Kalanga Dictionary
This Kalanga dictionary was compiled by Joyce Mathangwane in 1994 and is made available through the CBOLD project, where a TXT file of this material can be downloaded. For any use of this material, please see CBOLD and the Bantuists’ Manifesto.
Prefix Stem Tone POS Class Gloss
aa HH adv. no, a word of denial or refusal
adiresi HLHL n 9 an address
adzima HHL v lend; borrow
aina HHL v press, as of clothes
aini HHL n 9 an iron used for pressing clothes
ainika HHHL v be well ironed
ajee LLH dem. those
akabala HHHL v wonder; perplexed; amazed; hesitate
chi ako LL n 7 corn head
zwi ako LL n 8 corn heads
akugwa HHL v be enjoyed
akula HHL v to enjoy
akuna LHL adv. nothing
alakana LLLL v remember
alakanisa LLLLL v remind; advise; cause to remember
zw amba LH n 8 lovers
amba LL v plead
ch amba LH n 7 lover
ambaamba LLLL v to grope, in search of something
ambadza LLL v clothe or help put on clothing
ambala LLL v to put on clothes or garments
chi ambalo LLL n 7 type of clothing
ambuka LLL v clear up, as of smoke or clouds; come off, as a shoe
ambula LLL v to undress or take-off your clothes
ameni HHL n 9 Amen
ch ampupuludze HHHHL n 7 dust storm
zw ampupuludze HHHHL n 8 dust storms
amuchidza LLLL v pay, as a salary
amuchila LLLL v receive
amula LLL v relieve someone of some burden
b ana LH n 2 children
ng’w ana LH n 1 child
ba anadi HHH n 2 girls; young women
ng’w anana LHH n 1 girl; female child
ng’w anangu LHL n 1 my child
andama HHL adj. scattered about in all directions
ng’w anedu LHL n 1 young sibling
anga LL v freeze; congeal
angama HHL v float; be buoyant
angudza LLL v bathe someone, as a child
angula LLL v to menstruate; to bathe
angulanya LLLL v to stop a fight
angulila LLLL v help someone from being beaten
ma ano LL n 6 plans; devices; schemes
apajee LHLH dem. the place yonder; over there
apuli HHL n 9 apple
arametsa LHHL v to cause to inhale medicinal fumes or steam
ch arobi HLH n 7 cooked entrails
ashama HHL v broad; wide; open one’s mouth; yawn
athula HHL v decide; judge; arbitrate; pass judgement
awara HHH n 9 hour
azha LL v help someone
chi azha LL n 7 hand; the palm of a hand
baakanya HHHL v prepare; to repair; to make ready or set in order
m baakanyi HHHL n 1 repairer
baba HL v to itch
m baba-shulo HHHL n 3 nettles; plant of the nettle family
babaila HHHL v walk softly on account of tender or sore feet; walk stealthily
babani HHL n 5 hairy caterpillar
babatadza HHHL v make to lie flat on the ground
babatala HHHL v lie flat on the ground, as of some lizard
bachilalu HHHH n 1a name used for calling women whose totem is a hare
bachinabumi HHHLH n 1a name used for calling women whose totem is a heart
li badhu LL n 11 rib
baka HH v build; construct
chi baka LL n 7 time
m baki HH n 1/2 builder; an inhabitant
bala LL v read; count
chi bala HH n 7 light complexion
li bala HH n 11 clearing; an open place
m bala HH n 3 colour
ma balabala HHLL n 6 multi-coloured; with many shades of colour
m balabali LLLL n 1 rumour monger; a gossiper
m bali LL n 1 reader; an enumerator
lu balilo LLL n 11 binding round the grass roof onto which the thatch is tied; lath
m balilo LLL n 10 bindings under the thatch of a house; laths
balisa LLL v cause to read
bamakulukusa HHHHLH n 1a name used for calling women of a particular totem
bamathambo HHHH n 1a name used for calling women whose totem is a duiker
bamba LH n 5 prostitute
bu bamba LH n 11 prostitution
m bambo LL n 10 pegs
lu bambo LL n 11 peg
bambula LLL v crucify; stretch out the skin of a slaughtered animal with wooden pegs in the sun to dry
bampengo HHL n 1a name used for calling women of a particular totem
chi bandana LLH n 7 beast of prey; a wild beast
banga LL n 5 scar
bangalala HHHL v be extreme
banikuana HHHHH n 1a name used for calling women of a particular totem
chi banjoro LHL n 7 one-string violin; a fiddle
banka HH n 9 bank
chi banka HH n 7 piece of ground missed by the plough or hoe when cultivating
li bante HL n 11 belt
bari HL n 5 scar
basekulu HHLL n 1a maternal uncle
chi bat’a LL n 7 patch
bat’ela LLL v to patch, as of a torn garment
li bat’i LH n 11 door
batategulu HHHLL n 1a grandfather
batategulugulu HHHLLLL n 1a great grandfather
batatenini HHHHL n 1a father’s younger brother, a paternal uncle
batetshi HHL n 1a owner
lu batsha LL n 11 splinter of wood
bu bava LH n 14 theft
bazha LL n 5 heat period, as of a cow
be H aux. v be
chi bebe LL n 7 numbness; a tingling sensation in the numb limb
bu belete HHH n 14 prostitution
chi belu LH n 7 African hoopoe bird
bende LL n 5/6 gap from a missing tooth
bendzwa LL v pout; push out the lips as a sign of contempt
benga LL v make biltong
benga HH v to hate
lu bengo HL n 11 hatred
besa LL v set alight, as of a fire; start a fire
m besi LL n 1 baker; one who grills or roasts
chi beso LL n 7 cooking places; grates; grid-irons; fire place; a hearth
bezha LL v to curve
m bezhi LL n 1 carpenter; one who carves; a wood worker
m bga H n 9/10 dog
chi bga H n 7 stray dog
chi bgana LH n 7 small round stone used for grinding tobacco
m bganana HHH n 9/10 puppy
bge L n 5 stone
m bgeti LL n 3 type of tree
bgilila LHL v return; go back
bgililana LHHL v re-establish friendship; re-establish diplomatic relations
m bha H n 3 stick split in the middle used for carrying stuff by herdboys
bhabha LL v carry a baby or another person on ones back
m bhabhi LL n 1 one who carries a baby; a nanny
bhabhu LH interj. said to a baby when coaxing it to be carried on the back
bhabhu LH ideo. inviting baby to be carried on back
bhadi HL n 9 bad luck
bhadza LH n 5 plough; hoe
bhaibhili LHLL n 9 bible
bhaisikili LLHHH n 9/6 bicycle
bhaisikopo LHHHH n 9 movie
bhakasa LLL n 5 pole enclosure around living quarters
bhakhwa HL v be arrested; be drunk
chi bhako HL n 7 snuff box or horn
bhalaza LHH n 5 manmade deep pool which cattle drink from
bhalo LL n 5 bald head
bhamba LH n 5 famine; hunger; drought
bhamula LLL v smack or hit hard with the palm of the hand
bhanana LHL n 9 banana
bhandabuko LHHL n 5 front leg of an animal
bhande LH n 7a/2a type of sweet wild bulb
bhangwana LLH n 5 small log
bhantiti LHL n 5 prisoner
bhapiro LLL n 5 wing, as of a bird
bhapu LH n 5 lung
bhara HL n 9 bar
bharampara LHHL n 5 wild person
bhata HL v to hold; touch
bhata-khole LHLH v lead, as of oxen that are inspanned
bhatana LHL v hold each other; join together
bhatilila LHHL v stand in for; assist a calf to suckle from a cow not its mother
bhatisa LHL v help someone carry something; to ask someone to run an errand for you; cause to hold; have someone arrested
bhato HL n 5 buttock
bhatsha HL v help; assist
bhatshanya LHL v to connect; join one to the other
bhatshila LHL v catch something on a trap
bhavu HL n 5 bath tub
bhaya LL v poke or pierce something; slaughter, as an animal
chi bhayo LL n 7 pneumonic pain; shooting pains
bhazha-mbga HLH n 5 unripe fruit; fruit in the first stage of ripening
bhe L n 5 honey comb
bhechu LL n 5 euphemism for penis
bhelelo LHL n 5 end
chi bhembezha LHH n 7 carry a child on the back without a blanket ie. hold a child with hands onto your back
bhende LL n 6 tail of a horse
bhepe LL n 5 beer mugs; calabashes
bhepHo HH n 5 common cold; a catarrhal cold
bhesu HH n 5 squirrel’s tail; a sheep’s tail
bhezi HL n 9 bass voice in music
bhika LL v cook; to question closely
m bhiki LL n 1 cook
bhinda LH n 5 spinster
bhirikiti LLLL interj. fall heavily of someone
bhizha LL v leak
bhobola LLL n 5 greens from the leaves of a pumpkin plant
bhofu LL n 5 blind person or animal
bhokisi LHL n 5 box; bag; coffin
bhola HL n 9 ball
bhoma HL v smear, as with body lotion; anoint with oil
bhombo LL n 5 grasshopper; a species of locust
bhomela LHL v smear cow teats with dung to prevent calf from sucking
bhonyongedza LHHL v to make rough sketches; carelessly sown or knotted
bhoro LH n 9 Bushman dance
bhothoko LHH n 5 Ndebele speaker
bhubhunu LLH n 7 cartilage
bhubuzebe LHLH n 5 deaf person
bhuda HH v to come out
bhuda-nkota LHLH v to bleed through the nose
bhudzi LH n 5 melon that is not of the sweet species but is eaten
bhukucha LLL v to swim
bhula LL v take (pot) off fire
bhulomu LHL n 5 flower
bhulubusi LHHH n 5 thick smoke
bhulugwe LHL n 5 blue headed big lizard
bhuluma LHL n 14 type of female underwear
bhumu LH n 5 crest of feathers on a bird’s head
bhundu HH n 5 swelling; a knot in a string; a knob on a stick
bhupHe LH n 5 greedy person
bhurama LHL n 5 cow or ox of the Brahman breed
bhuriki LHL n 14 brake, as of a car
ma bhutanlamu LHHH n 6 mumps
bhute LH n 5 small peanut, a result of poor crop
bhutshi HL n 5 boot (a shoe)
bhutu LL n 5 testicles
bhuzo LL n 9 question
bhuzwa LL v ask; question; enquire; find out
bhuzwisisa LLLL v make enquiries endlessly; ask many questions
bi H adj. bad; ugly
bu bi H n 14 ugliness
zwi bi H n 8 sins
chi bi H n 7 sin
bibi HL n 5 pile of cutoff trees awaiting being burnt
bidwa HH v ripen; be well cooked
bidwisa HHL v cause to ripen or get cooked, as of food
bidwisa-zila HHHLL v go regularly; visit very often
bidza LL v cause to become sour; ferment
biga HL v put ; store
biganya HHL v to keep safely; to bury; store away
biganyiwa HLHL v be buried
bigila HHL v lay eggs, as of a hen; put away for
bigilidza HLHL v lay-away; put a container underneath in order to catch whatever is being poured; engaged to marry
biibi HHL adj. very ugly
bika HL v give a report; report a matter
chi bikiri HHL n 7 tin; can
bila LL v boil, as of water
bilebile HHHL n 5 hot pepper
ma bili LH n 6 twins
m bili LL n 3 the body of a living person; the body of a thing
chi bili LL n 7 bodily form; in person
lu bilo LL n 11 speed, in running; rapid pace; a race
binga LL v confront
bipa-moyo HHLL adj. be cruel; to be evil
bipila HHL v fit badly, as of clothing
m bisana HHH n 1 boy
li bisi HH n 11 fresh milk
bisi HL n 5 watermelon
li bisi HL n 11 watermelon plant
m bisi HL n 10 watermelon plants
biyapidza LLLL v smoothen; to make smooth
bobola HHL v howl as of an animal
bodzeka LLL v cause something to rot
boka LL v praise in song; to give thanks
lu boko HH n 11 arm
bokolela HHHL v cry out loud; wail
bola LL v rot or go bad, as of food
lu bolela LLH n 11 bee or wasp sting
lu bomba LL n 11 cream from fresh milk
bomba LL v snarl, as an angry dog; roar, as a bull
bonya LL v blink, as of an eye
bonyolola HHHL v reveal; to tell of something private
bora HL v bore; drill
buba LL v lie down, as of a bird, a hare ready to run or fly away
chi bubi LL n 7 spider
chi budzana HLH n 7 kid goat
budzulula HLHL v speak scornfully; be spiteful; tell someone off
bukula HHL v bark, as of a dog
bula LL n 5 intestine
m bulayi HHL n 1 killer; murderer
buli HH n 5 hole
bulula HHL v livestock going out to pasture
chi bululu HHH n 7 small brown lizard
m bumbi HH n 1 creator; builder; maker; a moulder
bumbika HHL v be well-formed or well-shaped
chi bumbiko HHL n 7 features
bumbulu HHH n 5 egg
bumbuluka HHHL v roll on the ground or a flat surface
bundo HH n 5 pleat
m bungu LH n 3 part of a stalk turned reddish brown because of a stalk borer
bunguka LLL v turn reddish of a stalk of a sweet reed as a result of a stalk borer
m buso HL n 3 government; reign
butha HH v repose; rest, as of animals
buthaka LLH adj. of same age
butili HHL n 5 bottle
butuka LLH adj. better; improved
butyarara LLLL adj. acidic; sour
lu buwa HL n 11 enclosed place in which crops are harvested before being threshed and stored away
buwa HL v smear much
buwe LL n 5 gad-fly
buya HL v return; come back
bu buya LL n 14 beauty; handsomeness
buya-moyo HHHL v feel nausea
buyilila HHHL v repeat; return again
m buyu HH n 3 baobab tree
buza HL v return something; bring back
buzilidza HLHL v revenge
chi bza L n 7 thigh
bza L v belch
bzala HL v sow; plant
chi bzalo HL n 7 seed or plant
cha H v fear; have fear
i chaba LL n 7 nation; tribe
chachama LLL v hiss or sizzle of something cooking; a painful ache as from a burn
chaini HHL n 9 chain
chaisa LLL v knock off from work; knock something, as with a car
ma chakanyugwa HHLH n 6 small bits and pieces of wood; small crumbs of bread
chakanyula HHHL v chop or make something into small bits and pieces
chamba LH n 7 lover; paramour
chanana LHH n 7 kid
changu HL pron. mine (cl.7)
bu chapa LH n 14 carelessness; clumsiness; uncleanliness
chapa LH n 5 careless person
chebuka HHL v look sideways; look behind; look over your shoulder
bu chechana LLH n 14 youth
n chechana HLH n 1 young one
n checheni HHH n 3 type of tree
chedza LH n 7 light
chefi HL n 9 poison
cheka HL v cut
chekeledza HHHL v go by a short route; take a short cut
chekelela HHHL v cut into small pieces, as of meat in preparation for stewing
chekesa HHL v cause to cut up
n cheko HL n 3 sewing pattern
chela HL v draw or fetch water or any other liquid
cHela HL n 9 space underneath the granary and usually fowls sleep there
chela LL v pluck off, as of a fruit or greens
chelelela HHHL v draw water for someone
chema HL v scream
chemba HL n 9 chamber pots
chemela HHL v rebuke; reprove; scold; chide
n chemo HL n 3 loud scream or cry
chena LL adj. white
chenama HHL v wonder; be surprised; be amazed at
chenchi LH n 9 change (from money)
ma chende LL n 6 testicles
chenesa LLL v make clean
chenesela LLLL v clarify for
cheneso LLL n 9 enlightenment; explanation
chengedza HHL v deceive
chengela HHL v cheat; deceive by promising and not performing
chengeta LLL v take care; take heed
n chenje LL n 3 white ant; nest of white ants
bu chenjedhu HHH n 14 wisdom; cleverness
chenjelela-ntome HHHHLH v deceitfulness; slyness; be cunning; cheat
chila HL v live; survive
n chili LL n 3 rein; rope; shoe lace
i chili HL n 7 living person; well-off person
chilianya HLHL v lay across the other
cHilila LHL n 9/10 spicies of wild animal
bu chilo HL n 14 life
chimuka LLL adv. the following day
chinga HH v receive with both hands showing appreciation
chinga HL adv. since; eversince
chingama HHL v lie across; slant
chingamidza HHHL v run across to meet someone; put by the fire
chingamila HHHL v bask, as in the sun or by the fire
chingamisa HHHL v cause to lie across
