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.

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 Lesson 1: Useful Expressions

Good day Ilanga elihle

Good morning U/Livuke njani
Good afternoon U/Litshone njani
Good evening U/Litshone njani
Good night U/Lilale kuhle
Good bye U/Lisale kuhle
How are you? Linjani/Kunjani ukuphila?
I am very well. Ngiyaphila.
Excuse me. Uxolo.
It doesn't matter. Akulandaba.
Come in. Ngena/Ngenani.
You are very kind. Ulesihawu.
Do you speak English? Uyakhuluma yini isingisi?
I do not speak Shona. Uyakhuluma isishona na?
Do you understand? Uyezwisisa/Liyezwisisa na?
I don't understand. Angizwisisi.
What does it mean? Kutsho ukuthini?
At once. Khonamanje?
How much money do you have? Ule/Lilemalini?
How many fingers do you have? Ule/Lileminwe emingaki?
What is this? Kuyini lokhu?
What is your name? Igama lakho ngubani?
How old are you? Ule/Lileminyaka emingaki?
What do you want? Ufunani/Lifunani?
Where do you live? Uhlala ngaphi?
Here it is. Nanku khona lapha.
Here they are. Nampa lapha.
There it is. Nankuyana laphayana.
What did you say? Utheni/Litheni?
Forgive me. Ngixolela.
Please speak slowly. Uxolo khuluma kancane.
I think so. Ngikhumbula njalo.
I don't think so. Kangikhumbuli njalo.
Yes. Yebo.
No. Hayi/Hatshi.
For sure. Ngempela.
I must go. Kumele ngihambe/Kufanele ngihambe.
Allow me. Ngivumela.
With pleasure. Kulungile.
I am short of money. Angisela mali.
Sit down. Hlala phansi.
I know that. Ngiyakwazi lokho.
I don't know. Angikwazi.
Do you know? Uyakwazi yini/Liyakwazi yini.
You are wrong. Wehlulekile/Uphambanisile.
You are right. Uqondile/Uqinisile.

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Will you give me? Ungangipha na/Lingangipha na?
Come here. Hoza lapha/Buya lapha.
What is the matter? Kwenzenjani na?

Grammar (Personal Pronouns)

I Mina Myself Mina ngedwa

You Wena Yourself Wena wedwa
He/She Yena Him/Herself Yena yedwa
It Khona Ourselves Thina sodwa
We Thina Yourselves Lina lodwa
You Lina Themselves Bona bodwa
They Bona

Lesson 2: The Human Body

Head Ikhanda
Hair Inwele
Eye(s) Ilihlo/Amehlo
Ear Indlebe
Nose Amakhala
Mouth(s) Umlomo/Imilomo
Chin Isilevu
Cheek(s) Isihlathi/Izihlathi
Tongue Ulimi
Tooth/Teeth Izinyo/Amazinyo
Face Ubuso
Neck Intamo
Shoulder(s) Ihlombe/Amahlombe
Chest Isifuba
Backbone Umhlane
Arm(s) Ingalo
Hand(s) Isandla/Izandla
Finger(s) Umunwe/Iminwe
Nail Uzipho/Inzipho
Elbow(s) Indololwane
Stomach(s) Isisu/Izisu
Leg(s) Umbala/Imbala
Knee(s) Idolo/Amadolo
Foot/Feet Unyawo/Inyawo
Toe(s) Uzwane/Amazwane
Voice Ilizwi

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 Grammar (Verbs - Present Tense)

To have (Ukuba)

I have - Ngile
You have - Ule
He/She has - Ule
We have - Sile
You have - Lile
They have - Bale

To be (Ukuba)

I am - Ngiya
You are - Uya
He/She is - Uya
We are - Siya
You are - Liya
They are - Baya

To eat (Ukudla)

I eat - Ngiyadla
You eat - Uyadla
He/She eats - Uyadla
We eat - Siyadla
You eat - Liyadla
They ear - Bayadla

To go (Ukuhamba)

I go - Ngiyahamba
You go - Uyahamba
He/She goes - Uyahamba
We go - Siyahamba
You go - Liyahamba
They go - Bayahamba

Lesson 3: Human Qualities & Emotions

Character Ubuntu/Imbeko
Anger Ukuzonda
Dislike Inzondo
Goodness Ubuhle
Honesty Ukwethembeka
Intelligence Ingqondo
Knowledge Ulwazi
Patience Ukubekezela

