SPRACHFÜHRER BULI / Buli Language Guide
INHALTSVERZEICHNIS / TABLE OF CONTENTS
COMMON EXPRESSIONS
LANGUAGE AND UNDERSTANDING
words
speaking a language
asking questions
others
GREETINGS
a) informal
b) according to the bodily condition
c) ritual greeting (abridged)
d) taking leave
asking for help
LETTER
general
beginning, addressing
conclusion
middle part
TIME
general and longer times
day, short time, clock
days of the week
months
seasons
WEATHER
NUMERALS
ON THE WAY
a) general information
b) vehicles on the road (words)
c) coming and going
IN THE HOUSE
toilet, bath, washing
FOOD
preparing and serving food
eating
meals
inviting sb. to join eating
refusal of invitation to eat
refusal to drink water
taste
FAMILY RELATIONS
BODY
SICKNESS AND THERAPY
sickness
therapy, clinic, doctor
ANNOYANCE AND CONFLICT
IN THE CHIEF'S HOUSE
AT SCHOOL
SHOPPING
general
buying, selling
paying, money
at the post office
in the market
ANIMALS
POLITE PHRASES AND INSULTS
insults
ETHNOLOGY; TOURISM AND BULSA CULTURE
material culture and traditional technologies
photos
DIVINATION
ordination
tools
symbols
activities
COMMON EXPRESSIONS
What is your name? Fi yue (a)le boa?
My name is Awen. Mi yue le Awen.
How old are you? Fi ta ka benanga dina?
I am ten years old. Mi nya ká bena pi.
Thank you. Fi jiam -jiam. - Á vuusi (or) Jiam karo. (or) Kan namu.
I will try not to forget. Mi nya kukeri n kan bange.
Very well, thank you. Nalim nalim nyiini.
I don't know. N ze.
I do not know anything about it. N ze ku po wari ya.
Tell me the truth. Yueni (weeni) mu wensie.
I wanted to see the shops. Ma yaa n nya ka stooringa.
I'm glad to be at home again. N sui pienti ale n ne bo yeri la.
Come here. Jam de.
Hurry up. Nye nwuli.
Call him for me. Wi wa te mu.
I am looking for my pen. N gisi ka n penwa.
I don't know them. N ze ba.
What is this? Ka boa ale nna?
She thinks so. Wa poli ka de.
I do not think so. Mi an poli de.
Have you ever been there? Fi poom jam dela?
I have never been there. Mi an poom jam dula.
It is very beautiful. Ku nala ka yega-yega.
What is this building? Ka boan yeri le nna?
Wash it every Sunday. Sugri jaamu Laadi dai miena.
I shan't be long. N kan beni.
I am sorry, I shan't get time today. N kaasi ya (N k. di), n kan nya siuk jinla.
Do you know me? Fi seb mu?
Whom do you want? Ka wana ate fi a yaali?
Where are you? Fi bo ka be?
Here I am. Nya mu le nna.
He is deaf. Wa ka tue kpara.
The traveller is astonished. Nyindewa a ba kama.
The child is frightened. Biika a chali ka yogsum.
I want to go there. Maa yali n cheng ka dula.
Should I wait for you. N limsi fu?
Don't blame me. Kan paasi mu.
She is smart. Nipoowa welima.
Don't leave me. Kan basi mu.
He is guilty. Wa kaasi ka.
What did I say? Mi tin yuen ka boa?
Everybody knows me. Wai miena seb mu kama.
Who sent you to me? Ka wana ale tom fu?
He is a wealthy man. Wa ka nur dobrik.
Are you angry? Fi su ya puuri?
Please forgive me. Maa saalim, vongti mu.
What is your opinion about it? Fi popola ka se ale de?
I shall work for two weeks. Mi le tom bakoai ngaye-a.
Why are you laughing? Ka boa ate fi a laa?
Why don't you like him? Ka boa ate fi kan yaa wa?
I want to go home. Ma yaa n kuli ka yeri.
I shall read the story. Mi le karim sunsuelini.
When did you finish? Ka dinpo (disapo) ate fi nueri?
We sat for a long time. Ti kali beni yega-yega.
Speak out. Biisi paalim.
Ask anybody. Begi wai-wai.
It's a taboo. Ku a kisi kama.
I am glad. N sui pienti ya.
I hope (think) he will come today. Ma poli ain wa le jam jinla.
Ateng wants to see you. Ateng a yaali fu.
If Laadi comes, tell him to wait for me. Laadi dan jam la, faa yueni ain wa limis mu.
One day we will meet again. Da-yong ti le ngman tu.
When will you be at home? Ka dinpo (disapo) ate faa bo yeri?
When will you be back? Ka dinpo (disapo) ate faa ngmani?
Ka dinpo (disapo) ate fi piilim cheena?
What can I do for you? Can I help you? N baga a maa(ri) fu?
Don't worry. Kan te ku (a) daam fu.
I do not mind. Mi ning karo.
It is all the same to me. Ku miena ka wa yeng mi jigi.
Can I see you tomorrow? N bag a nya fu chum-a?
You can visit me any time. Fi bag a jam mi jigi diipo miena.
When will you come back? Ka disapo at fi cheen?
He is kind. Wa nina baasa.
Are you contented? Fi pienti ya? Fi maring ya?
It is a pity.
I am sorry. N kaasi di.
What has happened? Ka boa ale nye?
Take your time. Be nye maga-maga.
Be careful Ni kpesi nidek.
He is afraid of me. Wa chili yogsum ale mi (mu).
What do you want? Faa yaali ká boa?
Let me do it. Te n nye. / Te ate n nye.
to speak biisi
to say yueni, weeni
to answer tulisi
to respond chogsi
to speak indistinctly, to stammer bogli
to discuss belisi (or) zogi
to discuss polemically nag nampaga
to have a talk biisi biika
to understand wom
to repeat piilim yuen
word, question, problem wari, Pl. wie
language, talk biika
English, German, European felin(i)
to study (learn) a language zamsi biik
Do you speak (understand) Buli? Faa biisi (wom) Buli yaa?
Can you speak English? - Yes, I can. Faa biisi felini (ya)? - N bag kama.
I do not understand it well. Mi kan wom ku nalim nyiini.
I speak Buli only a little. Maa biisi Buli maga-maga.
Don't speak so fast. Kan kpabi a biisi.
Learning Buli is difficult. Buli mingka toa.
Your Buli is not good. Fi Buni 'n nala.
What have you said? Fi yuen boa?
I am learning Buli. Ma zamsi ka Buli.
Correct me if I make a mistake N dan biisi be, ween (yuen) mu.
The boy can't hear you. Biika kan wom fu.
I don't understand it. N wom chag.
Say it again. Ngman yueni.
Say it slowly. Yueni mag-maga.
Let us have a talk. Te ti biisi ale chaab.
I want to ask a question. Maa yaa ain n beg ka wari.N ta wari ain n beg.
You ask many questions. Fi beg wie yega-yega.
What do you call this? Fi wi kude ain ka boa?
What is busik in English? "Busik" yue ale boa?
What is this? Boa ne nna?
Who is this? Wan le nna?
Why are you laughing? Ka boa ate fi a laa?
I am laughing at that child. N la ka biikade.
What is your name? My name is Ateng. Fi yue le boa? N yue le Ateng.
How old are you? Fi ta ká bena nga-diná?
I am ten years old. N ta ka bena pi.
He is very old. Wa bena piisiya.
Stop speaking in this way. Kaa biisi dila.
As you said (it)... Ase fi le ween (yuen) dila...
Don't listen to these stories. Kan wom sunsulimangade.
Please wait until I have finished speaking. Maa saalim, limsi te n biisi nue.
Be quiet. Lig fi noani.
You were not spoken to. MiFi kan biisi ale daa fi
Listen to what I am saying. A wom n la wieni dela.
How are you? Ka se-aa?
I am fine. Nalim nyini. (Ku basa. Ku nala.).
How was yesterday's sleep? (before sunrise) Answer: Ku baasa. (see c)
(early morning) When you got up Fi le yiri la
(early morning) When you slept Fi le goa la
How did you sleep (You slept?) Fi góóm? (or) Fi gooma?
Good morning Salü-aa ?
Good evening Jünoi-aa?
