Ke a tseba
Ke a tseba is the way to say "I know" in Sepedi.
This phrase is used to assert that the speaker possesses an answer or an idea regarding a subject.
Meaning: assertion that speaker has answer or idea (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Ke (I), a (the present tense marker) and tseba (know).
Did you know?
- Sepedi belongs to the Sotho-Tswana group, meaning Ke a tseba is nearly identical and mutually intelligible with the phrase for 'I know' in Sesotho and Setswana.
- Saying Ke a tseba too forcefully in a group discussion can sometimes be perceived as being 'know-it-all', which is culturally discouraged in many Sotho-Tswana speaking communities.
- The word tseba shares a linguistic root with concepts of 'understanding' or 'perceiving' rather than just possessing a piece of data in your head.
Examples in context
- Ae, ke bona wa kgopela tjhelete.Yeah, I know you're asking for money.
- Ke a tseba.I know.
- Ke a tseba gore o nepile.I know that you are right.
- Ke a tseba tsela ya gae.I know the way home.
Example conversation
Tshepiso and Tshepo are discussing a meeting time.
- TshepisoNa o tseba nako ya kopano?Do you know the time of the meeting?
- TshepoEe, ke a tseba. Ke ka hora ya tsamao.Yes, I know. It is at ten o'clock.
- TshepisoKe a leboga, Tshepo.Thank you, Tshepo.
- TshepoGa go na problem, Tshepiso.No problem, Tshepiso.
