Hotel

10 phrases · Southern Ndebele with romanization, English and audio

  1. Isivakatjhi

    Guest, visitor

    Usage

    A person who visits; a tourist or hotel guest

    Grammar Note

    The plural is "iimvakatjhi". "iimvakatjhi ezivela kwezinye iinarha" are foreign arrivals

  2. Indawo yokulala

    A place to sleep

    Usage

    Lodging; used when looking for somewhere to stay

    Grammar Note

    "yokulala" is "ukulala" (to sleep) with the linking "yo-"

  3. Ngifuna indawo yokulala.

    I need a place to sleep.

    Usage

    When looking for lodging or asking at reception

    Grammar Note

    Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  4. Umbhede

    Bed

    Usage

    A bed, when talking about bedding in a room

    Grammar Note

    The plural is "imibhede". "amatjhila wombhede" is bed linen

  5. Ithawula

    Towel

    Usage

    A towel, to ask for when there is none

    Grammar Note

    A loanword from English "towel"

  6. Umsamelo

    Pillow

    Usage

    A pillow, e.g. to ask for an extra one

    Grammar Note

    A different form from Zulu "umcamelo"

  7. Iingubo

    Blankets

    Usage

    Blankets, to ask for more on a cold night

    Grammar Note

    One blanket is "ingubo"

  8. Amanzi atjhisako

    Hot water

    Usage

    Hot water, e.g. when the shower runs cold

    Grammar Note

    "atjhisako" comes from "tjhisa" (to be hot). "ukutlhayela" (shortage) can be used to speak of a hot water shortage

  9. Igezi

    Electricity

    Usage

    Electricity, for power cuts or usage

    Grammar Note

    A different form from Zulu "ugesi". "igezi nayiphelako" is "when the electricity runs out"

  10. Isidlo sekuseni

    Breakfast

    Usage

    Breakfast, e.g. to ask whether it is included

    Grammar Note

    "ekuseni" is "in the morning". "ukudla kwekuseni" is another way to say it

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