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Bilingual Bemba-English Dictionary (Letter A)

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a aba

? companion would have yasosa aiti: The chief spoke

a 1: Mwe bo bebele lelo

explained them to him; 11 and said; 21 The verb

This a- of the conditional is complement of -suka takes a

(contracted) You whom they
omitted in the 1st pers. sing; followed by the pronoun
told to-day; 2: Mwe bo
12: Nkula ubutala nga naya subject; 22: Tukasuka
bayafwile milimo bulya
ku Iwendo Had I built a atukumana We will end by
bushiku (not contracted) You
granary, I would have gone meeting; 23 pron. he, she,
whom they helped the day
on a journey; 13 Sometimes with class mu-ba: aya, he is
before yesterday; 3: Mwe bo
the subject is followed by the gone?
bdfwile imilimo lelo
tense in la; 14: Lelo a! (interjection) 1 interj. of
(contracted) You whom they
ashilaima (mpombo nga surprise, protest, disgust: A!
helped in the work to-day; 4
twashipaya nganshi Had te mu mafi waswa aya
characteristic of the
they (duikers) got up to-day, mabula? Ah! Is it not in the
immediate past; 5: Nashite
we would have killed many dirt that you gathered these
nsalu I have just bought some
of them; 15 .So that; 16: leaves?; 2?
cloth; 6 characteristic of the
Mukekale mailo, atubomba
negative future of to-day; 7: aba (pronoun) (2, 1) 1 prefix
na kabili Do stay to-morrow, of class mu-ba these:
Nshayeko I shall not go there.
so that we may work again; abakubifya kuti
(The final vowel of the verb
17: Unjipaile pano pene ulebakalipila, those who
becomes e); 8 characteristic
nombaline, acipwa Kill me wrong you, you must
of the conditional, if; 9: Mfula
immediately at this very spot, reprimand them; 2 Also rel.
aiba no kwisa nga
so that you can be done with pron. those who; 3
naisa If the rain had been
it; 18 With the expletive – Sometimes aba stands alone
coming, it would have come;
reduplicative verb -ti; 19 the as a dem. pron.; 4: ni aba
10: Eba (aeba) munankwe
subject of the verb is bene these same persons
nga alimupingwile Had he
preceded by a; 20: Mfumu (already mentioned).?
told his difficulties, his

Page 1 of 33
-abaila -abuka

-abaila (verb intransitive) 1 to to get soaked, put under the chief decided in his

talk nonsense talk: water or other liquid favour; 2: mwafi wangabila

uleabailafye, . you talk substance, as cassava, bark
the ordeal by poison decided
nonsense; 2? for rope making, etc get
in my favour; 3: uwapdla
soaked: kalundwe
-abana /abene)/ (verb aya-bilwa (or akapdlile
nayabikwa the cassava is
transitive) 1 rec. to share, kaliabilwe) he who prays the
divide share: cinshi put to soak under water; 2:
manes not to harm a sick
mwayabanina ifi fintu? kabiye ulenjabikila kalundwe
person (during the
why did you divide these kwifwe go and put the
evocation), is by that very
cassava in the water for me at
things ?; 2? fact absolved of all
the watering place; 3: uko
-abanya /abenye/ (verb suspicions in that person's
waya abikila kalundwe ni
transitive) 1 to divide, sickness or death. (Native
kwi? where did you soak
portion out divide:; 2? belief)?
the cassava? ; 4: ku musumba
abenshi (pl noun) (2, 1) SEE abo (pronoun) (2, 1) 1 Dem.
takwabikilwa nkwa in the
mwenshi2 1:; 2? pron. of distance Cl,2
chief's village, bark (for
-abika /abike/ (verb transitive) meaning 'those near to you':
making cloth) is not put
1 to soak, put under water or Abo baana beesukulu Those
under water, mean. Don't
other liquid substance, as near to you are
plan to do a job of your own
cassava, bark for rope schoolchildren; 2?
if you have to go to or work
making, etc soak:; 2?
-abo (adjective) 1 Possessive
for someone more
-abikisha /abikishe/ (verb adjective expressing
important— your own job
intransitive) 1 to soak very belonging or ownership their:

deep in water or other liquid may never get done? Ni ncito yabo It is their affair

sbstance, to keep for a long -abila /abile/ (verb transitive) Muntu wabo Their relative;
time under water soak:; 2? 1 to decide in one's favour 2?

-abikwa (verb intransitive) 1 vindicate: mfumu yamwabila

-abuka /abwike/ (verb

Page 2 of 33
-abula -abusha

transitive) 1 to cross like a from water, as cassava An animal fell into the water,

river: cross: -abuka panshi to which was left to soak then it came out of it.; 2?
wade across, to ford; 2: - unsoak: kayabule kalundwe
-abulula /abulwile/ (verb
abuka pa bulalo to cross go and take the cassava out of
transitive) 1 to take out of the

over a bridge; 3: -abuka pa the water; 2: -abule myono water Take out of water:

nsunsu to be carried across to remove fish-traps; 3: - Nasanga aleabulula

on shoulders; 4: Kalulu ati: abule nama mu bucinga to kalundwe, I found her

Uyu mumana tabdbuka take an animal out of a game taking cassava out of the

abuka fye, kano waposapo pit.; 4: -abulo bwato to take a water; 2?

bwali, syn. wapusuka! Hare sunken boat out of water; 5:

-abululula /abululwile/ (verb

said: "They cannot cross that fig. -abulo muntu mu intransitive) 1 v. int. of -abula

river in any odd way, unless mulandu, to rescue a man unsoak intensively: Bushe

they throw bwali in it." from trouble, syn. -pususha; wayabululula fyonse? Did

(Folklore) fig. to escape from 6: eko wabwile matete, it is you take everything out of

danger, to get out of a there that you took the reeds the water?; 2: kabiye

difficulty: wayabuka! you out of the water; 7: ulenjabulwila ifyo nayabike

got out safely!; 5: uyu Twayabwilwa kalundwe, go and take out of the water

mumana te wa kwabuka twaibwa Our cassava was all that I have put to soak?

panshi that river cannot be taken from the water, we

-abululwisha
forded; 6 v.i. capable of have been robbed? /abululwishishe/ (verb

being crossed: ; 7: ubwato -abuluka /abulwike/ (verb intransitive) = -abululula 1:;

bwa kwabukilamo a boat to intransitive) 1 to rise to the 2?

cross over in; 8: Tulange apa surface of water; to come out

-abusha /abwishe/ (verb

kwabukila show us where to of water, as crocodile, etc

transitive) 1 To carry or ferry
come out: nama yawiLa
cross over? across a river carry across:
mwifwe, kabili yayabuluka Ulenjabusha nani? Who
-abula /abwile/ 1 to remove

Page 3 of 33
-abushanya
will ferry me across?; 2:
Icipe nacabushiwa, The
load is carried across; 3:
Kulya eko wabushishe fipe,
It is there that you carried the
loads across the river; 4:
Icipe nacabushiwa, The
load is carried across?
-abushanya /abushenye/
(verb intransitive) 1 to ferry
one another across in turn,
after mutual agreement ferry
each other:; 2?
abwe! (interjection) 1 iNTERj.
of impatience: forsake!; 2:
abwe! leave me alone!.?
-aci- (verb) 1 Verbal infix
expressing the past tense of
to-day: ; 2: Ati: We mfumu,
uko naciya ndalunga,
nsangile umuntu ale-bambe
noma shibili He said: "Oh
Chief! where I went hunting
(to-day), I found a man
stretching the skins of two
drums."; 3: Twaya balanga
-afwana
no mo nama shacipita we cayqfishisha fye It is
went to show them where difficult, it is really very
the game passed (to- difficult; 2?
day); 4 sometimes -afwa /afwile/ (verb transitive)
expresses the imperfect 1 to help help: Alatwafwa
tense:; 5: ilyo afwile nacili
milimo He helps us in our
mwaice I was still a child work; 2: So ngafwe Come
when he died? and help me; 3: Mute uldfwa;
-acilaa- (verb) 1 Verbal infix nakdna bulamu tabwafwa
expressing past continuance naka-lya Perseverance does
tense continuance: Eco help; but as for laziness, it
nacilafwaya It is what I was does not help at all; 4:
looking for? Ulemwafwila nshi? What are
-afisha (verb intransitive) 1 you helping him for?; 5:
to be very difficult be Euku namwafwila That is
intensely difficult: Ukwafya why I help him; 6:
caliafya, nomba tacayafisha Nayafwilwe milimo I am
It is difficult enough, but not helped in the work?
very very difficult; 2 to be
-afwana /afwene/ (verb) 1 rec.
annoyed; 3: Nayafishiwa ku
of -afwa, to help one another
mulwani uwaisa ngafya I am helpi each other: Abantu
annoyed by that bad man basuma baldfwana, Good
who came to pester me? people help one another; 2:
-afishisha /afishishe/ (verb Bayafwene milimo They
intransitive) 1 difficult helped one another in the
intensely: Cayafya,
Page 4 of 33
-afwanisha -aka

work; 3: Mulandu nshi -afwisha /afwishe/ (verb them; 7: pass. -afiwa (afiwe):

muleafwanina? Why do transitive) 1 To lend a helping bakaafiwa pa kupitako they

hand intensively Help: So will find difficulties in
you help one another??
ngafwisheko milimo Come passing there; 8: appl. -
-afwanisha (verb intransitive)
and lend me a hand in this afisha: ulengafisha nshi?
1 to give each other willing

assistance, to help each work.; 2? Why do you bother me??