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Pleasure Ukuthatshiswa
Hearing Ukuzwa
Sight Ukubona
Smell Ukunuka
Speech Inkulumo
Strength Amandla
Thought Umcabango
Weakness Ukuswela amandla
Wisdom Ukuhlakanipha
Love Uthando
Hate Inzondo
Age Intanga
Laughter Uhleko

Grammar (Verbs - Past Tense)

To have

I had - Ngangile
You had - Wawule
He/She had - Wayele
We had - Sasile
You had - Lalile
They had - Babele

To be

I was - Ngangi
You were - Wawu
He/She was - Waye
We were - Sasi
You were - Lali
They were - Babe

To eat

I ate - Ngadla
You ate - Wadla
He/She ate - Wadla
We ate - Sadla
You ate - Ladla
They ate - Badla

To go

I went - Ngahamba
You went - Wahamba
He/She went - Wahamba

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We went - Sahamba
You went - Lahamba
They went - Bahamba

Lesson 4: Adjectives

(Size)

big ubukhulu
broad, wide ububanzi
long ubude
narrow ukuncipa
short ubufitshane
small okuncane
thick ukunona

(Others)

bad ububi
beautiful ubuhle
bitter ukubaba
blind isiphofu
deaf isacuthe
dumb isimungulu
brave isibindi
bright ukukhanya
careful ngonanzelelo
cheap ukwehla
cheerful ukuthabela/ukukhululeka
clean okuhlanzeka
cold ukuqanda
complete ukuqeda
dangerous okungenisa engozini
dear sithandwa
dead ukufa
deep ukutshona
different ukutshiyana
dirty ingcekeza
dry ukoma
early ukuphangisa
easy ubulula
fast ukuphangisa
fat ukunona
free ukukhululeka
full ukugcwala
glad ukuthaba
good kulungile
happy ukuthaba

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hot ukutshisa
important okuqakathekilo
interesting okuthabisayo
late ukuphuza
loose okuxhegayo
loud umkhosi
low okwehlileyo
many okunengi
necessary okufaneleyo
new okutsha
old okudala
open vula/ukukhamisa
perfect okuqondileyo
polite ukuthobeka
poor ubuyanga
possible okungenzeka
private imfihlo
probably engxenye
quick phangisa
quiet ukuthula
raw okuluhlaza
ready ukulungisela
rich ukunotha
ripe ukuvuthwa
sad ukudana
safe ukukhululeka
same okufananayo
simple okulula
slow ukuphuza
sour okubabayo
strong ukuqina
sufficient okwaneleyo
sweet ubumnandi
true iqiniso
ugly ububi
urgent ukuphangisa
useful okusetshenziswayo
valuable okuqakathekileyo
young 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?

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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 - Ngizakuba

You will have - Uzakuba
He/She will have - Uzakuba
We will have - Sizakuba
You will have - Lizakuba
They will have - Bazakuba

To be

I will be - Ngizabe
You will be - Uzabe
He/She will be - Uzabe
We will be - Sizabe
You will be - Lizabe
They will be - Bazabe

To eat

I will eat - Ngizakudla

You will eat - Uzakudla
He/She will eat - Uzakudla
We will eat - Sizakudla
You will eat - Lizakudla
They will eat - Bazakudla

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 To go

I will go - Ngizahamba
You will go - Uzahamba
He/She will go - Uzahamba
We will go - Sizahamba
You will go - Lizahamba
They will go - Bazahamba

Lesson 6: Places, People & Shops

Hospital Isibhedlela
Garage Okulengiselwa imota
Post Office Indlu ebona ngokuhamba kwezincwadi
Station Isilindo
Market Indawo yokuthengisela
Telephone booth Indlu yokutshayela ucingo
Cinema Okubonwa imfanekiso
Bank Okugcinwa imali
Police station Enkambeni yamapolisa
School Isikolo
Butchery Isilaha
Bakery Okuphekwa isinkwa
Grocery Ivinkili
Chemist Okuthengiswa imithi
Barber Ogela inwele
Optician Obona ngokwelatshwa kwamehlo
Watchmaker 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?

