Note :
At the insistent request of some English-speaking visitors, I was forced to translate this lexicon from French to English. It’s a colossal job that took me a lot of time, I applied myself and tried to do my best. Despite this, since English is not my usual language, there could be some translation errors here and there. If you find any, do not hesitate to report them to me by writing to me through the contact page of this website.
Thank you in advance !
VIII. EXPRESSIONS OF EVERYDAY LIFE.
- USUAL PHRASES IN VISIT TO THE FAMILY OR TO FRIENDS.
– ko ko koo … nani kuna? … kota! : toc toc toc … who is here ? … come in !
– mbote ! : hello ! good morning ! good afternoon !…
– boyei elamu ! : welcome !
– boyei elamu epayi na biso ! : welcome to our house !
– boni nzoto ? : how are you ? how are you doing ?
– boni sante ? : how is your health ? how are you ?
– boni epayi na bino? : how are things going at your house ?
– boni (bino) na ndako? : how are things going at home ?
– toyambi bapaya ! : we have a visit! we have visitors!
– toyei kotala bino : we come to visit you, we come to return your visit
– oyali (ou: ozali malamu? oza malamu? o’a malamu?) : you’re okay ?
– sango boni? : how are you ? what are the news ? what’s new ?
– sango nini? : how are you ? what are the news ? what’s up ?
– sango te! : things are going well ! no news ! nothing to report !
– eh, naza(li) malamu! : yes, I’m fine!
– naza(li) malamu te : I’m not well
– nazo yoka nzoto malamu te ! : I don’t feel well ! I do not feel good !
– yambi ! : welcome !
– bokomela nini ? : what will you have (to drink) ? what do you want to drink ?
– omelaka biele ? : are you used to have beer ?
– posa ya kolia elongo na bino ! : want to eat with you !
– tokende na mesa : let’s go to the table
– bolei elamu ! : enjoy your meal ! bon appetit !
– yaka tobina : come and dance with me
– natiki bino ! : I leave you ! I say goodbye !
– tokomi mbala sima ! : see you ! bye-bye !
– tozo kende na makolo : we are going on foot
– tozo zela bino mokolo ya poso : we’re waiting for you next Saturday
– mbote mingi na Kingandi : hello to So-and-So
– yaka tokende ! : come on, let’s go ! let’s move on !
– bokende bolamu ! : welcome back ! have a good trip !
– mokolo molamu ! : have a good day !
– mbotama elamu ! : happy Birthday!
– butu elamu ! : good night !
– pongi elamu ! : Good night ! sleep well !
- USUAL PHRASES AT HOME.
– abee! : yes ! present ! here ! (as an answer to a roll-call)
– bima kuna! : get out of there !
– bima (na) libanda! : go out ! go outside!
– bima (na) ndako ! : get out of the house !
– bokende kosakana (na) libanda : go play outside
– bokende kosukola basani : go do the dishes
– bokende kosukola bilamba : go do the laundry, go wash the clothes
– bolamuka, tango ya kokende kelasi ekoki : wake up, it’s time to go to school
– boma muinda ! : switch/turn off the lights !
– bomela ti liboso ya kokende kelasi : have tea/breakfast before going to school
– botika makelele : silence ! be quiet ! stop making noise !
– boya kolia ! : come to eat !
– kende koyamba mama leki na yo ! : go welcome your maternal aunt ! go kiss your aunt !
– kombola ndaku ! : sweep the house !
– lata bilamba (na yo) ! : dress yourself ! get your clothes on ! put your clothes on !
– latisa leki na yo bilamba ! : get your little brother/sister dressed !
– lelo tokolia nini ? : what are we going to eat today ?
– liboso ya kolala, bokende kosuba : before going to sleep, go pee
– liboso ya kolia, bokende kosukola maboko : before eating, go wash your hands
– longua kuna ! : get away from it ! move it !
– mafuta nzoyi : honey
– mama azo lamba madesu : mommy is preparing some beans
– mayi ya lobo : sugar and water
– mbisi ya kokawuka : smoked fish, dried fish
– mbongo ya bibende : coins
– mema leki na yo na kelasi : accompany your little brother (sister) to school
– nayoki posa ya kosuba (nayoki posa ya masuba) : I want to (go) pee
– nayoki posa ya zongo ! : I want to go to the bathroom ! I want to poop !
– nazo sanola suki (na ngayi) : I’m combing my hair, I’m combing myself
– papa asilikeli biso makasi : daddy is very angry with us
– papa azo bongisa kiti : daddy is reparing the chair
– papa azo kata mandefu : daddy is shaving his beard
– pelisa muinda ! : switch/turn on the lights !
– pesa ngayi biloko ya kolia ! : give me some food !
– pesa ngayi eloko ya kolia ! : give me something to eat !
– tanda mesa ! : set the table !
– tangela nga lisapo ya mboloko na ngando : read me the tale of the gazelle and the crocodile
– tango ya kolala ekoki ! : It’s time to go to sleep ! It’s time to go to bed !
– tia elamba ! : dress yourself ! put on a garment ! put on a piece of clothing !
