Basic Verbs

1. 去

   Khì

   To go

   Usage

   The basic movement verb; point at your destination as you say it

2. 來

   Lâi

   To come

   Usage

   For asking someone to come over, or talking about arrivals

3. 食

   Tsia̍h

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything to do with eating

4. 啉

   Lim

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering drinks and for taking medicine

5. 買

   Bé

   To buy

   Usage

   The basic verb for shopping

6. 看

   Khuànn

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing and for asking to look at goods

7. 等

   Tán

   To wait

   Usage

   For meeting up and for queueing

8. 我欲去

   Guá beh khì

   I want to go

   Usage

   State where you are heading; add a place name and it works in a taxi

9. 我欲食

   Guá beh tsia̍h

   I want to eat

   Usage

   Say what you would like to eat; follow it with the dish name

10. 我欲這个

    Guá beh tsit ê

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at what you want; works for both shopping and ordering

11. 免啦

    Bián--lah

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Declining a bag, a straw, or a sales pitch

12. 我咧揣

    Guá teh tshuē

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say it and then name the place or item you are looking for

13. 我有

    Guá ū

    I have it

    Usage

    Tell someone you already have the booking, ticket, or cash

14. 我無

    Guá bô

    I don't have it

    Usage

    Say you have no cash, no change, or no ticket

15. 我欲領錢

    Guá beh niá tsînn

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    When you are looking for an ATM or explaining you need cash

16. 我欲訂位

    Guá beh tīng-uī

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    To say you want to book a table, a room, or a tour

17. 請鬥跤手

    Tshiánn tàu-kha-tshiú

    Please help me with it

    Usage

    For asking help with a concrete task — bags, a machine, a form

18. 請共我講

    Tshiánn kā guá kóng

    Please tell me

    Usage

    For asking someone to tell you the way, the time, or how to do something

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