The Bemba language is spoken in Central African countries including Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Botswana.
In Zambia, it is spoken by over six million people. Several Zambian dialects have evolved. “Bemba Lite” (Town Bemba) is spoken along the line of rail and is characterized by words borrowed from various local languages and English.
7. Nine titi uushangila mulya mung’omba, kano mwipindo lyandi. That is to say: I can survive without the favours of the great. Emukutila: Kuti nakwanisha nangu cakuti tamungafwile mwe bakankala. For more proverbs check out Joseph’s book: “PA NSAKA” BEMBA PROVERBS & SAYINGS 1 (Explained both in English and Bemba)By Joseph Mwila Bwembya
Mwaiseni (Welcome) Welcome = Mwaiseni As discussed in Lesson 8 – Learn How to Read and Pronounce Bemba Words, the Bemba language uses the same letters of the alphabet as English. Before learning to make sentences in Bemba, you need to know about the building blocks. This lesson covers Vowels Special vowel sounds (Double vowels)…
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…
Bemba Proverbs: 6. “Umulume wambwa tankila mubiye.” That is to say: Don’t rely on your friends to provide for you, fight your own battle. Emukutila: Wicetekela ukuti abanobe ebo balekufwaila ifyo ulekabila mubwikalo bobe. ______________
Bemba Proverbs: 5. “Nine titi uushangila mulya mung’omba, kano mwipindo lyandi.” That is to say: I can survive without the great. Emukutila: Kuti nakwanisha nangu cakuti tamungafwile mwe bakankala. ___________
Bemba Proverbs: 3. “Kumusumba takwabikilwa nkwa.” That is to say: Don’t plan to do your job if you have to do something for someone more important. Emukutila: Ngawatumwa ukubombela umukankala umo umulimo, utale ulabeko kumilimo yobe. ___________
Bemba Sayings 1. “Kanyelele mufukila kubili” Kwaliba nabantu abo beta ati ba “Kanyelele mufukila kubili”, aba bantu ngawabalekela ifipe fyobe kuti bapokela umwana mukulela pantu bakaso sana. _______________
Bemba Proverbs: 2. “Ndi musunga wa mpundu, nyambalala pa muulu.” That is to say: I seem harmless, but if you pester me, I am dangerous. Emukutila: Mwimona fino nafuuka elyo mulembelesha nganafulwa nalishupa. _____________
Bemba Proverbs: 1. “Impande yalubiile mukwalaula.” That is to say: Do not let everyone finger your jewels, they may get lost. Emukutila: Wilalekela ababiyo balekwangashisha ifyo wakwata pantu kuti bakonowila nangu bakulufisha. _____ _________
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 =…
