Marathi is an Indo-Aryan language predominantly spoken in the Indian state of Maharashtra. It is the official language of Maharashtra and co-official language in the union territories of Daman and Diu and Dadra and Nagar Haveli. Learning basic verbs in Marathi can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively with Marathi speakers. In this article, we will cover some fundamental verbs that are essential for daily use.

1. To Be – असणे (Asaṇe)

One of the most fundamental verbs in any language is the verb “to be.” In Marathi, this is expressed with the verb असणे (Asaṇe). It is used to describe existence, identity, or state.

मी विद्यार्थी आहे. (Mī vidyārthī āhe.) – I am a student.

तू थकला आहेस का? (Tū thakalā āhes kā?) – Are you tired?

2. To Have – असणे (Asaṇe)

Interestingly, the verb असणे (Asaṇe) is also used to express “to have” in some contexts, primarily to denote possession.

त्याच्याकडे एक गाडी आहे. (Tyāchyākaḍe ēk gāḍī āhe.) – He has a car.

आमच्याकडे खूप पुस्तके आहेत. (Āmchyākaḍe khūp pustake āhet.) – We have many books.

3. To Go – जाणे (Jāṇe)

Whether you’re traveling or just moving from one place to another, the verb “to go” is indispensable.

ती शाळेत जात आहे. (Tī śāḷet jāt āhe.) – She is going to school.

आपण उद्या चित्रपट पाहायला जाऊ? (Āpaṇ udyā citrapaṭ pāhāyalā jā’ū?) – Shall we go to watch a movie tomorrow?

4. To Come – येणे (Yēṇe)

The counterpart to “to go,” “to come” is another essential verb used frequently in daily conversations.

तो उद्या येणार आहे. (Tō udyā yēṇār āhe.) – He will come tomorrow.

तुम्ही आमच्या घरी कधी येणार? (Tumhī āmchyā gharī kadhī yēṇār?) – When will you come to our house?

5. To Eat – खाणे (Khāṇe)

Food is a universal topic of conversation, making “to eat” a vital verb.

आपण आता जेवायला जाऊ. (Āpaṇ ātā jevāyalā jā’ū.) – Let’s go to eat now.

तू नाश्ता केलास का? (Tū nāśtā kelās kā?) – Did you have breakfast?

6. To Speak/Talk – बोलणे (Boḷaṇe)

Communicating is all about speaking, so knowing how to use this verb will help you in many conversational contexts.

मी मराठी बोलू शकतो. (Mī Marāṭhī boḷū śakatō.) – I can speak Marathi.

ती इंग्रजी बोलते. (Tī Iṅgrajī boḷate.) – She speaks English.

7. To Do/Make – करणे (Karaṇe)

This versatile verb is used in many contexts, whether creating something, performing actions, or making abstract concepts.

तू तुझे काम केलंस का? (Tū tujhe kām kelans kā?) – Have you done your work?

आपण चहा करू या. (Āpaṇ cahā karū yā.) – Let’s make tea.

8. To Know – माहित असणे (Māhit asaṇe)

Knowing is not just about possessing knowledge but also about familiarity or recognition.

मला त्याची माहिती आहे. (Malā tyācī māhitī āhe.) – I know him.

तुला हे गाणं माहित आहे का? (Tulā hē gāṇaṁ māhit āhe kā?) – Do you know this song?

In conclusion, mastering these basic Marathi verbs will not only enhance your vocabulary but also improve your ability to engage in everyday conversations. Whether you are traveling to Maharashtra or just want to connect with Marathi speakers, these verbs are your first step towards fluency. Keep practicing and immerse yourself in the language to gain confidence and proficiency.