Language/Lingala/Vocabulary/Animals
Hi Lingala learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about animals in Lingala. As an experienced Lingala teacher, I will not only teach you the vocabulary but also offer interesting cultural information and facts. Remember, to improve your Lingala vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Basic Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Let's start with some basic animal vocabulary:
| Lingala | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Nzú | /nzy/ | Monkey |
| Mbutá | /mbu.ta/ | Antelope |
| Nkóndi | /ŋkôndi/ | Elephant |
| Nyama | /ɲama/ | Meat |
| Bisó | /bi.so/ | Fish |
| Búzi | /bu.zi/ | Goat |
| Lómbi | /lômbi/ | Rat |
Now, let's use these words in context:
- Person 1: Búzi ya mingi mingi ezali malamu mingi mingi. (A fat goat is very delicious.)
- Person 2: Búzi na bisó malamu mingi mingi. (Goat with fish is very delicious.)
As you can see from the dialogue, Lingala speakers enjoy eating goat meat and fish together. This combination is called "mbisi" and is popular in many parts of the Congo.
Now that we know some basic vocabulary, let's move on to other animals.
Animals in the Jungle[edit | edit source]
Jungles are home to many animals, and Congo has some of the densest jungles in the world. Lingala speakers have unique names for jungle animals, as shown in the table below:
| Lingala | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ekóndá | /e.kônda/ | Gorilla |
| Nkémbé | /ŋkêmbê/ | Panther |
| Ndúma | /nduma/ | Leopard |
| Enzá | /ênzâ/ | Snake |
| Nganga | /ŋaŋa/ | Cheetah |
| Nzébi | /nzébi/ | Anteater |
Let's use these words in a dialogue:
- Person 1: Ekóndá na nkémbé ezali mibale mingi mingi na nde. (Gorilla and panther are very dangerous in the jungle.)
- Person 2: Nkémbé na ndúma ezali mboka mingi mingi. (Panther and leopard are very fast.)
As you can see, Lingala speakers are familiar with the dangers and challenges of living in the jungle.
Safari Animals[edit | edit source]
Congo is also home to many safari animals, which are often seen in the country's national parks. Lingala speakers have different names for safari animals, as shown below:
| Lingala | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Nzúbi | /nzy.bi/ | Elephant |
| Nzóbi | /nzo.bi/ | Giraffe |
| Nkéngé | /ŋke.nge/ | Zebra |
| Nsíma | /nsima/ | Buffalo |
| Nyómbe | /ɲombe/ | Hippopotamus |
| Ndáma | /ndâma/ | Rhino |
Let's use these words in a dialogue:
- Person 1: Nzúbi ezangi se na mpɔ́yɔ. (Elephants drink a lot of water.)
- Person 2: Nyómbe na nsíma ezali nzambe mingi mingi. (Hippopotamus and buffalo are very big animals.)
As you can see, Lingala speakers have a lot of respect for the size and strength of these safari animals.
Domestic Animals[edit | edit source]
Finally, let's learn about domestic animals, which are often raised by Lingala speakers for food or farming. Lingala speakers have different names for domestic animals, as shown below:
| Lingala | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ngombe | /ŋombe/ | Cow |
| Nkoko | /ŋkoko/ | Chicken |
| Ngála | /ŋgála/ | Dog |
| Nkonzi | /ŋkônzi/ | Pig |
| Nkási | /ŋkási/ | Sheep |
| Ngúbi | /ŋgúbi/ | Turkey |
Let's use these words in a dialogue:
- Person 1: Ngombe na nkonzi ezali nzambe mingi mingi na biso. (Cows and pigs are big animals for meat.)
- Person 2: Nkoko na ngúbi ezali libumu mingi mingi. (Chicken and turkey are delicious.)
As you can see, Lingala speakers know which domestic animals are best for food.
That's all for now. I hope you enjoyed this lesson and learned some new Lingala vocabulary. Remember to visit the Polyglot Club website to find native speakers and practice Lingala with them. Don't forget to check out the Lingala Vocabulary page for more words. Zobunda !
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Comprehension
- Express Surprise
- In the kitchen
- Around the house
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Sorcery and witchcraft
- Numbers
- Introducing yourself
- Earth
- On the road
Sources[edit | edit source]