Tok Pisin/Verbs

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Tok Pisin > Verbs

Contents 1 Verbs in Tok Pisin 1.1 Transitive verbs 1.2 Intransitive verbs 1.3 Some very common verbs of difficult use 2 Nominalized verbs

[edit] Verbs in Tok Pisin

There are basically two types of verbs in Tok Pisin: transitive and intransitive.

• In general, transitive verbs end in -im. Example: kisim (sampela samting), take, receive smth. They are exceptions.
• In general, intransitive verbs do not end in -im. Example: slip (long nait), sleep (at night)

[edit] Transitive verbs

more about transitive verbs

[edit] Intransitive verbs

more about intransitive verbs

[edit] Some very common verbs of difficult use

Most verbs are easy to use for English speakers, but some of them may be puzzling because of their unexpected meaning or use.

Here are some of them:

• ken
• kolim
• save
• stap
• traim, traiim

[edit] Nominalized verbs

Verbs can be nominalized. Examples:

• traim > 1. to try (smth); 2. a try, an ordeal
• askim > 1. to ask (smth); 2. a question.