Fruits

6 phrases · Tumbuka with romanization, English and audio

  1. Vipambi

    Fruit

    Usage

    The general word for fruit; handy at a market or eatery before asking what is available

    Grammar Note

    "vipambi" is the plural of "chipambi" (a fruit) and belongs to the vi- class

  2. Mpheska

    Grapes

    Usage

    The word for grapes; it is also used for raisins

    Grammar Note

    "mpheska" is a class 9/10 noun and keeps the same form in the plural

  3. Kokonati

    Coconut

    Usage

    The word for coconut, used to name it at a lakeside stall or market

    Grammar Note

    "kokonati" is a loanword from English "coconut" and does not change its form

  4. Nkhutemwa mpheska

    I like grapes

    Usage

    Saying which fruit you like; replace mpheska with another fruit

    Grammar Note

    nkhu- (I) + -temwa "like" gives "I like"; the object follows the verb directly. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  5. Nkhukhumba kugula vipambi

    I want to buy some fruit

    Usage

    Telling a market seller or stallholder that you want to buy fruit

    Grammar Note

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

  6. Kasi muli na vipambi?

    Do you have any fruit?

    Usage

    Asking a seller whether they have fruit in stock

    Grammar Note

    "muli na" means "you have" and uses the polite plural mu-. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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