Luganda-English Phrasebook

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Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________

A Luganda Phrasebook Introduction Pronunciation Guide Greetings and Civilities.....Forms of address, body language etc Small Talk......................Meeting people, religion, family etc Getting around................Directions, finding your way etc Accommodation..............Useful words and phrases Around Town..................Places to see etc In the Country................Weather, plants, animals etc Food..............................Fruits, vegetable etc Shopping.......................Bargaining, photography etc Health...........................Ailments, body parts etc Emergencies Numbers and amounts Time and the Calender...Telling time, days of the week etc A Basic Grammar...........Parts of speech, grammatical rules etc Standard Orthography....A guide to the official spelling

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________

Luganda Phrasebook Introduction

Introduction Luganda, the native language of the people of Buganda, developed over the centuries as a spoken language. Its written form is only as recent as the arrival of the Arab and European influence among the Baganda. It is not easy, and of course it is not within the scope of this discussion, to trace its origins, but it is proper to assume that in a dynamic society with such well structured cultural, social, and political institutions like those of the Baganda, the language must have experienced a reciprocal influence during most of the changes the society went through over the course of its history. It was not however, until after the second half of the nineteenth century, that Luganda was first written down and appeared in print in its own right. The following discussion is neither meant to be a grammar nor a dictionary of the language. The focus is solely on how the language is written (i.e. transcribing sound into alphabetic characters). The first writing clearly was a pilot venture, an improvisation by the early missionaries, who tried to put the language in a written form so that their work among the Baganda would be made easier. The creation of written Luganda words mainly depended on the interpretation and impression that the ears of these foreign listeners, had of the Luganda word sounds. It was not surprising that Speke spelt Kyabaggu

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ (Chabagu). Looking at the earlier prints by various writers such as Speke, Stanley and others would confirm the suspicion that each wrote according to the interpretation his ears perceived. It was therefore necessary to undertake a serious study of the sounds in the Luganda language in order to be able to formulate a proper phonetic system that would help in transferring the sound of words into proper alphabetical symbols that would be meaningful in written form. The first writers however, were faced with a problem since many of them were not linguists and the Luganda language was starkly different, without any linguistic similarity with their mother tongues. It became an academic adventure for them, trying to correlate the linguistic features of their native languages with the sounds they were simply detecting in the Luganda words. These efforts were necessary because the task of imparting the Christian norms and social standards of their home

base

to

the

Baganda

demanded

a

system

of

communication in a medium that was natural and easily understandable in Buganda. A system of writing in vernacular was therefore developed and for the first time the Luganda word sounds were represented in alphabetical symbols.

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Elements of Luganda Orthography In 1947, an All-Baganda Conference was convened which recommended

a

Standard

recommended

standard

Orthography

was

accepted

of by

Luganda. the

The

Buganda

Government as well as the Protectorate Government and it has governed the written form of Luganda since then. In order to develop such standards special attention must have been paid to the phonetic features in Luganda taking into account the sound units; their tones, syllabic intonations (the stress on various syllables), the recognizable sound pitches and any linguistic features that had to be addressed before launching Luganda into an acceptable written form. In this discussion we shall try to examine a few of the fundamental features of the word sounds in Luganda and how they are interpreted and reflected in a written word form.

The Vowels The Luganda Language is basically transcribed into five vowel sounds which are represented in the five alphabetical symbols: a, (as in attempt) e, (as in employ) i, (as in import) o, (as in only) u, (as in blue) These are the only sound symbols that create meaning in any written Luganda word. Without them, the consonants do not convey any meaningful communication. The vowels however, on

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ their own can represent communicative sound symbols. For example; 'aa.' (Symbol of showing or demonstrating) 'ee?' or 'uu?' (form of answering) 'ii!' or 'oo!' (exclamation remarks). The vowels are called "enjatuza" (letters that make sound in a word) or "empeerezi" (letters that serve the consonants with sounds to create words). Luganda vowel sounds can be either short or long. In general, the short sound is represented by a single vowel while the long sound is represented by double vowels. Note that the double vowel denotes a long sound, as opposed to a repetitive sound. Let us cite a few examples; 'a' in bana vs baana (four vs children). The 'a' is short in bana but long in baana. 'e' in sera (dance the dance of the wizards) vs seera (overcharge). The 'e' is short in sera but long in seera. 'i' in sira (mingle, 'herbal') vs siira (walk slowly). The 'i' is short in sira but long in siira. 'o' in kola (work or do) vs koola (weed, 'verb'). The 'o' is short in kola but long in koola. 'u' in tuma (send) vs tuuma (name, 'verb'). The 'u' is short in tuma but long in tuuma. It is important to note that changing the length of the vowel sound in general also changes the meaning of the word as the above examples clearly illustrate. Since Luganda follows a 'cv' (consonant/vowel) pattern in its word order, vowels are critical ingredients in every written word.

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Exception: A long vowel is not written double when it occurs at the beginning or end of a word. For example, we write abo (those - the a is long). However, an exception to the exception is yee (yes). Note that words consisting of vowels only are not affected by this.

The Consonants In order to make meaningful communication of sound in a word, the vowel symbols must combine with the consonants to make the word sounds. The Luganda language has the following alphabetical symbols falling in the consonant category. We shall try to examine their nature and level of articulation, and the position the speech muscles assume during the articulation of various sounds. w, y, c, h, b, p, f, v, m, d, t, l, r, n, ny (the 'ny' combination is a special case considered to be a single consonant) z, s, j, g, k, ng (the 'ng' combination can sometimes represent a single consonant) The 'ng' sound when it is a single consonant is sometimes represented by a special character that does not appear in the Latin alphabet. Sometimes this difficulty is handled by writing the consonant as ng' (with the apostrophe) to distinguish it from the different sound resulting from the combination of the two

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ consonants n and g but this practice is not universal. Thus the ng combination in printed form can sound two different ways. For example ngalabi (a type of drum) and ngaali (the crested crane) form different sounds. Thus, ngaali may sometimes be written ng'aali to denote the corresponding special ng sound. The actual appearance of this character when used is shown in the following image.

The character looks the same when written in upper case or lower case.

Verbalizing the Consonants We can simplify the classification of the Luganda consonant sounds in mainly four categories; the stop sounds, fricative sounds, nasal sounds and the lateral or trill and flap sounds. i. Stop Sounds (the sound is short and abrupt) 'bb' occurs bilabial (voiced) 'p' is also bilabial (whispered) 'm' bilabial (We shall meet this again in the nasal section) 'd' occurs at alveolar (voiced) 't' is also alveolar (whispered) 'g' occurs at velar (voiced) 'k' is also velar (whispered)

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ ii. Fricative sounds (some air emitted out of the mouth at utterance) 'h' is glottal (voiced) 'b' is bilabial as we have seen above 'v' occurs at labio-dental (voiced) 'f' is also labio-dental (whispered) 'z' is alveolar (voiced) 's' is also alveolar (whispered) 'c', 'ky' (kyapa), and 'ki' (kibira) is palatal (whispered) 'j' and 'gy' are also palatal (voiced) iii. Nasal sound (the nose is involved in creating the sound) 'm' bilabial (voiced) 'n' alveolar (voiced) 'ny' palatal (voiced) 'mb' and 'mp' bilabial 'n + any consonant' will produce a nasal sound of its related symbol. 'ng'' as in ng'aali. (word processor inability) iv. Lateral/Trill/Flap Sound (the tongue seems to lateral) 'l' and 'r' both occur at the alveolar

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ The Semi-Vowels It must be noted though that 'w' and 'y' appear in several Luganda words as semi-vowels - that is they help create the sound; mwa (shave) and lya (eat). When they stand on their own like in okuyiga (to learn) or okuweta (to bend), they are regular consonants. It should also be noted that in Luganda, two dissimilar vowels never follow one another in a word. If necessary, the consonants 'y' or 'w' are inserted between the vowels to maintain the sound while not violating the rule. For example, write 'wakayima' instead of 'wakaima', 'okuyimba' instead of 'okuimba' or 'yawula' instead of 'yaula'. Combination of Dissimilar Consonants When 'm' or 'n' (empuunyi) prefixes another consonant forming a verb, the verb is personalized (in first person 'I'). The following are examples: 'mpa' (give me) 'mbala' (I am counting) 'ndaba' (I am seeing) 'ntemye' (I have cut) However, there are several nouns, adjective, adverbs and prepositions; i.e. names of people, places etc. that begin with the 'm' and 'n' as a nasal prefix: Mpigi Mbatudde Ntabadde

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Ngo ntumbwe The sound represented by 'ch' in English is written 'c' in Luganda. The letter combination 'ch' never occurs in Luganda. Some example words follow: caayi (tea) cacanca (celebrate), cwacwalika (throw yourself into a rage). cuuma (smell bad) The 'c' sound is very close to the 'ky' sound but the two should not be confused. Some examples of when 'ky' is used are given below: kyange (it is mine), kyapa (print). kyenvu (yellow) kyokya (it is hot, or it burns) kyuma (metal) The 'ki' sound can also be very similar to the 'c' and 'ky' sounds. Here are some examples of its usage: Kibuuka (name of a person) Kiggwe (name of a person) Kibuli (name of a place) kibira (forest) kirye, (eat it)

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ However, the 'ki' in the second syllable aki(ki)rira or a(ki!)kirira (he/she represents) does not carry the same sound as the first 'ki' syllable. The phonemes 'c', 'ky', and 'ki' are very similar. It is not easy to describe the sound in a written form so as to avoid the confusion. When in doubt, consult a dictionary. The 'h' is a very rarely used in Luganda, the only use that easily comes to mind is the laughing sound 'ha ha ha'. Note that the letter combination 'ch' which occurs frequently in other Bantu languages is never used in Luganda.

Stressing Consonants The Luganda consonants may be either stressed or hit softly. The letter 'b' is a typical example of this. It is either strongly hit which requires the sound 'bb' as in 'mubbi' (a thief), or it may be hit softly as in 'mubi' (a bad person). The double consonant in a word is used to indicate a single strong emphasis on the consonant. This should not be confused with a repetitive consonant sound. Some more examples are given below: kutta (to kill) vs kuta (to release) mukka (smoke) vs muka (wife of) bidde (let them come back) vs bide (bells) Again notice that the change in emphasis can change the meaning of a word completely. It is also very common in

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Luganda to stress the first syllable in a word. Take a close look on the following; mmamba (lung fish) ffenna (all of us) ttemankima (kind of snake) vvaawo (get out of here) nnima (I am digging) Jjajja (grand parent) The exception is the special consonant 'ny'. When this is stressed in a word, only the n part is written twice as in nny rather than nyny. One example is nnyonnyola (explain).