Good afternoon (11a.m - 1 p.m) Kantueng-aa?
Good night (God give you a good morning) Wen te ti va nalung
Tomorrow? (until tomorrow, see you tomorrow) Chumaa?
See you soon Ku nye maga
After sitting down you should greet each other. Ni dan kali nue, ni puusi chaab.
I am glad to meet you. N popo pienti ya mi le nya fu la.
b) according to present activity
when (the greeted person is) sitting Be kali
(answer:) A vuusi (or) Be cheena.
when standing Be zagi-aa. (or) Za kama!
when lying Be doama
when eating (hold you food) Ni be tara!
when passing (then I pass) M be taama
when coming Be cheena
when working Fi tuima jiam (or) Jiam-jiam
(g = guest, h= host)
g: Hallo! (when arriving at the compound) Ngaanga
h: Tia Welcome
g: I have come N jam (n jamoa)
Let us greet. or: Te ti puusi
g: Ti puusi? Ti puusi?
h: Would you like some millet-water Nyiamu?
g: No (water is still good) Nyiamu diem basa
It is good (smooth) g: ku baasa, h: ku baasa
How are you? Fi nying ká po?
How are your children (your wives)? Fi bisanga-a? Fi pooba?
How is your co-wife? Fi ngaangchowa?
She is in good health. Wa ta nyingyogsa.
Have you slept well? Goomu a goa nalim nyiini?
And what about Anabiik? Alege Anabiik-a?
How is he? Wa duag nalim nyiini?
Has the cold left you? Ngootanga basi yaa?
There is no problem. Wari karo
to take leave, to say farewell banti
I beg to take leave Ma juisi siuk ain n kuli
(short) I leave N kuli
Should we not stay longer? Ti kan diema dalengi.
I leave before I come back N kuli abe n jam.
Farewell. Paai nalim nyiini.
Bye-bye. Da-yong-aa ?
Good-night. Chum-aa?
I am not yet leaving Man diem kuli.
Greet your house. Be puusi fi yeri-a.
Can you help me? Fi bag a mari mu?
Shut (open) the door. Lig (lag) tuoku.
Can you help me to carry my bag? Fi bag a maa(ri) a ji n forukuu?
Let me help you. Be chogsi.
sender
addressee
letter gbang
stamp stampi
to collect letters from the post office
parcel tiirim, dakari
I've written my wife only once. N ngmarisi n poowa ka bunyi.
She wrote eight letters yesterday. Wa ngmarisi gbansa naaning diemwa.
You have written your sister many times. Fi ngmarisi fi toawa yega-yega.
Dear Amoak N doa Amoak.
My dear friend Assibi N nongku Assibi.
My dear son N dek biika
I greet Amoak (regards to A., best wishes to A.) Maa puusi Amoak
Your father. Your son. Fi kowa. Fi biika
That is all ( I have to say) Miena ale la.
I greet you. Maa te puusa.
The friend in your mind Fi popola doa (nong).
I think of your words Maa poli fi wie.
Greet Ateng from me. Puusi Ateng te mu.
(lit.) It is me. Atiim Ka mi. Atiim
This letter comes from your father Anala. Gbangkade a nyini ka fi kowa Anala jigi.
I am greeting you. Mi a puusi fu.
Your mother greets you too. Fi mawa me a puusi fu.
We are all in good health. Nyingyogsa bo ti miena jig kama.
If this letter is in your hands... Gbangkade a dan jo fi nisa...
Your letter that you wrote to me has reached me well.
Fi gbangkaai ate fi daam ngmarisi te mu la a paari mu kama nalimnyiini.
I am very happy that your are all in good health. N sui a pienti kama yegayega ale ni miena ale ta nyingyogsa la.
I am writing this letter to you... N ngmarisi gbangkade a te fu...
Today I have received your letter. Jinla n tuesi (ngoa) fi gbangka.
I am very happy that you and your wives and children are in good health.
N sui pienti ain fi ale fi pooma ale fi bisanga ta nyingyogsa.
"I thank you for your house". Maa te fi jiam fi yeni wie.
I am sending you the (this) parcel. Mi le tom koalimanga(de) a te fu.
all the time, always diipo miena
during the year beni po
after Christmas burinya ngaang nyin
when? disapo? dinpo?
never diip-diipo
now yog-yogla
nowadays daangade
once (past) daam, dilapo
once (future) da-yeng
daily da-yeng
today jinla
tomorrow chum
the day after tomorrow vonung
after a few (3,4,5) days vonung ku choa
yesterday diem
some time before (same day) poom
some days ago, recently daam
soon Ka an beni ya. Ku kan beni.
It will be soon. Ku an beni ya.
year beni, Pl. bena
day dai, Pl. da
week bakoai
Christmas búrínya
last year ngaang beni; diim
century bena kook
in the lifetime of boka po
in future chum po
birthday biam dai
sometimes da-yeng - da-yeng;
at the end of his speech wa biika kpeglingka
We saw him last year Ti nya wa ká diim.
The aeroplane flew too fast. Aloplywa a yiti ka nwuli nwuli.
Walk slowly. A cheng maga-maga.
We shall leave tomorrow. Ti le bas chum.
When did you come? Ka dinpo ate fi jam-o?
They will go to England next year. Ba le cheng Fel-teng bali.
sunrise wen pusika
sunset wen singka
It will be soon. Ku kan beni. Ku nye maga.
What is the time (now)? Timu ka bang bu dina?
Ku paa bang bu dina yog-yogla?
Bangka a nag ká dina?
Ku nag ká bang bu dina?
Ká bang budiina ale nna?
Yogyogde, ká bang budiina?
It is ten o'clock. Ka bang pi.
It is exactly ten o'clock. Bu ka bang pi deki.
Day is breaking. Vari vienti.
in the darkness birimu po
I will come at six o'clock. N ne jam (cheen) bang buyuebi.
Do not come before sunrise. Kan jam ale weni n pusi ya.
I shall wait for you. N ne limsi fu.
It rained from 11 a.m, to 6 p.m. Ngoruk a ni ka saliuk bang pi ale bunyi a ta paai bang buyuebi.
I shall be back soon. N le ngmai ngaang yog-yogla.
It will not last long. Ku kan beni a zuagi.
You arel late. Fi beni (ya).
Do not go yet. Kan diem chengi.
Wait a little. Limsi maga.
We slept all day. Ti a goa ka daani miena.
The sun is near setting. Wen a balingi.
The sun is rising. Wenbini a nyini.
The sun is setting. Wenbini a kali. Wenbini bo ye-ning.
It is high noon. Wen-bini (wentueng) bo wen zuk sunsung.
The moon shone. Chiika a nyasi kama.
The stars are glittering. Chinmganga a yaling.
It is very dark. Ku chim ka legi yega.
We shall rest in the house in the evening. Ti le vuusi ka yeni po junoai.
We shall attend pictures at 8 o'clock. Ti le cheng sinee york bang naaning.
I shall go to bed late. Mi goa ka york diipo.
I woke up at 7 o'clock in the morning. N yiri ka bang buyuepoi saliuk.
I had a sound sleep. N goa nalim nyini.
I shall go to work at 8 o'clock. Mi le cheng tuima ka bang naaning saliuk.
When do they stop working? Ba basi (yiti) tuima ká disapoo?
I am going to sleep. Ma cheng goama.
...how many days ago? ...ka da nga dina ale jina?
Monday Atani, Tani (as a name also Tenny)
Tuesday Atalata (Talata)
Wednesday Alariba (Lariba)
Thursday Alamisi (Lamisi)
Friday Azuma
Saturday Asibi
Sunday Alaadi, Laadi
before Sunday alege ti Laadi-dai
Yesterday was Monday. Diemwa ka Atani dai.
Today is Tuesday (Monday). Jinla ka Talata (Atani).
Tomorrow will be Wednesday. Chum ka Alariba dai.
He came here last Monday. Wa jam dela daam Tani.
He will come again next Tuesday. Wa le ngman jam Atalata.
Were you born on a Wednesday? Ba bia fi ka Alariba dai-ya?
I was born on a market day, that is why my name is A. Ba bia mu ka yaba dai, dila nying ate ba te mu yue ain Ayaba.
