Greetings

1. Mbote

   Hello

   Usage

   The basic greeting at any time of day. Reply with the same Mbote.

   Grammar Note

   Lingala is a Bantu language with noun classes (mo-/ba-, li-/ma- and so on) and is the lingua franca of Kinshasa and Brazzaville.

2. Mbote, ozali malamu?

   Hello, how are you?

   Usage

   A greeting plus a check on how the other is.

   Grammar Note

   There is no question particle; intonation makes the question. Ozali is you are.

3. Nazali malamu

   I am well

   Usage

   The usual answer to Ozali malamu?

   Grammar Note

   Composed from dictionary- and corpus-verified words by regular grammar.

4. Matondi mingi

   Thank you very much

   Usage

   For strong thanks; the phrase also appears in the Bible.

   Grammar Note

   Mingi means much and follows matondi (thanks).

5. Boyei malamu

   Welcome

   Usage

   Used to receive a guest; boyei means arrival, and a corpus sentence has okotombelama boyei malamu (you will be welcomed).

   Grammar Note

   Boyei is a bo- class noun for coming and malamu means good.

6. Nkombo na ngai Sara

   My name is Sara

   Usage

   For introducing yourself; replace Sara with your own name.

   Grammar Note

   Nkombo na ngai is my name; the name follows directly.

7. Nawuti Japon

   I come from Japan

   Usage

   States where you are from; swap in another country.

   Grammar Note

   Wuti means come from; na- is I. The country follows directly.

8. Nasepeli koyeba yo

   Nice to meet you

   Usage

   Said on first meeting; literally "I am glad to know you".

   Grammar Note

   Nasepeli is I am glad, koyeba is to know and yo is you.

9. Tokomonana

   See you later

   Usage

   A parting phrase; literally "we shall see each other".

   Grammar Note

   Composed from dictionary- and corpus-verified words by regular grammar. Komonana is the reciprocal of komona (see); to- is we.

10. Lala malamu

    Good night

    Usage

    Said before sleeping; a corpus example reads Lala malamu, Sean.

    Grammar Note

    Lala is the imperative of sleep or lie down and malamu means well.

11. Nayebi te

    I do not know

    Usage

    When you are asked something you do not know.

    Grammar Note

    The negative te goes last; nayebi is I know.

12. Nakoya lisusu

    I will come again

    Usage

    Shows you intend to return when leaving a shop or lodging.

    Grammar Note

    Composed from dictionary- and corpus-verified words by regular grammar. Nako- marks the future.

13. Ezali likambo te

    No problem

    Usage

    In reply to an apology or when agreeing to a request.

    Grammar Note

    Composed from dictionary- and corpus-verified words by regular grammar. Likambo is matter or problem and te negates.

14. Nzambe apambola bino

    God bless you

    Usage

    A blessing at parting or thanks; common in a devout region. This is the plural form.

    Grammar Note

    Apambola is he or she blesses; bino is you (plural).

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