monene
The Lingala word for big is monene.
monene is used to describe something of a great size.
Meaning: of a great size (adj)
Did you know?
- In some contexts, monene can be used as a term of respect for an elder or a chief, effectively acting as a title meaning 'the great one'.
- To express that something is 'extremely big', Lingala speakers often use reduplication, essentially doubling the sound of the word to add intensity.
- In Lingala, adjectives like monene often change their prefix based on the class of the noun they describe, meaning 'big' can look different depending on whether you are describing a person or an object.
Examples in context
- Ndako monene.A big house.
- Mokili monene.A big world.
Example conversation
Two patients are talking in a waiting room.
- PatientSanza oyo ezali monene.This room is big.
- PatientineEe, ezali kokitisa motema.Yes, it is calming.
- PatientKasi nzoto na ngai ezali monene na mibu.But my body feels big with age.
- PatientineTika te,Patient, okokota malamu.Don't worry, Patient, you will be fine.