– tiela ngayi manteka na lipa : put some butter (margarine) on my bread
– tika leki na yo nye : leave your little brother (sister) alone
– tika makelele ! : stop making noise ! silence ! be quiet !
– yaka awa ! : come here !
– yaka noki ! : come quickly !
– yaya azo dunda : my big brother (sister) is eating greedly
– yembela nga nzembo (loyembo) : sing me a song
- USUAL PHRASES BETWEEN LOVERS.
– azalaka molongani na ngai : he/she is my companion
– bolingo ezali lokola liki, … : love is like an egg, …
– bolingo na ngai : my love, my darling
– bolingo ya nga na yo suka se lilita : we will love each other until death do us part
– boma ngai na elengi : make me come, take me to the seventh heaven
– esekeli na yo elangwisi ngai : your smile drives me crazy, your smile convinces me
– kanisaka ngayi, kobosana ngayi te : think of me, don’t forget me
– komela ngai makanisi na yo : write me your intentions, write me your feelings
– lengela bolingo na yo : take care of your lover
– libala bombanda : polygamy, polyandry
– limbisa ngayi : forgive me
– lokola tolingani, tokobalana : as we love each other, let’s get married
– lokuta na yo emonani/eyebani : your lie is revealed, your lies are discovered
– loposo na yo eza sembe-sembe : you skin is soft
– maloba na yo sukali : you have sweet words
– mama na bana : the mother of my children, an affectionate expression to designate one’s wife
– mayi ya miso : tears
– mokolo ya poso, nakoya libota na nga : Saturday, I will come with my family
– motema ekobeta soki nakanisi yo : my heart beats when I think of you
– nakueyi ndeke : I have love at first sight, I love it
– nakumisi baboti na yo pona kitoko na yo : I pay tribute to your parents for your beauty
– nalangue lamulu : I’m crazy in love
– nalingaka elobeli na yo : I like the way you talk
– nalingaka esekeli na yo : I like the way you smile, I love your smile
– nalingi nalia loboko na yo : I would like to taste your cooking
– nalingi yo makasi koleka : I love you very much
– nalingi yo mingi : I love you so much
– nalingi yo mingi koleka : I love you more than anything
– nalingi yo na bolingo ya seko : I love you forever, I love you for my life
– nalingi yo na motema moko : I love you with all my heart
– nalingi yo na motema na ngai mobimba : I love you from the bottom of my heart
– nalingi yo ya libela : I love you forever
– nasepelaka na yo : I like you, you please me
– nayoki posa (ya nzotu) na yo : I want you
– naza na posa na mona yo : I need to see you, I want to see you
– naza na posa na yo : I need you, I want you
– obomi nga na elengi : you make me happy, you make me come
– olingaka ngayi te : you don’t love me
– ozali kitoko mingi : you are very beautiful/pretty
– ozali mobali kitoko : you are a handsome man
– ozali muasi kitoko : you are a beautiful woman
– ozo bombela nga makambo : you are hiding things from me
– posa na yo ekangi ngai : I really want you, I’m taken with desire for you
– seka moke nalula yo : let me admire your smile, let me see your smile
– tokobima epayi ya baboti na yo : we will appear before your parents
– tokoya kokanga lopango : we will come to officialize our engagement
– yaka tobina na malembe : come dance a slow dance with me
– ya nga na yo esili : It’s over between you and me
– zongela muasi na yo ya kala : go find your ex-wife
- COMMON EXPRESSIONS IN VARIOUS SITUATIONS.
– abu pia! : finished ! end of the discussion !
– akomi motu monene : he became a important person, he became a celebrity
– antuka : seriously !
– asala kala : experienced person, an old hand (that has been around a long time)
– asumba na nganda : who has a bad reputation, who is compromized in a degrading act
– ata eloko moko te : absolutely nothing, nothing at all
– ata kale : sooner or later, a day will come
– ata ko : despite, even if …, besides the fact that …, assuming that …
– ata ko bongo : anyway, despite this, even if that’s it
– ata ko lokola : for all that …, however
– ata mutu moko te : strictly nobody, absolutely nobody, not even one person
– ata ndele : sooner or later, a day will come
– ata ndele mokili ekobaluka sooner or later the better days will come or the wheel will turn
– ata pe : just like, as well as
– ata un ka te : not even a penny, not even one likuta
– ata yo moko ! : you agree with me ! isn’t it true what I’m saying ! isn’t it your opinion !
– ata yo moko ! : but so are you ! do you realize that ! try to think carefully !
– azali Diego Câo na ngai : he is the person who deflowered me
– azui wapi ! : he (she) hasn’t got it! he (she) doesn’t even go near it!
– bakomela mayi na tonga : they will drool over it, they will be longing for envy
– bakosa yo te … : without liying (to you) …, the truth is …
– bampangi ya Vincent ! : did you see this ! I call on you to witness ! help my brothers !
– bana Congo oye ! : long live the Congolese !
– banda kala : for a long time, for ages
– bango na bango : with each other
– basuka yo te ! : you’re not done with that ! you’re not fed up with that !
– batanga ba X batanga pe yo ! : you have no place on the list of X who matter !