chini LH adv. how
chinya HL v spoil; destroy
chinya-buso HHHH v show displeasure facially
chinya-ntumbu HHHL v abort illegally, as when pregnant
chinya-zina HHLL v defamation of character
i chinyi HL n 7 mischievous person; a spendthrift; someone who wastes
chinyidzila HHHL v spoil for someone; destroy something belonging to someone
chinyika HHL v become spoiled; be destroyed
chinyikigwa HHHL v have a miscarriage
cHinyikilo LHHL n 10 costs; expenses; damages; losses sustained
chinyolocho LHHL adv. soon; quickly; rapidly
chipa LL v cheap
chisa HL v frighten; cause to be afraid
chiwa HL v be feared
cholopo HHH n 9 fly, as of trousers
chona HH v be penniless; be without money
chova LL v to pedal, as a bike
chubhu HL n 9 tube
chuludza HHL v cause to jump; cause to cross; skip, as with a monthly event
chuluka HHL v jump up or over
chuluka-chuluka HHHLLL v hop about
chulukila HHHL v jump onto
i chuu HL n 7 stew; well cooked food
da H v love; like
dabga LH n 5 type of bird
dabi LH n 5 branch, as of a tree
dabila LHL v to answer or to reply
dada LL n 5 duck; mock someone
daisi LHL n 5 dice
lu daka LL n 11 wet cow dung in the kraal
daka LL v intoxicate; make drunk
chi dakwa LH n 7 drunkard
dala HL n 5 receptable for unthreshed corn made of poles
dama HL n 5 word; cheek
damba LH n 5 large sour monkey plum
dana HL v call; draw attention to; love each other; like each other
danda HL n 5 log; block of wood
lu dandi LH n 11 spider web
danga LH n 5 kraal; sheep fold; pen
dani LL n 5 slippery liquid, as from okra
datHa LH n 5 large anthill
debge LL n 5 kaross; leather blanket
deelela HLHL v not to respect someone; look down upon
deenya HLH n 5 skull
delele LLL n 5 okra
deluka LLL v descend from a height; come down
bu delukilo LLLL n 14 platform; station
delusa LLL v cause to come down or descend; let down
demegwa LHH n 5 part of a field where the trees are still being cleared
dendeli LLL n 5 type of temporary door made from sticks from trees
denga HL n 5 overhead covering
dengezela LHHL v to carry something on the head without holding it
denje LL n 5 small bush
deri HL n 9 dairy
dhubika LLL v dip in water; immerse in a liquid
dhubula LLL v take something out of liquid, which was soaked or immersed
dhukudza LLL v shake some clothing or garment with the intention to remove dust
dhuma LL v agree
dhumano LLL n 9 mutual agreement; agreement
n dhumbi LH n 3 drizzle; rain gently; rain in gentle showers
n dhumila LHL n 3 type of tree
dhumila LLL v to believe, as in God
dhumilana LLLL v agree with each other
dhumilani LHHL n 9 conventional way of greeting
dhumilano LLLL n 9 agreement
n dhumili LLL n 1 believer; a christian
dhumiligwa LLLL v be admitted, as in a school
dhumilila LLLL v allow; permit
dibhi HL n 9 dip, type of pesticide
didima LLL v rumble, as of lightning or as of an earthquake
diika LHL v be educated
diila LHL v educate for/at
n diiwa LHH n 1 pupil; student
dila LL v pour
dilidzila LLLL v to water, as of plants or a garden
dindi LL n 5 thick beef steak without bones
dindingwe LLL n 5 leopard
diraya LHH v wind up, as a bucket from a well
dishwa LH n 5 standing grass
ditima LLL n 5 pumpkin
n diwa HL n 1 loved one; beloved one
diya HH v teach; preach
n diyi HH n 1 teacher; priest
lu do H n 11 love
dobi LH n 5 relish made from shredded meat and ground peanuts
dodola LLL v to walk on your toes
dohona HHL v pound meat or peanuts in a mortar; pound into a paste
dole LL n 5 meat from an emancipated animal; lean meat
dolo LH n 5 corn or sorghum measured in terms of threshing loads
dombo LH n 5 mountain; hill
dongo LL n 5 ruin; deserted house or home
donkana LHL n 7 foal of a donkey; grey/black low quality blanket
donki LH n 7/6 donkey
dope LL n 5 muddy water; mud
dororo LLL n 5 fowl excrete or rubbish
dotHa LL v drip, as liquid; a slight drizzle of rain
dotHedza LLL v pour a small drop onto
dotHi LH n 5 drop of some liquid; a drop of rain
dotomosi LHHL n 5 type of reptile found on the rocks
lu dozo HL n 11 walking stick used by the old people
dozo LL n 6 leg of a chicken
dubula LHL v remove dirt from one’s body by either rubbing by hand or using a soft stone when taking a bath
dukuta LLL n 5 perspiration; sweat
dula HL n 5 granary
dumba HL n 5 drum
dumba LL n 5 shack
dumbu LH adv. truly; surely
dumula LHL v shoot
dundila-bazwele LLLLHL n 5 large black and yellow beetles; blister beetles
duni LH n 5 mortar; stamping block
dusa LL v to take out; remove
duthu HL n 5 low hill; heap
dutshi HL n 5 huge shadow, as when a dark cloud is in the path of the sun; ill luck
dutu HL n 5 a whirlwind; a cyclone
dwa L v to say; come from
dwa-moyo LLL v to envy; desire
chi dwi H n 7 knee
dwilidzila LLLL v to catch water that is slowly seeping through in a well until you fill your bucket
dwilila LLL v water seeping through in a well or a spring; proceed; advance; go forth
dwilila-mbeli LLLLH v go forward; advance; make progress
bu dwilo LL n 14 beginning or origins of something
dzamula LLL v snatch from someone
dzata LL v jump down or off; dismount
dzete LH n 5 big hole on the ground, normally used by big animals; an antbear hole
lu dzi L n 11 descents; relations
nju dzi L n 10 nations; relations
n dzi L n 3 root
mi dzi L n 4 roots
dziba LL v prevent a person from doing something; to go and return the livestock
dziba LL n 5 deep pool of water in a river bed
n dzibi LL n 1 watchman; one who watches over livestock
dzibila LLL v prevent someone from doing something; restrain
dzidzimuka LLLL v shudder, either from the cold or from seeing something unpleasant
dziidza LLL v cause to suffer; trouble
dziila LLL v suffer; be poor; be without anything
n dziili LLL n 1 sufferer; a poor person
dziisa LHL v warm something up
dzikila LLL v put into ground, as when transplanting small plants
dzikunuka LLLL v become uprooted
dzikunula LLLL v uproot something
dzila HH v smear the floor with mud mixed with cow dung and water
bu dzilo HL n 14 floor newly smeared with mud plus dung, smelling very fresh
dzilunula LHHL v re-do the smearing of the floor with mud mixed with dung
dzima HH v extinguish; go out, as a fire or some light
dzimidza LHL v remove all traces of something; cause to get lost
dzimila LHL v go astray; wander; get lost
ba dzimu HL n 2 spirits; ancestors long dead, believed to influence and control events.
ku dzimu HL n 17 heaven
N dzimu HL n 1 God
dzimula LHL v allay, as with something hot by pouring cold liquid into it; dilute or reduce heat, beer etc.
mi dzing’wana LHH n 2 troubled ancestoral spirits making a child sick
dziya HL v be warm; warm oneself
dzondola LLL v look askance at; make a sneering look
ma dzonge LH n 6 sediments of standing water
dzu L n 5 eagle
dzudzu LH n 5 a turncoat; a cheat; one who never tells the truth
dzuka LL v develop a rash
dzula LL v rape
dzulula LHL v smear mud on the wall
dzungu HL n 9 dizziness; vertigo
dzungudza LHL v rinse out something
n dzwa H n 3 strap
dzwa L v belch
chi dzwa L n 7 thigh
dzwala HL v plant
edza LL v imitate
edzisa HHL v spending the evening doing something
ma edziso HHL n 6 evening time games or conversations; social functions in the evening before retiring to bed
ee LL adv. yes
emeri HHL n 5 bucket
emugwa LLL v be desired
emula LLL v desire; want
enda LL v go; go away
ma enda-mbeli LLLH n 6 first fruits; corn that ripens before the rest of the harvest; poor quality of sorghum
bu endasi LLH n 14 frustration; sadness and boredom
endisa LLL v hasten; cause to walk
gu endo LL n 11 journey; a pilgrimage
nj endo LL n 10 journeys; travels; pilgrimages
chi enga HL n 7 piece of broken clay pot, commonly used for grounding tobacco
engemala LLLL adj. still, as of water; Holy
ba engi LL n 2 nurses
ng’w eni LH n 1 owner; master
b eni LH n 2 owners
m eno LH n 6 teeth
erebhu LHL n 10 pods that grow on a tree, favourite food for goats
m esho LH n 6 eyes
ezedza LLL v put to sleep, as a child
ezela LLL v sleep; go to bed
ng’w ezi LH n 1 visitor or guest
b ezi LH n 2 visitors; guests
bu fa H n 14 inheritance
fa H v die
zwi fafa HL n 8 epilepsy; epileptic fits
chi fani LH n 7 surname
fanila HHL v. aux. ought; must; need to; look very nice on someone, as of some garment
fanilo HHL n 9 obligation; duty; right; a requirement
i fano HL n 7 physical likeness; resemblances, particularly of individuals
fantisi LHL n 9 garage sale; sell by auction
feidza HHL v cause to fail
feila HHL v fail
fele LL n 5 cockroach
fema LL v breathe
femeleka LLLL v breath heavily because of over-exertion
fepHa HH v blow the nose
fesitere HHLL n 5 window
n fi H n 1 dead person
fidza HL v finish
fiko HL n 5 small tree branch put in a bucket full of water so it does not spill while carrying it
fila HL v get to the end; die at
fivara HLH n 9 a fever
fojo HL n 9 tobacco
foro HL n 9 furrow in a ploughed field
foroko HHH n 9 fork
foromu LLL n 9 mould, used for moulding bricks
fosholo HHL n 9 spade
founi HHL n 9 telephone
nji fu H n 10 deaths
lu fu H n 11 death
i fuba HH n 7 chest; breast as of chicken; a cough; sputum; phlegm
fuba HH v become dwarfed as a person, animal or plant
fuka HL v wear, as a blanket
fukula LLL n 9/10 bitch
fula LL v graze, as of animals
fula HH v blow something off by breath, as of dust or small particles of something
fulawa LHL n 9 bread flour
fulele HHH n 9 mist; fog
fulemachini LHHHL n 9 flying machines; aeroplanes
fuleni HHL n 9 flannel
fulo HH n 5 foam; froth; scum on water
fuluka HHL v remove one’s abode; depart; migrate; move house
fuma HH v be rich
fumbatila HHHL v make a fist; clasp, as of a fist
n fumi HH n 1 a rich person
fumika HHL v cover up something
fumula HHL v uncover, as of a lid
funda HH v sip or eat something and keep in mouth
fung’wa HL n 9 riches
funya HH v sit crosslegged
funye HL n 7 go-away birds
fupa HH n 5 bone; jealousy
fupatila HHHL v turn one’s back upon
fupi HH adj. short
fupi-fupi HHLL adj. very short
furisilaxa HHLLL n 9 thin rope at the end of a whip used when cracking the whip
ma futa HH n 6 oil; body creams of all types
futa HH n 5 piece of fat
gaberi LLH n 7a turtle
gabha LH n 5 bucket; tin
gabi LH n 5 lash; euphemism for a snake at night
gabuka LLL v has had a large opening
gabula LLL v make a large opening; rip open
ma gada LH n 6 sediments or dregs of traditional beer
gagadzahamba LLLHL n 5 crab
ma gai LH n 6 eggs or nits of fleas or lice
gaisa LHL v grind, as of corn
n gaiso LHL n 3 grinding mills; mills; ground corn
gakhwa HL n 5 pool of water (not manmade)
gala LL v sit down; dwell; live
gala-bge LLL v trust; believe in
gala-bheya LLHL v sit indecently exposing some private part of the body
gala-moyo LLLL v be satisfied
n gali LL n 1 dweller; inhabitant of
gali-dema LHLH n 5 gathering by family and relatives after a bereavement when food is prepared the dead person’s belongings are distributed among the children
galidza LLL v sit on someone’s place or seat
galila LLL v to wait for; stay or live for
zwi galila-migoti LLLLHL n 8 the first small breasts that a young girls grows
gama LL v catch in the hand, as of a ball
gamu HL n 5 relative
ganda HL n 5 skin, as of a human being or an animal; peel, as of a fruit
gandana LHH n 5 strip of a tattered garment; a tattered garment
gando LL n 5 lean animal; an emanciated animal; meat from a very lean animal
gangari LHL n 5 sweet wild bulb
gangwa LL n 5 peel of a watermelon
ganyu LH n 5 membrane
garaji LHL n 9 garage
gaswa LH n 5 half; remainder
gat’e LH n 5 bitter wild melon
gavu LH n 5 species of gourd eaten when tender
bu gebeng’a LHL n 14 gangstership
geidi LHL n 9 gate
gele LL v be seated
gesi HL n 9 gas
geyara LHH n 9 gear
n gibelo LHL n 3 Saturday
nji go L n 10 serving spoons; ladles
lu go L n 11 ladle
go L n 5 wasp
ma go L n 6 wasps; hornets
n gobhani LHL n 3 intestinal disorder
n godi LH n 3 mine
chi gogoro LLL n 7 hardened caterpillar in the ground before it hatches to be a butterfly
gola HL n 5 vulture; a black vulture
gole LH n 5 year; cloud
golelino LHHH n 5 this year
gololwani LLLL n 5 white-billed storks
gomba LH n 5 hole; opening dug on the ground
gombo HL n 5 new field which is being ploughed the first time
gombo HH n 5 enlarged navel
gondalume LLLL n 5 tall and stout male person
gonde LL n 5 cactus
gondolo LLH n 5 big calf, fit to weaned; a grown up child
gonya HL v sleep with ones legs folded back
gonyana LLH n 5 worm; maggot
gonye LL n 5 big worm
ma gonye LL n 6 game of touching by kids
gonye-danga LLLH n 5 worm of the type found in the kraal
gopo LH n 5 blind eye of either a person or an animal; a blind thing or person (derogative)
n goro HL n 3 trough which cattle to drink from or be fed from; a boat or a canoe
chi goro HL n 7 cow or goat which does not have adequate milk to feed its calf
gorokoro LLLL n 5 windpipe
gorokorwana LLLLL n 5 creek
gorua LLL n 5 thin emancipated animal
lu goti HL n 11 big wooden spoon, used when brewing beer
gotsha LL n 5 shoot from the previous year’s corn stalk or root of a reed
govu HL n 5 greedy person
bu govu HL n 14 greed
gubungano LHHL n 5 assembly or gathering
n gudugudu LLLL n 3 rectum
gukhwa LH 5 5 a bag made from ox hide used for carrying sour milk
gukuno LHL n 5 salt licks; places in the veld when game and livestock come to lick
gukurume LHHL n 5 cock
gukuta LHL n 5 unbrayed and shrivelled skin
gula LL n 5 part of the field that is left in fallow for a particular season
gulu LH n 5 stomach
gululu LLL n 5 big lizard that lives on big boulders or large stones
guma LH n 5 wall
gumbatila LHHL v hold hard onto something; struggle with each other
gumbo LL n 5 leg; wheel; foot
gumi HL n 5 ten
gumu LH n 5 ox or cow without horns
gumula LLL v hit another with the head
gunda LL n 5 owl
gungubudza LLLL n 5 arge scorpion which is very poisonous
gungwana LLH n 5 wheel
guni HH n 5 log
guse HL n 5 big lump of fur
guta HL v be full; be satisfied with food
gutegute LHLL n 5 species of grasshopper or locust that is not edible
gutukutu LLLL n 5 verandah
guwo HH n 5 scream
guwu HH n 5 cave
gwa L v fight; quarrel
bu gwa H n 14 pus
gwadza HL v to hurt someone emotionally; to hurt physically.
