Basic Words

1. Ee

   Yes

   Usage

   Affirmative answer.

   Grammar Note

   Used on its own as a reply.

2. Ooyo

   No

   Usage

   Firm negative answer; soften it when declining politely.

   Grammar Note

   Stand-alone reply. Verb negation uses a separate word, ok.

3. Akwayi

   Please

   Usage

   Courtesy word placed before a request; fine with elders.

   Grammar Note

   a- (1sg) + kwayo (ask, beg).

4. Erokamano

   Thank you

   Usage

   The basic word for thanks.

   Grammar Note

   Used on its own as an interjection.

5. Akwayi, konya

   Please help me

   Usage

   A polite way to ask someone for help.

   Grammar Note

   Composed: akwayi placed before the imperative konya (help me).

6. Ok ang'eyo

   I don't know

   Usage

   Used when you do not know.

   Grammar Note

   ok + a- (1sg) + ng'eyo (know). ng' is one sound; the apostrophe is part of the spelling.

7. Iwacho Dho-Ingresa?

   Do you speak English?

   Usage

   Asks one person whether English works. Several people take a different form.

   Grammar Note

   Composed: i- (2sg) + wacho (say, speak) + language name. Dho- marks a language name.

8. Kae

   Here

   Usage

   Points to a nearby place.

   Grammar Note

   A place adverb.

9. Kanyo

   There

   Usage

   Points to a place away from the speaker.

   Grammar Note

   A place adverb.

10. An

    I / me

    Usage

    The independent pronoun for I / me.

    Grammar Note

    Independent personal pronoun, first person singular.

11. In

    You (one person)

    Usage

    You for one person. The plural is a different word (un).

    Grammar Note

    Independent personal pronoun, second person singular.

12. Kaachiel

    Together

    Usage

    Used when doing something together.

    Grammar Note

    An adverb containing achiel (one / same).

13. Sani

    Right now

    Usage

    Time adverb meaning now.

    Grammar Note

    A time adverb.

14. Ng'ato achiel

    One person

    Usage

    Used to state a party size.

    Grammar Note

    Noun followed by the numeral.

15. Ji adek

    Three people

    Usage

    Used to state a party size.

    Grammar Note

    ji (people) followed by the numeral.

Browse all TravelPhrases languages