– batika yo ! : you’re really like no other !
– bato ya mokili : people
– bazo kumisa yo ! : who do you think you are ! stop being a star ! do what you’re told !
– bilanga na ngayi : my garden, my private domain, my financial provider
– bilanga ya mutu : person to whom one remains attached to satisfy one’s material needs
– bileko na bileko : ever and ever, eternity
– biliaki yo bikoki ! : it’s over for you ! It’s the end of beans ! no more privileges !
– bilobela muanza : words that mean nothing, words without impact, drivel
– biloko ya mokili : material goods
– bino batu boyembaka : you who are used to singing, you who are singers
– bipayi na bipayi : everywhere, on all sides, in every way
– bisala-sala : who wants to do everything, who performs unnecessary acts
– bisalela muanza : unimport acts, acts without impact
– bisimba-simba : jack-of-all-trades
– biso batu tokolia : we who will eat
– biso epayi, bango epayi : us on one side, them on the other
– biso meyi : ourselves, us in person
– biso na biso : between us, between ourselves
– biso tokobanga eloko te ! : we are afraid of nothing ! we don’t fear anything !
– bolimbisi ! : sorry ! I beg your pardon ! I beg forgiveness !
– bolumbu ya koba : hidden truth, naked truth, the other side of the picture
– boma moto : calme down ! put it in mute
– bongo na bongo : and so on, of all kinds, like this like that
– boni (boye) ko ! : what again ! you can’t stop ! are you out of your mind !
– boni yo/bino ? : how are you ?
– boo elongobani : as appropriate
– boo momesano : as usual
– buanana ! : happy new year !
– buka lelo lamba lelo : dredging and sleeping on the same day, to sleep on the first night
– butu eyindi : it’s dark, the night has fallen
– ebakata ya moto : imposing person
– ebanda boni! : since when! what are you doing to me! what’s that got to do with you ?
– ebebeli yo : it’s all over for you, you’re in deep shit
– ebele yango eh, okoka … : the level we have reached is too high for you
– ebembe ya kotambola : undead, living dead
– ebongi (malamu) : it would be better
– eh bongo ! : yes of course ! so what ! and so it is !
– eh bongo yo ? : what about you ?
– eh kasi !: that’s it ! affirmative !
– ekendaki nga : while I was gone, during my absence, along the way
– ekoki ! : that’s enough !
– ekotaka ngayi te : I can’t stand this, I don’t hear it from this ear
– ekufeli te : there is no death of man, it’s not so bad, it’s not the end of the world
– elekaka n’ango : these are things that happen
– elekeli ngai : it’s beyond me, I don’t understand it, enough is enough
– eleko ekoya : shortly, at the next due date, in the future
– elengi eyei : I come, I’m in seventh heaven
– elengi oyo wapi ! : so good ! what a pleasure !
– eleyi nga te ! : I don’t care ! I don’t give a damn !
– eleyi ngayi eleyi ye : to be as thick as thieves, we can not do without each other
– eloko basalela : that has served a lot, person who has passed into all hands, bitch
– eloko moko : something
– eloko (moko) te! : nothing! nothing at all! nothing to report!
– eloko mosusu : something else
– eloko nini ? : what’s the matter (with you) ? what … ?
– eloko nini esilaka te ! : you have to know to end a case !
– eloko nini (na nzotu) na ngayi ? : what do you want from me ?
– eloko nini yo boye ? : what’s wrong with you ?
– eloko pamba : unimportant (thing), futility
– eloko te ! : nothing ! nothing at all ! nothing to report !
– eloko ya pema : inflatable balloon
– elongi ya ba bebe : beautiful mug, baby face
– elongi ya feti : happy mood
– epayi …, epayi … : here … and there …; on the one hand …, on the other hand …
– epanza makita : spoilsport
– epesameli mutu nionso te : it’s not given to everyone
– epusi malamu : it is better
– esala eloko te ! : it doesn’t matter ! it’s not important ! you’re welcome !
– esali ba mbula : it’s been years, it’s been going on for years, it’s been ages
– esali mua mikolo : it’s been a few days, a few days ago
– esengeli : it should
– esengeli polele : it would be better, it should be clearly, it would be preferable
– esika masolo ebanda : at the source of the case, where it all began
– esili ! : it’s (all) over ! finished !
– esopi yo ! : you are ridiculous ! you are confused ! you are ridiculed ! you have it in the baba !
– eswi yo wapi ? : How does that bother you? What’s your problem with that?
– etali ngayi te ! : it’s none of my business ! it doesn’t concern me ! I don’t care !
– etali yo (bino)! : too bad for you ! that’s your business !
– etali yo (bino) te ! : it’s none of your business !
– eteya yo (bino) : should it be a lesson for you
– etikali mikolo ya kotanga : there are only a few days left
– etikali moke : soon, in a short time
– etirete pete : fickle, womanizer
– etumba libanda : street fight
– ewumeli mikolo : it’s been too many days
– ezalaka te : that is unappropriate
– ezala mbala suka ! : I want it to be the last time !
