For clarity, we have left a gap between the pronoun and the verb. In practice, this is written without a gap, e.g. “Nde ipika” should be written as “Ndeipika,” Here is a list of the verbs that have been covered in this lesson: Clean, Cook Dance Eat Read Shower, Sleep Walk, Watch TV Cleaning I…
A book by Joseph Mwila Bwembya Joseph Mwila Bwembya has shared some Bemba sayings and proverbs here on KitweOnline. He has compiled even more Bemba wisdom into Part 1 of “Pa Nsaka” – Bemba Proverbs and Sayings“, published on Lulu.com. To buy your printed copy, click on the image below. PA NSAKA is a compilation…
A book by Thomson Ng’ambi “Ambassador’s Daughter” was Thomson Ng’ambi’s winning entry for the KitweOnline Writing Competition in 2011. (You can read his winning entry story here). Now, Thomson has published his first book: Passion of a Dream on Lulu.com. The Republic of Mutendere, an imaginary African country, has a population of 25 million. The…
The cost of petrol and diesel keeps going up every year. This affects you whether you drive a personal car or a company car. If you save a bit of money on fuel each time you drive, it will build up to be a significant amount over time. If you run a business, this can…
I want … = Ndefwaya We want … = Tulefwaya I made a reservation for a room = Nalilembesha “room” OR Nalilembesho muputule Are there rooms available? = Namukwate ncende? I want to stay 4 nights = Ndefwayo kulale nshiku shine OR Ndefwayo kulale nshiku “four” I’d like a room for 2 people, please =…
Yes = Ee (Mukwai) No = Awe (Mukwai) Please = Napapata Excuse me = Banjeleleko (Mukwai) Thank you = Natotela (Mukwai) You are welcome = Cilifye (Mukwai) Pardon? (I beg your pardon) = Amuti (shani)? I don’t understand = Nshumfwile Can you say that again, please? = Mwati shani (mukwai) Please speak slowly =…
In this lesson on How to Ask a Question in Bemba, we look at the verb “Drink” (Nwa). To drink = Ukunwa Note: Mu ciBemba (In Bemba) the same words are used to refer to a man and to a woman (He / She). In the following examples, remember that the plural form (pl.) is used to address…
Chisokone Street – kitweonline One of our readers, Yzo Leon from the Philippines, suggested that it would be interesting to cover Bemba “street” language in our lessons. Yzo suggested that learning the usual expressions used in informal conversation would be a way of learning more about culture. We totally agree. We will…
Swahili and Zulu language translators required to translate a film script. The project is based in Kitwe. If you are interested, leave your name and contact number or email address below. ____________
Every Christian learns the Lord's Prayer. There is currently no common record of the Lord's Prayer in Zambian languages on the internet. Help us update this page by sending in your corrections and the Prayer in different Zambian languages. Write in the box below. Progress report to date: 2/73 languages done. BEMBA Our Father, who…