Some Special Cases Now that we have seen the functions of the vowels and consonants in Luganda we need to go a little further in examining the sounds and their proper orthography or how they are reflected in the written form. We have already discussed the long vowels in the word sounds and have looked at some relevant examples. It should be noted that long sounds in words can also be caused in different ways other than use of the long vowels. For example, if a nasal consonant is followed immediately by a non-nasal consonant, the combination forms a naturally long syllable in Luganda. There is no need for a double vowel before such a syllable. Consider the word owange (by the way). The long 'a' is caused by the last nasal 'ng'. This takes away the need for a double 'aa'

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ before the 'ng' syllable. Take a closer look at these words as well: ebbanga (space) ebba-nga akambe (knife) aka-mbe, ennanga (musical organ) enna-nga kimpi (it is short) ki-mpi kitanda (bed) kita-nda tunda (sell) tu-nda Note that the rule applies only when you have a nasal 'ng' syllable as a suffix. It is different where the nasal syllable is a prefix; ntaalu (very unruly) nta-alu nteeba (I am scoring) nte-eba mbuuza (I am asking) mbu-uza mpuuna (I am humming) mpu-una Similarly the semi-vowel 'y' or 'w' in a word also naturally creates a long sound when it immediately follows another consonant. There is no need to double the vowel after such a combination. The difference here is that the long sound in the word is caused by the preceding syllable as in: Mwami (Mister) Mwa-mi (do not use 'aa') kikyamu (it is wrong) kikya-mu. bwomu (for one, alone) bwo-mu lwana (fight) lwa-na twete (let us free ourselves) twe-te Ddwaliro (hospital) Ddwa-liro

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Ddwaniro (battle ground) Ddwa-niro tyagira (walk with difficulty) tya-gira kyalo (village) kya-lo myala (streams) mya-la An exception to this rule is that if the consonant preceding the semi-vowel is 'gg', then both single and double vowels are possible. Thus we have: eggwolezo (court house) eggwoolezo (customs house) Note that since the combination 'ny' as in fact considered to be a single consonant, it is not affected by the above rules. Thus in ekinyumu both the 'i' and 'u' are short sounds. We can also have: akunonye (he/she has come for you) akunoonya (he/she is looking for you) nyiga (press) nyiiga (become annoyed) Written words are usually assumed to be the direct reflection in alphabetical symbols of the sounds uttered, and conventional rules are set to give language a standard by which people can communicate. However, it is not uncommon that a mere arrangement of letters in a single unit, will not necessarily give the exact word sound required. Some language have instituted symbols like accents, in order to create a distinction that may exist between words with similar spelling but with different intonation and meaning. This has not been done in Luganda and

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ consequently some confusion may arise for such words. To bring the point closer to home, let us look at the following examples: mpanga (rooster) falling on the last syllable Mpanga (place or personal name) rising on the last syllable Lwanga (personal name) rising on the last syllable Lwanga ( place name) falling on the last syllable muweesi (black smith) falls on 'wee' and rises on 'si' syllables muweesi (carrier) rising on both 'wee' and 'si' syllables When spoken, these words sound distinct from each other and their meanings would be self evident. In written form however, the distinction is not evident and instead it has to be deduced from the context in which the words are used. The use of the letters 'r' and 'l' in Luganda follows a special rule. Phonetically, the two are indistinguishable in Luganda words. In fact, the 'r' sound as in raspberry does not exist in Luganda. But a rule in spelling Luganda words calls for the use of the letter 'r' immediately following the vowels 'e' and 'i', whereas the letter 'l' is to be used in all other instances calling for the corresponding sound. The following are examples of the usage accepted in the standard orthography. kolera (work for) ko (le) (ra) wulira (listen) wu (li) (ra) lulira (long umbilical cord) (lu) (li) (ra) laalira (get stuck) (laa) (li) (ra) bulirira (get lost for a while)

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Note especially that in the last example, the syllable 'li' as compared with the syllable 'ri' in the same word 'bulirira' does not

produce

any

phonetic

difference.

But

the

rules

of

orthography call for the indicated spelling.

Word Separation In general, all small words preceding nouns, adjectives or verbs are written separately. We have the following commonly occurring forms: ne [conjunctive] ne, nga [narratives] e, ku, mu, wa [locatives] ba, bya, ga, gwa, ka, kya, lwa, lya, wa [genitives] ba, bwa, bwe, bye, gwe, gye, nti, oti [relative object] ggwe, nze, ye, yo [emphatic pronouns] kyo, yo, ye [personal possessives] kye, ye [copulatives] The following are example usage of these forms. Kintu ne Nnambi [conjunctive form] natuukayo ne ndaba [narrative form] ntudde ku ntebe [locative form] omwana wa Musoke [genitive form] omukazi gwe nsanze [relative form] ggwe onomugambako [emphatic pronoun] embwa yo [personal possessive form] omulenzi ye mulalu [copulative form]

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Notice that all these little words end in vowels. When these words precede a word starting with a vowel, their ending vowel is elided in speech. The elided vowel is dropped from the spelling and instead denoted by an apostrophe. This creates a long sound that is not represented by a double vowel. The exception to this is if the word is an emphatic pronoun (see example above). Examples of usage are given below: omwenge n'ennyama [conjunctive form] n'otema omuti [narrative form] ew'omuyizzi [locative form] Finally , some little words are used as suffixes. In such usage, these words are always attached to the word affected. The suffixes are: ko, mu, nga, wo, yo. Examples of usage are: kumpiko (the place is a bit near) nfumbeko (it is a little cooked) nvuddewo (I have left this place) natuukayo (I arrived there)

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________

Luganda Phrasebook Small Talk Outline Greetings Meeting People Nationalities Occupations Religion Family Feelings Language Problems Interests Useful Phrases

Greetings & Civilities Good morning ...................Wasuze otya nno? (literally 'how was your night?') Good afternoon..................Osiibye otya nno? (literally, 'how was your day?') Good evening.................... Osiibye otya nno? [The one asked responds with "Bulungi" (i.e. 'fine') and repeats the inquiry] Hi? (informal)..............................................Ki kati? How are you?...............................................Oli otya? I am OK.......................................................Gyendi Have a nice day............................................Siiba bulungi Good night....................................................Sula bulungi (on retiring) Farewell (to one person)...............................Weeraba Farewell (to several people).......................... Mweraba Welcome (to one person)..............................Tukusanyukidde Welcome (to several people).........................Tubasanyukidde See you later.................................................Tunaalabagana Please............................................................Mwattu

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Please shut the door............................Mwattu ggalawo oluggi Please clean my room............Mwattu longoosa ekisenge kyange Please come in................................................Mwattu yingira Please sit down....................................Mwattu tuula wansi Thank you......................................................Weebale You are welcome........................................... Kale Excuse me (to get attention)............................Owange Pardon? (What did you say?).................Wangi? / Ogambye ki? I'm sorry (apology)..........................................Nsonyiwa

Meeting People What is your name....................Erinnya lyo ggwe ani? My name is...............................Erinnya lyange nze.... Forms of Address It is considered polite to show respect to older people regardless of their station in life. Respectful forms of address should be used when addressing superiors. Sir.............................................Ssebo Madam......................................Nnyabo Mr.............................................Mwami Mrs............................................Mukyala Age How old are you?.................................Olina emyaka emeka? I am...............................................Nina...... 20 years old.................................Emyaka abiri (20) 35 years old.................................Emyaka asatu mu etaano (35)

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Body Language Shaking hands in Buganda/Uganda is a common practice for both men and women. It is appropriate to shake hands when being introduced to somebody, when visiting somebody in their house, or when you haven't seen somebody for a while. Hugging is also common for both men and women. It is appropriate to hug if you haven't seen a friend for a while. Kissing in public is frowned upon.

Nationalities Where are you from?.................Ova ludda wa? I am from...........................................Nva.... Belgium......................................Bubirigi Canada.......................................Kanada Egypt..........................................Misiri England.......................................Bungereza Europe........................................Bulaaya Finland........................................Finilandi France.........................................Bufalansa Germany......................................Budaaki Greece.........................................Buyonaani India............................................Buyindi Italy.............................................Yitale Japan...........................................Japaani Kenya..........................................Kenya Sudan...........................................Sudaani Sweden........................................Swideni Tanzania.......................................Tanzaniya USA............................................Amerika I am a/an..............................................Ndi American......................................Mumerika Arab.............................................Muwalabu Belgian..........................................Mubirigi

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ British...........................................Mungereza Canadian......................................Mukanada Egyptian.......................................Mumisiri Finnish..........................................Mufiini French..........................................Mufalansa German........................................Mudaaki Greek...........................................Muyonaani Indian............................................Muyindi Italian............................................Muyitale Japanese.......................................Mujapaani Kenyan.........................................Munnakenya Sudanese.......................................Musudani Swedish........................................Muswidi Tanzanian......................................Mutanzaniya Foreigner......................................Mugwiira, Munnamawanga

Occupations What is your occupation?................Okola mulimu ki? I am a/an.........................................Ndi.... Accountant..................................Mubazi wa bitabo Actor/Actress..............................Munnakatemba Architect......................................Muzimbi Businessperson............................Musuubuzi Carpenter....................................Mubazzi Clerk...........................................Kalaani Doctor.........................................Musawo Driver..........................................Dereeva Engineer......................................Yinginiya Farmer.........................................Mulimi Journalist......................................Munnamawulire Lawyer.........................................Looya/Puliida/Munna mateeka Mechanic......................................Makanika Musician.......................................Muyimbi Nurse...........................................Naasi / Mujjanjabi Civil Servant.................................Mukozi wa gavumenti

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Scientist........................................Munnasaayansi Secretary......................................Sekulitale/Muwandiisi Student.........................................Muyizi Teacher........................................Musomesa Volunteer .................................... Nnakyewa Waiter..........................................Musumaami Self Employed..............................Neekolera gyange Unemployed.................................Sirina mulimu

Religion What is your religion?.............................Oli wa ddiini ki? I am ......................................................Ndi Catholic............................................Mukatuliki Christian...........................................Mukulisitu Anglican/Protestant...........................Mukulisitaayo Born Again Christian ........................Mulokole Hindu................................................Muyindu Jewish...............................................Muyudaaya Muslim..............................................Musiraamu Orthodox..........................................Musodookisi Seventh-Day Adventist......................Museveniside Sikh..................................................Musingasinga Traditionalist......................................Musamize

Family This is my.........................................Ono ye... Mother.............................................Maama wange Father..............................................Taata wange Wife.................................................Mukyala wange Husband...........................................Mwami wange Child.................................................Mwana wange Nephew/Niece..................................Mwana wange Grandchild.........................................Muzzukulu wange

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Son....................................................Mutabani wange Daughter............................................Muwala wange Older brother/sister............................Mukulu wange Younger brother/sister........................Muto wange Sibling (same sex)...............................Muganda wange Sibling (opposite sex)..........................Mwannyinaze Aunt (paternal)....................................Ssenga wange Aunt (maternal)...................................Maama wange omuto Uncle (paternal)..................................Taata wange omuto Uncle (maternal)..................................Kojja wange Cousin (paternal).................................Muganda wange / Mwannyinaze Cousin (maternal)................................Kizibwe wange (also maama omuto/kojja) Grandparent........................................Jjajja wange Great uncle/aunt..................................Jjajja wange Father-in-law......................................Ssezaala wange Mother-in-law.....................................Nnyazaala wange Friend.................................................Mukwano gwange Do you have any brothers or sisters......Olina bagandabo oba bannyoko? Are you married?................................Oli mufumbo? I am not married..................................Siri mufumbo I am married........................................Ndi mufumbo Do you have any children?...................Olina abaana? I don't have any children.......................Sirina baana I don't have any children yet..................Sinnafuna baana I have...................................................Nina.. One son................................................Omutabani omu One daughter........................................Omuwala omu Three sons............................................Abatabani basatu Two daughters......................................Abawala babiri

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________

Feelings I am........................................... Angry..................................................Ndi munyiivu Cold....................................................Mpulira empewo Determined...........................................Ndi mumalirivu Full.......................................................Ndi mukkufu Happy..................................................Ndi musanyufu Hot...................................................... Mpulira ebbugumu Hungry.................................................Enjala ennuma Sad......................................................Ndi munakuwavu Scared.................................................Ntidde Sick.....................................................Ndi mulwadde Thirsty..................................................Ennyonta ennuma Tired....................................................Nkooye Worried...............................................Ndi mweraliikirivu

Language Problems Do you speak English?............................Omanyi olungereza? Yes, I do................................................Weewawo No, I do not............................................Nedda I can only speak a little Luganda...............Oluganda mmanyi lutonotono Does any one here speak english?............Wano waliwo amanyi olungereza? Do you understand?.................................Otegeera? I understand.............................................Ntegeera I don't understand....................................Sitegeera How do you say "...." in Luganda?.. ........Mu Luganda ogamba otya nti "...."?

