B
BabadjouSɔ́nn.propBabadjou, village and subdivisional capital in Bamboutos Division
babbleḿbuplɛv.ibabbleMɔ́ɔ mbɔ́t lɔ ḿbuplɛ sẅíŋɛA baby babbles words.
BabeteLáꞋ-Pɛtʉ̈ɔꞋn.propBabetesynTʉ̈ɔꞋTʉ̈ɔꞋn.propvillage name - BabetesynLáꞋ-Pɛtʉ̈ɔꞋ
baboon, olivendɛn2n.cbaboon (olive)papio anubis
babymɔ́ɔmbɔ́t1n.cbabymɔ́ɔmbɔ́t2cmp.demɔ́ɔḿbɔ́t 1be_weak, softn.cbaby, infant
baby born legs first, name forcʉ́ɔtswaꞋcmp.deńcʉ́ɔ 2flowtswaꞋnoise of something landingforme comp. non-spéc deńcʉ́ɔ 2flowtswaꞋnoise of something landingn.cname for a baby born legs firstCʉ́ɔtswaꞋ mɔ́ɔ ẅi pɛ́ gɔ́ ḿbí wɛ́, a lɔk pɔ mɛku mɛ́ ńcẅɛt.A child called ' flow-plop ' is a child who is born with his feet coming out first.
baby, prematuremɔ́ɔ kɛkuꞋdér.demɔ́ɔpremature baby
baby showerndámɔ́ɔcmp.dendáhousemɔ́ɔ 1childexpr.id.dendáhousemɔ́ɔ 1childex.id.visit to a newborn, baby showersǔkmɔ́ɔn.cbirth celebrationIt involves a visit to the family of the newborn bearing gifts such as soap, serviettes, nappies, and food.
babysitńtúꞋnɛv.tbabysitŊu a túꞋnɛnɛ mɔ́ɔ, pɛ́ fuŋ wɛ́ ŋgɔ «ndumɔ́ɔ».The person who babysits a child is called a babysitter.
baby(youngest child)ncɔ́t-ndánlast born, the baby of the family
bachelorŋkwɛnbachelor or bachelorette, single person (male or female)Ŋkwɛ lɔɔ ńtuŋ yúujʉ́ pɔ́. The bachelor doesn't care what he eats.ŋkẅinbachelor
back, lowerpú1nabdomen and lower back
back of the roommɛsʉꞋnback of the room opposite the entrancePɛ́ lɔ ŋ́kút ŋkɔꞋ pɔ mɛsʉꞋ.A set of shelves is usually built at the back of the room opposite the entrance.
backstabbersɔpndʉɔfʉŋ 1n.c.qk. of evildoer who pretends to sympathise with his victims, backstabbingsynsɔpŋgwɛ́tnɛ́mɛgi 2
backstabbingsɔpndʉɔfʉŋ 2n.c.qbackstabbing
badkɛpɔŋdér.dekɛ́1ḿbɔŋadj.vbadYɔ ŋwaꞋnɛ kɛpɔŋThis is a bad book.
bad, beḿbɛ́k 1v.i/v.statbe or go bad - referring to something that is no longer of use (worn out) or of food one can no longer eatPɛcú pɛ́ pɛ́k. A cyɔtnu.His words are bad (false). He lied.Yúu laa ḿbɛ́k pɛ́ mɛꞋ ŋkáꞋ. If something has gone bad or is worn out, one throws it in the field.
bad charactertʉ́m kɛpɔŋdér.detʉ́mkɛpɔŋsyn.nbad character, untrustworthyA gẅɛɛ́ tʉ́m kɛ́puŋ.He/She is untrustworthy.anttʉ́m sʉ́Ꞌnɛsyntʉ́m sʉ́ʉnɛ
bad luck, bringer oftswɛn 1nbringer of bad luck, evil omen
BafangFáŋn.propBafang, town in Haut Nkam Division of the West Region
BafanjiFɛꞋnjin.propBafanji, village on the Ndop Plain in the NW Region
BafoundaFuꞋndaan.propBafounda, village in Bamboutos Division
BafoussamFuꞋúsapvar. lib.Fʉ̌Ꞌsapn.propBafoussam (Capital of the West Region)Fʉ̌Ꞌsapvar.lib.deFuꞋúsapn.propBafoussam (capital of the West Region)
BagamGaan.propBagam, village in Galim Subdivision of Bamboutos Division
bagassecʉ̌mnbagasseThe pulp leftover from extracting liquid from a plant, such as a sugar cane.
