Markets & Souvenirs

1. Kubiza malini?

   How much does this cost?

   Usage

   Asking the price

   Grammar Note

   "Kubiza malini" means "how much does it cost". Point at the item as you say it

2. Lokhu kubiza khulu.

   This is very expensive.

   Usage

   Saying it is very expensive, to open a bargain (can also mean too expensive)

   Grammar Note

   "kubiza khulu" means "very expensive". "lokhu" points at the thing in front of you. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

3. Ngingathola isaphulelo?

   Can I get a discount?

   Usage

   Asking for a discount

   Grammar Note

   "Ngingathola …?" is a set frame for "may I have …". It also appears as "Ngingathola irhalasi lamanzi?" (may I have a glass of water). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Ngingathola irasidi?

   Can I have a receipt?

   Usage

   Asking for a receipt

   Grammar Note

   "irasidi" is a loanword from English "receipt", used in the "Ngingathola …?" frame. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

5. Ingabe lokhu kwenziwe ngesandla?

   Is this handmade?

   Usage

   Asking whether something is handmade

   Grammar Note

   "ngesandla" means "by hand"; "yenziwe ngesandla" (made by hand) is also used. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

6. Lokhu kwenziwe ngani?

   What material is this made of?

   Usage

   Asking what something is made of

   Grammar Note

   "ngani" means "with what", for asking about material or means. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

7. Ingabe lokhu kutjha?

   Is this fresh?

   Usage

   Asking whether produce is fresh

   Grammar Note

   "-tjha" means new or fresh; as in "ukudla okutjha" (fresh food). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

8. Ngiqala kwaphela, ngiyathokoza.

   I'm just looking, thank you.

   Usage

   Saying you are only looking

   Grammar Note

   "qala" is "look at" (as in classroom instructions); "kwaphela" is "only". A polite way to decline help. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

9. Ngizokuthenga lokhu.

   I will buy this.

   Usage

   Saying you will buy it

   Grammar Note

   Future of ukuthenga (to buy); "ngizoku…" means "I will …". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

10. Ningamukela ikarada?

    Do you accept card payment?

    Usage

    Asking if card payment is accepted

    Grammar Note

    Potential form of ukwamukela (to accept). "ikarada" is a loanword from "card". The plural "ni-" is used for politeness. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

11. Ngizakubhadela ngemali.

    I will pay with cash.

    Usage

    Saying you will pay in cash

    Grammar Note

    Future of ukubhadela (to pay). "imali" is money, here meaning cash. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

12. Ngibawa itjhentjhi yami.

    My change, please.

    Usage

    Asking for your change

    Grammar Note

    "itjhentjhi" is a loanword from "change" (cf. "Imali netjhentjhi", money and change). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

13. Imakethe ivula nini?

    When does the market open?

    Usage

    Asking when the market opens

    Grammar Note

    "imakethe" is a loanword from "market" (plural amamakethe). "ivula nini" is "when does it open". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

14. Imakethe

    Market

    Usage

    Used to say or point to a market

    Grammar Note

    A loanword from "market"; the plural is "amamakethe"

15. Isikhwama

    Bag

    Usage

    Used to say or point to a bag

    Grammar Note

    The usual word for a bag. "isikhwama" also means a fund or purse

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