Music & Entertainment

1. Sumu

   Song

   Usage

   The basic word for a song or hymn; useful when asking about a tune

   Grammar Note

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

2. Nkhutemwa kwimba

   I like singing

   Usage

   Tells people you like to sing; also a natural reply when invited to join in

   Grammar Note

   "kwimba" is ku- + -imba "sing", with ku- becoming kw- before a vowel. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

3. Nkhutemwa sumu iyi

   I like this song

   Usage

   Showing appreciation for a song that is being played or sung

   Grammar Note

   "sumu" is a class 9 noun, so "this" is "iyi". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Mwimbi

   Singer, musician

   Usage

   A person who sings or plays; useful for asking about or introducing a performer

   Grammar Note

   "mwimbi" is a mu- class noun for a person, formed from the verb -imba "sing"

5. Ng'oma

   Drum

   Usage

   The word for a drum; keep the apostrophe, since "ngoma" without it is a different word (maize)

   Grammar Note

   "ng'" spells the nasal /ŋ/ as in English "sing"; a small drum is "kang'oma" and several small drums are "tung'oma"

6. Nkhukhumba kuvina

   I want to dance

   Usage

   Telling people you would like to join in the dancing

   Grammar Note

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

7. Nkhukhumba kuwona gulu lakuvina

   I want to see a dance group

   Usage

   Saying you would like to watch a local dance performance

   Grammar Note

   "gulu" is in the li-/ma- class, so "of" is la-; la + ku-vina gives "lakuvina". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

8. Nkhukhumba kupulika sumu za Chitumbuka

   I would like to hear songs in Chitumbuka

   Usage

   Asking to hear local songs in the language of the area

   Grammar Note

   "sumu" is class 9/10 and takes "za" for "of" in the plural. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

9. Kasi mukutemwa kuvina?

   Do you like dancing?

   Usage

   Asking whether someone enjoys dancing, for example before inviting them to dance

   Grammar Note

   mu-ku-temwa means "you like" and uses the polite plural mu-. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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