umfana
The Ndebele word for boy is umfana.
umfana is used to refer to a male child.
Meaning: male child (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun umfana belongs to the Class 1 noun class, where the prefix um- indicates that the noun is singular. To express the plural form, boys, use abafana.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, calling a grown man umfana can be seen as a way to diminish his status or treat him as a subordinate.
- When referring to 'the boy' as a subject, the verb used in the sentence will often carry a small piece of the 'um-' prefix within it.
- The noun class system means that the prefix um- in umfana is shared with almost all human beings in the singular form.
Examples in context
- Sikhanyiso's little omfana loves playing football with his friends.Sikhanyiso's little boy loves playing football with his friends.
- Umfana lo uyamangalisa.This boy is wonderful.
- Ngibona umfana emnyango.I see a boy at the door.
Example conversation
Nomalanga and Bongani are talking about a neighbor's child.
- NomalangaUbani lo mfana?Who is this boy?
- BonganiNgumfana womelapha.He is the neighbor's boy.
- NomalangaUmfana lo ulungile.This boy is well-behaved.
- BonganiYebo, ulungile khathi.Yes, he is very good.
