Hiking & Trekking

1. Nthowa iyi yikuluta nkhu?

   Where does this path lead?

   Usage

   Asks where a path goes, at a fork or a trailhead

   Grammar Note

   "nkhu" means "where" and follows the verb; "nthowa" also means "method". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

2. Kasi kuno kuli vinyama vyakofya?

   Are there dangerous animals around here?

   Usage

   Asks a local or guide about safety before you set off

   Grammar Note

   The plural of "nyama" (animal) is "vinyama" and "vyakofya" agrees with vi-; "kofya" means "frightening". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

3. Navuka chomene. Tiyeni tipumure pachoko

   I am very tired. Let's rest a little

   Usage

   Asks your companions for a break when you are worn out

   Grammar Note

   "Tiyeni ti-…-e" means "let's …"; the base verb of "pumure" is "kupumura" (rest). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Kasi ni kutali wuli?

   How far is it?

   Usage

   Asks how far it is to a destination or the top

   Grammar Note

   "wuli" is the question word for "how". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

5. Phiri

   Mountain

   Usage

   Mountain or hill; before a name it forms "Mount …" (Phiri la Maolive = Mount of Olives)

   Grammar Note

   The plural of "phiri" is "mapiri"; it takes li-, as in "phiri ili" ("this mountain")

6. Nthowa

   Path

   Usage

   Path or way; it can also mean "method"

   Grammar Note

   "nthowa" takes zi- in the plural; for a large road "msewu" is used

7. Mlonga

   River

   Usage

   River; handy as a landmark when asking directions on a trail

   Grammar Note

   "mlonga" is the word for river; in some place names it is spelled "mronga"

8. Nkhukhumba maji ghakumwa

   I want drinking water

   Usage

   Asks for drinking water on the trail or at a hut

   Grammar Note

   "maji" takes plural agreement with "gha"; "ghakumwa" means "for drinking". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

9. Tiyeni tilute

   Let's go

   Usage

   Calls your companions to move on, after a rest or at the start

   Grammar Note

   The "Tiyeni ti-…-e" pattern; "kuluta" means "to go". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

10. Kasi ningasanga nkhu mulongozgi?

    Where can I find a guide?

    Usage

    Looks for someone to lead you; ask at a park gate or your lodging

    Grammar Note

    "mulongozgi" is "one who leads", from "kulongozga" (to lead); the plural is "ŵalongozgi". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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