mwasi kitoko
The English phrase "beautiful girl" is translated into Lingala as mwasi kitoko.
This phrase is used to describe a young woman or girl who is physically attractive.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mwasi, which means woman or female and kitoko, which means beautiful or nice.
Which one should you use?
While mwasi kitoko can refer to a beautiful woman, you can use mwana mwasi kitoko to specify a younger girl by adding mwana, which means child or small.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify that the subject is a younger girl rather than a woman, add mwana to the front of the phrase to form mwana mwasi kitoko.
Did you know?
- In some dialects of Lingala, kitoko can be used as an exclamation of approval, similar to saying 'wonderful' or 'great' in English.
- In Lingala, mwasi can mean both 'woman' and 'wife' depending on the context of the sentence.
- While 'beautiful girl' is the literal translation, using mwasi kitoko to a stranger in Kinshasa might be seen as overly poetic or formal compared to more modern slang.
Examples in context
- Mwasi kitoko azali awa.A beautiful girl is here.
- Namoní mwasi kitoko.I saw a beautiful girl.
- Mwasi kitoko oyo azali mpenza.This girl is truly beautiful.
Example conversation
Grace is introducing her friend to Patient.
- GracePatient, tala mwasi kitoko oyo.Patient, look at this beautiful girl.
- PatientSolo, azali kitoko mpenza.True, she is really beautiful.
- GraceKomona mwasi kitoko eza elengi.Seeing a beautiful girl is a pleasure.
- PatientNakomi koyoka mposa ya koyeba ye.I now feel like getting to know her.
