Shopping

1. Nalingi kosomba oyo

   I want to buy this

   Usage

   Said while pointing at the item you want to buy.

   Grammar Note

   Composed from dictionary- and corpus-verified words by regular grammar. The Bible has the same pattern with other verbs.

2. Kitisa talo, nabondeli yo

   Please lower the price

   Usage

   For bargaining at a market; kitisa means bring down.

   Grammar Note

   Composed from dictionary- and corpus-verified words by regular grammar. Kitisa is the causative of kokita (go down), with an imperative in the Bible.

3. Nalingi yango te

   I do not want it

   Usage

   Firmly declines a sales pitch; add Matondi to soften it.

   Grammar Note

   The negative te goes last or right after the auxiliary; the Bible has the pattern nalingi te.

4. Nazali kotala kaka

   I am just looking

   Usage

   When a shop assistant approaches you.

   Grammar Note

   Composed from dictionary- and corpus-verified words by regular grammar. Kaka means only or just.

5. Nazali na mbongo te

   I have no money

   Usage

   When you cannot afford something.

   Grammar Note

   The Bible has the pattern nazali na mwana te (I have no child).

6. Zando ezali wapi?

   Where is the market?

   Usage

   Asks the way to a market; zando means market.

   Grammar Note

   The question word wapi ends the sentence; zando also occurs in the Bible.

7. Magasin ezali wapi?

   Where is the shop?

   Usage

   To find a shop; magasin is a French loan.

   Grammar Note

   Magasin is a loanword; the plural is written ba magasin.

8. Famasi ezali wapi?

   Where is the pharmacy?

   Usage

   When you need to buy medicine.

   Grammar Note

   The question word wapi comes last; famasi is a loan from pharmacie.

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