Basic Words

1. Iye

   Yes

   Usage

   "Yes". The opposite is "Awa" (no)

   Grammar Note

   Southern Ndebele "yes" is "Iye", not the Zulu form "Yebo"

2. Awa

   No

   Usage

   "No". The opposite is "Iye" (yes)

   Grammar Note

   Paired with "Iye" as the plain yes/no answer; it is not the Zulu "Cha"

3. Ngiyakubawa

   Please

   Usage

   Used on its own to say "please". Before a full request, put "Ngibawa" in front instead

   Grammar Note

   From the verb "bawa" (to ask, to request): "I ask you". The Zulu "Ngiyacela" is not used

4. Ngiyathokoza

   Thank you

   Usage

   The basic way to say thanks, at a shop or after being given directions

   Grammar Note

   From the verb "thokoza" (to thank). The Zulu "Ngiyabonga" is not used

5. Ngithokoza khulu

   Thank you very much

   Usage

   A warmer, stronger thank-you

   Grammar Note

   "khulu" means "very". When you speak for a group, say "Sithokoza khulu" (we thank you)

6. Angizwisisi

   I don't understand

   Usage

   When you cannot follow what was said

   Grammar Note

   Negative of "zwisisa" (to understand). The positive is "Ngiyazwisisa" (I understand)

7. Ngiyazwisisa

   I understand

   Usage

   When an explanation has made sense

   Grammar Note

   The negative is "Angizwisisi" (I don't understand)

8. Buyelela utjho godu.

   Please say that again.

   Usage

   Ask someone to repeat what they said

   Grammar Note

   "godu" means "again" (Zulu "futhi"). For extra politeness put "Ngibawa" in front

9. Akhese ulinde kancani.

   Wait a moment.

   Usage

   When you need someone to wait a little

   Grammar Note

   "linda" is "to wait"; "kancani" means "a little, for a while"

10. Ngilibalela ngokukutshwenya, kodwana...

    I'm sorry to bother you, but...

    Usage

    An opener when you speak to a stranger to ask for something

    Grammar Note

    Follow it with your request. "ngokukutshwenya" is "for bothering you"

11. Wamukelekile

    Welcome

    Usage

    "Welcome" said to a guest; add the place after it

    Grammar Note

    Addressed to one person. The place follows in a form beginning with "e-" (for example "ePalamende")

12. Wenze kuhle!

    Well done!

    Usage

    To praise someone

    Grammar Note

    Literally "you did it well"; addressed to one person

13. Ngitlhoga isizo.

    I need help.

    Usage

    When you need help; you can add the matter after "nge"

    Grammar Note

    "tlhoga" is "to need" (not Zulu "dinga"); a matter can follow as "Ngitlhoga isizo nge...". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

14. Ukhuluma isiNgisi?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    Ask whether someone speaks English

    Grammar Note

    Language names start with "isi-" and keep a capital inside, as in "isiNgisi"; a rising tone makes it a question. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

15. Ngikhuluma isiNgisi kancani.

    I speak a little English.

    Usage

    Tell someone your language skills are limited

    Grammar Note

    "kancani" means "a little". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

16. Lapha

    Here

    Usage

    "Here", pointing at a place

    Grammar Note

    Placed after a verb it means "here"

17. Ndawonye

    Together

    Usage

    "Together", when doing something with other people

    Grammar Note

    Placed after a verb (for example "ukudla ndawonye", to eat together)

18. Kwanele

    That is enough

    Usage

    When you have enough and need no more

    Grammar Note

    A verb form meaning "it is enough"; same shape as in Zulu

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