She comes here every Friday. Wa jam dela ka Azuma daa miena.
They do not go to School on Saturday. Ba kan chang sku Asibi dai-ya.
Sunday is a day of rest. Laadi dai ka vusum dai.
Come and see me on Friday. Jam nya mu Atalaata dai.
Two weeks ago I was in Sandema. Bakoai ngaye wai ale taam la, mi daam bo ka Sandem.
Last Monday I got up early. Daam Ataniwa n yiti a wuli.
What day is today? Jinla ká da boa?
January ngoota chiik (month of cold),
February gunggona chiik (armpit-drums)
March vaala chiik (empty stalks...), chiisa sitawa
April sambula chiik (dawadawa blossoms), chiisa sinaansiwa
May borik chiik (month for sowing); chiisa sinu
June kpari chiik (weeding); chiisa siyuebi
July naara chiik (early millet); chiisa siyuepoi
August za paala bogluta chiik (early millet sacrifices); chiisa naaningka
September chaaung chiik (chaaung-weeding); chiisa neugo
October sungkpaata chiik (groundnut); chiisa pieka
November za cheka chiik (millet harvest); chiisa pi ale kanyi
December fanoai chiik (millet sacrifices); burinya chiik (christmas month)
month chiik
at the beginning of May chiisa sinu piilimka
at the end of December
the middle of the year beni sunsung po
Is the weather hot in March? Tengka tuila chiisa sitawa po?
My son was born in April. N biika, ba bia wa ka chiisa sinaansiwa po.
The festival begins 21st May. Diintanga a pielim ka chiisa sinu 21 dai.
The conference will end on 30th June. Biika tuka a nueri ka chiisa siyuebi 30 dani.
Will you leave on 1st of July? Fi le basi chiisa siyuepoi pielimka dani?
Is the weather cold in August? Tengka yogsa chiisa naningka po?
The new church was opened on the last Sunday in September. Wendok paalika a lagri ka Laadi dii ale kpeglim chiisa neugo po la.
Will you set out before the end of October? Fi le nyin pielim alege the chiisa pieka nueri-e?
I shall return to Europe in November. N le pilim cheng Fel-teng chiisa pi ale kanyi.
Some trees shed their leaves in December. Tiisa sie a yueri vaata ka Burinya chiika po.
rainy season ngmoruk wen [l l lm]
harmattan season, time of plenty, (Nov.-Febr.) fiok wen [l m]
season of scarcety (before harvest) kom wen [h h]
dry season wen-karik
cold season ngoota wen
hunting season goai pieka wen
A new season began. Wen paalik ya nyini.
We shall soon enter the Harmattan season. Ti boa paai fiok wen. Ku moata fiok wen.
The harmattan is near. Viok boa paai.
thunder nanpang n.; restr. ngmoruk
hail, hailstone; ice, snow ngmoruk-tain [l l m]
(short and heavy) rainshower ngmoruk fiik [l l lm]
flash of lightning ngmoruk-nyagsum [l l l l]
cloud chingmari
darkness birim
It is lightning. Ngmoruku a nyagsi. Ku a nyagsi.
It is thundering. Ngmoruku a kum. Ngmoruku a nag.
The sky is dark (covered with clouds). Wen sobri ya.
The sun is hot. Wen-bini tuila.
It is cold. Ngóóta boro.
It rained yesterday Ngmoruk a ni diem.
Will the weather be fine tomorrow? Tengka chum ale nala?
What will the weather be like today? Tengka jinla a nye ka se?
The weather was cloudy yesterday. Tengka nganti ka me diemwa.
It is raining. Ku a ni. Ngmoruk a ni.
It is drizzling. Ku a mimsi. Ngmoruk a mimsi.
Rain clouds have gathered. Ngmoruk chingmanga tigsi chaab.
Rain is coming (threatening). Ngmòruk a daani.
The weather is clear. Tengka nyanti.
My clothes are wet. Mi garuku yog kama.
It is windy. Ku ka viok.
Perhaps it will rain this evening. Dadidai yaase ku le ni junoanide.
I am feeling warm. Wulim ale ta mi.
Let us move into the shade. Te ti forisi a jam yogsum po.
I am feeling cold. Ngueta (ngoota) ale ta mu.
It is very chilly. Ngoota boro yeg-yega.
It is a cloudy day. Ka chingmaa dai.
It is misty. Ku nye ka brim.
one bunyi, wanyi, dinyi, kanyi, kuny
two buye, baye, ngaye, siye, tiye
three, third buta...
four banaansi
five bunu
six buyuebi
seven buyuepoi
eight naaning
nine neuk
ten pi
eleven pi ale bunyi
twenty pisiye
thirty pisita
hundred kobik (or) kook
thousend tusidi
1973 tusidi ale kobisa neuk ale pisyuebi al bata
one half
one and a half (1.5)
three fowls kpesa sita
five things nganta bata
first piilimka
second buye
third buta
once bunyi
twice buyea
many times yega yega
eleven times pi ale bunyi po
one hundred times kook kanyi po
the second day ngaye danga
How many people came? Ka nurba din ale jam ya?
Ten plus ten make twenty. Pi a gum pi po ku a nye ka pisiye-a.
Subtract ten from twenty. Gasi pi a nyin pisiye-a po.
Multiply four by six. Gari bunaansi chin buyuebi.
Count your fingers. Chien fi nandubsanga.
Can you count up to one hundred. Fi baga a chin ta paari kook?
The boy has worked three sums. Biika tom nganta bata.
He likes arithmetic. Wa yaali chienka.
left gala
right juga
road siuk
street sititee
path, footpath siok vovok (only with siuk); nurba siuk
road junction sui toming; mampali barini (Abzweig), su-paksa
sign post saka
straight ahead yomsi ka a cheng
to turn (branch) left (right) ngmieringi gala (juga) nying; chiem gala nying
(to go) straight ahead yoarisi; adv.: yorr
to miss the way be siuku
it is far ku yalima
here (there) dowa (or) denna (düla)
curved road su-goalung
to come back ngmain jam
to park zaani
load, luggage koalima
bicycle kuta-wusum, cheche
mobilette, moped puupu
car, vehicle loori
to go on a journey cheng siuk (or) cheng chelim
Is it far from there to here? Duloa ale dena yalimaa?
Which is the way to Atiim's house? Atiim yeni siuku ale kuna?
Where is the road to Navrongo? Navarong siuku bo (ka) be?
I have lost my way. N be síúkú kámá.
I will go with you. I will follow you. N maa va.
Go after them. Follow them. Va ba ngaang.
I am going to my father. Maa cheng n kowa jigi.
Don't forget your things. Kan bang fi ngantanga.
Please show me the way to the chief's house. Ma saalim, dag ka naa-yeni siuk a sag mu.
I am a stranger. Mi ka nichaanoa.
Take the road on your left. Pa siuku ale do fi gala.
Go straight ahead. Yomsi fi ning a cheng.
Return to the road junction. Vering siu-tomini jigni. (or: ...sui-tomini ning)
Take the first turning on the right. Pa fi ning veringka fi juga ging.
You have missed the way. Fi be siuku kama.
Is the post-office far from here? Post-officewa yalima le dela?
Yes, it is far. Mmm, ku yalima kama.
No, it is not far. Ku an yalima.
It is about two miles from here. Ku a nye se ka mila ngaye a nyini dela jigini.
It is near the market. Ku moata ka yabanga.
Could you take me there? Fi le ta mu a cheng dula?
There is the house. Yeni ale nna.
It is very kind of you to have brought me there. Ku nala fi jigi ate fi ta mu a jam dela jigini.
I lost my way. - Did you? N poom be n siuku. - Ka wensie?
A kind friend showed me the main road. Doa mang ale dag mu manpali.
I didn't think you would lose your way. Mi an poli ain fi le poom be fi siuku.
Take the bush path on your right. Va sagi siuku fi juga ning.
Shall we climb a hill? Ti le jueli guuku?
Is the path straight? Siuku yomsi yaa?
Is it winding? Siuku goling kama.
Shall we cross a stream? Ti le gaam bubaliga?
Will they reach there before sunset? Ba le paa du alege le wenbini nyini.
Does the path go through a forest? Siuku va sagini ginga?
Is it very deep? Di limisa?
