xhosafundis's posterous

Ndiyavuyisana nawe! - I'm happy for you! Click to listen & learn.

(download)

WORD PARTS

Ndi = I,

ya = present tense & positive form marker (eg. am),

vuy = happy,

is(a) = cause to / made to be,

ana = together with,

na = with,

we = you.

Posted

Siyaqondana! = We understand each other! Click to listen&learn.

(download)

WORD PARTS

Si = we,

ya = present tense, positive marker,

qond = understand(ing),

ana = each other.

Enjoy expressing that wonderful feeling of mutual understanding when you find it!

Posted

Andikuva! - I don't hear/ understand you! Click to listen & learn.

(download)

A = negative form (don't / can't),

ndi = I,

ku = you,

va = hear / understand.

This is a very useful phrase esp. as a beginner learning Xhosa!

Posted

Ndicinga ngawe! - I'm thinking of you! Click to listen&learn.

(download)

WORD PARTS

Ndi = I,

cinga = think / thinking,

nga = about,

we = you.

Enjoy letting your Xhosa friends know that they are in your thoughts!

Posted

Nyhani? Hayi man, uyaxoka! - Really? No man, you're lying! Click to listen&learn.

(download)

WORD PARTS

nyhani = really,

(tip for English speakers: ignore the 'h' when pronouncing - 'nyha' is one syllable and you tend to aspirate naturally),

hayi man = no man,

u = you,

ya = are,

xoka = lying.

Enjoy this, especially when you think a friend is pulling your leg!

Posted

Ndiyazikhupha! - I'm taking myself out! Click to listen&learn.

(download)

Ndi = I,

ya = am (present tense, positive marker),

zi = self (ie. in this case myself),

khupha = take out.

Enjoy!

Posted

Ndiyeza ngoku! - I'm coming now! Click to listen&learn.

(download)

WORD PARTS:

Ndi = I,

ya = present positive marker eg. 'am',

(i)za = coming,

ngoku = now.

Note how the vowels merge: YA + IZA = YEZA. (a + i always = e)

Enjoy using your Xhosa!

Posted

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