nomba
The English phrase "numbers" is translated into Jamaican as nomba.
nomba refers to symbols or words used to count or measure things.
Did you know?
- The word nomba is frequently used in 'Dancehall' lyrics to signify status or a high count of romantic partners, moving beyond simple mathematics.
- The structure of how nomba is used in a sentence often follows West African grammatical rules rather than the English rules that provided the word itself.
- While nomba is the spoken form, the shift from 'er' to 'a' is a hallmark of the 'basilect', the version of Patois furthest from standard English.
Examples in context
- Di nomba dem neva match up.The numbers did not match up.
- Check di nomba pon di receipt.Check the number on the receipt.
Example conversation
Damion and Latoya are checking their monthly expenses.
- DamionLatoya, look pon dese nomba.Latoya, look at these numbers.
- LatoyaDem look strange to mi too.They look strange to me too.
- DamionMi haffi recount di whole ting.I have to recount the whole thing.
- LatoyaDah is a good idea, Damion.That is a good idea, Damion.