– ezala se bongo : so be it
– ezali bango batu bazo mela : they’re the ones who are drinking
– ezali boye : it is like that
– ezali boye te ! : it is not like that ! it is not so !
– ezali likambo ya kosakana te : this is not a easy task, this is no small matter, this is serious
– ezali lipa na nguba te : it’s not an easy job, it’s not exactly a rest cure
– eza(li) na tina te : it doesn’t matter
– ezali se bongo ! : that’s the way it is !
– ezali ye mutu akokende : it’s he (she) who will leave
– ingeta ! : so be it ! totally agree ! amen !
– kaka ndenge ezalaka : as usual
– kala (mingi) te : soon, in a short time, just now, not so long ago
– kala wana : it’s been a long time, a long time ago
– kaleso pete : fickle, easy to seduce, bitch
– kamata nzela, kende ! : go away! get out ! you can go !
– kanda ezali mopaya : anger is bad counselor
– kanga mbanga na yo ! : shut the fuck up!
– kanga monoko na yo ! : shut your mouth ! stop talking !
– kata ! : stop it !
– kata makolo na yo awa ! : dont’t put your feet in here ! don’t show up around here again !
– keba (na yo)!: watch out for yourself ! be careful !
– keba, nayaka mabe! : attention, I can become very bad ! be careful, I can get angry !
– kende (pe) zonga : round trip
– Kinshasa elinga masolo ya bato : Kinshasa loves gossip
– Kinshasa mboka nga nakoleli : Kinshasa the city where I grew up
– kisi ya bokoko : traditional medecine
– kitoko makasi ! : very good ! super good ! fantastic! great ! amazing !
– kitoko penza ! : so good ! so delicious ! yummy ! super good !
– kobanda nionso yango wana : that’s how it all began, this was the starting point
– kobanga (eloko) te ! : don’t be afraid ! have no fear ! don’t be afraid of anything !
– kokenda nionso yango wana : he left and it was for good, this was the final departure
– komatela nga likolo ya zolo te ! : don’t get on your high horse ! do not underestimate me !
– kombo na yo nani ? : what is your name ?
– komona nga boye te, … : don’t trust my appearance, …
– kompani kitunga : gang of criminals, bandits
– kuenda vutuka : round trip
– kupe elemba : womanizer, bitch
– landa lokolo ngai : follow my example, follow my dance step, try to dance like me
– landa lokolo ya sika : adopt the new dance, follow the new dance steps
– lapa ngayi libela : forget me forever
– leki ya moto : a little brother/sister of mine
– lengela mobali na yo : take care of your husband
– libala ya bombanda : polygamous marriage
– libala ya kimakango : free union (concubinage)
– libanda eza kati te ! : appearances can be deceptive ! never trust appearances !
– libanga ya talo : precious stone, gemstone
– libolo ya mama na yo ! : fuck your mother !
– likambo nini ? : what ? what are you saying ? what (else) do you want ?
– likambo te! : never mind ! it doesn’t matter ! nothing to say !
– likolo na … : because of …
– lisapo onge … onge ! : attention please, the story is about to begin !
– liwa ya mobesu : early death, death at a young age
– liwa ya ndambu : dead alive, zombie state, amnesia
– lobiko lua lobi : future (life)
– loboko/maboko makasi : stingy, avarice
– loboko pete : generous, generosity
– loboko ya mobali : right (side)
– loboko ya muasi : left (side)
– lokasa ya mbongo : bank note
– lokuta mabe, … : without lying, …
– lokuta na yo (bino) ! : you are lying ! It’s a lie !
– lolenge kani : how
– longonia ! : congratulations !
– longua kuna ! : piss off ! bugger off !
– ma ! : take it !
– maboko polele : empty hands
– madesu ya bana : baksheesh, bribe
– mafu ! : I don’t give a damn !
– makambo eyaka : it happens, it can happen, these are things that happen
– makambo eyei ndongo : business goes bad
– makambo nionso ekei na mayi : it’s all screwed up, the case is in the water
– makambo ya balobi : the rumors, gossip
– makanisi eyei : I have an idea
– makanisi ezongi : I remember
– makelele ya wenze : drivel, rambling talk, nonsense, meaningless words
– makila mabe : subject to persistent bad luck, bad luck bearer, cursed
– makolo ngulu : bare feet
– maladi ya ndeke : epilepsy
– maladi ya susi : depression
– malanda ngulu : follower, sheep of Panurge
– maloba na nga nganga : everything is going as I predicted, what I announced is coming true
– mama mobimba : adult confirmed woman, woman who is no longer at all young
– mama ya likambo : the gist of the matter, the substance of the matter, the bulk of the case
– maseki emati nzete ! : the limits of stupidity have been exceeded ! it is going too far !
– masolo ya kati : confidences, private conversations, intimate conversations
– matali yo (bino) ! : too bad for you !
– matoyi ma ngongi : stubborn, recalcitrant
– mawa na yo, mawa na ngayi ! : I share your sadness ! I’m wholehartedly with you !