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ What does this mean?..............................Kino kitegeeza ki? Please speak slowly!.....................Mwattu yogera mpolampola Write that word down for me........Ekigambo ekyo kimpandiikire Please repeat it........................................Mwattu kiddemu Please translate for me.............................Mwattu nzivuunulira

Interests What are your hobbies?...................... Biki by'oyagala okukola? I like....................................................Njagala..... I do not like.........................................Saagala.... Discos.................................................Disiko Film.....................................................Firimu Going shopping..........................Kugenda mu maduuka Music..................................................Nnyimba Playing games/sports................Kuzannya mizannyo Reading books.....................................Kusoma bitabo Swimming............................................Kuwuga Jogging/Running....................................Kudduka Biking...................................................Kuvuga ggaali Photography ............................ Kukuba bifaananyi To play soccer......................................Kuzannya kapiira To play tennis....................................... Kuzannya tena Travelling/ going out...............................Kutambulako Watching TV.........................................Kulaba Tivvi

Some Useful Phrases Look!....................................................Laba! Listen!...................................................Wulira! I am ready.............................................Nneetegese Slow down!...........................................Genda mpola! Hurry up!..............................................Yanguwa! Come here.............................................Jangu wano Go away!..............................................Genda eri!

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Watch out!............................................Wegendereze! Help me ................................................Nnyamba It is possible...........................................Kisoboka It is not possible.....................................Tekisoboka I forgot...................................................Neerabidde It is important..........................................Kikulu It is not important....................................Si kikulu What is the time?.....................................Saawa mmeka? Where are you going?..............................Ogenda wa? What is this called?..................................Kino kiyitibwa kitya? What is that?...........................................Ekyo kiki? Can I take a photo (of you)?..........Nsobola okukuba ekifananyi? Can I take a photo (of that)?.....Ekyo nsobola okukikuba ekifananyi? Do you live here?...............................Obeera wano? It doesn't matter.......................................Ssi kigambo / Tofaayo

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________

Luganda Phrasebook Getting Around Outline Finding Your Way Directions Travelling By Air Travelling By Bus Travelling By Train Travelling By Taxi Travelling By Car Instructions Bargaining Some Useful Phrases Some Useful Words Finding Your Way Where is the "___"? ................ "___" eri ludda wa? Bus station......................Baasi paaka Bus stop.........................Siteegi ya baasi Taxi park........................Paaka ya takisi Train station.................... Airport............................Ekisaawe ky'ennyonyi What time does the "___" leave? ............. "___" egenda ssaawa mmeka? -Bus..................................... -Baasi -Train................................... -Eggaali y'omukka -Aeroplane........................... -Ennyonyi

Directions How can I get to "___"? ..............Ngenda ntya okutuuka e "___"? Is it far?.......................................Kiri wala?

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Is it near?.....................................Kiri kumpi? Is it near here?..............................Kiri kumpi na wano? Go straight ahead!........................Genda butereevu! Turn left........................................Kyama ku kkono Turn right......................................Kyama ku ddyo At the traffic lights.........................Ku bitaala At the junction..............................Mu masang'aanzira In front of.....................................Mu maaso ga Next to.........................................Okuddirila Behind..........................................Emabega North............................................Bukiikakkono/ Mambuka South............................................Bukiikaddyo/ Maserengeta East..............................................Buvanjuba West............................................Bugwanjuba North-west...................................Bukiikakkono (bwa)Bugwanjuba North-east....................................Bukiikakkono (bwa)Buvanjuba South-west...................................Bukiikaddyo (bwa)Bugwanjuba South-east....................................Bukiikaddyo (bwa)Buvanjuba

Travelling By Air Do you have any flights to Nairobi?... ..........Mulina ennyonyi ezigenda e Nairobi? What days are the flights?............................Ennyonyi zigenda ku nnaku ki? How much is a one-way ticket?...................Tikiti ey'amagenda gokka ya mmeka? How much is a return ticket.........................Tikiti ey'amagenda n'amadda ya mmeka? Is there a flight to Harare on Monday?.........Waliwo ennyonyi egenda e Harare ku Bbalaza? What time is the flight?.................................Ennyonyi esitula ssaawa mmeka? Do you have any direct flights?.....................Mulina ennyonyi ezigenda obutereevu? How many stops does the plane make?........Ennyonyi eyimirira

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ emirundi emeka? What is the arrival time?...............................Etuuka ssaawa mmeka? When are the return flights?..........................Ennyonyi ezikomawo zivaayo ddi? What is the baggage allowance.....................Mukkiriza emigugu gyenkana wa? I would like to buy a return ticket.................Njagala kugula tikiti ey'amagenda n'amadda. I will be leaving on Friday............................Nja kugenda ku Lwakutaano I will return after two weeks.........................Nkomawo oluvannyuma lwa sabbiiti bbiri What time do I have to be at the airport?......Ku kisaawe nina kubeerayo ku ssaawa mmeka?

Travelling By Bus Where can I buy a bus ticket?.................Tikiti ya baasi nnyinza kugigula wa? Is there an overnight bus?.......................Waliwo baasi egenda eggulolimu? What time does the bus arrive?...............Baasi etuuka ku ssaawa mmeka? Will the bus stop at a restaurant?.............Baasi eneyimirila awali eby'okulya? I would like to book a seat for Friday......Njagala kwekwata kifo kya ku Lwakutaano Two tickets to "___" ..............................Tikiti bbiri okugenda e "___" Does this bus go to "___" ?.....................Eno baasi egenda e "___" ? Which bus goes to "___" ?......................Baasi ki egenda e "___" ? How long does it take to get there?.........Kitwala bbanga ki okutuukayo? What is the cost to go to "___"?..............Kitwala ssente mmeka okugenda e "___" ? Tell me when we get to"___" ..... ............Mbuulira nga tutuuse e "___"

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ I want to get off here!..............................Njagala kuviiramu wano! What time is the next bus?.......................Baasi eddako ya ku ssaawa mmeka? What time is the last bus?........................Baasi esembayo ya ku ssaawa mmeka? Travelling By Train Please give me two tickets..........................Mwattu mpa tikiti bbiri Is this seat free?..........................................Kino ekifo kirimu omuntu? This seat is taken.........................................Kino ekifo kirimu omuntu Would you mind if I open the window?........Ofaayo singa nzigulawo eddirisa? What is this station called?...........................Eno sitenseni bagiyita batya? What station is this?.....................................Eno sitenseni ki? What is the next station................................Sitenseni ki eddako? Travelling By Taxi There are two kinds of taxis in Uganda. The open/public taxis take more than one person using a designated route to a specific destination; and taxis for special hire by an individual or group of people. Taxi do not use meters but a predetermined fixed rate which is negotiable for special hire taxis. Please take me to "___" ............................Mwattu ntwaala e "___" How much does it cost to go to "___" ?......Otwala mmeka okugenda e "___" ? Does that include the luggage?....................N'emigugu ogibaliddemu? Travelling By Car Where can I rent a car?...............................Wa wensobola okupangisa emmotoka? How much is it daily/weekly?........................Ssente mmeka buli lunaku/wiiki? Does that include insurance?........................ Okwo kuliko eza

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ yinsuwa? Where is the next gas/petrol station?..............Petulo sitenseni eddako eri ludda wa? Is this the road to "___" ?..............................Lino lye kkubo erigenda e "___" ? I want "__" litres of gas/petrol........................Njagala liita z'amafuta "__" Please fill up the tank.....................................Mwattu jjuza tanka Problems The battery is flat/dead......................Baatule nfu The radiator is leaking.......................Ladiyeta ettonnya I have a flat tire/tyre..........................Nina omupiira ogwaabise It is not working................................Tekikola The engine is dead............................Yingini nfu

Instructions Here is fine, thank you.......Wano wamala, webale nnyo. The next street, please........Ku luguudo oluddako mwattu Continue!..........................Weyongereyo! Please slow down..............Mwattu genda mpolampola Please hurry.......................Mwattu yanguwa Please wait here.................Mwattu lindira wano I'll be right back.................Nkomawo mangu Bargaining How much does it cost ?...................Kigula ssente mmeka? Won't you take less?.........................Tosalako? How about "___" shillings?................Ate siringi "___" ? That's too much money......................Ezo ssente ziyitiridde Let me give you "___"........................Ka nkuwe "___" I only have "___" shillings ................. Ninawo siringi "___" zokka Here is "___" shillings.........................Siringi "___" ziizino How about my change?......................Ate kyengi wange?

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Some Useful Phrases The plane is delayed..................................Ennyonyi ekeereye The plane is cancelled................................Ennyonyi esaziddwamu The plane is on time/schedule.....................Ennyonyi eri ku budde How long will it be delayed?......................Enekeerewa kumala bbanga ki? Do I need to change buses?.......................Neetaaga okukyusa baasi? You must change.... ..................................Oteekwa okukyusa How long does the trip take?.....................Olugendo lutwala bbanga ki? I want to get off at "___" ...........................Njagala kuviiramu "___" I am lost....................................................Mbuze Where is the nearest taxi park....................Paaka ya taxi eri okumpi eri ludda wa? Where can I hire a bicycle?........................Wa wensobola okupangisa eggaali? (Bodaboda) Where do I get off to go to the bank?.........Wa wenviiramu okugenda ku banka? Where are we now?...................................Kati tuli ludda wa? Where is the restroom?...............................Buyonjo eri ludda wa?

