Ndebele - The Easiest & Quickest Way
by Patrick James Matimba
Introduction
I reckon that those who want to learn Sindebele will find this booklet invaluable.
Originally, I wrote and published a similar booklet "Shona, the easiest & quickest
way." After several pleas and requests from friends and acquaintances who want to learn
Sindebele, I decided to have the booklet translated.
Initially, this booklet is published on its own, but it is hoped that if cassette tapes are
available, it will greatly help the learner. In the meantime I recommend you to get hold of
a Ndebele speaking friend who will read the Sindebele part, so that you learn the way the
Ndebele speaking people pronounce words.
Besides being of great value to Asians, Europeans and Euro-Africans residing in
Zimbabwe who are desirous of learning Sindebele, it can also be of great assistance to Shona
speaking people who want to learn Sindebele.
Incidentally, this booklet can also be used by a Ndebele speaking person or child who
wants to learn English the best and quickest way.
To those who have never learnt another language successfully, my advice is that from
the moment you decide to learn Sindebele, using this booklet, you must also start to be a
friendly and an inquisitive person. Make a habit of greeting strangers and try to ask questions
and make conversation. You may think you will be regarded as a nuisance, but my experience
have been that people are always willing to help when they know that you are trying to make
an effort to learn. Remember, if you learn two new words a day, you will have learnt over
sixty words in a month and in three months, you will be making interesting conversations.
When learning Shona, one immediately comes up against Shona dialects. One simply
has to learn to distinguish them through continuous practice. Fortunately, Sindebele has no
dialects as such.
It is imperative that, if Zimbabwe is going to have amicable race relations, Shona and
Sindebele should be seriously learnt, not only at school level but by every adult Zimbabwean.
My thanks go to Prisca Sibusiso Nyathi, my Ndebele speaking secretary, and her
mother who helped to translate the booklet.
1
Lesson 1: Useful Expressions
Good day
Good morning
Good afternoon
Good evening
Good night
Good bye
How are you?
I am very well.
Excuse me.
It doesn't matter.
Come in.
You are very kind.
Do you speak English?
I do not speak Shona.
Do you understand?
I don't understand.
What does it mean?
At once.
How much money do you have?
How many fingers do you have?
What is this?
What is your name?
How old are you?
What do you want?
Where do you live?
Here it is.
Here they are.
There it is.
What did you say?
Forgive me.
Please speak slowly.
I think so.
I don't think so.
Yes.
No.
For sure.
I must go.
Allow me.
With pleasure.
I am short of money.
Sit down.
I know that.
I don't know.
Do you know?
You are wrong.
You are right.
Ilanga elihle
U/Livuke njani
U/Litshone njani
U/Litshone njani
U/Lilale kuhle
U/Lisale kuhle
Linjani/Kunjani ukuphila?
Ngiyaphila.
Uxolo.
Akulandaba.
Ngena/Ngenani.
Ulesihawu.
Uyakhuluma yini isingisi?
Uyakhuluma isishona na?
Uyezwisisa/Liyezwisisa na?
Angizwisisi.
Kutsho ukuthini?
Khonamanje?
Ule/Lilemalini?
Ule/Lileminwe emingaki?
Kuyini lokhu?
Igama lakho ngubani?
Ule/Lileminyaka emingaki?
Ufunani/Lifunani?
Uhlala ngaphi?
Nanku khona lapha.
Nampa lapha.
Nankuyana laphayana.
Utheni/Litheni?
Ngixolela.
Uxolo khuluma kancane.
Ngikhumbula njalo.
Kangikhumbuli njalo.
Yebo.
Hayi/Hatshi.
Ngempela.
Kumele ngihambe/Kufanele ngihambe.
Ngivumela.
Kulungile.
Angisela mali.
Hlala phansi.
Ngiyakwazi lokho.
Angikwazi.
Uyakwazi yini/Liyakwazi yini.
Wehlulekile/Uphambanisile.
Uqondile/Uqinisile.
2
Will you give me?
Come here.
What is the matter?
