Language/Zulu/Grammar/Conjunctions

Zulu → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Prepositions and Conjunctions → Conjunctions

Introduction

Welcome to the Zulu Grammar course! In this lesson, we will focus on conjunctions, which are words that connect two or more words, phrases, or clauses in a sentence. By mastering conjunctions, you will be able to use more complex sentence structures in Zulu and express yourself more fluently. Let's get started!

Don't miss the chance to check out these pages as you wrap up this lesson: Gender & Pronouns.

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, and clauses that are grammatically equal, meaning that they have the same function in the sentence. In Zulu, there are four coordinating conjunctions: "kanye", "futhi", "noma", and "kunye".

"Kanye"

"Kanye" means "and" and is used to join words or phrases that are parallel. For example:

Zulu	Pronunciation	English
Uthando kanye nombuso	/uˈtʰando kaː'ɲɛ nuˈmbuso/	Love and beauty

"Futhi"

"Futhi" also means "and" and is used to join words or phrases that are not necessarily parallel but are of equal importance. For example:

Zulu	Pronunciation	English
Ubusuku bumnandi futhi benkulu	/uˈbusuːku bumnandi 'fuːtʰi bɛn'kulu/	The night is good and long

"Noma"

"Noma" means "or" and is used to present alternative options or possibilities. For example:

Zulu	Pronunciation	English
Uyathanda ukudla noma asiyazi kuso	/ujəˈtʰanda ʊku'd̪͡ɮa ˈnɔma a'sijaːzi 'kʊso/	He likes to eat, or we don't know what it is

"Kunye"

"Kunye" means "and" and is used to join words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It is often used in combination with "futhi" to add emphasis. For example:

Zulu	Pronunciation	English
Uthando kunye nothando	/uˈtʰando 'kunje nɔ'ˈtʰando/	Love and love

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions connect clauses that are not grammatically equal. In other words, one clause depends on the other to express a complete thought. In Zulu, there are several subordinating conjunctions, including:

• "ngoba" - because
• "ngokuba" - because
• "uma" - if
• "ngalokho" - therefore
• "nxa" - if/as long as
• "hle" - if only

Here are some examples:

• "Ngoba ngathi ngiyaqala ukudla." - "Because I feel like eating."
• "Uma ngifuna ukudla ngiyaqala ukupheka." - "If I want to eat, I start cooking."

Conclusion

Congratulations on completing this lesson on conjunctions in Zulu! By mastering the use of conjunctions, you will be better equipped to express yourself more fluidly and develop more complex sentence structures. Be sure to practice what you have learned in order to strengthen your skills. Good luck!

Having concluded this lesson, consider checking out these related pages: Adverbs of time & Alphabet and Pronunciation.

Table of Contents - Zulu Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Zulu

• Alphabet and Pronunciation
• Basic Sentence Structure

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Greetings and Introductions

• Common Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Classes
• Personal Pronouns

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Numbers and Time

• Basic Numbers
• Days, Months, and Seasons

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Describing Nouns
• Describing Verbs

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Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating and Drinking

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Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

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Zulu Culture and Traditions

• Traditional Customs
• Festivals and Holidays