izinto
Stuff in Xhosa is izinto.
izinto is used to refer to miscellaneous items or things.
Meaning: miscellaneous items, things (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The word izinto is the plural form used to refer to multiple items or miscellaneous stuff. The singular form of the word for stuff or things is into.
Did you know?
- In Xhosa, many words for 'stuff' or 'things' are used idiomatically to describe people's character or 'ways'. For example, 'izinto zakhe' can imply 'his ways' or 'his mannerisms' rather than just 'his belongings'.
- In some contexts, saying izinto can be a polite way to refer to a sensitive or taboo topic without naming the 'things' explicitly.
- While English uses 'stuff' as an uncountable noun, Xhosa almost always treats 'stuff' as a countable plural through the use of izinto. You rarely refer to 'stuff' as a singular mass in the same way English speakers do.
Examples in context
- Ndifuna ukuthenga izinto ezininzi.I want to buy many things.
- Zonke izinto zisebenzayo.All the things are working.
- Wakhulula izinto zakho ekhaya?Did you unpack your things at home?
Example conversation
Olwethu and Zoleka are cleaning up a room.
- OlwethuZoleka, nceda ucole izinto ezincinci.Zoleka, please collect the small things.
- ZolekaKulungile, Olwethu, ndizakukenza.Okay, Olwethu, I will do it.
- OlwethuNceda uqinisekise ukuba izinto zonke zikhona.Please make sure all the things are here.
- ZolekaEwe, ndizakujonga.Yes, I will check.