– mayi ma mbu : sea, ocean
– mayi ya miso : tears
– mayi ya mungua : sea, ocean
– mayi ya sika : novelty, new wave
– mbala liboso : first time
– mbala moko : once, suddenly
– mbala moko mbala moko : on the spot, immediately, instantly
– mbala na mbala : repeatedly
– mbala nionso : every time
– mbala (ya) suka : the last time
– (ya) mbal’oyo : this time
– mboka mokonzi : capital (city)
– mbongo ekufa ! : let the money flow ! let us spend without counting !
– mbongo ya bibende : coins
– mbongo ya makasa : bank notes
– mbongo ya moyeke : occult money
– mbote mingi : big hello, full of greetings
– mbote ya likasu : backhander, bribe, corruption given by hand
– mbote ya lokalo : greeting from afar by shaking hand or object, goodbye from afar
– mbua akata singa : marginal person, lawless person, uncontrollable person
– mbula ezo noka/beta : it’s raining
– melesi bapesa na mbua : ingratitude, lack of recognition
– melesi mingi! : thank you very much !
– mingi mingi : usually, often, frequently
– mipende ya milangi : beautiful big thighs
– miso gaa : impudence, brazenness
– miso makasi : audacity, boldness, impudence
– miso makasi ndoki te : victory favors the bold, you must not hesitate to win
– miso payi-payi : eyes that linger everywhere, sustained curiosity, extreme vigilance
– miso ya kolalisa : sheep’s eyes, googly eyes, glad eye, goo-goo eyes
– mobali alali awa : he’s a real guy, he’s a handsome man
– mobali azali mbeto ya lopitalo : a man is nobody’s porperty
– mobali mobimba alelaka te : as he is this man never cries
– mobali na ngayi ya talo : my dearest husband
– mobali (muasi) ya tembe : man (woman) of challenges, who fears nothing and no one
– mobeko likonzi : constitution, supreme law
– mobimba na ye : as is, in its entirety
– mobu molamu ! : happy new year !
– mokako swa ! : go ahead ! with blessing ! good luck !
– mokili ebeti ngai fimbo : I am a victim of the stroke of fate, the spell fell on me
– mokili mobimba : the whole world, all people
– moko kaka wana : the same one
– mokolo ezali … : one day will come …, we will see one day …
– molangi ya pembe : a person who hides nothing and says everything, a brazen person
– moleki nzela : passerby, itinerant traveller
– molekisi tango : slacker, layabout
– molinga’a likaya : cigarette smoke, puff of a cigarette
– molongo ya sombo : long queue, infamously long queue
– mondele ndombe : black man who apes the white man, black outside and white inside, bounty
– monene ebundaka te! : being bigger doesn’t mean being stronger in a fight !
– monene ezali mibale te! : being fat doesn’t mean being strong like two !
– monoko ya mboka : dialect of the country, dialect of the village, mother tongue
– mopanzi sango : journalist, news broadcaster
– mopepe ya Kayini (Kayina) : swirling wind, tornado
– mosala ya mpunda : unpaid or poorly paid work in relation to what is due
– motango (ko)leka koto yoko : more than one thousand
– motema likolo likolo : worry, anguish, anxiety
– motema likundu : incarnation of evil, devil incarnate
– motema mabe : bad faith, hypocrisy, feeling to prevent the success of others
– motema moto moto : overexcitement of impatience
– motema pembe : sincerity
– motema piyo : serenity, patience
– motema polele : pure heart, in all sincerity, without ulterior motive
– motema ya kokita : serenity, patience
– motema ya likunia : evil soul, envious
– moto ! : my dear !
– moto epela ! : let it heat up ! let the fight begin !
– moto epeli : it got a little rough, it got really bad
– motoki ya mobesu : cold sweat
– moto na ngayi : my dear friend
– motu bakata : crasy dog, person without faith or law
– moyi ebimi (moyi mobimi) : the sun rises
– muana bitinda : servant, docile child, obedient person
– muana etinda : servant, special envoy, person in charge of carrying out a mission
– muana likindo : former seminarian
– muana mboka : citizen, compatriot
– muana mutu bakata : rogue child
– muana mutu pasi : turbulent child
– muana na likinda : only child
– muana ndeke : adopted child, child out of wandering, person out of nowhere
– muana nsusu : gigolo, chick
– muasi alali awa ! : she’s really a beautiful woman ! ther’s a beautiful woman !
– muasi amela milangi : woman who became sterile as a result of multiple induced abortions
– muasi atonda (nzoto) : woman in flesh, woman with curves
– muasi mobali : woman assuming male responsabilities
– muasi muasi nzoto ! : glory to the woman with curves !
