Festivals & Events

1. Chiphikiro

   Festival

   Usage

   The basic word for an annual festival or celebration; a starting point when asking about events

   Grammar Note

   "chiphikiro" is a chi-/vi- class noun with the plural "viphikiro"

2. Kasi chiphikiro chikuchitikira nkhu?

   Where is the festival being held?

   Usage

   Asking local people where a festival takes place

   Grammar Note

   "chiphikiro" is a chi- class noun, so the verb agrees with chi-; -chitikira means "happen at". "nkhu" is the question word "where". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

3. Nkhukhumba kuwonerera chiphikiro

   I want to watch the festival

   Usage

   Saying that you would like to go and watch a festival

   Grammar Note

   nkhu- (I) + -khumba "want" is followed by a ku- infinitive. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Chaka Chiphya

   New Year

   Usage

   The word for the new year; 1 January is a public holiday

   Grammar Note

   "chaka" is a chi- class noun, so the adjective "new" becomes "chiphya"

5. Chaka Chiphya chiwemi!

   Happy New Year!

   Usage

   A New Year greeting; literally "a good new year"

   Grammar Note

   "chaka chiphya" is in the chi- class, so "good" agrees as "chiwemi". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

6. Mwahuno ni holide

   Today is a holiday

   Usage

   Explaining why shops and offices may be closed, or confirming that it is a holiday

   Grammar Note

   "ni" means "is", and "holide" is a loanword from English "holiday". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

7. Zowala

   Wedding

   Usage

   The word for a wedding ceremony; useful when you have been invited to one

   Grammar Note

   "zowala" is used in this plural-looking form for a wedding ceremony; "marriage" itself is "nthengwa"

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