Ungangipha na/Lingangipha na?
Hoza lapha/Buya lapha.
Kwenzenjani na?
Grammar (Personal Pronouns)
I
You
He/She
It
We
You
They
Mina
Wena
Yena
Khona
Thina
Lina
Bona
Myself
Yourself
Him/Herself
Ourselves
Yourselves
Themselves
Mina ngedwa
Wena wedwa
Yena yedwa
Thina sodwa
Lina lodwa
Bona bodwa
Lesson 2: The Human Body
Head
Hair
Eye(s)
Ear
Nose
Mouth(s)
Chin
Cheek(s)
Tongue
Tooth/Teeth
Face
Neck
Shoulder(s)
Chest
Backbone
Arm(s)
Hand(s)
Finger(s)
Nail
Elbow(s)
Stomach(s)
Leg(s)
Knee(s)
Foot/Feet
Toe(s)
Voice
Ikhanda
Inwele
Ilihlo/Amehlo
Indlebe
Amakhala
Umlomo/Imilomo
Isilevu
Isihlathi/Izihlathi
Ulimi
Izinyo/Amazinyo
Ubuso
Intamo
Ihlombe/Amahlombe
Isifuba
Umhlane
Ingalo
Isandla/Izandla
Umunwe/Iminwe
Uzipho/Inzipho
Indololwane
Isisu/Izisu
Umbala/Imbala
Idolo/Amadolo
Unyawo/Inyawo
Uzwane/Amazwane
Ilizwi
3
Grammar (Verbs - Present Tense)
To have (Ukuba)
I have
You have
He/She has
We have
You have
They have
-
Ngile
Ule
Ule
Sile
Lile
Bale
To be (Ukuba)
I am
You are
He/She is
We are
You are
They are
-
Ngiya
Uya
Uya
Siya
Liya
Baya
To eat (Ukudla)
I eat
You eat
He/She eats
We eat
You eat
They ear
-
Ngiyadla
Uyadla
Uyadla
Siyadla
Liyadla
Bayadla
To go (Ukuhamba)
I go
You go
He/She goes
We go
You go
They go
-
Ngiyahamba
Uyahamba
Uyahamba
Siyahamba
Liyahamba
Bayahamba
Lesson 3: Human Qualities & Emotions
Character
Anger
Dislike
Goodness
Honesty
Intelligence
Knowledge
Patience
Ubuntu/Imbeko
Ukuzonda
Inzondo
Ubuhle
Ukwethembeka
Ingqondo
Ulwazi
Ukubekezela
4
Pleasure
Hearing
Sight
Smell
Speech
Strength
Thought
Weakness
Wisdom
Love
Hate
Age
Laughter
Ukuthatshiswa
Ukuzwa
Ukubona
Ukunuka
Inkulumo
Amandla
Umcabango
Ukuswela amandla
Ukuhlakanipha
Uthando
Inzondo
Intanga
Uhleko
Grammar (Verbs - Past Tense)
To have
I had
You had
He/She had
We had
You had
They had
-
Ngangile
Wawule
Wayele
Sasile
Lalile
Babele
To be
I was
You were
He/She was
We were
You were
They were
-
Ngangi
Wawu
Waye
Sasi
Lali
Babe
To eat
I ate
You ate
He/She ate
We ate
You ate
They ate
-
Ngadla
Wadla
Wadla
Sadla
Ladla
Badla
To go
I went
You went
He/She went
- Ngahamba
- Wahamba
- Wahamba
5
We went
You went
They went
- Sahamba
- Lahamba
- Bahamba
Lesson 4: Adjectives
(Size)
big
broad, wide
long
narrow
short
small
thick
ubukhulu
ububanzi
ubude
ukuncipa
ubufitshane
okuncane
ukunona
(Others)
bad
beautiful
bitter
blind
deaf
dumb
brave
bright
careful
cheap
cheerful
clean
cold
complete
dangerous
dear
dead
deep
different
dirty
dry
early
easy
fast
fat
free
full
glad
good
happy
ububi
ubuhle
ukubaba
isiphofu
isacuthe
isimungulu
isibindi
ukukhanya
ngonanzelelo
ukwehla
ukuthabela/ukukhululeka
okuhlanzeka
ukuqanda
ukuqeda
okungenisa engozini
sithandwa
ukufa
ukutshona
