Basic Verbs

1. Gitmek

   To go

   Usage

   The key motion verb; combine it with a destination

   Grammar Note

   Headwords are infinitives in -mek / -mak, chosen by vowel harmony with the stem.

2. Gelmek

   To come

   Usage

   Used when a person or a vehicle arrives

3. Iýmek

   To eat

   Usage

   The basic verb for anything about meals

   Grammar Note

   The stem is "iý-"; the noun "iýmit" (food) is built from the same root.

4. Içmek

   To drink

   Usage

   For ordering or declining drinks

   Grammar Note

   The same verb covers taking medicine: "Dermany içiň" means take the medicine.

5. Satyn almak

   To buy

   Usage

   Shopping verb; pair it with the item name

   Grammar Note

   Literally "to take from the sale"; the opposite, "satmak", means to sell.

6. Görmek

   To see

   Usage

   For sightseeing, and for asking to be shown an item

7. Garaşmak

   To wait

   Usage

   For queues and for explaining a meeting arrangement

   Grammar Note

   The thing waited for takes the dative: "Size garaşýaryn" means I am waiting for you.

8. Gitmek isleýärin

   I want to go

   Usage

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

   Grammar Note

   "infinitive + isleýärin" means "I want to"; the destination takes the dative (Aşgabada gitmek isleýärin).

9. Iýmek isleýärin

   I want to eat

   Usage

   State what you feel like eating; add the dish name

10. Muny isleýärin

    I want it

    Usage

    Point at an item and say you would like it

    Grammar Note

    "muny" is the accusative of "bu" (this); a definite object takes the accusative.

11. Maňa gerek däl

    I don't need it

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    "gerek" means needed; negate it with "däl". The positive is "Maňa gerek".

12. Muny gözleýärin

    I'm looking for it

    Usage

    Say what you are trying to find, place or object

    Grammar Note

    "-ýär-" marks the present continuous; swap in the name of what you are hunting for.

13. Mende bar

    I have it

    Usage

    States possession; used to confirm tickets or bookings

    Grammar Note

    Turkmen has no verb "to have": it says "mende" (at me) plus "bar" (there is).

14. Mende ýok

    I don't have it

    Usage

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

15. Pul çykarmak isleýärin

    I'll withdraw money

    Usage

    State your intent at an ATM or a bank; an ATM is a "bankomat"

16. Bron etmek isleýärin

    I'll make a reservation

    Usage

    For booking a table or a room

    Grammar Note

    "öňünden bellemek" (to arrange in advance) is an equally usable synonym.

17. Maňa kömek ediň

    Please help me with it

    Usage

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

    Grammar Note

    "ediň" is the polite plural imperative; in an emergency use the stronger "Maňa kömek ediň, haýyş edýärin".

18. Maňa aýdyň, haýyş edýärin

    Please tell me

    Usage

    Prefaces a question when you want information

    Grammar Note

    "aýdyň" is the polite imperative of "aýt-" (to say); to be taught a skill say "öwrediň".

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