Noun

MEANING 1

The back.

Example of use

1 Icimbwi cikaanga inuma, MEANING: The hyena warms its back.

2 Amale yaliinuma yacuula MEANING: The millet is like the back of a toad (That is bloosoming).

3 Mwana wa pa numa, MEANING: A child carried on the back of the mother.

4 Amupaapa mu numa, MEANING: She carried her child on her back.

5 Pooseni abaana mu ma numa, MEANING: Place your children on your backs.

MEANING 2

ADJECTIVE with pa or ku.

Behind, in the rear after.

Example of Use

1 Akonka pa numa, MEANING: He is following behind.

2 Alaala nomukashi ku numa, MEANING: He sleeps with his wife behind him.

3 Uyu emwaice wandi uwankonka pa numa, MEANING: This my young brother who was born. after me.

4 Pa numa ya ?anda, MEANING: Behind the house.

MEANING 3

Later on.

Example of Use

Uletontonkanya ifikeesa pa numa, MEANING: You must think of what will come later on

The expression ku numa may refer either to the future or the past. The sense of the verb gives the real meaning same as kuntanshi.

FIGURATIVE SPEECH/IDIOMS/PHRASES/COLLOQUIAL USE/ EXPRESSION

1. Wapoosa umuntu ku numa, MEANING: To protect a person get him out of trouble.

2. Poosa umuntu pa kabanga, nelyo aumufunda shani, iyo fipitafye kunuma, MEANING: Teach him as you like he takes no notice of what is said.

3.  Ifyo fya numa, MEANING: That does not concern me, I take no notice of it.

4.  Mulandu wa numa, MEANING: It is a case one has nothing to do with.

PROVERBS

Inuma, ciliba: cilafwanta (ileelika)

Literal translation: The back is a trap that may crush you.

Meaning: One must always be careful, an accident happens unexpectedly. Said to a woman or child who stays behind when travelling

Bemba meaning: ifipona ku numa tafishibikwa