Some Useful Words Battery.................................Baatule Brakes.................................Ebiziyiza Car......................................Motoka Clutch..................................Kulaaci Engine..................................Yingini Flywheel...............................Fuluweero Glass....................................Kirawuli Lights....................................Amataala

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Tyres/Tires............................Emipiira Radiator................................Ladiyeeta Shock Absorber....................Sekabuzooba Steering Wheel......................Siteringi Truck/Lorry...........................Loole Articulated truck....................Loole ey'ekyana Driver's licence......................Layisinsi y'okuvuga Address.................................Endagiriro Alley......................................Kikuubo Airport...................................Kisaawe ky'ennyonyi Station...................................Sitenseni Cabin.....................................Kayumba/Kasiisira Careful...................................Kwegendereza Corner...................................Kkoona Confirmation..........................Kukakasibwa Danger!.................................Kabi Early......................................Kukeera Emergency.............................Ekizibu eky'embagirawo Empty....................................Kikalu Fast.......................................Mangu Full........................................Bujjuvu Intersection............................Masangaanzira Landing..................................Kugwa Late.......................................Kukeerewa Lounge(room)........................Kisenge Airplane/Aeroplane................Nnyonyi Port.......................................Mwalo Reservation office...................Wofiisi ya tikiti River......................................Mugga Sail.........................................Kuseyeeya Sea....................................... Eriyanja Seat.......................................Ekifo Seat belt/safety belt................Omusipi gw'oku ntebe. Stop!.....................................Yimilira! Street.....................................Luguudo Take off, depart......................Kusitula Ticket.....................................Tikiti Ticket window/wicket.............Watundirwa tikiti Wait!......................................Linda!

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Luganda Phrasebook Around Town / Countryside Accomodation Finding Accomodation Where is a "__" ?................ "__" eri ludda wa? -hotel............................. -Wooteri -cheap hotel................... -Wooteri eya layisi -nice hotel....................... -Wooteri ennungi -inexpensive hotel............ -Wooteri ey'omuwendo omusaamusamu I've already found a hotel...............Nafunye dda wooteri Please take me to the "__" hotel.....Mwattu ntwaala ku wooteri "__". What is the address?......................Ndagirilo ki? Write down the address please.......Endagiliro giwandiike mwattu Checking in at the Hotel I'd like a room "__" .........................Njagala ekisenge "__" -for one person ...........................-kya muntu omu. -for two people............................-kya bantu babiri. -with a bathroom..........................-omuli ekinaabiro -with a fan....................................-ekirina faani/ekiwujjo -with a TV....................................-ekirina tivvi. -with a window.............................-ekirina eddirisa. I am going to stay for "__" ..............Nja kumala "__" -one day ..................................-olunaku lumu. -two weeks...............................-sabbiiti bbiri I am going to live here for a year.........Ng'enda kubeera wano okumala omwaka gumu Is there a room available?...................Olinawo ekisenge? How much does it cost per day?.........Kya ssente mmeka buli

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ lunaku? What is the daily rate?.........................Ssente mmeka buli lunaku Does the price include breakfast?........Ssente ziriko n'ekyenkya? Are children allowed?.........................Abaana bakkirizibwa? Is there extra cost for children?...........Abaana basasula ssente endala? Can I see the room?...........................Ekisenge nsobola okukiraba? I don't like this room...........................Kino ekisenge sikyagala Do you have a better room?................Olina ekisenge ekikisingako obulungi? I'll take this room.................................Nja kutwala kino ekisenge I'm not sure how long I'm staying.........Simanyi bbanga ki lyennaamalawo Should I leave my key at the reception?... Nsobola okuleka ekisumuluza kyange awatuukirwa? During Your Stay Where can I wash my clothes?............Wa wensobola okwoleza engoye zange? Please wash these clothes for me.........Mwattu njoleza engoye zino When will they be ready?....................Onoozimala ddi? Can I use the telephone?.....................Nsobola okukozesa essimu? Please spray my room.........................Mwattu fuyira ekisenge kyange There are mosquitoes in it....................Kirimu ensiri Please change my sheets......................Mwattu kyusa essuuka zange My room needs to be cleaned..............Ekisenge kyange kyetaaga okuyonja Complaints Excuse me, I've got a problem here..........Nsonyiwa, nina ekizibu The window is broken.............................Eddirisa limenyefu I can't open the door/window..................Sisobola kuggulawo luggi/ddirisa

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ I've locked myself out..............................Neesibidde ebweru The toilet is broken..................................Akayu tekakola Can you get it fixed?................................Bayinza okukikola? The room smells......................................Ekisenge kiwunya It's too dark.............................................Enzikiza eyitiridde It's too noisy............................................Oluyogaano luyitiridde Checking Out of the Hotel I am leaving this hotel..................Wooteri ngenda kugivaamu Please prepare my/our bill...........Mwattu tegeka lisiiti yange Call me a taxi please...................Mpitira takisi mwattu Can I pay by "__" ?....................Nsobola okusasuza "__" ? -credit card..............................-kaadi -traveller's check/cheque...........-kyeke Can I leave my things here until "__" ?...Nsobola okuleka ebintu byange wano okutuusa "__" ? -this afternoon.........................-olweggulo lwa leero -this evening............................-akawungeezi ka leero -tonight...................................-ekiro kya leero Some Useful Phrases The hotel is near (the) "__" . ...Wooteri eri kumpi (ne) "__" -alley..........................-kikuubo -park...........................-paaka -shop...........................-duuka -street.........................-luguudo I want to have..... ............Njagala kulya....... -breakfast....................-kyankya -lunch..........................-kyamisana -dinner.........................-kyaggulo I want to drink.... ............Njagala kunwya...... -tea.................................-caayi -bottled water..................-amazzi g'omuccupa -coffee.............................-kaawa

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ -boiled water...................-mazzi amafumbe -cold water......................-mazzi agannyogoga Some Useful Words Address...............Endagirilo Bathe.................. Kunaaba Blanket................Bulangiti Candle.................Musubbaawa Chair....................Ntebe Clean (verb)........ Kuyonja Crowded............... Cupboard.............Kabada Dark....................Enzikiza Dirty.....................Kuddugala Door.....................Luggi Dust......................Nfuufu Eat........................Kulya Electricity..............Masannyalaze Garden.................Nnimiro Fence...................Lukomera Key......................Kisumuluzo Lock.....................Kkufulu Mattress................Mufaliso Mirror...................Ndabirwamu Noisy....................Luyogaano Pillow...................Katto ka kwezizika Quiet....................Kasiriikiriro Rent.....................Kupangisa Roof.................... Kasolya Servant.................Mukozi Sit........................Tuula Sheet...................Suuka Sleep...................Kwebaka Soap (bathing)......Sabbuuni anaaba Soap (detergent... Sabbuuni ayoza Swimming pool.....Ekidiba omuwugirwa. Table....................Mmeeza Towel...................Tawulo Wake....................Zuukusa Wash....................Kwoza Water...................Mazzi

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Around Town Where is a/the.... ..... ...eri(ali) luddawa? -Bank.........................-Banka -Barber.......................-Kinyoozi -Bookshop..................-Dduuka ly'ebitabo -Cathedral...................-Lutikko -Church.......................-Kkanisa/Keleziya -Cinema.......................-Sineema -Concert ..................... -Kivvulu -Consulate....................-Kitebe kya konsulo -Crossroad....................-Masang'anzira -Embassy.......................-Embase -Garden.........................-Nnimiro -Hospital.......................-Eddwaaliro -Hotel...........................-Wooteri -Market........................-Akatale -Mosque.......................-Omuzigiti -Park.............................-Paaka -Police station.................-Kitebe kya poliisi -Post office.....................-Poosita -Public telephone.............Ssimu eya lukale -Public Toilet..................-Akayu / Buyonjo -Restaurant.....................-Wooteri -School...........................-Essomero -Temple..........................-Yeekaalu -Village............................-Ekyalo -Zoo................................ Zzu How far is the "__" ? .............. "__" eri bbanga ki okuva wano? I am going to the "__" ............ Ng'enda ku "__" I want to see the "__" ...............Njagala kulaba "__" I am looking for the "__" ...........Nnoonya "__" What time does it open?............Kiggulawo saawa mmeka? What time does it close?............Kiggalawo ku saawa mmeka? Is it still open?............................Kikyali kiggule? What "__" is this?............ "__" ki? -Street........................ Luno luguudo -City........................... Kino kibuga -Village....................... Kino kyalo -Market...................... Kano katale

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Some Useful Phrases What time do banks open?......................Banka ziggulawo ssaawa mmeka? What time does the bank open?...............Banka eggulawo ssaawa mmeka? Where can I cash a travellers' cheque?.....Wa w'ensobola okuwanyisiza kyeke zange? What is the exchange rate?......................Ssente zikyusiza ku mmeka? Has any money arrived for me?...............Waliwo ssente zange ezizze? How long will it take to arrive?................Zinatwala bbanga ki okutuuka? Some Useful Words Bank clerk......................Kkalaane wa banka Bill, bank note.................Lupapula lwa ssente Branch............................Ettabi Commission....................Kamiisoni Endorsement....................Kussaako mukono ID card........................Kitambulizo Signature......................Omukono Teller......................... Ticket Window/wicket........... Sightseeing Where is the tourist office?.................Wofiisi y'abalambuzi eri luddawa? What is that building?.........................Ekyo kizimbe ki? What is this monument?......................Kino kijjukizo kyaki? Who lived there?................................Ani yabeeranga awo? Do you have a local map?...................Olina maapu ya wano? May I take photographs?....................Nsobola okukuba ebifaananyi? May I take your photograph?..............Nsobola okukukuba ekifaananyi? I will send you the photograph.............Ekifaananyi nja kukikuweereza Could you take a photograph of me?....Osobola okunkuba ekifaananyi? At what theatre can I see a play?.........Wa wenyinza okulaba

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ omuzannyo How did you enjoy the play?...............Omuzannyo gwakunyumidde? I'm interested in music..........................Njagala ennyimba Some Useful Words Cathedral..........................Lutikko Church.............................Kkanisa / Kkeleziya Crowded(noisy)..................... Empty...............................Kikalu Interesting........................ Kinyuma Mosque............................Muzigiti Nice................................ Kirungi Quiet............................... Kisiriikirivu Statue...............................Kibumbe Ticket...............................Tikiti University.........................Yunivasite Nightclub..........................Kirabo Bureaucracy King..................................Kabaka President...........................Pulezidenti Prime minister....................Katikkiro Minister.............................Minisita Member of Parliament........Mukyise mu Paalimenti Mayor...............................Meeya Chief.................................Mwami In The Country Directions North.........................Bukiikakkono, Mambuka South.........................Bukiikaddyo, Maserengeta East...........................Buvanjuba West..........................Bugwanjuba North-East.................Bukiikakkono(bwa)-Buvanjuba NorthWest...............Bukiikakkono(bwa)-Bugwanjuba SouthEast.................Bukiikaddyo(bwa)-Buvanjuba SouthWest................Bukiikaddyo(bwa)-Bugwamjuba Left............................Kkono Right..........................Ddyo

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Up.............................Waggulu Down........................Wansi Weather What's the weather like?.......Embeera y'obudde eri etya? It is "__" today ............Leero obudde "__" Cloudy.........................bwa kikome Cold............................bunnyogovu Flooding.......................bwa mataba Hot..............................bwa bbugumu Humid.......................... Raining heavily..............bwa nkuba y'amaanyi Raining lightly................bwa nkuba ya lutonnyeze Warm...........................bwa kibuguumirize Windy...........................bwa mbuyaga Some Useful Words Clouds...........................Bire Dry season.....................Ebiseera by'omusana Earth............................. Nsi Fog................................Lufu Moon.............................Mwezi Mud...............................Bisooto Rain...............................Nkuba Rainy season..................Biseera by'enkuba Sky...............................Ggulu Smoke...........................Mukka Star...............................Mmunyeenye Storm........................... Mbuyaga Sun................................Njuba Sunshine........................Musana Geographical Terms Beach.......................... Bridge.........................Lutindo Cave...........................Mpuku City.............................Kibuga Country.......................Ggwanga County........................Ssaza Estuary........................ Forest..........................Kibira

