Basic Verbs

1. الذهاب

   adh-dhahāb

   To go

   Usage

   The base verb of movement — combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   Arabic dictionaries cite the 3ms past tense; these entries use the masdar (verbal noun), which works like an infinitive.

2. المجيء

   al-majīʾ

   To come

   Usage

   For someone or something arriving where you are

3. الأكل

   al-akl

   To eat

   Usage

   The base verb for anything about meals

4. الشرب

   ash-shurb

   To drink

   Usage

   Used for drinks and for taking medicine

5. الشراء

   ash-shirāʾ

   To buy

   Usage

   The base verb for stating you want to purchase something

6. الرؤية

   ar-ruʾya

   To see

   Usage

   Covers both sightseeing and checking something

7. الانتظار

   al-intiẓār

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for arranging to meet

8. أريد أن أذهب

   urīd an adhhab

   I want to go

   Usage

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

9. أريد أن آكل

   urīd an ākul

   I want to eat

   Usage

   The pattern for naming a dish you want

10. أريد هذا

    urīd hādhā

    I want it

    Usage

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

11. لا أحتاجه

    lā aḥtājuhu

    I don't need it

    Usage

    To decline a bag, a receipt or a tout

12. أبحث عنه

    abḥathu ʿanhu

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

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

13. لدي

    ladayya

    I have

    Usage

    To state you have something — tickets or documents, typically

14. ليس لدي

    laysa ladayya

    I don't have

    Usage

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

15. أريد سحب نقود

    urīd saḥb nuqūd

    I want to withdraw money

    Usage

    When looking for an ATM or explaining you need cash first

16. أريد أن أحجز

    urīd an aḥjiz

    I want to make a reservation

    Usage

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

17. ساعدني في هذا من فضلك

    sāʿidnī fī hādhā min faḍlak

    Please help me with it

    Usage

    For concrete assistance — lifting a bag, working a machine

18. أخبرني من فضلك

    akhbirnī min faḍlak

    Please tell me

    Usage

    When you want information — directions or times, for instance

Browse all TravelPhrases languages