linda
To wait in Zulu, use linda.
The verb is used to express the act of delaying until some event occurs.
Meaning: delay until some event (verb)
How does it change in a sentence?
To say "wait for" a person or thing, you can add the locative suffix -ela to the verb, resulting in lindela.
Did you know?
- In Zulu culture, the act of waiting for an elder to speak before intervening is a sign of hlonipha, or respect. The silence used to linda is a communicative act of politeness.
- The root linda is used in the word umlinda, which means 'guard' or 'watchman'. In this context, the idea of 'waiting' shifts to the act of keeping a watchful eye over something.
- The root of linda is found in many other Bantu languages, making it a recognizable concept across much of Southern and East Africa.
Examples in context
- Linda kancane.Wait a little.
- Linda lapha kancane.Wait here for a moment.
- Linda uze ukhulume naye.Wait until you speak with him.
Example conversation
Zanele and Mlungisi are meeting at a bus stop.
- ZaneleMlungisi, linda kancane!Mlungisi, wait a moment!
- MlungisiYebo, ngilinde manje.Yes, I am waiting now.
- ZaneleLinda ibhasi lifike.Wait until the bus arrives.
- MlungisiKulungile, sizolinda ndawonye.Alright, we will wait together.
