ndeko mwasi
The English word "sister" is translated into Lingala as ndeko mwasi.
ndeko mwasi is used to refer to a woman or girl having the same parents.
Meaning: woman or girl having the same parents (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ndeko, meaning sibling and mwasi, meaning woman.
Did you know?
- The word mwasi can mean both 'woman' and 'wife' depending on the context of the sentence.
- The word ndeko is often used colloquially to mean 'comrade' or 'friend', extending far beyond biological family ties.
- In many Lingala speaking communities, ndeko mwasi is used as a respectful term for any woman, even if there is no biological relation.
Examples in context
- Nalingi ndeko mwasi na ngai.I love my sister.
- Ndeko mwasi na ngai azali na esukolo.My sister is at school.
- Ndeko mwasi na ngai azali kitoko.My sister is beautiful.
Example conversation
Marie and Dieudonné are talking about their families.
- MarieNdeko mwasi na ngai azali kofanda awa.My sister is staying here.
- DieudonnéAzali nani?Who is she?
- MarieAzali ndeko mwasi na ngai ya mitembo.She is my biological sister.
- DieudonnéMbote na bino bazole.Greetings to you both.