balafonnzáŋnbalafon, xylophone
BalatchiTɛtŋgáŋn.propBalatchi, village in Mbouda Subdivision of Bamboutos Division
bald headtú ziinɛsyn.nbald head
bald(person)zǐinduun.cbald (person)
bale of clothingnɛkáꞋ-mɛndẅícmp.denɛkáꞋlocbale of clothing
ballmbalɔ̂ŋnballmbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌnball (of foo-foo or achu)Mbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ-ŋgʉŋ sak ńtsa mbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ-cúꞋ.A ball of corn foo-foo is longer than a ball of achu.Pɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk mɛfu-ŋkɛdɔŋ kɛmba mɛfu-kɛndǐi ŋ́kút mbʉ̈ɔ́t-yúu.One uses plantain or banana leaves to tie up a ball (of food).
balofone, section dendá-nzáŋdér.denzáŋsyn.nset of five wooden keys for a balofoneNzáŋ pɔ́ɔ pɛtaa, é gɛ táꞋ ndá-nzaŋ.Five balofone keys make one balofone set.
bamkʉ̂midbam or thud - noise made by a large object hitting someone or somethingMatúwa tɛ́m wɛ ŋ́gɔ «kʉ̂m».The car hit him/her with a thud.
Bambara groundnutnzunBambara groundnut
bamboofukɛ́var. dial.var. dial.nɛfʉknbambouPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk fukɛ́ ńtɔ́ɔ ŋkɛndɔŋ.Bamboo is used to prop up plantain trees.En français local, on dit « bambou de chine » pour distinguer ça des tiges du palmier raphia (ndyɔŋ en ngomba) qu'on appelle vulgairement « bambou de raphia. »Bambusa spnɛfʉkBbtBfdBjovar.dial. defukɛ́bamboonbamboo
bamboo fiber, internalpfúutɛnfiber from inside the bamboo
bamboo(raffia)ndyɔŋvar. lib.var. lib.lyɔŋn(raffia) bambooPɛ́ lɔ ńzáꞋ ndyɔŋ la ńtɔ́k lík-lyɔŋ.One cuts the raffia palm and then cuts a tapping hole.Raphia sudanica, Raphia humilis
bambou palletpáa-ndyɔ́ŋsyn.n.araffia palletMade of raffia, this serves as the bed for a widow during the first nine days of her widowhood.
BamendaPamɛ́ndaan.propBamenda, city and capital of the Northwest Region
BamendjindaNjíndaan.propBamendjinda
BamendjingNjʉ́nBamendjing, village in Galim Subdivision in Bamboutos Division
BamendjoNjɔꞋn.propBamendjo - an Ndaa village in Mbouda Subdivision of Bamboutos DivisionN dáꞋ ḿbɔ́ ntɔ́Ꞌ-Njʉ̈ɔꞋ lɔꞋnɛ.I was at the Bamendjo fon's palace today.
BamenkoumboŊkuun.propBamenkoumbo - an Ndaa village in Mbouda Subdivision of Bamboutos Division
BamenyamPɛnâan.propBamenyam, village in Galim Subdivision of Bamboutos Division
BamessingueFuŋn.propBamessingue, village in Bamboutos Division
BamessoSɔ́ꞋBamesso - an Ndaa village in Mbouda Subdivision of Bamboutos Division
Bamoun peopleMɛmn.propBamoun people, inhabitants of Noun Division in the West Region
bam! (sound)kʉŋ kʉŋidsound of a carpenter pounding zinc on a roof
bannɛpʉ́ʉ1 1dér.deḿbʉ́ʉnban, prohicition
bananakɛndǐi-tíkudér.dekɛndǐisyn.n.abananaMusa sp.kɛndǐinbananaMusa paradisiaca var.ndɔ́ŋ2n.quantbanana (one)
banana blossommályɔ́t 1nbanana blossom
banana flourlʉ̈ɔt 1nbanana blossomKɛndǐi lɔ ŋ́gɔ́ ɛ́sáa, lʉ̈ɔt yɛ́ piitɛnɛ ńcẅɛt, la mɛndɔ́ŋ mɛ́ pɛn ńcẅɛt tsɛt lʉ̈ɔt.When the banana tree produces, the flower comes out first, then the bananas.
banana, pigkɛndǐi-cúꞋexpr.id.dekɛndǐicúꞋtarosyn.npig bananaPɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gá kɛndǐi-cúꞋ paŋnɛ mbɔ̌ pɔ́ɔ-mɛfák. One gives ripe pig bananas to twins.In Ngomba it is lit. achu banana, for one uses it to make achu.Musa sp.
