Basque is an . In plain English, that means the verb treats the subject of a transitive verb (the "doer") differently than the subject of an intransitive verb (the "experiencer").

If you are brave enough to learn, do not try to memorize the entire table at once. The legendary 20-page tables for verbs like izan or * ukan are for reference, not rote learning. Start with the (intransitive) system: naiz, zara, da, gara, zarete, dira (I am, you are, he is...). Then add the Nork (transitive) for one object. Leave the Nor-Nori-Nork (I give it to him) for month three.

When you look at a tabla de verbos en euskera , you aren't just looking at grammar. You are looking at the architecture of a prehistoric mind. You see a system that forces the speaker to be hyper-aware of agency, of relationship (who is doing what to whom), and of social hierarchy (the nor form changes depending on whether the object is familiar or respectful).