Copula

MEANING

He, she, it is, they are with some nouns, adjectives, demonstratives

 

MEANING 1

Example of use 1

With nouns having no prefix, ba in plural

1. Ulya ni makunkula MEANING That one is a mutilated person

2. Ebalya wacilanda ati ni ba cisanguka? MEANING Are those the people you said turn into lions?

3. Aka kanama ni kakolwe MEANING That animal is a monkey

 

Example of use 2

With nouns having prefix i/m-,i/n- i/?-

1. Ni ?anda MEANING It’s a house

2. Ni mfumu MEANING He’s a chief

3. Ni mbuto MEANING This is a seed

 

Example of use 3

With demonstratives

1. Imfumu sha ku mulundu, amashina yabo ni aya MEANING These are the names of the chiefs found in the highlands.

2. Kabolola ni uyu MEANING This is the thief.

 

Example of use 4

With personal pronouns

1. Ni ne nacimupeela MEANING I am the one who gave him

2. Ni we nani? MEANING Who are you?

3. Ni ne Chibesa MEANING I am Chibesa

4. Ni ?umfwa MEANING I have heard

 

Example of use 5

With proper names

1. Umwine ici cikulwa ni Chishimba MEANING The owner of this building is Chishimba

2. Ni Shi-Chabala MEANING It is Chabala’s dad

 

Example of use 6

With locatives

1.Ni kwi ufumine? MEANING Where did you come from?

2. Pali ba Lumbwe ni pi? MEANING Where is Mr Lumbwe’s house?

3. Ni pamoona MEANING It’s on the nose

4. Yalya mano ni nkonka ya kwa wishi MEANING That behavior is hereditary from the father

 

Example of use 7

Ni mukuti…MEANING That is to say…