Basic Verbs

1. minema

   To go

   Usage

   The key motion verb; combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   The "-ma" infinitive; "ma lähen" (I go) uses a suppletive stem

2. tulema

   To come

   Usage

   Used when a person or a vehicle arrives

   Grammar Note

   The "-ma" infinitive; "ma tulen"

3. sööma

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything about meals

   Grammar Note

   The "-ma" infinitive; "ma söön"

4. jooma

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering or declining drinks

   Grammar Note

   The "-ma" infinitive; "ma joon"

5. ostma

   To buy

   Usage

   Shopping verb; pair it with the item name

   Grammar Note

   The "-ma" infinitive; "ma ostan"

6. nägema

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing, and for asking to be shown an item

   Grammar Note

   "Nägema" is perceiving; "vaatama" is looking deliberately

7. ootama

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for explaining a meeting arrangement

   Grammar Note

   The thing waited for goes in the partitive

8. Ma tahan minna

   I want to go

   Usage

   The standard way to state a destination; add a place name

   Grammar Note

   Add a destination: "Ma tahan minna jaama"

9. Ma tahan süüa

   I want to eat

   Usage

   State what you feel like eating; add the dish name

10. Ma tahan seda

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at an item and say you would like it

    Grammar Note

    Say it while pointing; "seda" is the partitive of "see" (this)

11. Ma ei vaja seda

    I don't need it

    Usage

    Decline a bag, a receipt, or anything else you do not need

12. Ma otsin

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say what you are trying to find, place or object

    Grammar Note

    Add the object: "Ma otsin jaama"

13. Mul on see

    I have it

    Usage

    States possession; used to confirm tickets or bookings

    Grammar Note

    Possession is "mul on" — literally "on me there is"

14. Mul ei ole seda

    I don't have it

    Usage

    States you do not have it, e.g. no cash on you

15. Ma tahan raha välja võtta

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    State your intent at an ATM or a bank

    Grammar Note

    "Välja võtma" is a phrasal verb; a cash machine is "sularahaautomaat"

16. Ma tahan broneerida

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a table or a room

17. Kas te saate mind aidata?

    Can you help me?

    Usage

    Ask for concrete help: carrying a bag, working a machine

    Grammar Note

    The polite plural form; "Kas sa saad aidata?" with friends

18. Palun öelge mulle

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Prefaces a question when you want information

    Grammar Note

    The polite plural imperative

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