gwadza-moyo HLLL v grieve; be hurt; sorrow
gwakwa LL n 5 spineless monkey orange fruit
gwakwa HL n 5 dry veld
bu gwala LH n 14 timidity; cowardice
gwala HL v sick; ill
gwala LH n 5 coward
gwamu LH n 5 human milk
nji gwana LH n 10 spoons; cutlery
lu gwana LH n 11 spoon
gwani LL n 5 leaf of corn, off the stalk
gwata LL v hide oneself
gwati LH n 5 outer bark of a tree
bu gwele HL n 14/6 illness; disease
n gwele HL n 1/2 patient; sick person
gwenya LH n 5 scabies
gwere-gwere LHLH n 5 type of wild bird
gwili LH n 5 potato
gwilikwiti LLLL n 5 measles
gwililila LHHL v repeat; go over again; revise
gwisa LH n 14 powder; flour
gwisa LL v struggle; try
gwisanya LLL v cause to quarrel or fight; stir up strife
n gwisanyi LLL n 1 mischief-maker; stirrer of a strife
ha L conj. if; when
hadzi HH adj. female, as of an animal
hakata LHL n 10 divining bones
lu hala LH n 10 shotgun; ball bearings
hali HH n 9 pot
halula LHL v escape; survive
n hama LL n 3 half of the body
hama HH n 9 relative
hamba HH n 9/10 tortoise
hamilo LHL n 9 small milking bucket
hamujana LHLH n 9 small hammer
hamuli LHL n 9 hammer
hang’ara LHH n 9 hanger
hanga HH n 9/10 guinea fowl
hangang’wa LHH n 10 forgetfulness
hanya LL n 10 shame
hanyaa-paladza LLLLLL n 9 rhinoceros
hanyanisi LHHL n 9 onion
hapkha LH n 9/10 armpit
haraka LHH n 9 rake, used in the garden
hate HH n 9/10 headpad
hazwadzi HLL n 9/10 brother; sister; sibling
hlama LL n 9 fermented beer before it is boiled
hobana LLH n 10 streams
hobe HL n 9/10 fish
chi hoke HL n 7 hook, as of a stick
hoko HL n 9 an enclosure for fowls
hola LL n 9 grown-up; elder
holo HL n 9 hall
hombana LHH n 10 finger or toe nails
hombela LLL n 9/10 antbears
homo HH n 9/10 bags; sacks
hong’wana LHH n 9 small bag or sack; a pouch
honyana LLH n 10 worms
hope HH n 10 eye lashes; sleep
hotela LHL n 9 hotel
hubadzi LHL n 10 injuries
hudzululu LHLL n 9 blackbird
huku HH n 9/10 fowl; chicken
hukwana LHH n 9 chick; chicken
huleha LHL v inspan; tie up an animal
hulo LL n 9/10 tonsils
huluba LHL n 9 dust; powder
hulula LHL v unbound, as of oxen that were inspan; outspan; unbound or set free
hulunula LLLL v unload; take out of something e.g. a truck
huma LL n 9 big forehead that protrudes into the front
hungubele LHLH n 9/10 butterfly
huni HH n 10 firewood
hupa HL n 9/10 ticks; bush lice
n huta HL n 3 kind or type
hutara LHH n 9 hooter
n hutha HL n 4 fenced passages for handling cattle for spray dipping
hutshe HL n 9/10 hat
hutshe HL n 9 hat
mi hwa H n 3/4 thorn
hwa H v hear
hwachulo LLL n 9/10 mushrooms
hwakwa LL n 10 dried fruit of wild orange
hwali LH n 9 patridge
hwalo HL n 10 books; letters
hwanano LHL n 9 mutual friendship
hwarakwara LLLL n 10 type of birds
ma hwi H n 6 voices
hwi H n 5 voice
hwidza HL v make to taste
hwika HL v be audible; be heard of; taste, as salt or spicing in a dish of meat
hwila HL v feel, as with pain
hwila-zogwadza HHLHL v to show mercy, compassion
hwilila LHL v hear about; hear of; listen
hwisa HL v cause to hear; give one to taste
hwisisa LHL v understand
bu hwola LL n 14 position of sinority; adulthood
hwoso LH n 9 type of traditional dancing to song while shaking a can or calabash full of small stones
hwoto LH n 9 the hornbill bird
hwudo LL n 10 baboons
hwumbu HL n 9/10 hunchback
pa hwunde HL adv. near; nearby
mu hwunde HL n 18 alongside; besides
icho HL pron. it (class 7)
ikweno HHL dem. there
ila LL v abstain from certain practices
imi LH pron. I; me
ing’wi LH dem. you (pl)
ini LH pron. what
invilopo HLHH n 9 an envelop
ipapa HLL dem. right here; here
ipi HL pron. which (cl.9)
iribadza LLLL v cause to faint; apply anasthesia
iribala LLLL v faint
isa LL v take to; take something to someone
zwi isana HHH n 8 small boys
ba isana HHH n 2 boys
chi isana HHH n 7 small boy
iswi LH pron. we; us
ita LL v do
iye HL pron. he; she
iyeje HLL dem. that one, over there
iyejee HLLL dem. that one, far away
iyeyi HLL dem. this one, nearest me
bu izelo LLL n 14/6 place for sleeping; bedroom
zwi ja L n 8 goods; luggage; household utensils
ja H v eat
chi ja L n 7 plate or household utensils; vessel
n ja L n 3 errand
jabathu LHL n 5 cannibal; man-eater
jacha LL n 5 old hut which is almost in ruin
jaiva LHL v jive
jaji HL n 9 judge
n jaka LH n 3 sound made with fingers when pounding corn
n jalakang’wa LHHL n 10 thoughts; ideas
jalo HL v to say so
jarada LHH n 9 yard or compound; yard length of material
ma jaratini LLHL n 6 explosives; dynamite
jasi HL n 5 coat
jaxa LL v hasten
jaxa LH n 5 youth; young man
jekecheke LLHH n 5 big knife
n jekesa LHL n 10 prostitute
jeki HL n 9 jug; jack
jele LL n 9 prison
n jelele LHH n 9 type of hawk
jeli HL n 9/10 jelly
jemu HL n 9/10 jam
jenamiso LHHL n 5 surprise; wondering
jende LL n 5 testicle
jenetha LHH n 5 straw ant
jenjedhu LHH n 5 clever person
jeremani LHLL n 5 traditional dress for women, so named after the type of material used
jesi LH n 7 sweater; jersey
lu ji H n 11 right hand
n jiba LL n 9 dove
jila HH n 5 cloth
jinyo HL n 5 money paid to a girl’s parents by a boy’s parents after he’s made her pregnant
chi jiso HL n 7 oral poison
n jita LH n 3 fellow
ma jo H n 6 lots of types of food
joki HL n 5 yoke
n jujuru HLH n 3 wild plant
kaamudza HLHL v stop raining
kabhukana HLHL adv. splash and spill, as water while being carried in a container
n kabo LL n 3 type of calabash
kadula HHL v hit another
n kadzi HH n 1 woman; a wife
chi kadzi HL n 7 female one; womanly
i kaka HL n 7 desert
n kaka LL n 3 milk
kakale LHL adv. again; once more
kakang’wa LLL v stammer; stutter
n kakhwa HL n 3 cooked and dried maize
ma kaki LH n 6 khakhi-coloured clothes
kala HL v to weigh
bu kalagwa HHL n 14 of the parents-in-law, of the wife’s side
n kalagwa HHL n 1 parent-in-law, of the wife’s side
kalaka HHH n 9 lime; whitewash
i kale HL n 7 measure; amount; a scale
kale LL adv. already
kama HH v milk, as of cows; comb one’s hair
i kamba HH n 7 back of the body
kambaila HHHL v crawl, as of a baby; creep
kamela LHL n 9 camel
n kami HL n 1 someone who does the milking
kampa HH n 9 camp
ma kamu HL n 6 relatives
kamu HL n 9 comb
kang’waza HHH adv. on purpose; intentionally
kanga HL v roast; fry
kangang’wa HHL v forget
kangula HHL v wear something new for the first time
kanya LL v roll up, as the legs of a pair of trousers or of shirt sleeves
kanyi HL n 17 home
kapa HH v unsettle, as sediments in water, ie. to cause to be muddy
kapi HL n 9 baby’s sun hat
kapuku LHL n 9 snow
i kara HL n 7 share, of a plough
kara HL n 9 car
karata HHH n 9 cards
mo kashe LL n 3 lean starved dog
kat’a LL v become tame; docile
kat’a HH v play on something either making it dirty or spoiling it
kat’ana HHL v coiled up, as a snake
kat’isa LLL v discipline or train as of an animal
n kat’iswani LLLL n 3 young ox being broken in to be yoked, or a young cow being trained to be milked
lu kata HH n 11 heirloom
katara HHL n 9 guitar, musical instrument
kaThulo HHL n 9 sentence or a verdict; judgement
pa kati LH n 16 middle
katila HHL v cushion a load carried on the head
katsha LL v crush s.o., as with a stone
katsi HL n 7 cat
kaya LL v describe; say
kaya HH v tie together the hing legs of a cow so that it stand still while milking it
i kayi LH n 7 example
n kayo HH n 3 rope used for fastening a cow’s legs when being milked
keetani HHLL n 9 chain
kekedza HHL v cackle, as a hen in search of a place to make a nest
keleka HHL v examine; look into carefully
kene LL conj. perhaps; or; either
kenta HL v inject
n kento HL n 3 injection; vaccination
i kepe HH n 7 ship
kepesi HHL n 9 cap
kera HL v cut hair; shave
n keri HH n 1 barber
i kero HL n 7 pair of scissors
keta HL v to play a counting game with stones
i kete HL n 7 skirt
ketHa LL v pluck a fruit, branch, leaf etc; reap by breaking off the heads
dzi keto HL n 10 counting game of stones
i keyi HL n 7 yoke-pin
dzi khaba HL n 10 curses, believed to be cast on a person by a displeased relation
khaba LL v dress elegantly or smart; show off
khabankaka LHHL n 9 type of plant which grows a big round root on the ground
khabidza LLL v to sit properly not showing one’s underwear
khabisa LLL v decorate; make beautiful; garnish
n khabiso LLL n 4 decoration; embroideries
n khabo LL n 3 smart clothes; fashion
khaboti HHL n 9 cupboard
n khacha LL n 3 valley; dale
khaisa HHL v to out do someone in a competition; excel; surpass
khaisana HHHL v to out do each other
khama HL v choke a person or thing; throttle
khandela HLH n 5 candle
khani HH n 10 news; a court case; topic of discussion
khapa LL v to smear a floor or wall with dung making different beautiful patterns
khapita HHL v to choke, when drinking or eating sometthing
li khapo LL n 11 patterns made on the floor or the wall with cow dung
khari LL n 5 slice of water melon with or without the edible part
khata HH v amuse; cause to laugh
khaula HHL v to stop doing an undesirable thing, often as a result of punishment or reprimand
khawa LL n 9 dew
khefi HL n 9 cafe
kheipi HHL n 9 collar
ma khekhe HH n 6 fat cakes; dornuts
kheroti HHL n 9 carrot
khetha LL v pay tax; select or choose
n khethi LL n 1 taxpayer
n khethisi LHL n 1 tax collector
khiba HL n 9 apron; pinafore
khiga HL v help to put a load on someone’s head
khina LL v knee-halter a donkey or a horse
khirisimusi HHHLL n 9 Christmas
khiyi HL n 9 key
khole LH n 9 rope held by someone leading cattle in a span
khona LL v manage; accomplish something
khona HH v take a turn at a corner
khong’wana LHL n 9 young yearling ox
khonsata HLH n 9 concert
khoodza-ntanda HHLHL n 7a/2a woodpecker
khubu HL n 9 swing
khubula HHL v to swing, as in a swing
khunou HHL adj. denotes an ox or any male animal that is reddish brown in colour
khunwana HHL adj. denotes a cow or any female animal that is reddish brown in colour
khupe LL n 7 hare (used as a totem)
khuta LL v miss a target
khuta HH n 9 enclosure where the community assembles to discuss matters of importance to the community; a council
khuwa HL n 5 white person; European
i khuwa HL n 7 English language
chi khwa L n 7 veld; bush on the countryside
khwa H v dry up, as of a well; pound, as with corn
n khwa H n 1 Bushman, or Mosarwa in Tswana
zwi khwa L n 8 forests; clumps of trees; jungles
kHwana HL n 9/10 wild animal of the jackal family, eats goats
khwathe LH n 9/10 inguana
khwathisa LLL v strike on the back using either a big stick or a whip
kHwe H n 9/10 sweet reed; sugar cane
n khwe L n 3 crack
n khweetsi HHL n 1 driver
khwila HL v pound, as of some grain, for/at; to dry up, as of a pot on fire
bu khwilo HL n 14 flour from grounded peanuts
khwiriri LLL n 5 snore
khwiriridza LLLL v snore
khwisa HL v dry up of a cow’s milk as a result it starts driving away the calf
kHwizana LLH n 9/10 lamb
kHwizha LL n 9/10 giraffe
kHwizi LL n 9/10 sheep
kitili HHL n 9 kettle
koama HHL v stay put, as a group of waiting people
koba LL v distribute or give away as a present
n koba LL n 3 door; an entrance; gateway
kobana LLL v apportion tasks or things mutually
li kobana LLH n 11 stream
kobanya LLL v distribute indiscriminately and aimlessly; squander
kobeka LLL v be distributable
n kobi LL n 1 distributor or a giver
kobola HHL v to stamp wild raisins in a mortar with a pestle
koboto HHL n 9 cupboard
ma koda LL n 6 bow-legged
kodhu LH adj. fat; big
kodzonga HHL v stir; row a boat
koga HL aux. v however; nevertheless; only
koga HL conj. only
n kojwana LLH n 3 small opening between two posts
i koka HL n 7 blackjack; grass that sticks on to clothes
koka HH v invite
bu koko HH n 14/6 crust on the side or botton of a utensil in which food was cooked
kokodza HHL v knock, as on a door
i kokola HHH n 7 elbow
kokonola LLLL v remove something that had hardened onto another hard surface
kokorobhana HHHHL v corrugate; crimp; make wrinkles in
kokota HHL v eat the remnants; scrape something with a finger
kologwe LLH n 7a/2a last-born child in the family
n kololo HHH n 1 son of; daughter of
kolomola HHHL v dismantle; destroy
kolota HHL v owe; take on credit
koloyi HHL n 9 wagon; vehicle
bu komba LL n 14 stubbornness
komba HH v to surround something
kombama HHL adj. crooked, not straight
n kombe HL n 3 dry gourd used for drawing water
kombela HHL v help in a fight by also beating the person being fought
i kombo HH n 7 navel; belly button
lu kombo LL n 11 threshing stick; a big stick
kometHela HHHL v nail to; knock in, as of a nail or a peg
n komoto HHL n 3 traditional dancing to a rhythm of drums
kona LL v refuse
konesa LLL v cause to be difficult
kong’wa LL v fail; not succeed
i kongo LL n 7 clitoris
n kono HL n 3 bull
mi kono HL n 3 January; bulls
i konsi HL n 7 scone
i kontiri LHL n 7 tar
i konyana LLH n 7 insect
koobedza HLHL v to kill an animal that is already wounded or suffering; kill a person already helpless
i kopelo LLL n 7 safety pin
kopelo HHL n 9 hymn book
kopi HL n 9 cup
kopodza HHL v to get something in the eye; dazzle
korokorwana LLLLL n 9 padlock
koroni LHL n 9 crown
kose HL pron. all
n kosho LL n 3 type of tree
koshodza HHL v cause to cough
koshola HHL v cough
n kota LH n 3 epistaxis; haemorrhage from the nose
kotama LLL v stoop; crouch, as if hiding; bend forward
kotamuka LLLL v to unbend; to straighten
kotHomela HLHL v nail into, as with a nail
kotoka LLL v arrive; reach one’s destination
bu kotokelo LLLL n 14 place of arrival; station
kotosa LLL v bring cattle home; marry a wife
kotoshio LLHL n 7a small type of owl
i kotsikara HHHL n 7 donkey cart
i kowa LL n 7 weakling; sickling
koyi LH n 9 skipping rope
ku-kwe LH poss. his; hers
n kuba HL n 3 Acacia burkei; Acacia negriscenstree
i kuba HL n 7 chaff from grain; a useless person or animal
kubadza HHL v hurt someone where it is sore or where there is a sore
kubala HHL v get hurt or injured
kubi LH adv. a lot
kubikubi LHLL adv. a lot more
kubungana HHHL v assemble; gather together
kubunganya HHHL v gather things together; gather into a group
mu kuchukuchu HHHH n 3 watermelon that is just water inside i.e. gone bad
kudula HHL v knock one with head
kudza HL v bring-up a child; cause to grow
kudza LH conj. until
kuelela HHHL v jeer at someone; make fun of by loud abusive shouts
kukama HHL n 9 gemsbok or oryx gazelles
n kuku LL n 3 stream
kuku LH n 1a grandmother
kukubugwani HHHLL n 7a/2a beetle
kukula HHL v scrape a surface, as a pot with a scraper
i kukulo HHL n 7 scraper, used on pots
kukumuka LLLL v rise in bulk or increase; raise as of dough
kukuna HHL v eat meat off a bone
kula HH v grow in height or age; has grown tired of something
Kula HL n 5 Indian
kula LL v weed, using a hoe or a spade
bu kule LL n 14 far; distance
kulekule LLLL adv. far away; far off
kulidzila HHHL v pull up trousers or underwear when hanging low when worn
kuligwa HHL v be in an advanced stage of pregnancy
bu kulu HL n 14 greatness; age; position of importance
i kulu LH n 7 impetigo; ringworm
n kulu HL n 1 an elder; an older sibling
kulukugwi HHHL adj. old, as of a garment or utensil
bu kulukulu HHLL n 14 largeness; huge
kulukulu LHLL adj. big; huge
kulumuka HHHL v come in large numbers as of people
kuma LL v touch lightly intentionally
kuma HL v roar as of a bull or a lion; groan from pain
kumba LL v visit
kumbila HHL v beg; ask for; request
kumbudzana HHHL v remind each other
kumbula HHL v think; ponder; consider
n kumbulo HHL n 3 idea; thought
kumbuludza HHHL v cause to recollect; remind
kunda HH v defeat
n kundi HL n 1 victor; conqueror
kundiwa HHL v being overpowered or defeated
kung’we LL adv. anywhere
kunguludza HHHL v roll something on the ground; cause a thing to roll down, as a tank
kunguluka HHHL v roll down a steep slope; tumble down
i kungululu HHLH n 7 reel of thread
lu kuni HL n 11 piece of wood
n kununu HHH n 3 creeper like plant that grows small melons that are edible
kunupo HHL n 9 button
i kunyana HHH n 7 twig
n kupa-vula HHLL n 3 ox’s dewlap
i kupu LH n 7 water container
kurukidza HHHL v pacify an infant
bu kuse HL n 14 fur; animal hair
kusi LH adv. underneath; below
kuswa HL v sharpen, as a knife
li kuta HL n 11 fence around a field of branches of trees; a hedge; a fence
i kuta HL n 7 motorbike
kutHa LL v to come in contact with unintentionally
kutHiwa LLL v trip on; stumble on
n kutHu LH n 3 type of tree
n kutHu-lifumo LLHHL n 3 type of tree
kutHubula HLHL v remove leaves and twigs from a branch from a tree
kuti HL conj. so that; in order that
kuti LL conj. that
kuwa HL v shout loudly; scream
i kuyu LH n 7 water bottle; large container used for carrying water or liquid
kuzwa HH v be with small chicks of a hen
n kwakwa LL n 3 spineless monkey orange tree
ma kwakwa HL n 6 dry velds
n kwala LH n 3 foot mark, as of an animal
kwala HL v write
n kwaleri HHL n 1 secretary
n kwali HL n 1 writer
lu kwalo HL n 11 book; letter
i kwama HH n 7 purse
kwamula LLL v break off something
kwanga LL v be full of milk, as of an animal or a human being; have plenty of fruit in a fruit tree
kwanyula LLL v remove the corn from the stalks
ma kwapa LL n 6 rough surface, as the body of a reptile
bu kwasha HL n 14 of the in-laws, of the husband’s side
n kwasha HL n 1 son-in-law; the bridegroom
i kwashi HL n 7 squash
i kwata LL n 7 group of people
kwaula HHL v break off a branch or twig at its junction with the rest of the tree
ma kwayi HL n 6 rumours; hearsay
kwazo HL adv. much; hard
kwazokwazo HLHL adv. a lot more
kweba LL v pull; draw in or out
kweba-makumbo LLLLL v walk slowly; drag one’s feet
kwegula HHL v become old, or aged
i kwele HL n 7 school
kwemula LLL v break off a piece, as of a cup, dish etc.
