Core Verbs
The dictionary form
Urdu verbs in their base form end in نا (-na), just like "to ___" in English. This is how you will find them in a dictionary.
Simple Present
Saying what you do
To say "I do" something, take the verb stem and add taa / ti, then hoo'n. A man says taa, a woman says ti. This pattern unlocks dozens of sentences.
I speak Urdu — main Urdu boltaa / bolti hoo'n
The pattern: verb stem + taa (man) or ti (woman) + hoo'n. So بولنا (bolna) drops the -na and becomes boltaa / bolti.
Useful Sentences
Verbs in action
Here are some of the most common ways you will hear these verbs used day to day.
گھر (ghar) = home, جا رہا ہوں (jaa raha hoo'n) = am going. A woman says جا رہی ہوں (jaa rahi hoo'n).
یہاں (yahaa'n) = here, آئیں (aayein) = come (polite). A warm, common way to call someone over.
کر رہے ہیں (kar rahay hain) = are doing. One of the most useful conversational questions there is.
Two verbs together: پینا (peena, to drink) + چاہتا ہوں (chahtaa hoo'n, I want). A woman says چاہتی ہوں (chahti hoo'n).
Quick Reference
All verbs at a glance
Drill the base forms here.
The gender of the speaker matters
One feature that surprises new learners: in Urdu, the verb changes depending on whether the speaker is a man or a woman. A man says میں جاتا ہوں (main jaataa hoo'n) and a woman says میں جاتی ہوں (main jaati hoo'n), both meaning "I go." This is not about who you are talking to, but about who is speaking.
Do not let this worry you. Native speakers will always understand you even if you slip. With a little practice, choosing taa or ti becomes automatic.
Practice
Try it yourself
Say each answer out loud, then check. Use the form that matches you.
What would you say?
Picture the situation and respond in Urdu.
Verbs are where Urdu clicks.
Once verbs feel natural, you can build your own sentences instead of memorising phrases. A teacher can drill the taa and ti forms with you until they are second nature. Book a free call.