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Harbour.......................Mwalo Hill...............................Kasozi Hot Spring...................Nsulo ezookya Island...........................Kizinga Lake............................Nnyanja Mountain.....................Lusozi Plain........................... Museetwe River...........................Mugga Sea.............................Nnyanja Stream........................Mwala Swamp.......................Lutobazzi Town..........................Kibuga Valley.........................Kikko/kiwonvu Village........................Kyalo Waterfall...................... Plants & Agriculture Agriculture....................Byabulimi Coffee.........................Mwanyi Corn...........................Kasooli Firewood....................Nku Flower........................Kimuli Fruit tree.....................Muti gw'ebibala Harvest.......................Kukungula Irrigation.................... Kufukirira Leaf............................Kikoola Planting.......................Kusimba Rice............................Muceere/mupunga Sugar cane..................Kikajjo Tea............................Caayi Tobacco.....................Taaba Vanilla........................Vanila Animals & Birds Bird...........................Kinyonyi Buffalo.......................Mbogo Cat............................Kapa/pusi Chicken.....................Nkoko Chimpanzee...............Zzike Cow..........................Nte Crocodile..................Goonya Dog...........................Mbwa

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Fish...........................Kyenyanja Frog..........................Kikere Goat..........................Mbuzi Horse........................Mbalaasi Leech........................Kinoso Leopard.....................Ngo Lion...........................Mpologoma Monkey.....................Nkima Pig.............................Mbizzi Rooster......................Sseggwanga Sheep.........................Ndiga Snake.........................Musota Spider........................Nabbubi Zebra.........................Ntulege Insects Ant............................ Butterfly......................Kiwojjolo Cockroach..................Kiyenje Fly..............................Nsowera Grasshopper................Nseenene Mosquito....................Nsiri Termites.....................Nkuyege White Ant..................Nswa Outdoor Activities Mountain climbing..............Kulinnya nsozi Diving......................... Fishing..............................Kuvuba Hunting.............................Kuyigga Surfing........................ Swimming.........................Kuwuga Some Useful Words Backpack.................... Campground................ Camping...................... Compass..................... Knife..........................Kambe Lamp..........................Ttaala Light...........................Kitangaala Mat............................Kiwempe/omukeeka

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Penknife....................... Rope..........................Muguwa Stove.........................Sitoovu Tent...........................Weema Torch/flashlight...........Tooci Some Useful Phrases Are there any tourist attractions around here?...... Wano waliwo ebisikiriza abalambuzi? Is it safe to swim here?.........................................Wano walungi okuwugira? There are two caves here.....................................Wano waliwo empuku bbiri Where is the nearest town?..................................Ekibuga ekiri okumpi kiri ludda wa? Is it safe to climb this mountain?........................... Luno olusozi lulungi okulinnya? Is there a hut up there?.........................................Engulu eyo eriyo akasiisira? Do I need a guide?............................. Emergencies Help!..................................... Munnyambe! It's an emergency!...................Kizibu kya mbagirawo There's been an accident!........Waguddewo akabenje Call a doctor!..........................Yita omusawo Call an ambulance!..................Yita ambyulensi I've been robbed!....................Banzibye Stop!......................................Yimirira! Go away!...............................Genda eri! I'll get the police!.....................Kampite poliisi/abasirikale! Watch out!.............................Wegendereze Thief!......................................Omubbi! Fire!........................................Omuliro! I've lost "__" ................ "__" embuzeeko my bag............................Ensawo yange my suitcase......................Keesi/sutikesi/sanduuko yange my money........................Sente zange

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ my travellers' cheque........Kyeke zange my passport.....................Paasipoti/Kitambulizo kyange I am ill.....................Ndi mulwadde I am lost....................Mbuze Where is the police station?.............Poliisi siteseni eri ludda wa? Where are the toilets?.....................Obuyu/ buyonjo buli ludda wa? Could you help me please?..............Mwattu osobola okunnyamba? Could I please use the telephone?....Mwattu nsobola okukozesa ku ssimu? I speak english.................................Njogera olungereza I have medical insurance..................Nina yinsuwa y'obulwadde I understand.....................................................Nkitegeera I dont understand..............................................Sikitegeera I didn't realize that I was doing anything wrong...Saategedde nti kyembadde nkola kikyamu I didn't do it......................................................Saakikoze I'm sorry. I apologise....................................... Nsonyiwa. Nnetonze I am staying at "__" ..........................................Nsula ku "__" My contact number.................... (next of kin)

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Luganda Phrasebook Food, Drink and Health Food Where is a ... .... ...eri ludda wa -restaurant................-Wooteri -cheap restaurant......-Wooteri ey'emiwendo emisaamusaamu -good restaurant.......-Wooteri ennungi At the Restaurant We would like a table for five................Twagala emmeeza ya bataano. Is there a table for three available?........Olinawo emmeeza etuuza abasatu? Please bring me "__" ........................... Mwattu ndetera "__" -the menu..................... - menu -a glass of water............-egiraasi y'amazzi -the bill..........................-lisiiti I don't eat/drink "__" ..... .........Ssirya/Ssinywa "__" -eggs............................-magi -meat............................-nnyama -pork............................-mbizzi -milk ............................-mata This isn't cooked properly......Eno teyidde bulungi Not too spicy please..............Ebirungo bitonotono mwattu This food is delicious..............Eno emmere ewooma! At The Market How much is a kg of "__"?..............Kilo ya "__" eri ku ssente mmeka?

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ A kg of "__" please.........................Njagala kilo ya "__" mwattu I don't want that one........................Saagala ekyo Please give me another one..............Mwattu mpa endala Meals Breakfast...........Ekyenkya Lunch................Ekyemisana Dinner...............Ekyeggulo Meat Beef..............................Nnyama ya nte Chicken........................Nyama ya nkoko Lamb/Mutton................Nyama ya ndiga Pork.............................Nyama ya mbizzi Goat meat.....................Nnyama ya mbuzi Seafood Fish.............................Kyennyanja Catfish.........................Ssemutundu Eel...............................Nsonzi Mudfish.......................Mmale Nile perch....................Mpuuta Snout fish....................Kasulu Sprat............................Nkejje Tilapia.........................Ngege Fruits and Nuts Avocado...................Wova/Wovakedo/Kedo Banana (ripe)............Menvu Gooseberry...............Ntuntunu Jackfruit....................Ffene Guava.......................Ppeera Lemon......................Nniimu Mango......................Muyembe Melon.......................Wujju Olive (type of)...........Mpafu Orange......................Mucungwa Pawpaw....................Paapaali Peanuts.....................Binyebwa Pineapple..................Nnaanansi

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Passion Fruit.............Katunda Plantain.....................Gonja Raspberry.................Nkenene Sugar cane................Kikajjo Vegetables Beans................................Bijanjaalo Cabbage...........................Mboga Carrot...............................Kalati Corn.................................Kasooli Eggplant............................Bbiringanya Mushroom.........................Katiko Onion................................Katungulu Potato...............................Lumonde Powdered Vegetable..........Ggobe Pumpkin............................Nsujju Spinach.............................Doodo Tomato..............................Nnyaanya Miscalleneous others..........Jjobyo/Nnakati/Nsugga/Ttimpa Staples Banana (green)..........................Matooke Sweet Potato............................Lumonde Cassava ...................................Muwogo Rice..........................................Muceere Corn flour..................................Kawunga Millet flour.................................Kalo Yam (different types).................Ndaggu/Balugu/Jjuuni Porridge (corn)..........................Buugi Porridge (millet).........................Busera Spices and Condiments Chilli.....................Kaamulali Cinnamon.............Budalasini Cloves.................. Curry powder.......Bunzaali Garlic................ Katungulu Ccumu Ginger..................Ntangawuzi Cooking Oil..........Butto Pepper ............... Kaamulali Salt......................Munnyo

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Sugar...................Sukaali Tumeric........ Vinegar........ Drinks Beer.....................Bbiya Juice.....................Mubisi Milk.....................Mata Pop......................Sooda Coffee..................Kaawa Tea......................Caayi -with milk.............. -owa mata -without milk......... -okutali mata -with sugar........... -omuli sukaali -without sugar....... -omutali sukaali Cooking Methods Baked.................... Boiled...................Bitokose Fried....................Bisiike Grilled.................Byokye Steamed............... Smoked................Bikalirire Special Dishes Cooked vegetables with peanut sauce..........Enva z'ebinyeebwa Roasted beef................................................ Nyama y'ente enjokye Roasted pork................................................Nyama y'embizzi enjokye Steamed and mashed bananas..................... Matooke g'omuwumbo Some Useful Words Ashtray................. Bitter....................Kukaawa Boil.....................Kutokosa Boiled.................Bitokose Cold...................Kunnyogoga Cook..................Kufumba

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Delicious.............Kuwooma Eat......................Kulya Foreign............. Fresh................. Fry....................Kusiika Good (food)...... Hot.................. Indegenous........ Salty................. Slice................Kusalako Sour................. Spicy............. Sweet............Kuwoomerera Uncooked........Sikifumbe Unripe.............Kibisi, Ssikyengevu Some Useful Phrases We're in a hurry please.................................Mwattu tuli mu bwangu I'm sorry but this table is reserved.................Nsonyiwa naye emmeeza eno nekwate Please bring our food quickly........................Emmere yaffe gyanguyeeko. May we have our bill please?........................Osobola okutuwa lisiiti yaffe mwattu? Shopping Useful Shops & Items Where can I find a "__" ? .......Wa wenyinza okusanga "__"? -barber.......................-kinyoozi -bookshop..................-edduuka ly'ebitabo -grocery......................-edduuka -hair dresser................-omusibi w'enviiri -market.......................-akatale -tailor..........................-omutunzi I want to buy... ....Njagala kugula.............. -that basket............-ekisero ekyo -this bottle..............-eccupa eno Buttons...................Mapeesa

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Combs....................Bisanirizo Jar...........................Kicupa Mosquito net............Katimba ka nsiri Needle.....................Mpiso Rope........................Muguwa Scissors....................Makansi Shoelaces.................Buguwa bw'engatto Suitcase....................Ssanduuko Swimsuit...................Engoye omuwugirwa Thread......................Wuzi Torch(flashlight).........Ttooci Towel........................Tawulo Bargaining Can I bargain?.............Nsobola okulamuza? That's very expensive....Ogwo omuwendo munene I don't have much money.......Sirina sente nnyingi Can you lower the price?.......Osoloba okussa omuwendo? I'll give you.... .................Nja kuwa....... No more than.... ..........Sisukka..... Souvenirs Bone...................Gumba Bracelet...............Kakomo Carving................Ekibajje Earrings...............Mpeta za ku matu Gold....................Zawabu/Zaabu Handicraft............Eby'emikono Hand made batik..... Horn....................Jjembe Ivory....................Ssanga Jewellery.............. Leather.................Ddiba Material................ Necklace..............Ekyomubulago Paintings...............Ebifaananyi ebisiige Pottery.................Bibumbe Puppets................ Ring......................Mpeta Silver....................Ffeeza Souvenir...............Ekyokwejjukiza Statue...................Kibumbe

