Religion & Temples

1. Tchalitchi lili nkhu?

   Where is the church?

   Usage

   Asks where a church is, for a service or a visit

   Grammar Note

   "Tchalitchi" is a class 5 noun, so the "is located" verb takes the form "lili". "Nkhu" means "where" and comes at the end; the word is also spelled "tchalici". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

2. Nkhukhumba kulomba

   I want to pray

   Usage

   Says you would like to pray, for example at a place of worship

   Grammar Note

   "To pray" is "kulomba". Do not use the Chichewa "kupemphera"; in Tumbuka "kupempha" means "to ask for something". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

3. Kasi ninganjira?

   May I come in?

   Usage

   Asks permission before entering a place of worship

   Grammar Note

   "ni-nga-njira" is "I-can-enter", the usual way to ask for permission. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Nkhukhumba kuluta ku tchalitchi

   I want to go to church

   Usage

   Says you want to go to church, for example for a Sunday service

   Grammar Note

   The particle "ku" comes before the destination. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

5. Nyumba yakusopelamo

   Place of worship

   Usage

   A place of worship in general, including temples as well as churches

   Grammar Note

   Literally "a house for worship"; it is also used for non-Christian temples such as Buddhist ones. Also spelled "nyumba yakusoperamo"

6. Chiuta

   God

   Usage

   The ordinary word for God

   Grammar Note

   A class 1a noun (it takes "wa-" agreement, like a person), also spelled "ciuta". In lower case "chiuta" can also refer to a god in general, such as the god of a temple

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