ukutshiyana
ingcekeza
ukoma
ukuphangisa
ubulula
ukuphangisa
ukunona
ukukhululeka
ukugcwala
ukuthaba
kulungile
ukuthaba
6
hot
important
interesting
late
loose
loud
low
many
necessary
new
old
open
perfect
polite
poor
possible
private
probably
quick
quiet
raw
ready
rich
ripe
sad
safe
same
simple
slow
sour
strong
sufficient
sweet
true
ugly
urgent
useful
valuable
young
ukutshisa
okuqakathekilo
okuthabisayo
ukuphuza
okuxhegayo
umkhosi
okwehlileyo
okunengi
okufaneleyo
okutsha
okudala
vula/ukukhamisa
okuqondileyo
ukuthobeka
ubuyanga
okungenzeka
imfihlo
engxenye
phangisa
ukuthula
okuluhlaza
ukulungisela
ukunotha
ukuvuthwa
ukudana
ukukhululeka
okufananayo
okulula
ukuphuza
okubabayo
ukuqina
okwaneleyo
ubumnandi
iqiniso
ububi
ukuphangisa
okusetshenziswayo
okuqakathekileyo
ubuncane
Lesson 5: The Railway
1. Where is the station?
Singaphi isilindo sikaloliwe?
2. What time is the next train arriving?
Uzafika nini uloliwe wesibili?
3. Where is the ticket office?
Ingaphi indlu yamatikiti?
7
4. What is the fare to Bulawayo?
Kuyimalini ukufika eBulawayo?
5. When do we arrive?
Siyafika nini?
6. Must I change during the journey?
Kumele ngintshintshe yini kuhambo?
7. What is the name of this station?
Lithiwani igama lalesi silindo?
8. How long do we stop here?
Siyakuma ekwesikhathi esinganani lapha?
9. Where is the lavatory?
Ingaphi indlu encane?
10. Go and take my luggage.
Hamba uyethatha umthwalo wami.
11. Where is the registered luggage?
Zingaphi impahla ezibhalisiyeyo?
Grammar (Verbs - Future Tense)
To have
I will have
You will have
He/She will have
We will have
You will have
They will have
-
Ngizakuba
Uzakuba
Uzakuba
Sizakuba
Lizakuba
Bazakuba
To be
I will be
You will be
He/She will be
We will be
You will be
They will be
-
Ngizabe
Uzabe
Uzabe
Sizabe
Lizabe
Bazabe
To eat
I will eat
You will eat
He/She will eat
We will eat
You will eat
They will eat
-
Ngizakudla
Uzakudla
Uzakudla
Sizakudla
Lizakudla
Bazakudla
8
To go
I will go
You will go
He/She will go
We will go
You will go
They will go
-
Ngizahamba
Uzahamba
Uzahamba
Sizahamba
Lizahamba
Bazahamba
Lesson 6: Places, People & Shops
Hospital
Garage
Post Office
Station
Market
Telephone booth
Cinema
Bank
Police station
School
Butchery
Bakery
Grocery
Chemist
Barber
Optician
Watchmaker
Isibhedlela
Okulengiselwa imota
Indlu ebona ngokuhamba kwezincwadi
Isilindo
Indawo yokuthengisela
Indlu yokutshayela ucingo
Okubonwa imfanekiso
Okugcinwa imali
Enkambeni yamapolisa
Isikolo
Isilaha
Okuphekwa isinkwa
Ivinkili
Okuthengiswa imithi
Ogela inwele
Obona ngokwelatshwa kwamehlo
Olungisa okokubonisa isikhathi
1. What is the name of this town?
Ibizo laleli dholobho lithiwani?