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Stone carvings.......Ekibajje mu jjinja Woodcarving.........Ekibajje mu muti Clothing Cardigan.............Sweta Clothing..............Ngoye Dress..................Kwambala Hat.....................Nkufiira Jacket.................Kooti Jeans................... Sandals................ Shirt....................Saati Shorts..................Mpale nnyimpi Shoes..................Ngatto Skirt....................Sikaati Slippers................Sapatu Socks..................Sitokisi Tie.......................Ttaayi Trousers...............Mpale mpaanvu T-shirt..................Tisaati Underpants.......... Underwear..........Akawale komunda Materials Cotton.........Pamba Leather........Ddiba Silk............. Ssirika Wool...........Wuulu Stationery & Publications Ballpoint pen..........Boolopeni Dictionary..............Nkuluze Envelopes..............Mabaasa Magazine...............Akatabo k'amawulire Map......................Maapu Newspaper............Lupapula lwa mawulire Novel.....................Katabo Writing paper.........Lupapula lw'okuwandiikako

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Toiletries Baby's bottle...............Ccupa y'abaana Baby powder..............Pawuda w'abaana Condoms....................Kondomu Contraceptives............Ebigema okuzaala Laxatives..................... Moisturising Cream......Bizigo Mousquito repellant.....Eddagala ly'ensiri Razor blade.................Eggirita, Akawembe Sanitary napkins........... Shampoo..................... Shaver......................... Shaving cream............. Tampons..................... Tissues........................ Toilet paper...............Bikookooma Toothbrush................Akasenya, Omuswaaki Toothpaste................Eddagala ly'amannyo Photography I'd like a film for this camera......Njagala filimu ya kamera eno How much is it for processing and developing?...Sente meka okwooza ebifaananyi? When will it be ready?...............Onobimaliriza ddi? Do you repair cameras here?.....Wano oddaabiririzaawo kamera? B&W (film).............Filimu etali ya langi Camera...................Kamera Colour (film)............Firimu eya langi To Develop.............Okwoza Film.........................Firimu Photograph..............Kifaananyi Smoking Cigarettes.................Sigala, Ssegereti Matches....................Kibiriiti Pipe..........................Mmindi Tobacco...................Taaba A packet of cigarettes, please.....Pakiti ya sigala mwattu Do you have a light?..................Olina ekibiriiti?

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Weights & Measures Gramme.........Gulaamu Kilogramme...........Kilo mm......... cm.......... meter......Mmita Kilometer..........Kilomita litre.........Lita pound.....Latiri mile.........mayiro foot.........fuuti Sizes and Comparisons Big................. Kinene Bigger............ Kineneko Biggest.......... Kinene okusinga Too big.......... Kinene okuyitirira Very big.......... Kinene nnyo Small.............. Kitono Smaller.............Kitonoko Too small......... Kitono okuyitirira Very small........ Kitono nnyo Enough............Kimala Less................ More...............Kusingako Heavy............Kizito Light...............Kuwewuka Long............... Buwanvu Short...............Bumpi Tall............... Buwanvu Wide............Bugazi Narrow........Bufunda Colors Black..........Nzirugavu Blue............Bbululu Brown........ Kitaka Colour.........Langi Dark............Nkwafu Gray............Kivuvvu Green..........Kiragala Light...........Ntangaavu

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Orange....... Kacungwa Purple......... Kakobe Red.............Myuufu White..........Njeru Yellow........Kyenvu Some Useful Words Big..............Kinene Buy.............Kugula Cheap......... Discount...... Expensive.... Export.........Okuwereza ebyamaguzi ebweru w'eggwanga Import.........Okuyingiza ebintu okuva munsi ez'ebweru Like............Kwagala Made in (country)....Kyakolebwa mu (nsi) Old....................Kikadde Order................Kulagiriza Parcel.............Kitereke Prefer............Okwagala ekimu okusinga ekirala Quality..........Obulungi Quantity........Obungi Round.........Kyetoloovu Sell..............Kutunda Small...........Kitono Style............ Musono Want...........Kwagala Some Useful Phrases I'm just looking...........Ndabako bulabi What is the normal price of this?.....Omuwendo ogwa bulijjo sente meka? Can you write down the price?.......Osobola okuwandiika wansi omuwendo? Do you accept credit cards?............ Mukkiriza kaadi? May I try this on?..............Nsobola okukyegezaamu Do you have others?.........Olina ebirala? We don't have any............Tetulina Can I see it?.....................Nsobola okukiraba? I don't like it.....................Sikyaagala I will take it......................Nja kukitwaala I'd like to look at blouses.....Njagala kulaba ku bbulawuzi

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ How much is this?.....................Kino sente mekka? Where are these goods made?...Bino bikolebwa wa? Do I need insurance?................Neetaaga yinsuwa? Free of charge....................Kya bwereere Health Where is a... ...... .....ali ludda wa -dentist......................-Omusawo w'amannyo -doctor......................-Omusawo -hospital.....................-Eddwaaliro -medicine....................-Eddagala -pharmacy...................-Famase At the Doctor's I'm suffering from.... ...... Ndi mulwadde wa.......... I am allergic to .... ........ My "__" hurts................. "__" gu/ku nnuma I feel nauseous............... Emmeeme ensinduukirira I keep vomiting.............. Nsesema buli kiseera I feel dizzy..................... Nina kammunguluze I'm allergic to penicillin/antibiotics....... I have low/high blood pressure.......... Could I see a female doctor?............Nsobola okulaba omusawo omukazi Could I see a doctor for females?......Nsobola okulaba omusawo w'abakazi I'm pregnant.....................Ndi lubuto I'm on the pill....................Ndi ku ddagala erigema okuzaala I haven't menstruated for "__" weeks....Silwadde mwezi okumala wiiki "__" I've been vaccinated.............Bansala emikono I have my own syringe..........Nina empiso yange I've had a blood test.............Bankebedde omusaayi I need a blood test................Netaaga okunkebera omusaayi Please use this syringe...........Mwattu kozesa eno empiso How many times a day?........Emirundi emeka olunaku? Ailments Allergy............. Asthma............Asima Burns...............

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Cholera............Kolera Cold.................Ssennyiga Constipation...... Cough...............Kifuba, Kukolola Diarrhoea..........Kuddukana Dysentery.......... Fever.................Musujja Flu..................... Yegu Food poisoning.... Headache.......... Mutwe Hepatitis............ High Blood Pressure........Pulessa Infection............Kukwatibwa obulwadde Itch...................Kusiiwa Lice..................Nsekere Malaria.............Musujja gw'ensiri Pain..................Bulumi Rabies...............Obulwadde bw'ensolo Rheumatism....... Sore throat........ Stomachache.....Kulumwa olubuto Sunburn............. Tuberculosis.......Kafuba Typhoid............. Venereal Disease....Endwadde z'obukaba Worms................. Wound.................Ekiwundu Parts of the Body Arm.................Mukono Back................Mugongo Bone................Gumba(Singular), Magumba(plural) Breast..............Bbeere(singular), Mabeere(plural) Chest...............Kifuba Chin.................Kalevu Ear...................Kutu(singular), Matu(plural) Eye...................Liiso(singular), Maaso(plural) Face.................Maaso Finger...............Ngalo Foot..................Kigere Hands...............Mukono(singular), Mikono(plural) Head.................Mutwe Heart.................Mutima

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Hip....................Kikugunyu Kidney...............Nsigo Leg....................Kugulu Lips...................Mimwa Liver..................Kibumba Lung..................Mawuggwe Mouth................Kamwa Muscle............... Neck..................Nsingo Nose..................Nnyindo Pancreas.............Nnuuni Shoulder.............Kibegabega Skin....................Lususu Stomach.............Lubuto Toes...................Bugere Tooth..................Linnyo Medicines Antibiotics........ Antiseptic......... Aspirin.............Asipirini Penicillin...........Penisirini Quinine.............Kwiinini Sleeping pills.....Amakerenda ageebasa Tablet...............Kerenda Vitamins...........Vitamini Some Useful Words Accident........Akabenje Addiction....... Allergic.......... Bandage........Bandeegi Bleed............. Kujja musaayi Blood.............Musaayi Break.............Kumenya Broken...........Kumenyeka Breath............Kussa Burn............... Careful...........Kwegendereza Collapse/faint...... Compress......... Contraceptive....Eddagala erigema okuzaala

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Dog bite............. Disease.............. Faeces...............Ebyayi Fast................... Health................Ebyobulamu Injection.............Mpiso Menstruation......Omwezi Oxygen............... Poisonous...........Kyabutwa Prescription......... Urine...................Omusulo Vomit..................Kusesema At the Pharmacist's I need medicine for.... ......Njagala eddagala ly'...... (Do) I need a prescription for.... ...... These tablets must be taken three times a day....Buno obukerenda bwakutwalibwa emirundi esatu buli lunaku Please shake the bottle before taking.......Sunda eccupa nga tonnanywa At the Dentist's My tooth hurts.................Erinnyo linnuma I've lost a filling................ I've broken a tooth..........Erinnyo lyabongose My gums hurt...................Ekibuno kinnuma I don't want it extracted.....Ssaagala ligyibwemu Please give me an anaesthetic.....Mwattu nsirisa Some Useful Phrases Please take us to a Hospital.............Mwattu tutwale ku ddwaliro Please buy medicine for me at the pharmacy.....Mwattu ngulira eddagala ku famase My leg is broken.............Okugulu kwange kwamenyese I need a receipt for my insurance.......Netaaga lisiiti olwa yinsuwa

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________

A Basic Grammar of Luganda Topical Outline Alphabet Parts of Speech The Tenses Counting Fractions/Ordinals/Quantities Time and the Calender Speaking/Writing Luganda A Luganda Phrasebook The Luganda Alphabet The Luganda alphabet is composed of twenty-four letters:  17 consonants: b, p, v, f, m, d, t, l, r, n, z, s, j, c, g, k,  5 vowels: a, e, i, o, u,  2 semi-vowels: w, y, Since the last consonant does not appear on standard typewriters or computer keyboards, it is often replaced by the combination ng' - including the apostrophe! (Note that in some non-standard authographies, the apostrophe is not used, which can lead to confusion with the distinct and different sound arising from the letter combination ng). In addition, the letter combination ny is treated as a unique consonant. Details regarding pronounciation and orthography are given in the section on speaking/writing Luganda. Parts of Speech The Luganda grammar recognizes the following eight different parts of speech: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Noun (Erinnya) Adjective (Nakongezalinnya) Pronoun (Nakasigirwa) Verb (Ekikolwa) Adverb (Nakongezakikolwa) Preposition (Nakalazi)

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ 7. Conjunction (Entababigambo) 8. Interjection (Okukungiriza)

