GENERAL PHRASES BOOKLET

Speakeasy Languages trading as SpeakeasyXhosa

85 Fordyce Road
Walmer
Port Elizabeth
6070

First publication - 2010

Author: Ron Endley

Logo Design: Istream International
Printing: E & G Creative Print cc

All rights reserved. Unless distributed with the permission of the author, this e-
publication may only be accessed and downloaded by registered licencees of
www.speakeasyxhosa.co.za. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a
retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the
copyright holder.
 1

Introduction

As in all cultures there are certain cultural observances or rituals followed by the
amaXhosa. I thought it would be interesting for you the learner to be made aware of
these as you embark on your journey of learning this beautiful language.

1. Observances pertaining to greetings when entering a room:

The visitor greets first as he/she enters saying “Molo” when there is only one person in
the room/house and “Molweni” if there are two or more people. If the visitor is known or
knows the family, he/she may call out the person’s name. Likewise, the same procedure
can be followed when greeting a group of people with the greeting “Molweni mawethu” –
“Greetings my fellows.” These observances are also normally accompanied by the shaking
of hands. Other observances pertaining to the shaking of hands are:

• The hand of a witchdoctor is not shaken.

• The hand of a young man who is undergoing the initiation or ulwaluko process is not
shaken.
• Hand shaking is accompanied by meeting the eyes of the other person, not looking
sideways or down.
• In the more rural areas, young people can be expected to greet one another not with a
hand shake, but with sticks.

2. Seating arrangements inside a house or room

• Men always occupy the left side of a room as you enter, with the women on the
right. This is traditionally done for reasons of protection, because an “enemy”
after entering a room and noticing this seating arrangement, will immediately step
back. To deviate slightly, the same applies to when a man and a woman are
walking together – the man will walk on the left and slightly in front, in order to
ward off any enemy that might be lying in wait. Today this could for example
happen as you leave a lift, and the man walking out first. This again is not to be
perceived as a sign of impoliteness, but rather seen as him fulfilling his role as
protector – hence the expression “Ukugábula izigcawu” – “To beat away the
spiders” (pave the way).
• After knocking on the door, you will be summoned inside by the head of the family, with
the word “Ngaphakathi!”,literally meaning “Inside!”, but implying “Come in, you are
welcome”.
• The visitor should always wait to be offered a seat, the man being offered a seat on the
left-hand side, a woman on the right, boys with boys and girls with girls, etc.

- Cultural observances in this situation

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• It is etiquette for the visitor to shake everyone’s hand with the exception of:
o A newly-wed or young woman should greet only the older members of the family,
especially the women, and just nod to the other members.
• The older person will initiate the well-being exchange by saying: “Unjani? (singular)
or “Ninjani?” (plural) – both meaning “How are you?” This plural form is commonly used
and the question is often asked why this is directed at a single person. The reason for this
is that the question is not only directed at the visitor as an individual, but also includes
his/her family at home.
• This initiation of the well-being exchange is responded to by the visitor saying “Ndiphilile
enkosi” – I am well thanks, or“Siphilile enkosi” – We are well thanks, followed by the
reciprocal question “Unjani wena?” – “And how are you?” or“Ninjani nina? – “And how
are you all?”.

3. Other cultural observances pertaining to the greeting

• The first to enquire about the well-being of a visitor is the most senior person in the room
or house.
• Should the meeting take place in the street, the first to greet does not initiate the well-
being exchange, but rather the one met and greeted. This is done as a sign of respect and
politeness.
• This practice applies to all genders. However a female may not enquire about any well-
being before this has been done by a male member of the household.
• If the visitor is a woman, the male will initiate the well-being exchange and then hand
over to the most senior woman or his wife, if she is the most senior.
• One can expect the respondent (visitor) to relate the well-being of his /her entire family
to those present.

4. Cultural observances pertaining to departing / farewell

The visitor when wishing to leave may state any one of the following depending on the
stituation and those present:

• Ndicela indlela – I am requesting the road (may I leave?)

• Mandinishiye – I must leave you
• Mandibaleke – I must hurry off
• Nisale kakuhle –Stay well (all of you)

Responses to these are:

• Kulungile, hamba kakuhle - Fine, go well

• Nawe uhambe kakuhle – And you too, go well
• Kulungile, Ubulise kubo bonke ekhaya – Ok, Greetings to all at home

The visitor should not leave until given permission by the senior person present that he
may do so. He could in a formal situation, say “Siyakunika” –“ We are giving you the road
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– you may leave”. Another round of handshaking denoting departure could follow, with
the senior household member accompanying the visitor to the door.

You will encounter many more examples of Xhosa social etiquette as you go along, and
these just serve as an introduction to whet your appetite.

We hope that you will find learning this language and about its people, an enriching
experience!!
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2 GENERAL PHRASES

The program gets under way by providing you with general phrases pertaining to the
exchanging of personal details and getting to know one another. Revision exercises are
given along the way to test your knowledge and to ensure that you are keeping up to date.

2.1 The Greeting

Molo* bhuti Hello [male your age or younger]

Molo sisi Hello [female your age or younger]
Molo tata Hello [older male]
Molo mama Hello [older female]

Molweni* nonke Hello everyone

Molweni manene Hello gentlemen
Molweni manenekazi Hello ladies
Molweni manene namanenekazi Hello ladies and gentlemen
* “Molo/Molweni” can be used to greet at any time of the day or night

2.2 Health

Kunjani? How is life?

Unjani? How are you?
Ndiphilile enkosi, I am fine thanks
Okanye or
Akukho nto imbi There is nothing bad / no problems
Unjani wena? [and] how are you?
Ndiphilile nam enkosi I am also fine thanks

Ninjani? How are all of you?

Siphilile enkosi We are fine thanks

2.3 Establishing name and surname

Nceda, ngena Please come in

Nceda, hlala phantsi Please sit down
Ngubani igama lakho? What is your name?
NguTom igama lam Tom is my name
NdinguTom I am Tom
Ndiyavuya ukukwazi I am pleased to meet you
Nam Me too

Ngubani ifani yakho? What is your surname?

NguNxopo ifani yam Nxopo is my surname
Nceda, pela ifani yakho Please spell your surname

Complete the following table
Kunjani?
Molweni manene
Molweni nonke
Nceda, hlala phantsi!
Ndiphilile enkosi!
Ndiphilile nam
Ndiyavuya ukukwazi
Ngubani ifani yakho?
Ngubani igama lakho?
Nceda pela igama lakho
2.4 Place of residence
Uhlala phi?
Ndihlala eDwesi
Wena?
Mna, ndihlala eCentral
Ndiyayazi iCentral
Kudala uhlala khona?*
Ewe, iminyaka emithathu
* “khona”means “there”, referring to a place previously mentioned
Other expressions referring to place of residence
Ndihlala elokishini
Uhlala endlwini?
Ewe, ndihlala endlwini
Hayi, ndihlala eflethini
Hayi, ndihlala etownhouse
Hayi, ndihlala etyotombeni
Ndihlala endaweni yamabobosi
[additional phrases not on video]
Ndihlala efama
Ndihlala elalini
A revision table for you to complete
Ndihlala eBhayi
Kudala uhlala khona?
Ewe, iminyaka emithathu
Ndihlala endlwini
Elokishini
5
How is _______________________?
Good day ______________________
Good day _______________________
Please ______________________!
I am fine ______________________
I am _______________ well
I am pleased ___________________
What is your ______________________?
What is your _______________________?
Please ____________________ your name
Where do you stay/live?
AI live in kwaDwesi [a residential area between Port
Elizabeth and Uitenhage]
And you?
Me, I live in Central
I know Central
Have you been living there long?
Yes, three years
I live in the townships [location]
Do you live in a house?
Yes, I live in a house
No, I live in a flat
No, I live in a townhouse
No, I live in a shack
I live in an informal settlement
I live on a farm
I live in a rural area
I live in ______________________
Have you been living ________________ long?
Yes, __________________ years
I live in a ___________________
In the _________________________
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2.5 Requesting the time

Uxolo Sorry / excuse me

Ayinamsebenzi It does not matter / no problem
Ngubani ixesha? What is the time?
Ixesha ngu-6.00 The time is 6.00
Enkosi Thank you
Kulungile Fine

Keep revising

Ayinamsebenzi It does not ____________________

Endaweni yamabobosi In an __________________
Ewe, iminyaka emithathu __________three years
Kudala uhlala khona? Have you been living there _________________?
Unjani? How _______________?
Molweni manenekazi Hello ________________
Molo bhuti Hello __________________
Molweni nonke Hello ___________________
Nceda, hlala phantsi! _______________ sit down
Ndihlala eflethini I live in a ___________________
Ndihlala etyotyombeni I live in a ___________________
Ndiphilile enkosi I am well ____________________
Unjani wena? And how are ________________?
Ndiyavuya ukukwazi I am ______________ to meet you
Ngubani ifani yakho? What is your ________________?
Ngubani igama lakho? What is your _______________?
Ngubani ixesha? What is ________________?
Uxolo _____________
Kunjani? How _________________ ?

2.6 Going somewhere

Uya phi? Where are you going?

