Language/Tswana/Vocabulary/Household-Items
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Introduction[edit | edit source]
In this lesson, we will focus on learning the names of common household items in Tswana. Being able to identify and describe household items is essential for everyday communication and will greatly enhance your vocabulary in the Tswana language. We will cover a wide range of items you might find in a typical household, from furniture and appliances to kitchen utensils and cleaning supplies. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to confidently name and discuss various household items in Tswana, as well as use them in sentences.
Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Below is a comprehensive list of common household items in Tswana, along with their English translations and pronunciations. Take your time to go through each item, paying attention to the pronunciation guide, and practice saying the words aloud to familiarize yourself with the Tswana language.
Furniture[edit | edit source]
| Tswana | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| sebilo | seh-bee-loh | chair |
| dibelo | dee-beh-loh | table |
| sekgwa | seh-kwa | bed |
| setso | seh-tsoh | sofa |
| lerata | leh-rah-tah | cupboard |
| tsele | tseh-leh | shelf |
| sekwala | se-kwa-lah | mirror |
| tsholo | tshoh-loh | lamp |
| kgala | kha-la | clock |
| sefate | seh-fah-teh | rug |
Appliances[edit | edit source]
| Tswana | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| metsi | meh-tsee | water |
| setswana | seh-tswa-nah | stove |
| bokete | bo-keh-teh | microwave |
| sebaka | seh-bah-kah | oven |
| sefuro | seh-foo-roh | refrigerator |
| diatla | dee-aht-lah | dishwasher |
| sebogo | seh-boh-go | washing machine |
| selogele | seh-lo-ge-leh | dryer |
| sebopelo | seh-boh-peh-loh | iron |
| selete | seh-leh-teh | fan |
Kitchen Utensils[edit | edit source]
| Tswana | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| metsi | meh-tsee | water |
| setswana | seh-tswa-nah | stove |
| bokete | bo-keh-teh | microwave |
| sebaka | seh-bah-kah | oven |
| sefuro | seh-foo-roh | refrigerator |
| diatla | dee-aht-lah | dishwasher |
| sebogo | seh-boh-go | washing machine |
| selogele | seh-lo-ge-leh | dryer |
| sebopelo | seh-boh-peh-loh | iron |
| selete | seh-leh-teh | fan |
Cultural Insights[edit | edit source]
Tswana households, like many other households around the world, are filled with a variety of items that reflect the culture and lifestyle of the people. Traditional Tswana homes often feature handcrafted furniture made from local materials such as wood and straw. These pieces are not only functional but also carry cultural significance. For example, the lerata (cupboard) is often adorned with intricate carvings and serves as a symbol of status and wealth within the community.
In rural areas, it is common to find a kgala (clock) made from natural materials such as animal horns and carved wood. This unique timepiece serves as both a practical item for telling time and a decorative piece that showcases the craftsmanship of the local artisans. Tswana households also value the importance of cleanliness, and therefore, you will find a sebopelo (iron) and selete (fan) to ensure that clothes are well-pressed and the air is fresh and cool.
Practice Exercises[edit | edit source]
Now it's time to put your knowledge to the test! Complete the following exercises to practice using the vocabulary you have learned.
1. Match the Tswana words with their English translations: a) sebilo b) tsele c) diatla
Answer: a) chair b) shelf c) dishwasher
2. Fill in the blanks with the correct Tswana words: a) Ke batla go tswa mo ______________ (bed). b) Ke dirisa sefuro go tsaya leina la ______________ (refrigerator). c) Ga ke na ______________ (cupboard) mo setlhabelong.
Answer: a) sekgwa b) metsi c) lerata
3. Create sentences using the following household items: a) sebopelo (washing machine) b) sebaka (oven) c) tsholo (lamp)
Answer: a) Ke itlhokomeleng go tsaya sebopelo go go itshegetsela ditlho. b) Ke tshwara motswako mo sebaka go tsaya ditlhabololo. c) Tsholofetso e e botlhokwa ke go tshela tsholo ka ntle ga go phetha.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Congratulations! You have successfully learned the names of common household items in Tswana and practiced using them in sentences. By expanding your vocabulary in this area, you will be able to navigate and communicate effectively in various everyday situations. Keep practicing and reviewing the vocabulary regularly to strengthen your knowledge. In the next lesson, we will explore the names of common places in town and how to use them in sentences.
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Tswana Household Dictionary: Tswana-English (Tswana kasahorow ...
- Peace Corps/ Botswana - An Introduction to the Setswana Language
- An Introduction to Spoken Setswana.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Clothes
- Animals
- Drinks
- How to say Good Bye?
- Education
- How to Say Hello and Greetings
- Food
- Days of the Week
- Polite Expressions
- Describing Relationships
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