– muasi ya kataloge : female model, pretty woman
– muasi ya kilo : woman of value, woman of influence, woman of a high social position
– muasi ya ndumba : prostitute, public woman
– muaye te : irreproachable, extraordinairy
– mutu akenda sango : celebrity, person of a great fame
– mutu akokana, Nzambe akosukisa : man proposes, God disposes
– mutu’a pusu : rickshaw pusher
– mutu asala kombo : famous person, person of a great fame
– mutu ayebana : star, famous person
– mutu (moko) te : no one, nobody
– mutu moyindo (muindu) : black man
– mutu na mutu : everyone, every person
– mutu ya (défaut/qualité) : person with (fault/quality)
– mutu ya kati : intimate person, someone very close
– mutu ya liboma : crazy person
– mutu ya likukuma : stutterer
– mutu ya libumu monene : person with a big belly
– mutu ya lolanda : blind person
– mutu ya misala mabe : harmful person, evil person
– mutu ya misu ekufa : visually impaired person, blind person
– mutu ya mokongo ekufa : sexually impotent person
– mutu ya mokuse : small person
– mutu ya molayi : tall person
– mutu ya motema mabe : evil person
– mutu ya pusu : rickshaw pusher
– mutu ya soni : shy person
– na bokuse : in short, in brief
– na bokutu : behind closed doors, in camera, secretly, clandestinely, unbeknownst to
– na bolayi : in detail, in great detail, at great length, along, all along
– na kanaye : knowingly, expressly mean, with bad faith
– na kinsueki : in secret, on the sly
– na kuzu : in private, behind closed doors
– na loyenge : without due consideration, thoughtlessly, headlong, without preautions
– na matalisi ya … : with respect to … , in view of … , according to …
– na miso ya bato : in the eyes of all, before everyone, before witnesses
– na moboko ya likambo : at the heart of the problem
– na modele wana : in that way, with those manners
– namoni yango ndenge : I find it strange, I find it suspicious
– na mopanzi mosusu … : on the other hand …
– na mopanzi na ngai … : on my side … on my side … , as far as I am concerned …
– na motema moko : conscientiously, wholeheartedly, with good will, in all sincerity
– na moyi ya lelo : in this time of year, in the present, as of today
– na mpuasa : in the open, in the sight and in the knowledge of all, in appearance
– na mua likukuma : with hesitation, in a not very fluid way, by small tips/slices
– na ndenge ya kobombana : in secret, on the sly
– na ndenge ya mabe te : without evil spirit, without ulterior motive
– na ngambo mosusu … : on the other hand …
– na ngambo na ngai … : as far as I’m concerned …, from my side …, from me …
– na nko : intentionally, against the will of the other, wilfully wicked
– na sanza mitano mokoka : for five months
– na tango esengeli : on time, at the right time
– (na) tina nini ? : why? for what reason? , for what purpose?
– na tina ya : for,in order to
– n’esika ya : instead of, rather than
– nakamue kokamua : I’m really surprised, I can’t believe it, I’m in awe
– nakokende na yo wapi : you’re worth nothing to me, I don’t care about you
– nakomema yo likolo : you’re not done with me, I’m going to show you all the colors
– nakomi na buale : I’m in deep shit
– nakomi na suka : I’m exhausted, I can’t take it anymore, I’m sick of it
– nakosa yo te (nakos’o te) : without lying to you
– nalangue lamulu : I’m madly in love
– nalangue masanga : I’m drunk (with alcohol)
– nalingi yo na motema moko : I love you with all my heart
– nasengeli na yo : I need you
– nasengi (yo/bino) bolimbisi ! : I beg your pardon ! I beg forgiveness !
– nasiliki likolo na yo : I’m angry because of you
– nasiliki na yo : I’m angry with you
– nasimbi nzela, nakei : I’m out of here, I’m leaving now
– natie mayi na monoko te : I don’t mince words, I don’t joke
– natombeli yo (bino) mobu molamu : I wish you a happy new year
– natondi yo (bino) botondi : I thank you very much
– nawuti komona ye : I just saw him
– nayaka mabe : I can become very bad
– nayei zoba : I’m confused, I feel like an idiot, I’ve become stupid
– nayinu te (nanu te) : not yet
– nayokaki lisolo na yo : I heard about you
– nazali kuna te : it’s not my business, it’s none of my business, I don’t listen to you, I don’t care
– nazali na likambo na moto te : I don’t blame anyone
– nazuaka yo (lokola) leki na ngayi : I consider you my little brother (sister)
– ndakisa … : following the example of …, as …
– ndenge elongobani : as it should be, wisely
– ndenge ezalaka (kaka)… : as usual …, as it happens in such cases …
– ndenge kaka balobi : so to speak, as they say
– ndenge kani : how, in what way
– ndenge moko : same
– (ya) ndenge na ndenge : of all kinds, multitude
– ndenge nini ? : how are you ? what’s up ? what are the news ? how are you doing ?
– ndoyi ya moto : my namasake
– neti neti (ndeti ndeti) : so-so, in the approximation
– nga yangani te : especially not me, don’t blame me, follow my look
– ngala na ngala: in turn
– nganda maboke : small snack restaurant with grills, kebabs and drinks
– nganga kisi : healer
– ngayi meyi : myself, me in person
– ngayi mutu naliaki : me who ate
– ngayi na ye esimbaka te : he (she) and I don’t fit
– ngayi y’oyo : here I am
– ngonga ebelemi : time is near, time is approaching
– ngonga ebeti : the time has come, it’s time
– ngonga na yo ekoki : your time has come
– ngulu-ngulu : eyes closed, indiscriminately, blindly, naively
– niawu-niawu : with felted steps, carefully, discreetly, paying close attention
– nini ? : what? what is it? what’s the matter?