kwemulanya LLLL v to separate mutually amongst
i kweya HL n 7 square or platform
lu kwezha HL n 11 millet or small type of grain that is used in brewing traditional beer
kwiba HL v steal; pilfer
kwiila HHL v to mate, as of animals
n kwinya HL n 1 peer; companion; comrade
kwiya LL v grind, as corn to make flour
labana LLL v take turns at something
labanya LLL v make alternate; make take turns
labhula HHL v throw away abruptly, as with a hand or with a stick
labidza LLL v cause to taste food
labila LLL v taste food especially while cooking
labuka HHL v to run
labukila HHHL v try to catch up with someone in a distance; go after; run for
ladzika HHL v cause or help to lie down; be hospitalized
ma ladzwa HL n 6 leftover food from the previous day(s); nonsense, when someone is saying rubbish
lakidza HHL v show; explain the workings of; show to; point out to
ma lala LL n 6 refuse; gabbage
lala HH v lie down; spend the night
n lala LL n 3 wild plant used for making baskets
n lalabungu LLHL n 3 rainbow
n lalahanga HHHL n 3 type of tree
lalana HHL v have sexual intercourse
lalila HHL v brood over, as of hen on eggs; have an evening meal; ambush; do something for the whole night
laluka HHL aux. refers to a time past, especially the past year
lamba LL v refuse
lambi HL n 5 lantern; lamp
lambiwa LLL v be rejected; divorced
n landa LL n 1 slave; servant; serf
n landu LH n 3 fault; error; debt
landula LLL v deny a fault; give a negative answer
n landuli LLL n 1 one who gives the final condolence message at the funeral; report someone’s death
lang’wa LL v to sulk; to refuse, as when fed up
lang’wilana LLLL v refuse to associate with each other
langa LL n 5 white discharge of the eye
langwa HH n 5 sputum
lapa LL v to cure; heal
n lapi LL n 1 healer; doctor
lapkha LL v be cured or healed
lasha HL v cast away; throw away; misplace
lashika HHL v get lost; become cast away
lashila HHL v throw into; throw to
n lauri LHL n 1 governor; a ruler
mu lavu HL n 3 rabies; animal with rabies
bu lawo HL n 14/6 bed
n lawo LL n 3 law; regulation; rule
laya LL v instruct; lay down the rules; give advice, as when someone is getting married
chi layi HL n 7 slice
layila LLL v guide; instruct; direct; give a message
layilila LLLL v give message that something be done
chi layilo HHL n 7 evening meal; dinner; the sacrament taken in church
layita HHL v light some fire, a torch or a lamp
leba HL v talk; speak
lebanya HHL v babble; chatter or talk too much
chi lebanyi HHL n 7 babbler; gossip
n lebelekeli HHHHL n 3 lawyer
chi lebeleki HHHL n 7 speaker; an orator
lebesa HHL v cause to speak; speak to; tell the truth
lebeswa HHH n 5 truth
lecha LL v let alone; leave alone
lechedza LLL v leave alone
lechedzela LLLL v allow; permit
chi ledhu LL n 7 chin
lefu LH adj. tall; long
lefulefu LHLL adj. very long or tall
leisa HHL v cause to avoid something
lekula HHL v visit; call to enquire after the health of a sick person
lekulisa HHHL v tell friends or relatives on the health of someone sick
lele HL n 5 ladder
lele HH v is asleep
bu lelu HH n 14 lightness; not heavy; quick, easy, swift
lelu HL adj. light in weight
lema LL adj. heavy
lema HL v cause to form a habit; spoil a child
chi lema HL n 7 cripple; disabled person; a maimed animal
lemala HHL v get injured as a result be disabled; make a habit of something; get spoiled
lembedza LLL v dangle or carry by holding down loosely
lembeledza LLLL v hang down; suspend on something
lengudza HHL v make light (decrease weight)
bu lengwe HL n 14 foolishness
chi lengwe HL n 8 foolish person
n lenje LL n 3 custom; tradition
n leta LL n 3 wedding feast
lete HL v bring
leuka HHL v be sprained, as of an ankle or any joint
leula HHL v cause to sprain
levu HL n 5 edible inside of a watermelon
leya HH v avoid; go around something
leyana HHL v alternate; take turns; be mad at one another; pass each other going in opposite directions
leyanya HHL v make to cross the other
chi leyi HL n 7 sledge
chi leyiti HHH n 7 slate
lezwa HH v play with a baby
libilidza HHHL adj. do something quickly; hurry; be in haste
n libo HL n 3 type of greens
lidza LL v cause to cry; play a musical instrument; to ring; to dial, as a telephone
n lidzo HL n 3 whistle, produced by the lips
chi lidzo LL n 7 musical instrument
liga LL v let fall; drop something
ligila LLL v cast down to or for; bring to an end, as of speech; to finish; drop into
likhwa LL v be paid; be rewarded
lila LL v cry; weep; wail
chi lilo LL n 7 cry; mourning
lima LL v plough; till the ground in preparing for sowing some seeds; dig
lima HL n 5 darkness
lu limi HH n 11 tongue; language
n limi LL n 1 farmer; ploughman; a tiller of soil
chi limi HL n 7 speech empidement, as of a child learning to talk
n limisi LLL n 1 agricultural officer
chi limo LL n 7 summer season
limunula LLLL v plough fallow ground; replough a patch
linda LL v wait for; to stay in guard
n lindi LL n 1 one who guards corn against birds
chi ling’wana HHH n 7 velum
linga HH v look
linga LH n 5 type of bracelet
chi linga HH n 7 tendency to stare
linganya HHL v look in all directions, as when suspicious
lingilila HHHL v watch; gaze at
lingisana HHHL v be opposite each other; face each other
lingisisa HHHL v examine; look into carefully
lini HH adv. when
lini HH adv. when
lipa LL v to pay a debt; fine; or payment for services rendered
lipisa LLL v cause to pay one for some destruction
n lipo LL n 3 handle of a bucket or a pot, basin or cup
lisa HL v herd or look after, as of livestock
n lisi HL n 1 shepherd; herdboy
litsatsana LLLH adj. delicate or thin, as of a cloth
lizana LLL v fit properly
lizanya LLL v make equal; measure; try on some clothes
loba HL v beat or hit
chi lobe LL n 7 large cakes of dry dung
lobodza HHL v to give away, as in marriage; officiate a marriage; cause to marry
lobola HHL v marry
ma lobolo HHL n 6 lobola; money or cattle normally paid by the groom to the bride’s parents before marriage
logwa HL v be spanked; be beaten; be hit
chi loko LH n 7 black earth; hard baked earth
n lolwani HHH n 3 border; boundary
lombe LL n 5 singer
n lomo LL n 3 mouth; beak of a bird; an opening
londa LL n 5 boil; sore
londa LL v go after; follow; trace, as someone who is lost
longa LL v put into; insert
longa-zhoba LLLH v make noise
longanilo LLLL n 5 joint, in the body
chi longo LH n 7 water pot; earthen pot; a clay pot
n longo LL n 1 bride; daughter-in-law
longoloka LLLL v follow each other in order, as when in a queue
longolosa LLLL v set in order; arrange in order
n longwe HL n 3 type of tree
lonjelela LLLL v thread something, as beads in a string
chi lopa LL n 7 liver
ma lopa LL n 6 blood
lopa LL n 5 drop of blood
chi lopo HL n 7 pillow case
n lota LL n 3 ash
lowa LL v bewitch
n loyi LL n 1 wizard; witch
bu loyi LL n 14 witchcraft
luba LH n 5 cotton wool; flower
bu lubi LL n 14 brain; intelligence
luka LL v knit; plait; weave
luka-maano LLLLL v to plan; to devise means
n luki LL n 1 weaver; one who knits or crotch
n luko LL n 3 pattern of weaving; a knitting pattern; plait pattern
lulwama LLL v nice; honest; just
n lulwamisi LLLL n 1 one who puts things right or straight
luma HL v bite; sting; infect with venereal disease; eat the first fruits
n lume HH n 1 man
chi lume HH n 7 pertaining to man; manly
n lumetate HHHH n 1 grown man
lumika HHL v cup; have blood drawn by cupping
chi lumiki LLL n 7 one who cups or extracts blood by means of a horn
chi lungwani LLL n 7 pinnacle, as of a hut
n lunyana HHH n 1 best man; the young brother of ones husband
lutsHi LH n 11 soft inner bark of a tree used for making a string
ma H v stand; stop; menopause; to marry
maama HHL v wander about aimlessly
mabasheto HLHL n 7a type of weed
machibogwe HLLH n 7a/2a type of tree
madekwana LHLH n 17 evening
madekwe LHL n 17 yesterday
maga HL n 9/10 mug
mahadzi HHH n 1a father’s sister, an aunt
makasitirata HHLLHL n 1a/2a magistrate
makat’e LHL n 7a/2a bridesmaid
makenyi LHL n 17 last year
makenyuja LHHL n 17 year before last
mampanyamanya HHHHH n 7a/2a wasp that comes out of the ground after the rain and is edible
mana HL v too small a size to fit into something; too tight
manchese HHL n 7a big beetle
mandana HHL v be crowded, as of people in a hall
chi manga LL n 7 maize; maize cob
mangwana LHL n 17 tomorrow
mangwanana LHHH n 17 early morning; early mornings
manikana HHHL v be crowded; press upon each other in a crowd
manikano HHHL n 10 problems; inconveniences
manikanya HHHL v cause to be crowded; cause to be in a difficult position; make uncomfortable
manila HHL v to get stuck in something
manini HHL n 1a/2a mother’s younger sister; an aunt
mankhwakwarara HHHLL n 7a/2a cricket
mankhwanyahali HLLHL n 7a/2a praying mantis
manlembe HHL n 7a/2a bat, a bird
mannyongovi HHHH n 7a/2a snail
mantHumbe HHL n 7a/2a insect that lives in a grass-woven case and moves around carrying it
mantokwe HLH n 7a/2a honey made by small black bees in hollows of dead trees
chi mata LL n 7 fool; idiot
mauru LHL n 6 cooked dry maize
mba H v sing
mbaakanyo HHHL n 9 preparation; a correction
mbaba HH n 9 Winter season
mbadhu LL n 10 ribs
mbako HL n 9 the process of building; bulding
mbale LH n 10 burns or scorchmarks due to basking by the fire or in the sun
mbanje LH n 10 dagga; marijuana drug
mbano LL n 9/10 firstborn child
mbasela LHL n 9 bonus; something one is given after buying something
mbatata LHH n 9/10 type of sandal shoe made from tyres
mbatsha LL n 10 splinters of wood; danger
mbava LH n 9/10 thief
mbeba LL n 9/10 rat; mouse
mbeleko LLL n 9/10 skin or cloth in which a baby is carried on the back
mbeli LH n 17 genital organs; in front of; ahead; forward
mbewu HL n 9 seeds, to be sown when ploughing
mbezho LL n 9/10 adze
chi mbi H n 7 a singer
mbidzo LL n 9 yeast
mbiganyo HHL n 9 funeral
mbila HL n 9/10 rock rabbits
mbila LH n 9 gruel, a very thin porridge made for babies or very sick people
mbipo HL n 9 ugliness
mbisa HL v cause to sing; conduct a choir
mbiyo LL n 10 labia
mbizi LH n 9/10 communal work; a horse
mbizi-ye-shango LLHLL n 9 zebra
nji mbo H n 10 songs
lu mbo H n 11 song; tune
mbodza LL n 9 badly prepared food
mbomboro HHH n 10 ants
mbonje LL n 10 injuries
mbotana LLH n 9 small calf, that which is a few days old to a few weeks
mbuba LL n 9 provision; food for the journey
mbudzana HLH n 9/10 kid goat
mbudzi HH n 9/10 goat
mbujo HL adj. naked; lack the covering required for decency
mbumula LLL v beat hard
mbuno LL n 9/10 pip of a fruit or berry
ma mburumburu LLLL n 6 crumbs, as of bread or food
mela LL v germinate; sprout
ma mela LL n 6 sprouted corn, used in brewing traditional beer
m mela LL n 3 small corn plants just after sprouting
chi melamela LLLL n 7 sweet beer
li mende HL n 11/6 spleen
menya HL v peel off, as the peel of an orange
menyeka HHL v capable of being peeled off
chi menyenga HHL n 3 food without relish
menyengela HHHL v eat food without relish
li menyo HL n 11 small black ants
li meshwe LH n 11 left hand
m mete HL n 3 mat; carpet
metHa HH v pluck off, as feathers from a chicken
metHu HH adj be in calf or lamb; be pregnant, of an animal
meya LH n 3 spirit; breath
chi meya LH n 7 spiritual; pertaining to spirit
mezwale HLL n 1a mother-in-law
chi mi H n 7 whip, the type used on oxen
midula HHL v lift something that is heavy
midza LL v swallow down food
zhi midza-mbila LLLH n 21 huge mamba snake
m midzo LL n 3 throat; oesophagus
migwa HL v have an erection
mijana LLH n 3 small mucus
mila HL v call to express condolences
ma mila LL n 6 mucus
mila LL v get lost; set, as of the sun
mile HL v be standing
m mili HH n 3 native chess game
milidza HHL v to lift up, as of something
milidza-zebe HHLLH v be alert; be watchful
m milidzi HHL n 1 one who lifts up
milika HHL v stand up
milila HHL v wait for
n milili HHL n 1 defence counsel; legal practitioner
bu milo HL n 14 station, as of buses, train, taxis etc.