other without reserve assist:; -afwishanya /afwishenye/ -afyanya /afyenye/ (verb) 1

2? (verb) 1 v. rec. Same as - rec. of -afya, to quarrel,
afwilishanya to help each dispute; to trouble,
-afwilisha /afwilishe/ (verb

intransitive) SEE other intensely:; 2? incon-venience one another

caafwilisho 1 To give a -afya /afishe/ (verb Dispute: Baleafyanya no

helping hand help: intransitive) 1 to be difficult, mukashi He is having a

Ungafwilishe milimo Lend
me a hand in this work; 2:
Uleyafwilisha we mwine, nga
Leesa ese akwafweko Help
yourself if you want God to
come and help you (God
helps those who help
hard, troublesome to be
difficult: Caalyafya It is
difficult. ; 2 (verb transitive)
to trouble, annoy, bother,
plague, puzzle Trouble; 3:; 4:
Alati aya ku kulima, mwana
wakwe alamwafya Whenever
quarrel with his wife; 2: Ngo
mulandu muleyafyanisha uli
kwi? What are you
quarrelling about??
aka (pronoun) (12, 13) 1 Dem.
pron. of proxmity Cl, 12
meaning 'this little one near

themselves); 3: she goes to cultivate, her

me' this: muli utu tuntu,

Aldfwilishiwa ulya That man child gives her trouble; 5:

akaawama ni aka Among

is helped over? Waisangafya pambilibili

these small things, the one
You have come to bother me
-afwilishanya /afwilishenye/ that is good is this one.; 2?
without any reason; 6:
(verb) 1 rec. to help, assist -aka /akile/ (verb intransitive)
each other Assist each Imilandu yalibafya these
1 to take fire, blaze catch fire:

other:; 2? ques-tions (or cases) puzzled

Mulilo wayaka The fire

Page 5 of 33
-aka- -akanishisha

takes; 2: Fig. aayisa aleeyaka quarrel with each other.? Take this away and share it

ngo mulilo He comes blazing ... akale ... 1 characteristic with your friends; 2:

like fire; 3: Amutobo lupi, of the nega-tive distant Akanina: ico mwayakanina

lwayaka, lwayaka, lwayaka continuous future: ifi fintu cinshi? Why have

He gave him a slap and the Tamwakaleenga mucele You you divided these things?; 3:

fight flared up.? will not (in the distant Bayakana nama, bayakanina

continuous future) make salt; mu mpanga They divided the

-aka- 1 Verbal infix

expressing the negative 2 The final vowel of ... akale meat, they divided it in the
... does not contract:
distant future, placed bush.?
between the subject and the tamwakaleenga mucele. But
-akanika /akanike/ (verb
root of the verb; the final the initial vowel a contracts
intransitive) 1 of state to be
vowel of the verb becomes : and becomes long; 3:
divided. Also: to have several
e: nshakayeko I shall not go Tdkalelya nama (for
meanings (of a word or
there. The initial vowel of ... taakalelya) He will not eat
sentence) get divided: ///

aka ... con-tracts and any more meat; 4 Note: The

ishiwi lyalola kubili,
contraction between the last
becomes long; 2: Tdkaye (for lyakanikako that sentence
vowel of a verb in the
taakaye) The last vowel of... has different meanings. ; 2?
negative form and the first
aka . .. contracts with e i o u;
vowel of the following word is -akanishanya /akanishenye/
3: Tamwakele (for
never made: (verb) 1 rec. to divide among
tamwakaele) sabi You will
Tamwakaleengamucele, and one another divide:; 2?
not catch fish; 4:
not tamwa-kaleengo -akanishisha /akanishishe/
Tamwakepaye (for
mucele? (verb intransitive) 1 of -
tamwakaipaye) nama You
-akana /iakene/ (verb akanya: Twayakanisha
will not kill animals; 5:
transitive) 1 to divide, portion balanda, twaya-kanishisha
Tatwakomane (for out divide out: Sende ci, fyey We have distributed
tatwakaumane) We will not muleyayakana na baneenu among the poor, we have

Page 6 of 33
-akanya -akulaa-

distributed absolutely -akashanya /akdshenye/ ball; 7: Akwingilamo Go

everything.; 2? (verb) 1 rec. (obsolete), to inside; 8 It drops before o; 9:

make one another suffer
-akanya /akenye/ (verb Akonsha mwana Give the
make one another suffer:?
transitive) 1 To divide, breast to the child; 10 It

portion out, distribute: -akisha /akishe/ (verb coalesces with another u; 11:

Distribute: Umuntu afule intransitive) 1 int. of -aka, to Äkuma uyu mulwani Beat the

mifwi, ayakanya bamwane A burn well, blaze. blaze:? bad man?

man forged arrows and ako 1 same as aka, used -akulaa- (verb) 1

distributed them among his when referring to an object characteristic of the

children; 2: Fyakanishiwa, near you small:? con-tinuous future, or

tapashele kantu nomba, They aku- (verb) 1 with the verb - (sometimes) the near future:

are distributed, there is ba expresses a condition, if Efyo mwakulacita Thus you

nothing left now.; 3: Cuma (conditional mood or will do (and will continue to

imperfect tenses): Akuba ni do); 2: Taucitile bwino,

candi ndeyakanisha balanda
we aubapo nga aliyacelwa kanshi wakulafuta You did
I will distribute my wealth
ulya muntu If you had been not act properly, therefore
among the poor?
there that man would have you will (now) pay a fine; 3
-akasha /akeshe obsolete/
compromised himself.; 2 The final vowel of... akula ...
(verb transitive) 1 to cause
prefix, expressing an order remains invariable; 4: Efyo
to suffer suffer: Iakdsha:
(imperative mood); 3: Akuya mwakulayafwana Thus you
uleiakdsha, You will lose
Go!; 4: Cuni camweba aciti: will help each other; 5 The
your time and money; 2:
i Akumbakilako amani," initial vowel follows the
Kufunde shilu, kuiakdsha To
The bird said to him: "Take general rules of contraction;
teach a fool is to lose one's
care of my eggs for me." ; 5 u 6: Efyo bdkulabomba (for
time; 3: Kapoli aiakdsho muti
becomes w before a e i; 6: baakulabombd) Thus they
The wild pig tried in vain to
Akwanko mupila Catch the will work?
push the tree.?

Page 7 of 33
-akwe -alasha

-akwe (adjective) 1 his, hers, dis-pleasure dis-pleasure: -alangana /alangene/ (verb

with proper prefix his, hers: Ala! umfwa, mune Well! intransitive) 1 to roll, turn over

Muntu wakwe His or her listen to me, friend.? and over; to salute. Roll:

person (relative); 2: Ncito Alangana pa musengele He

yakwe His or her work?
-ala /alile/ (verb transitive) 1 in
the expression.This gesture
is also used for denying what
one is accused
expression: Ala minwe To
open the hands, spread out
the fingers, indicating that
one has not what is asked
for.?
alalalala! (interjection) 1:?
repeatedly turns over in bed;
-alama /aleme/ (verb
2: Alangana panshi mu
intransitive) 1 to be high up,
kutota He rolls over on the
on top, perched, as bird on
ground giving the royal
branch, etc. Top:?
of. salute; 3: Alanganine mfumu
-alamika /alamike/ (verb
He salutes the chief.?
transitive) 1 to place high up,
-alanganya /alangenye/ (verb
on top, to perch, top:?
transitive) 1 to roll, turn
-alamuka /alamwike/ (verb
someone over. turn:; 2?
intransitive) 1 to get up, rise
from bed. Rise: Alamukila: -alasha /aleshe/ (verb

... ala … 1 characteristic of the transitive) 1 to make known,

ico wayalamukila cinshi ?
immediate future. The final publish publish: Kangalashe
Why did you get up ? -
vowel remains invariable: umulandu, abantu bonse
alamuka pa musengele to get
Mwalaela amale, you are beshibe He said: "Let me
up, rise from bed; 2?
going to sift millet— publish the affair so that all
-alamuna /alamwine/ (verb
Twalaisa, dlaisa (for the people may know"; 2:
transitive) 1 to cause to get
aalaisd) We are coming— Nkakwalasha ku bantu bonse
up, rise; to lift up, as
The initial vowel follows the I will let everyone know
sleeping baby etc. rise:
rules of contraction: he is (about your intrigues); 3:
Cinshi ulemwala-mwina ?
coming now.? Ialashe fyuma To brag about
Why do you make him get up
ala! (interjection) 1 of
?? one's wealth; ; 4: Ialasho