Is the river wide? Belini lagri kama?
Is there a bridge on it? Briji boro?
Do we have to cross it by canoe? Ti le va de zuk a taamu ale ngaarung-oa?
Let us wait for our friend. Te ti limsi ti doawa.
Step aside. Taam de gensa.
Turn left Chiem gala nying.
branching road; bifurcation su-moga
Look, he is coming. Nya, wa la cheena.
Come here. Jam de.
I am looking for the road to Sandema. Maa yaali Sandem siuku.
If you go home, when will you be back? Fi dan kuli fi le ngman jam ká da-dina? (disapo)
When I went to his house, he was not in. N le ga wa yini la, wa karo.
b) vehicles on the road (words)
car
to get out, leave the car nyini
to get in, enter (car) jo
to brake yigi (catch) ; zaani (stand)
to drive damu
to overtake chali gaam
the bend gbelimu
tyre nang
tube nyuok, Pl. nyueta
a break-down, puncture panksha
accident loka
to wash the car suuri logni
to damage(a car), to be damaged (engine) kaasi
collision (to collide) pomka (pom v.)
to repair jaari
journey siuk chelim, nierim
highway, big road mampali
to exchange (tyres...) tagri
to pull dari
to push daasi; tusi
Show me the way. Sag mu siuk.
Can you drive a car? Fi bag a dam logri-a?
A. drives his car from Navrongo to Kadema. A. a dam wa logni a nyin Navarong a cheng Kadem.
A. stops (parks) at Sandema. A. zaain Sandem.
Can I park my car here? N baga zaan n logni dela?
Where can I pa rk my car? N zaani n logni be?
I park my car near the house. N pa logni a zain yeni teng.
Can you give me a lift to Wiaga? Fi bag maa pa ti taa cheng Wiag-a?
Have you any luggage? Ni ta koalima-a?
They put the luggage on the car. Ba pa koalimanga a dueni logni zuk.
Get in and sit well. Ni jo, alege ni kali magsi.
The car starts for Wiaga. Logni yiri a cheng Wiag.
The women get down (out). Nipooma tuili.
Have you got all your luggage? Ni pa ni koalima miena?
The road is not good. Siuku an nala.
Is the road good for a car? Siuku nala at logri a cheng?
I go to Wiaga in my car. N jue n logni a tuag Wiag.
The road is dusty. Siuku ta ka nyung.
One tyre has a puncture. Nangka kanyi na.
Can you help me? Naa yaa ni maar mu kama?
They change a wheel of the car. Ba tagri logni nangka.
He turns right, goes a little and turns left. Wa mob juga a cheng maga pilim mob gala.
Turn right, then go straight on. Va juga, a ngman cheng fi ning yoar.
Soon he reaches Sandema. Ku an ben ya wa paar Sandem.
He arrives at Navrongo. Waa paa ka Navrong.
Do you have a car? Ka fi le soa lognii?
Is this your car? Ka fi longi le nna?
Please drive slowly. Maa saalim a dam maga maga.
Where is a fitter? Fita bo ka be?
The car is broken. Logni kaasi kama.
Where can I buy petrol? Mi n nya petrol ka be da?
I am sorry, the car is full. N kaasi, logni sue kama.
Can I drive you to your house? N pa fu ta kuli fi yeni?
to go out cheng nyini
to go on foot cheng teng
Why have you come? Boa nying te fi jam?
How many people came? Ka nurba ba dina ale jam ya?
Come here at once. Jam de yog-yogla.
Come with me. Va le mi a jam. Jam te cheng.
Go away! Cheng ga ning. (or) Cheng du!
The stranger has gone for ever (disappered). Nichaanowa cheng nueri.
I am going to wash myself. Maa cheng to n so nying.
He has gone to the toilet. Wa cheng bangjiira.
I arrived here 5 days ago. Mi jam dewa nna ate ku paai daa nganu.
After 2 weeks I will go back to Germany. Bakoai buye mi le chen Germany.
Why didn't you take a taxi. Fi n pa taxi?
You don't see very much from a taxi. Fi n nya taxi nalim nyiini.
Where do you come from? Fi nyini ka be?
I come from Sandema. N nyini ka Sandem.
Where are you going? Fi tua ka be?
I am going to Bawku. Ma cheng ka Bawku.
Let us go to him. Te ti cheng wa jigi.
Let us go to her. Te ti cheng nipoowa jigi.
I am looking for my hotel. N gisi ka n hotelwa.
I stay at Ambassador Hotel. N bo ka Ambassador Hotelwa.
I live in Mr Kwotua's house. N bo ka Mr Kwota yeni po.
It is near the market. Di moata ka yabanga.
There are many cocoa farms at Sunyani. Ku ka talta piesi Sunyani kama.
I did not go. N le kan cheng la.
I regret that I did not go. N ngma ka ndek n le kan cheng la.
I want to go out. Ma yaa n nyini ka pielim.
Can you call a taxi for me? Fi baga wi taxi ate mu?
I am going home. Ma kuli ka yeri.
Will you come with me to church? Fi le va mi jam wen-dogu-a?
Did anyone come to look for me? Wai jam dela a gisi mu?
When do they come back again? Ka da dina at ba (ngman) cheena? or:
Disapo ate ba...
Walk nicely (correctly; ordentlich) Cheng magsi.
Tomorrow I will go nowhere. Chum me kan cheng jig-jiga.
Come to me. Jam mi jigi.
Ayi comes to me. A. le jam mi jigi.
Calle the landlord for me. Wi yeni nyonowa a te mu.
Is this my room? Ka mi doku le nna?
Please, give me some soap and water. Ma saalim, te mu chiuk ale nyiam.
The room is very clean. Doku nala kama.
Let us sit in the hall. Ti le kali dalongku po.
Take my box to the bedroom. Pa n dakani ata jo goom doku po.
What do you want money for? Fi a yaali ligra ain fi nye ka se?
The boy is crying. Biika a kumu kama.
I shall go for a walk. Mi le cheng chelim.
Sweep the rooms. Vaari dinanga po.
Where is the toilet? Banjiranga bo ka be?
Shut the door. Lig(i) tuoku.
Open the window(s). Lagri takoruku (katoatanga).
Put the baby in its cot. Dueni biika wa goom jigi.
Please, water the flowers. Ma saalim, zangiti flowerse ma.
I want to sew my cloth. Mi yaa n bali ka n garuk.
I need a needle and some thread. Ma yaa ka gari-pein ale gari-miik.
Keep them well. Ta nga nalim nyini.
My clothes are torn. N garta chieri kama.
There is someone in the room. Wanyia a bo doku po.
Where is your elder brother? Fi moa kpagini bo ka be?
Don't cry. Kaa kaari.
He is working in the garden. Wa tomu ka gaani po.
Are you going to the river side? Fi a cheng ka belini jigini?
Who broke the cup? Ka wan ale mobi bierika?
He did not break it intentionally. Wan potim mobi ka.
Dust the table and the chairs. Bili tablewa ale zu-kpaglisanga.
Make the bed. Gomsi gaduoku.
Wash your hands. Nari fi nisanga.
Where is the bathroom? Soka doku bo ka be?
I want to have a bath. Mi yaai so ka n nying.
Where can I go to toilet? Mi (or: N) cheng ka be ga zaan binta?
Where are the mirror and the comb? Nyaasungku ale chaasika bo be?
Does the sponge belong to you? Ka fi le soa saapoku?
The sponge and the towel are mine. Saapoku ale papawa ka mi soa.
food ngandiinta
water nyiam
millet-water zu-nyiam
millet-flour zom
millet zari, Pl. zaa
early millet naara
late millet za-piela
sorghum (late) za-monta
T.Z. (millet-gruel) saab, Pl. siira
millet-beer, pito daam
bread boruk-boruk
rice muma
yams nyue
cassava, maniok banchibik
cocoyam mangkain
sweet potatoes naabanyuiri
Frafra-potatoes piesiri, Pl. piesa
groundnuts sungkpaam
vegetables jen-vaata
garden-eggs, aubergines booruk, (local:) komi
ochro ngmain, ngmaana
mango manggook, (tree: feli-cham, manggook)
orange liemu
tomato kamantos
soup jenta
light soup jen-nyiam
soup with groundnuts porung
egg kpa-jein, kpa-jena
“herrings” (very small fish) biila, Sing. biili
milk naa-biisim
salt yesiri, yesa
sugar sigiri
pepper ngmaribazung, ngmaazung
breakfast saliuk-ngan-diinta
to have breakfast suuri noai
neri, egusi buura
to cook digi
(the) cook digroa
to fry chiim
to roast groundnuts baani sungkpaam
to ladle out soup bieri jenta
to dip food into the soup zuigi
spoon duisuk
fork duisuk-nyina
knife gebik
ladle bierik
cup bierik
kitchen gbanglong, daaning, dakiri
dry (food, without sauce) gaang (adj.), cf. sa-gaang
Bring the millet here. Pa za ta jam de.