chi milo LL n 7 nose
mima HL n 9 alarm; loud shout; a scream
mimila HHL v scream loudly; shout or cry loudly
chi mimila HHH n 7 rotten egg that refused to hatch
mimina LLL v strain, as of liquid
minisitara HHLLH n 9 government minister
minyalala HHHL v walk straight, with chest out and head bent backwards
mme H n 1a mother
mmebakulu HLHL n 1a maternal aunt, older than one’s mother
mmeyabe HLH n 1a his/her mother
mmeyabo HLH n 1a your mother
chi mo H n 7 status
ma mo H n 6 rank; position of importance; status
zwi mo H n 8 statuses
bu mo H adv. instead
momo LH n 3 shin bone
mona HH v twist, as the lid of a bottle; wring, as the neck of a bird
chi monamoni HHHL n 7 very thick or hard porridge
monga LL n 9 honey made underground by small black bees which do not sting
mongo LH n 3 bone marrow
moto LH n 3 fire; heat
motokara HHHL n 3 car
moulo HHL n 3 mule
mowa LL n 5 cockscomb; a species of vegetable, used as relish
moyo LL n 3 heart
moyo-mbi LLH n 3 evil-heartedness
moyo-mbuya LLLL n 3 nice or good-hearted
moyo-nchena LLLL n 3 merry-hearted; happiness
moyo-nlefu LLLH n 3 patience
mpheechani HHLL n 7a/2a sandal (a shoe)
mpheeswani HHLL n 7a/2a rhinoceros
chi muamua LLLL n 7 idiot
muka LL v wake up; get up
mukigwa LLL v have an erection
mukila LLL v rise up against; rebel against
ma muko LL n 6 health; state of wellbeing
muma HL v to shut the mouth, as of a person; be tight-lipped
mumakanya HHHL v unite; piece together
chi mumu HL n 7 dumb person
mundambeli LLLL n 1a name used for calling men of a particular totem
chi munika-nyemba LLLLL n 7 glow-worms; greenfly
muno HL adv. here, as of a place which is non-specific
munya LL v eat, as by white ants or termites
m muru HL n 3 screw; bolt; nut
musa LL v wake up someone from sleep
mutha HH v hold by the head while milking, as a goat
Mwali LH n 1 God
N’ompela HHL enum. one
na L conj. with; and
na L v rain
naka LL v be beautiful
nakisa LLL v to make beautiful; to beautify
nako LL n 9 time
nala LH adj. red brown markings on an ox
nama HH n 7 type of creeper has small white thorns
namatila LLLL v cling to; stick on or adhere to
namatilana LLLLL v cling or stick to each other
nambara HLH n 9 number
namuni LHL n 9/10 orange
namutshuka LLLL v become loose or detached, as of paper from a wall; pull off
namutshula LLLL v detach
chi nana HH n 7 rain frog
ba nana HH n 2 girls
zwa nana HH n 8 group of small children
nanayila HHHL v walk slowly
nangayila HHHL v walk
nanguba HHL adv. even though
naraki HHL n 9 naartjie (a type of fruit)
nasi HL adv. today
natHa HH v separate flour from coarse grain; sift or winnow
natsha LL v make beautiful; beautify
nazwa HH v lick, as with a tongue
nda H n 9/10 lice
n nda L n 3 field
ndabhatani LLHH n 3 month of March
ndakidzilo HHHL n 9 revelation
ndalama LLH n 9/10 beads; necklaces
ndale LH n 9 traditional beer which is being sold
ndalo HL n 9 sexual intercourse
ndapo LL n 9 cure; treatment
ndazula HLH n 9 type of traditional dancing to a rhythm of drums
ndeba HL n 9 whistle, an instrument as used by referees in games
ndebo HH n 9/10 dialogue; meeting; a conversation
ndechedzelo LLLL n 9 permit; permission
ndedhu LL n 10 beard
ndere HL n 7 type of wild bulb dug from the ground
ndigwana HLH n 9 bread plate; small plate or bowl
ndilo HL n 9 dish; plate
ndima LH n 9 small subdivisions of a field when ploughed; plots
ndimo LL n 9 ploughing season; agriculture
ndipo LL n 9 payment
ndobe LL n 9 newly deposited dung of cattle, it has many household uses
ndobolo HHL n 9 wedding; a marriage
ndoga HL adv. alone (1sg.)
ndongoloso LLLL n 9 agenda; programme
ndori HL n 7 sweet wild bulb
ndugwi LL n 9 bile
ndulamo LLL n 9 righteousness; justness
ndulo LL n 9 bile; gall
ndume HH adj. maleness, as of an animal
ndzerema HHL v make a loud sound, as of a cricket
ndzunge HL n 7/2a type of wild sweet bulbs
ne H conj. with; and
nebukhwa HHH n 1a name used for calling men of a particular totem
nekere LLL n 9/10 sweets; candy
nekwe HH prep. about
chi nena LL n 7 mons pubis; area above pubes
nenekedza LLLL v carry or use very carefully
nenguba HHL conj. even though
chi nepe HL n 7 photograph
neswimbo HHL n 1a name used for calling men of a particular totem
ng’a L n 5 cut on the sole of one’s foot
ng’amuka LLL v become stretched
ng’amula LLL v stretch
chi ng’ang’a LH n 7 Acacia mellifera tree or bush
ng’ang’a LL v argue
ng’ang’aba LLL v be on the verge of crying
bu ng’anga LL n 14 doctoring; medicine
ng’anga LL n 9 doctor; witchdoctor
ng’anga LL v scratch, as of one’s skin when itchy
ng’angahadzi LLHH n 9/10 stretchmarks on the body
ng’apa LL v scratch, as a thorn or a cat
ng’atha LL v to take a bite, as of food
ng’aya HL adj. tightness, to tie something tightly
ng’ina HL n 5 ear-ring
ng’olwana LHL adj. denote a goat with a hide that is nearly all black
ng’ombe LL n 9/10 cattle
ng’ong’ola LLL v grumble; to show dissatisfaction
ng’ong’olo LLL n 9 complaint
ma ng’oni LH n 6 problems; bruises; pains
ng’umba LH n 9/10 house; hut
ng’wanana LHH n 1 girl
chi ng’wango LL n 7 cultivating hoe
ng’waya LL v gather thatching grass
ng’waza LH adv. wilfulness; intentionally; without care
ng’wazha LH n 3 trail made by livestock in the forest
ba ng’we L n 2 others
n ng’we L n 1 someone; somebody
chi ng’we L n 7 something
ku ng’we L n 17 another
ng’wedzi LH n 3 moon; a menstruation period; month
chi ng’wi H n 7 heavy beer drinker
ng’wila HL v to sink; to drown
chi ng’wilo HL n 7 drinking vessel; a cup
ng’wina LH n 3 holes as of ants or wild animals
ng’wisa HL v to cause to drink; to breastfeed
ng’wise LH n 3 tail
ng’wisidzila HHHL v watering, as with plants
ngabe LH n 9 ox
ngamula LLH n 9/10 grown-up young man
ngano LL n 10 folk tales
lu ngano LL n 11 folk tale
ngayi HL adv. where
ngee LL ideo. brighten, as at dawn
ngeno HL adv. here
ngina HL v enter
nginilila HHHL v break in; intrude; jump the queue
ngobe HH conj. because
ngoni LL n 10 mercy
chi ngoringori HHHL n 7 small cap on the side of the ankle
ngubo LL n 9/10 blankets
ngulube LLL n 9 pig
chi ngungu HL n 7 gizzard
ngwa L n 9 fight; war
ngwe L n 9 tiger
ngwena LL n 9 crocodile
ngwenu LH adv. right now; at the present time
chi ngwenungwenu LHLL n 7 modern
ngwingwi LL n 10 gums
lu nji H n 11/10 knitting needle; a long needle used for sewing bags or sacks; an injection needle
bu nji H n 14 many; most
njinji HL adv. many
nkadzasha HHL n 1a name used for calling men of a particular totem
nkope-shulo HHHL adj. sleep with one’s eyes open
chi nkwa L n 7 bread
bu nna L n 14 forty cents
nna L enum. four
nokHwe LH n 1 so and so; such and such
nokola LLL v take a handful, spoonful etc., as of food
nongo HH n 5 groundnut
bu nono LH n 14 slowness
nonoka LLL v do something slowly
norobaki LLHL n 7a waistcoat
ma noto HL n 6 musical notes
nshashe LL n 7a/2a tick, causes tick fever
nsungwasha HHL n 1a name used to refer to men of a particular totem
nsunje LL n 7/2a small black ant with a very painful bite
ntemaphulu HHLH n 7/2a species of agama lizard
nTha H n 9 side
ntolo LH adj. long ago
ntolontolo LHLL adj. very long time ago; in the past
ntombo HH n 1a name used when calling men a particular totem
ntome LH adv. aside; out of alignment
ntule HL n 7/2a spring hare
n nuhwo LL n 3 smell, usually unpleasant; a stench
n nung’una HHL n 1 young sibling
nunga HL v pick; find a lost thing; pick up one by one
nungo LL n 9 nodes; syllables
nungu LH n 9 porcupine
nuwa LL v smell; sniff; inhale
nxa L interj. express disapproval, annoyance
nya L v defecate
bu nya L n 14 slowness, when doing something
zhi nyala HL n 21 thumb; big toe
nyala LL v become tired or weary; get exhausted
li nyala HL n 11 fingernail
chi nyala HL n 7 a finger; a toe
nyala-meya LLLH v be discouraged; become disheartened
nyaladza HHL v be silenced; to stop one from crying
nyalala HHL v become silent; keep quiet
nyalalila HHHL v not speak to someone, especially when spoken to
ma nyalo LL n 6 tiredness; weariness
nyaluluka LLLL v rest a while
nyama LL n 9 meat
bu nyambi LH n 14 neatness; skilfulness; cleverness
nyambi LH n 9 skilful person
chi nyame LL n 7 poisonous wild onion, usually used as a filler when making pillows
nyamela HHL v varnish; disappear
lu nyanga LH n 11 horn, as of an animal
nyanga HL v move stealthily towards something
nyanya LL v worsen
nyanyayidza LLLL v refute; contradict; negate; oppose; deny
nyasa LL v splatter or spray some liquid
nyati HL n 9 buffalo
nyatsa LL v belittle; treat with disdain
n nyatsho LL n 3 baby bottle teat; baby’s pacifier; a nipple
nyawuka LLL v melt; thaw
nyawusa LLL v boil milk; warm food or something
nyaya LL v to dampen; to wet something
nyazukila LLLL v stretch up on tiptoe so as to reach something high
bu nye L n 14 chaff
ma nye L n 6 type of dregs
lu nye L n 11 thick-sowing; overcrowded plants
nyebezela LLLL v whisper
n nyebezeli LLLL n 1 one who likes talking in whispers
nyekhwa LH n 5/6 lie
nyele LL n 9 flute
nyeledza LLL v cause to disappear
chi nyeledzi HHL n 7 quietness, as of a person; a reserved person who does not talk much
nyelela LLL v disappear; evaporate
nyelele HHH v is quiet
nyeluka LLL v abscond; run away secretly
nyelukila LLLL v start first as in a race
nyelusa LLL v cause to abscond or run away
nyemba LL n 10 beans
li nyemba LL n 11 bean plant
nyemudza LLL v tantalise by offering something and then refuse to give it
nyenama HHL v show teeth; grin
nyenganyenga HHHL n 10 swallows
nyenya HL v smile
nyenyedzi HHH n 9/10 stars
nyenyengwa HHH n 5 rind, as of a sweet reed
nyepa LL v lie
n nyepi LL n 1 liar
nyetsani LHL n 9 spinal cord
nyevi LH n 9 wild spinach used as a vegetable, grows on field
nyeya LL v tell tales about; backbite
nyeza HL n 9 type of edible grub
nyikishila LLLL v become infected and develop some pus
nyima HL v withhold from; refuse someone something
n nyimani HHL n 1 stingy person
nyimo LL n 9/10 ground beans
nying’we HL n 7a/2a type of wild sweet bulb
nyisa HL v euphemism for giving one a thorough beating; cause to defecate
n nyo L n 9 vagina
nyoka HH n 9 snake
nyokana HHH n 9 small snake
nyola HL n 10 marks made on one’s body by a traditional doctor
bu nyolo HL n 14 wetness; dampness; slowness when doing something; a nice person
nyoloka HHL v become wet
nyololo LLL n 9/10 oval-shaped edible fruit green with white stripes but yellowish when ripe, grows on a creeper plant
bu nyolonyolo HHLL n 14 softness as of an overripe fruit; comfortable as of a cushion or seat
chi nyongwani HHL n 7 greens from the leaves of a bean plant
nyonje LL n 9 gum from the bark of a tree
bu nyonyo LL n 14 small black ants
nyonyonga HHL v write
nyota HH n 9 thirst
nyotsHa LL v be plentiful, as fruits on a tree
nyuchi HL n 10 bees; honey bees; honey
nyunda HH n 9 hump on the bull’s neck
nyungela LLL v disappear into water; sink
nyungula HHH n 9 toadpole
nyungwi LH interj. plunge into water; falling into some liquid
nyuni LL n 9/10 bird
nyunyidzila LLLL v sprinkle a little, as of salt or pepper
nyunyu HL n 9/10 mosquitoes
nyunywani LHL n 9 bird
nywenya HL v make an ugly face at someone
outsi HHL n 9 oats
oveni LLL n 9 oven
pa H v give; offer; present
bu pabi LH n 14 width; broadness
padzamuka HLHL v start or jump, make a sudden movement; say something unconciously
padzamula HLHL v cause to start or jump
li pai LL n 11 soft cotton blanket
paka HL adj. wearing the same color or type of clothing
pakatidza HHHL v cause to carry with both arms
pakatila HHHL v carry with both hands
pakugwa HHL v be served or dished
pakula HHL v dish food; serve food
m pakuli HHL n 1 one who dishes food
i pakupaku HHHL n 7 cobra snake
pala LL v burrow; dig a hole, like a rabbit or dog; paw the ground, as of a horse
paladza LLL v scatter or spread out
palala LLL v disperse; go different ways
palama HHL v pass through; cut across, when going from one place to another
palamente LLHH n 9 parliament
m pale LL n 3 dried strips of melon
m palo HH n 3 famine, as with livestock
palo LL n 9 maths problem
paluka HHL v get torn
paluka-moyo HHHLL v awareness of heart-beat; get a fright
palula HHL v tear something
m pama LH n 3 slap, as with the palm of a hand
pampiri LHL n 9 paper
panda LL v ache; chew something hard
m panda LL n 3 type of tree
pandila LLL v to plough dry soil, without moisture
i paneri HHL n 7 wench; spanner
pang’we LL conj. maybe; whether; perhaps
m panga HH n 3 knife
panguka HHL v become discolored; fade as of a flower or some color
pangula HHL v cause to become discolored
i pani HL n 7 span, as of oxen
m pani HL n 3 Colophospermum mopane tree
panyaladza HHHL v cause to sit or stand with legs spread out
panyalala HHHL v sit or stand with legs spread out
papamala HHHL v be exposed; be clearly seen
papha LL v to increase
paphidza LLL v to increase something
paphidzo LLL n 9 addition; increase; an increment
parafini LLHL n 9 paraffin
ma parapara LLLL n 6 upper inner part of one’s thighs
pasa LL n 9 passport
pasa LL v pass
pat’a HH n 9 main road; a road wider than a foot path
pat’a LL n 9 pocket in a garment
pat’ana HHL v accompany each other
pat’ika HHL v force someone; accuse falsely
i patela LHL n 7 hospital
i pato HL n 7 anus
pawula HHL v sprain
payika HHL v hang onto something, as of a blanket
pazha HH v have diarrhoea (derogative and usually used of animals
ma pe L n 6 honey-combs
pedza HH v finish; complete; end
peipi LHL n 9 smoking pipe
i peiti HHL n 7 type of syringe used to give enema
pejo LL adj. near or close
pejopejo LLLL adv. very close or near
pela-moyo HHHL v get impatient; be anxious
peledzela HHHL v finish up; get used up
pelegwa HHL v to run out of
pelekedza HHHL v accompany part of the way; escort someone; take half-way
pelela HHL v get finished
peleta HHL v to spell
i pelete HHH n 7 reader for beginners
bu pelo HH n 14 end; finishing point
pembela HHL v to run wild
penga HH v go mad
bu pengo HL n 14 madness; insanity
m pengo HL n 1 lunatic; mad person
pengula HHL v lift up so as to look under
peni HL n 9/10 pen
ma peni HL n 6 pennies
pensele HLL n 9 pencil
penta HL v paint
pente HL n 9 paint
penya LL v shine; flash as of lightening; glisten
li penyo LL n 11 lightning
penyu LH adj. alive
pepa HH v winnow grain to remove the chaff after pounding it
pepeta HHL v sift or winnow grain to remove the flour
perekisi HHLL n 9/10 peach
i pesu HL n 7 hare’s tail; goat’s tail
peta LL v make a hem; fold
petenula LLLL v unfold; unroll; undo a seam
m peto LL n 3 hem; fold of material
peyama HHL v tilted or bent; sit leaning towards a certain direction
peyita HHL v give an enema
pezhugwi HLH adj. high up; on top; above
ph∞nda L n 10 poles that are dug into the ground to support the roof of a hut; a rafter
phaila HHL v give a side blow with an open hand; fall, the first rains of the season
phainiapuli HHLHHL n 9 pineapple
phaiphi HHL n 9 pipe
pHakatigwa LHLH n 9 two ears of corn on one stalk, hence poor ears of corn
phakela LLL v to rise early in the morning
pHako LL n 9/10 hollows in trees, made by borers and birds
pHala LH n 9 impala, roebuck
pHande LH n 9/10 applause; clap of hands
phang’a LL v eat greedily
li pHangu LH n 11 hawk
pHani LL n 9 scorpion
pHanje HL n 9 unripe watermelon
pHanje HL n 9 barren animal
phapha HH v chop firewood to size; split by cutting
pharachuti HHLL n 9 parachute
pharama LLL v to sit or fall down on ones bottom abruptly
pharela LLL v to plaster with mud mixed with sand and dung
phasela HHH n 9 parcel
phasula LLL v slap
pHata HL n 9/10 whole side of a slaughtered animal
bu phatshwa LL n 14 being black and white in color as of an animal
phatshwa LL adj black and white markings on an ox
phatshwana LLL adj. black and white markings on a cow
li phatu HL n 11 fragment of a broken thing
phatuka HHL v be cracked, as an earthen vessel
phatula HHL v crack something
m phayilo HHL n 3 early rains
pHazha HL n 9/10 forehead; luck
phee HH n 9 pear
pHejana LLH n 9 small hyena
pheku LH n 9 charm; amulet