surprise, impatience, bufumu To boast of one's

Page 8 of 33
-alaula
power (chief);; 5: Mulandu
walashiwa ku bantu The
affair was published
everywhere?
-alaula /alawile/ (verb
transitive) 1 int. of -alula, to
turn over and over in hands
(to inspect carefully) inspect:
'Mpande yalubile mu
kwalaula,' The mpande got
lost by being turned over and
over (handed from one to the
other for inspection). mean.
If you let everyone finger
your jewels, they will be
stolen some day; 2 -alaulo
mubili, to touch oneself
indecently, masturbate; 3:
Alawilo bwali To turn over
and over a mouthful of bwali
when hot; to play with one's
food, eat without appetite?
-alawuka (verb intransitive) 1
v. int. of -aluka, to be
restless, to turn over and
over, on all sides, to writhe
(of sick person) turn over:
Alealauka pa lubansa apo
alele He makes contortions
in the courtyard where he is
lying.; 2?
alaye! (interjection) 1 Strong
negation. meaning Not me!:;
2?
alayi! (interjection) 1 of strong
negation.:?
ale! (interjection) 1 Come!
come on! go on! get along!:
ale... 1 characteristic of the
negative future of 'to-day':
Nshalesakunya I will not
stir; 2 Also expresses the
neg-ative continuous future;
3: Kano tawa-leenda mu
mpanga, nkakulimuna iwe If
you ever go in the forest, I
shall beat you
-alee- (verb) 1 Verbal infix
expressing the remote past
imperfect (affirmative
negative): Ilyo naikele ku
mpili naletemwa Sana When
Page 9 of 33
-ali-
I was living in the hills, I was
well contented; 2: Kale
tatwalelima kalu-ndwe muno
calo Formerly we did not
cultivate cassava in this
country; 3 for past tense of
'to-day.' The final vowel of ale
is invariable:; 4: Ilyo twali ku
Lwitikila, twaleele sabi
When we were at the
Lwitikila, we caught fish; 5
The initial vowel follows the
general rule of contraction; 6:
Kale bdleimba (for
baaleimba) nyimbo sha cila
Formerly they sang dance-
songs?
-ali- (verb) 1 Verbal infix
expressing the remote past
tense, with accent on the first
vowel of ali remote past
tense: Aaliya He went away
long ago; 2 It also expresses
duration:; 3: Caalikosa It is
or
hard; 4: Waalicenjela You
are (always) clever?
-alii- -aluka

-alii- 1 Verbal infix expressing one that caused us to -aluka /alwike/ (verb

the past tense of yesterday. squabble.; 2? transitive, verb intransitive) 1

Stress is laid on the last turn oneself around turn:; 2

-alikisha /alikishe/ (verb
vowel of ali characteristic: to change, alter, to become
intransitive) 1 v. int. of -
Baliya They went away different; to change mind,
alika: to abuse an elder
(yesterday).... ? recant alter; 3: Ico
greatly. abuse:; 2 v. caus.
wasosele, teti waluke pa
-alika /alike/ (verb transitive) 1 of -alika; 3: Ni we

to abuse, talk to elders, ntanshi What you said, you

wayalikisha noko You
abuse:; 2? should not recant
caused your mother to be
afterwards.; 4 to take
-alikana /alikene/ (verb) 1 rec. abused.?
another direction on the road.
of -alika, to squabble, abuse
-alikishanya /alikishenye/
change; 5 to squint, to be
one another abuse: Winga-
(verb) 1 rec. of -alikisha, to
cross-eyed squint; 6: uyu
lika, kabiye ku bantu abo abuse one another greatly.
aliuluka menso, he is cross-
mwdlikana nabo Do not abuse:; 2?
eyed,; 7: Alukila uku no 'ku
argue with me, go to those
-alila /alile/ (verb transitive) 1
To turn here and there; 8: Mu
with whom you squabble.; 2 alila bwamba or nkumbe, to
fyalo uko waile, uko
Also : to abuse one another, build a fish weir:; 2?
in fun, on the appearance of
wayalukile ni kwi? In the
alo musho! (interjection) 1
the new moon.; 3: Muleya- coun-tries where you went,
of disgust in hearing coarse
likanina nshi? Why are you where did you turn to come
language. Also of surprise,
abusing each other?? back?; 9: Ulefwaya kuti
astonishment surprise: Alo
mulandu unjalukile You are
-alikanya /alikenye/ (verb musho! te mupamba natola?
trying to turn the case to my
transitive) 1 caus. of -alikana, Lo! What is that? Is it not an
to cause to squabble, bicker disadvantage; 10: Nga
evil omen for me ??
squabble: Ni we nakufumya mu bucinga,
alufu 1 one thousand
watwalikanya You are the ulenjalu-kila If I get you out
(Swahili) one thousand:?

Page 10 of 33
-alukisha -alusha

of the game pit, you will turn alula, to turn each other of greatness, e.g. a chief

against me? turn:; 2? cannot be changed or his

-alukisha /alukishe/ (verb -aluluka /alulwike/ (verb decision altered; 4: Ku

transitive) 1 caus. of -aluka, intransitive) 1 to turn back, mumana eko namwalulwila I

to place on top that which return return: Bushe eko made him come back at the

was under-neath, fig. to wayalulukile? Is it there river.; 5: Cinshi wa-

revert the charge against the that you turned back?; 2? mwalulwile? Why did you
one who brought it. place:; 2?
-alulula /alulwile/ (verb make him return ??

-alula /alwile/ (verb transitive) transitive) 1 to turn -alululana /alululene/ (verb) 1

1 to change, turn, turn over. someone back, to cause to rec. of -alulula: Bayalululana
syn. -pilibula. fig. to recant, return; to put back on the
imisango They had their
alter one's saying Change: right road. return: Uli no
(false) ideas set right; 2?
Wayalula mashiwi wasosele kwalulula bantu abatolele
-alusha /alwishe/ (verb
You alter the words you said; misango ishiweme You must
transitive, verb intransitive) 1
2 to translate; 3: Uleyalule set right the ideas of those
to turn about or in a different
Cibemba mu Cingeleshi You who adopted such
direction turn about: Bapene
translate these Ci-bemba unconven-tional manners.; 2
balungike musebo, kabili
words into English.; 4 to to beat the game towards the
bayalusha kumbi, They were
graft; 5: Refl. Aialula nets.pass, -alulwa (alu-
on the point of making the
nkalamo He changed Iwilwe); 3: ' Cikulu
road straight, then they
him-self into a lion.; 6: tacalululwa' Greatness
turned it in another direction;
Yalwile uku Change that load cannot be changed and
2: —Inama shabalile shaya
to the other shoulder; 7: become small. mean. Your
uku, kabili shayalusha
Alwilo bwali Add some water elder brother will never
amashinda, the animals
to the mush.? become your younger
first went there, then they
-alulana /alulene/ 1 rec. of - brother. Applied to any sort
turned about and went in

Page 11 of 33
-alushanya -ambala

another direction. ; 3: Ico ulukasa To slander a guest obtain it with difficulty obtain:

waya-lushisha ici cinshi? after his departure, after Njile ndeambakala fye,

Why did you turn this upside having entertained him in a imilimo nshiim-wene I went

down?; 4: So ngalwishe fi friendly way. Thus the in quest of work and found

Come and turn this for me.? saying: Babiyo ulipo, wati none; 2: Tamona milimo ine

ufumepo bakwambo lukasa, tne, ambakala fye He has no

-alushanya /alushenye/

(verb) 1 rec. of -alusha, to they are your friends while regular work and is looking

turn one another. Same as - you are present, but the for some, but he has

alulana. Also: to induce each moment you turn your back, difficulties in obtaining it.; 3

other to change opinion. they start to slander you; 3 Also applied to the result of

turning :; 2? work; 4: Ukutanda male

to begin begin; 4: Ambo

-alushisha or -alwisha mweshi To begin the month; alitandile, nomba

/alushishe alwishe/ (verb 5: Ambe caka, to begin a year ambakelemo fye, tafya-mena

intransitive) 1 of -alusha: to He sowed millet all right, but

or season To begin a year or
turn completely turn:; 2? all to no avail, for the seed
season; 6: Bushe alwala
alweni! (interjection) 1 Come kale? Ati: muli cimo, elyo did not grow.; 5 to live

on! Move on! move:? camwamba Has he been ill poorly; 6: Aleambakala fye

-amba /ambile/ (verb long ? He answered: "On He simply lives from hand to

transitive) 1 to slander, the first day (Monday) then it mouth?

speak ill of, talk about began; 7: ' Uwayambwa -ambala /ambele/ (verb
absentees slander: Nelyo intransitive) 1 to harden,
ninshi akula,' He who is
munobe atumpile, congeal on surface (as
slandered is great, because
wilamwamba mu mbali Even porridge, etc.). harden:
they are afraid to accuse him
if your friend is a fool, do not lNdi musunga wa mpundu,
to his face.?
speak ill of him when he is nyambala pa mulu,' I am
-ambakala (verb intransitive)
absent.; 2: Ambo muntu the gruel mixed with the
1 to look in vain for work or

Page 12 of 33
-ambana -ambisha

mpundu (fruit) I congeal on green mamba.; 4: Ambano take fire catch fire: Cani

the surface only. mean. I am lubuli To start a fight; 5: cayambila, calapya The

cold to look at, but, in reality, Cinshi mwayambanina? grass caught fire, it is going