Ngoku Now
Ndiya e[Greenacres] I am going to .. [a place]
Ndiya kuPat I am going to ...[someone]
Ndiyagoduka I am going home
Ndiya entlanganisweni I am going to a meeting
Ndiya evenkileni I am going to the shop
Kulungile Fine / OK
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2.7 Physical Address

Ithini i-adresi yakho eCentral? What is your address in Central?

I-adresi yam ithi 23 Stanley Street My address is 23 Stanley Street
Okanye or
Uhlala ndawoni eCentral? Where exactly do you stay in Central?
Ndihlala eStanley Street I live in Stanley Street
kwanamba 23 in number 23
Ndihlala ekoneni I live on the corner
Ndihlala endlwini yokugqibela I live in the last house
Ngasekhohlo on the left
Ngasekunene on the right

2.8 Place of origin

Usuka* phi? Where do you originate from?

Ndisuka eMonti I come from East London
Ndisuka eBhayi I come from Port Elizabeth
Ndisuka eRhawutini I come from Johannesburg
Ndisuka eMelika I come from America
* “suka” means “to move away from”

A good revision exercise

Ayinamsebenzi _________________matter
Ekoneni On the ______________________
Elokishini In the _______________________
Endlwini yokugqibela In the ________________________
Ewe, iminyaka emithathu Yes, _____________________ years
I-adresi yam ithi .... My address __________________
Ithini i-adresi yakho? __________________ your address?
Kudala uhlala khona? Have you been ________________there long?
Kunjani? ______________is life?
Molo Mnumzana Hello ____________________
Molo sisi Hello ______________________
Molo manene namanenekazi Good day ______________________
Molweni nonke Good day _____________________
Nceda, hlala phantsi Please sit _____________________
Ndihlala eMonti I live in ____________________
Ndihlala endlwini I live in ______________________
Ndiphilile enkosi I am _______________ thanks
Ndiphilile nam I am ________________well
Ndiyagoduka I am _____________________
Ndiyavuya ukukwazi I am _____________________
Ngasekhohlo On the ________________________
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Ngasekunene On the _____________________

Ngubani ifani yakho? What is _______________________?
Ngubani ixesha? What is _________________?
Uhlala phi? __________________ do you stay?
Uhlala ndawoni? ___________________ do you stay?
Uya phi? Where _____________________?
Usuka phi? Where __________________?
Uxolo Excuse _________________
eRhawutini From _____________________

2.9 Marital details

Utshatile? Are you married?

Ewe, nditshatile Yes, I am married
Hayi, anditshatanga No, I am not married
Hayi, ndiqhawule umtshato No, I am divorced
[not on video]
I am single Andikatshati
I am a widower Ndaswelekwa ngunkosikazi
I am a widow Ndaswelekwa ngumyeni

2.10 Children

Unabo abantwana? Do you have children?

Ewe, mnye Yes, one
Ewe, babini Yes, two
Ewe, bathathu Yes, three
Hayi, akukho bantwana ekhaya No, there are no children at home
[not on video]
Unyana A son
Intombi A daughter
Male child Umntwana oyinkwenkwe
Female child Umntwana oyintombi
Usana A baby

2.11 The people at home

Uhlala nabani? With whom do you stay?

Ndihlala nabazali
Ndihlala nomyeni wam
Ndihlala nenkosikazi yam
Ndihlala nefemeli yam / nosapho
Ndihlala ndedwa
I stay with (my) parents
I stay with my husband
I stay with my wife
I live with my family
I live alone

Nibangaphi ekhaya? How many are there of you at home?

Ndim ndedwa It is just me
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Sibabini There are two of us

Sibathathu There are three of us
Sibane There are four of us
Sibahlanu There are five of us
Sibaninzi There are lots/many of us

2.12 Contact details

Ithini ifowuni-namba yakho? What is your telephone number?

Ekhaya At home?
Emsebenzini? At work?
Isel? Cellphone?
Inamba yam ithi .... My number is ........
Nceda, phinda .. Repeat please

Lets revise this little section

Utshatile? Are you __________________?

Babini abantwana There are ________________children
Nibangaphi ekhaya? How many are there of you ___________?
Ndihlala nabazali I stay with ____________________
Ndihlala ndedwa I live _________________
Sibahlanu We are ___________ in number
Sibaninzi There are ___________ of us
Ithini ifowuni-namba yakho? What is _________ phone number?
Emsebenzini At _____________
Nceda, phinda Please ___________________
Sibathathu There are ____________ of us
Uhlala nabani? With whom do you _______________?

2.13 Additional members of the family and kinship terms

Umama Mother

Utata Father

Ubawo Very formal and used to address a man of respectable

position

Usisi /Usista wam Sister

Ubhuti /Ubradha wam Brother

Umkhuluwa Older brother

Umninawa Younger brother

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Umakhulu Grandmother

Utatomkhulu Grandfather

Utatomncinci Your father’s younger brother (uncle)

Utatomdala Your mother’s brother – older than your father

Umalume Mother’s brother

Umakazi Aunt – mother’s sister

Udadobawo Aunt – father’s sister

Ubawokazi Uncle - father’s brother

Indodakazi Sister-in-law (Husband’s sister)

Umtshana Cousin

Umzukulwana /abazukulwana Grandchild / grandchildren

Umyeni Husband

Unkosikazi Wife

Unyana / oonyana Son(s)

Intombi / iintombi Daughter (s)

Intombazana / amantombazana Little girl(s)

Inkwenkwe / amakhwenkwe Little boy(s)

Umntwana / abantwana Child / children

Unina His mother

Unyoko Your mother – seldom used today because the term can be
used as part of swearing, therefore the term “umama wakho” is preferred

Uyise His father

Uyihlo Your father

Revision
State how the following people would be greeted in isiXhosa plus a few general questions
Your grandfather Molo
Your mother’s brother (uncle) Molo
A cousin Molo
Your mother’s sister (aunt) Molo
Your father’s sister (aunt) Molo
Your grandmother Molo
A male your age or younger Molo
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A female your age or younger Molo

Your father’s brother (uncle) Molo
Your father’s younger brother Molo
A man of respected position Molo
Andikatshati I am .......
Umkhuluwa ....
Ndihlala nomakhulu I live with my ......
Ndihlala nomakazi I live with my .....
Abazukulwana .....
Oonyana .....
Amakhwenkwe ......
Intombazana ......

2.14 Current activities

Wenza ntoni apha eBhayi? What do you do here in Port Elizabeth?

Ndingumfundi I am a student
Ndisahamba isikolo I am still at school
Ndiyafunda I am studying
Ufunda ntoni? What are you studying?
Ndifunda isiXhosa I am studying Xhosa
Ufundela ntoni? What are you studying towards?
Ndifundela iBA I am studying towards a BA
Ndiphangela eNMMU I work at the NMMU
Ndiphangela kwaMasipala I work for the Municipality
Yintoni umsebenzi wakho? What position do you hold at work?
Ndiyimanejala I am a manager
Ndingumamkeli I am a receptionist
Ndingumabhalana I am a clerk
Ndingumbhatalisi I am a cashier

Okanye or

Uyaphangela? Do you work [earn a living]

Ewe, ndiyaphangela
Uphangela phi?
Kudala uphangela khona?
Ewe, iminyaka elishumi
Hayi, ndisandul’ ukuqala
Yes, I do work
Where do you work?
Have you been working there long?
Yes, ten years
No, I have just started

Other work-related expressions / occupations

Ndiyazisebenzela I work for myself [am self-employed]

Ndidla umhlala-phantsi I am a pensioner
Ndiyathengisa I am a hawker / I sell
Ndiyajopha I work casually / do odd-jobs
Andiphangeli I don’t work
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Ndaphelelwa ngumsebenzi I was retrenched

Ndadendwa I was retrenched
Ndagxothwa emsebenzini I was fired
Ndiligqwetha I am a lawyer
Ndilipolisa I am a policeman
Ndingugqirha I am a doctor
Ndingumakhi I am a builder
Ndingumabhalana I am a clerk
Ndingumamkeli I am a receptionist
Ndingusokhemesti I am a pharmacist
Ndingumfundisi I am a minister / lecturer
Ndingumhlohli I am a lecturer
Ndingumbhatalisi I am a cashier
Ndiyinjineli I am an engineer
Ndingusomashishini I am a businessman / entrepreneur
Ndingumsasazi I am a radio announcer
Ndingunontlalontle I am a social worker
Ndinguceba I am a (city) councillor
Ndingunondaba I am a reporter
Ndiyathengisa I am a trader (I sell)
Ndiyajopha nje I am a casual (just do odd jobs)
Ndingumongikazi / ndingunesi I am a nurse
Ndingumntu woncedo lokuqala I am a paramedic
Ndingumfundi I am a student
Ndingumqhubi I am a driver
Ndingumsebenzi-gadi I am a gardener
Ndingunogada I am a security guard
Ndingumhloli I am an inspector
Ndidla umhlalaphantsi I am retired