Pour water in. Boori nyiam.
It is enough. Ku magsi ya.
They cooked food for them. Ba dig ngan-diinta ate ba.
What will you cook for supper? Ka boa te fi yaa fi dig-oa?
What kind of soup would you like? Ka boan jenta te fi a yaqali?
I have no appetite. N ka korisa.
Does it taste? Ku ta masima? Ku masa?
It was delicious. Ku masa.
Please, pass me the salt. Pa yesing te mu.
Start eating. Piilim deka.
I have no spoon. N ka dueisu-oa.
It is hot (seasoned with pepper). Ku ta noai.
Please give me some bread. Maa yaa boru-boruk. (Not: te mu...)
to eat without chewing de
to eat with chewing ngobi
to chew chaam
to swallow, to devour (e.g. medicine) ne
to eat hastily de a wuli
to eat too much de yega-yega
to eat with noise ngurinti
to eat bit by bit nyiisi
to drink, to smoke nyu
to belch berenti
to refuse food banti ngan-diinta
They refused to eat Ba zeri ngan-diinta.
I eat a lot (or too much, every day). Mi de a zuag.
It is too much. Ku zuag ka yega.
It is too little. Ku poasima.
The child has eaten to his satisfaction. Biika ale de chagi.
I have eaten Mangoes. Nta ngob mangoota.
He got drunk. Wa bug daam.
Drink what is left. Nyu di le tali la.
I have eaten mangoes. N ta ngob mangoota.
The man is smoking a pipe. Nurwa a nyu ka tacheng.
to have breakfast yueling noai
breakfast saliuk ngan-diinta
chewing stick kpasagi
Give me some water. Nye kukeri a te mu nyiam.
I don't like palm soup. Mi kan yaali Abe jenta.
Is breakfast ready? Have they finished cooking... Ba digi saliuk ngandiinta nueri-ya?
I shall have some rice this afternoon. Mi yaa ka muma junoanide.
Have you already fed the baby? Fi poom te biika ngandiinta?
Can't I get something to eat? N kan nya ngandiinta a de?
Lay the table. Zaan tableku.
Prepare the dishes. Gomsi chinanga.
I am hungry. Kom ale ta mu.
I am thirsty. Nya-nyuila ale ta mu.
I want food (for eating). Maa yaali ka ngandiinta ayen n de.
I cannot eat, I spoilt my stomach.
I drink only boiled or filtered water.
I ate food in another compound.
I will eat when I come back.
For lunch I’ll do my own cooking.
I will only eat some bread.
I’ll eat saab with a spoon (with my fingers).
Come, let us eat. Jam te ti de (ngobi).
I have a calabash. N ta chin.
"Eat is in my hand" De bo n nisa po.
I also have. Mi me tara.
No, it helps. Ku a mai (maari).
Do and I will come (perhaps later). A nye te n jam.
It is a blessing. Ku a niak.
Eat for me. De a te mu.
You like water. Faa yaa nyiam-a.
The water is good. Nyiamu baasa.
offering and receiving food
I offer N bu diisi.
I receive N bu chogsi.
It is sweet like honey. Ku maasa ase siita la.
to taste badly bie
to be (taste) sour miisa (adj. miising)
to be dry (dt. herb) chiisa v.
bitter tuak, tuok,
to be bitter de tuem; toa
sweet (to be...) masik, saalik (masa)
drinking alcohol
Dont’t get drunk. Kan bugi.
Drink the rest. Nyu di le tali la.
family, household dok dema, yeri dema
ancestors koba, kpilima
father ko
mother ma
grandfather ko-kpieng
grandmother ma-kpieng
daughter lie, lieba
son, child biik, bisa
twins yibik, Pl. yibsa
brother suok, yoa, moa
elder brother (sister) moa
younger brother (sister) yoa
full brother ma-bi-ngobing
junior sister (brother) toa baang
father's younger brother ko baang
bride name sampok-yue
orphan bí-kpíng
first wife po-kpagi
to marry girl: faari, boy: yali
to divorce pagri, yieri, zeri pok, basi pok
to die kpi; nye kpieri, babies: ngmani
Have you any brothers? Fi ta soata?
How old is your sister? Fi toawa ta ka benanga dina?
My brother is called Adua. Mi sioku yue ale Adua.
Where is your sister? Fi toa bo ka be?
I have a wife. N ta nipok.
She has six children. Wa ta bisa bayuebi.
The children are healthy. Bisanga ta nyingyogsa.
My wife is a seamstress. N powa ka gata baalidoa.
She is very beautiful. Wa nala ka yeg-yega.
She is industrious. Wa ka tuim tomi doa.
She cleans the house every morning. Wa jari yeni saliuk miena.
Nobody helps her. Wai kan mar wa.
Her father is dead. Wa kowa kpi kama.
Her mother is very old. Wa mawa kpagin ka yega.
She is lean. Wa bug kama.
She is honest. Wa ka wensie nyono.
She is kind-hearted. Wa ta popo pientika.
Feed the baby at 9 o'clock. Te biika ngandiinta bang neuk.
Your brother is my friend. Fi sioku ka mi doa.
My father has many sisters. N koba ta toaba yeg-yega.
Your aunt is not feeling well. Fi kowa toawa ka nyinyogsa.
We will celebrate my birthday tomorrow. Ti le de ka mi biam dani chum.
These children are twins. Bisangade ka yibsa.
The boy is taller than the girl. Nidoabini wonga a gaam nipobilni.
Those women are not strangers. Nipooma daa nichaama.
All my children are married. Mi bisanga miena a faari nipooba kama.
Is Asibi a boy or a girl? Asibi ká nidoabili yaa nipokbili?
Whose father is Atiim? Wan ko ale Atiim-oa?
He is junior. Wa ka baang.
Who ist the youngest (person)? Baangka ale wan?
Is your brother married? Yes, he is. Fi sioku ta nipoowa? Ain, wa tara.
I'll marry and have children. Mi le faari nipok a biag bisa.
He has been divorced from his wife. Wa daam basi wa poowa.
Were you born on a Wednesday? Ba bia fi ka Alariba dai-ya?
body nying
back ngaang
shoulder ngmanpaluk
arm, hand nisiri, Pl. nisa
finger, toe nandub
leg nang
knee dunung
waist, small of back chiak
belly, stomach logi, puuk
head zuk
forehead diri
ear turi, Pl. tue
cheek chikperi
mouth noai
tongue ginggelung
lip nangbaiviok
tooth nyin, Pl. nyina
saliva tintuem
eye num, Pl. nina
nose nyueri
bierd tieng
hair zuik, Pl. zuisa
sweat wulim
Is this a hand? Ka nisa ale nna?
No, it is not a hand. Awo, daa nisa (ale nna).
Yes, it is a hand. Ain (mm) nis ale la.
My leg is numb (schläft) N nagn ale miik (is sour).
sickness tuem, tuom, nying-tuila
chicken pox tambola
constipation preuk ?? [poi-giruk]
cough sisagta; kosuk
dysentery poi yogsik
malaria duinsa tuem
headache zuk domsik
leprosy nying kaasung
measles kanchuinsa
paralysis gbarinka
smallpox poom bisa
stomachache poi domka
toothache nyina domka
pain, ache domsik, domsuk
(a) fit, epilepsy kpingkpingsa
worms nyiina (disease)
blood ziim
stool beung, binta;
to have stool basi yaata
bloody stool ziim charuk
poison yaam (e.g. for arrows)
fever, sickness nying-tuila
to have a fever toling
diarrhoea chaaruk, poi yogsik (chaari, v.)
constipation poi-giruk
a cough kosuk (kosi, v.)
cattarrh, influenza sisagta, (kosuk)
swoon cha
sweat wulim
giddy (ning) giluk
accident (lori) loka
person yesing (yerim, yesim v.)
to ache dom
to feel a burning pain yuiri
to breathe vuusi
to gasp for breath cha vuusum
to bruise fiiri
to be bruised cheti
to contaminate tang
to be in a delirium , to have fits song
unconscious jim, adv.
callous kpaglik
crippled gbaning
disabled (to be...) kong adj.; verb: koani
I am ill. Ma wiag kama.
