   For asking to be shown something, and for sightseeing talk

7. Miandry

   To wait

   Usage

   For arranging to meet, or explaining you are queuing

8. Te-handeha aho

   I want to go

   Usage

   The pattern for telling a taxi or a ticket clerk where you are going

9. Te-hihinana aho

   I want to eat

   Usage

   Combine it with the name of a dish

10. Tiako io

    I want it

    Usage

    Point while you say it and the order is complete

11. Tsy mila izany aho

    I don’t need it

    Usage

    To refuse a bag, an add-on, or a persistent vendor

12. Mitady izany aho

    I’m looking for it

    Usage

    When hunting for a place or an item; show a map or photo

13. Manana izany aho

    I have it

    Usage

    The answer when asked whether you have something

14. Tsy manana izany aho

    I don’t have it

    Usage

    For saying you have no change or no document

15. Haka vola aho

    I’ll withdraw money

    Usage

    States your business at an ATM or bank counter

16. Hanao famandrihana aho

    I’ll make a reservation

    Usage

    For securing a room, a table, or a tour

17. Ampio aho amin'izany azafady

    Please help me with it

    Usage

    For concrete help — carrying a bag, filling in a form

18. Lazao amiko azafady

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Opens a request for information: a route, a price, a time

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