Shopping

7 phrases · Tumbuka with romanization, English and audio

  1. Kasi mtengo wake ni ndalama zilinga?

    How much is the price?

    Usage

    Pointing at an item to ask its price

    Grammar Note

    "Mtengo ... ni ndalama ..." is the pattern "the price is ... money". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  2. Mtengo ngwakudula chomene

    That price is too high

    Usage

    An opening line in a bargain

    Grammar Note

    "ngwa-" is "ni" + "wa-" contracted, agreeing with "mtengo" (class 3). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  3. Chonde, chepeskani mtengo

    Please lower the price

    Usage

    To ask for a discount at a market

    Grammar Note

    "-chepeska" means "reduce". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  4. Chiwemi, nkhutora ichi

    Fine, I'll take it

    Usage

    When you agree on the price and decide to buy

    Grammar Note

    Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  5. Nkhukhumba yayi

    I don't want it

    Usage

    To refuse a persistent offer or something you do not want

    Grammar Note

    "yayi" after the verb negates it. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  6. Chonde, nipani chikwama

    A bag, please

    Usage

    To ask for a bag for your purchases

    Grammar Note

    The plural is "vikwama". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  7. Ndalama izi, yewo

    Here is the money, thank you

    Usage

    What to say when handing over payment

    Grammar Note

    "izi" is plural "these", matching the zi- of "ndalama zilinga". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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