2.14.1 Ready for more revision? Good, here it comes

Ekoneni ngasekhohlo On the corner ____________________

Ngasekunene On the ____________________
eRhawutini From ________________________
Ewe, iminyaka emihlanu Yes, ______________ years
I-adresi yam ithi............... _______________ is
Kudala uhlala khona? Have you been ________________ there long?
Kudala uphangela khona? Have you been _____________ there long?
Unjani? How are __________________?
Molweni! Hello _____________________!
Ndidla umhlalaphantsi I am a ________________________
Ndihlala eflethini I live in a ______________________
Ndisuka eMonti I ___________________ East London
Ndingumabhalana I am a ________________________
Ndingumfundi I am a ________________________
Ndiyajopha I _________________________
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Ndiyathengisa
Ndiyazisebenzela
Ndiyavuya ukukwazi
Ngubani ixesha?
Ufundela ntoni?
Uhlala ndawoni?
Uya phi?
Wenza ntoni eMonti?
Ndiphangela kwaMasipala
Iminyaka elishumi
I ___________________________
I ___________________________
I ______________________ to meet you
What is ________________________?
What are you _____________________?
Where ___________________ do you live?
Where are _______________________?
______________________ in East London?
I ______________________ at the Municipality
_______________ years

What am I? I am a ........
Ndiligqwetha
Ndilipolisa
Ndingugqirha
Ndingumakhi
Ndingumabhalana
Ndingumamkeli
Ndingusokhemesti
Ndingumfundisi
Ndingumhlohli
Ndingumbhatalisi
Ndiyinjineli
Ndingusomashishini
Ndingumongikazi
Ndinguceba
Ndingumhloli
Ndiyathengisa
Ndiyajopha nje

2.15 Place of work

Iphi i-ofisi yakho? Where is your office?

I-ofisi yam iseNewton Park My office is in Newton Park
Uphi umsebenzi wakho? Where is your work[place]?
Umsebenzi wam useGreenacres My work[place] is in Greenacres

2.16 Language skills

Uyakwazi ukuthetha isiNgesi?
Uyakwazi ukuthetha isi-Afrikansi?
Hayi, andikwazi
Okanye
Uyasazi isiNgesi?
Uyasazi isi-Afrikansi?
Can you speak English?/ Do you know how to ...?
Can you speak Afrikaans?
No, I can’t / I do not know how ...
or
Do you know / can you speak English?
Do you know / can you speak Afrikaans?
 14

Hayi, andisazi No, I don’t know it

Ewe, ndiyakwazi ukusithetha
Ewe, ndiyasithetha kancinci
Ndisafunda
Ndiyazama
Usifunde phi?
Ndisifunde esikolweni
Okanye
Usazela phi isiXhosa?
Ndakhulela efama
Ndasifunda esikolweni
Yes, I can speak it
Yes, I speak it a little
I am still learning
I am trying
Where did you learn it?
I learnt it at school
or
Where do you know Xhosa from / did you learn it?
I grew up on a farm
I studied it at school

2.17 Completing a form

Nceda, zalisa le fomu Please complete this form
Wazalelwa phi? Where were you born?
Ndazalelwa eBhayi I was born in Port Elizabeth
Wazalwa nini? When were you born?
Ndazalwa nge-25 kaMeyi, 1989 I was born on the 25th of May 1989
Kulungile, nceda usayine... Alright, please sign...
apha here
ezantsi at the bottom
onke amaphepha all the pages
Enkosi Thank you

2.18 Identification

Unayo i-Ayidi apha kuwe? Do you have your ID here with you?
Ewe, ndinayo Yes, I have it
Hayi, andinayo No, I don’t have it
Ilahlekile It is lost
Andiyifumani I can’t find it
Kufuneka ube nayo You must have it

A little revision exercise

Uyakwazi ukuthetha isiNgesi? Can you speak _________________________?

Ewe, ndiyakwazi Yes, ___________________________
Nceda sayina Please __________________________
Ezantsi At ______________________________
Andikwazi I _____________________________
Ndisafunda I am still __________________________
Niyasithetha kancinci I speak it ___________________________
Unayo i-ID yakho apha kuwe? Do you have your ID here __________________?
Andinayo ___________________have it
Ilahlekile It is _________________________
Zalisa le fomu Complete _______________ from
Wazalelwa phi? _______________ were you born?
 15

Kufuneka ube nayo __________________ have it

Wazalwa nini? _________________ were you born?
Ndakhulela efama I grew up ____________________

2.19 Being of assistance on the telephone

Hullo, nguSam othethayo Hullo, this is Sam speaking

Ndinganceda? Can I help / be of assistance?
Okanye or
Ndingakwenzela ntoni? What can I do for you?
Ndicela ukuthetha no[Sam] I would like to speak with [Sam]
USam ukho na ? Is Sam there?
Ewe ukhona Yes, he is here
Hayi, uxolo, akakho No, sorry, he is not in

Uphi? Where is he?

Uphumile
Ndingathatha umyalezo?
Ewe, mxelele uLali ufowunile
Ndiza kuphinda ndifowune
Unayo iselnamba yakhe?
Ewe, ndinayo
Ithi .......
Uxolo, andinayo
He has gone out
Can I take a message?
Yes, tell him Lali phoned
I will call again
Do you have his cellphone number?
Yes, I have it
It is .....
Sorry, I don’t have it

More revision

Ndinganceda? Can I _____________________?

Ndingakwenzela ntoni? What __________________ do for you?
Ukhona He is _________________
Akakho He is __________________
Uphumile She has __________________
Ugodukile She has ___________________
Ndingathatha umyalezo? __________ take a message?
Ndiza kuphinda ndifowune I will call ______________
Andinayo _____________ have it
Uphi? ____________ is he?

2.20 Getting into a lift

 16

Uya phi? Where are you going?

Iyehla? Is it going down?
Iyenyuka? Is it going up?
Ndibheka phezulu I am going up
Ndibheka ezantsi I am going down
Ndiya ku-5 I am going to the 5th floor
Nceda, cofa u-5 Please press 5
Sifikile! We have arrived!

More revision
Ndiya ku-5 I am _______________ to the 5th floor
Iyehla? Is it going ________________?
Uphumile He has _____________________
Ukhona He is _______________________
Cofa u-6 ______________ number 6
Ugodukile He has ____________________
Ilifti iyenyuka The lift is going ____________
Akakho He is _________________
Ndingancda? ______________ help?
Uphumile
Ndingakwenzela ntoni? What can I do ________________?
Mxelele uDan ufowunile ___________him Dan phoned
Ndibheka phezulu I am going ________________
Ndingathatha umyalezo? ____________________ a message?
Ngubani othethayo? Who is ________________?

2.21 Details of a third person

Kunjani? How are things?

Sikhona We are well
Siphilile enkosi We are well, thanks
Ngubani lo? Who is this [person?]
NguZama lo This [person] is Zama
Okanye or
Ngubani igama lakhe? What is his name?
NguZama igama lakhe Zama is his name
Ngubani ifani yakhe? What is his surname?
NguMakhi ifani yakhe Makhi is his surname

Uhlala phi uZama? Where does Zama stay?

Uhlala eLorraine He lives in Lorraine
Usebenza / phangela phi uZama? Where does Zama work / earn a living?
Usebenza /phangela e.... He works / earns a living at .....
 17

2.22 Looking for someone

Uphi uSipho? Where is Sipho?

Andimazi I don’t know
Ukhona He is here
Ebekhona He was here
Usandul’ ukufika He has just arrived
Usebhizi He is still busy
Usefowunini He is busy with a call /on the phone
Usekhaya He is at home
Usesikolweni He is at school / university
Uphangele He has gone to work
Uselivini He is on leave
Uza kubuya kule vek’izayo He will be back next week
Ndimgqibele izolo I last saw him yesterday
Ndamgqibela kudala I have not seen him for some time
Ngubani ophetheyo apha? Who is in charge here?
Okanye or
Akukamboni uSipho? Have you not yet seen Sipho?
Hayi, andikamboni No, I have not seen him yet
Akakafiki He has not arrived yet
Uphuma ngoku He has just gone out

We have to revise this

Ngubani ifani yakhe? What is _________ surname?

Uselivini She in on _______________
Uphi UDlamini? _______________ Dlamini?
Ebekhona ___________ here
Akakho He is ____________
Akakafiki He has not ___________ yet
Akaphangeli He does not _____________
Andikamboni I have not _________ him yet
Ngubani igama lakhe? What is __________ name?
Ngubani lo? Who is ___________?
Ngubani ophetheyo apha? Who is _____________ here?
Selegodukile He has _________ gone home
Ukhona _________ here
Uphuma ngoku He has just ____________
Uphangela phi? __________ does he work?
Useza He is just on his __________
UZama ukho na? Is Zama _____________
Ndimgqibele izolo I last saw him _____________
Uphangele He has gone to _____________
Usekhaya She is ____________________
 18

2.23 Everyday problems / complaints

Kunjani? How is life?

Ndiphile,.... I am fine ....
Kushushu nje It is just hot
Ngumsebenzi nje It is just the work
Yimali nje It is just the money
Ndidiniwe nje I am just tired
Ndilambile nje I am just hungry
Ngulo moya nje It is just this wind

2.24 The time of daily activities

Uvuka nini kusasa? When do you get up in the morning?