I am seriously ill. Ma wiag ka yeg-yega.
I have smallpox. N ta poom bisa.
The baby has measles. Biika ta ka kanchuinsa.
I have a cough. Sisagta le ta mu.
I have a headache. N zuku a dom ka yeg-yega.
I have dysentery. N ta ka poi yogsuk.
I have stomach ache. N poi ala dom.
He is insane. Wa zuk kan tom.
He is paralysed. Wa gbarim kama.
I have cut my finger. N gebi ka n nandub.
I have a cold. N ta ka ngoota. Or: ngoota ta mu.
I cannot smell anything. Ma bag a wom jam nyum-oa.
He is blind. Wa ka yi.
He is deaf. Wa ta tu-kpara.
He is dumb. Wa ka gaung.
He is a beggar. Wa ka juisidoa.
The dumb cannot speak. Gaunku kan bag biisi.
He is still ill. Wa diem wiag kama.
He has not yet recovered. Wa diem baasa.
He is weak. Wa bug kama.
He is lean. Balingsa le ta wa.
She is in good health. Nipoowa ta nyingyogsa kama.
She is robust. Wa ka tug-tug.
She is strong. Nipoowa pagra kama.
She is fat. Nipoowa biigi kama.
The dog is mad. Biaka a yisim kama.
It is dying. Ka a kpi kama.
It is buried. Ba gu ka kama.
I am not feeling well. N ka nyingyogsa.
I am tired. N jiag kama.
to be exhausted kpieri; miigi
I am hungry Kom le ta mu.
I am thirsty. Nyu-nyuila le ta mu.
He feels cold. Ngoota ta wa.
He caught a cold. Ngoota a jo wa nying.
He is shivering. Wa nying a mimsi.
I cannot breathe well. Man bag a vuusi nalim nyiini.
He broke his leg. Wa nangka we.
I have a high fever (temperature) n toling (?); nying-tuila ta mu (?)
I have diarrhoea n chaari ?
I have a toothache nyin-domsik ta mu (?)
I have no appetite N noa po kan yaali. N noai an masa.
I have spoilt my stomach N kaasi n poi.
I cannot sleep in the night. Mi an baga a goa yoku.
I am tired. N jiag kama.
I am feeling sleepy. Goom ale ta mu.
The disease became worse. Tuomu yaa pagra.
The disease became better. Tuomu a yaa ga ngaang (went back)
He is dead. Wa nying ka yog yega-yega. Wa yog kama.
How is your sickness? Fi nying tuila ká-se?
It is getting better. Ku zung chong.
drugs, medicine tiim, tiita
European medicine felika tiim
traditional medicine Bulsa tiim
clinic tebka dok
doctor dota
health, fitness bààsim
hospital, health station àsìb'ìtì, tiim dok
native doctor, medicine man tebroa, tiim nyono
to go to the doctor cheng dokta
cotton gunggung (kapok)
bandage vilika
plaster, v. fagi, fatim
pill ti-biri
injection garupiema luka (lu v.)
to heal tebi
How do you feel? Ka se?
I cannot help you. Min baga maa fu.
You must go to the clinic. Ku a fe fi cheng tiim dok.
They must examine your stool. Ba nya fi bintanga.
You must stay in bed. Fi vuusi.
I will fix a plaster Mi mang plaster.
Keep the wound free from dirt. Kan te dangta jo noruku po.
You sickness is contageous. Tuomu a chogsi kama.
Keep the patient isolated. Gaari yog nyingka ka toga.
Let me measure your temperature. Te n magsi fi nyinka tuilimu.
This tablet does not heal you. Tiimude kan tebi fu.
It only reduces the pain. Bu nye ma ate ku baasi zung chonga.
Take this pill every morning before breakfast. Ne tiimude saliuk miena abe fi ge a de saliuk ngaandiinta.
Swallow it with a lot of water. Ne bu ale nyiam a zuagi.
You must eat a lot of fruit. A de tiisa yoana a piisi.
Your temperature is very high (low). Fi nyingka tuilimu zuag ka yega (a baling).
Congratulation upon recovering. Fi ninam jiam abe fi le nyin nyingtuela po la a ngman ta nyingyogsa ta nyin.
This tablet is good for killing the germs. Tiimude nala kama a teb ngan-vuuta (fi nyingka po).
This tablet reduces the fever. Tiimude ny te fi yningka zung a chonga.
Is there some of your medicine left? Fi tiimu tali-aa?
complaint popoota
to be fed up with jiagi, niigi, yuagi
to be or get confused buring, butim, tuing, yerim
annoyance namsuk, su-puurum
They are making noise. Ba bora nüim.
Don't always disturb me. Kaa namsi mu.
Don't be so naughty. Kaa yiris dila.
He is a fool. Wa ka ja-beruk.
He tells lies. Wa velim kama.
Who did this? Ka wan ale nye di?
He stole the money. Wa zu ligranga.
The box is lost. Dakarni be-ya.
I have searched everywhere. N gisi jiga miena.
He has done wrong. Wa nye kaasi.
I don't know why he did so. N ze ku kiria, ate wa nye dila la.
Why should I be sorry? N vong boan nying-a?
Why are you sad / annoyed? Ká boan nying ate fi sui kaasi?
Do not disturb me with your questions. Kan ta fi beganga paa mu.
Go out of the door so that the light can get into my room. Ning pielim ate n bag a nya.
I have never seen him before. Mi kan diem mar nya wa.
I am angry. N sui la puuri.
I am afraid. Ma chali ka yogsum.
You are late. Fi beni.
I am worried. Maa yiili kama.
drum ginggaung
drummer ginggaung nagroa
headgear zuk giiroa
elder at chief's court naab nisomoa
paramount chief na-kpieng
servant tuin-tomdoa
state umbrella palim naa-yogsum
sub-chief kanbon-naab
throne naam-zu-kpaglik
palace naab yeri
prince naawa-biik
They have enstooled the new chief. Ba bob na-paalik.
They will lead an outdoor celebration of the Chief on Monday.
Ba le ji nawa ta nyini palim Atani dai.
The chief is riding a horse. Naawa do ka wusum.
Let us go to the palace. Te ti cheng ku (?) jigini.
Is it advisable to see the paramount chief? Ku a magsi ain fi nya naa-kpienku dega?
You should speak through the linguist. Na-nisomwa ale biisi ate fu.
Are there many servants? Nawa nyam zuagi-ya?
(see also “language”)
When did you start school? Fi pilim sku ka dinpo?
In what class are you? Fi bo ka dimi (?) nga dena?
Who is your teacher? Ka wan ale fi teacherwa?
Is he a Ghanaian? Wa ka Ghana deno?
Is he a good teacher? Wa ka teacher manga?
We learn many subjects. Taa zamsi ka wie yega-yega.
Ti zamsi nganta a piisi.
There is a table in the classroom. Table me bo doku po.
Let us play ball. Te ti nag boile.
What is he studying? Ka boa ate wa zamsi?
Write it down. Ngmarisi dueni.
Let me see your book. Te n nya fi gbangka.
Come for a new pen tomorrow. Jam tuesi pen chum.
Do not play in the classroom. Kai diini zamsika doku po.
Look at the blackboard. Nya blackboardwa.
Keep your book always clean. Ta fi gbangka da-miena nalim nyini.
Do you read in the evening? Fi a kaarim junoai?
Does your teacher often punish you? Fi teacher a namsi fu vara-vara?
You deserve severe punishment. Fi a magsi ka namsika.
She is not lazy at school. Wa ka nyinwuriwa .
She is hardworking. Wa tomu ka yeg-yega.
