ntle
The Tswana word for "beautiful" is ntle.
ntle is an adjective used to describe something or someone as attractive.
Meaning: attractive (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
In Tswana, the adjective is preceded by a concord that matches the noun it describes. To say "it is beautiful" when referring to a thing or set in the Class 9 category, use e ntle. To say "they are beautiful" when describing people in the Class 2 plural category, use ba ntle.
Did you know?
- In Tswana culture, the concept of beauty linked to ntle often encompasses moral goodness and kindness rather than just physical appearance.
- While ntle means 'beautiful', adding the prefix bo- creates the noun botle, which refers to the abstract concept of beauty or elegance.
- Because Tswana is part of the Sotho-Tswana language family, the root of ntle is recognizable to millions of people across both Botswana and South Africa.
Examples in context
- Ngwana o o ntle.The child is beautiful.
- Ngwana yo o ntle.This is a beautiful child.
- Sefela se se ntle.This flower is beautiful.
- Basadi ba ntle ba nna fa.Beautiful women live here.
Example conversation
Kabo and Kabelo are looking at a new painting in a gallery.
- KaboTshwantsho e ntle!This painting is beautiful!
- KabeloEe, ke e ntle tota.Yes, it is very beautiful.
- KaboA re re ye go e reka.Let's go buy it.
- KabeloGo siame, Kabo.That is fine, Kabo.
