isiNgesi
[ísíᵑɡ̊e̤᷈ːsi]
isiNgesi is the Xhosa word for English.
This term refers to the English language.
Meaning: the English language (name)
What does it mean word for word?
The prefix isi- is used with nouns to denote a language, and Ngesi refers to English.
Did you know?
- While isiNgesi refers to the language, the people of England are referred to using a different noun class. Xhosa distinguishes strictly between the tongue spoken and the people who speak it.
- The word isiNgesi belongs to a family of Bantu languages where noun classes are far more complex than English gender. Nouns are grouped by categories like humans, plants or languages.
- While isiNgesi is the formal name for the language, its root 'Ngesi' is a direct adaptation of the English word 'English' into Xhosa phonology.
Examples in context
- Usithetha isiNgesi kancinci.He speaks a little English.This sentence is useful for showing how to use isiNgesi when describing someone's ability to speak the language.Tatoeba #1766988 by wwkudu, translation #1130858 by jdonnarumma
- Ndifunda isiNgesi esikolweni.I study English at school.
- Ingaba unokuthetha isiNgesi?Can you speak English?
Example conversation
Zoleka and Olwethu are discussing a new book.
- ZolekaLo mabhuku ubhalwe ngesiNgesi.This book is written in English.
- OlwethuAndisazi ukufunda isiNgesi.I don't know how to read English.
- ZolekaNdingakunceda, Olwethu.I can help you, Olwethu.
- OlwethuEnkosi kakhulu, Zoleka.Thank you very much, Zoleka.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “english” translations and entries isiNgesi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries isiNgesi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
