amapolisa
amapolisa is the Xhosa word for police.
The term is used to refer to a local or general law enforcement agency.
Meaning: local or general law enforcement agency (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
amapolisa is a loanword from English that has been adapted to fit Xhosa morphology. The prefix ama- indicates that the noun belongs to a specific noun class typically used for loanwords and plural groupings.
How does it change in a sentence?
The prefix ama- in amapolisa identifies it as a noun within a specific class used for plural groupings and loanwords.
Did you know?
- In Xhosa culture, the authority of amapolisa is sometimes balanced by the inkosi, a traditional chief who oversees community justice through customary law.
- The word amapolisa shares a nearly identical form in Zulu, as both languages belong to the Nguni group and integrated English legal terms in similar ways.
- While amapolisa is used for the force, a single officer is often called ipolisa, which shifts the noun into a different class to indicate a singular person.
Examples in context
- Amapolisa asebenza kule ndawo.The police work in this area.
Example conversation
Nomvula and Lwazi are walking and notice a crime happening.
- NomvulaKhangela, kukhona ingxaki!Look, there is a problem!
- LwaziSifanele ukubiza amapolisa.We should call the police.
- NomvulaNdiza kubenza oko ngoku.I will do that now.
- LwaziEnkosi, Nomvula.Thank you, Nomvula.