– nini boye ? : what is this? what’s wrong? what are you doing to me?
– nini koo ? : what now?
– nioka-nioka : without clarity, hiding one’s true intentions, hypocritically, zigzagging
– nkoma ya motuka : vehicle licence plate
– noki te … : otherwise …, at the risk of …
– ntaba beeh : sheep of Panurge, person without spirit of discernment
– Nzambe apambola yo ! : God bless you !
– nzela masini : railway, production table of an audiovisual programme
– nzela masuwa : waterway
– nzela minu : teeth of happiness, diastema of the central incisors of the upper jaw
– nzela mituka : vehicle road
– nzela moko : together
– nzela mokuse : shortcut, easy way, occultism
– nzela ya mpepo : airway, skyway
– nzela ya singa : by phone
– nzoka nde … : it seems that … , … whereas … , … while …
– nzoto etonda : generous corpulence
– nzoto eza motawu : the flesh is weak
– nzoto mike : slim
– nzotu konongonu (nzotu malamu) : healthy, in good health
– nzungu ya kala : ex-wife, ex-partner, ex-girlfriend
– oboyi, sala mokili na yo ! : if you don’t agree, do as you please !
– okokoka ngayi te : you won’t get to my level, you won’t get to me
– okolapa ngayi : I’m going to make you feel so bad that you’re going to get sick of me
– okolata nga na mokongo : you’ll have to deal with me, I won’t leave you alone
– okomi wapi ? : where are you at ?
– okosilisa yango ! : you have to put up with it! you’re not done with it !
– okotuna ngulu ! : it’s no longer my business! too bad for you! you’ve got it in the baba !
– olekisi ! : you’re exaggerating! you’re crossing the line !
– olekisi ndelo : you’ve crossed the line, you push the envelope too far, too much is too much
– olinga olinga te : whether you like it or not, whether you want it or not…
– olobi pe mingi : you’ve said enough, you’ve talked too much
– olukaka makambo, okozua : who sows the wind reaps the storm
– omata okita… : whatever you do…, wherever you go…, whether it’s raining or selling…
– opesi mbua, mbua aboyi : it gets very hot, adversity is at its height
– opusa ! : you’re exaggerating ! you’re crossing the line ! you keep pushing the cap too far !
– osila soni : you are not cold, you are not ashamed, you are without embarrassment
– osilisi nga loposo : you used me too much, you exploited me too much, you ruined my health
– osilisi nga mayele : I don’t know what to say, I don’t know what to think, I’m at my wits’ end
– osololi mabe : you’re out of line, you’re messing around, you’re saying anything
– otalaka nga na soni : you didn’t look at me well, you’re not aware of my beauty
– otunaki te : you’ve been looking for it, you don’t know where you’ve been
– oyei nzoto : you’ve got fatter, you’ve taken curves
– oyo azali na matoyi ya koyoka ayoka !: a word to the wise is enough !
– oyo ekoya eya ! : come what may !
– oyoki nayebisa yo ? : do you want me to tell you ? do you know the last one ?
– ozo kamuisa ngayi ! : you surprise me !
– ozo koma te : you don’t understand
– ozoloba tro : you talk too much
– pamba pamba : no matter how, any way, unnecessarily, with ease, at all winds, carelessly
– papa mobimba : mature man, adult confirmed male, male who is no longer at all young
– pasi ya pamba : lost cause
– pesa nga ya kokawuka : give me (the equivalent) in (money) cash
– po na nini ? : why ?
– po na nini te … : why not (to) …
– pulupulu ya makila : cholera
– putulu ! : congratulations on the clothing !
– putulu emata ! : long live the dance ! let the party begin ! let’s have fun !
– sala ndenge olingi : do as you want, do as you please
– sala noki ! : hurry up !
– sala oyo (yo) olingi : do what you want, do as you please
– sangisa-sangisa : sexual practice of multiple partners, licentiousness, sexual swinging
– sango boni ?: what news ?
– sango epanzani, mokonzi na biso akimi : the news has spread, our leader has fled
– sango nini ?: how are you ? what’s new ?
– semeki kinsekwa : parasite, person who lives at the expense of others
– semeki ya moto : my brother-in-law (sister-in-law)
– sheli ya moto : darling
– sika sik’oyo : immediately, on the spot
– sik’oyo : now, at the moment
– sima mua tango : in a moment, shortly
– sima na ye ko… (verbe) : after he/she has (participle), after he/she has been (participle)
– sima ya ko… (verbe) : after having (participle), after (verb)-ing
– sima ya mua mikolo : after a few days
– sima ya nzanga : afternoon
– simba nzela, kende ! : get out! get out (of here)! you can go (away)!
– sis ebongwani nef : there is a turnaround, the situation has been reversed, the wheel has turned
– soki moke te : in no case, not at all
– somba oyo ya yo ndaku : buy your own house
– songe ya lisu : corner of the eye
– songolo mpakala : various, different, one or the other, this or that, whatever, whoever it is
– soso pembe : person who breathes innocence, naive person
– suka na … : it’s the best … , extraordinary … , wonderful …
– suka na suka : at the end of the day, last of all
– tala ba Songolo misusu ! : look at this Songolo ! but who does he think he is !
