Language/Lingala/Vocabulary/Drinks

Lingala Vocabulary - Drinks

Hi Lingala learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn the Lingala vocabulary for drinks!

Useful phrases

Before we start, here are some useful phrases you might find helpful:

• Nalingi na mpéya ya...... - I want a glass/cup of......
• Nalingi biléi ya...... - I want a bottle of......
• Nalingi na lopango ya...... - I want a pitcher of......
• Eko wapi na yo? - Where is yours?
• Ezali oyo ya ngai. - That is mine.
• Ezo wapi na yo? - Where is yours?
• Ezali na kombo ya ngai. - It's on my side.

Vocabulary

Drinks come in many shapes and sizes. Here is a table with some of the most common drinks in Lingala:

Lingala	Pronunciation	English
mosi	/mɔsi/	beer
sima	/sima/	African traditional beer
kólá	/kola/	cola
awa	/awa/	water
kafe	/kafe/	coffee
thé	/te/	tea
djuice	/dʒuis/	juice
likueri	/likʷeri/	liqueur
vin	/vĩ/	wine
champaigne	/tʃampane/	champagne
senton	/sentɔ̃/	soda

Dialogue

Here's a dialogue to help you see the vocabulary in context:

• Person 1: Nalingi na mpéya ya mosi. (I want a glass of beer.)
• Person 2: Laki na ngaï alaffi yango te. (Don't bother me with that.)
• Person 1: Nalingi na mpéya sima. (I want a glass of African traditional beer.)
• Person 2: Sala ngaï, ezali na kóndo ya ngaï te. (Sorry, I don't have any.)
• Person 1: Nalingi na mpéya ya kólá. (I want a glass of cola.)
• Person 2: Manga ngaï, ezali oyo ya ngaï. (Help yourself, it's mine.)

Cultural information

Brewing and drinking beer is a widespread cultural practice across the African continent, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The use of traditional beer as a welcome gift is common in many communities across the country, and it is often used in traditional ceremonies.

Practice

Now that you know the vocabulary, it's time to practice! Go to Polyglot Club, find native speakers, and ask them any questions. You can also improve your Lingala Vocabulary by visiting the website!

Sources

• Cuisine of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Beer in Africa
• Traditional beer

Related Lessons

• How to say Good Bye?
• Binomials
• Food
• Contractions
• At school
• Time
• Government
• Health
• Days of the Week
• God and Religion