banana treetʉ́-kɛndǐidér.dekɛndǐinbanana treeMusa paradisiaca var.
banana tree, empty stalkkɔꞋlɛ-kɛndǐidér.dekɔꞋlɛthe stalk that remains of the banana stalk after one has removed all the bananas.
banana trunk cordndɛndɔ́ɔnbanana trunk cordPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk ndɛndɔ́ɔ ŋ́kút ntsu-paa.One uses a banana liana (cord?) to tie up a sack.This is cord made from a strip taken off of a banana plant trunk.
banana, wildmbaŋgɔɔŋkánn.cwild bananaThe last part of this word means 'monkey'.Ensete gilletii
bandagepándáashinbandagePɛ́ kút fʉ́ŋ nɛ́ pándáashi.One binds up a wound with a bandage.
BangangŊgáŋn.propBangang, village in Batcham Subdivision in Bamboutos Division
BanganteGaŋntʉ̈ɔꞋn.propBangante, city in Nde Division of the West Region
bankmbâŋ1Françaisnbank (financial)mbʉʉŋki1cmp.dembʉʉ 3besideŋki2 1watern.cbank (of a stream)
bank or riverbankmbʉʉŋki2n(river)bank, shore
BansoaSán.propBansoa - name of a village in the Menoua Division
BantanNtánn.propBantanBantan is a village in the Bamenkoumbo group.
bantu ethnic groups(of Cameroon)ŋkwaꞋnBantu ethnic groups (of the Centre and Littoral regions of Cameroon)Refers to coastal areas only of Cameroon.
baptise in waterńnuꞋ ŋu ŋkidér.deńnuꞋ baptize by immersion
barberŋkɔ́ɔtúcmp.deŋ́kɔ́ɔtúdér.deŋ́kɔ́ɔtún.cbarber
barefɛ̌ɛ 1adjbare, emptymbɔ́ fɛ̌ɛempty-handedncʉ̌ʉnɛBbtBfdBjovar.dial. dentsʉ̌ʉnɛadj.vbare, nude
bargainńtáŋ 2v bargainPɛ sɛ́ ŋ́gɔ́ ńzúu yúu mɛtáa, ńtaŋ ndɛn yɛ.Before one buys something in the market, one bargains over its price.
barkńtsuꞋ1vbarkkup 3nbarkFor it mean 'bark' you have to specifie 'of tree' or of a certain k. of tree.ḿbúkv.ibark
bark, doggúkonôbarking of a dog, "bow-wow" or ̀"woof-woof"Mɔ̂mvú lɔ ńtsuk ŋgɔ, «Gúk gúk!»A dog barks , "Bow-wow!"
barking(sound)gwúkonosound of a dog barkingMɔ̂mvú sɛ́ ńtsuꞋ ŋgɔ «gwúk».The dog is barking, saying "woof".
bark of so-called rough bark treekupŋgaꞋácmp.dekup 3barkŋgaꞋán.cbark of a tree called 'nga'a' known for its roughnessKupŋgaꞋá lɔ ŋ́kaplɛ. Pɛ́ lɔ ḿbɛn ńzɔɔ ŋu ŋgɔ ŋgup yɛ tɛn páꞋ kupŋgaꞋá.The bark of the ŋgaꞋá tree is rough. And one may insult someone by saying his or her skin is tough like the bark of this tree.
bark of the 'disorder' treekup-tákexpr.id.dekup 3barktʉ-táknbark of a tree whose name ' tak' means disorder and which is used in hope of magically sowing disorderPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk kup-ták ɛ́sat njɛꞋ-ŋu.One uses 'disorder' bark to destroy a person's compound.
bark (tree)kup-tʉ́loctree barkOne may also specify which k. of tree the bark comes from.
barn owlndʉʉ 2nbarn owlNdʉʉ lɔ ŋ́gɔ́ ńcẅɛt lʉʉ ńtsʉ́Ꞌ pɔ mɔ́shʉ́ŋ ẅi pɛ́ fúŋnɛ ŋgɔ ndʉʉ.When going out in vampirism, the vampire turns into a bird called a vampire (bird) (that is, barn own). Tyto alba
barrenŋkɛ́nnbarren/sterile person
basaltŋgɔꞋntʉʉcmp.deŋgɔꞋstonentʉʉ 2strongn.cbasaltPɛ́ lɔ ńtẅí ŋgɔꞋ ntʉʉ ńdɔk ḿbɔ́ɔ mɛndá.Basalt rocks are crushed for making houses.It is used to strengthen concrete.