– tala batu misusu! : but you’re looking for me or something ! but this is provocation !
– tala ebele ya bilamba atikeli ngayi : look at all the clothes he (she) left me
– tala kaka ! : you saw that ! isn’t that right ! it’s also your observation ! you agree with me !
– tala ye kuna ! : look at him ! did you see yourself ! you don’t represent anything !
– talo boni ? : how much is that ?
– tango ebelemi : the time has come
– tango ekoti : it’s time, the time is right
– tango mosusu : sometimes
– tango nionso (inso) : always, all the time
– tango ya bakoko : the old time
– tango ya banoko : at the time of the Belgian colonization, at the time of the Flemish
– tata mobimba : mature man, adult confirmed man, man who is no longer at all young
– tembe na tembe : in opposition, in confrontation
– tia na se ! : calm down !
– tika koloba boye ! : stop it, I don’t believe you ! stop it, you’re kidding me !
– tika ngai kimia : leave me alone
– tii na lifobo : till the end of time, till the end of the day, until the very end, until eternity
– tii suka molongo : till the end of the world
– todie ! : let’s go !
– tokende epayi, tozonga epayi : all things considered
– tokei nzela moto : let’s go together
– tokomi mokolo mosusu ! : see you another day !
– tokomi na mikolo ya kotanga : we have only a few days left until the deadline
– toleka ! : let’s go! It’s yours ! let’s move on !
– toloba epayi, tozonga epayi : let’s talk little, let’s talk well
– toloba toloba te : no matter what we say
– tombola buaka : friperies
– tomonani ! : I’ll see you around ! see you around !
– tongo etani : the sun rises
– tongo sa : sleepless night
– toyaki nzela moko : we came together
– toyambi mo(ba)paya : we have visitors, we have a guest (we have guests)
– toyokana nayinu : let’s agree, let’s understand each other, let’s get along before
– toza na bango mayele : we keep a watchful eye on everything they do
– tsheleka ! : really !
– tufi na yo ! : I said fuck you! fuck you! kiss my ass !
– tuna nga natuna yo : that’s the question I’m asking myself, that’s the question
– tuna nga nini : you know what, you know the last one, you want me to tell you
– wadie ! : to hell (with it) ! Go away ! get out of there !
– wapi yango (ye)? : where is it (he/she)?
– wenze ya bitula : second-hand market, category of what nobody wants
– wuta kala : for a long time
– ya boye ezala(ka) te ! : I’ve never seen anything like it !
– ya boye ozui wapi ! : this is unheard of !
– yaka tokende ! : let’s go away !
– yaka tovanda : cohabitation, common-law relationship
– ya keba keba : approximate, hesitant
– ya kosakana te : considerable, extraordinary, significant, that cannot be qualified
– ya kosamba eza te! : that’s all there is to it ! there’s not even to discuss ! there’s nothing to say !
– ya kosamba te : certain, indisputable, without any doubt
– yambi ! : welcome !
– yambo ya nzanga : morning
– ya moto : mine, of the person I am
– ya ndenge na ndenge : of all kinds/sorts/types
– ya nga(yi) na yo nini ? : what do I have to do with you ?
– ya nga(yi) nini na kati ? : what do I have to do with this ? in what does that concern me ?
– ya nga(yi) (ko) nini na kati ? : what do I have to do with this ? in what does that concern me ?
– ya niongo : on credit, on borrowed money
– yango yo boni (boye) ? : what’s wrong with you ?
– yango wana … : that’s why …
– ya solo ! : it’s true ! it’s the truth! actually, …
– ya solo penza ! : that’s really the truth ! it’s so true !
– ya tongo : … from the first hour, from the very beginning of, from the word “go”
– ya yo nini na kati ? : what do you have to do with this ? in what does that concern you ?
– ye meyi : himself (in person)
– ye na ye : we only see him(her), we only hear him(her), he really is the star
– ye nani ? : who is he/she ?
– ye pe lokola : he(she) too
– ye wana : there he(she) is , that’s he(she)
– yo, baakokumisa yo ! : hey, who do you think you are !
– yo, baloka yo ! : the hell’s the matter with you ! have you taken leave of your senses !
– yo na nani ?: what’s wrong with you ? can’t you mind your own business ?
– yo nani ? : who is it ? who are you? who is there ?
– yo nde ! : you are great! you are truly incomparable ! bloody “you”! you are the best !
– yo nde, batika yo ! : there is nothing to argue about! you’re unrivalled! you’re really the best !
– yo nde nani … ? : who are you ? who are you to … ? who do you think you are ?
– yo okoma te ! : you can’t do it !
– yo oza te ! : you’re not even on the level ! you’re not even capable !
– yo pe, olekisi ! : you too, you are exaggerating ! you too, you are crossing the line !
– yo penza, okamuisi ngayi ! : you really amaze me ! I really don’t understand you !
– yo penza, oza ndenge ! : I didn’t know you were like that ! You’re really strange !
