linda
The Xhosa verb linda means to wait.
linda is used to describe the act of delaying until some event occurs.
Meaning: delay until some event (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify the object of your waiting, you can add the suffix -ela to the verb to create lindela, which means 'wait for' someone or something. If you want to express that you have finished waiting or are currently in the state of having waited, use the perfective form ndilindile.
Did you know?
- The verb linda is used not only for waiting but also to mean 'to guard' or 'to protect' in many Bantu languages. This reflects an ancient conceptual link between waiting for something and keeping watch over it.
- In Xhosa culture, the act of waiting for an elder to speak first during a greeting is a sign of ukuhlonipha, or deep respect. Interrupting this silence is considered a breach of social etiquette.
- The word linda comes from the Proto-Bantu root *-dɪ̀nda. This means the word is shared by hundreds of different languages across Central and Southern Africa.
Examples in context
- Linda umzali wakho.Wait for your parent.
- Linda kancinci.Wait a little bit.
Example conversation
Siyabonga and Nomvula are meeting at a bus stop.
- SiyabongaMolo Nomvula, linda kancinci.Hello Nomvula, wait a little bit.
- NomvulaKulungile, ndiyalinda.Okay, I am waiting.
- SiyabongaNdiza kuthatha isikhwama sam phakathi.I am going to get my bag inside.
- NomvulaHamba, ndiza kulinda apha.Go, I will wait here.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries linda, CC BY-SA 4.0.