2. What is the name of this city?
Ibizo lalumuzu lithiwani?
3. Where can I change some money?
Ngingantshintsha ngaphi imali?
4. I would like to see some interesting places?
Ngingathanda ukubona indawo ezijabulisayo.
5. How much is this?
Kuyimalini lokhu?
6. Where can I buy a hat and a pair of shoes?
Ngingathenga ngaphi ingwane lizicathulo?
7. Which ones have the lowest prices?
Yikuphi okulentengo ephansi?
8. That is too dear.
Kuyadla kakhulu.
9. Where can I buy some sugar?
Ngingathenga ngaphi itshukela?
9
Lesson 7: Tobacco
1. Give me twenty cigarettes and a box of matches.
Ngipha imihlanga yegwayi engamatshumi amabili lesilumathiso.
2. Do you have any tobacco?
Ulegwayi na? / Lilegwayi na?
3. Do you have any cigarettes?
Ulemihlanga yegwayi na? / Lilemihlanga yegwayi na?
4. I am sorry, I have no cigarettes.
Ngilusizi angila mihlanga yegwayi.
5. Would you like a cigarette?
Ufuna umhlanga wegwayi na? / Lifuna umhlanga wegwayi na?
6. I don't smoke.
Angibhemi.
7. But Farai smokes.
Kodwa UFarayi uyabhema.
8. I smoke twenty-five cigarettes a day.
Ngibhema imihlanga yegwayi engamatshumi amabili lanhlanu ngelanga.
9. This house is full of cigarette smoke.
Indlu le igcwele intuthu yegwayi.
10. Can I have an ashtray?
Ngingazuza ucephe lokufaka umlotha yegwayi na?
Grammar (Verbs - Continuing Present)
To eat
I am eating
You are eating
He/She is eating
We are eating
You are eating
They are eating
-
Nguiyadla
Uyadla
Uyadla
Siyadla
Liyadla
Bayadla
To go
I am going
You are going
He/She is going
We are going
You are going
They are going
-
Ngiyahamba
Uyahamba
Uyahamba
Siyahamba
Liyahamba
Bayahamba
To cook (ukupheka)
I am cooking
You are cooking
He/She is cooking
- Ngiyapheka
- Uyapheka
- Uyapheka
10
We are cooking
You are cooking
They are cooking
- Siyapheka
- Liyapheka
- Bayapheka
To wash (ukugeza)
I am washing
You are washing
He/She is washing
We are washing
You are washing
They are washing
-
Ngiyageza
Uyageza
Uyageza
Siyageza
Liyageza
Bayageza
Lesson 8: Relations & Friends
Grandfather
Grandmother
Father
Mother
Uncle
Aunt
Son
Daughter
Brother
Sister
Nephew
Niece
Cousin (f)
Cousin (m)
Husband
Wife
Father-in-law
Mother-in-law
Brother-in-law
Sister-in-law
Son-in-law
Daughter-in-law
Man
Woman
Boy
Girl
Child
Friend
Ubabamkhulu
Ugogo
Ubaba
Umama
Umalume
Ubabakazi
Indodana
Indodakazi
Umnewethu
Udadewethu
Umzukulu
Umzukulu
Umzawami
Umzawami
Indoda
Umfazi
Ubabazala
Umamazala
Usibale
Usibale
Umkwenyana
Umalukazana
Indoda
Owesintwana
Umfana
Inkazana
Umtwane
Umgane
1. Can I see Mr. Gumbo?
Ngingabona UGumbo na?
2. I like being here.
Ngithanda ukuba lapha.
11
3. How is Mrs. Mugadza?
Unjani umama wako Mugadza?
4. Give my compliments to Mrs. Gondo.
Ungiphele Umama ka Gondo ukubonga kwami.
5. I am very pleased to see you.
Ngiyajabula ukukubona.
6. The pleasure is mine.
Injabulo ngeyami.
7. Are you going already?
Usuhamba na?
8. When can I see him?
Ngingambona nini?
9. When will he be back?
Uyaphenduka nini?
