Indulgences

8 phrases · Southern Ndebele with romanization, English and audio

  1. Utjwala

    Alcohol

    Usage

    The general word for alcohol, used to decline a drink or ask if alcohol is served

    Grammar Note

    Spelled with tj in Southern Ndebele, unlike Zulu utshwala

  2. Utjwala besikhuwa

    Liquor (commercially sold alcohol)

    Usage

    The umbrella term for alcohol sold in shops, heard in talk of liquor licences

    Grammar Note

    Covers beer, wine and spirits (amaspiridi). Traditional beer is utjwala besintu

  3. Utjwala besintu

    Traditional beer

    Usage

    The way to refer to alcohol brewed in the traditional manner

    Grammar Note

    "Besintu" is "of tradition". It is also called utjwala bendabuko. This is a general term, not a brand name

  4. Ibhiya

    Beer

    Usage

    Used to ask for or refuse a beer

    Grammar Note

    A loanword from English beer

  5. Igwayi

    Tobacco

    Usage

    The word for tobacco in general, for talking about smoking

    Grammar Note

    It also appears in the form ligwayi

  6. Isegerede

    Cigarette

    Usage

    Used to refuse a cigarette or to buy a packet

    Grammar Note

    A loanword from English cigarette. To smoke is ukubhema

  7. Angibhemi.

    I don't smoke.

    Usage

    Used when offered a cigarette, or when choosing a non-smoking seat

    Grammar Note

    The negative present of ukubhema (to smoke). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  8. Angiseli utjwala.

    I don't drink alcohol.

    Usage

    Used to decline when offered a drink

    Grammar Note

    The negative present of ukusela (to drink) followed by utjwala (alcohol). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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