basketkɛshɔŋnsmall basket with out a handle.Pɛ́ lɔ́ ńníꞋ ŋ́gʉŋ-mápfu tsɛt kɛshɔŋ.The new mother's foo-foo corn is put into a basket without handles.synshʉ̈ɔŋŋkaa1 3ntall (1-2 meters) and round basket in which one used to store groundnutsƐ́ ḿbɔ́ ŋkámbi, pɛ́ pɔ́ ńdẅɛꞋ mɔ̂nzu tsɛt mɛŋkaa, lá ŋkɔ̂ɔnɛ pɛ́ ŋ́kii ḿ̧báꞋ pɔ́ mbíꞋŋgɔ mɛpaa záa mɔ́.Formerly, groundnuts were stored in tall baskets, but now they are no longer being made, because there are so many sacks.túŋnbasket
basket cagekakna basket (used as a small animal carrier)kɛkaknbasket-cage (i.e. for transporting chickens)
basket packtáŋkaaŋgẅɛ́pcmp.detáŋkaaŋgẅɛ́pnbasket pack
basket, partytúŋ-fyɛ́tcmp.detúŋbasketfyɛ́t1nparty basket
basket, small and handlelessshʉ̈ɔŋnsmall handleless basketsynkɛshɔŋ
bastardmɔ́ɔ-gáaforme comp. non-spéc demɔ́ɔgáaprostitutionsyn.n.abastard, illigitimate childMɔ́ɔ-gáa lɔ ńtʉʉ tú.The illigitimate child is pig-headed.
batndɛ́ndʉ́ɔnbat (animal)Lavia frons
BatchamTsáan.propBatcham, town and subdivisional capital in Bamboutos Division
bathing, washing upnɛsuk mbʉʉsyn.nwashing one's self
bat, housevuknhouse bat (African yellow)Scotophilus spp
bathroomzʉꞋ-sukmbʉʉcmp.dezʉꞋɛ́suk mbʉʉwash bodysyn.nbathroom
beḿbɔ́1 1copbeA ka pɔ́ ndá.S/He was in the house.It is only used as a copular in the past and the future.
bead (large)túkcínlarge bead
beadstsaanvery small beads used to decorate the calabashes traditional nobility or canesPɛ lɔk mɛmbaŋ-tsaa ŋ́káa mbɔɔt-fɔɔ.The chiefs calabash is decorated with small beads.
beads, smallcicɛꞋnsmall beads used to make necklacesPɛ́ zẅík cicɛꞋ lɔ́ŋ-táꞋ nɛfák.On puts beads on the neck of a twin.
beadworkerŋkáa yúusyn.nbeadworker who uses small beads to decorate thingsA ŋkáa yúu, a káanɛ́ ntẅí.It is the beadworker who decorates walking sticks (with beads).
beam (house)ntɔ́ɔ-ndádér.dentɔ́ɔsupport beam
beansmɛkúunbeansThis is a noncount noun. To count them one needs the quantifier 'grain' mbaŋ.phaseolus (vulgans)
beans, blackmɛkúu shíshídér.demɛkúusyn.nblack beansphaseolus (coccineus) var.
beans, poundedmɛkúu cúꞋtɛnɛdict.demɛkúusyn.npounded beans
beans, variety ofmɛkúu mɛlɛŋŋgɛdér.demɛkúusyn.nvariety of beanphaseolus var.
bear a grudge against s.o.ńzáꞋ ŋkwaa-ŋuex.id.bear or hold a grudge against s.o.
beardmɛlẅinbeardmɛnuk-ntsucmp.demɛnukhairntsumouthmɛnukn.cbeard
beard hairnuk-ntsuna beard hair
bearer of misfortuneŋgaŋmbalɔk 2dér.dembalɔknbearer of misfortune, jinx
bear(v)ɛ́sʉk 1var. dial.var. dial.ɛ́shʉkvbear or endure, bear up under s.thA pʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ ku yɛ́, ɛ́sʉkShe broke her foot (or leg) and endured it.
beatɛ́fɛ́ɛtɛv.tbeat with many blowsMámɔɔ lɔk mɔ́ɔŋgwaa fɛ́ɛtɛ mɛnzʉʉ-mɛku mɔ́ɔ.The mother beat the child's calves with a small whip (switch).synḿvipńtswáav.t beat, slapPɛ́ tswáa mɔ́ɔ mbíꞋŋgɔ a gɛ nu kɛpɔŋ.The child was beaten because he did something bad.synńzɛp
be at bottomḿmɛnɛvbe at the bottom (of a hole)A kúu tsɛt táa-ŋki tɛ́ ḿmɛnɛ.He went into the well to the bottom.
