Zambian Phrases

Here is a sampling of some of the basic interactions we will be having in the native language of Nyanja:

Muli bwanji – How are you?

Bwino – I am fine.

Bwino, bwanji? – I am fine. How are you?

Mwaoka bwanji? – How is your morning?

Mwachoma bwanji? – How is your afternoon?

Goni bwino? – How is your evening?

Zi komo – Thank you.

Zi komo kwam bili – Thank you very much.

Tiza oana mayilo – See you tomorrow.

Tibwella – We’re coming.

Teinda pa… - Let’s go to…

Bwella – Come (one person)

Bwellani – Come (everyone)

Abusa – Pastor

Muzungu – White person

Lelo – Today

Mayilo – Tomorrow

Ufuna ma sweet? – Do you want sweets?

Nikukonda – I love you.

Mumvela – Listen

Wanvela? – Do you understand? (one person)

Mwamvela? – Do you understand? (everyone)

Iwe – You (one person)

Imwe – You (everyone)

Vina – Dance

Jumpa – Jump

Ncali pansi – Sit down

Zina yako ndiwe ndani? – What is your name?

Mulungu – God

Ambuye – Lord

Yesu akukonda – Jesus loves you.

Yesu akukondani – Jesus loves you all.

Tulemi totela – We praise you.