10. Is Mr. Binga at home?
UBinga ungekhaya na?
Lesson 8: Numerals
one
two
three
four
five
six
seven
eight
nine
ten
eleven
twelve
thirteen
fourteen
fifteen
sixteen
seventeen
eighteen
nineteen
twenty
twenty one
twenty two
twenty three
twenty four
twenty five
twenty six
twenty seven
twenty eight
twenty nine
kunye
kubili
kuthathu
kune
kuhlanu
kuyisithupha
isikhombisa
kuyisitshiya ngalo mbili
kuyisitshiya ngalo lunye
itshumi
itshumi lanye
itshumi lambili
itshumi lantathu
itshumi lane
itshumi lanhlanu
itshumi lesithupa
itshumi lesikhombisa
itshumi letshiya ngalo mbili
itshumi letshiyangalo lunye
amatshumi amabili
amatshumi amabili lanye
amatshumi amabili lambili
amatshumi amabili lanthatu
amatshumi amabili lane
amatshumi amabili lanhlanu
amatshumi amabili lesithupa
amatshumi amabili lesikhombisa
amatshumi amabili letshiya ngalo mbili
amatshumi amabili letshiya ngalo lunye
12
thirty
fourty
fifty
sixty
seventy
eighty
ninety
hundred
thousand
amatshumi amathatu
amatshumi amane
amatshumi amahlanu
amatshumi ayisithupa
amatshumi ayikhombisa
amatshumi ayitshiyangalo mbili
amatshumi ayitshiyangalo lunye
ikhulu
inkulungwane
Grammar (Verbs)
To do
I do
You do
He/She does
We do
You do
They do
-
Ngiyenza
Uyenza
Uyenza
Siyenza
Liyenza
Bayenza
I am doing
You are doing
He/she is doing
We are doing
You are doing
They are doing
-
Ngiyenza
Uyenza
Uyenza
Siyenza
Liyenza
Bayenza
I did
You did
He/She did
We did
You did
They did
-
Ngenza
Wenza
Wenza
Senza
Lenza
Benza
I will do
You will do
He/She will do
We will do
You will do
They will do
-
Ngizakwenza
Uzakwenza
Uzakwenza
Sizakwenza
Lizakwenza
Bazakwenza
Lesson 20: Collective & Distributive Numbers
a couple
a dozen
half a dozen
the last
abantu ababili
amatshumi amabili lambili
isithupa
okukuqedisa
13
each
a pair
kunye-lakunye
okubili lakubili
1. Give me half a kilo of sugar.
Ngipha itshukela eneleyo laphakathi kwekilo.
2. I have been in Zimbabwe twice.
Ngangise Zimbabwe kabili.
3. I want to buy a dozen of eggs.
Ngifuna ukuthenga amatshumi amabili amaqanda.
4. I was the last to see him.
Yimi engaqediselayo ukumbona.
5. Give each of the children a sweet.
Phana umtwana munye lamunye isiwiji.
Lesson 11: The Time
morning
afternoon
midday
evening
night
ekuseni
emini
emini enkulu
ntambama
ebusuku
How long?
A long time.
How many times?
An hour ago.
Okwesikhathi esingakanani?
Okwesikhathi eside.
Kangaki?
Ihola eledlulileyo.