Ndivuka ngo 6.00
Uphunga nini ikofu okanye iti?
Ndiphunga ngo 11.00
Nitya nini isopholo?
Sitya ngo 7.00 ngokuhlwa
Ulala nini ebusuku?
Ndilala ngo 12.00
Iqala ngabani intlanganiso?
Emva kwedinala, ngo-2.00
I get up at 6.00
When do you have coffee or tea?
I have [a hot drink] at 11.00
When do you have supper?
We eat at 7.00 in the evening
When do you go to sleep at night?
I go to sleep at 12.00
When does the meeting start?
After lunch at 2.00

2.25 The Weather

Injani imozulu namhlanje? What is the weather like today?

Kushushu It is hot
Kuyabanda It is cold
Kupholile It is cool
Iyanetha It is raining
Ifuna ukunetha It wants to rain
Ingathi iza kunetha It seems as though it is going to rain
Umoya uyavuthuza The wind is blowing
Amafu ayaqokelelana Storm clouds are gathering

Ibinjani imozulu izolo? What was the weather like yesterday?

Bekushushu It was hot

Bekubanda It was cold
Bekunetha It was raining
Inethile It rained
Umoya ubuvúthùza The wind was blowing
Iza kuba njani imozulu ngomso? What will the weather be like tomorrow?

Kuza kuba shushu It will be hot

 19

Kuza kubanda It will be cold

Kuza kunetha It will rain
Umoya uza kuvúthùza The wind is going to blow

Just to make sure you are up to date

Emva kwedinala After ___________________

Umoya uyavuthuza The wind is ________________
Nini? _________________?
Ngomso ________________?
Iqala ngabani? At what time does it __________________?
Iyanetha It is ____________________
Kuyabanda nje It is just ___________________
Ndidiniwe nje I am just ____________________
NgoLwesithathu On ____________________
NgoLwesingaphi? On ______________________?
NgoMvulo On ______________________
Ngumsebenzi nje It is just the __________________
Sobonana ___________ you soon
Kuza kuba shushu It is going to be _________________
Bekubanda ____________ cold
Ndilambile nje I am just __________________
NgoMgqibelo On Saturday
Uvuka nini kusasa? When you get up ________________
Kupholile It is ____________________
Injani imozulu? How is the ____________________?

2.26 The days of the week...

Sobonana.... We will see one another ....

ngomso tomorrow
ngoMvulo on Monday
ngoLwesibini on Tuesday
ngoLwesithathu on Wednesday
ngoLwesine on Thursday
ngoLwesihlanu on Friday
ngoMgqibelo on Saturday
ngeCawa on Sunday
ngempelaveki over the weekend
emva kwedinala after lunch

2.27 The months of the year

These are referred to in two ways
(a) Using the borrowed term (most common)
 20

Ngeyiphi inyanga? during which month?

NgoJanuwari in January
ngoFebuwari in February
ngoMatshi in March
ngo-Epreli in April
ngoMeyi in May
ngoJuni in June
ngoJulayi in July
ngo-Agasti in August
ngoSeptemba in September
ngo-Oktobha in October
ngoNovemba in November
ngoDisemba in December

(b) Traditionally and less commonly used today, the months were named according to
what was taking place in nature at that time of the year:
In January:

kweyomQungu The month of the tall grass; the ripening of the tambuki grass (thorny)

In February:

kweyomDumba The month of the swelling grain and when pod-bearing trees bear pods

In March:

kweyoKwindla The month of the first fruits; the harvest month

In April:

kuTshaz’ iimpunzi The month of the withering pumpkins as a result of frostbite

In May:

kwekaCanzibe The month of the Canopus star seen rising before daybreak

In June:

kweyesiLimela The month of the Pleiades, the ploughing stars also signalling the beginning

of the year of the amaXhosa

In July:

kweyeKhala The month when the red aloes burst into flower

In August:

kweyeThupha The month when the trees begin to bud

 21

In September:

kweyomSintsi The month when the lucky bean tree blossoms

In October:

kweyeDwarha The month when the small ragwort “Tansy” blossoms

In November:

kweyeNkanga The month when the large ragwort (poisonous to animals) blossoms

In December:

kweyomNga The month when the mimosa thorn is in full blossom

2.28 The seasons

Ekwindla In autumn
Ebusika In winter
Entwasahlobo In spring
Ehlotyeni In summer

2.29 Public Holidays

Usuku loNyaka omTsha New Year’s Day

IKrismesi Christmas Day
IPasika Easter
uMvulo wePasika Easter Monday
uLwesihlanu wePasika Good Friday
Usuku Lwamakhosikazi Women’s Day
Usuku Lwenkululeko Freedom Day
Usuku Losapho Family Day
Usuku LoLutsha Youth Day
Usuku lawamaLungelo abaNtu Human Right’s Day
Usuku LweLifa Heritage Day
Usuku LwabaSebenzi Workers’ Day
Usuku Lwabathandanayo Valentine’s Day
Usuku loXolelwaniso Day of Reconciliation

2.30 Additional words referring to time

Namhlanje Today
Ngomso Yesterday
Ngoms’ omnye The day after tomorrow
Ebusuku at night
Ekuseni early [in the day] / at dawn
Emini during the day / late in the day
 22

Emva kwexesha late [for something]

Imihla ngemihla daily
Imini a day
Ngemini per day
Imini yonke the whole day

Impelaveki the weekend

Ngempelaveki over the weekend

Unyaka a year
Kulo nyak’uphelileyo last year
Kulo nyak’uzayo next year
Kulo nyaka this year
Ngonyaka annually
Ekupheleni konyaka at the end of the year

Inyanga a month
Kule nyang’iphelileyo last month
Kule nyang’izayo next month
Kule nyanga this month
Ngenyanga monthly
Ekupheleni kwenyanga at the end of the month

Iveki a week
Kule vek’izayo next week
Kule vek’iphelileyo last week
Kule veki this week
Ngeveki weekly

Iyure an hour
Ngeyure hourly
Izolo yesterday
Izol’elinye the day before yesterday
Phezolo last night

Kwangoku immediately
Lonke ixesha always
Mzuzwana currently
Ngamanye amaxesha sometimes
Ngoku now
Ngoku-ngoku soon / now-now
Ngokuhlwa in the evening
Ngokuhlwanje this evening
Phambi kwexesha early [before the time]
Emva kwedinala after lunch / in the afternoon
Qho regularly
Umzuzu minute
 23

Yonke imihla everyday

1.23 Test yourself on these words referring to time

Ekwindla In_____________
Ehlotyeni In _________________
iPasika ______________________
Usuku loLutsha ___________ Day
Usuku labaSebenzi __________ Day
Emini During the _____________
Inyanga _____________________
Izolo ____________________
Kulo nyaka This ______________________
Lonke ixesha All the _________________
Namhlanje ______________________
Ngenyanga Per ____________________
Ngoku __________________________
Ngomso _________________________
Phambi kwexesha ___________________________
Yonke imihla Every _______________________
Imini yonke The whole ___________________
Ngamanye amaxesha Some_______________
Ngempelaveki Over the _________________
Ebusika In the ___________________

2.31 Meeting a newcomer / stranger

Ungubani kanene? Who are you by the way?

Ndingu-Asanda I am Asanda
Wamkelekile apha! You are welcome here!
Uyafika apha? Are you new here?
Ewe, siyafika Yes, we are new
Kunjani apha eBhayi? What is it like here in Port Elizabeth?
Kumnandi enkosi It is nice, thanks
Kulungile It is OK
Kubi It is terrible

2.32 Expressing an obligation

Kufuneka wenze ntoni namhlanje? What do you have to do today?

Kufuneka ndiye evenkileni I have to go to the shop


Kufuneka ndibhatale amatyala am
Kufuneka ndilande abantwana
Kufuneka ndigoduke
Kufuneka ndifundele uviwo
Kufuneka ndikhawuleze
Kufuneka ndimfowunele
Kufuneka ndiye eRhini
Kufuneka ndiye entlanganisweni
What do I have to do? [Complete]
Kufuneka ndikhawuleze
Kufuneka ndihambe
Kufuneka ndibhatale amatyala
Kufuneka ndifunde
Kufuneka ndigoduke
Kufuneka ndiphangele
Kufuneka ndiye evenkileni
Kufuneka ndimfowunele uTom
Kufuneka ndiye ngeteksi
Kufuneka ndiye eMonti ngomso
2.33 Mode of transport
Uhamba ngantoni?
Ndihamba ngeenyawo
Ndihamba ngemoto
Ndihamba ngeteksi
Ndihamba ngebhasi
Ndihamba ngetreyini
Ndihamba ngebhayisekile
Ndihamba ngesithuthuthu
Ndihamba nge-eropleni
2.34 Asking directions
Andiyazi indlela eya e...
Ndicela indlela eya e..
Ungandibonisa indlela eya e..
Iphi indlela ebheka e...?
Kukude kangakanani ukuya e...?
Hamba ngale ndlela
24
I must pay my accounts
I have to fetch the children
I have to go home
I must study for a test
I must hurry
I must phone him
I have to go to Grahamstown
I have to go to a meeting
How do you travel?
I go on foot / I walk
I go by car
I go by taxi
I go by bus
I go by train
I go by bicycle
I go by motorcycle
I go by plane
I don’t know the way to ...
I am asking the way to ......
Can you show me the way to ....?
Where is the road that goes to ....?
How far is it to ....?
Go along this road
 25

Nyuka ngale ndlela Go up this road

Yihla ngale ndlela Go down this road

Hamba streyiti! Go straight!

