Tok Pisin/Verbs

Tok Pisin > Verbs

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)

Transitive verbs

more about transitive verbs

Intransitive verbs

more about intransitive verbs

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

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.