uka
The Kamba verb for 'come' is uka.
uka is used to express the action of arriving or appearing.
Meaning: to arrive, to appear (verb)
Did you know?
- Because Kamba is a Bantu-based language, the verb uka is part of a complex system where the 'coming' is often tied to the subject's noun class, changing its prefix entirely.
- In some dialects, the way one says 'come' changes significantly if they are calling a person of high respect versus a child.
- Kamba has specific ways of expressing 'coming' that change based on whether the speaker is already at the destination or is moving toward the person they are calling.
Examples in context
- Uka uthu.Come here.
- Uka kwa mwaitu.Come to mother's place.
Example conversation
Mutheu is calling Kilonzo to see if he has arrived at the market.
- MutheuKilonzo, nũka kũu soko?Kilonzo, have you arrived at the market?
- KilonzoAĩ, nĩndũka ĩĩ.No, I am arriving now.
- MutheuTũkumanie kũu wĩka uka.Let's meet there when you arrive.
- KilonzoNĩ ũu, nĩndũka.That is it, I am coming.