Noun (Erinnya): One of the keys to understanding Luganda is understanding how nouns are used. For this reason, nouns will be treated in great detail in the following discussion. Nouns (amannya) are subdivided into 'proper nouns' (amannya ag'enkalakkalira) and 'common nouns' (amannya ag'olukale). Proper nouns distinguish an individual item or person from among many. Examples include: Mukasa, Mubiru, Muteesa, Nankabirwa, Namutebi, Kampala, Mmengo, Luweero, Nalubaale, Katonga etc.. Common nouns are those given to to a class of items or beings, without intent to distinguish specific members of the class; or those used to identify any object in general. Examples include: mulenzi, mukazi, nkoko, mbuzi, muvule, kalittunsi, mugga, nyanja, kibuga, kikajjo, nswa, nseenene etc.. Proper nouns are always written with the initial letter capitalized. Common nouns on the other hand do not need to have the initial letter capitalized unless the noun happens to be the first word in a sentence. Noun Classes: It is crucial for the student of Luganda to understand the different noun classes used in the language, and their singular/plural forms. Below, we have given the ten classes of nouns used in Luganda. The classes are grouped by the first syllable or prefix associated with the noun class. Class Class I* (MUBA)

Singular Form muntu, muwala, mwana (person, girl, child)

Plural Form bantu, bawala, baana (people, girls, children)

Class II* (MU- musege, muti, mwaka misege, miti, myaka MI) (wolf, tree, year) (wolves, trees, years) Class III (LIMA)

liiso, linnyo, lyanda (eye, tooth, piece of charcoal)

maaso, mannyo, manda (eyes, teeth, pieces of charcoal)

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Class IV (KIBI)

kintu, kitabo, kyangwe bintu, bitabo, byangwe (thing, book, sponge) (things, books, sponges)

Class V (KABU)

kati, katiko, katimba buti, butiko, butimba (stick, mushroom, net) (sticks, mushrooms, nets)

Class VI (KUMA)

kugulu, kutu (leg, ear)

magulu, matu (legs, ears)

Class VII (GU- gusajja, gusolo gasajja, gasolo GA) (man - big/ugly, beast) (men, beasts) lugoye, lupapula, Class VIII (LUluyimba N/M) (cloth, paper, song)

ngoye, mpapula, nnyimba (clothes, papers, songs)

Class IX (N/M- nkoko, nte, mbwa N/M) (hen, cow, dog)

nkoko, nte, mbwa (hens, cows, dogs)

Class X (TU)

tuzzi, tuta, twenge -- no singular/plural distinction (water, milk, alcohol) - in the sense 'precious little of'

* The MU prefix in the singular form appears in both classes I and II. Class I is reserved for humans while class II is for nonhumans. Thus the human common noun muwala has the plural form bawala while the non-human common noun muti has the plural form miti. The definite article 'the' and indefinite article 'a' do not have direct equivalents in Luganda. Instead, the initial vowels a-, e-, and o- are appended to a noun to convey the meaning that would result from the use of those articles. The specific initial vowel used will depend on the class of the noun with which it is associated. Note that the initial vowel may denote singular or plural form of a noun depending on the class. However, a given initial vowel that is used for singular forms in one class can be used for plural forms in another class. The following table shows the initial vowels used with each noun class, applied to the examples used above. Class

Singular Form

Plural Form

Class I* (MUBA)

omuntu, omuwala, omwana

abantu, abawala, abaana

Class II* (MUMI)

omusege, omuti, omwaka

emisege, emiti, emyaka

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Class III (LIMA)

eriiso, erinnyo, eryanda

amaaso, amannyo, amanda

Class IV (KI-BI)

ekintu, ekitabo, ekyangwe

ebintu, ebitabo, ebyangwe

Class V (KA-BU) akati, akatiko, akatimba obuti, obutiko, obutimba Class VI (KUMA)

okugulu, okutu

amagulu, amatu

Class VII (GUGA)

ogusajja, ogusolo

agasajja, agasolo

Class VIII (LU- olugoye, olupapula, N/M) oluyimba

engoye, empapula, ennyimba

Class IX (N/Menkoko, ente, embwa N/M)

enkoko, ente, embwa

Class X (TU)

otuzzi, otuta, otwenge

It is wothwhile pointing out that some nouns apply to things that cannot be counted. These do not fall into any of the classes listed above, and in addition they have no singular/plural distinctions associated with them. Examples of these - shown with applicable initial vowel if any - include: amazzi (water), amata (milk) emmere (food), ennyama (meat), empewo (air), omunnyo (salt) sukaali (sugar) etc.. In many cases the root of a given noun can be combined with different prefixes to convey descriptive information about the noun. Consider the following example for 'girl'. The meaning of the root noun -wala can be coloured by using various prefixes. mu-wala: girl, neutral form ka-wala: girl, small (sometimes endearing form) ki-wala: girl, big (can be endearing or unflattering depending on context) gu-wala: girl, big and ugly (very unflattering form) lu-wala: girl, slender (can be unflattering depending on context) The use of different prefixes effectively changes the class of the noun. Many permutations of a noun can be obtained by this method. However, since this also conveys descriptive information about the noun, this usage achieves the same effect as the use of adjectives in English. Note should be made that the moving of nouns between classes by use of different prefixes can sometimes obscure the root noun. For example

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ kaliba, kiriba, guliba, may not be obviuos variations of ddiba (i.e. -liba)! Adjective: An adjective is used to modify or describe a noun. Examples: muti munene

large tree

mbuzi nsava

fat goat

Mukasa mumpi

Mukasa is short

Mubiru munafu

Mubiru is lazy

Nankabirwa mulungi Nankabirwa is beautiful Pronoun: A pronoun is a word that takes the place of a noun that is not used explicitly, or which has been referred to previously. Luganda pronouns can be classified as independent and dependent. The independent pronouns can stand on their own - in English, these are referred to as personal pronouns. Examples: Singular

Plural

Nze (I)

Ffe (We)

Ggwe (You)

Mmwe (You)

Ye (He/She)

Bo (They)

Yo, kyo, ... (It) Zo, byo, ... (They) The dependent pronouns are used in combination with a verb as in the following examples: ayimba (the one or any one singing) abalya (those eating) edduka (the one running - not human) eziyimiridde (those standing).

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ The specific pronoun used depends on the class of the noun it is replacing. A complete list is given in he following table, using the verb tambula (walk). Noun Class

Singular Form

Plural Form

Class I (MU-BA)

atambula

abatambula

Class II (MU-MI)

ogutambula

egitambula

Class III (LI-MA)

eritambula

agatambula

Class IV (KI-BI)

ekitambula

ebitambula

Class V (KA-BU)

akatambula

obutambula

Class VI (KU-MA)

okutambula

agatambula

Class VII (GU-GA)

ogutambula

agatambula

Class VIII (LU-N/M) olutambula

ezitambula

Class IX (N/M-N/M) etambula

ezitambula

Class X (TU)

otutambula (no singular/plural distinction)

Verb: This is used to describe an action. Examples: tuula (sit), lya (eat), tambula (walk), yimirira (stand) woggana (shout), yamba (help), vuga (drive) Adverb: Adverbs are used to modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In Luganda adverbs may be classified as follows: (a) manner of an action: Mukasa ayimba bulungi

Mukasa sings well

Mubiru atambula kasoobo

Mubiru walks slowly

Nankabirwa alya aswankula Nankabirwa eats noisily (b) frequency Namutebi atuyamba bulijjo

Namutebi helps us regularly

Nalukenge asoma bbalirirwe

Nalukenge reads very rarely

Omusawo amukebera buli lunaku

The doctor examines him (her) daily

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ (c) place Kitwale wali

Take it there

Kiteeke muno

Put it in here

Ayingidde omwo He (She) has entered in there Ntudde wano

I am seated here

(d) extent Akooye nnyo

He (She) is very tired

Aludde bulala He (She) has delayed a great deal Alimidde ddala He (She) has hoed indeed (e) purpose/reason Yayita kubanga mugezi

He (She) passed because he (she) is bright

Ayimuse kubanga bamuyise

He (She) has got up because he (she) has been called

Akozze lwa kuba mulwadde

He (She) has lost weight because he (she) is sick

(f) time Bwe tunatuuka nga tulya

When we arrive we shall eat

Bwe mumulaba mumugamba

When you see him (her) tell him (her)

Preposition: The proposition is used to indicate the relation of a noun or pronoun to some other word in a sentence. In Luganda, prepositions are mostly used to indicate position. Examples: Emmese eyingidde mu kituli

The rat has entered into the hole

Entamu eri ku masiga

The cooking pot is on the hearth stones

Ettaala eri wansi wa mmeeza

The lamp is under the table

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Ayimiridde wakati

He (She) is standing in the middle

Conjunction: A word used to connect words or phrases is called a conjunction. Mirembe ne Nakubulwa batuuse

Mirembe and Nakubulwa have arrived

Namubiru afumba bulungi naye mujama

Namubiru is a good cook but she is untidy

Olugendo luwanvu toolusobole mpozzi nga ovuze kagaali

The journey is long, you will not manage it unless you ride a bicycle

Nakitto ayimba bulungi kyokka okuzina kwamulema

Nakitto sings well however she is unable to dance

Omwana ayagala okusoma ate muwulize

The child likes school and is good mannered

Nannono atunga bulungi wabula tamanyi kuluka bibbo

Nannono is a good seamstress however she does not know how to weave baskets

Interjection: Exclamatory word(s) used to express feelings such as wonder, pity, sorrow, joy etc.. Examples: Expression Sense Conveyed Wo wo wo!

wonder

Kitalo!

condolence

Bambi!

sympathy

Woowe!

pain

Yaaye!

pain

Mukadde!

enviousness

Kitawe!

condescension

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Baabuwe!

condescension

Swaga!

congratulation

Owange!

bewilderment

Maama!

enviousness

Tenses (Ebiseera) There are seven tenses used in Luganda. In the table below, we show usages of the various tenses with the three verbs 'tambula' (walk), 'soma' (read) and 'jja' (come) with the thirdperson singular form. Tense

Sample Usage

1. Distant Past

yatambula

yasoma

yajja

2. Past

yatambudde yasomye

yazze

3. Immediate past

atambudde

asomye

azze

4. Now

atambula

asoma

ajja

5. Ongoing

atambula

asoma

ajja

6. Immediate Future anaatambula anaasoma anajja 7. Future

alitambula

alisoma

Some Useful Phrases Present Today...................Leero This morning.........Enkya ya leero This afternoon.......Eggulo lya leero Tonight.................Ekiro kya leero This week.............Wiiki/sabbiti eno This month...........Omwezi guno This year..............Omwaka guno Now.....................Kati Immediately..........Mangu ago Just Now..............Kaakati Past Yesterday......................Jjo Day before yesterday.....Kwosa jjo Yesterday morning.........Jjo ku makya

alijja

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Yesterday afternoon.......Olweggulo lwa jjo Last night.......................Ekiro kya jjo Last week.......................Sabbiiti ewedde Last month.....................Omwezi oguwedde Last year........................Omwaka oguwedde Ago................................Egyayita Future Tomorrow........................Enkya Tomorrow morning...........Enkya ku makya Tomorrow evening............Enkya akawungeezi Day after tomorrow...........Kwosa enkya Next week........................Sabbiiti ejja Next Month......................Omwezi ogujja Next year..........................Omwaka ogujja Later.................................Oluvannyuma After.................................Oluvannyuma lwa As soon as possible.........Amangu ddala nga bwe kisoboka A while ago.....................Akabanga kaweze A moment...................... Akaseera After...............................Oluvannyuma Always............................Bulijjo Before.............................Kusooka Century...........................Kyasa Early...............................Kukeera Everyday.........................Buli lunaku Forever...........................Mirembe na mirembe Long ago.........................Edda ennyo Month.............................Mwezi Never..............................Butabangawo Not any more..................Butakyabeerawo Not yet...........................Butannabaawo Recently..........................Kyakabeerawo Sometimes.......................Oluusi Soon................................Mangu Counting • • • •

