ngoho
The Venda word for 'really' is ngoho.
The word ngoho is used as an adverb to mean 'actually'.
Meaning: actually (adv)
Did you know?
- In some Venda-speaking communities, swearing an oath by ngoho is seen as a significant spiritual act rather than just a way to emphasize a sentence.
- While a learner might use ngoho to mean 'really', a Venda speaker might use it as a powerful exclamation of shock, similar to an English speaker saying 'No way!' or 'Really?!' when hearing unexpected news.
- While ngoho means 'really', the Venda language has a complex system of noun classes that can change how the word 'truth' is modified depending on whether the truth is a physical object or an abstract concept.
Examples in context
- Ndo ri ngoho.I am telling the truth.
- Zwi a ngoho.It is actually true.
- Ndi ngoho?Is it really?
Example conversation
Mutsila and Azwathu are discussing a surprise visit.
- MutsilaAzwathu u khou vhuya ngoho?Is Azwathu actually coming back?
- AzwathuEe, u khou vhuya namusi.Yes, he is coming back today.
- MutsilaNdi ngoho? Ndi na u tou thoma.Really? I need to start then.
- AzwathuEe, u tshi vhuya u dza.Yes, he is coming when he returns.
