Adjective

MEANING1

Just there, at that special place.

Exampleof use

1.      Chiti, biikaapo pene, MEANING: Chiti, justput it right there.

2.      Ba kolwebali apo pene, MEANING:  The monkeys are just there.

MEANING2

Since

Exampleof use

Apo nabwelaku Japan papita imyaka itatu MEANING: It is three years since I came backfrom Japan

MEANING3

When

Exampleos use

1 Bataata abati apo baletemenwa epo balelila ifyakulya MEANING: Dad has said he will take the food when he feelslike.

2. Apopene Bupe acisa, bayamba no kulwa,MEANING: When Bupe just came, they started fighting.

MEANING4

As much as

Exampleof use

Ine ndicinondo! Kuti nakupela indalama apo ulefwaila MEANING: I am a rich man!  I can give as much money as you want.

MEANING5

Since (conjunction)

Exampleof use

Apo wabaifi, ine nalekakoMEANING: Since you feel this way, I leave it all (I will not say any moreword).

MEANING6

In what way, what respect.

Exampleof use

Mwansa,uleti: nabifya, unjebe apo mbifishe? MEANING: Mwansa, you have told me that I am at fault; inwhat way am I at fault?

 

PROVERBS

1. Apo ulushinga lusengeleke taluputuka

Literal translation

Where the bow-string is thinnest is not where it breaks.

Meaning

Apparances are deceiving. Trouble does not always come fromwhere you expect it. A sick elderly man may live while a health young man maydie first.

BembaMeaning

Ala pacalo fimo infintu filapapusha. Kuti umukote aleshikila, amuti alauma akaputi kuculu. Mwamonafye umulumendo, kaimbi, apona afwa no kufwa! Abantu cabaponwa pamusao!

Similarproverbs

1. Apo lushengeneke, epo taluputuka

2. Ilipompo lilapona, ibonge lyashala

2. Apo mwishibene, tapafuma lupato lwape

Literaltranslation

Where you know each other, perpetual hatred should not bethere.

Meaning

Quarrels can occur within familes but they should not lastforever.

BembaMeaning

Ululupwa,lupwa. Nga mwakwesana nga imiti ipalamene, bweshanyeni bwangu bwangu pantumwatula kumo.

Similarproverbs

1. Umutowalupwa, tawitika.

2. Utwanatwambwa tatupishanya meeno

3. Mwananoko, awama libili

4. Mwananoko tabipa lib

3. Apo taata afwile, epo naifwe tukafwila

Literaltranslation

Where our father died, there too we shall die

Meaning

Never forget your family roots and the longheld cultures andtraditions of your ancestors

 

BembaMeaning

Mulesungaintambi sha calo. Teeti mubule imibeele yabamwisa ati, eya, naifwe ififineefyawama. Calinga naimwe i?oma pa lwenu.

Similarproverbs

Apabolele Bunde, nemicila yakwa Bunde

 

4. Apo ulaala, palaale inkwa

Literaltranslation

Where your valuables are kept, that is where you sleep.

Meaning

Be hospitable and give your visitors a good treat

BembaMeaning

Ucite kubanobe na beeni filya fine naiwe wingafwaya bakucitila

 

5. Apo uli neshuko, tapafuuka cushi

Literaltranslation

Whereluck is waiting for you, there is no smoke

Meaning

Onenever knows when or where lady luck will strike

BembaMeaning

Ala kwenaapo uli neshuko, ilingi tapeshibikwa.

Similarproverbs

1. ApatebetaLesa, tapafuuka cushi

2. Apolesa atebeta, tapafuuka cushi

 

6. Apo ushibikile pafimfya meenso

Literaltranslation

Staring for long at a place you did not put anything makesthe eyes swell.

Meaning

Staring with envy at your neighbours Benz, house, or I-phone10 will not be of any help to you

BembaMeaning

Wilakumbwaifyabene, kuicushafye.

Similarproverbs

Ubungabushipelele noko, mito.

 

7. Apo waikala, epabukulu bwa mpaanga

Literaltranslation

Where you stay is the most important part of the country foryou.

Meaning

Make the best of what you have. Be realistic and don’t dreamof or about things that you do not have.

BembaMeaning

Mune,ifintu fyobe efyo uposeko amano, efikulu. Wiilwalika umutima ukulota pafyotawakwata! Wamya apo waikele. Bambi mumikoti balala mu misebo, mu mifolo, namunkungu ya ma shitoolo.

 

 

7. Apo waipunwina, epo batampila nokunsuta.  

Literaltranslation

Where you injure your toe is where you start limping.