Money & Exchange

1. Indalama

   Money

   Usage

   The word for money and coins

   Grammar Note

   The form ndalama, without the initial i-, is also common. "My money" is indalama shandi

2. Umutengo

   Price

   Usage

   The word for the price of something

   Grammar Note

   A noun starting with umu- (class 3). The form mutengo, without the initial u-, also occurs; the plural is imitengo

3. Indalama shinga?

   How much is it?

   Usage

   Ask the price of goods or a fare, pointing at the item

   Grammar Note

   Literally "how much money". It uses the counting root -nga (shinga agrees with indalama). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

4. Cakosa umutengo.

   It is expensive.

   Usage

   Say a price feels too high; it can also open a bargaining conversation

   Grammar Note

   "-kosa umutengo" literally means "the price is strong", that is, expensive. The ca- agrees with "it" (a thing). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

5. Ndefwaya ukushita ici.

   I want to buy this.

   Usage

   Point at an item and say you want to buy it

   Grammar Note

   Ici is "this (thing)"; for several items, use ifi ("these"). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

6. Nkalipila ne ndalama.

   I will pay with money (cash).

   Usage

   Tell the seller before paying that you will pay in cash

   Grammar Note

   The nka- marks "I will" (future). Ne is na ("with, and") merged with the initial i of the next word. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

7. Umuntu aibile indalama shandi.

   Someone stole my money.

   Usage

   Tell people nearby or the police that you have been robbed

   Grammar Note

   The root -iba means "to steal". Shandi is the form of "my" that agrees with indalama (treated as plural). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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