Basic Verbs

1. ingerlavoq

   To go

   Usage

   The key motion verb; combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   Kalaallisut has no infinitive; verbs are cited in the third-person singular in "-voq/-poq". "I go" is "ingerlavunga"

2. tikippoq

   To come

   Usage

   Used when a person or a vehicle arrives

   Grammar Note

   Means "arrives"; "I come" is "tikippunga"

3. nerivoq

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything about meals

   Grammar Note

   "I eat" is "nerivunga"

4. imerpoq

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering or declining drinks

   Grammar Note

   "I drink" is "imerpunga"; it shares a root with "imeq" (water)

5. pisiniarpoq

   To buy

   Usage

   Shopping verb; pair it with the item name

   Grammar Note

   "I buy" is "pisiniarpunga"; it shares a root with "pisiniarfik" (shop)

6. takuvoq

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing, and for asking to be shown an item

   Grammar Note

   "I see" is "takuvunga"

7. utaqqivoq

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for explaining a meeting arrangement

   Grammar Note

   "I wait" is "utaqqivunga"

8. Aallarusuppunga

   I want to go

   Usage

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

   Grammar Note

   "Aallar-" (to depart) plus "-usup-" (want to) plus the first-person ending

9. Neriusuppunga

   I want to eat

   Usage

   State what you feel like eating; add the dish name

   Grammar Note

   "Neri-" (to eat) plus "-usup-" (want to)

10. Piumavara

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at an item and say you would like it

    Grammar Note

    Literally "I want it"; say it while pointing

11. Pisariaqanngilara

    I don't need it

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    The negative of "pisariaqar-" (to be necessary)

12. Ujarlerpara

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say what you are trying to find, place or object

    Grammar Note

    "I am searching for it"; name the object first

13. Peqarpunga

    I have it

    Usage

    States possession; used to confirm tickets or bookings

    Grammar Note

    The affix "-qar-" expresses possession

14. Peqanngilanga

    I don't have it

    Usage

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

15. Aningaasanik tigusiumavunga

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    State your intent at an ATM or a bank

    Grammar Note

    "Aningaasat" (money) in the instrumental plus "tigusi-" (to receive) and "-uma-" (want to)

16. Inniminniiniarpunga

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a table or a room

    Grammar Note

    inniminniivoq "books, reserves" + intentional -niar- + 1sg -punga. The noun is inniminniineq "reservation".

17. Ikiorsinnaavinga?

    Please help me with it

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    "Ikior-" (to help) plus "-sinnaa-" (can) plus "-vinga" (you → me)

18. Oqaluttuussinnaavinga?

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Prefaces a question when you want information

    Grammar Note

    Stem oqaluttuuss- of oqaluttuuppaa ("tells him/her something") plus "-sinnaa-" (can) plus "-vinga" (you → me)

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