beat, clubḿbíꞋlɛv.tbeat (with a club)
beaterpúꞋnbaton or stick(of a traditional musical instrument)
beautiful, make one's selfńzíꞋ nɛŋgɔɔexpr.id.denɛŋgɔɔbeautyńzíꞋlearn, teachex.id.learn personal hygienePɛ́ pí mɔ́ɔ, a gúꞋ, ŋ́gɔ́ ńzíꞋ mɛŋgɔɔ, ńzɛ nɛtsuŋ ɛ́suk mbʉʉ yɛ, ḿbɛn ŋ́kúp ntɛ́ nɛmaꞋ ndẅí.When a child is born and grows up, in learning personal hygiene he/she starts to bathe well and changes how he/she dresses.
beautynɛŋgɔɔnbeautyNɛŋgɔɔ-maŋgɛ́ nǔu mɛnuk-tú mɛ́.A woman's beauty is (on) her hair.
be boredḿbáklɛ mbʉʉ 2forme comp. non-spéc deḿbáklɛmbʉʉvbe or get boredMatúwa laatɛ sɛ́sʉ́ʉ, mbʉʉ-pagʉ nɛnɛn pákla wɔ́p.When the car takes too long, the passengers are bored
be botheredḿbúꞋ mbʉʉdér.deḿbúꞋex.id.be bothered, be worried
becausembíꞋŋgɔconjbecausesynmɛláꞋŋgɔmɛláꞋŋgɔconjbecausesynmbíꞋŋgɔ
because ofmbíꞋconjbecause ofWɛcɔ́ mɑꞋpʉ́ɔ ḿbɔ́ ńdɔk mbɑp ḿbɛn tɛt; ɛ́ pʉk ndɑ́ , ńjɑ́k ŋu ɑ ŋ́kwɛ́t mbíꞋ nɛkẅii.A certain hunter would bring back meat from the bush, but it would rot in the house for lack of anyone to eat it because of his stinginess.
because, sincentɛ́ páꞋconjbecause, since
beckonńdáꞋ ŋgi (mbɔ̌ ŋu)dér.deŋgisyn.vbeckon to someone, get s.o.'s attentionPɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gɔ́ ŋ́kúu njɛ́Ꞌ-ŋu, ńdɔk kẅak ńdaꞋ ŋgi.When one frequently enters s.o.'s compound, one get's their attention with a cough.
be constipatednɛpɛm-ŋu kíitɛforme comp. non-spéc denɛpɛmabdomenŋ́kíitɛ 1locbe constipatedNɛpɛm náa kíitɛ.I'm constipated.synnɛpɛm-ŋu tát
bed bugŋgẅǐimɛnbed bugCimicidae
be dizzyɛ́sáŋɛ 2v.ibe dizzy
bedsheetzɛ-kúuforme comp. non-spéc dezɛkúubedsyn.n.abed linen, sheet
bed, space underneath antsɛ́nkúun.cspace underneath a bedPɛ́ lɔ ńdẅɛꞋ mɛcɔ́ mɛyúu ntsɛ́nkúu.Some things are kept under the bed.
bedspreadzɛ-kúuforme comp. non-spéc dezɛkúubedsyn.n.abed linen, sheet
bed-womanńdɔk maŋgɛ́expr.id.deńdɔk 1takemaŋgɛ́womaneuph.bed a woman, to have sexual relations with a woman
beembaŋ-ŋwáꞋcmp.deŋwáꞋmbaŋsyn.n.abeeThe quantifier is necessary to count individual bees.
be easyḿbɔ́tnɛ 2v.statbe or become easyPɛ́ kɔ́ɔ naŋ, ɛ́ pɔ́tnɛ nɛzʉꞋ.When one clears a field, it become easy to cultivate.