pHele LL n 9/10 hyena; spotted hyena
pheleu LLL n 9 ram
phembge LL n 9/10 duiker
pHende LL n 9 object made from the tail of a horse carried by men of a certain standing
pHene LH n 9 steenbuck
pheneselini HHHHL n 9 penicillin
phensheni HLL n 9 pension
phenti HL n 9 panty
pHepo HH n 9 wind
phiki HL n 9 stallion; uncastrated donkey
phikoko HHL n 9 peacock
phile HH n 9 bad singer
phili LL n 9/10 banks of a river or a stream
i phiri LH n 7 secret; confidential matter
phizha LH n 1a name used to call men of a particular totem
pHobela LHL v sink , as when walking in deep mud
phobola HHL v strike with something hard
phodola HHL v break sharply; a clean break
phoko HL n 9 uncastrated billy goat
phokozha LHH n 9 unmarried lady; great unmarried lady
pHola HL n 9 beewax
pHoni LL n 9/10 blisters on the hands
pHopo HH n 9/10 warts
phori HH n 9 rust in corn
phorisa HHH n 5 policeman
chi phorisa HHH n 7 pertaining to police
phoso LL n 9 mistake
pHou HL n 9/10 ostrich
pHowana LHH n 9 small ostrich
pHudzi LH n 9 seeds of melon species
pHuka LH n 9/10 wild animal; an abcess
pHulu LH n 9/10 calves
pHumbu LH n 9 euphemism for vagina, normally used for small children
phumula LLL v rest a while from work
pHungugwe LHL n 9 jackal
phunyuka LLL v come out of a grip
phuphuma LLL v rise, as of foam from some brew
phururuka LLLL v fly
phuthela LLL v wrap up; wrap
m phutho LL n 3 bundle
phuthunula LLLL v unwrap, as of parcels
phutuka HHL v explode; burst, as a ballon
phutula HHL v crack; smash; crack a whip
pHuzu HL n 10 sour wild raisins from some tree
pijama LHL n 9 pyjamas
pika LL v carry one on shoulders
piki HL n 9 pick, sharpened metal used for digging
i pikiri HHL n 7 nail
pilisi HHL n 9 pill or tablet
m pimbila HHL n 3 shin of leg, from below the knee down to the ankle
pindiwa LLL v being passed by
m pini HL n 3 axe or hoe handle
piphila LLL v pour something from one container into another
pisa HL v burn; set alight
i piti HL n 7 speed
pitikautu HHLLL n 7 petticoats
pitiroli HHLL n 9 petrol
pitsi LH n 9 water pits; boreholes
pitugwa LLL v be overturned
pituka LLL v roll over
pitukana LLLL v overturn several times; turn and toss, as a sick person
pitula LLL v make overturn
piya HL v trip someone; hold a goat’s leg under one’s knee while milking it
pkha H v dry up, as of a pool of water or a well
pkhanya LL v break
pkhaya LL v to remove extra chaff from grain by pounding it again
pkhita LL v pull back forcibly; draw forcibly; snatch
pkhizi LL n 9 sheep
chi po H n 7 gift or present
poba LL v flatten, as of a tyre or disappear, as of a swelling
pobedza LLL v impress, as with a finger; press; cause to dent
pobedzeka LLLL v become impressed; be dimpled
podza HL v cause to heal
bu pofu LL n 14 blindness
pofunuka LLLL v recover one’s sight
pofupala LLLL v become blind
poga HL adj. different
i poko HL n 7 spoke, as on the wheel of a bicycle
pola HL v be healed; get well after some sickness
poloni LHL n 9 polony
m polotiki LLHL n 1 politician
pomba HL v wind something, as a thread
pombedza HHL v wrap round
pombonoka HHHL v become untwisted
pombonola HHHL v untwist; unwind
pompi LH n 9 water tap; pump
i ponchi HL n 7 sponge
i poni HL n 7 mirror
poni HH adv. where
pontela LLL v find water underground where a well can be bored
poraimari LHHLH n 9 primary, as a primary school
i poro HL n 7 rail; railway line
porodza LLL v miscarriage, as of an animal
porofita LLLL v prophesy
m porofiti LLHL n 1 prophet
bu porofiti LLHL n 14 prophecy
posa LL v throw, as a stone; shoot
m posi LL n 1 one who’s good at aiming a gun
pota HL v feel cold; to freeze from the cold
poteledza HHHL v make go around something
poteleka HHHL v surround; to go round something
potesa HHL v cause to feel cold
potola HHL v wipe oneself after stool
psa H adj. new
psa H v to burn
li psa-badzimu HHLL n 11 burn on the skin, believed to be a burn by the dead ancestors; the will of the wisp
m psarara LLL n 3 fowl excrete
psayila HHL v sweep
ma psigwa HL n 6 burnt food
psila HL v burn onto, as a pot
pubula HHL v to cut open something; pierce through
i puku HL n 7 ghost
pukusha LLL v blend, as when one puts corn flour into boiling water to make porridge
m pukusho LLL n 3 traditional blender made from a stick
pula HH v thresh corn or sorghum using threshing sticks; hit hard
pulana HHL v hit each other hard; palpitate, as the heart
i pule HL n 7 cooked red beans
pulula LLL v remove leaves from a branch
m pululu HHH n 3 ululation
pululudza HHHL v ululate
puma HL v be blunt, as of a knife
pumisa HHL v cause to be blunt
puna LL v bend over in an indecent manner
i pungu HH n 7 an eagle
pupelo HHL n 9 woman’s womb
pupuna HHL v chew noisely something hard, as of candy
pupunika HHHL v crunchable, as a nut
i pura HL n 7 low stool
purapura LLLL n 9 loose garment
puta LL v kiss; sip
putanya LLL v crush or flatten, as of a can by squeezing hard
m puto LL n 3 cooked soft sour porridge later fermented to make beer
m puzu HL n 3 type of tree that bears sour wild raisins
mo rabaraba LLLL n 3 traditional chess; draughts game
raisi LHL n 9 rice
rantafuli LHHH n 9 roundavel; a big thatched house
ratha LL v to strike hard, as with a hand
renke LL n 9 rank
rente LL n 9 rent
repa LL v become slack or loose
chi repuli LHL n 7 porch; step; an embarkment around a hut
n rero HL n 3 discussion, in private; a secret meeting
resiti LHL n 9 receipt
reza HL n 9 razor blades
ri H n 5 single small denomination of money
ma ri H n 6 money
ma rila HL n 6 sour milk
riya HH v delay; make late
rokotsa LLL v sucking of milk, as a calf
chi romo HL n 7 infected sores; food not eaten by young people if older people are present, e.g. kidneys
ma romu HL n 6 border of ploughed land
romula LHL v cause a span of oxen to turn round when ploughing
bu rotho HL n 14 bread
chi rotswani LLL n 7 black quarter evil, illness common in cattle
n ruba HL n 3 heifer
ruela HHL v pay; reward
bu rukwi HL n 14/6 trouser; pants
rusa LL v be pregnant, of an animal; be in calf or lamb
rusi HL n 9 rust
bu ruthu HL n 14 loneliness; boredom
rwabha LH n 9 whip
sa L comp. like
sabasi HHL n 9 red soil
bu sada LH n 14 carelessness; clumsiness; uncleanliness
sada LH n 9 careless person
safari LHL n 9 safari suit
sagwa HL v oversleep
saili HHL n 9 canvas; sail
saina HHL v to sign
sainisa HHHL v cause to sign
saka HL n 5 sack
sala HL v remain behind
sale HL n 9 saddle
salila HHL v be last to finish; remain for
ma salila HHH n 6 remnants of food
salisa HHL v cause to remain; say goodbye
samente LHH n 9 cement
sapa HL n 5 insult; curse
n sapo LL n 3 type of tree
sasi HL n 9/10 sparks
sazamila HLHL v have a pillow under one’s head when you sleep
n sazamilo HLHL n 3 pillow; cushion
ma se L n 6 spongy bone tissue; the edible part of the bone
se L n 5 soft edible part of a bone
seba HH v whisper; gossip
seba LL v relish with; use a sauce
bu sebo LL n 14 relish
i sechana LLH n 7 small basket
seche HL n 10 small grain that is left in the corn flour when winnowed or sifted
n seche HL n 3 sand, of a river or an ocean
i seche LL n 7 basket
sedza LL v shift; move out of the way
sedzasedza LLLL v shift about while sitting; restlessness
sedzela LLL v come or move closer
sedzesa LLL v move something; move out of the way
sefa HH v sift or strain
sefo HL n 9 strainer
seka LL v laugh
seka LL n 5 bracelet
sekaseka LLLL v giggle
sekelana LLLL v laugh with each other
sekeresi HLHL n 9 cigarette
i seko LL n 7 laughter
seli HL adv. across; the other side of a river; abroad
lu selo LL n 11 flat winnowing basket
selo LL n 10 winnowing baskets
seme LH n 9/10 basket
sena LL v go under or beneath as under a low tree; creep through a wire
sendama HHL v to lean against
sendedza LLL v stir up the fire
sendedzela LLLL v stir up for; provoke into action
sendeka HHL v put leaning
senete LHL n 9 senate
senga LL v carry
sengela LLL v carry for
sengesa LLL v cause or help to carry
senke HH n 5 corrugated iron sheet
sente HL n 5 cent
n senya LL n 3 sandy soil with a loose texture
senyana LHH n 9 small basket
dzi serekisi HHLL n 10 circus; spectacular performance
n sesanyama HHLL n 3 type of tree
n sha H n 3 low wall or enclosure in a home; courtyard; family
bu shaba HH n 14 redness
shaba HH adj. red
shaba LL v cut up a melon for cooking or drying up
shababa HHL v slightly bitter; sour
lu shabana LLH n 11 small baby
shabapala HHHL v become red; blush
shache HL n 9 gap between the two front teeth
shadza LL n 5 porridge
shaima LHL n 9 type of wild plant
shaka LH n 5 bird’s nest
shaka LL v look for; search; seek; want
shakadza LLL v make old or wear until old
shakadzila LLLL v used idiomatically to mean giving used clothes to someone
shakala LLL v become old or worn out
shakaladzwa HHHH n 10 type of wild fruit
n shakaladzwa HHHH n 3 type of tree
shakHwana LLH n 5/6 small axe
shakisisa LLLL v to search a lot; to scrutinize
shakiwa LLL v be looked for; be asked for your hand in marriage; be proposed for marriage
shakula LLL v weed; use a hoe to remove weeds
shakulisa LLLL v help weed; cause to weed
shala LL v choose; select
ma shali HL n 6 pebbles; gravel
n shamba LL n 3 type of tree
shambga LH n 9 dirt
shambo LL n 5 wilddog
shamu LH n 9/10 cane; lash
n shana HL n 3/4 placenta of an animal
shanduka LLL v turn back or round; change
shandukila HHHL v wear a garment inside out
shandukila LLLL v turn against; turn for
shandukunula HHHHL v turn inside out, as of a garment
shandula LLL v answer or reply ; turn over, as food when cooking
shandulo LLL n 9/10 answer; reply
shanga HL n 10 steamed mixture of corn and beans; eyeballs; alphabetical letters
lu shanga LL n 11 reed; stalk of a herbaceous plant; straw; stalk of corn
shangamidzo LLLL n 9 act of meeting someone
shangana LLL v meet each other
shangana-nsholo LLLHH v br confused; be insane
ma shanganilo LLLL n 6 meeting point, as of roads; joints
shangano LLL n 9 meeting
shanganya LLL v cause to meet; mix
shanganyila LLLL v be in joint ownership
shangashangana LLLLL v be jumbled; be entangled; be mixed up
shango HL n 9 country; land; earth; the world
shangu LH n 9/10 shoes; boots; sandals
n shangule LHL n 3 blue bush
n shanje LL n 3 green grass
shanu HL num. five
shanyashanya LLLL v drizzle
shanyuka HHL v start getting done, as when pounding corn; of a fruit starting to get ripe
shanyula HHL v get half done as when threshing corn or stamping corn in a mortar
shapaila HHHL v boil for a long time
ma shapkha LH n 6 tasteless food
n shasha LL n 3 makeshift dwelling structure made from tree branches
shashamuka HHHL v fall off, as of tree leaves during the winter
shashamula HHHL v brush off or dust off
shashika HHL v place by the side of the fire
shashula HHL v dish some food or eat from a pot while cooking
shatHa HH v be happy; be glad; rejoice
shatHiso HHL n 9 cause for happiness
shatHo HH n 9 happiness
shatHu LL n 5 axe
shato HL n 9 python
shawara HHH n 9 shower
shaya LH n 10 cheekbones; petty talk
shaya LL v become poor; give birth to a stillborn; not find anything
lu shaya LH n 11 jaw; a cheekbone
n shayi LL n 1 poor person; a destitute person
bu shayi LL n 14 poverty
shazha HH v simmer or boil, as of a pot of soft porridge
n shazho HH n 3 over-zealousness
bu she H n 14 chieftainship
she H n 1a/2a chief
shima HL v hate; abhor; dislike
shinga LL v work
n shingi LL n 1 worker; an employee; a labourer
shingidzana LLLL v cooperate; work together
n shingo LL n 3 work; employment
n shito LL n 3 sprouted corn flour boiled for making traditional beer
shiya LL v show off; think highly of oneself
shoba HL v be stale, as of bread or food
n shobi HL n 1 one who sets the tune; the leading voice of a choral group
shobola LLL v pound grain in mortar to remove roughage
n shodzi HL n 3 tear
shogwana HLH n 10 grain from sifted ground corn or sorghum
shoko LH n 7 monkey
shola HL v check on someone or something
n sholo HL n 3 head
shoma LL adv. much
shomanana LLHL adv. few
shomoka-moyo LLLLL v feel pity; sympathize
shomola LLL v pull out; unsheath; draw out; extract
shomola-moyo LLLLL v incite pity; pathetic
shomu LH n 9/10 nuts from dry plums from a sclerocarya caffra tree
shondo LH n 9 penis
shongoti HHH n 9 first internode or topmost internode of a sweet reed or corn stalk
shongozhela HHHL v rejoice with others; be in jolly mood in a group of others
shongwe LL n 9 rock
shoni HL n 7 hedgehog
shoni HL n 10 shyness; shame
shonja LH n 5 edible grub that feeds on the leaves of a mopane tree
shosha LL v fence in with tree branches
showa LH n 10 marks made on the face of a baby with eye problem
showela LLL v tuck in, as a shirt into one’s pants
shozhedza HHL v cause to peep; cause to look into
shozhela HHL v look into; peep through, as through the window
shuba LL v desire; wish for
shubo LL n 9 desire; longing
shudza LL v walk with a limp; hobble about
bu shudzi LL n 14 portent; mysterious happening
i shudzi LL n 7 lewd person
shugwana LLH n 7 small hare
shula LL v portend
shule HL adv. behind; after; afterwards
shuleshule HLLL adv. long after
shulo LL n 7/2a hare
shumba HL n 9/10 lion
bu shungu HH n 14 poison
shunya LL v pinch
shunyiwa LLL v be pinched
shushubala HHHL v become silent and reserved
chi shwa H n 7 bundle of thatching grass
shwa L v remain for a day
shwaiwa LLL v be poked at
shwaya LL v hook out; poke at
shwelela LLL v do something for the whole day
shweshwana LLL v creased; crumpled
shweshwanya LLL v cause to be creased or crumpled
bu si H n 14 smoke
n si H n 3 particular day
n si L n 3 pestle; a stamping pole or stick
pa si H n 16 ground
siang’wa HHH n 5 orphan
n siba HL n 3 feather
siila HHL v give water or something to drink; leave food for someone
siisa HHL v cause to leave behind
sika LH n 10 small round marks on the arms made by burning the skin
sika LL v make fire by rubbing two sticks against the other to produce some sparks out of the friction
i sikalala HHHH n 7 wooden torch; a burning piece of wood
ma sikati HHL n 6 daytime
sikidzi HHL n 9 bed bug
sikili HHH n 9 sickle
bu siku HL n 14/6 night
silinga HHL v make noise; to irritate
silivara HHLH n 9 silver
n silizi HHH n 3 dried mark of dirty water on ones body, as on the legs
sima HH adj. difficult
sima-moyo HHHL adj. bravity; hardhearted
sima-nsholo HHHH v be stubborn
simausu LLHL n 7 hawker’s small caravan or tin house where he/she sells the merchandise
simba LH n 5 strength; power
simba HL n 9 genets; members of the genet family
ma simba LH n 6 strength; power
simbe LL n 9/10 lazy person
bu simbe LL n 14 laziness
simbe LL n 5 coal, hot or cold
simula HHL v uproot
simulula HHHL v begin
sina LH n 9 type of grass used for thatching; a mould or ball of mud used in plastering
sindi HH n 7a/2a a squirrel
n sindo HL n 3 echo
sinyanga HHL v to mould mud used for plastering into large balls
i sipa HH n 7 soap
n sipili HHH n 3 walking pace; journey
sirila LLL v to massage; rub hard
sisila LLL v trot
sitila HHL v obstruct one’s view; to shadow someone
ma situ HL n 6 soot
siya HL v leave behind
siye LL n 9 eyebrow
siza-fulo HLHL v foam at the mouth
so H n 9/10 kidney
bu so H n 14/6 face
n so H n 3 light chaff from harvested grain
chi so H n 7/8 face
soba LL v slide; move timidly while seated; move while asleep
sodzoloka LLLL v slide; slip; break a promise
sodzolokesa LLLLL v be slippery; cause to slip
sokisi HHL n 5 sock
sokonyola HHHL v sway one’s waist from side to side, as when walking
sokosa HHL v rub an eye with a finger or the back of the hand
sola HL n 9 sole of a shoe
sole HL n 9 hairy small worm that eats dried meat or biltong
sole LL n 5 soldier
chi sole LL n 7 military
sonyoka HHL v sprain
sopHedzela HLHL v milk a cow or goat to the last drop; being sucked dry
sopo HL n 9 soup; gravy
sosara HHH n 9 cup saucer
n su H n 3 Acacia giraffe tree
suba LL n 9 vagina
subuka LLL v rub or wear off; peel; have abrasion
subula LLL v fray; make the skin peel off; rub off, as paint etc.
