Traveling with Kids

1. Nalikwata abana babili.

   I have two children.

   Usage

   Tells how many children you have, for example when introducing yourself

   Grammar Note

   "-kwata" means "have". Numerals agree with the noun class, and "babili" is the form for people (class 2). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

2. Umwana wandi naluba!

   My child is lost!

   Usage

   Asks bystanders for help when you lose sight of a child in a crowd or market

   Grammar Note

   "Wandi" (my) is the form agreeing with the class 1 noun umwana, and "-luba" means "get lost". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

3. Umwana wandi nalwala.

   My child is sick.

   Usage

   Tells staff at a lodging, pharmacy or clinic that your child is ill

   Grammar Note

   "Na-" marks a state that has just come about, and "-lwala" means "fall ill". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Umwana wandi naumfwa insala.

   My child is hungry.

   Usage

   Says that your child needs something to eat

   Grammar Note

   "Be hungry" is said as "feel hunger" (-umfwa insala). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

5. Umwana wandi ali ne myaka itatu.

   My child is three years old.

   Usage

   States your child's age; swap in another number

   Grammar Note

   Age is said as "ali ne myaka ..." (has ... years). "Imyaka" (years) takes the numeral form "itatu". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

6. Umwana wenu ali ne myaka inga?

   How old is your child?

   Usage

   Politely asks the age of someone's child

   Grammar Note

   "Wenu" is the polite "your" that uses the plural form. "-nga" means "how many" and takes the form "inga" with imyaka. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

7. Umwana

   Child

   Usage

   A child; the plural is "abana"

   Grammar Note

   A class 1 noun; the plural is the class 2 form "abana"

8. Abana

   Children

   Usage

   Children; the singular is "umwana"

   Grammar Note

   A class 2 noun (plural of people)

9. Umulumendo

   Boy / young man

   Usage

   A boy or young man; the plural is "abalumendo"

   Grammar Note

   A class 1 noun; the plural is the class 2 form "abalumendo"

10. Umukashana

    Girl / young woman

    Usage

    A girl or young woman; the plural is "abakashana"

    Grammar Note

    A class 1 noun; the plural is the class 2 form "abakashana"

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