Transportation

1. Ndikufuna kupita ku ___.

   I want to go to ___.

   Usage

   The basic way to give a destination to a driver or a passer-by; put a place name in the blank

   Grammar Note

   Place names take "ku" before them.

2. Ndikufuna tikiti imodzi yopita ku ___.

   One ticket to ___, please.

   Usage

   When buying a bus ticket

   Grammar Note

   "tikiti" is class 9, so "imodzi" and "yopita" take class 9 forms. Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

3. Basi iyi ikupita kuti?

   Where does this bus go?

   Usage

   Check the destination with the driver or conductor before boarding

   Grammar Note

   "basi" is class 9; trains and ships are "sitima" and fit the same pattern.

4. Basi iyi ikafika ku ___ nthawi yanji?

   What time will this bus arrive in ___?

   Usage

   Asks the arrival time; name the destination to confirm

   Grammar Note

   The marker -ka- gives a future "when it gets there". Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

5. Ulendo umatenga maola angati?

   How many hours is the journey?

   Usage

   Asks how long a long-distance trip takes

   Grammar Note

   "maola" is class 6, so "-ngati" takes the form "angati". Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

6. Imani apa, chonde.

   Stop here, please.

   Usage

   Tell the driver where you want to get off

   Grammar Note

   Polite imperative of -ima "stand, stop". Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

7. Kodi bwalo la ndege lili kutali?

   Is the airport far?

   Usage

   Checks the distance to the airport

   Grammar Note

   "bwalo" is class 5, so the verb is "lili". Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

8. Ndikupita ku Blantyre pabasi.

   I am going to Blantyre by bus.

   Usage

   States the transport and destination; "pa-" means "by, on"

   Grammar Note

   Blantyre is Malawi's main commercial city; "pa" + "basi" gives "pabasi".

9. Munditengere ku ___, chonde.

   Take me to ___, please.

   Usage

   Say it to a taxi or car driver

   Grammar Note

   The root -tenga "take" with the applicative ending "for me". Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

10. Ndalama zingati kupita ku ___?

    How much is the fare to ___?

    Usage

    Check the fare before you get in

    Grammar Note

    "ndalama zingati" is the usual way to ask a price. Composed from dictionary-verified words with regular grammar.

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