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 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 - Nguiyadla
You are eating - Uyadla
He/She is eating - Uyadla
We are eating - Siyadla
You are eating - Liyadla
They are eating - Bayadla

To go

I am going - Ngiyahamba
You are going - Uyahamba
He/She is going - Uyahamba
We are going - Siyahamba
You are going - Liyahamba
They are going - Bayahamba

To cook (ukupheka)

I am cooking - Ngiyapheka
You are cooking - Uyapheka
He/She is cooking - Uyapheka

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We are cooking - Siyapheka
You are cooking - Liyapheka
They are cooking - Bayapheka

To wash (ukugeza)

I am washing - Ngiyageza
You are washing - Uyageza
He/She is washing - Uyageza
We are washing - Siyageza
You are washing - Liyageza
They are washing - Bayageza

Lesson 8: Relations & Friends

Grandfather Ubabamkhulu
Grandmother Ugogo
Father Ubaba
Mother Umama
Uncle Umalume
Aunt Ubabakazi
Son Indodana
Daughter Indodakazi
Brother Umnewethu
Sister Udadewethu
Nephew Umzukulu
Niece Umzukulu
Cousin (f) Umzawami
Cousin (m) Umzawami
Husband Indoda
Wife Umfazi
Father-in-law Ubabazala
Mother-in-law Umamazala
Brother-in-law Usibale
Sister-in-law Usibale
Son-in-law Umkwenyana
Daughter-in-law Umalukazana
Man Indoda
Woman Owesintwana
Boy Umfana
Girl Inkazana
Child Umtwane
Friend Umgane

1. Can I see Mr. Gumbo?

Ngingabona UGumbo na?
2. I like being here.
Ngithanda ukuba lapha.

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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 kunye
two kubili
three kuthathu
four kune
five kuhlanu
six kuyisithupha
seven isikhombisa
eight kuyisitshiya ngalo mbili
nine kuyisitshiya ngalo lunye
ten itshumi
eleven itshumi lanye
twelve itshumi lambili
thirteen itshumi lantathu
fourteen itshumi lane
fifteen itshumi lanhlanu
sixteen itshumi lesithupa
seventeen itshumi lesikhombisa
eighteen itshumi letshiya ngalo mbili
nineteen itshumi letshiyangalo lunye
twenty amatshumi amabili
twenty one amatshumi amabili lanye
twenty two amatshumi amabili lambili
twenty three amatshumi amabili lanthatu
twenty four amatshumi amabili lane
twenty five amatshumi amabili lanhlanu
twenty six amatshumi amabili lesithupa
twenty seven amatshumi amabili lesikhombisa
twenty eight amatshumi amabili letshiya ngalo mbili
twenty nine amatshumi amabili letshiya ngalo lunye

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thirty amatshumi amathatu
fourty amatshumi amane
fifty amatshumi amahlanu
sixty amatshumi ayisithupa
seventy amatshumi ayikhombisa
eighty amatshumi ayitshiyangalo mbili
ninety amatshumi ayitshiyangalo lunye
hundred ikhulu
thousand inkulungwane

Grammar (Verbs)

To do

I do - Ngiyenza
You do - Uyenza
He/She does - Uyenza
We do - Siyenza
You do - Liyenza
They do - Bayenza

I am doing - Ngiyenza
You are doing - Uyenza
He/she is doing - Uyenza
We are doing - Siyenza
You are doing - Liyenza
They are doing - Bayenza

I did - Ngenza
You did - Wenza
He/She did - Wenza
We did - Senza
You did - Lenza
They did - Benza

I will do - Ngizakwenza
You will do - Uzakwenza
He/She will do - Uzakwenza
We will do - Sizakwenza
You will do - Lizakwenza
They will do - Bazakwenza

Lesson 20: Collective & Distributive Numbers

a couple abantu ababili

a dozen amatshumi amabili lambili
half a dozen isithupa
the last okukuqedisa

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each kunye-lakunye
a pair 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 ekuseni
afternoon emini
midday emini enkulu
evening ntambama
night ebusuku

How long? Okwesikhathi esingakanani?

A long time. Okwesikhathi eside.
How many times? Kangaki?
An hour ago. Ihola eledlulileyo.

