Language Learning

1. Nkhusambilila Chitumbuka

   I am learning Chitumbuka

   Usage

   Telling local people you are studying their language; it is usually welcomed and starts a conversation

   Grammar Note

   nkhu- (I) + -sambilila "learn"; the language name takes chi- (Chitumbuka, the Tumbuka way of speaking). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

2. Nkhukhumba kuyowoya Chitumbuka

   I want to speak Chitumbuka

   Usage

   Stating your goal, or asking someone to practise speaking with you

   Grammar Note

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

3. Nkhukhumba kumanya kuŵazga Chitumbuka

   I want to be able to read Chitumbuka

   Usage

   Stating a reading goal in your study

   Grammar Note

   -manya means both "know" and "be able to" and takes a ku- infinitive after it. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Kasi mungang'anamulira mazgu agha?

   Could you translate these words?

   Usage

   Asking someone to translate written words or a sign

   Grammar Note

   -ng'anamula means "translate, explain"; "mazgu" is a ma- class plural, so "these" is "agha". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

5. Chonde, kasi mungalongosora makora?

   Could you please explain that in more detail?

   Usage

   A polite request to have something explained again in more detail

   Grammar Note

   mu-nga- (you can) + -longosora "explain"; "makora" is the adverb "well, properly"

6. Chiyowoyero

   Language

   Usage

   The word for a language; the plural is "viyowoyero", and "chiyowoyero chake" means "his or her own language"

   Grammar Note

   "chiyowoyero" is a chi-/vi- class noun formed from the verb -yowoya "speak"

7. Mazgu

   Words

   Usage

   The plural word for words; the singular is "lizgu"

   Grammar Note

   "mazgu" is a ma- class plural, with "agha" for "these" and gha- agreement for possessives

8. Kasi muli na buku la Chitumbuka?

   Do you have a book in Chitumbuka?

   Usage

   Looking for a book or study material in the local language at a shop or library

   Grammar Note

   "buku" is a loanword in the li-/ma- class, so "of" is "la". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

Browse all TravelPhrases languages