ndáko-nzámbe
The English word church is translated into Lingala as ndáko-nzámbe.
ndáko-nzámbe is used to refer to a house of worship or a church.
Meaning: house of worship (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This word is a compound of ndáko, meaning house and nzámbe, meaning God.
Did you know?
- In urban areas, you will often hear the French word 'église' used instead of ndáko-nzámbe, a linguistic remnant of Belgian colonial history.
- The structure of ndáko-nzámbe follows a classic Bantu noun-modifier pattern where the 'possessor' or 'owner' follows the object.
- Lingala often uses ndáko-nzámbe as a synecdoche, where the word for the physical house is used to represent the entire group of believers.
Example conversation
Jean and Grace are talking about their Sunday plans.
- JeanGrace, okokende na ndáko-nzámbe lelo?Grace, will you go to church today?
- GraceEe Jean, nakokende na ndáko-nzámbe.Yes Jean, I will go to church.
- JeanNakokende na yo?Can I go with you?
- GraceEe, toyá ekutana na sanza.Yes, let's meet soon.