bee colonynɛka-ŋwaꞋ 1dér.denɛkancolony of bees
bee colony ; honeycombnɛka-ŋwáꞋsyn.ncolony of bees/honeycomb
beefy, beŋ́kɔꞋlɛv.statbe beefy, well filled out
beekeepernzápŋkaaŋwáꞋcmp.deńzápput_downŋkaa1 1nestŋwáꞋ 1beesdér.deńzápput_downŋkaa1 1nestŋwáꞋ 1beesn.cbeekeeper
beesŋwáꞋ 1nbeesApis mellifera
bee, stinglessjẅiꞋjẅíꞋnstingless bee, sweat bee, mopane bee or flyJẅiꞋjẅíꞋ yɛcɔ́ ntɛ́ mɔ́ncɛꞋ ŋwa, ḿbɔɔ ŋɛmɛ gẅɛɛ. Pɔ́p lɔ ŋ́gɛ ŋkaa wɔ́p tsɛt ndyɔŋ-taŋndá mba tsɛt mɛŋgɛp-ndá, mba tsɛt mɛtʉ́n lɔk ŋ́kíꞋ tsundá, mba zʉꞋ nɛnáŋ ńjẅiitɛ mi mbʉ́ tsɛtú. The stingless bee is a very small kind of bee without venom that makes its hive in metal window frames or metal railings on porches.Plebeina hildibrandti, Meliponini spp.
beetle, predaceous divingmanɛlɛ́ɛŋkin.cpredaceous diving beetleDytiscidae
be fond of (certain foods)ḿbyaŋtɛdér.deḿbyaŋlickv.tbe fond of (certain foods)
beforembi2prépbefore (in space or time), in front of
before, (one day) agońzáꞋ njí 1expr.id.deńzáꞋ1njí 1timeavant
before(time)ŋ́gɔ́aux.advbefore (time)Pɛ́ sɛ́ ŋ́gɔ ŋ́gɛ mbɛlik-láꞋ, ŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ mɛgíi nǔu zʉꞋ yi pɛ́ gʉ ɛ́faꞋ zuꞋu.Before one makes village bricks, one cuts the grass on the place where one is going to work.Mbʉŋ ŋ́gɔ́ ńdɔ́,ŋ kyɛt mendẅí.Before it rains, I will take down the clothes.Mbʉŋ gɔ́ ńdɔ́, ɔ kyɛt mendẅí!Before it rains, take down the clothes!
be full of weevilsɛ́fuꞋ3v.statbe full of weevilsŊgɛsáŋ tswɛ́ tʉ́ sɛ́sʉ́ʉ, ɛ́fuꞋ.When the corn stays up high (in the space between the ceiling and the roof) a long time, it is full of weevils.
begḿbúꞋ mbɔ́ mbɔ̌dér.deḿbúꞋex.id.begńdɔ́ɔ ndɔ́ɔex.id.begTǎa gá ntík mbɔ̌ mɔ́ɔ nɛ ŋgɔ: « ¡Kɔɔ láꞋ ńdɔ́ɔ ndɔ́ɔ! »The dad gave this advice to his child: “Don’t ever beg!”
beg for wineḿbyaŋtɛ nzʉʉ mɛluꞋforme comp. non-spéc deḿbyaŋtɛbe fond of (certain foods)ex.id.beg for wine
beg from peopleḿbyaŋtɛ nzʉʉ pʉɔcmp.deḿbyaŋtɛbe fond of (certain foods)ex.id.beg from people, mooch off people
beggarŋgaŋndɔ́ɔn.cbeggarndɔ́ɔndɔ́ɔ 1dér.deńdɔ́ɔnbeggarYuu lɔɔ ŋ́kuꞋ mbɔ̌ ndɔ́ɔndɔ́ɔ pɔ́.A beggar never has enough.
beginńzɛ2v beginPɛ́ pɛn ńzɛ nɛtáŋ mɛtáa nǔu nɛm yɛ́tát.Market activity began again at 3 PM.synḿbɔɔ1 1ńzʉkŋɛ
begin bearingńcẅi1v begin bearing(fruit), name (a child)Tʉ́-ŋgalávu cẅi mɛtáa.The guava tree has begun bearing fruit
begin to ripenḿbuklɛv.statbegin to ripen, turn ripeZɔ́ɔ lɔ ḿbuklɛ, ɛ́shɔtnɛ fúk la ɛ́sʉʉ.The (African) prune starts to ripen, turning white before it becomes black (deep purple). For fruits, this the state between ripe and totally unripe.
behaviornɛkɛt1nbehavior; manner or fashion of acting, habitNɛkɛt nǔu mɔ́ɔ ká pɔŋ.The fashion of acting of the child is not good.
behavior, habitsnɛnaŋ-ŋusyn.nbehavior, habits (of s.o.)
behindnzʉʉ 3prépbehindnzʉʉ wɛbehind him/hernzʉʉ 1var. dial.var. dial.njʉʉnbehindnjʉʉBbtBfdBjovar.dial. denzʉʉ 1behindprépbehind
be humbleḿbɔ́tnɛ 3v.statbe humbleŊu pɔ́tnɛnɛ gɛ yúu mi Sɛ́ pikŋɛThe person who is humble does what God asks.