I am as hot as the gruel Why is it that you started to burn.; 2 -ambile mputa,

underneath, i.e. I seem against each other?? to set a charm in the garden

harmless, but when roused, I (against thieves), -ambilo

-ambanishanya
mu-kashi, to set a charm on
am dangerous.; 2 to begin to /ambanishenye/ (verb) 1 rec.
one's wife to prevent
heal, to be covered with scab same as -ambana:; 2?
adultery, der. Iwambu, a
(sore) to heal; 3: Cilonda
-ambashika (verb
sickness caused by such
cayambala, caya ku kupola intransitive) 1 to flounder,
charms. charm; 3 appl. of -
The sore is covered with a flutter, stagger, collapse
amba:; 4: Cinshi
scab, it seems to be healing; collapse: Cuni ulashile cilea-
mulenyambila? Why do
4: Id cilonda ico mbashika The bird you
you slander me ?; 5: Ishi
cishambalila cinshi? Why pierced flutters?
mputa shaliambilwa These
is it that this sore does not
-ambayila (verb intransitive) 1
mputas are provided with
begin to scab, does not show to flutter (wings of birds),
charms?
any signs of healing ?? especially when alighting (of
-ambilisha /ambilishe/ (verb
-ambana /ambene/ (verb bird) flutter:; 2?
intransitive) 1 of -ambila, to
transitive) 1 rec. of -amba, -ambika /ambike/ (verb
catch fire for good, to blaze,
to slander one another transitive) 1 to put on or over,
fig. blaze: Cicili cilepya ngo
slander:; 2 to start or stick on stick:; 2?
mulilo, tacilayambi-lisha
undertake something with
-ambikanya /ambikenye/ The affair is only
another, as partnership, etc.;
(verb transitive) 1 to place or
smouldering, it has not yet
3: Umuntu bayambene
put on, stick to put:; 2?
started to blaze; 2?
cibusa na ngoshe A man
-ambila (verb transitive, verb
started a friendship with a -ambisha /ambishe/ (verb
intransitive) 1 to catch fire,

Page 13 of 33
-ambishanya -amfya

intransitive) 1 v. int. and (verb transitive) 1 to infect, transitive) 1 to skim, as

caus. of -amba: Ni we contaminate, to pass on a cream, etc. skim:; 2 v. rev.

wamwambisha You are the disease infect: of -ambila, to remove

Uwanyambukisho bulwele ni charms, as from gardens,

cause of his slanderous talk;
uyu This is the man who gave etc. remove; 3 v. rev. of -
2?
ambika, to remove; 4: Pass. -
me the disease.; 2?
-ambishanya /ambishenye/
ambululwa (ambulwilwe) To
(verb) 1 rec. to slander one -ambula /ambwile/ (verb
be skim-med, removed.?
another. Same as -ambana. transitive) 1 general mean. :

slander:; 2? to take from taking:; 2: (1) -ambulwisha

Ambulo bulwele To catch a /ambulwishishe/ (verb

-ambukila /ambukile/ (verb
intransitive) 1 int. of -
transitive) 1 to spread, disease; 3: Ambulo mutwe To
ambulula, to skim
communicate, as fire; to get a headache; 4: Bulwele
thoroughly skimming:; 2?
infect, as disease spread: bwa kwambula A contagious

Mulilo wayambukila ku cani disease; 5: Fig. ukaambulapo amdmba (pl noun) (6, 5) SEE

The fire spread to the grass; ilyamba 1:; 2?

sha pa kubeya You will get

2: Nsalu iyafita yambukila ku into serious trouble. (In the -amfula /am/wile/ (verb

yabuta The colour of the old days the murderer had to intransitive) 1 to crawl about

black cloth spread over the or make attempts to walk, as

carry his victim to the grave
child, crawl: cinshi
white; 3: Bulwele ubo, bwa on his shoulders—sha pa
muleamfwila ifi? Why do
Iwambu, kuti kubeya—before being killed
you crawl about that way?;
bwakwambukila That himself); 6 to copy copying;
2?
sickness is con-tagious, it can 7: Kandeambulo Iwimbo

infect you; 4: Naya- ulwa mu citabo cobe Let me -amfya /amfishe/ (verb

mbukilwa no bulwele I have transitive) 1 to tie up

copy a song from your book.
roughly, temporarily, tie up:
been infected by disease.? syn.?
tdlo lushishi, unyamfishe id
-ambukisha /ambukishe/ -ambulula /ambulwile/ (verb

Page 14 of 33
-amfyanya -ampana

cipe Take some bark rope for me? keep interrupting me, you do

and tie up that load roughly -aminisha (verb intransitive) not let me explain my case. ;

for me.; 2? 1 of -amina, to guard the 6 to involve in a case; 7:

crops very carefully; to chase Wanyampafye mu mulandu

-amfyanya /amfyenye/ (verb)

1 rec. -amfyanya mu minwe, all the birds or animals away ushili wandi You involved

to shake hands shake:; 2? from garden. guard:; 2? me in a case I had noth-ing to

amoci (pl noun) 1 pl. of buci, do with.; 8 -ampako muntu,

-amina /amine/ (verb
a great quantity of honey to attend to, look after, help
transitive) 1 to protect the

crops, scare away birds, honey:? out; 9: Tatwamwene wa

animals from garden scare kutwampako We did not find

-ampa /ampile/ (verb

away: Ele ku kwamine yuni transitive) 1 to interfere in anyone to look after us.; 10:

He has gone to drive away others' business interfere: Ampako muntu ku luse To

the birds from the crops; 2: Ayampako fye mu-landu help some-one through

Naya ku kwamina masaka, ushili wakwe, He interfered charity; 11: Banyampilamo

male, etc. I am going to in an affair in which he had They involved me in the

protect the sorghum, millet, no concern.; 2 to intrude case; 12: Nayampilwo

etc.; 3: 'Mwamina yuni upon a conversation, with- mulandu I have lost my case

alanaka, mwamina bantu out knowing its subject; 3: because others interfered
Wayampa fye ico ushishibe
tanaka A guardian of crops with it.?
You come and intrude
gets tired, a guardian of men -ampana /ampene/ (verb) 1
without knowing what we are
(a chief), never; 4: Amino rec. to be intimate, very
talking about.; 4 -ampo friendly: friendly:
mwela To try and stop the
muntu akanwa (or pa Balyampana, babo mutima
wind, i.e. to try and do
kanwa), to interrupt; 5:
some-thing impossible.; 5: umo They are very friendly,
Ulenyampa fye pa kanwa,
Nayamini-nwa masaka I got they are one soul. (True
tauleka ndubulule ine You
people to protect the masaka friendship as opposed to -

Page 15 of 33
-ampanisha -amuka

ampana kwa pa kanwa, false hated each other, they are without permission of the

friendship); 2 to be alike, of now friendly. ; 2 to tune owner. To take away

the same kind; 3: Amalaya musical instrument; 3: unlawfully; 5: Ampula muka

nayampana The shirts are Muleampanye filimba filile mwine, der. ampu, Iwampu.

alike.; 4 rec. of -ampa; 5: pamo Tune up your ''filimba' appl. -ampwila (pass. -

Baleampana mu milimo to play in harmony.; 4 to ampwilwa) To take away the

They help each other in their make alike, of the same wife of another; 6: Te kuleka

shape, etc. pass,- nasosa ne mwine, wise

work.?
ampanishiwa unyampwile mulandu, mwa!
-ampanisha (verb
(ampanishiwe).? Can't you let me talk myself;
intransitive) 1 v. int. of -

ampana like: Twaya- -ampisha /ampishe/ (verb why should you come and

intransitive) 1 int. of -ampa, interfere in my affair.?

mpanisha sana ifwe We are
to interfere on all occasions.
both very fond of each other.; -ampulula /ampulwile/ (verb
Interfering:; 2?
2? transitive) 1 v.t. int. of-

-ampula /ampwile/ (verb ampula.: Mwana wa

-ampanishanya
transitive) 1 to intrude, kwampululako fye An
/ampanishenye/ (verb) 1 v.
interfere, meddle with affairs
rec. of -ampanisha: to be illegitimate child; 2:
or troubles of others Trouble:
very fond of each other ; to Ampululako muntu ku luse
Wayampula lubuli lushili
help one another like:; 2? To treat a man charitably.?
lobe You have interfered in a
-ampanya /ampanye/ (verb -ampwisha /ampwishishe/
fight which did not concern
transitive) 1 -ampanya (verb intransitive) 1 v. int. of
you; 2: Ayampula ico ashi-
bantu, to bring people -ampula: Nyampwishako
shibe He started to talk on a
together; to conciliate mpiya Lend me some money;
subject he knew nothing
conciliate: Abapatene 2?
about; 3 -ampule misha, to
nabdmpanya, batemwana I
-amuka /amwike/ (verb
borrow borrowing; 4 to take
conciliated those people who
intransitive) 1 to go away

Page 16 of 33
-amuna -anana

quickly, depart promptly. to an end, to be stopped; 3: ... ana (adjective) 1 small,

Depart: 'Abdna, lubansa (or Cilye cayamunuka The young. Root of the following

musana); abasha (or beni) council broke up; 4: Lubuli words young:?

mimena, ildmukaj1 Iwayamunuka The fight is ... anakashi (adjective) 1

Children are like the stopped? Female. Applied to human

courtyard (or the back) which beings, spirits, and

-amununa /amunwine/ (verb

remains always; strangers occasion-ally to animals

transitive) 1 to carry away
instead of ... kota. Requires
(living in our village) are like Carry away:; 2 to dismiss,
the proper prefix female
the mimena which are here stop stop; 3: Bayamune cilye
spirit: Umwana-kashi
to-day and gone to-morrow, They dismissed the council;
Woman; 2: Umupashi
mean. One can rely on one's 4: Wanjamu-nwino lukasu
wanakashi Female spirit; 3:
own kin only. ; 2 to finish, You carried away (stole) my
Iciwa canakashi Female evil
come to an end finish; 3: hoe; 5: Nayamunwinwe
spirit; 4: Ishilu lyanakashi A
Mulandu wayamuka The sembe My axe was stolen.?
mad woman; 5: Inombe
affair came to an end. appl. - -amunwisha /amunwishishe/
yanakashi, A cow?
amukila.? (verb intransitive) 1 To take

away completely. Take -anana /anene/ (verb

-amuna /amwine/ (verb
intransitive) 1 to receive
transitive) 1 to carry off, away:; 2?
one's share Share:
take away, snatch, syn. - Amusanishi (noun) (1, 2) 1
Bayanana bonse, ne
sompola. ; to bring to an one who lights a torch or
wabulilwa ni ne They all
end Take off:; 2: Bayamune anything used as a torch,
received their share, I alone
cilye They closed the torch:; 2?
was left out. ; 2 to be in
meeting? -amusha /amwishishe/ (verb
sufficient quantity; 3: Inama
-amunuka /amunwike/ (verb intransitive) 1 v. int. of -
ileyanana ku bantu bonse
intransitive) 1 to go away. amuna. Same as -
abalipo The meat will be
end:; 2 to break up, to come amunwisha.:; 2?