Grammar (Verbs)

To be able to

Present

Ngiyakwanisa
Uyakwanisa
Uyakwanisa
Liyakwanisa
Siyakwanisa
Bayakwanisa

Past

Ngangikwanisa
Wawukwanisa
Wayekwanisa
Sasikwanisa
Lalikwanisa
Babekwanisa

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 Future

Ngizabe ngikwanisa
Uzabe ukwanisa
Uzabe ukwanisa
Sizabe sikwanisa
Lizabe likwanisa
Bazabe bekwanisa

Lesson 12: The Calendar

Sunday Insonto
Monday Umvulo
Tuesday Ulwesibili
Wednesday Ulwesithathu
Thursday Ulwesine
Friday Ulwesihlanu
Saturday Umqibelo

This week Ivhiki yonale

Last week Ivhiki ephelileyo
Next week Ivhiki ezayo
This month Kuyonale inyanga
Last month Inyanga ephelileyo
Next month Inyanga ezayo
This year Lonyaka
Last year Umnyaka ophelileyo
Next year Umnyaka ozayo

Fortnight Amavhiki amabili

everyday nsuku zonke
today namhla
Yesterday Izolo
Tomorrow Kusasa

January Uzibandlela
February Unhlolanja
March Umabasa
April Umbimbitho
May Unkwenkwezi
June Unhlangula
July Untulikazi
August Uncwabakazi
September Umpandula
October Umfufu
November Ulwezi
December Umpalakazi

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Spring Esilimo
Summer Ehlobo
Autumn Ekwindla
Winter Ebusika

Lesson 13: The Weather

It is very hot. Kuyatshisa.

It is very cold. Kuyaqanda.
It is raining. Izulu liyana.
It will rain tomorrow. Izulu lizakuna kusasa.
It is windy. Kulomoya.
Sky Isibhakabhaka
Star Inkanyezi
Moon Inyanga
Sun 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

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 Lesson 14: In The House

comb ikama
mirror isibuko
needle usungulo
razor ileza
scissors isigelo
soap isepa
thread umxeba
toothbrush okukugezisa amazinyo
button isikophela
coat ijazi
dress isiqgoko
hat ingwane
pocket isikwama
raincoat ijazi lokuvikela izulu
shirt ihembe
shoes izicathulo
shoe laces intambo zezincathulo
trousers ibhulugwe
blanket 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 ukuqgoka
to undress ukukhulula
to iron ukwelula

Lesson 15: Correspondence & Telephone

address ikheli
envelope imvulopu
letter incwadi
money order incwadi yemali
pen usiba lokubhalisa

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parcel ipaseli
telephone ucingo
telephone number inombolo zocingo
no reply akulampendulo
telegram incwadi yocingo
airmail letter incwadi ye ndizamtshina
telephone directory ugwalo lwenombolo zocingo
local call 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 Ngisanda kufika

She has just finished Usanda kuqeda

Useful Verbs

to finish ukuqeda
to wait ukumelela
to telephone ukutshaya ucingo
engaged ukusentshenziswa

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 Lesson 16: Medical Attention

doctor udokotela
nurse unesi
hospital 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 come ukubuya
to come (back) ukuphenduka
to arrive ukufika
to sit/live ukuhlala
to fall ukuwa

Lesson 17: Commands & Requests

Bring me some water Ngiphathela amanzi

Carry this bag Thwala isikwama lesi
Drive fast Tshayela masinya / ngokuphangisa
Drive slowly Tshayela kancane
Drive me to Mutare Ngitshayela eMutare
Do your best Yenza konke ongakwenza okuhle

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Give me Ngipha
Go away Hamba katshana
Hurry up Phangisa
Knock Qoqoda
Listen Lalela
Look out Qaphela / Khangela phandle
Leave me alone Ngitshiya ngedwa
Ring Khalisa / Tshaya
Send me Ngithumela
Show me Ngitshengisa
Take it away Thatha uhambe lakho
Tell me Ngitshela
Wait Mana
Show me the way Ngithsengisa indlela
Open the door Vula umnyango
Find me another seat Ngidingela esinye isihlalo

Grammar

Definite Article

Open the window Vula ifasitela

Close the windows Vala amafasitela

Useful Verbs

to give ukupha
to walk ukuhamba
to go up ukuya phezulu
to go down okwehla / ukuyaphansi
to be born ukuzalwa
to die ukufa

