Basic Words

1. Inde

   Yes

   Usage

   Plain affirmative; it can also mean "indeed"

   Grammar Note

   "inde" is an invariable word. The negatives are "ayi" and "iyayi".

2. Ayi

   No

   Usage

   The polite "no"; "Iyayi" is the firmer form

   Grammar Note

   "ayi" works as a standalone answer and also as a sentence-final "not".

3. Iyayi

   No (firmly)

   Usage

   A firmer "no", often followed by a clause such as "Iyayi, sindikufuna" (No, I don't want it)

   Grammar Note

   Stronger than "ayi"; "Ayi" is the gentler way to decline.

4. Chonde

   Please

   Usage

   Placed before or after a request; it can also be a strong "I beg you"

   Grammar Note

   "chonde" is invariable and can open or close a request.

5. Zikomo

   Thank you

   Usage

   Often used to close a conversation; it can also mean "excuse me"

   Grammar Note

   "zikomo" is a plural-shaped interjection usable with anyone; add "kwambiri" to intensify.

6. Pepani

   Sorry / Excuse me

   Usage

   Used both to apologise and to get past or attract someone's attention

   Grammar Note

   A polite (plural) imperative form that is always used in this respectful shape.

7. Palibe vuto.

   No problem.

   Usage

   A reply to an apology: "it is fine"

   Grammar Note

   "palibe" means "there is none" (pali "there is" with a negative ending). Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

8. Zili bwino.

   It is fine.

   Usage

   Reassures the other person that everything is fine

   Grammar Note

   "zili" is zi- (they) plus -li (be); "bwino" means "well".

9. Sindikumvetsa.

   I don't understand.

   Usage

   Say it when you cannot follow what was said

   Grammar Note

   One written word: si- (not) + ndi- (I) + -ku- (now) + -mvetsa (understand). Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

10. Ndikumvetsa.

    I understand.

    Usage

    Tells the other person you have followed the explanation

    Grammar Note

    ndi- (I) + -ku- (now) + -mvetsa (understand). The negative is "sindikumvetsa". Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

11. Sindikudziwa.

    I don't know.

    Usage

    The answer when you do not know

    Grammar Note

    The root is -dziwa "know"; the affirmative is "ndikudziwa".

12. Dikirani, chonde.

    Please wait.

    Usage

    A polite way to ask someone to wait

    Grammar Note

    Imperative of -dikira "wait" with polite -ni; the bare "dikira" is for a close single person.

13. Dikirani pang'ono.

    Just a moment.

    Usage

    Adds "a little" to ask for a short wait

    Grammar Note

    In "pang'ono" the "ng'" is one sound (/ŋ/); keep the apostrophe.

14. Mundithandize, chonde.

    Please help me.

    Usage

    A polite request for help; in a hurry use "Thandizeni!"

    Grammar Note

    mu- (you, polite) + ndi- (me) + -thandiz- (help) + -e.

15. Lankhulani pang'onopang'ono, chonde.

    Please speak slowly.

    Usage

    Ask this when you cannot keep up with fast speech

    Grammar Note

    Polite imperative of -lankhula "speak"; "pang'onopang'ono" doubles "pang'ono" for "little by little". Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

16. Ndimalankhula Chichewa pang'ono.

    I speak a little Chichewa.

    Usage

    Locals appreciate even a few words of Chichewa

    Grammar Note

    The tense marker -ma- gives a habitual or general meaning. The language name is capitalised: "Chichewa". Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

17. Kodi mumalankhula chizungu?

    Do you speak English?

    Usage

    "chizungu" refers to English and other European languages; the polite "mu-" form is used

    Grammar Note

    "kodi" at the start marks a question. "chizungu" is the language name built on "mzungu" (white person).

18. Ichi

    This one

    Usage

    Point while saying it; handy when you do not know the word

    Grammar Note

    "ichi" is the demonstrative for class 7 (chi-) nouns; the form changes with the noun class.

19. Icho

    That one

    Usage

    Refers to something near the listener or already mentioned

    Grammar Note

    "icho" is the class 7 demonstrative for something already referred to.

20. Pano

    Here

    Usage

    Means "here"; used when pointing to a place

    Grammar Note

    "pano" is a locative with pa-, pointing to a specific spot.

21. Apo

    There

    Usage

    Points to a spot near the listener

    Grammar Note

    "apo" marks a place further away than "apa" (here).

22. Kumeneko

    Over there

    Usage

    Used for a place that is far away

    Grammar Note

    A "ku-" locative pointing to a distant place or direction.

23. Ine

    I / me

    Usage

    Used only for emphasis; the subject is normally built into the verb

    Grammar Note

    "ndine" fuses "ndi" (be) and "ine" for "it is me".

24. Inu

    You (polite)

    Usage

    The polite "you" for elders and strangers; it is also the plural "you"

    Grammar Note

    The singular "iwe" is for close friends; a traveller should stay with "inu".

25. Pamodzi

    Together

    Usage

    Used when suggesting to do something together

    Grammar Note

    pa- (place) + -modzi (one): "in one place".

26. Tsopano

    Right now

    Usage

    Means "now" or "at once"

    Grammar Note

    A time adverb that can open or close a sentence.

27. Munthu m'modzi

    One person

    Usage

    The basic way to give a headcount of one

    Grammar Note

    "munthu" is a class 1 singular, so the numeral -modzi becomes "m'modzi".

28. Anthu awiri

    Two people

    Usage

    Used to give the number of people

    Grammar Note

    "anthu" is the class 2 plural, so the numeral agrees as "a-wiri".

29. Anthu atatu

    Three people

    Usage

    Used to give the number of people

    Grammar Note

    "atatu" is "three" agreeing with class 2; for things it becomes "zitatu", "itatu" and so on.

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