believeḿbɛ́m (ŋgɔ) 2vbelieve (that or in)Pɛcɔ́ pʉɔ pɛ́m ŋgɔ ḿbɔ́ pfuŋ ńníꞋ gɔɔ nǔu pʉɔ ŋká yi a tɔ́ŋnɛ. Some people that an (screech) owl can make people sick when they cry.
be light(weight)ɛ́fʉ̈ɔkŋɛv.statbe light (weight)Mɛfu-tʉ́ zúunɛ fʉ̈ɔkŋɛ.Dry tree leaves are light.antńjɔt
bellŋwáŋnbellndʉꞋnwooden slit gong (a small hollowed out tree trunk)This slit gong is similar to a 'nelem' but it is smaller only 80 to 100 cm.nɛlɛ́mnlarge wooden slit gong (big hollowed out tree trunk) used making announcements at the chief's palace One and a half to three meters in length.
bellowsshuk-laaforme comp. non-spéc deshuk2air pumplaa2forgesyn.nbellows
bell, round and metalkájáknsmall iron bell
belly achenɛpɛm nɛ́mnɛforme comp. non-spéc denɛpɛmabdomenńnɛ́msyn.nbelly ache, stomach ache
belly, fatmbiꞋnɛpɛmcmp.deḿbiꞋ 2supportnɛpɛmabdomendér.deḿbiꞋ 2supportnɛpɛmabdomenn.c.qfat-belliedPʉɔ lɔ ŋ́gẅɛɛ shíshí tʉ́m nǔu mbiꞋnɛpɛm mbíꞋŋgɔ pɔ́p kwaŋɛ ngɔ a gẅɛɛ ŋkáp,People are often jealous of s.o. who's fat-bellied because they think he has money.
belowntsʉ́ʉ 1var. dial.ncʉ́ɔprépdownhill from, belowŊ kɔmɛ́ ndá ntsʉ́ʉ sɛkút.I've rented the house downhill from the school.
beltŋkandáan.cbeltƐ́ sɛ́ ḿbíkŋɛ́ wáa nɛ́ ŋkandáa yi ɛ́ tuꞋ ńtsa yɔnɛ.I require/need a belt that is shorter than this one.tapnbeltSʉʉ tap yú!Serre ta ceinture!
belt made of ndop fabricnɛgwáanbelt made of ndop fabric (trad. Bamileke/Grassfields material)
be narrowŋ́kʉ́ʉpɛv.statbe narrow, shrunkenPɛ́ ka túŋ sɛ̂ndúŋ, ɛ́ pɔŋ; lá, ŋ́kúu nǔu mɛcɔ́ mɛzʉ́ ŋ́kʉ́ʉpɛ.The road was dug up and fixed, but in certain places it is narrow.
be nauseatedlɔ́ŋ ḿbiŋɛexpr.id.delɔ́ŋḿbiŋɛsyn.vbe nauseated, feel nauseous
bendŋ́ŋɔ́Ꞌv.t bendWɔ̌ ŋɔ́Ꞌ ŋkwɛn-lakʉ̈ɔp?Who bent the hyena's back?
bend backwardsŋ́ŋɔ́Ꞌnɛ́ nɛ́ nzʉʉdér.deŋ́ŋɔ́Ꞌnɛsyn.v bend backwards
bend overŋ́ŋɔ́Ꞌnɛ 1v.ibend over, bow
bend repeatedlyŋ́ŋɔ́Ꞌtɛ 1v.t bend, twist or curve repeatedly
be necessaryɛ́ pɔŋ ŋgɔdér.deḿbɔŋit is good or necessary that
benefactorŋgɛnusʉꞋnɛcmp.deŋgɛ1nu sʉ́Ꞌnɛsyn.nbenefactor, someone who does good deeds
benefactor of the poortsáambɔ́ŋnbenefactor of the poor
benirŋ́gá mbɔ́tnɛ́syn.vbless, speak kindly to
bentŋ́ŋɔ́Ꞌnɛ 2v.statbe curved or bent, stooped over
be on guardńdak túex.id.be wary or careful, be on one's guard
be poorḿbúŋv.statbe poor, be in wantMpfúk púŋ tɛ mɛgwɛ́t mɛ tsɛt ndáŋ.The widow is so poor that there is no more oil in her container.
be redḿbaŋ 2v.statbe redMɛwɛt-nɛtʉ́ɔ paŋ.Palm oil is red.
