Basic Verbs

1. téigh

   To go

   Usage

   The key motion verb; combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   The Irish citation form is the second-person singular imperative; "I go" is "téim"

2. tar

   To come

   Usage

   Used when a person or a vehicle arrives

   Grammar Note

   Imperative form; "I come" is "tagaim"

3. ith

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything about meals

   Grammar Note

   Imperative form; "I eat" is "ithim"

4. ól

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering or declining drinks

   Grammar Note

   Imperative form; "I drink" is "ólaim"

5. ceannaigh

   To buy

   Usage

   Shopping verb; pair it with the item name

   Grammar Note

   Imperative form; "I buy" is "ceannaím"

6. feic

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing, and for asking to be shown an item

   Grammar Note

   "Feic" is perceiving; "féach" is looking deliberately

7. fan

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for explaining a meeting arrangement

   Grammar Note

   "To wait for" is "fan le"

8. Ba mhaith liom dul

   I want to go

   Usage

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

   Grammar Note

   Literally "going would be good with me" — the standard polite way to state a wish

9. Ba mhaith liom ithe

   I want to eat

   Usage

   State what you feel like eating; add the dish name

10. Ba mhaith liom é seo

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at an item and say you would like it

    Grammar Note

    Say it while pointing; "é seo" means "this one"

11. Níl sé uaim

    I don't need it

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    Literally "it is not from me"; "uaim" carries the sense of wanting

12. Tá mé ag lorg

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say what you are trying to find, place or object

    Grammar Note

    Add the object: "Tá mé ag lorg an stáisiúin"

13. Tá sé agam

    I have it

    Usage

    States possession; used to confirm tickets or bookings

    Grammar Note

    Possession is "tá ... agam" — "it is at me"

14. Níl sé agam

    I don't have it

    Usage

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

15. Ba mhaith liom airgead a tharraingt

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    State your intent at an ATM or a bank

    Grammar Note

    A cash machine is "an meaisín airgid"

16. Ba mhaith liom áirithint a dhéanamh

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a table or a room

17. An féidir leat cabhrú liom?

    Please help me with it

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    "Cabhraigh" takes the preposition "le", hence "cabhrú liom"

18. Inis dom, le do thoil

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Prefaces a question when you want information

    Grammar Note

    "Inis" is the imperative of "to tell"; "dom" means "to me"

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