Photography

5 phrases · Bemba with romanization, English and audio

  1. Bushe kuti nakopa ifikope pano?

    Can I take photos here?

    Usage

    Checks whether photography is allowed, before pointing the camera at people or buildings

    Grammar Note

    "kuti" plus a verb in na- asks "may I ...". Ukukopa is "to take (a photo)" and ifikope is the plural of icikope (photo, picture). Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  2. Bushe kuti mwankopa icikope, mukwai?

    Could you take my photo, please?

    Usage

    Asks a passer-by to take a photo of you

    Grammar Note

    Mwankopa = mu-a-n-kopa, where n is "me". The polite mu- and the address mukwai are added. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  3. Bushe kuti namukopa icikope, mukwai?

    May I take your photo?

    Usage

    Asks a person for permission before photographing them

    Grammar Note

    Namukopa = na-mu-kopa, where mu is "you (polite)". Always ask before photographing a person. Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  4. Mwilakopa ifikope pano.

    Please do not take photos here.

    Usage

    Politely asks someone not to take photos where photography is not allowed

    Grammar Note

    Mwila- is the negative command for a polite/plural addressee, built like mwilalya "do not eat". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

  5. Icikope cawama sana.

    The photo turned out very well.

    Usage

    Says that a photo came out well

    Grammar Note

    Icikope is class 7, so the verb takes ca-. Cawama means "is good, is fine". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended

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