Basic Verbs

1. ʻAlu

   To go

   Usage

   Put a destination next to it and the meaning gets across

2. Haʻu

   To come

   Usage

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

3. Kai

   To eat

   Usage

   For inviting someone to eat or asking whether something is edible

4. Inu

   To drink

   Usage

   Also used to check whether water is safe to drink

5. Fakatau

   To buy

   Usage

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

6. Sio

   To see

   Usage

   For asking to be shown something, and for sightseeing talk

7. Tatali

   To wait

   Usage

   For arranging to meet, or explaining you are queuing

8. ʻOku ou fie ʻalu

   I want to go

   Usage

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

9. ʻOku ou fie kai

   I want to eat

   Usage

   Combine it with the name of a dish

10. ʻOku ou fiemaʻu ia

    I want it

    Usage

    Point while you say it and the order is complete

11. ʻOku ʻikai te u fiemaʻu ia

    I don’t need it

    Usage

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

12. ʻOku ou kumi ia

    I’m looking for it

    Usage

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

13. ʻOku ou maʻu ia

    I have it

    Usage

    The answer when asked whether you have something

14. ʻOku ʻikai te u maʻu ia

    I don’t have it

    Usage

    For saying you have no change or no document

15. ʻOku ou fie toʻo paʻanga

    I’ll withdraw money

    Usage

    States your business at an ATM or bank counter

16. ʻOku ou fie fakaʻahu ha nofoʻanga

    I’ll make a reservation

    Usage

    For securing a room, a table, or a tour

17. Kātaki ʻo tokoni mai ki he meʻa ni

    Please help me with it

    Usage

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

18. Kātaki ʻo tala mai

    Please tell me

    Usage

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

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