Language/Xhosa/Grammar/Prepositions

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

Xhosa, like any other language, has its own set of rules when it comes to prepositions. Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in the sentence, such as location or time. This lesson will teach you about the different types of prepositions in Xhosa, provide examples and usage, and give you some practice exercises to test your understanding.

Types of Prepositions

There are two types of prepositions in Xhosa:

1. Location Prepositions

Location prepositions are used to indicate where something is in relation to something else.

Xhosa	Pronunciation	English
Esihlahleni	eh-see-khla-hle-ni	On the table
NgoJanuwari	nnn-goh-jah-nuu-waa-ri	In January
Ngaphambi kweNkosi	nnn-gah-pahm-bee kwe-nkoh-si	In front of the king
Ngaphandle kwakho	nnn-gah-pah-nn-le kwa-ko	Outside your house

2. Direction Prepositions

Direction prepositions are used to indicate the direction of something.

Xhosa	Pronunciation	English
Kuqala kweliqembu	koo-kha-la kweh-lee-kheh-mbu	At the beginning of this team
Emsidlangamandla	eh-m-see-dla-nn-ga-man-dla	Towards the power
Kwezinye izikhathi	kwe-zee-nye zee-khah-thi	At certain times
Ezingqongileyo	eh-zi-nnnn-ggo-ngi-le-yo	Into the deep hole

Usage

Here are some examples to help you understand the usage of prepositions in Xhosa better:

• Ndiza kuya kwelinye ilali = I am going to the other side
• Ugqibele umngcwabo ngoCawa = He finished his homework on Thursday
• Yilo mntu ngaphaya kwendlu yakho = That person is over there, outside your house
• Uqhubeka ngaseMsundu = He continued towards Msundu

Practice Exercise

Translate the following sentences from Xhosa to English:

• Ndizokuxelela ngenyanga = ________________________________
• Ngaphantsi kwesihlahla nje = _______________________________
• Zama ukuhamba emahlombe = ________________________________
• Kuthi qhayisa ezi ziko = __________________________________

Answers:

• I will tell you in a month
• Just below the table
• Try to walk barefoot
• It's warm in these places

Table of Contents - Xhosa Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

  ---

Introduction to Xhosa

• Pronunciation and Alphabet
• Basic Sentence Structure

  ---

Greetings and Introductions

• Formal and Informal Greetings
• Common Courtesy Phrases

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Classes
• Pronouns and Agreement

  ---

Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-10
• Telling Time

  ---

Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationship Status

  ---

Questions and Negation

• Forming Questions
• Negation

  ---

Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating and Drinking

  ---

Xhosa Culture and Traditions

• Xhosa People and History
• Traditional Customs and Celebrations

  ---

Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Travel Phrases

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Agreement
• Adverbs

  ---

Weather and Seasons

• Weather Vocabulary
• Seasons

  ---

Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Prepositions
• Conjunctions

  ---

Hobbies and Interests

• Sports and Activities
• Arts and Entertainment

  ---

Xhosa Music and Literature

• Traditional Music and Instruments
• Xhosa Literature and Poetry

Other Lessons

• Plurals
• 0 to A1 Course
• Give your Opinion
• Past Tense
• Adjectives
• Conjunctions
• Pronouns and Agreement
• Questions
• Basic Sentence Structure

Sources

• Xhosa Grammar | LEARN101.ORG
• English Prepositions in isiXhosa Spaces: Evidence from Code ...