Grammar (Verbs)
To be able to
Present
Ngiyakwanisa
Uyakwanisa
Uyakwanisa
Liyakwanisa
Siyakwanisa
Bayakwanisa
Past
Ngangikwanisa
Wawukwanisa
Wayekwanisa
Sasikwanisa
Lalikwanisa
Babekwanisa
14
Future
Ngizabe ngikwanisa
Uzabe ukwanisa
Uzabe ukwanisa
Sizabe sikwanisa
Lizabe likwanisa
Bazabe bekwanisa
Lesson 12: The Calendar
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Insonto
Umvulo
Ulwesibili
Ulwesithathu
Ulwesine
Ulwesihlanu
Umqibelo
This week
Last week
Next week
This month
Last month
Next month
This year
Last year
Next year
Ivhiki yonale
Ivhiki ephelileyo
Ivhiki ezayo
Kuyonale inyanga
Inyanga ephelileyo
Inyanga ezayo
Lonyaka
Umnyaka ophelileyo
Umnyaka ozayo
Fortnight
everyday
today
Yesterday
Tomorrow
Amavhiki amabili
nsuku zonke
namhla
Izolo
Kusasa
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Uzibandlela
Unhlolanja
Umabasa
Umbimbitho
Unkwenkwezi
Unhlangula
Untulikazi
Uncwabakazi
Umpandula
Umfufu
Ulwezi
Umpalakazi
15
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter
Esilimo
Ehlobo
Ekwindla
Ebusika
Lesson 13: The Weather
It is very hot.
It is very cold.
It is raining.
It will rain tomorrow.
It is windy.
Sky
Star
Moon
Sun
Kuyatshisa.
Kuyaqanda.
Izulu liyana.
Izulu lizakuna kusasa.
Kulomoya.
Isibhakabhaka
Inkanyezi
Inyanga
Ilanga
Grammar (Verbs)
To be in need of
Present
Ngifuna
Uyafuna
Uyafuna
Siyafuna
Liyafuna
Bayafuna
Past
Ngangifuna
Wawufuna
Wayefuna
Sasijuna
Lalifuna
Babefuna
Future
Ngizafuna
Uzafuna
Uzafuna
Sizafuna
Lizafuna
Bazafuna
16
Lesson 14: In The House
comb
mirror
needle
razor
scissors
soap
thread
toothbrush
button
coat
dress
hat
pocket
raincoat
shirt
shoes
shoe laces
trousers
blanket
ikama
isibuko
usungulo
ileza
isigelo
isepa
umxeba
okukugezisa amazinyo
isikophela
ijazi
isiqgoko
ingwane
isikwama
ijazi lokuvikela izulu
ihembe
izicathulo
intambo zezincathulo
ibhulugwe
ingubo
1. Call me at seven o'clock.
Ungibize ngehola lesikhombisa.
2. I want a warm bath.
Ngifuna ukugeza amanzi akhudumulayo.
3. Bring me some hot water.
Ngipathela amanzi atshisayo.
4. I want a haircut.
Ngifuna ukuqunwa inwele.
5. I want a shave.
Ngifuna ukuqunwa indevu.
5. Will you please iron these trousers for me?
Ungangelulela amabhulugwe ami la na?
Useful Verbs
to dress
to undress
to iron
ukuqgoka
ukukhulula
ukwelula
Lesson 15: Correspondence & Telephone
address
envelope
letter
money order
pen
ikheli
imvulopu
incwadi
incwadi yemali
usiba lokubhalisa
17
parcel
telephone
telephone number
no reply
telegram
airmail letter
telephone directory
local call
ipaseli
ucingo
inombolo zocingo
akulampendulo
incwadi yocingo
incwadi ye ndizamtshina
ugwalo lwenombolo zocingo
ucingo lwakuyonale indawo
1. It is getting through.
Luyafika.
2. I will telephone you tomorrow.
Ngizakutshayela ucingo kusasa.
3. What is the date?
Ilanga lithini namuhla?
4. I want to register this letter.
Ngifuna ukubhalisa incwadi le.
5. I want some stamps.
Ngifuna izitampa.
6. Name and address of sender.
Ibizo lekheli yomthumezeli.
7. Are there any letters for me?
Kulencwadi zami yini?
8. I want to send a telegram.
Ngifuna ukuthumezela incwadi yocingo.
9. I want to telephone.
Ngifuna ukutshayo ucingo.
10. Will you post this letter for me?
Ungangipositela incwadi yami yini?
11. What is the postage on this letter?
Kuyimalini ukuposita incwadi le?
