Language/Xhosa/Grammar/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
Videos
Xhosa Sentence for Beginners | Verbs, Prepositions, Conjunctions ...
Other Lessons
- Plurals
- 0 to A1 Course
- Give your Opinion
- Past Tense
- Adjectives
- Conjunctions
- Pronouns and Agreement
- Questions
- Basic Sentence Structure