pembe
pembe is the Lingala word for white.
This term is used to denote the color white as a noun.
Meaning: color (noun)
Did you know?
- If you say pembe to a Swahili speaker, they might look for an elephant rather than a color, as the word means 'horn' or 'tusk' in their language.
- While English speakers use 'white' to describe many things, a Lingala speaker might choose different descriptors depending on whether they are describing light, cloth, or a complexion.
- Lingala uses a small set of primary color terms, meaning pembe may be used to describe a variety of light or pale shades that English distinguishes.
Examples in context
- Pembe ezali mɔngɔ́.White is a color.
Example conversation
Guy and Marie are picking out paint for a room.
- GuyMarie, olingi paint nini?Marie, what paint do you want?
- MarieNalingi pembe mpo na libota.I want white for the room.
- GuyPembe ekopesa mwinda mingi.White will give a lot of light.
- MarieEyelo, tondika yango.Exactly, let's buy it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pembe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