Gqitha kwiirobothi ezi(mbini) Go past (2) robots

Ude ufike e.... Until you get to...

Misa! Stop!

Misa apha! Stop here!

Misa esitophini Stop at the stop street

Jika ngasekhohlo Turn left

Jika ngasekunene Turn right

Uza kufika e.... You will get to...

Uza kubona .... ngasekunene You will see .... on your right

2.25 Cost of travel

Yimalini iteksi? How much is a taxi?

Yimalini itikiti? How much is a ticket?

Yimalini ukuya e...? How much is it to go to ....?

YiR25.00 It is R25.00

Kulungile, ina Alright, here you are (said as you hand over the money)

Revision on travel

Andiyazi indlela I ...................... the way

Ungandibonisa indlela? Can you ................... the way?
Iphi indlela e.......... ................ the road to.........?
Nyuka
Hamba ngale ndlela Go ................... road
Ude ufike e .............. you arrive at...
Yihla
Misa ekoneni ............... at the corner
Jika
Ngasekhohlo
Uza kubona ivenkile ...................... a shop
Ngasekunene
 26

Yimalini? ...................... it?

Ina ................ you are

2.36 Useful Everyday Question Forms [very important]

2.36.1 Njani? How?

Kunjani? How is life (treating you)?

Unjani? How are you?

Uthetha njani xa usithi.. .. ngesiXhosa? How do you say.... in isiXhosa?

Ndingakunceda njani? How can I help you?

Uziva njani namhlanje? How do you feel today?

Mingaphi iminyaka yakho? How old are you?

Uneminyaka emingaphi utata? How old is your dad?

Baneminyaka emingaphi abantwana? How old are your children?

Usebenza ixesha elingakanani apha? How long have you been working here?

Uya ngantoni ukuya esikolweni How do you get to school?

Kukude kangakanani? How far is it?

Uyivula njani le khompyutha ? How do you switch on this computer?

Iza kuthatha ixesha elingakanani? How long will it take?

Bangaphi abantwana bakho? How many children do you have?

Zingaphi iiklasi zakho namhlanje? How many classes do you have today?

Yimalini? How much does it cost?

Utshaya kangakanani? How much do you smoke?

Uya kangaphi eklasini ngeveki? How often per week do you go to class?

Revision exercise:

Baneminyaka emingaphi abantwana? ................ are your children?

Bangaphi abantwana bakho? ................ are your children?
Iza kuthatha ixesha elingakanani? How long will .........?
Kukude kangakanani? ............... is it?
Kunjani? How is ....................?
 27

Mingaphi iminyaka yakho? .................... are you?

Ndingakunceda njani? How can I ........................?
Uneminyaka emingaphi utata? ...................... is your father?
Unjani? ................... are you?
Usebenza ixesha elingakanani apha? ........... have you been working here?
Uthetha njani xa usithi.. .. ngesiXhosa? .................... in isiXhosa?
Uya ngantoni ukuya esikolweni ....................... to school?
Uyivula njani le khompyutha ? ................... this computer
Uziva njani namhlanje? How ..................... today?
Yimalini? ................... is it?
Zingaphi iiklasi zakho namhlanje? .................. classes do you have today?

2.36.2 Ntoni? What?

Yintoni? What is it?

Yintoni le? What is this?

Zintoni ezi? What are these?

Ngubani igama lakho? What is your name?

Ngubani ifani yakho? What is your surname?

Ithini inamba yefowuni yakho? What is your phone number?

Ithini i-adresi / idilesi yakho? What is your address?

Yintoni umsebenzi wakho? What work do you do?

Uqhuba imoto enjani? What car do you drive?

Ngubani ixesha? / Lithini ixesha? What is the time?

Ngubani igama likamama? What is your mother’s name?

Ndingakwenzela ntoni? What can I do fo you?

Uthini? What do you say?

Ubusithini? What did you say?

Wenzani? What do you do / are you doing?

Lithetha ntoni eli gama? What does this word mean?

Uthanda ukwenza ntoni? What do you like doing?

Yintoni uHappy Birthday ngesiXhosa? What is Happy Birthday in isiXhosa?

Kwenzeke ntoni namhlanje? What happened today (recently)?

 28

Kwenzeka ntoni ngo2010? What happened in 2010 (long ago)?

Yintoni ingxaki? What is the problem?

Ufuna ntoni? What do you want?

Revision exercise

Ithini inamba yefowuni yakho? .................. your phone number?

Kwenzeke ntoni? .................. happened?
Lithetha ntoni eli gama? What does ..............................
Ndingakwenzela ntoni? What can ........................... you?
Ngubani igama lakho? What is ...........................?
Ngubani ixesha? / Lithini ixesha? What ................?
Ubusithini? What .............. you saying?
Uqhuba imoto enjani? What type of car ........................?
Uthanda ukwenza ntoni? What ............................. doing?
Uthini? What are ...............................?
Wenzani? What are ................................?
Yintoni le? ...................... this?
Yintoni uHappy Birthday ngesiXhosa? .............. Happy Birthday in isiXhosa?
Yintoni umsebenzi wakho? What .................you do?
Yintoni? What ......................?
Zintoni ezi? What ......................?

2.36. 3Nini? When?

Iqala nini iklasi? When does class start?

Siqala nini isikolo? When does school start?

Uvuka nini kusasa? When do you get up in the morning?

Ulala nini ebusuku? When do you go to sleep at night?

Utya nini iblakfesi? When do yo eat breakfast?

Wazalwa nini? When were you born?

Uqale nini ukusebenza? When did you start working?

Uthathe nini umhlala-phantsi? When did you retire?

2.36.4 Phi? Where?

Uhlala phi? Where do you stay?

Liphi ikhaya lakho? Where is your home?

Uya phi? Where are you going?

 29

Uvela phi? Where have you come form?

Usuka phi? Where do you originate from?

Iphi incwadi yakho? Where is your book?

Baphi abazali bakho? Where are your parents?

Uphangela phi? Where do you work?

Wazalelwa phi? Where were you born?

Wakhulela phi? Where did you grow up?

Uyifumene phi? Where did you find it?

Usazela phi isiXhosa? From where do you know isiXhosa

Wasifunda phi isiXhosa? Where did you learn isiXhosa?

Revision exercise:

Baphi abazali bakho? Where are .........................?

Iphi incwadi yakho? Where is ...........................?
Iqala nini iklasi? When does class ......................?
Liphi ikhaya lakho? Where is ............................?
Siqala nini isikolo? When does ................... begin?
Ulala nini ebusuku? When do you go to sleep ............... ?
Uphangela phi? Where do you ........................?
Uqale nini ukusebenza? When did .................. working?
Usazela phi isiXhosa? From where ..................... isiXhosa?
Usuka phi? Where do you .............................?
Uthathe nini umhlala-phantsi? When did you ..........................?
Utya nini iblakfesi? When do you ..................... breakfast?
Uvela phi? Where ......................... from?
Uvuka nini kusasa? When do you get up ....................?
Uya phi? Where ....................... ?
Uyifumene phi? Where did you ...................?
Wakhulela phi? Where did you .........................?
Wasifunda phi isiXhosa? Where did you ...........................?
Wazalelwa phi? Where were you ................?

2.36.5 Bani? Who?

Ufuna bani? Who do you want?

Ungubani? Who are you?

Ngubani umfundisi wakho? Who is your teacher?

 30

Ngubani lo? Who is this?

Ngoobani aba? Who are these (people)?

2.36.6 Bani? Whom?

Ufuna ukuthetha nabani? With whom do you wish to speak?

Ndithetha nabani? With whom am i speaking?

Uhlala nabani? With whom do you stay?

Ufundiswe ngubani? By whom were you taught?

2.36.7 -kabani? Whose?

Yekabani le? Whose is this?

Yincwadi kabani le? Whose book is this?

Zezikabani ezi? Whose are these?

Zizitshixo zikabani ezi? Whose keys are these?

Ungumntwana kabani? Whose child are you?

2.36.8 -phi? Which?

Ufunde kwesiphi isikolo? At which school did you study?

Wahamba kwesiphi isikolo? Which school did you go to?

Uya kweyiphi iklasi ngoku? Which class are you going to now?

Usifunde isiXhosa kweliphi ibanga? In which standard did you study isiXhosa?

2.37.9 Kutheni? Why?

Kutheni ungahambi sikolo? Why are you not at school?

Kutheni ungandixeleli nje Why did you not tell me?

Revision exercise:

Ndithetha nabani? With whom am I ....................?

