A quick reference for the four everyday modal moves in Shami: ability, desire, obligation, and the hypothetical. Skim the cards, or jump to the quick-pick at the bottom.
Abilityالقدرة
can / be able to
can more formal
could / might / possible
Intention & Desireالنية والرغبة
want to
was going to / intended to (but didn’t)
planning to / intending deliberate
Obligationالواجب والضرورة
must / have to
supposed to / expected to
don’t have to
Would / Hypotheticalالشرط والافتراض
would (past + condition)
if I could
Quick pickخلاصة سريعة
Ability — when English uses can / could / able to
Desire — when English uses want to / feel like / intend to
Obligation — when English uses must / have to / need to
Hypothetical — when English uses would / would have / if
أمثلة#
Abilityالقدرة
فيني أجي بكرا، إذا ما صار شي.
I can come tomorrow, if nothing comes up.
بقدر ساعدك بعد الظهر.
I can help you after noon.
مش فيني أكون بمكانين بنفس الوقت.
I can't be in two places at the same time.
Desireالرغبة
بدي إحكي معك عن شي مهم.
I want to talk to you about something important.
كان بدي أجي، بس ما قدرت.
I was going to come, but I couldn't.
ناوي سافر الأسبوع الجاي.
I'm planning to travel next week.
Obligationالواجب
لازم روح هلّق، رح تأخر.
I have to go now, you'll be late.
مفروض نكون هناك الساعة تسعة.
We're supposed to be there at nine.
مو لازم تيجي إذا مش فيك.
You don't have to come if you're not up for it.
Hypotheticalالافتراض
كنت روح لو في وقت.
I would go if there were time.
لو فيني، كنت سافرت معك.
If I could, I would have traveled with you.