Grammar
To have just
I have just arrived
She has just finished
Ngisanda kufika
Usanda kuqeda
Useful Verbs
to finish
to wait
to telephone
engaged
ukuqeda
ukumelela
ukutshaya ucingo
ukusentshenziswa
18
Lesson 16: Medical Attention
doctor
nurse
hospital
udokotela
unesi
isibhedlela
1. I want to see a doctor.
Ngifuna ukubona udokotela.
2. Send for a doctor.
Thumelani udokotela.
3. I have caught a cold.
Ngibanjwe nqumqando.
4. I have a headache.
Ikhanda lami libuhlungu.
5. I have a stomach ache.
Isisu sami sibuhlungu.
6. I want to see a dentist.
Ngifuna ukubona udokotela wamazinyo.
7. I did not sleep well last night.
Angilalanga kuhle ubusuku bayizolo.
Grammar
Comparisons
I have more money than you.
Ngilemali enengi kulawe.
You are less tall than I am.
Umfitshane kulami.
I can eat as fast as you.
Ngiyakwanisa ukuphangisa ukudla njengawe.
Useful Verbs
to
to
to
to
to
come
come (back)
arrive
sit/live
fall
ukubuya
ukuphenduka
ukufika
ukuhlala
ukuwa
Lesson 17: Commands & Requests
Bring me some water
Carry this bag
Drive fast
Drive slowly
Drive me to Mutare
Do your best
Ngiphathela amanzi
Thwala isikwama lesi
Tshayela masinya / ngokuphangisa
Tshayela kancane
Ngitshayela eMutare
Yenza konke ongakwenza okuhle
19
Give me
Go away
Hurry up
Knock
Listen
Look out
Leave me alone
Ring
Send me
Show me
Take it away
Tell me
Wait
Show me the way
Open the door
Find me another seat
Ngipha
Hamba katshana
Phangisa
Qoqoda
Lalela
Qaphela / Khangela phandle
Ngitshiya ngedwa
Khalisa / Tshaya
Ngithumela
Ngitshengisa
Thatha uhambe lakho
Ngitshela
Mana
Ngithsengisa indlela
Vula umnyango
Ngidingela esinye isihlalo
Grammar
Definite Article
Open the window
Close the windows
Vula ifasitela
Vala amafasitela
Useful Verbs
to
to
to
to
to
to
give
walk
go up
go down
be born
die
ukupha
ukuhamba
ukuya phezulu
okwehla / ukuyaphansi
ukuzalwa
ukufa
Lesson 18: Food & Drink
meat
pork
bacon
mutton
veal
chicken
duck
fish
vegetables
tomatoes
onion
sweet potato
pepper
inyama
inyama yengulube yamathambo
inyama yengulube
inyama yemvu
inyama yenkonyane
inyama yenkukhu
idada
inhlanzi
imibhida
amatamatisi
ihanyanisi
imbambayila
ibilebile
20
mushrooms
beans
potatoes
rice
sugar
salt
milk
cream
tea
coffee
water
bread
beer
amakhowa
indumba
amagwili
ilayisi
itshukela
itshwayi
uchago
ulaza
itiye
ikhofi
amanzi
isinkwa
utshwala
Grammar
Disjunctive pronouns
I want to go there with you.
Ngifuna ukuyakhona lawe.
I brought a loaf of bread with me.
Ngibuye lelofy yesinkwa.
Can I speak to Fungai please?
Ngingakhuluma loFungayi yini?
Useful Verbs
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
to
hold
lead
drive
know
see
send
receive
call
throw
buy
run
ukubamba
ukukhokhela
ukutshayela
ukwazi
ukubona
ukuthumela / ukuthumezela
ukwemukela
ukubiza
ukuphosa
ukuthenga
ukugijima
Lesson 19: Sports & Arms
ball
boxing
football
game
song
ibhola
inqindi
ibhola lezinyawo
umdlalo
ingoma
21
1. Where is the ball?
Ingaphi ibhola?
2. Shingai is the boxing champion in Kambuzuma.
UShingai yinqwele yenqindi eKambuzuma.
3. Kudakwashe plays football in the second team of Dynamos Club.
UKudakwashe udlalela iqembu lesibili ku Dynamos Club.
