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. _____________
Language
Bemba language
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…
Bemba Lesson 15.3 – How to Ask a Question – WHAT? – To Eat
by JS •
In this lesson – How to Ask a Question in Bemba, we look at the verb “Eat” (Lya). 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 one person as a…
Bemba Lesson 16.1 – Street Language – Ama …
by JS •
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…
Bemba Lesson 15.2 – How to Ask a Question – WHAT? – To Do
by JS •
In this lesson on How to Ask a Question in Bemba, we look at the verb “Do” (Cita). 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 one person…
Bemba Lesson 15.1 – How to Ask a Question – WHAT? – To Want
by JS •
One of the fastest ways of learning any language is by asking the right questions. Ici Bemba (the Bemba language) is no exception. One way of politely correcting someone is by asking him a question about what he is doing. Knowing how to ask a question and knowing when you are being asked one is…
Bemba Lesson 14: Personal Pronouns – I, Me, My
by JS •
Personal Pronouns In Bemba, the personal pronoun changes depending on: Whether it is used as the subject or the object of a sentence The tense The negative The personal pronoun can be used as the subject or as an object of a sentence. This will determine how it is said. When used as the subject,…