Ngoobani aba? .................. these people?
Ngubani lo? ................... this?
Ngubani umfundisi wakho? Who is ..............................?
Ufuna bani? ................... do you want?
Ufuna ukuthetha nabani? ................... do you want to speak?
Ufunde kwesiphi isikolo? At ........................... did you study?
Ufundiswe ngubani? By whom ..............................?
 31

Uhlala nabani? With whom .........................?

Ungubani? Who .............................?
Ungumntwana kabani? Whose ............................ are you?
Uya kweyiphi iklasi ngoku? ..................... are you going to now?
Wahamba kwesiphi isikolo? To ........................... did you go?
Yekabani le? .................... is this?
Yincwadi kabani le? ...................... is this?
Zezikabani ezi? Whose ..........................?
Zizitshixo zikabani ezi? Whose ........................ are these?

2.37 Congratulations and good wishes

Siyavuyisana nawe! Congratulations [we rejoice with you]

Yonwabele imini yakho! Happy Birthday ! [enjoy your day]
IKrismesi emnandi! Merry Christmas!
Mnyak’ omtsha! Happy New Year!
Yonwabele iholide! Enjoy the holiday!
Yonwabele impelaveki! Enjoy the weekend!
Yiba nemini emnandi! Have a nice day!

2.38 Relaxation

Wenza ntoni xa uzonwabisa? What do you do for relaxation?

Ndithanda ukuya elwandle I like to go to the beach

Ndithanda ukubukela iThivi I like to watch TV

Ndithanda ukudlala imidlalo I like to play sport

Ndithanda ukufunda incwadi I like to read a book

Ndithanda ukupheka I like to cook

Ndithanda ukuthunga I like to sew

2.39 Your future plans

Uza kwenza ntoni xa ugqibile ukufunda? What do you want to do when you have finished
studying?

Ndifuna ukuphangela phesheya kolwandle I want to work overseas

Ndifuna ukuya phesheya kolwandle I want to go overseas

Ndifuna ukukhenketha I want to travel

Ndifuna ukonwaba nje I just want to relax


Ndifuna ukufundisa
2.40 Saying goodbye / taking leave
Hamba kakuhle!
Enkosi, nawe
Sala kakuhle!
Sendimkile
Ndimkile
Ndiyahamba ngoku
Ndisahamba ke ngoku
Bhayini! [colloquial]
2.41 Greetings to
Ndibulisele ekhaya
Ndibulisele kuJohn
2.42 Some negative expressions
2.42.1 Ukungafuni
Ufuna ikofu?
Hayi, andifuni kofu
Ufuna amanzi?
Hayi, andifuni enkosi
Ufuna ukulala?
Hayi, andifuni kulala enkosi
Ufuna ukuya evenkileni?
Hayi, andifuni kuya enkosi
UMama ufuna iti?
Hayi akafuni enkosi
Umntwana ufuna ukutya?
Hayi, akafuni kutya
Kutheni uThemba engafundi nje?
Akafuni, uyanqena
Kutheni umntwana elila nje?
Akafuni kuya esikolweni ngomso
Abantwana bafuna ukugoduka?
Hayi, abafuni kugoduka ngoku
Kutheni abafundi betshona nje?
Abafuni kufunda
Abazali bafuna ukuya ngeteksi?
Hayi, abafuni
Kutheni abantu bengenamali nje?
32
I want to teach
Go well!
Thanks, same to you / and you too
Stay well!
I am on my way
I am on my way / I have left
I am going now
I am just on my way then
Goodbye!
Greetings to those at home
Send my greetings to John
Not wanting (to)
Do you want coffee?
No, I don’t want (any) coffee.
Do you want (some) water?
No, I don’t want (any) thanks
Do you want to lie down?
No, I don’t want to lie down thanks
Do you want to go to the shop?
No, I don’t want to go thanks
Does Mom want some tea?
No, she does not want any thanks
Does the child want some food?
No, she does not want any food
Why does Themba not study?
He does not want to, he is lazy
Why is the child crying?
He does not want to go to school tomorrow
Do the children want to go home?
No, they don’t want to go home now
Why are the students failing?
They don’t want to learn
Do the parents want to go by taxi?
No, they don’t want to
Why do the people have no money?
 33

Abafuni kusebenza They don’t want to work

2.42.2 Ukungathandi Not liking (to)

Zeziphi izinto ongazithandiyo? What things do you not like?

Andithandi khapetshu
Andithandi phinabhatha
Andithandi kubukela iThivi
Andithandi kudlala midlalo
Andithandi kufunda incwadi
Kodwa
Ndithanda ukumamela umculo
I don’t like cabbage
I don’t like peanut butter
I don’t like watching TV
I don’t like playing sport
I don’t like reading a book
but
I like listening to music

Zeziphi izinto uTata angazithandiyo What does Dad not like?

Akathandi kuhamba nge-eropleni He does not like travelling by plane
Akathandi kutshaya He does not like smoking
Akathandi kuvuka ekuseni He does not like getting up early
Akathandi kucheba ingca He does not like mowing the lawn
Akathandi kuhlamba izitya He does not like washing the dishes
Kodwa but
Uthanda ukubukela ezemidlalo He likes to watch sport

Zeziphi izinto abantwana abangazithandiyo? What do children not like?

Abathandi kusebenza endlwini They do not like working in the house
Abathandi kulala emva kokutya isopholo They don’t like going to bed early
Abathandi kwenza umsebenzi wesikolo ekhaya They don’t like doing homework
Abathandi kuvuka ebusika They don’t like getting up in the winter
Abathandi kuhamba isikolo They don’t like going to school
Kodwa but
Bathanda ukuthenga iimpahla ezintsha They like buying new clothes

Revision exercise
Translate the following:

Andifuni
Akafuni
Abafuni
Abathandi kusebenza
Andithandi kuhlamba izitya
Akathandi kuya evenkileni
Ukubukela ezemidlalo
Ukuvuka ebusika
Ukuhamba isikolo
Ukucheba ingca
Ukudlala imidlalo
Ukwenza umsebenzi wesikolo
Ukumamela umculo
 34

Ukufunda incwadi
Ukuthenga iimpahla ezintsha
Andifuni kugoduka
Andithandi kusebenza endlwini
Abathandi kutshaya
Afafuni kuhamba nge-eropleni
Andifuni kutshona
Ufuna ukulila

2.43 Counting

A brief reference was made to counting in 2.4 where we mentioned how many people were in the
home, but this needs a little more detail in order to bring about some understanding of how isiXhosa
works and to avoid rote / parrot-like learning.

So firstly, the basic numerical stems from 1 – 10.

It is vitally important that you memorise these before proceeding

-nye one

-bini two

-thathu three

-ne four

-hlanu five

-thandathu six

-sixhenxe seven

-sibhozo eight

-lithoba nine

-lishumi ten

How these stems will be used will depend on WHAT WE ARE COUNTING as we will see from the
following examples. You will further notice the importance of the prefix (in bold) of the noun being
counted:
 35

1. Abafundi Scholars / students

Bangaphi? How many are there?

Ubona abafundi abangaphi? How many scholars / students do you see?

Mnye umfundi There is one student Babini abafundi There are two students
Ndibona omnye I see one Ndibona abafundi ababini I see two students

Bathathu abafundi They are 3 in number Bane abafundi They are 4 in number
Ndibona abafundi abathathu I see 3 Ndibona abafundi abane I see 4 students

Bahlanu abafundi They are 5 in number Bathandathu They are 6 in number

Ndibona abafundi abahlanu I see 5 Ndibona abafundi abathandathu I see 6 students
 36

Basixhenxe abafundi They are 7 in number Basibhozo abafundi They are 8 in number
Ndibona abafundi abasixhenxe I see 7 Ndibona abafundi abasibhozo I see 8

Balithoba abafundi They are 9 in number Balishumi abafundi They are 10 in number
Ndibona abafundi abalithoba I see 9 Ndibona abafundi abalishumi I see 10 students

This will apply to any word beginning with “aba-“ such as”
Abantwana ‘children’
Abahlobo ‘friends’
Abasebenzi ‘workers’
Abafundisi ‘teachers / lecturers, etc

2. Umthi / Imithi Tree / Trees

Mingaphi? How many are there?
Ubona imithi emingaphi? How many do you see

Mnye umthi There is one tree Mibini imithi The trees are two in number
Ndibona umthi omnye I see one tree Ndibona imithi emibini I see two trees
 37

Mithathu imithi They are 3 in number Mine imithi They are 4 in number
Ndibona imithi emithathu I see 3 trees Ndibona imithi emine I see 4 trees

Mihlanu imithi They are 5 in number Mithandathu imithi They are 6 in number
Ndibona imithi emihlanu I see 5 Ndibona imithi emithandathi I see 6

Isixhenxe imithi They are 7 in number Isibhozo imithi They are 8 in number
Ndibona imithi esixhenxe I see 7 Ndibona imithi esibhozo I see 8

Ilithoba imithi They are 9 in number Ilishumi imithi They are 10 in number
Ndibona imithi elithoba I see 9 trees Ndibona imithi elishumi I see 10 trees

This will apply to any word beginning with “imi-“ such as:
Iminwe ‘fingers’
Imilenze ‘legs’
Imisebenzi ‘chores / assignments
Imibuzo ‘questions’ etc
 38

3. Ilitye / amatye ‘stone(s)’

Mangaphi? ‘How many are there?’
Ubona amatye amangaphi? ‘How many stones do you see?’