I shall go to school today. Mi le cheng sku jinla.
to study (a language) zamsi biik
I am a schoolboy (-girl) Mi ka sukuuri biik.
She should try hard to learn Wa nye kukeri ate wa zamsi wa gbangka.
shoe lace
a pair of scissors pon-magi dinyi
biscuit bisicati
butter, bota, kpaam
margarine, oil... kpaam
cheese chiesi
nail kutuk pieng
pin pini
underwear mungkuruk
umbrella naa-yogsum
to waste money kaasi ligra
shop, store koalima daka jigi, store
fixed prices: Its price is fixed. Ku ligranga ale la.
Try to get a basket for me. Yaali busik te mu.
Let's go to Kingsway. Te ti cheng Kingsway.
I need a few things. Ma yaali ka nganta maga.
Is it the largest shop in town? Ku ka stoo kpienga tengka po?
Does it open every day? Ku a lagri daa-miena?
Do you often go there? Fi a cheng dula da-miena?
Who is the manager of the shop? Ka wana ale malengerwa stookude po?
Who sells these shoes? Ka wan le da nuesangade?
What would you like to buy? Ka boa ate fi a yaali fi da-a?
I want to buy a dozen tins of milk. Ma yaali ain n da ka miliki konkonsa dazin.
We have some sugar also. Ti ta sigri me.
How dear is it? Ku ligra ne ka diila?
How much would you like to buy? Ka dina te fi a yaali a da?
May I pay for it? N tuni te fu ya? N tuni ku ya.
Your bill is three cedis. Fi pani mi ka cedi bata.
Give me a bag of rice. Te mu muma boorik.
Can I see one? Mi le nya wanyi?
Will they change it for me? Ba le tagri te mu?
Do you sell? Fi a da?
Kindly give me two. Be te mu baye.
Take one only. Pa ka wanyi.
That is enough. Ku magsi (-a).
Is it durable? Ku a beni?
It is too dirty. Wa dagim ka yeg-yega.
Do you have some other kind(s)? Fi ta wa choa (ba chaaba)?
It is too thin. Ku miita ka yeg-yega.
Do you have some others? Fi ta ba chaaba?
Let me see all of them. Te ne n nya ba miena.
Make your choice. Fi dek lueri.
This one is good for me. Wade nala te mi (or: mu).
Keep it for me. Dueni te mu.
I will come for tomorrow. N chum le jam pai.
Haven't you paper bags? Fi ka gbang foru(k)-oa? (foruwa)
I want to buy a hat. Ma yaa n da ka zu-yiok.
We paid a hundred cedis. Ti tuni ka cediba koo.
to buy, to sell da
to buy after measuring magi
to buy up everything saari
200 Cedis boorik
1950 Cedis boosa neuk ale pi al pisinu
I want to buy bread in the market. Maa yaali n da boro-boruk yaba.
Maa cheng ka yaba ayen n da boro--boruk.
How much is the (this) millet? Zaanga(de) ká dina?
Five Cedis each calabash. Cediba banu chin yeng.
Don't you reduce? (bargain) Fi kan baling-ee? Fi kan basi?
Don't you add (“dash” something? Fi kan nyo jaara du?
I reduce it by 2 Cedis. N yieri cediba baye.
They are bargaining. Ba bora baregi.
There is no reduction on the sale of beer. Bareka ka daam diak po.
It is cheap. Ku diak (or "de") a baasa.
It is very expensive. Ku diak pagra yeg-yega.
I (will) buy one calabash. Mi le da chin yeng.
I bought a goat for 8 pounds. N da buuk ponta naaning.
A. wants to buy vegetables. A. a yaali ain wa da vaata.
A. has a big bag full of vegetables. A. ta ka foruk kpiong ate jen-vaata a sueni.
Can you buy (=sell) this for me? Fi kan da jaamude ate mu?
Give me 8 tomatoes. Te mu kamantosba banaaning.
If you go to town, don't forget to buy bread. Fi dan cheng tengka po, kan bang(e) at fi da boro-bora.
What is your sister going to buy? Fi toawa a cheng wa da ka boa?
"dash" jaara
I pay 2 Cedis. N ne tuni cedi baye.
I have not enough money. Mi ligra kan paari.
They promised to give him money. Ba pulim ain ba te wa ligra.
I will give you some money. Mi le te fu ligri.
Don't show it to other people. Kan pa sag nurba.
I want to change my German money into Cedis. Ma yaa n tagri German ligra ate Ghana cedima.
I have no money. Mi kà ligrá.
Can I buy some stamps here? N baga da stampi dela?
No, you can't. Anwo (Aya). Fi n baga.
Go to the lady on your left. Cheng nipowa ale bo fi juga [gala!] la jigi.
May I buy some stamps, please? N le da stampiba fi jigi ga, ma saalim?
Of which denomination? Ba bana?
I need different ( three) kinds. Maa yaali ká nganta toga toga (bata).
Three of five pesewas. Banu kuboata pisita.
You have to pay 46 pesewas for them. Fi a tuni 46 by nyi.
Here is the money. Liranga le nna.
Here is your change. Fi changi le nna.
I would like to send a telegram to Kumasi. Ma yaa n tom ka telegram ate Kumasi.
Go to the gentleman over there. Cheng nuri mangka de jigi.
Is this your parcel? Ka fi parcelliwa le nna?
Yes, I want to send it to my son at Hohoe. Mmm. Ma yaa tomika ka n biik Hohoe.
Then we have to weigh it. Ti ngooni ka kama.
I weighs 8 oz. Wa ngooni ka ouncesba 8 [naaning].
It is lighter than I thought. Wa valima kama a gaam me le poli de la.
Here is your receipt. Fi lasiitiwa le nna.
That is all, thanks. Ku miena, ma te fu jiam.
This ten-pesewa stamp is very beautiful. Stampiwade nala ka nalim nyini.
I'll send it to a friend in Geneva. Mi le tom kama ate n doa ale bo Geneva.
market-day yaba
market (square, only locally) yakui
beginning of market yaba joka
the day before market day yaara
market stall viuk
pito-bar daam moaning (moanung) viuk
dash jaara (or) basim
small market (not on market days) yaba fiisa (or: fiik), tampilaanda
We shall go to the market this afternoon. Ti le cheng yaba junoinide.
What is the name of this market? Yabangade yue ale boa?
Where are fruits sold? Ba da tiisa yoana ka be?
Fruits are sold at Navrongo market. Tiisa yoana a da ka Navrong yaba.
Where can I buy some corn? Mi nya chulimbena ka be a da?
You can buy herrings under those trees. Fi baga da fasuk tiisangade teng.
There are good oranges, pineapples and bananas. Liemu nalinsa boro abrobre (Twi) koodugu boro.
How much are these? Nya bade ka dina?
This costs ten pesewas. Nya wade ka suli.
I want to buy ten pesewas worth of bananas. Ma yaa da ka suli kooduk.
It is too dear. Ba diak pagra kama.
Kindly reduce the price a little. Yie ku ligranga mag-dega.
No reduction. Jaara karo.
I'll lose heavily if I reduce it. Mi ne lo kama n mi yieri.
Are those oranges good? Limunede nala?
Please, give me my change. Ma saalim, te mu n changiwa.
Are there any eggs for sale? Kpa-jena boro a da?
No, there aren't any. Awoo, nga karo.
Yes, there are. Mmm, nga boro.
When is Sandema market? Ka da dina ale Sandem yaba?
Every three days is Sandema market. Da ngata miena ka Sandem yaba dai.
Is market-day today?Yaba dai ale jinla ya? Jinla ka yaba dai-a?
Do you go to the market with me? Fi le cheng yabanga ale muu?
I like a child that takes me to the market. Maa yaali biik ain wa ta mu cheng yabanga.
Where can I buy food? Min da ngan-diinta ka be?
Ka be at mi n baga da ngandiinta?
Where can I buy Pito? Min (mi ain) nya daam ká be (a) da?
Be ate mi n nya daam a da?
They sell Pito there. Baa da daam dula.
Where is the stall for Pito? Daam viuku bo ka be?
Let us go to the stall for Pito. Te ti cheng viuku ga nyu daam.
You can buy herring near the trees. Fi bag a da fasuk tiisangade teng.