Page 17 of 33
-ananya -andalala

sufficient for all the people things among them?? upon the fowl, and got its

who are here. der. nanane. -anda /andile/ (verb transitive) claws into it.; 8: Ayandwa ne

syn. -kumana.; 4 to cover or 1 to spread as roots, fibashi He is covered with

spread over a space: ; 5: tendrils, shoots of leprosy; 9: Ayandwa mu

Amale bayanika, ydnana mu groundnuts, etc.(and minwe,. appl. -andila (pass, -

lubansa lonse They have therefore to yield plenty) andilwa) He is seized; 10:

put out the millet to dry; the Also: to spread over the
Uyu muti wayandila lubali
body, as leprosy, etc
whole courtyard is covered That tree has its roots in the
spreading: Mishila ya
with it. ; 6 to be divulged, ground on one side only; 11:
kalundwe yatendeka
made public:; 7: Cayanana Ico wayandilwa ne fibashi
ukwanda mu mushili The
mpanga yonse, appl. - cinshi? Why is itthat you
roots of the cassava have
ananina. That affair is have been seized by
started to spread in the
known everywhere? leprosy??
ground; 2: Fig. alianda nge
-ananya /anenye/ (verb -andaanda (verb) 1 red. of
mbalala He has a large
transitive) 1 to divide, -anda: Uyu muti
family and great wealth (lit.
portion out divide:
wayandaanda panshi konse
he spreads like groundnuts). ;
Bayananye nama muli bonse
konse That tree has spread its
3: Fibashi fyamwanda
They divided the meat
roots in every direction.; 2?
umubili onse Leprosy has
among all; 2 to divulge,
-andakala /andakele/ (verb
spread all over his body; 4 -
spread, broad-cast news to
intransitive) 1 Same as -
divulge, spread; 3: anda mu minwe, to grasp, lay
ambakala and -andangala.
Bayananyo mulandu mpanga hold of grasp; 5: Bamwanda
appl. -andakalila.:?
yonse They spread the affair mu minwe They seized him.;
-andalala /andalele/ (verb
far and wide.; 4: Wa- 6 to claw claw; 7: Pungwa
intransitive) 1 To spread out
bdnanishisha nshi ifi fintu? afuka pa nkoko, ayandamo
far, as branches of tree, etc.
Why did you divide these amala The hawk pounced
Spreading out: Uyu muti ifyo

Page 18 of 33
-andalanya -andauka

wayandalala! Look how the ilya yaliandalala; bena you betting?; 2?

branches of that tree spread myakwe e bamwandalika -andangala /andangele/

out!; 2 fig. said of a stout That chief is known far and (verb intransitive) 1 Same as

man, of great wealth, of wide; his subjects gave him -ambakala. To be in want

widespread authority; 3: that reputation.; 2? need:; 2?

Aliandalala nge ciseke He

-andama /andeme/ (verb -andatila /andatile/ (verb
spreads out like a big basket; transitive) 1 to take up,
intransitive) 1 to cover or
4: Uyu muntu aliandalala spread about, to settle all occupy a place; spread all

ngo lubalala, te wa over the place Covering: over Occupy: Abalendo

kwanduluka That man's Fyuni fyaisa fingi, bayandatila mayanda yonse

authority spreads far and fyayandama mu nika The The travel-lers have

wide like the shoots of birds have come in great occupied all the houses; 2: Ay

groundnuts; it will not soon numbers; they spread all over andatile filyo fyonse He took

come to an end. ; 5: Uyu the meadow.; 2 to set all the food.; 3: Amale

muti wayandalalila lubali oneself to; 3: Nasanga bantu nayandatila ubukula bonse

That tree spreads out its nabandama balelya I found The millet has spread all over

branches on one side only.? that the people had sat down the garden; 4: Andatila bantu

-andalanya /andalenye/ (verb to eat ; 4: Nabandama He seized all the people; 5:

transitive) 1 Same as - balelima, They had set to Lunkoto Iwa-yandatila

andalika, more used.:; 2? work, to cultivate, etc. ? mpanga yonse The weeds

-andalika /andalike/ (verb -andana /andene/ (verb) 1 v. have spread all over the

transitive) 1 caus. of - rec. to bet (lit. to catch each ground.?

andalala, to cause to other. When betting both

-andauka (verb intransitive) 1
spread, fig. to cause to parties hold each other's little
v. int. of -anduka, to be
acquire great wealth or finger) betting: Mule- released (snares), Released:
influence causing: Mfumu andanina nshi? Why are Nkose shayandaukila nshi?

Page 19 of 33
-andika -anduka

Why is it that the snares are to put a patch on tie: Andile fyandi, mwisenda These

released?; 2? nsonta ku mwalo shikate things are mine, do not take

-andika /andike/ (verb Fasten the poles to the beams them away.?

transitive, interjection) 1 to so that they hold; 2: Andile -andisha /andishe/ (verb

smear, ?+<-> anoint with oil. cikamba pa nsalu Put a patch intransitive) 1 v. int. of -

annoint: Andika mafuta pa on the cloth.? anda spread: Mbalala

filonda, to rub oil on sores To shayanda, shayandisha fye

-andilila (verb transitive) 1 to
rub oil on sores.; 2 -andike spread about or over; to The groundnuts have spread
mfuti, to aim a gun.; 3 - surround surround: over the ground, they have
andiko muntu, to bewitch: ; 4: Fubefube ay andilila mu spread all over.; 2 caus. of -
balimwa-ndika, . they mushi The mist spread over anda; 3: Mfula ico isha-
bewitched him; 5 to soak in the village; 2: Fubefube lekele bwangu, e yayandishe
water for a ,/ moment: -
atwandilila The fog mbalala As the rain kept on,
andiko lushishi, etc; 6 to
surrounded us.; 3: it caused the peanuts to
write (Swahili). syn. -lemba,
Twayandililwa na fubefube spread (and therefore they
more used. pass, -andikwa
We are surrounded by fog.? will yield a good crop).?
(andikwe); 7: Tacdndikwa It
-andilisha /andilishe/ (verb -andishanya /andishenye/
is not written, fig. it is not
intransitive) 1 v. int. of - (verb) 1 rec. -andi-shanya
regular, according to the law.
andilila: Fubefube mu minwe, to shake hands.
appl. -andikila (pass, -
nayandilisha A thick mist shake hands:; 2?
andikilwa) ; 8: Lushishi
covered the country.; 2? -anduka (verb intransitive) 1
Iwayandikilwa The bark rope
... andi poss (adjective, to be released (snare)
has been soaked in the
pronoun) 1 my, mine, with release: Lukose nalwanduka
water.?
the proper prefix : Umuntu The snare is released.; 2 to
-andila (verb transitive) 1 to
wandi My relative; 2: Inombe leave, depart, go away
fasten, tie up roughly; to tack;
yandi My cow; 3: lfi fintu, depart; 3: Andukeni nomba,

Page 20 of 33
-andula -anga

capwa Go away now, the meat and carried it away.; 5 uyu muntu aliandu-lula, te

work is finished; 4: Bandto to copy (etym. to bring out) wa kwanduluka This man is

nabdnduka The work-ers copy; 6 -andulo lusale, to lucky, his fortune cannot
pass a wire through a draw-
have left off work, have vanish; 3 to make way for,
plate pass a wire through a
departed; 5: Besukulu step aside ; 4: Andulukeni,
draw-plate; 7: Kabiye
nabdnduka The school boys mpitepo Make way for me, so
uletwandwile sumbu Go and
have left.; 6: Lukose that I may pass; 5; 6: Lubali
take away the nets for us; 8:
Iwayandukila nshi? Why is it ku kabanga eko fubefube
Nayandwilwa ifyuma I am
that the snare is released?; 7: ayandulukila The fog has
deprived of wealth?
Umwafi wayandukila mu lifted in the east.?

