Feelings

10 phrases · Bemba with romanization, English and audio

  1. Ndi ne nsansa.

    I'm happy.

    Usage

    Says you feel happy

    Grammar Note

    "Ndi ne" is "ndi" (I am) plus "ne" (with), so the literal sense is "I am with happiness"; it is also written together as "Ndine". The same root appears in "Ba nsansa" (blessed, happy ones)

  2. Ndesekelela.

    I'm glad.

    Usage

    Says you are glad, for example at good news or at meeting someone

    Grammar Note

    "Nde-" is the same progressive prefix as in "ndefwaya", attached to the root "-sekelela" (rejoice). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  3. Ndeumfwa ubulanda.

    I'm sad.

    Usage

    Says you feel sad

    Grammar Note

    The same pattern as "Ndeumfwa insala" (I'm hungry): what you feel comes last. "Ubulanda" is a class 14 noun. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  4. Natiina.

    I'm afraid.

    Usage

    Says you are scared or frightened

    Grammar Note

    The perfect "na-" plus the root "-tiina" (fear); the perfect describes a present state. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  5. Mwitiina!

    Don't be afraid!

    Usage

    Calms someone who is frightened; it is addressed to several people or to someone you respect

    Grammar Note

    "Mwi-" is the prohibitive prefix for several people or a person you respect. A single close friend would be addressed with a different form

  6. Nakalipa.

    I'm angry.

    Usage

    Says you are angry; it sounds strong if aimed at someone

    Grammar Note

    The perfect "na-" plus the root "-kalipa" (be angry); the perfect describes a present state. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  7. Nanaka.

    I'm tired.

    Usage

    Says you are tired; without context it can also be heard as "he or she is tired"

    Grammar Note

    The perfect "na-" plus the root "-naka" (get tired). The first and third person can come out as the same form. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  8. Ndesakamana.

    I'm worried.

    Usage

    Says you are worried

    Grammar Note

    The progressive "nde-" plus the root "-sakamana" (worry); the noun form is "amasakamiko" (worries). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  9. Nalipapa.

    I'm surprised.

    Usage

    Says you are surprised

    Grammar Note

    "Na-li-" plus the root "-papa" (be surprised); it is the first-person version of the pattern in "mwalipapa" (you were surprised). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  10. Ndeumfwa insoni.

    I'm embarrassed.

    Usage

    Says you feel embarrassed or ashamed

    Grammar Note

    The same pattern as "Ndeumfwa insala". "Insoni" is a class 9 noun. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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