Language/Xhosa/Grammar/Adjectives
Hi Xhosa learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will be looking at adjectives in Xhosa. Adjectives are words used to describe a noun or pronoun, and they can be used to add colour and depth to your sentences.
Once you've mastered this lesson, take a look at these related pages: Pronouns, Negation, How to Use Have & Plurals.
What are Adjectives?[edit | edit source]
Adjectives are words used to modify or describe nouns or pronouns. They can be used to express a variety of qualities such as size, colour, shape, and appearance, as well as to express feelings or emotions. In Xhosa, adjectives come before the noun or pronoun that they modify.
Here are some examples:
| Xhosa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| inkuku entle | ee-kah-kah eh-lee-lay | beautiful chicken |
| umfana omhle | oom-fah-nah ohm-lay | handsome boy |
| umthi ongumntu | ee-cha-la eh-leen-goom-ntoo | human-like tree |
Types of Adjectives[edit | edit source]
There are two types of adjectives: attributive and predicative.
Attributive Adjectives[edit | edit source]
Attributive adjectives are placed immediately before the noun or pronoun that they modify. In Xhosa, attributive adjectives must agree with the noun in terms of gender.
Here are some examples:
| Xhosa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ihempe elimhlophe | ee-tyah-la eh-lee-mhlo-phe | white shirt |
| ikati elimnyama | ee-kah-tee eh-lee-mnya-mah | black cat |
| umfazi omhle | oom-fah-zee ohm-lay | beautiful woman |
Predicative Adjectives[edit | edit source]
Predicative adjectives come after the noun or pronoun that they modify and are used to describe the subject of the sentence. In Xhosa, predicative adjectives must agree with the subject in terms of gender.
Here are some examples:
| Xhosa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| utata unembeza omtsha | ooh-tah-tah oo-nehm-beh-zah ohm-tsha | the father has a new car |
| inyoka ibomvu | ee-nyoh-kah ee-bom-voo | the snake is red |
| indoda ibulawe | een-doh-dah ee-boo-lah-way | the man is sickly |
Comparison of Adjectives[edit | edit source]
In Xhosa, adjectives can be compared in the same way as in English. The comparative is used when comparing two objects, while the superlative is used when comparing three or more objects.
To form the comparative in Xhosa, you add the prefix "nga-" to the adjective. For example:
- yiletha (hot) - yangaletha (hotter)
To form the superlative, you use the prefix "kunye" before the adjective. For example:
- yiletha (hot) - kunye noyiletha (hottest)
Here are some examples:
| Xhosa | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ecawa elikhulu | eh-chah-wah eh-lee-khoo-loo | big cow |
| ecawa elifuna | eh-chah-wah eh-lee-foo-nah | bigger cow |
| ecawa elikhulu kunye noelifuna | eh-chah-wah eh-lee-khoo-loo koo-nyeh noh-lee-foo-nah | biggest cow |
Examples[edit | edit source]
Let's take a look at some examples to see how adjectives are used in context:
- Person 1: Umtwanami uyabhora. (My friend plays soccer.)
- Person 2: Ngobumnandi? (Is it fun?)
- Person 1: Yebo, uyamangalisa. (Yes, he is amazing.)
- Person 1: Indoda emhlophe ibulawa. (The white man is sick.)
- Person 2: Hayi, ayibulawa. (No, he is not sick.)
- Person 1: Ingabe ikaka elikhulu? (Is the chicken big?)
- Person 2: Yebo, ikaka elikhulu kakhulu. (Yes, the chicken is very big.)
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Adjectives are an important part of Xhosa grammar, allowing you to add detail and interest to your sentences. Remember to adjust your adjectives to agree with the gender of the noun or pronoun that they modify!
To improve your Xhosa Grammar, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
➡ 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. 😎
Impressive work on finishing this lesson! Explore these additional pages to enhance your understanding: Questions, Conditional Mood & Give your Opinion.
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
Sources[edit | edit source]