menshi The mwafi poison -andula 1 to be copied

-andulula /andulwile/ (verb
(seldom used in the other
was in-fused in water.? transitive, verb intransitive) 1
senses) copy: Ala! we
-andula /andwile/ (verb to clear up, cause to
muntu, cinshi wayambwila
transitive, verb intransitive) 1 disappear disappear:
ubu bulwele ? Good Kasuba dlya kabalika
to remove, take away
gracious! Why did you catch kayandulula fubefube When
remove: Andule sumbu To
that sickness?; 2: Uko the sun shone, it cleared up
take away the hunting nets; 2:
wayambwilo bulwele ni kwi? the mist.; 2 to skim (cream,
Andulo lukose to remove a
Where did you catch that etc.). syn. -ambulula. ; 3:; 4
snare; 3: Andule lamfya To
disease?? fig. to deprive a person of his
take away the war-horn

-anduluka /andulwike/ (verb dignity; 5: Uwayandalele

(which was driven into the
intransitive) 1 to disperse, bamwa-ndulula He, who was
ground and exhibited at the
rise, clear up, vanish (of mist, at the height of honours, was
appearance of the new
fog, cloud, etc.) vanish: deprived of his dignity?
moon); 4: Mbwa yaponena
Fubefube ayanduluka The
pa kanama, yakdndula The -anga /angile/ (verb
mist has dispersed; 2: Ffig.
dog pounced on the piece of intransitive) 1 to gambol,

Page 21 of 33
-angala -angasha

dance for joy, rejoice rejoice: terms with one another; 6: Also used as interj. to draw

Ayanga ku mfumu He danced Kkalulu na nkalamo attention; 7: Angalila! Look

for joy in front of the chief.; baleyangala babili The hare out!; 8: Twdnga-lilwa kuli

2 Also: to sham a battle and the lion were on good bakapitao We are

sham a battle? terms with each other.; 7 super-intended by the

-angala /angele/ (verb v.t. -angalako muntu, to foremen.?

intransitive) 1 to play, mock, mimic, to make a fool

-angalilana /angalilene/
amuse oneself play: of some one.; 8: Ine
(verb) 1 rec. to watch one
Muleangala cisuma; nshangalwako na muntu,
another watch:; 2?

ukwangale fibi te ndeka I am not to be made a

ko,muleangala cisuma;
ukwangale fibi te ko, Amuse
yourself decently; you must
not play bad games.; 2 to be
in good health and spirits; to
be comfortable; 3:
mwana ali shani?
mukwai, aleangala, ali wa
mutende Is there anything
with that child ? No sir (there
-angalisha /angalishe/ (verb
fool of, leave me!; 9: Tulelwa
intransitive) 1 int. of -angala,
bonse, nshangalwako We
to play well, often. play:; 2?
shall fight together, I am not
-angalishanya
to be played with. ?
/angalishenye/ (verb) (15) 1
-angalila /angalile/ (verb rec. to watch one another
Uyu transitive) 1 to superintend, watch:; 2?
Iyo, look after, watch (workers)
-angamuna /angamwine/
watch:; 2 appl. of -angala; 3:
(verb transitive) 1 to take,
E ico twa-leangalilamo tudli
grab, lift (often preceded by
baice That is the way we
euphonic y) take:

is nothing wrong), he is in played when we were Yangamuna cilya, ulete kuno

good health and spirits.; 4: children; 4: Cinshi Take that over there and

'Kolwe angala pa musambo muleangalila mu lukungu? bring it here; 2?

anasha,' The monkey is Why are you playing on the

-angasha /angeshe/ (verb
happy on the branch he bent verandah?; 5: Refl. -
transitive) 1 to amuse

(tested).; 5 to be on good iangalila, To play alone.; 6 amuse: Ule-angasha uyu

Page 22 of 33
-angashanya -anguka

mwana, elalila Keep on pleasure to be governed by -angufyanya /angufyenye/

amusing the child to prevent him.; 2: Angile cintu To dote (verb intransitive) 1 to hurry,

make haste hurry:

him from crying; 2: Id dntu on some-thing; 3: Ifi fintu
Angufyanyeni! Hurry up!;
ca kudtako nshi? Ca alefyangila He dotes on these
2: Ukwangufyanya ukusosa
kwangasha fye What is this things; 4: Angile mfwa To
To talk very quickly; 3:
for ? It's simply to amuse throw oneself merrily into an
Muleangufya-nishisha nshi?
people (to play with).; 3: adventure that is likely to end
Why are you hurrying??
Angasho mubili To with death; 5: Angila maka

masturbate (m. or f.)? ya mubiyo To rely on the -anguka /angwike/ (verb

strength of your friend for intransitive) 1 to be light

-angashanya /angashenye/
light:; 2: Anguka nge bula,
(verb) 1 rec. to amuse one help; 6: 'Nine tete,
ngo mwepu To be as light as
another (in good or bad) ushangila mu lya munomba,

amuse: Angashanye mibili a leaf, as a sponge; 3: Anguka

kano mwipindo lyandi " I am

To play with each other pepu To be very light, ; 4 to

the little tete (tiny bird) that
be light-coloured ;
indecently.; 2? does not rely on the wings of
transparent (cloth, paper,
-angauka /angawike/ (verb the big munomba (large bird)
etc.). transparent; 5 to be
transitive) 1 int. of -anga, to and still I am happy, mean.
quick,active. active; 6:
show one's pleasure, dance One can do without the great.
Alianguka ngo luswa He is as
for joy. pleased: Angaukile A way of expressing one's
quick as a winged-ant.; 7 to
cintu To gambol with joy at independence,; 7: Mfumu
be easily done easy; 8: Ii
seeing the object of one's ildngilwa The chief is
ncito, intu yayanguka That
desires. ; 2? welcomed by demonstrations
work is easy; 9 to be at
-angila (verb transitive) 1 of joy.?
ease, without anxiety ease;
(appl. of -anga) expressions :
-angisha (verb intransitive) 10: Uyu mutima nawanguka
Angile mfumu To express 1 int. of -anga. Same as -
There is nothing to trouble
respect to the chief and one's angauka.:; 2?

Page 23 of 33
-angukisha -angusha

him. Also extended to lubali The load is light on -angulula /angulwile rare/

village, home, etc.; 11: Uyu one side (not evenly (verb transitive) 1 Same as -

angusha, more used. pass, -

mushi nawanguka This distributed).; 22:
angululwa (angulwilwe):; 2?
village is quiet.; 12 fig. - Ayangukilwa cipe His load

anguko mutima, to be quick, was lightened.? -angupana /angupene/ (verb

hot tempered quick; 13: intransitive) 1 to hurry,

-angukisha (verb) 1 int. of -
Alianguko mutima nga make -haste, hurry:; 2?
anguka, to be very light,
kasonto He is as quick as a -angupanya /angupenye/
etc. light:; 2?
mouse (hot tempered); 14: (verb transitive) 1 to urge on,
-angula /angwile/ (verb
Anguko mutima also means hustle urge:; 2?
transitive) 1 to shout, —
To get drunk easily; to upset make noise (to scare away -angusha /angwishe/ (verb

one's stomach easily; 15: birds from garden, etc.) transitive) 1 to lighten, -make

Anguko lulimi To speak with noise:; 2 to un-derrate light. lighten:; 2 to lessen,

fluency; 16: Anguka kanwa (rare); 3 to strip a branch or diminish; 3: IMulu

To be talkative and careless reed of its leaves or thorns. ; wayangwishe kubi,' The
4 -angula makanta, to pluck distance diminished the size
in words; 17: Anguka umubili
off wings of locusts before
To be elegant, slim, healthy; of the vulture. mean. Do not
roasting them.; 5: pass. -
18: Alianguka ku babiye He judge on appearances.
angulwa (angwilwe) to be
is cheery to his companions; expressions; 4: Angusho
stripped of leaves,; 6: Kabiye
19: Li mfumu yalianguka mubili or mutima To soothe,
ulenyangwilila nama Go and
That chief is very plain, easy calm the mind; 5: Ishiwi
shout to scare away the
to approach; 20: Uleti yumfwile kuli imwe
animals; 7: Nayangwilwe
naliangukila! Ngo ko lyanyangusho mubili The
nama ku mu-nandi The
wayangukila? You say I am word I heard from you
animals were driven away by
light; but in what way are you cheered me up. (the contrary:
my companions.?
light? ; 21: Cayangukila -finyo mubili); 6: Angu-sho