sudhu LL n 5 maize cob without the grain
sudza LL v do something iritating to someone intentionally
sudzi LL n 5 flatus
sudzika LLL v be fixed right by someone for something you did
sukesuke HHHL n 9 flat poisonous centipede
bu sukwa LH n 14 beer
sula LL v fart; release bad air per rectum
sulisa LLL v cause to fart or release bad air
suma LL v make a noise, a pot cooking, a river or a wind
sumbika LLL v hide; conceal
sumbula LLL v make oneself dirty by playing on the ground
sunda LL v force; push away; push a thing on the ground
sundu LH n 5 skin shed by a snake or reptile
sunga HL v bind or tie as of a rope
sungana HHL v be intertwined; tie each other
sungilila HHHL v tie onto something
sungisa HHL v cause to tie; make one get caught by the police
n sungo HL n 3 rope
sungunuka HHHL v become untied; be free
sungunuko HHHL n 9 liberty; freedom
sungunula HHHL v untie; remove a bandage; unwrap
sunula LLL v castrate
n supi LL n 1 witness
bu supi LL n 14 evidence; testimony
n susu HH n 3 type of tree
susubula HHHL v press clothes poorly such that the wrinkles remain
sutu HL n 9 suit
swaba LL v wither; dry up a little; be disappointed; have one’s hopes dashed
li swabi LH n 11 dried sweet reeds; dried fruits
swabiya HHH n 5 albino
swai HL n 9 saw
chi swai LH n 7 shredded meat
swaki HL n 5 barrel
n swani LL n 3 contents of animal stomach
swanja HL n 9/10 sour plum
n swanja HL n 3 sour plum tree; ximenia and caffra
swaswabula HHHL v beat; thrash, as of a child
swaya LL v shred meat when cooked
n swazwi HL n 3 type of tree
swazwi HH n 5 cut bush, sometimes used for making a fence
sweswa LH n 5 large jet black ant
swewuka LLL v be stupid
swiila HHL v have sex, of humans (derogatory)
swika LL v arrive
swikidza LLL v see to it that someone arrives
swikidzana LLLL v to arrive at the same time
swikila LLL v to reach up to something; stay at
swikiri HHL n 9 sugar
swimbo HH n 9 knobkerrie; stick with a large knob or head at one end; a bat or club
swina LL v press out the contents of a tube; press out pus from a sore; squeeze water out of clothes
n swing’wa LH n 3 a type of tree
swinga HL n 9 type of bird with a long thin neck, said to have very tasty meat
swinga HH n 5 bundle, as of firewood
i swino HL n 7 filter, the type used for straining traditional beer
swinya LL n 5 male genital
swipa HL v suck something into the mouth
swiswina HHL v suck, as a candy
bu t’ala LH n 14 green; blue
t’ala LH adj. blue; green; raw; unripe
t’imela HHH n 5 stray domestic animal
i t’ina HL n 7/8 brick
t’ina LL v irritate; hurt someone; anger someone
t’ut’o HL n 9 education
i t’wilo HL n 7 chair
chi ta H n 7/8 enemy
taba HH v protect by medicine
i tachi HL n 7 starch
tadziveisi HLLHL n 1a boxer
tafula HHL v make an even grass thatch; smoothen grass thatch
tafuli HHL n 9 table
tafuna HHL v chew; masticate
taka HH v color using coloring pencils
takana HHL v splash about of soft porridge on fire
mo takasi LHL n 3 electricity
takhwa HL adv. before
takhwa HH v be chased away; be expelled
n tako HL n 3 crayon; coloring pencil
takula LLL v drive cattle or livestock
talangana HHHL v to spread out
talanganya HHHL v cause to spread out
n talo HL n 3 line
tamati LHL n 9 tomato
tamba HL v skip about, as young animals
n tamba LH n 3 large sour monkey plum tree
i tamba-pHou LLHL n 7 creeper plant that bears white thorns
tambika HHL v hang over something
n tambo LL n 3 string; cord
tambunudza HHHL v stretch out, as a blanket
tambunuka HHHL v be straight, as a path or a line; be upright and straight as a pole
tanatu HLH num. six
tanda LL v sew with big stitches, or stitches that are far apart
i tanda HH n 7 endearment, used to refer to a young girl
tandabadza HHHL v cause to spread out as of the roots of a tree; cause one to sit with legs stretched out
tandabala HHHL v to spread out as of tree roots, or as of ones legs stretched out.
tandabalila HHHHL v sit with legs stretched out towards another
tang’ H n 9/10 pincer; tweezers
tanga HL v be first
tangila HHL v to arrive first or finish first
tangisa HHL v begin; cause to be first
tanka HH n 9 tank
tantabe HHL n 7a/2a species of lizard or an agama
lu tapa LH n 11 sewing machine
i tapa HL n 7 wedding ceremony
tapHula HHL v harvest fruit or greens from the plant
tapudza HHL v lessen; subtract
tapudzo HHL n 9 decrease; reduction; a subtraction
i tarada HHH n 7 street
tarata HHH n 9 fence; wire
tasilibomo HHLHL n 9 harness
taswa HH v mount, as a horse
tata HH v chase away
bu tata HH n 14 chicken lice
i tatalala LLLL n 7 argumentative person
tatamidza HHHL v cause to chase or run after
tatamila HHHL v to chase or run after; to drive away
tate LH n 1a father
tatHa LL v climb; ride
tatHana LLL v climb or mount each other
tatHanya LLL v put one on top of the other
n tathi LL n 1 climber
tathikana LLLL v be pilled one on top of the other; be in layers; lie on top of the other
tatHikanya LLLL v pile on top of the other
tatHilila LLLL v climb for; ascend to the required height
tatHisa LLL v cause to climb or mount; give a ride in a vehicle
tatila HHL v chase to or for
taula LLL v relate or tell a folktale
n taya HL n 1 foreigner; stranger; one who’s not a relative to
ma te H n 6 saliva
tebetebe HHLH n 7 whirling toy made from a stalk of grass and a seed
tebula HHL v spill; throw out, as of water
tebulila HHHL v spill onto
techanana LLHH adj. thin
i teechani HHLL n 7 station
teedzesa HHHL v help listen to some problem; cause to listen
n teedzi HHL n 1 good listener
tekedza LLL v tickle; poke on the ribs, as a result making one laugh
tekelela HHHL v to cry without cause
ma telele LLL n 6 lots of okra
tema LH adj. black
tema HL v chop
tematema LHLL adj. pitch black
tembezela HHHL v pray
mi tembezelo HHHL n 4 prayers; prayer sessions
i teme LH n 7 calabash
n temi HL n 1 chopper; one who cuts down trees
i tempa HH n 7 stamp
tempa HL v affix a stamp; stamp
tenda LL v thank; show gratitude
tendebuka HHHL v turn around
tendebula HHHL v turn something around
tendeka HHL v point out; point at, as with a finger
tendeleka HHHL v move around
i tendeleki HHHL n 7 wanderer
tenga HH v buy
tengelana HHHL v buy for each other
tengesa HHL v sell
ma tengesego HHHL n 6 outlet or place where things are sold
tengesela HHHL v sell for/to
n tengesi HHL n 1 seller
n tengi HL n 1 buyer
terabuli LHHL n 9 travelling rug
tesela HHL v shave off all the hair
teswa HL v have a sharp end, as a needle
i tete LL n 7 spoilt child
tetedza HHL v advertise, as being for sale
tetema LLL v tremble with fear; shiver from cold
tetHela HHL v put domestic animals into an enclosure or a kraal
bu tetHelo HHL n 14 place for keeping livestock
n tetHi LH n 3 kick by a cow or goat refusing to be caught
teuka HHL v turn over immediately, as of a pot on fire
ma teuko HHL n 6 afternoon
n tewa HL n 3 giant raisin bush with edible berries
n tewo HL n 3 foundation
teya HH v set a trap
n teyi HH n 1 one who sets a trap
tezwale HLL n 1a father-in-law
Thaabadza HLHL v cause to be zealous, eager
Thaabala HLHL v be anxious; be in haste to accomplish something
thabi LH n 5 new hut with the grass thatch only but the wall not yet built
Thaedza-mesho HHLLH v to look down upon
Thaela HHL v come short; come short of
thai HH n 9 tie
bu thaka LH n 14 peers; of same age
tHako HL n 9 dress
thako-ye-thunji LHHLH n 9 skirt
thali HL n 9 thread; fibre
tHalu LH n 9 calf of the leg
Thama HH v do; make
thame LH n 9 secretary bird
Thamisa HHL v cause to do something
n thamo HL n 3 kind; type; variety
ThaN’wa HL v be made to do something
thanda-chukela HLHHL n 5 light brown sugar ant
tHanga LH n 9/10 platform; playground
tHango LL n 9 piece of meat
ThanThanula HHHL v unstitch what was sewn; undo a plait
thanya HH v wake up from sleep
thapula HHL v snap, as of something stretched out
ma thatha HH n 6 problems; difficulties; hardships
thathubo HHL n 10 examination
tHatu LH num. three
tHeko HL n 9 hiccup
tHele HL n 9 strip of skin, or cloth worn by a boy to cover nakedness; euphemism for male genitals
tHema LH n 9 rhinoceros
tHenda LL n 9 type of wild sweet root
tHengo HL n 9 purchase; purchase price
tHengu LH n 9 raven; black crow
theuka HHL v turn off the road
Theula HHL v to drive one or two animals out of a herd
tHewa HL n 10 wild berries of Grewia flava
i thibo HH n 7 lid
thigama HHL v kneel
thikili HHH n 5 string of thatching grass; a chain of little bundles of thatch
tHilili LLL n 9 wildcat
thiwa HL n 5 trivet or three-legged stand for a pot
thiyani HLL n 7 porridge cooked with fresh milk
ma tho H n 6 vomit
tho H n 9 sore; wound
tHobedzano LLLL n 10 children born one after the other
tHobo HL n 9 animal skin used as a sleeping mat, or sitting on
thobolo LLL n 9 gun
tHogwana HLH n 9 baby’s sleeping mat
Thokomela HHHL v care for; take care; burden either physically or emotionally
tHokotHoko LHLL n 10 dung of goats, buck, hares etc.
tHongo LH n 9 castrated male goat
tHongomana LLLH n 9 fontanelle of a baby’s head
tHonongola LLLH n 9 honey made by another type of small bees which is usually found in trees hollows high on the tree
Thonya HH v to curdled, as milk
tHosula LHL n 9 syphilitic rashes; syphilis
Thowa HH v hate; dislike
thowa HH n 9 whey
tHozo LL n 9/10 hoof of an animal e.g. an ox, a horse etc.