Single Digits Tens Hundreds Thousands

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ • • •

Tens and Hundreds of Thousands Millions and Beyond Fractions/Ordinals/Quantities

Single Digits (Nsuusuuba) Digit Name

Variation used with noun (depends on noun class)

0

zeero

none

1

emu

omu gumu limu kimu kamu kumu gumu lumu emu

2

bbiri

babiri ebiri abiri bibiri bubiri abiri abiri bbiri bbiri

3

ssatu

basatu esatu asatu bisatu busatu asatu asatu ssatu ssatu

4

nnya

bana ena ana bina buna ana ana nnya nnya

5

ttaano

bataano etano ataano bitaano butaano ataano ataano ttaano ttaano

6

mukaaga none

7

musanvu none

8

munaana none

9

mwenda none

Note that the variations beginning with a can have other meanings as will be seen below. The appropriate interpretation will depend on the context. For example abiri could mean twenty or two things! Where confusion is still possible the term 'amakumi abiri' would be used for twenty to distinguish it from two. Tens (Amakumi) 10 kkumi 20 amakumi 30 amakumi 'asatu') 40 amakumi 50 amakumi 'ataano') 60 nkaaga 70 nsanvu 80 kinaana 90 kyenda

abiri (literally two tens, often shortened to 'abiri') asatu (literally three tens, often shortened to ana (literally four tens, often shortened to 'ana') ataano (literally five tens, often shortened to

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Tens and Digits (Amakumi n'Ensuusuuba) 11 12 21 22

kkumi n'emu (literally ten and one) kkumi na bbiri (literally ten and two) abiri mu emu (longer form 'amakumi abiri mu emu') abiri mu bbiri (longer form 'amakumi abiri mu bbiri')

The pattern used with the twenties is applied to all the thirties nineties Hundreds (Bikumi) 100 kikumi 200 bikumi bibiri (literally two hundreds, often shortened to 'bibiri') 300 bikumi bisatu (literally three hundreds, often shortened to 'bisatu') 400 bikumi bina (literally four hundreds, often shortened to 'bina') 500 bikumi bitaano (literally five hundreds, often shortened to 'bitaano') 600 lukaaga 700 lusanvu 800 lunaana 900 lwenda Mixed Hundreds, Tens and Digits 102 112 122 152 182 202 212 232 602 642 672

kikumi mu bbiri kikumi mu kkumi na bbiri kikumi mu abiri mu bbiri kikumi mu ataano mu bbiri kikumi mu kinaana mu bbiri bibiri mu bbiri bibiri mu kkumi na bbiri bibiri mu asatu mu bbiri lukaaga mu bbiri lukaaga mu ana mu bbiri lukaaga mu nsanvu mu bbiri

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Thousands (Nkumi) 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000 6000 7000 8000 9000

lukumi nkumi bbiri nkumi ssatu nkumi nnya nkumi ttaano kakaaga kasanvu kanaana kenda

Mixed Thousands 1002 2034 3765 6233 8892 9999

lukumi mu bbiri nkumi bbiri mu asatu mu nnya nkumi ssatu mu lusanvu mu nkaaga mu ttaano kakaaga mu bibiri mu asatu mu ssatu kanaana mu lunaana mu kyenda mu bbiri kenda mu lwenda mu kyenda mu mwenda

Tens and Hundreds of Thousands (Mitwalo) These and larger numbers are mixed using the mu pattern seen above. 10,000 20,000 30,000 60,000 90,000

mutwalo gumu mitwalo ebiri mitwalo esatu mitwalo mukaaga mitwalo mwenda

100,000 200,000 300,000 600,000 700,000 900,000

mitwalo mitwalo mitwalo mitwalo mitwalo mitwalo

kkumi (less used alternate: kasiriivu kamu) abiri (busiriivu bubiri) asatu (busiriivu busatu) nkaaga (busiriivu mukaaga) nsanvu (busiriivu musanvu) kyenda (busiriivu mwenda)

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Millions and Beyond 1,000,000 2,000,000 5,000,000 6,000,000 9,000,000

kakadde kamu bukadde bubiri bukadde butaano bukadde mukaaga bukadde mwenda

1,000,000,000,000 2,000,000,000,000 6,000,000,000,000 9,000,000,000,000

kawumbi kamu buwumbi bubiri buwumbi mukaaga buwumbi mwenda

1,000,000,000,000,000,000 2,000,000,000,000,000,000 6,000,000,000,000,000,000 9,000,000,000,000,000,000

kafukunya kamu bufukunya bubiri bufukunya mukaaga bufukunya mwenda

1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 2,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 6,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 9,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000

Fractions/Ordinals/Quantities Fractions (Bitundu) 1/2...................Kimu kya kubiri 1/3...................Kimu kya kusatu 1/4...................Kimu kya kuna 3/4...................Bisatu bya kuna Ordinal Numbers 1st.....................Esooka 2nd....................Eyokubiri 3rd.................... Eyokusatu 4th.....................Eyokuna 5th.....................Eyokutaano 6th.....................Eyomukaaga 7th.....................Eyomusanvu

kasedde kamu busedde bubiri busedde mukaaga busedde mwenda

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ 8th.....................Eyomunaana 9th.....................Eyomwenda 10th...................Eyekkumi The first car...............Emmotoka esooka The fourth Building.....Ekizimbe Ekyokuna Quantities About.....................Nga A little (amount)......Butono To count.................Kubala A dozen..................Daziini Enough....................Kimala Few........................Bitono Many......................Bingi Minus.....................Toolako More......................Singako Number..................Muwendo One more...............Yongerako kamu/emu Plus........................Gattako Percent...................Ku buli kikumi Quantity..................Obungi Too expensive........Buseere obuyitiridde Very expensive.......Buseere nnyo Time and the Calender • • • • • •

Time units Time of day Telling time Days of the week Months of the year Dates

Interested in a Luganda Calendar? Contact Ebika by'Abaganda mu Sweden. Time units second tikitiki minute ddakiika hour

ssaawa

day

lunaku

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ week

sabbiiti

month mwezi year

mwaka

century kyasa

Time of Day Day time

Misana

Dawn

Matulutulu

Early morning Kinywambogo Morning

Makya

Late morning Kalasamayanzi Mid-day

Ttuntu

Afternoon

Lwaggulo

Dusk

Kalabirizabazaana

Evening

Kawungeezi

Night time

Kiro

Early night

Kawozamasiga

Mid-night

Ttumbi

Late night

Mattansejjere

Telling Time The day is considered to start at dawn (not midnight). Time is thus counted with the first hour considered to be the hour of dawn. Thus time would be read as follows: 6:00 A.M.

12:00 ez'okumakya

7:00 A.M.

1:00 ey'okumakya

8:00 A.M.

2:00 ez'okumakya

9:00 A.M.

3:00 ez'okumakya

10:00 A.M.

4:00 ez'okumakya

11:00 A.M.

5:00 ez'okumakya

12:00 NOON

6:00 TTUNTU

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ 1:00 P.M.

7:00 ez'olweggulo

2:00 P.M.

8:00 ez'olweggulo

3:00 P.M.

9:00 ez'olweggulo

4:00 P.M.

10:00 ez'olweggulo

5:00 P.M.

11:00 ez'olweggulo

6:00 P.M.

12:00 ez'akawungeezi

7:00 P.M.

1:00 ey'ekiro

8:00 P.M.

2:00 ez'ekiro

9:00 P.M.

3:00 ez'ekiro

10:00 P.M.

4:00 ez'ekiro

11:00 P.M.

5:00 ez'ekiro

12:00 MIDNIGHT 6:00 TTUMBI 1:00 A.M.

7:00 ez'ekiro

2:00 A.M.

8:00 ez'ekiro

3:00 A.M.

9:00 ez'ekiro

4:00 A.M.

10:00 ez'ekiro

5:00 A.M.

11:00 ez'ekiro

Some Useful Phrases What time is it?................Ssaawa mmeka It is two o'clock...............Ssaawa munaana It is a quarter to four.........Ebula kumi na ttaano okuwera ekumi It is a qaurter past one......Edakiika kumi na ttaano eziyise ku musanvu It is ten past four...............Kumi ne ddakiika kumi It is four-thirty...................Kumi kitundu One/an hour....................Ssaawa emu Two hours.......................Ssaawa bbiri Three hours.....................Ssaawa satu What the date today?...........Ennaku z'omwezi mmeka olwa leero? It is 31st July.......................Ziri asatu mu lumu ogwomusanvu When did you arrive in Uganda?............Watuuka ddi mu Yuganda? Two weeks ago.....................................Sabbiiti bbiri eziyise

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ How long will you stay?.........................Onobeerawo kumala banga ki? I'll be staying about two weeks...............Nja kumala wiiki nga bbiri

Days of the Week Note: the week starts on Monday! Day

Classical Name Alternate Name

Monday

Kazooba

Bbalaza

Tuesday

Walumbe

Lwakubiri

Wednsday Mukasa

Lwakusatu

Thursday Kiwanuka

Lwakuna

Friday

Nnagawonye

Lwakutaano

Saturday

Wamunyi

Lwamukaaga

Sunday

Wangu

Ssande

Months of the Year Month

Classical Name

Alternate Name

January

Gatonnya

Ogusooka

February

Mukutulansanja

Ogwokubiri

March

Mugulansigo

Ogwokusatu

April

Kafuumuulampawu Ogwokuna

May

Muzigo

Ogwokutaano

June

Sseebaaseka

Ogwomukaaga

July

Kasambula

Ogwomusanvu

August

Muwakanya

Ogwomunaana

September Mutunda

Ogwomwenda

October

Ogwekkumi

Mukulukusa

November Museenene

Ogwekkuminogumu

December Ntenvu

Ogwekkuminebiri

Luganda Phrasebook ______________________________________________________ Dates Dates are given in the form dd/mm/(yy)yy Examples: February 1, 1950 is written 1/2/1950 or 1/2/50 In words "Lumu, Mukutulansanja (Ogwokubiri), lukumi mu lwenda ataano" March 22, 1966 is written 22/3/1966 or 22/3/66 In words "Abiri mu bbiri Mugulansigo (Ogwokusatu), lukumi mu lwenda nkaaga mu mukaaga" Notice that with years, the mu joining the hudreds to the tens is usually omitted.