Linye ilitye ‘There is one stone Mabini amatye They are two in number
Ndibona ilitye elinye I see one stone Ndibona amatye amabini I see two stones

Mathathu amatye ‘They are 3 in number’ Mane amatye ‘They are 4 in number’
Ndibona amatye amathathu ‘I see 3’ Ndibona amatye amane ‘I see 4 stones’

Mahlanu amatye ‘They are 5 in number’ Mathandathu amatye ‘They are 6 in number’
Ndibona amatye amahlanu ‘I see 5’ Ndibona amatye amathandathu ‘I see 6 stones’

Asixhenxe amatye ‘They are 7 in number Asibhozo amatye ‘They are 8 in number’
Ndibona amatye asixhenxe ‘I see 7 ‘ Ndibona amatye asibhozo ‘I see 8 stones’
 39

Alithoba amatye ‘They are 9 in number’ Alishumi amatye ‘They are 10 in number’
Ndibona amatye alithoba ‘I see 9 stones’ Ndibona amatye alishumi ‘I see 10 stones’

The same would apply to words such as”

Amakhaya ‘homes’
Amagama ‘words / names’
Amaqanda ‘eggs’
Amacephe ‘spoons, etc’

4. Isitulo / izitulo ‘chair(s)

Zingaphi izitulo? ‘How many chairs are there?’
Ubona izitulo ezingaphi? ‘How many chairs do you see?’

Sinye isitulo ‘There is one chair’ Zibini izitulo ‘They are two in number’
Ndibona isitulo esinye ‘I see one chair’ Ndibona izitulo ezibini ‘I see two chairs’

Zithathu izitulo ‘They are 3 in number’ Zine izitulo ‘They are 4 in number’
Ndibona izitulo ezithathu ‘I see 3 chairs’ Ndibona izitulo ezine ‘I see 4 chairs’

Zihlanu izitulo ‘They are 5 in number’ Zithandathu izitulo ‘They are 6 in number’
 40

Ndibona izitulo ezihlanu ‘I see 5 chairs’ Ndibona izitulo ezithandathu ‘I see 6 chairs’

Zisixhenxe izitulo ‘They are 7 in number’ Zisibhozo izitulo ‘They are 8 in number’
Ndibona izitulo ezisixhenxe ‘I see 7 chairs’ Ndibona izitulo ezisibhozo ‘I see 8 chairs’

Zilithoba izitulo ‘They are 9 in number’ Zilishumi izitulo ‘They are 10 in number’
Ndibona izitulo ezilithoba ‘I see 9 chairs’ Ndibona izitulo ezilishumi’ I see 10 chairs’

The same will apply to words such as

Izitya ‘dishes’
Izihlangu ‘shoes’
Izikolo ‘schools’
Izandla ‘hands’, etc.
 41

5. The final group. Here we include original isiXhosa words as well as those which are
adopted from another language. This group makes up the bulk of words used
everyday and this will therefore be the most frequently used form of counting.
Illustrations will therefore be a mixture of these.
Inja / Izinja ‘Dog(s) Imoto / Iimoto ‘Car(s)’

Inye inja ‘There is one dog’ Zimbini iimoto ‘The cars are two in number’
Ndibona inja enye ‘I see one dog’ Ndibona iimoto ezimbini ‘I see two cars’

Zintathu izindlu ‘The houses are 3 in number Zine iidesika ‘The desks are 4 in number’
Ndibona izindlu ezintathu ‘I see 3 houses’ Ndibona iidesika ezine ‘I see 4 desks’

Zintlanu iincwadi ‘The books are 5 in number’ Zintandathu iipensile ‘The pencils are 6’
Ndibona iincwadi ezintlanu ‘I see 6 books’ Ndibona iipensile ezintandathu ‘I see 6 pencils’

Zisixhenxe iintombi ‘The girls are 7 in number ‘Iitafile zisibhozo ‘The tables are 8 in number’
Ndibona iintombi ezisixhenxe ‘I see 8 girls’ Ndibona iitafile ezisibhozo ‘I see 8 tables’
 42

Zilithoba iintyatyambo ‘9 flowers in number; Iibhola zilishumi ‘The balls are 10 in number’
Ndibona iintyatyambo ezilithoba ‘I see 9’ Ndibona iibhola ezilishumi ‘I see 10 balls’

The list of nouns that would be counted in this manner are too many to list, but the chief
characteristic would be the “ii-“ or “izin-“ in the beginning.

Application exercise: (also online)

State that the following are two in number:

Abantwana
Amacephe
Izihlangu
Iimela (knives)
Translate the following: Translation
Two children Abantwana
Two spoons Amacephe
Two shoes Izihlangu
Two knives Iimela
State that the following are five in number: Translation
Abafundi 1
Imibuzo (questions) 2
Amadoda (men) 3
Iifestile (windows) 4
Izitya (dishes) 5
Translate the following: Translation
Five students Abafundi
Five questions Imibuzo
Five men Amadoda
Five windows Iifestile
Five dishes izitya
State that the following are eight in number: Translation
Iincwadi 1
Abantu 2
Imithi 3
Amagumbi (rooms) 4

Translate the following: Translation

 43

Eight books Iincwadi

Eight people Abantu
Eight trees Imithi
Eight rooms Amagumbi
State that the following are ten in number Translation
Izindlu (houses) 1
Abahlobo (friends) 2
Imibuzo 3
Amakhaya (homes) 4
Translate the following Translation
Ten houses Izindlu
Ten friends Abahlobo
Ten questions Imibuzo
Ten homes Amakhaya
State that there is only one of the following Translation
Umntwana 1
Igama (name) 2
Isikolo 3
IThivi 4
Translate the following: Translation
One child Umntwana
One name Igama
One school Isikolo
One TV Ithivi
State that the following are three in number Translation
Abadlali (players) 1
Amantombazana (little girls) 2
Izitulo 3
Iminwe (fingers) 4
Iintsuku (days) 5
Translate the following Translation
Three players Abadlali
Three little girls Amantombazana
Three fingers Iminwe
Three days Iintsuku
State that the following are four in number Translation
Amakhwenkwe (little boys) 1
Abafana (young men) 2
Iintombi 3
Imithi 4
Izipili (mirrors) 5
Translate the following Translation
Four little boys Amakhwenkwe
Four young men Abafana
Four girls Iintombi
Four trees Imithi
Four mirrors Izipili
 44

2.44 WHAT DO WE WEAR? Sinxiba ntoni?

IIMPAHLA Clothes

Here we will look at some everyday garments and also introduce some of the basic colours and
adjectives.

Umnqwazi ‘hat” Ikepusi / ityepusi ‘cap’

Umnqwazi umdaka ‘The hat is brown Ikepusi imfusa ‘The cap is purple’

Ndinxiba umnqwazi omdaka ‘I wear a brown hat ‘ Ndinxiba ikepusi emfusa ‘I wear a purple cap’

Isankwane ‘beanie / balaclava’

Isankwane simnyama ‘The beanie is black’

Ndinxiba isankwane esimnyama ‘I wear a black beanie’

Ihempe iblowu The shirt is blue Ihempe i-orenji ‘The shirt is orange (borrowed)’
ihempe iluhlaza okwesibhaka-bhaka (orig. The colour of the sky)
Ndinxiba ihempe eblowu I wear a blue shirt . Unxiba ihempe e-orenji ‘He wears an orange shirt’
Imikhono mide ‘The sleeves are long’ Imikhono mifutshane ‘The sleeves are short’
Inemikhono emide ‘It has long sleeves’ Inemikhono emifutshane ‘It has short sleeves’
 45

Isikipha T-shirt Iblawuzi Blouse

Isikipha simhlophe ‘The t-shirt is white Iblawuzi ibomvu ‘The blouse is red’
Ndinxiba isikipha esimhlophe I wear a white t-shirt’ Unxiba iblawuzi ebomvu ‘She wears a red
blouse’

Ijezi ‘Jersey’ ‘Isilamba’ Lumber jacket

Ijezi imdaka The jersey is brown Isilamba siblowu The lumber jacket is blue

Ndinxiba ijezi emdaka I wear a brown jersey Unxiba isilamba esiblowu He wears a blue lumber
jacket’

Ijezi ifudumele ‘The jersey is warm’

Ndinxiba ijezi efudumeleyo ‘I wear a warm jersey’

Ibhatyi ‘Jacket’ Idyasi ‘Coat

Ibhatyi ingwevu ‘The jacket is grey’ Idyasi imdaka ‘The coat is brown’

Ndinxiba ibhatyi engwevu ‘I wear a grey jacket Unxiba idyasi emdaka ‘He wears a brown coat’

Yidyasi yeleli ‘It is a leather coat’

Iduru ‘It is expensive’