n tHu L n 1/2 person
chi tHu L n 7 thing
thubukana HHHL v break a bond; cease being friends; separate by mutual agreement
thubukano HHHL n 9 separation; divorce
thubukanya HHHL v separate or divide amongst others
thubula LLL v remove upper garments; undress
thubula HHL v cut, as a rope or string
thubulidza HHHL v take a short cut
thubulila HHHL v treat in a mean manner; snap at someone
n tHuchilume LLHH n 1 male person
thudza HL v revived; to come round, after a faint
thudzi HH n 5 shoulder
n thudzi HL n 3 dry dusty cattle dung; manure
i thuiwa HHH n 7 domestic animal
thuka LL v forcibly break out of a kraal, enclosure or a stockade, as of livestock
thukila LLL v break into a kraal, or enclosre, as of livestock
thukwa LL adj. dark brown, as an ox
thukwana LLL adj. brown, as a cow
n thula HL n 3 Sclerocarya caffra tree
thula HH v kick
thulana HHL v collide
thulanya HHL v cause to collide
thulila HHL v thatch
n thulili HHL n 1 thatcher; one who roofs houses
thulilika HHHL v be well thatched
thulunula HHHL v pull down, as of the roof of a house
thuma HH v sew
i thumba LL n 7 goat whose kid has died and produces a lot a milk
thumbi LH n 9 puff adder
n thumi HL n 1 tailor
thumo HL n 5 bullet
thumugwa HHL v be provoked or vexed
thumula HHL v provoke
Thunama HHL v sit as one in a state of despair; look sullen or morose
thunde HH n 5 sorghum
ma thunde HH n 6 sorghum
tHundu HL n 9 possessions; goods; merchandise
tHungo HH n 10 rafters
thunji LH n 10 loins; waist
n thuntana LLH n 1/2 old man
i thunya HH n 7 flower
thusa HH v help; assist
i thusi LL n 7 small black beetle that bores dry wood or poles
thuta LL v smoke a pipe or cigarette
tHutHugwa LHL n 10 fruit of a belladonna plant
thutidza LLL v blow air to induce a flame in a fire
n thuto LL n 3 flame
thuwa HL v rear, as of livestock
i thuwa HH n 7 pinnacle; the top of a hut or house
tHuzi HL n 9/10 fly
thwa H v spit out; vomit
mi ti H n 4 drugs; trees
ti L v say
n ti H n 3 tree
n tiakoni HHLL n 1/2 deacon, as in a church
tibelelo HHLL n 9 whole night gathering for prayers prior to a funeral
i tibili HHH n 7 pedal, as of a bike
tichara HHH n 1 teacher
tikiti LHL n 9 ticket
i tiko HL n 7 occiput; back of the head
tilika HHL v hang or place above
tiliyana HLHL v be on top of another
tiliyanya HLHL v put on top of another
i tiraiki LHHL n 7 strike
tirekitara LHHLH n 9 tractor
tirina LHL n 9/10 train
titha HL n 9 torchwood
tizha HL v to run away from something
tizhilila HLHL v go after, with intention of catching up with someone
bu tizhilo HHL n 14 refuge
tizhisa HHL v cause to run or flee; have diarrhoea
mi to L n 4 types of gravy or soups
n to L n 3 gravy; soup
toba LL v massage
toboka HHL v loose hope on something
tobokana HHHL v loose trust on each other
n toboki HHL n 1 dispairer; a pessimist
tobosa HHL v explain on absence of something; deny
n tochi LH n 3 swelling in the armpit or groin
todza HL v take after or resemble another
i tofu HL n 7 stove
toga HL pron. we alone
togwa HL v be taken; be married
n togwe HL n 3 snot-apple tree; Azanza garekeana
tokonyola HHHL v shred, as grains of maize from a cob
tola HL v take
i tole LL n 7 small child or a toddler
tolela HHL v take for; take by force; seize
n tolo HL n 3 burden; load
toloka HHL v interpret
tolokegwa HHHL v be interpreted for
tolokela HHHL v interpret for
n toloki HHL n 1 interpreter
toloko LHL n 9 abell
i tombgana LHH n 7 small hill
li tombo LH n 11 flat rock
tombola LLL v extract thorn from flesh using a safety pin
tomu HL n 10 reins
tongo HH aux. v denotes an act that would take place or had already taken place
n topi LH n 3 shepherd tree, Boscia albitrunca
topola HHL v to pick very little using two fingers
toroko LHL n 5 railway truck
toronko LHL n 9 prison
toropo LHL n 9 town or city
i toropo LHL n 7 thong or halter that passes between two yoke pins
tose HL adv. together; all of us
tose HL enum. all of us
tota HL v mend or seal a hole using some beeswax
bu totHo HH n 14 coldness; very low temperature
totHodza HHL v make cold
i toyi LH n 7 thing in the eye; an impurity in food
tsatula HHL v crush something soft or alive as an insect between two objects
tsetse HL n 5 flea; tsetse fly
n tsha L n 3 sharpened metal or wooden instrument used for digging
chi tsha H n 8 stump of a tree
tsha H v dig
chi tsha L n 7 site for a house or a field
tshamba LL v tramp, or tread; step on something
tshambilidza LLLL v oppress; emphasize; press down, as a pen when writing; pin down to the ground
tshambisa LLL v cause to step on something
tshambo LL n 5 paw
mi tshambo LL n 4 ways of walking
tshambuka LLL v take one’s foot off something; stop trampling on something
tshatsharika LLLL v walk unsteadily on weak legs, as when drunk
tshe L interj. shift a little
tsheduka HHL v shift to one side
tshedula HHL v shift a little, as of something heavy
tshepe HL n 9/10 springboks
tshetha LH adj. yellow
tshetshe LL n 5 bull frog
n tshi H n 1 digger
tshibama LLL v to give birth, as of a person
n tshibamisi LLLL n 1 midwife
n tshibha HL n 3 neck
tshibika LLL v turn a pot or any container upside down
tshila HL v dig for; bury
tshima HL n 5 well
tshimuta HHL v sneeze
tshinda HH v gasp or struggle, as a dying thing
tshindika HHL v to push one forcefully
tshindinuka HHHL v come off, as the floor of a hut
tshindinula HHHL v exhume; reveal what was concealed, especially in the ground
tsHinga HH n 10 veins or arteries
lu tshinga HH n 11 blood relative
n tshingitshi HHL n 3 type of tree
tshipi HH n 10 week; metal
tshipi HH n 9 Sunday; church
i tshitshino HHL n 7 heel of one’s foot or shoe
tshonyonga HHL v to irritate
tshoo HL interj. introduces a request
tshotshoma LLL v be active; hyperactive
tshu L adj. black ox or bull
tshugwa HH v be wiped
tshula HH v wipe
tshulisa HHL v cause to wipe
tshulo HL n 9 fat round gut; omentum
tshung’ayidza LLLL v cause to be sleepy or drowsy
tshung’ayila LLLL v feel sleepy; feel drowsy
tshunyana LHL adj. a black cow
i tshururu LLL n 7 untalented person
tshwa H adj. new
tshwa H v burn
tshwaisa LLL v cause to brand; brand for and give
i tshwantsho HL n 7 picture; image
tshwaya LL v mark, as when branding livestock
tshwayila HHL v sweep
mi tshwayo LL n 4 small bells worn on ankles during dances
lu tshwayo LL n 11 mark, as of cattle
tsika LL v squint, as of an eye
n tsina LH n 3 thin fermented porridge
tsita HH v fasten a napkin or diaper on a baby
n tsito HH n 3 baby’s napkin; loin skin
tswapula HHL v spoil, as of taste
i tswiriri HHH n 7 talented person
tswiyi LH n 9 sunbird
chi tu H n 7 silence; quietness
tubatuba HHHL v move up and down; come several time to a place within a short space of time
tubula HHL v manage
n tugwi LH n 3 juice from a watermelon
tuka HH v insult; look at one’s private parts; scold
tukana HHL v quarrel, scold or threaten each other
tukisa HHL v cause one to be scolded or insulted
tukununu HHHH adj. small; tiny
ma tukuta LLL n 6 lots of sweat, as by more than one person
tukutidza LLLL v cause to perspire or sweat
tukutila LLLL v perspire or sweat
tukwana HHH n 9 handkerchief
tukwi HL n 9 head scarf; a head dress; a head band
tula HL v take a load off your head
tulugwa HHL v be taken down
tulula HHL v take down
tuma HH v send
tumba HH v crouch; squat, sit on the haunches
ma tumba HH n 6 drums
n tumbu LL n 3 belly; stomach
n tumbu LH n 3 corpse
tumila HHL v send; mail
tumilila HHHL v send to or for
tuna HH v take an oath; abstain, as of a taboo
tunda LL v urinate; pass water
tundila LLL v urinate onto something
n tundo LL n 3 urine
i tundu HH n 7 type of basket used during harvesting time
tundubadza LLLL v cause to calm down; cause a pain to subside for a while
tundubala LLLL v quieten down or subside for a while, as of pain
n tung’wa HL n 1 messenger
tungamidza HHHL v make a leader
tungamila HHHL v lead; go before one; precede a person
n tungamili HHHL n 1 leader or guide
lu tungo HL n 11 rafter
n tungulu LLL n 3 type of tree
ma tungutungu LLLL n 6 blisters, as from fire burns
n tupo HL n 3 totem
tura HH adj. be expensive
tuta HH v remove or carry away in loads
tutHumadza HLHL v elevate; heap up
tutHumala HLHL v be elevated
tutsHa LL v make to urinate, as with a baby
n tutshi HL n 3 shadow; umbrella
ma tutu HL n 6 whirlwinds; cyclones
i tutujani HHHL n 7 corn cricket
tutuma LLL v boil up or over, as of milk
tutumisa LLLL v cause to boil, as of milk
tyajana LLH n 7 small shawl
tyali HL n 7 shawl; rug blanket
ma tyila HH n 6 cloths
lu tytya L n 11 flank; side of the body
uma LL v threaten with some object; threaten
chi unga LL n 7 species of ceropegia, tuber eaten raw or roasted, nearly extinct
vakacha LLL v visit
vala LL v dress-up
vanga HH v knead or mix as of dough or some food
n vavani LHL n 3 Lippisa jaranica; the leaves are infused and used as a drink for fevers, also used as wild tea; wild mint
veisi LHH n 9 fist
ma vele LL n 6 overgrown hair
vi H n 5 grey hair
bu viilo LLH n 14 place for flaying; a surgical or operating theatre
vika LL v avoid blows; ward off
vima HL v hunt
n vimi HL n 1 hunter
vinga LH n 5 lump of clay
viya LL v to skin an animal
n vo H n 3 first milk after calving; colostrum
vokomola LLLL v grab a handful greedily
vondomoka LHHL v rise up instantly or sit up instantly
voneka LLL v provide light
li voni LL n 11/6 lamp
vu H n 5 soil
vubela LHL v put in some yeast so that beer can ferment
vubu LH n 9 hippopotamus
vudzi LL n 5 single strand of hair
vukidza LLL v fill-up a pool or hollow with earth
vukidzika LLLL v has become filled up with mud, as a well with mud; be silted up
vukula LLL v to remove mud or sand out the ground with one’s hands or using a shovel, this normally happens when digging a well
vula HL n 9 water; rain
chi vula-magwe LHHL n 7 hailstorm; hail
vululata LHHL v close one’s eyes
vululatunuka LHHHHL v to open one’s eyes
vumba LL n 9 eland; gnu
vumbika LLL v put underneath some soil
vuna HL v break or snap off a stick or branch
vunanya LHL v break into many pieces
vunika LHL v have a broken bone; be broken
vuva LL v become mouldy or mildewed
wa L v fall
wachi HL n 9 watch; clock
wairi HHL n 9 wire
wala LL v spread out a blanket or cloth on the ground; or to make bedding ready for use.
walila LLL v arrange a bundle of sticks ready for tying up; cushion the ground before spreading the blankets
walula LLL v make a bed; to rearrange bedding after use
wanana LHL v get on well; have an understanding
wanda LL v increase; become many; multiply; get to the end as of cattle being watered
waneitiko LHHHL v lie on one’s back
wanika HHL v spread out to dry or air.
wanika LLL v to be found
waya LL v scatter or throw about as of seeds or sand
wayilesi HHLL n 9 radio
wedu HL pron. ours
wenyu HL pron. yours (pl)
widza LL v to finish
wiki HL n 9 wig
wila-zwilopa LLLLL v be calm; down to earth attitude; speak in low tones
chi wilo LL n 7 chance
woba LL v bow down as of a tree branch
wobeka LLL v be bowed over
wola LL v remove excrete; remove some trash
wolela LLL v fill, or load; gather to, or into; put into a sack
wolobela HHHL v become accustomed to; get used to
wolota HHL v dream; day-dream
n woloti HHL n 1 dreamer
woma HL v dry
wonda HH v become thin or lean
woneka LLL v bid farewell
wonga LL v nurse
wotsHa HH v cause to be thin or loose weight
wubama LLL v become bent forward, as of a person or a tree
chi wulu LL n 7 large antheap
wuluka LLL v fly
wulusa LLL v winnow; remove chaff from harvested grain; cause to fly
wunga HL v flow
n wunga LL n 3 type of tree
wupula LLL v snatch; to remove quickly with an open hand
xalasi LHL n 9 drinking glass
xarawu HHL n 5 spade; shovel
xaxamadza HHHL v tighten, stretch to make tight
xaya HH v rub soles of feet with a stone to get rid of the cracks
xola LL v draw a salary or some form of reward for work done
xotha HH v clean by rubbing with sand; scrub; scold
i xwabha LH n 7 dried meat; biltong
i xweto LL n 7 loop in a rope
yapo HL adv. present; there
yeela HLH interj. hey; hey there; ho
yeno HL adv. over there
zana LL v dance; play
zanga LH n 5 oaf
lu zangwi LH n 11 type of weed of the creeper family
n zani LL n 1 player or a sportsman or woman; a dancer
n zano LL n 3 type of dance; a game
zebe LH n 9/10 ears
zeeza LLL v hesitate
n zekulu LHL n 1/2 nephew or niece
zengwe LL n 9 millet
zeu LL n 5 molar tooth
zeula LLL v chewing of animals late at night
n zeze LL n 3 type of tree
zha L v come
zhadza HL v fill-up
zhaivi LHL n 5 chameleon
zhala HL v full; in abundance
zhala LL n 9 hunger; famine
chi zhala-nlota LLLL n 7 midden; heap of waste
chi zhalanlota LLLL n 7 rubbish dumps or heaps; midden
zhalila LLL v close; shut
zhalilana LHHL v be angry; be troubled or in distress
zhalima LHL n 5 darkness
zhamu HH n 5 human or animal breast
ma zhana LH n 6 part of the bee produce
zhani HL n 5 leaf; teabag
ku zhe H n 17 outside
zheko HL n 6 small four-corner closure of a granary
chi zhema LH n 7 fool; idiot
chi zhi L n 7 a foreigner; a stranger
zhibikiti LLLL interj. fall of a huge and heavy thing
zhino HL n 5 tooth
zhisa LL v bring
zhisho HL n 5 eye
zhizha LH n 5 time of the first ripe fruits; season preceding harvesting time
zhoba LH n 9 noise
zhodza LL v apply lotion onto another’s body, as a child
ma zhokoedza LLHL n 6 early morning when darkness starts clearing
zhola LL v apply lotion onto one’s body
chi zholo LL n 7 ointment; a body lotion or cream
zhongololo LHLL n 5 millipede
zhou LL n 9/10 elephant
zhowana LLH n 9 elephant calf
zhuba HL n 5 sun; day
zhuka LL v become open
zhula LL v to open
zhula LH n 5 frog
zhulo LL adv. the day before yesterday
zhulo-lija LLHL adv. few days ago
zhunga LL v to remove thin grain from the much coarse one
n zhuzha LL n 1 young man
nji zi H n 10 rivers
n zi L n 3 home; dwelling place
ziba HL v know
n zibi HH n 1 skilled person; knowledgeable person
zibisa LHL v notify; inform
lu zibo HL n 11 knowledge
zigwa HL v be known
zijana LLH n 9 foot path; bicycle path; a small road
zila LL n 9/10 roads
n zila LL n 3 line
zilawa LHL n 9 kudu
zina HH n 5 name
zipa LL v sweet
zipi HL n 9 zip
zipisa LLL v sweeten
n zipo LL n 3 sweetness, as of honey or sugar
zogwadza LHL n 8 anguish
zojiwa LLL n 8 food
zomola LLL v pinch hard
n zonyo LH n 3 bull’s penis, also of any male animal
zuka LH n 7 sixpence coin, equivalent to five cents
zumbunuka LLLL v reveal; be in view
zunguza LLL v shake
zunguzika LLLL v shake as of a tree, flag or of a loose tooth
zununula LLLL v uncork; unplug; remove a lid of a bottle
zutula LLL v glare; look hard at something
zutula LLL v look hard with eyeballs pushed out
zutulila LLLL v look hard or fix the eyes at
zuwa LL v chat; be engaged in a friendly conversation
zwabo HL pron. theirs
n zwadzi HL n 1 parent
zwala HL v give birth
zwalana LHL v be related
bu zwalani LHL n 14 friendship; intimate friendship
n zwalani LHL n 1 friend
bu zwele LL n 14 confinement, a lying in after giving birth; sitting on eggs of a hen to hatch them
n zwele HL n 1 woman in confinement after giving birth
bu zwi H n 14 honey; syrup
n zwi H n 3 syrup; honey
zwi L ideo. darken, as in the evening or before rainfall
zwiambadza LHLH v dress oneself; be self supporting
zwiambula LHLH v undress oneself
zwibaakanya LHLLH v prepare oneself; get ready
zwibhatilila HLLLH v hold onto; be well off
ma zwibhato HLL n 6 manners; the manner of doing something
zwibigila HHLH v put away for oneself for later use
zwiboka LHL v praise oneself
zwibulaya LHLH v kill oneself; commit suicide
zwibuyanana LLLHH adv. very well; nicely
ba zwichabachaba LHHLL n 2 foreigners; people from other countries
zwichengedza LHLH v deceive oneself; has had a wrong notion about oneself
zwida HL v selfish; conceited; be tidy and smart in appearance
zwidwa LL v say to oneself; insult oneself, said in response to what you’d said
n zwigwa HL n 3/4 vangueria infauta tree
zwigwa HL n 9/10 fruits from the vangueria infauta tree
zwiisa-pasi LHLLH v make oneself small, hence humble oneself; belittle oneself
zwijisa HLL v feed oneself; support oneself
zwikama LHL v comb one’s hair
zwikera LHL v cut one’s hair
zwikolola LHLH v stretch out oneself, as the hand or arms
zwikumbula LHLH v serious self-examination; introspection
zwilandula LHLH v deny being at fault; plead innocent
zwilapa LHL v treat oneself
zwilebelekela LHLLLH v defend oneself in a dispute or a court case
zwilika LHL v do one’s best; push during child birth
zwilinga LHL v look at oneself, as in a mirror
zwilizanila LHLLH v be fit
zwilobesa-phepo LHLHLL v take a stroll; go on a holiday; go out for some fresh air
zwimba HH v swell
zwimba LL n 5 hide on the ground, as of rabbits
chi zwimbila LHH n 7 swelling easily, of someone
zwimbila LHL v constipate
zwimbisa LHL v cause to swell
zwimbunula LLLL v uncover; unveil
zwimisa LHL v intend to; to be determined to; will or resolve to
zwimisidzila LHLLH v take responsibility
zwina LL v mend or seal a hole using an adhesive, as of a puncture; close the lid of a container or bottle
zwing’anga LHL v scratch oneself
chi zwino LL n 7 lid or stopper
zwisenga LHL v be pregnant
zwisengesa LHLH v impregnant a woman
zwisunga LHL v incriminate oneself
zwisungilila LHLLH v hang oneself; commit suicide
zwitshula LHL v clean oneself; dry oneself; wipe one’s tears
zwiwa HL v feeling okay; hear oneself
ma zwiwo HL n 6 feelings; sensations
zwiya LL v crush between two objects
zwizhisa HLL v bring oneself; come unescorted and not coerced