Lesson 18: Food & Drink

meat inyama
pork inyama yengulube yamathambo
bacon inyama yengulube
mutton inyama yemvu
veal inyama yenkonyane
chicken inyama yenkukhu
duck idada
fish inhlanzi
vegetables imibhida
tomatoes amatamatisi
onion ihanyanisi
sweet potato imbambayila
pepper ibilebile

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mushrooms amakhowa
beans indumba
potatoes amagwili
rice ilayisi
sugar itshukela
salt itshwayi
milk uchago
cream ulaza
tea itiye
coffee ikhofi
water amanzi
bread isinkwa
beer 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 hold ukubamba
to lead ukukhokhela
to drive ukutshayela
to know ukwazi
to see ukubona
to send ukuthumela / ukuthumezela
to receive ukwemukela
to call ukubiza
to throw ukuphosa
to buy ukuthenga
to run ukugijima

Lesson 19: Sports & Arms

ball ibhola
boxing inqindi
football ibhola lezinyawo
game umdlalo
song ingoma

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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 live ukuhlala / ukuphila

to follow ukulandela
to break ukwephula
to allow ukuvumela
to promise ukuthembisa

Lesson 20: Motoring

1. Where is the garage? Kungaphi lapho okulungiswa imota?

2. Where is the service station? Kungaphi okuthelwa amafutha emota?
3. What is the matter? Kwenze njani?
4. I have a front wheel puncture. Ivili laphambili seliphele umoya.
5. Where can I get some petrol? Ngizazuza ngaphi amafutha.
6. I have a breakdown. Imota yami isifile.
7. The brakes are out of order. Amabhuleki kasasebenzi.
8. Can you send someone? Ungathuma umuntu na? / Lingathuma umuntu na?
9. I want to wash the car. Ngifuna ukugezisa imota.
10. Drive well. Tshayela kuhle.

Useful Verbs

to fear ukwesaba
to join ukubambanisa
to complain ukukhonona
to reach ukufika

Lesson 21: Idiomatic Phrases

Who is knocking? Ngubani oqoqodayo?

Is Mr. Bhomba at home? Umnunuzana Bhomba ungekhanya na?
Your health is deteriorating. Umzimba yakho uyaphela kancane.
In a few words. Ngamazwi amafitshane.
He is drunk. Udakiwe.

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It fits you like a glove. Kuyakufanela.
She is well dressed. Uqgoke kuhle.
It is alright. Kulungile.
How much have you left? Utshiye okungaki?
At any moment. Ngasikhathi sonke.
At the same time. Ngasikhathi sinye.
To kill time. Ukudlalisa isikhathi.
Early in the morning. Ekuseni kakhulu.
It is time to go. Sokuyisikhathi sokuhamba.
Time is flying. Isikhathi siyagijima.
It is clearing up. Sokukhanya.

I am hungry. Ngilambile.
I am thirsty. Ngomile.
I am hot. Ngiyatsha.
I am cold. Ngiyagodolwa.
I am afraid. Ngiyesaba.
I am ashamed. Ngiyahlonipha.
I am sleepy. Ngilobuthongo.
I am 26 years old. Ngileminyaka engamatshumi amabili lesithupa.

Thank you. ngiyabonga

Useful Verbs

to sew ukuthunga
to please ukuthabisa
to like (something) ukuthanda into
to sleep ukulala

Lesson 20: Adverbs, Conjunctions & Prepositions

about sokuzakuba
above ngaphezulu
again njalo / futhi
alike okufananayo
almost okuphose
already kudala
although loba / lobanje
always ngasikhati sonke
alone ngedwa / wedwa / yedwa / sodwa / lodwa / bodwa
anywhere ndaowyonke
at present okwakathesi
badly kubi / kabi
behind ngemuva
besides nhaphandle
between phakathi laphakathi
but kodwa

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certainly ngempela
down phansi
enough okwaneleyo
except ngaphandle
far khatshana / kude
from ukuvela
here lapha
how njani / kungani
however kungaselani
if aluba
in phakathi
instead of kulokuthi
less okulutshwane
near eduze
next to eduzane lo
now khathesi
only kuphela
or loba / kumbe / noma
outside phandle
over phezulu / sokuphelile
quickly masinya / ngokuphangisa
seldom kalutshwana
suddenly khonokhonje
there khonale / ngale
therefore yikhoke
till kuzekube
together sonke
when nini
where ngaphi
why ngani
without kungela

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