Zulu 17 - To Give

 To give is ‘nika’ in Zulu.  You pronounce it like Nikema Williams, Georgia Congresswoman. Nikiwe is a common name for both girls and boys meaning, "We've been given."
ZULU
ENGLISH
Nika.
Give.  Bring it here.
Nikiwe
A girl’s name.  (We have been blessed with a daughter)
Simnikiwe.
A girl’s or boy’s name.
Nginike imali.
Give me money.
Mnike.
Give him/her.
Mnike imoto yakhe.
Give him his car.
Mnike i-computer yakhe.
Give her her computer.
*Nginike ukudla.
Give me food.
Nginike imoto.
Give me the car.
Ubani okunike imoto?
Who gave you the car?
Nginikwe usisi.
My sister gave it to me.
Banikwe ubani??
Who gave them?
Banikwe ubaba.
Father gave them.
Banikwe umama.
Mother gave them.
Banikwe uthisha.
The teacher gave them.
Banike inyama.
Give them meat.

SAMPLE CONVERSATION
UNCLE:  Ubani okunike imoto?
THEMBA:  Nginikwe usisi.
UNCLE: Nginike imoto.
THEMBA:  Kulungile. (O.K.)

*Please note that this is very rude.  A more respectful way would be “Ngicela ukudla.” 


 

 

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