Page 24 of 33
-angushanya
muntu, syn. -cefya. -angusho
mulandu To disparage,
underrate some-one, to
lessen the importance of a
case. refl.?
-angushanya /angushenye/
(verb) 1 rec. of -angusha, to
cheer one another up, render
service to one another. Also:
to depreciate, cheer up:; 2?
-angwa /angilwe/ (verb
transitive, verb intransitive) 1
to love, like, to be fond of
love: Ine, mfumu yalinya-
ngwe cibi The chief is very
fond of me; 2: Uwangwa
babiye, nao bamwangwa He
who loves his friends will be
loved by them; 3: Angwa
ukulya To be fond of eating;
4 to care, to be concerned,
sol-icitous ; 5: Nshita waya,
tawayangwa uku-bwelela ku
myenu Such a long time has
elapsed since you left home,
and still you do not care to
come back.; 6: Mulandu
mfumu yakwangilwa uli kwi?
Why is it that the chief
favours you so much??
-angwana /angwene/ (verb) 1
rec. of -angwa, to be fond of
one another fond:; 2?
-angwisha /(angwishishe/
(verb transitive,
intransitive) 1 v.T. int. of -
angwa fond:
yanyangwa, yanya-ngwisha
The chief is fond of me, very
fond of me.?
ani (bani) (pronoun)
interrog. pron. who ? : Aba ni
bani? Who are
people?; 2: Ni wani (or ni
wani ishina, or ni we ani)?
Who are you?; 3: Ishina
lyobe ni wani? What is your
name?; 4; 5: Pdni (or pano ni
pdni, or pa mushi pdni) ?
What is this village?; 6:
Kwani (or ku mushi kwani)?
In what village ?; 7: Mwani
Page 25 of 33
-anikisha
(or mu rjanda mwani)? In
what house? or at whose
hut?; 8: Kuno ni kwani?
Who is the chief of this
village?; 9: Umu ni mwani?
Who lives in this hut ??
-anika /anike/ (verb transitive)
1 to spread out to dry, to
spread in the sun: spread:
verb
kanjanike ubunga bwa
Mfumu kalundwe Let me go and
spread out the cassava flour
to dry; 2: Apashili miti mu
fimanika We were sunburnt
in the open, for there were no
1
trees in the large meadows; 3:
Ubu bunga buntu
those
bwayanikwa That flour was
dried in the sun.; 4:
Ulenjanikilako amale Put out
the millet to dry (for me)?
-anikisha /anikishe/ (verb) 1
v. int. of -anika:
Uleyanikisha, ciume Spread
it out thinly and let it dry
thoroughly in the sun.; 2?
-anishanya -ansa

-anishanya /anishenye rare/ munandi I was given words of the chief. ; 6 -

(verb) 1 v. rec. of -anya, to (roasted) corn by my ankulo Iwimbo, to join in a

thank each other, thank:; 2? companion.? song. der. mwanku. syn. -

poko Iwimbo. pass, -ankulwa

-anka /ankile/ (verb transitive,
verb intransitive) 1 catch
catch: Anko mupila To catch
-ankisha /ankishe/ (verb
(ankwi-Iwe); 7: Ni mbila ye
intransitive) 1 v. int. of -anka,
pango, tayankulwa It is a
to hold firmly what one has

a ball; 2: Anko kuboko kumo caught. hold: Pass, - general proclamation, it

To catch with one hand; 3: ankishiwa (ankishiwe) To be requires no answer; 8:

Anka maboko yabili To catch Wayankwila nshi mulandu

held firmly; 2?

with both hands; 4: Pona ushili obe? Why do you

-ankishanya /ankishenye/
nkwanke; ni pa kuboko '' let take up an affair which is not
(verb) 1 rec. of -anka, to

yourself drop, I will catch embrace each other,fig. to

yours? Also: to help on any

you in my arm. mean. Don't help one another when in occasion?

fear, you can rely on me as want. help:; 2? -ankulana /ankulene/ (verb) 1

long, as I'm here.; 5: Ffig. - -ankula /ankwile/ (verb rec. of -ankula, to answer

anko muntu To help a man in transitive) 1 to interfere in each other answer:; 2?

want.; 6: '' Cikwanka dispute, affair, interfere:; 2 -ankushanya /ankushenye/

bacimona ku mumpalanya,' to answer back; 3: Wishi (verb) 1 v. rec. Same as -

mean. You can tell whether a cilya amwe-baula, ankulana. appl. -

man is likely to be helpful by amwankula cipyu cipyu ankushanishanya (rare).:; 2?

his looks,; 7: 'Mulume wa When his father rebuked -ankwilana /ankwilene/ (verb)

mbwa taankila mubiye The him, he answered back 1 rec. of -ankwila (appl.), to

(male) dog does not catch angrily.; 4 to repeat and help one another on any

food for another, mean. publish the sayings of a chief; occasion. help:?

5: Kapaso ayankule mfumu -ansa /anshile/ (verb

Charity begins at home.; 8:

Nayankilwe nyanje ku The messenger repeated the transitive, verb intransitive) 1

Page 26 of 33
-ansha -anshika

to spread (mat, rug, Uyanshile mfumu ubutanda ukwima The woman said to

tablecloth, etc.) spread: Ansa Spread out a mat for the herself: "I'll get up," (but) her

mapindo To spread out wings chief; 9: Natwanshilwo state of pregnancy prevented

(bird); 2: Ansa maboko To butanda They have already her from doing so.; 8 to be

stretch out arms.; 3 -ansa spread out a mat for us.? unmanageable, unruly, hard

ifibula (or ifisako or ubukuld), to deal with; 9: Iwe,

-ansha /anshishe/ (verb
to pile up branches, as the walidnsha! You! you are
transitive, verb intransitive) 1
natives do for their
to overcome, defeat, beat unmanageable! syn. -pota.;
'fitemene'.) The different
defeat: Mukashi amulesha; 10 to be incurable; 11: Ubu
ways of piling up branches
mwaume asuka aydnsho bulwele bwalidnsha This
pile; 4: Ansa akasalanganya,
mwanakashi His wife sickness is incurable; 12:
or ntambdla, or
forbade him; the husband Wawamya, mune, apo
kabalantanda, or kabalala,
finally overcame the woman; wanydnshisha balwani You
or masela. In these different
2 to exceed one's means, have done well, my friend,
ways, the ground is not all
surpass one's power; 3: Icipe for you have defeated the
covered; empty spaces are
calinydnsha That load enemies for me.?
left here and there,; 5: Ansa
exceeds my strength; 4:
-anshanya /anshenye/ (verb)
kakuni, or kalando, or
Tapali ca kuti cdnshe 1 rec. of -ansha, to struggle,
mashinda, or mukanga The
Mulungu There is nothing contend with one another; to
ground is all covered with a
that surpasses God's power; reform one another, struggle:
thick layer of branches, or
5: ' Caydnsha ashile nanda Anshanya amaka To separate
with heavy branches, or
Mr. 'Beats-me' left his house after an undecided fight; 2:
placed in parallel or
(wife) to find fortune Anshanye fikansa To be at
transverse lines; 6; 7:
elsewhere; 6 to prevent,; 7: the end of one's arguments.?
Butanda bwayanshiwe The
Impede: mwanakashi ati: -anshika /anshike/ (verb
mat was spread out; 8:
Njime, lifumo lyamwdnsha transitive, verb intransitive) 1

Page 27 of 33
-anshikila apa

to spread out mat,-blanket, to remove, fold,-roll up (rev. the millet I spread out to

etc. spread: Uleanshiko of -ansa). remove: Cinshi dry.?

busanshi Make up the bed; 2: mushanswilile nsalu pe
-anya /ianishe/ (verb
Anshike nsalu pe tebulo Lay tebulo? Why did you not transitive) 1 to thank, to be.

the tablecloth (set the table)? remove the tablecloth from thankful, to render

-anshikila (verb transitive) 1 the table?; 2? thanksgiving thankful:

to put up, receive a guest 'Mwanya fill kwisaya' (or

Answer: Endi mukwail ?
receive: Ati afikililwe no 'uyu muntu ni Na Mwanya fill
-anuka /anwike/ (verb
mweni, amwanshikila As kwisaya') That man is
intransitive) 1 to be
soon as the guest arrived, he grateful as long as the food
removed from a sunny spot,

pre-pared a bed for him.; 2? as by wind, etc. remove:; 2?

lasts in his mouth; 2?

-anshila (verb transitive) 1 to apa (adverb) 1 where,

-anuna /anwine/ (verb

put up, receive a guest ;-to sometimes joined to the verb

transitive, verb intransitive) 1

spread out mat. put up:; 2? rev. of -anika, to -anuna take where: Pano apomine,

away, remove what has been apabuta,herc, Where it is

-anshisha (verb transitive) 1

int. of -ansa, to spread put spread out to dry remove: dry, where it is clean; 2:

(mat) well, entirely. spread:; Nayanwine male I gathered Bamulanga apa kwikala

2? the millet which I had spread They showed him where to

out to dry; 2: Mfula ileloka stay; 3 indicating extent of

-ansuka /answike/ (verb

intransitive) 1 to roll up, of yanuna yanuna Expres-sion will or strength will; 4:

mat; to be undone, roll: Id conveying the idea of Abomba apapelele amaka He

cintu cayansukila nshi? continuous showers worked to the full extent of

How did that thing become compelling the women to his strength.; 5 if, in a

gather the grain spread out to conditional sentence if; 6:

undone?; 2?
dry; 3: Kabiye ulenjanwina Apakdnaba ifi If it had not
-ansula /answile/ (verb
amale Go and bring in for me been thus...; 7 apa fye,
transitive, verb intransitive) 1

Page 28 of 33
apakalamba -asama

without reason; 8: Iwe send you as much money as weak and would finally die -

umanya bantu apa fye You you desire.; 9 since (conj.); (Native belief); 2: Uyu muntu

rebuke people without 10: Apo waba ifi, ine anjapwilo mwana That

reason.? nalekako Since you feel that woman has cast a spell on

apakalamba (adverb) 1 very way, I leave it all (I will not (killed) my child; 3:

much, greatly very: Atumpa say one more word); 11 in Nayapwilwo mwana My

apakalamba He is very what way, what respect; 12: child was killed by a spell?