 46

Ilokhwe ‘Dress’ Isikethi ‘Skirt’

Ilokhwe iluhlaza ‘The dress is green’ Isikethi singwevu ‘The skirt is grey’

Unxiba ilokhwe eluhlaza ‘She wears a green dress Unxiba isikethi esingwevu ‘She wears a grey

skirt’

Ilokhwe intle ‘The dress is beautiful’

Unxibe ilokhwe entle ‘She is wearing a beautiful dress’

Ibhanti ‘Belt’

Ibhanti imnyama ‘The belt is black’

Yibhanti emnyama ‘It is a black belt’

Ibhulukhwe ende ‘Long trousers’ Ibhulukhwe emfutshane ‘Short trousers’

Sometimes referred to as ‘Ishoti’

 47

Iikawusi ‘Socks’ Izihlangu ‘Shoes’

Iikawusi zinemigca ‘The socks are striped Izihlangu zimnyama ‘The shoes are black’

Iikawusi ezinemigca ‘Striped socks’ izihlangu ezimnyama ‘Black shoes’

Iiteki ‘Tackies / also track shoes’

Iiteki zitshiphu ‘Tackies are cheap (not always)

Ndithenge iiteki ezitshiphu ‘I bought cheap tackies’

Activity:
1. Go through your wardrobe and look at each garment and describe it in isiXhosa
saying:
a. What it is
b. What colour it is
2. State “Namhlanje ndinxiba (……….) (………)” ‘Today I am wearing a (garment) (that
is…..)

This will be accompanied by the following online application exercise

 48

Application exercise (also online)

State that the following garments are black Translation (one-word)

Ijezi 1
Isikipha 2
Umnqwazi 3
Isihlangu 4
Translate the following Translation
A black jersey Ijezi
A black t-shirt Isikipha
A black hat Umnqwazi
Black shoes Izihlangu
State that the following garments are red Translation (one-word)
Ilokhwe 1
Isikethi 2
Iblawuzi 3
Iikawusi 4
Translate the following Translation
A red dress Ilokhwe
A red skirt Isikethi
A red blouse Iblawuzi
Red socks Iikawusi
State that the following are short (futshane) Translation (one-word)
Imikhono 1
Ibhulukhwe 2
Isikethi 3
Ilokhwe 4
Translate the following Translation
Short sleeves Imikhono
Short trousers Ibhulukhwe
Short skirt Isikethi
Short dress Ilokhwe
State that the following are white Translation (one-word)
Ihempe 1
Iihempe 2
Umnqwazi 3
Izihlangu 4
Translate the following: Translation
A white shirt Ihempe
White shirts Iihempe
A white hat Umnqwazi
White shoes Izihlangu
State that the following are warm (easy) Translation (one-word)
Ibhatyi 1
Idyasi 2
Ijezi 3
 49

Iikawusi 4
Isankwane 5
Translate the following Translation
A warm jacket Ibhatyi
A warm coat Idyasi
A warm jersey Ijezi
A warm beanie Iikawusi
Isankwane
State that the following are beautiful Translation (one-word)
Ilokhwe 1
Iijezi 2
Izihlangu 3
Umnqwazi 4
Isilambha 5
Translate the following Translation
A beautiful dress Ilokhwe
Beautiful jerseys Iijezi
Beautiful shoes Izihlangu
A beautiful hat Umnqwazi
A beautiful lumber jacket Isilambha
State that the following are striped (nemigca) Translation (one-word)
Iikawusi 1
Ibhulukhwe 2
Isikethi 3
Umnqwazi 4
Translate the following: Translation
Striped socks Iikawusi
Striped trousers Ibhulukhwe
Striped skirt Isikethi
Striped hat Umnqwazi
 50

2.45 WHAT DO WE EAT? Sitya ntoni?

Here follows a comprehensive list of foods that we eat at various times of the day

For breakfast I eat.. Ngebrakfesi nditya.. (isidlo sakusasa)

Food that gives energy like: Ukutya okunika amandla njenga-
Porridge Ipapa
Porridge milk and sugar Ipapa enobisi neswekile
Muesli Imuesli
Crumbly meal porridge/ Umphokoqo
“Krummelpap”
Fruit because they contain Iziqhamo kuba zineevithamini neetyuwa zomzimba
vitamins and minerals
• Apple I-apile
• Plum Iplamu
• Pear Ipere
• Banana Ibanana
• Mango Imengo
• Naartjie Inartyisi
• Orange I-orenji
• Grapes Iidiliya / iigreyipsi
• Peach Ipesika
• Apricot I-aprikothi
• Pawpaw Ipopo
• Strawberries Amaqunube
• Spanspek Ispanspeki
Yoghurt Iyogathi
Bacon and egg Iqanda nebheyikhoni
Toast Itowusti
Toast and peanut butter Itowusti eqatywe iphinabhatha
Toast and jam Itowusti eqatywe ijem
Butter Ibhotolo
Margarine Imajarini
Cheese Itshizi

I drink (cold) Ndisela

Milk Ubisi
Juice / fruit juice Ijusi / incindi yeziqhamo
I drink (hot) Ndiphunga
Tea Iti
Coffee Ikofu

For lunch I eat Ngedinala/ngelantshi nditya (isidlo sasemini

A sandwich (bread) Isonka
White bread Isonka esimhlophe
 51

Brown bread Isonka esimdaka / esibrawuni

A pie Ipayi
A salad Isaladi
• Lettuce ilethisi
• Tomato Itumata
• Cucumber Inkomkomiri / ikhyukhamba
A boiled egg Iqanda elibilisiweyo
Salt Ityuwa
Pepper Ipepile

For supper I eat Ngesopholo nditya (isidlo sangokuhlwa)

Meat Inyama
• Beef Inyama yenkomo
• Mutton Inyama yegusha
• Pork Inyama yehagu
• Chicken Inkuku
• Fish Intlanzi
• Chops Iitshopsi
• Steak Isiteyiki
• Sausage Isoseji
• Kebab Ikhibhebhu / Isosati
Fish and chips Intlanzi neetshipsi
Gravy Igreyivi / umhluzi
Stew Istyu
Curry Ikheri
Curry and rice Ikheri nerayisi
Samp and beans Umnqusho
Soup Isuphu

Vegetables which also contain Imifuno / iveji enazo neevithamini neetyuwa

vitamins and minerals zomzimba
• Carrots Iminqathe
• Beans Iimbotyi
• Peas Ii-ertyisi
• Cabbage Ikhapetshu
• Cauliflower Ikholiflawa
• Spinach Isipinatshi
• Onion Itswele
• Potato Iitapile
• Sweet potato Ibhatata
• Pumpkin Ithanga
• Squash Usenza / Isikwashi
 52

FATTENING FOODS UKUTYA OKUTYEBISAYO

Cake Ikeyiki
Biscuits Amaqebengwana / iibhiskithi
Sweets Iilekese
Chocolate Itshokolethi

DRINKS IZINTO EZISELWAYO

Water Amanzi
Cold drinks iziselo ezibandayo / iidrinki / iikholdrinki
Alcohol Utywala
• Beer Ibhiye
• Brandy Ibranti / igrangqa
• Whiskey Iwiski
• Wine Iwayini
• Red wine Iwayini ebomvu
• White wine Iwayini emhlophe
Revision exercise – supply the isiXhosa terms for the following

English term Igama lesiXhosa

Breakfast
Lunch
Supper
Drink something hot
Drink something cold
Fattening food
Healthy food
Drinks
Salt
Pepper
Fish
Beef
Mutton
Vegetables
White bread
Toast and jam
Boiled egg
Energy
Alcohol
Red wine
Chicken
Porridge milk and sugar
In the morning
In the evening
 53

2.46 PARTS OF THE BODY - Amalungu Omzimba

Umzimba The body

Intloko Head
Ndinentloko I have a headache

Indlebe / iindlebe Ear / ears

Ndiqaqanjelwa yindlebe I have earache

Amehlo Eyes
Emehlweni In the eyes
 54

Impumlo Nose
Empumlweni On the nose

Umlomo Mouth

Emlonyeni In the mouth

Amazinyo Teeth

Ulwimi Tongue

Ubuso Face

Ebusweni On the face

 55

Imilebe Lips

Emilebeni On the lips

Izidlele Cheeks

Iinwele Hair

Isilevu Chin

Intamo Neck

Entanyeni In / on the neck

 56

Amagxa Shoulders

Emagxeni On / in the shoulders

Isifuba Chest

Esifubeni In the chest

Isisu Abdomen
Esiswini In the abdomen / stomach

Ingalo Arm
Iingalo Arms
Izihlunu Muscles

Isihlahla Wrist [Izihlahla - wrists]

Isandla Hand [Izandla - hands]

Iminwe Fingers
 57

Uzipho Nail
Iinzipho Nails

Isinqe Waist

Umlenze Leg
Imilenze Legs

Idolo Knee
Amadolo Knees

Iqatha Ankle
Amaqatha Ankles
 58

Unyawo Foot
Iinyawo Feet

Uzwane Toe
Iinzwane Toes
 59

See how many parts of the body you can identify in the following picture