amba
To talk in Venda is to use the verb amba.
The verb amba is used to describe the act of communicating through speech.
Meaning: to communicate by speech (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the infinitive form 'to talk', add the prefix u- to the stem to get u amba. To form the first person singular present tense for 'I talk' or 'I am talking', add the prefix ndi- to the stem to get ndi amba.
Did you know?
- The Venda word amba is a direct relative of the Swahili word amba, showing how a single root for 'talk' has traveled across the African continent through the Bantu expansion.
- In many Venda-speaking communities, the way one chooses to amba can signal levels of respect toward elders.
- Because Venda is a tonal language, the meaning of amba can shift depending on the pitch used by the speaker.
Examples in context
- Ri a amba.We are talking.
- Vha amba na mme.He is talking to mother.
Example conversation
Tshilidzi and Ndivhuwo meet at the market.
- TshilidziNdivhuwo, u amba na nne?Ndivhuwo, are you talking to me?
- NdivhuwoEe, ndi khou amba na iwe.Yes, I am talking to you.
- TshilidziNdi khou tevhedza, vhuya u amba.I am listening, please talk again.
- NdivhuwoNdi amba uri ndi a vhuya.I am saying that I am coming back.
