kelasi
The English word "school" is translated into Lingala as kelasi.
kelasi refers to an institution dedicated to teaching and learning.
Meaning: an institution dedicated to teaching and learning (noun)
Did you know?
- The word kelasi is a direct phonetic adaptation of the French word classe, illustrating how much French influenced the formal education vocabulary in the Congo.
- In some Congolese contexts, kelasi does not just mean a school but can refer to the specific group of classmates who study together.
- Lingala uses a system of noun classes, and kelasi belongs to a class that allows it to trigger specific agreement patterns in adjectives and verbs.
Examples in context
- Kelasi eza mpe ya sika.The school is also new.
- Nalingi koya na kelasi.I want to come to school.
- Kelasi esili lelo.School ended today.
Example conversation
A couple discussing their child's education.
- PatientMwana na biso akende na kelasi?Will our child go to school?
- PatientineEe, akende na kelasi lobi.Yes, he will go to school tomorrow.
- PatientKelasi wana ezali malamu?Is that school good?
- PatientineEe, kelasi wana ezali kitoko mingi.Yes, that school is very beautiful.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry kelasi, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries kelasi, CC BY-SA 4.0.