4. Which game is this?
Ngumdlalo uphi lo?
5. I am going to sing a religious song.
Ngizahlabela ingoma yensonto.
6. We want two seats when the performance starts.
Sifuna izihlalo ezembili nxa umdlalo usuqalisa.
Useful Verbs
to
to
to
to
to
live
follow
break
allow
promise
ukuhlala / ukuphila
ukulandela
ukwephula
ukuvumela
ukuthembisa
Lesson 20: Motoring
1. Where is the garage?
2. Where is the service station?
3. What is the matter?
4. I have a front wheel puncture.
5. Where can I get some petrol?
6. I have a breakdown.
7. The brakes are out of order.
8. Can you send someone?
9. I want to wash the car.
10. Drive well.
Kungaphi lapho okulungiswa imota?
Kungaphi okuthelwa amafutha emota?
Kwenze njani?
Ivili laphambili seliphele umoya.
Ngizazuza ngaphi amafutha.
Imota yami isifile.
Amabhuleki kasasebenzi.
Ungathuma umuntu na? / Lingathuma umuntu na?
Ngifuna ukugezisa imota.
Tshayela kuhle.
Useful Verbs
to
to
to
to
fear
join
complain
reach
ukwesaba
ukubambanisa
ukukhonona
ukufika
Lesson 21: Idiomatic Phrases
Who is knocking?
Is Mr. Bhomba at home?
Your health is deteriorating.
In a few words.
He is drunk.
Ngubani oqoqodayo?
Umnunuzana Bhomba ungekhanya na?
Umzimba yakho uyaphela kancane.
Ngamazwi amafitshane.
Udakiwe.
22
It fits you like a glove.
She is well dressed.
It is alright.
How much have you left?
At any moment.
At the same time.
To kill time.
Early in the morning.
It is time to go.
Time is flying.
It is clearing up.
Kuyakufanela.
Uqgoke kuhle.
Kulungile.
Utshiye okungaki?
Ngasikhathi sonke.
Ngasikhathi sinye.
Ukudlalisa isikhathi.
Ekuseni kakhulu.
Sokuyisikhathi sokuhamba.
Isikhathi siyagijima.
Sokukhanya.
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
I
Ngilambile.
Ngomile.
Ngiyatsha.
Ngiyagodolwa.
Ngiyesaba.
Ngiyahlonipha.
Ngilobuthongo.
Ngileminyaka engamatshumi amabili lesithupa.
am
am
am
am
am
am
am
am
hungry.
thirsty.
hot.
cold.
afraid.
ashamed.
sleepy.
26 years old.
Thank you.
ngiyabonga
Useful Verbs
to
to
to
to
sew
please
like (something)
sleep
ukuthunga
ukuthabisa
ukuthanda into
ukulala
Lesson 20: Adverbs, Conjunctions & Prepositions
about
above
again
alike
almost
already
although
always
alone
anywhere
at present
badly
behind
besides
between
but
sokuzakuba
ngaphezulu
njalo / futhi
okufananayo
okuphose
kudala
loba / lobanje
ngasikhati sonke
ngedwa / wedwa / yedwa / sodwa / lodwa / bodwa
ndaowyonke
okwakathesi
kubi / kabi
ngemuva
nhaphandle
phakathi laphakathi
kodwa
23
certainly
down
enough
except
far
from
here
how
however
if
in
instead of
less
near
next to
now
only
or
outside
over
quickly
seldom
suddenly
there
therefore
till
together
when
where
why
without
ngempela
phansi
okwaneleyo
ngaphandle
khatshana / kude
ukuvela
lapha
njani / kungani
kungaselani
aluba
phakathi
kulokuthi
okulutshwane
eduze
eduzane lo
khathesi
kuphela
loba / kumbe / noma
phandle
phezulu / sokuphelile
masinya / ngokuphangisa
kalutshwana
khonokhonje
khonale / ngale
yikhoke
kuzekube
sonke
nini
ngaphi
ngani
kungela
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