Uleti: wabifya, unjebe apo

foolish.? are considered as brothers
mblfishe? You tell me I'm at
apapene (adverb) 1 just and sisters. 1:?
fault; in what way am I at
there. there: (1) apo pene -asama /aseme/ (verb
fault??
just there, at that special transitive) 1 to open the

place.; 2 since; 3: Apo -apula /apwile/ (verb mouth, gape open: Yasama

transitive, verb intransitive) 1 Open your mouth, (the y for

naishila muno calo, papita
der. capu, that word as well
myaka itatu It is three years euphony); 2: Asendeme,
as the verb itself is supposed
since I came to this country. akanwa nakdsama. mu
to imitate the sort of sneeze
(appl. form of the verb rjanda namwasama. He is
or cough uttered by small
follows apo); 4; 5: Akati apo sleeping with his mouth
children when they die
akatemenwa, elyo akatema open. Said also of door wide
suddenly: Apulo mwana To
When he feels like it, then he open; 3: cinshi
cast a spell on (kill) a child
will cut trees; 6: Apo pene ulenjasamina? Why are
merely by taking him in the
ele, ne mfula yaloka He had you gaping at mel; 4: Ulya te
arms. A woman actually
just left when the rain fell; 7 wa kwasamina That man is
living with her husband must
as much as; 8: Kuti not to be trusted with an open
not take the child of another
namutumina ndalama apo door; 5 Also: to snap, grab:;
in her arms, otherwise the
mwafwaila I am ready to 6: Mbwa yasamine cakulya
child would grow thin and

Page 29 of 33
-asamika -asaukisha

The dog snaps its food; 7: 1 caus. of -asama, to cause Uleyasdshila nshi? Why

Lelo twayasaminwa! To-day, to open the mouth; to open are you panting?; 5:

we are being stared at!? up open: Umwasamune Twayasashilwa ne mbwa We

akanwa Make him open his are troubled by the panting of
-asamika /asamike/ (verb
mouth; 2; 3: Asamuna the dog.
transitive) 1 to open

someone's mouth open: utunwa To make each other

-asasha /asdshishe/ (verb

Wamwasamika akanwa You open the mouth.; 4: Fig. ulya transitive) 1 caus. of -asdsa

opened his mouth; 2: Cinshi aliasamuna akanwa That panting: Cilaka

ulemwasamikila? Why are man is a gossipera, cilemwasdsha Thirst is

you opening his mouth?? talebearer; 5: Cinshi making him pant; 2: Mbwa

ulenjasamvAna akanwa? yasdshiwa ne cilaka The dog

-asamisha (verb intransitive)

1 to open the mouth wide.

Why are you opening my is panting with thirst; 3 (Also

open:; 2? mouth?; 6: Wilanasamwina int. to pant heavily)?

akanwa (or wilansosela pa

-asamuka /asamwike/ (verb -asauka (verb intransitive) 1
kanwd) Do not talk to me so to bawl, talk loudly. Also: to
intransitive) 1 to hold the

mouth wide open, to gape, near that I feel your breath.; talk unguardedly or

yawn. gape:; 2 Also: 7: Nayasa-mwinwa akanwa indecently. shout: Ifya mu

yasamuka: Pay attention!; 3: They come to me with their nanda te fya

Iwili ico Iwayasamukila mouths open.? kwasdukilwa mu lubansa
cinshi? Why is it that the What belongs to the house is
-asasa 1 to pant. Said also
oyster holds its mouth wide of a dog whose tongue is not to be talked about in the
open ?; 4: Cinshi ulenjasa- hanging out pant: Mbwa courtyard; 2: Asdukilo muntu
mukila? Why are you ileyasdsa The dog is panting; To shout at; 3: Lelo
looking at me with your 2 to be very thirsty; 3: Uyu nayasdukilwa I was shouted

mouth wide open ?? muntu aleasdsa fye This man at to-day?

-asamuna /asamwine/ (verb) is very thirsty; 4:

-asaukisha (verb intransitive)

Page 30 of 33
-asausha -atuka

1 v. int. of -asduka, to talk Lend me your hoe.; 2: Mfumu not yours; 2: Camwasukila It

very loudly, very noisily. naitutuma aiti: Kashimeni happened just as he

shouting:; 2? lubuko lwa kwa Kalulu The expected,?

-asausha /asdushishe/ (verb)
1 caus. of -asduka,
make someone cry
shout shout: Bwalwa anwene
e bwamwasdusha The beer
he drank made him shout; 2:
Ayasaushiwa ku bwalwa Lit.
he was made to shout by the
beer?
chief sent us, saying: "Go and
to borrow the evocation of
out, Kalulu" (hare); 3: Ulukasu
twamu-pela Iwa kwashimwa,
mukabwesha The hoe we
gave you was only lent to
you, you must return it. ?
-ashimana /ashimene/ (verb)
1 rec. of -ashima, to borrow
-asukana /asukene/ (verb) 1
rec. of -asuka, to answer or
reply to each other reply:; 2?
-asukisha /asukishe/ (verb
intransitive) 1 of -asuka, to
answer sharply ata interj. of
surprise, disapproval,
some-times disgust,
disapproval:; 2?

-asha /ashishe/ (verb from or lend to each other. at -bomfya and at -ikuta. ?

transitive) 1 to kindle fire, borrow:; 2?

atemwa (conjunction) 1
cause fire to flare up, set fire
a strong, sturdy man, an conj. or or: Ulete ubwali bwa
to set: 'Taulamona apo
athlete.syn. mulamba kalundwe atemwa bwa male
kabwa kdsho mulilo, lelo
lipau, mupau. a Bring some bwali of cassava
ulemonapo apo kaleasha ' stubborn person,
or millet.; 2 adv. perhaps;
You never saw where a little syn. litoshi,
3: Atemwa bufi wabepa
dog kindled a fire; I will ngishikweba, nkosa mu
Perhaps you are only lying; 4
show you where now. mean. kanwa. 1:?
either; 5: Or: atemwa ni ne
I am the one that will give -asuka /aswike/ (verb
nkaya, atemwa ni we Either I
you a beating now.; 2? transitive) 1 to answer,
or you will go?
reply to reply: Wayasukila
-ashima /ashime/ (verb
at -langwa (-langa). 1:?
transitive) 1 to lend, borrow ishina lishili lyobe You have

answered to a name that was -atuka (verb intransitive) 1 of

lend: Ungashime ulukasu

Page 31 of 33
-atula -ausha

state: Ulukuni Iwayatuka fye I wanted to talk it over mulemwawilo tupundu Come

The firewood is split.; 2? with him, and he just shouted on, give him a hearty

-atula /atwile rare/ (verb at me.? welcome; 7: Der. cawilo.

transitive) 1 to split split: -aukilana /aukilena/ (verb) 1 Nayawilwo tupundu I was

Cam-watulo mutwe That rec. to shout at one another, given a hearty welcome.?

split his head. used especially to have heated arguments -aulana /aulene/ 1 rec. of -

in; 2: Shimwatule ulu The shout:; 2? aula, fig. to marry by chance

thunder, (etym. that which -aukisha (verb) 1 int. of - means: Aaulana tupundu To

splits the skies. A figurative auka, to shout out loud greet one another with shouts

name for the thunder) ; 3: shout:; 2? -aulana tupundu, to greet one

Atulo lukuni To split -aula (verb transitive) 1 to another with shouts,?

fire-wood.; 4: Amwa-twile hail, wel-come hail: Aulo -aulisha (verb intransitive) 1

cilundu He tore his bark tupundu To welcome by of -aula, to welcome very

cloth.? uttering shrill cries, as the heartily, to greet with shouts

women do.; 2 -aulo mwau,to {tupundu) greet:; 2?

-auka /awike/ (verb

intransitive) 1 to shout, yawn.; 3 to pull up dry -auluka /aulwike/ (verb

scream, cry out, make a row. plants of very little value, as intransitive) 1 to shout for

shout: Aliauke shiwi (or remnants of a crop: beans, shout-ing's sake. shout:

aliauka, or aba uwayauka, peanuts, etc; 4: Fig. -aulo Umwaume A man

aba ne cipongwe) He is a mwanakashi To marry a Umwaume, a man; 2: Icaume

bawler, a crabbed individual; woman on the shelf, a A big man (often, having a

2: Auka mu tub To scream or spinster. (In this case no derogatory meaning).; 3:

cry out in sleep.; 3 to be bride-price is given for her); Umupashi waume, ingulu

empty (of groundnut shells); 5: Utupundu twayaulwa, yaume A male deity; 4:

to be spoiled, de-cayed,; 4: tata! What shouts we have Irjombe yaume An ox.?

Nati musoshe, awe angaukila been greeted with!; 6: Aleni,
-ausha /awishe/ (verb

Page 32 of 33
 -awisha -ayice

transitive) 1 caus. of -auka,

to cause to shout or cry out.

shout:; 2 interj. of

wonder, doubt. Also yawe

expressing contempt.; 3 adv.

negation: no, not so. ; 4

conj. then (used as a

pause, or to link ideas?

-awisha /awishishe/ (verb

intransitive) 1 of -aula, to

greet with shouts. aya

greet: (1) interj. of approval.

; 2:; 3 pron. these, with

class ma. ayo pron.

those, same as aya,

but denoting objects "near

you."?

-ayice (adjective) 1 little.

little: Mwaice A child. ; 2:

Mfumu yaice A subordinate

chief; 3: Mwaume wa caice

A young man.

Page 33 of 33

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