Basic Verbs

16 phrases · Balinese with romanization, English and audio

  1. Mamargi

    To go / to walk

    Usage

    A polite verb for your own going or setting off; the dictionary glosses it as 'walk, go on' (alus mider).

    Grammar Note

    The casual form is majalan. Use the honorific lunga for the other person's going, never for yourself.

  2. Teka

    To come

    Usage

    The basic verb 'to come'; the level table lists it without a level distinction.

    Grammar Note

    The honorific rauh is for the other person's coming; never use it for yourself. Do not use Javanese rawuh.

  3. Mulih

    To go home

    Usage

    The casual verb for going home; the polite one is mapamit.

    Grammar Note

    In the level table andap is mulih, alus sor is mapamit, and alus singgih (for others) is budal.

  4. Ngajeng

    To eat

    Usage

    The polite verb for your own eating.

    Grammar Note

    The casual forms are madaar and naar; for the other person use ngrayunang. mangan means 'sharp' in Balinese, not 'eat'.

  5. Durusang ngunjuk

    Please, have a drink

    Usage

    Offers a drink to someone. ngunjuk sits in the alus singgih column of the dictionary's level table, so it is for the other person's act.

    Grammar Note

    Do not use it for your own drinking. The ngunjuk entry has no gloss; the sense and level come from the level table.

  6. Numbas

    To buy

    Usage

    The polite verb for your own buying.

    Grammar Note

    Root tumbas. The casual form is meli. Beli can also mean 'older brother', so avoid it.

  7. Ngadol

    To sell

    Usage

    The seller's verb; useful to recognize when shopkeepers say it.

    Grammar Note

    Alus mider in the dictionary's level table.

  8. Antos

    To wait

    Usage

    The polite verb for waiting.

    Grammar Note

    The casual imperative is Antosang.

  9. Titiang meled mamargi

    I want to go

    Usage

    Says that you want to head off or leave.

    Grammar Note

    meled means 'to wish' in the dictionary. This sentence names no destination; add one only from verified words.

  10. Titiang meled ngajeng

    I want to eat

    Usage

    Says that you would like to eat.

    Grammar Note

    The verb follows meled. The sentence is built from verified words.

  11. Titiang jagi numbas puniki

    I will buy this

    Usage

    Said when you have decided to buy.

    Grammar Note

    jagi marks the future (alus mider; the casual form is lakar).

  12. Titiang jagi mayah

    I will pay

    Usage

    Says that you will pay.

    Grammar Note

    mayah means 'to pay'; the dictionary gives no speech level.

  13. Titiang ngrereh kakus

    I'm looking for the toilet

    Usage

    A pattern for what you are looking for; swap kakus for another noun.

    Grammar Note

    Root rereh. The dictionary lists ngrereh for alus sor to alus mider; the casual form is ngalih.

  14. Ningalin

    To see / to look

    Usage

    The basic verb for seeing or looking.

    Grammar Note

    In the level table andap is ningalin; the honorific for the other person is nyingakin.

  15. Tulung

    Help!

    Usage

    A short cry for help in an emergency.

    Grammar Note

    tulung also means a small ritual container; as a shout it means 'Help!'.

  16. Matur

    To say (humble)

    Usage

    The humble verb for what you say to someone.

    Grammar Note

    Use matur for your own speech; mabaos is for the other person's.

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