Basic Verbs

1. Pergi

   Per-gi

   To go

   Usage

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

2. Datang

   Da-tang

   To come

   Usage

   For asking someone to come over, or talking about arrivals

3. Makan

   Ma-kan

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything to do with eating

4. Minum

   Mi-num

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering drinks and for taking medicine

5. Beli

   Be-li

   To buy

   Usage

   The basic verb for shopping

6. Tengok

   Te-ngok

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing and for asking to look at goods

7. Tunggu

   Tung-gu

   To wait

   Usage

   For meeting up and for queueing

8. Saya nak pergi

   Sa-ya nak per-gi

   I want to go

   Usage

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

9. Saya nak makan

   Sa-ya nak ma-kan

   I want to eat

   Usage

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

10. Saya nak ini

    Sa-ya nak i-ni

    I want it

    Usage

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

11. Saya tak perlu

    Sa-ya tak per-lu

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Declining a bag, a straw, or a sales pitch

12. Saya sedang cari

    Sa-ya se-dang ca-ri

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

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

13. Saya ada

    Sa-ya a-da

    I have it

    Usage

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

14. Saya tiada

    Sa-ya ti-a-da

    I don't have it

    Usage

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

15. Saya nak keluarkan duit

    Sa-ya nak ke-lu-ar-kan du-it

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

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

16. Saya nak buat tempahan

    Sa-ya nak bu-at tem-pa-han

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

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

17. Tolong saya sikit

    To-long sa-ya si-kit

    Please help me with it

    Usage

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

18. Sila beritahu saya

    Si-la be-ri-ta-hu sa-ya

    Please tell me

    Usage

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

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