You can buy eggs an flour at the farmer's. Fi bag á dá jena ale zom kpáároáwá jigi.
I need a few things. Maa yaali ka nganta maga.
Buy oranges for me in the market. Da liemu yabanga po a te mu.
dog biak
cat doglie
goat buuk
sheep posuk
horse wusum
cow (ox) naab, Pl. niiga
bullock lalik jieng, lalik yiering
bull lalik, varik
calf naa-biik
pigeon dunduri, tukuruk, nanggbang, kawuruk
fowll kpiak, Pl. kpesa
guinea-fowl kpong, Pl. kpina
snake waab, pl. wiima
python waa-kpieng
poisonous: This snake is poisonous. Waamude dom a ko (bites and kills).
fly nanjung
mosquito duing
worm nangzuri, mimeluk, bobli
lizard bang
chamaeleon bunoruk
rat, mouse ngoong
antelope kab, kung, nong etc.
elephant yauk
crocodile ngauk
lion gbengli
leopard yuerik, goai biak
scorpion nuoong
This drug kills cockroaches. Tiimude a ko kpayaa (Sing. kapyari) kama.
There are lions in our zoo. Gbengla bo ta dungsa doku (cage) po.
I have never seen a python. Man diem nya waab-kpieng.
He was bitten (stung) by a scorpion. Nuong ale dom wa.
The shepherds are going to the bush. Naapierisanga a chen ká goai.
They milk the cows. Ba sum niinga.
Hold it! Be tara! (or)
I hold your nose. N yig fi nyue
Health! nyingyogsa
Don't fall! Kan lo!
I did not care. I was careless. Excuse me. Man kpesi ya.
I did not see. Man nya ya.
We go together Ti maa chaab cheng.
I reach that we go. N paa ate ti cheng-a.
I go in front. N de fi ning.
I pass before you. N taam abe ne ti fi-a.
when handing sth. with left hand
Left! Gala!
(answer:) It is a hand. Ka nisi.
Come and help me to stir the T.Z. Jam maa mani saab te mu.
(answer:) Stir for me. Man' a te mu.
Excuse me. Man kpesi ya.
When giving sth. to sb. N bu diisi (I offer it)
Thank you (if receiving sth.) Be chogsa. N bu chogsa.
Thank you (after eating or when saying good-bye) Jiam-jiam
Response to “jiam” (You are welcome) Daa jiam wari ya.
Congratulation! Fin ninaung jiam.
I am sorry. N kaasi (spoil).
I beg your pardon. Maa saalim.
Be careful! Yig fidek! Nya fi zuk!
insults
big head zuk kpiong
groove in chin, crooked chin tiengkuruk gbegli
long ears tu-wogla
crooked mouth noai mogluk
crooked lip (sb. talks too much) nanggbain galung
dog: not being human (strong insult) biak
sheep, being stupid posuk
monkey, very weak insult, esp. for children waaung
no insult: naab, kpiak, buuk, boning
weak insult for children kikiruk
weak insult sakpak
fool beruk
traitor, gossip, telltale bumbobroa
cripple (if child does not want to walk) gbaruk
ETHNOLOGY; TOURISM AND BULSA CULTURE
stranger, tourist nichaanoa
resthouse, guesthouse nichaanoa yeri
Taboo kisuk
festival (secular), big meeting tigi
culture korum
Please, show me the way to Ateng's guuk. Maa saalim, sag mu Ateng guutanga. Or:
... dag Ateng guutanga sag mu.
Can you call the house-owner for me? Ni le wi yeni-nyonowa ate mu?
May I watch them sacrificing to Atiim's wen? Maa yaali ain n maa nya ba daa kaab Atiim weni.
From which section marry men girls (wives)? Nurba a faa ka do-kuna lieb (nipooba)?
I want to do some work about the Bulsa country. Maa yaali ain n tom tuima Bulsa tengka zuk.
The work concerns ancestor worship. Tuimanga a va ka ba ngaasa (anc.) ale ba nyeela (deeds) al ba laa puusi wena dii.
I also see sacrifices. Maa nya ka bogluta kaabka.
Whose father is Atiim? Wan ko ale Atiim-oa?
I have finished the work. N nue tuimanga.
Is your brother married? - Yes, he is. Fi sioku ta nipoowa? Ain, wa tara.
Which is the way to Atiim's house? Atiim yeni siuku ale kuna?
What is his tribe? Wa buini ka boa?
Which tree is a tanggbain? Tí-bùnà ale tanggbani?
What is this called? - “Bogta” Ku yue le boa? -Bogta.
What type of bogta is it? Ka boan jaab bogta?
He lives with us. Wa bo ale ti.
He sees how we do it (studies our customs) Wa nya ti na nye diila.
He wants to see our ways of life. ...wa nya ta me wienga.
What are these things (good for)? Wa-ngala ale boa?
Material culture and traditional technologies
What materials and tools do you use for carving (for making pots)?
Ka boan nganta ate fi pa a piesi (for carving) [a me: for pottery)
Are there any taboos in this activity? Kisita bo tuinide po?
How much time do you need for this work? Fi pa tam dina a tom tuinide?
Can you finish it today? Fi bag a nue jinlaa?
I will come tomorrow to collect the thing. Mi le jam chum tuesi jaamu.
I will take it to Germany. Mi ne cheng Germany (felteng).
How many chibsa are in your room? Ká chibsa si dina ale bo fi doku po?
What type of clay-vessel is this? Ka boan jaab yak somaoning ale nna?
For what do you use a chari? Ni pa chari a nye se?
May I see (look into) your dakiri? N baga nya fi dakiri po?
Can you sell this bangle to me? Fi baga pa bangka da te mu?
Describe how you make a busik-(basket). Magsi (tell) fi ale nye dii á yog busik la.
to take a photo pa footo
Snap! Geb!
to develop (photos) suuri (footo)
Taking photos at noon is not good. Kantueng footoba an nala.
The faces get too dark by the (high) sun. Wentuengka a nye ate ni nindaasanga a nye nna birrim.
It is better in the evening. Junoai footo a la magsi.
to become a diviner chim baanoa; (rituell:) ngari jadok
Are you the only and first to become a diviner in your house?
Ka fi nyiini ale piilim chim baanoa ni yeni?
Or was there a diviner before? Yaa baano daam boro kama?
Who will inherit the jadok? Jadoka al ngman gai ka boan?
How did it happen that the pig came to you so that you divine?
Ku be nye ka se, ate dioku a jam fi jigi ate fi taa bogi?
“pillow” and 2 stones jadoka zukpaglika ate tintana ngaye
things (objects) in the bag koalima
sticks miensa
empty stick ja-koruk
to wear a red cap vugi zutok moaning
in the bag foruku po
symbolic (code) objects baan tiisa, Sg. baan tiik
What does this thing mean? Jaamude tuima ale boa? Jaamude a gom ka boa?
Bu me kiri ale la?
What is the function of this thing? Jaamude a sag ka boa?
And this thing? Alege jaamude me?
You hold it to identify it. Ka fi a yig wa ale fi ming wa.
Do you know the animal's name? Dungka fi seb ka wa yue?
It has the same meaning Ka wa yeng
Could you show me one? Fi bag dag wanyi a sag mu?
Its object has been removed (from the stick) Wa jamu yieri kama.
to divine bogi (jadok, bunoruk);
to divine on the stones bog buntanga zuk
to pour out the sticks on the ground kpiiri miensanga miena duen teng
to hold the stick (wand) ta doani; yig baan-doani a tara
to demand a fowl yaali kpiak
to satisfy (this demand) siagi (Fi dan siag, fi ngoa nalim)
to sacrifice to a shrine kaabi bogluk
Do you usually pour all the sticks out on the ground?
Fi nyeem kpiiri miensanga miena kama duen teng?
The wand points to these things. Doani na dog ngantangade.
The object is singled out. Jaamu a yieri.
Something is wrong with you. Jaab ta fu.
There is a problem in your house. Wari bo fi yeni.
Will it not harm you? Ku kan beg fu?
It "comes out" that you must sacrifice. Di nyini ain fi kaabi ka.
They sacrifice an animal to the jadok-shrine. Ka dung ate ba pai kaab jadoka.