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…
Language
Bemba language
Amapinda Ne Nsoselo – 6
by Joseph Mwila Bwembya •
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. ______________
Amapinda Ne Nsoselo – 5
by Joseph Mwila Bwembya •
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. ___________
Amapinda yamu ciBemba – 3
by Joseph Mwila Bwembya •
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. ___________
Insoselo Shamu ciBemba – 1
by Joseph Mwila Bwembya •
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. _______________
Amapinda yamu ciBemba – 2
by Joseph Mwila Bwembya •
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. _____________
Amapinda yamu ciBemba – 1
by Joseph Mwila Bwembya •
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. _____ _________
Bemba Lesson 17 – At The Hotel
by JS •
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 =…
Bemba Lesson 16 – Small Talk
by JS •
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 =…
Bemba Lesson 15.4 – How to Ask a Question – WHAT? – To Drink
by JS •
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…