be ripeḿbaŋ 1v.statbe ripe or ripenTáa-lyɔp laa ńtɛn, mbɔ ɛ́ pɛ́t kɛ́ baŋ.When a papaya is hard, it is not yet ripe.
besidembʉʉ 3prépbeside, next to, againstnɛgɔ́pprépnear, by, besidenɛjɔ́ŋ 2prépbeside
be softḿbɔ́tnɛ 1v.statbe soft or mildMɛluꞋ pɔ́tnɛ, mápfu nɔ́ ńdɔk ńńiꞋ nɛpʉ́ʉ-mɔ́ɔWhen the raffia wine is mild, the nursing mother drinks it to make the breast milk flow.
be stubbornńtʉʉ túexpr.id.deńtʉʉ1túsyn.vbe or act stubborn, obstinate; persist (in an opinion), e.g., to dig in one's heels
betŋkwaa1nbet or wagerńzáꞋ ŋkwaaexpr.id.deńzáꞋ1cutŋkwaa1bet bet, make betPúu záꞋnɛ́ ŋkwaa ŋgɔ pɛsúu pú ŋ́gɛ ńdɛɛ zaꞋa zɔ́n.Let's make a bet together that your friends will come by here tomorrow.N záꞋ ŋkwaa ɔ ŋgɔ ɔ gʉ ńjʉ́ɔ ŋgʉɔꞋ mbɔ̌ mɔ.I bet you that you are going to have trouble from me! - threat to get even
be thereḿbʉ́ɔv.statbe there/hereM bʉ́ɔ!Here I am!
betrayɛ́fɛn 2v.tbetray, sell s.o. outŊ ka lẅɛ́Ꞌ ntsɛm yaa mbɔ̌ súu waa. A gʉ ɛ́fɛn wáa.I entrusted my secret to my friend and he betrayed me.ŋ́kyɛꞋ2v betray, let s.o. downA kyɛꞋ ntsɛm.He betrayed/revealed a secret.Ɛ́ ka pɔ́ zɔn, ŋ kyɛꞋ ntsɔ́ŋ kaꞋ lʉɔmɛnɛ.It was yesterday I informed against a thief when he hid himself.
betrayernɔɔzánn.cbetrayerƆ laa ḿbɔ́ ntsɔ́ŋ, pɛtát pú tík wú, ɔ pɔɔ zúꞋ, mbɛ ɔ nɔɔzán.If you are a thief, your parents have given you advice and you don't get it (don't listen), then you are a betrayer (exposing them to ridicule.)This noun is also a euphemism for s.o. who exposes his parents to public ridicule
betrotheḿbʉ́ maŋgɛ́ mbɔ̌ ŋu mbɛɛnɛexpr.id.deḿbʉ́maŋgɛ́mbɔ̌ŋuex.id.betrothe (engage) a woman to a man
be troubledḿbúunɛv.statbe troubledFípa tɔ́ktɛ́ mɛtɔ́ gẅɛɛ́ ŋu, a púunɛ.When someone is infected with typhoide fever, he is troubled.
betryŋ́kyɛ́Ꞌ nɛtsɛnsyn.vbetray
bettermbɛ̌ɛadvbetterYɔ ndẅí mbɛ̌ɛ, mbíꞋ ntɛ́ puŋ wáa.This fabric is better, because I like the color.Mbɛ̌ɛ gʉgʉ nǔu pálɛ́.Better an idiot than a madman.
be weakḿbɔ́t 1v.statbe or become weak ou softGɔɔ gɛ tɛ a pɔ́t.The sickness made him/her weak.
BibleŋwaꞋnɛ-mbuꞋmbívar. lib.ŋwaꞋnɛ-Sɛ́nCreator's book, the Bible
bicarbonate, sodiumkáŋwáan.cunrefined sodium bicarbonate used in palm oil soup (sauce) and other dishesPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk káŋwáa ńnuꞋ náꞋ-cúꞋ.Unrefined sodium bicarbonate is used is mixing up sauce for achu.
bicyclekwáŋmɛkucmp.dekwáŋku1n.cbicycle, bikeNɛnɛn ndǔ kwáŋmɛku ńdɔk ḿbʉʉ ŋkɔ́Ꞌ gwɛ́ tɛn tɛꞋ.Riding a bike up a big hill is very hard.mbásɛkuAnglaisnbicycle
bigmámámod.ngreat bigantgɛ́gɛ́ńdʉ̈ɔplɛv.stat be ample in size (as in clothing or shoes) or even too long, to go beyond the edgePɛ́ zúu mɛtap-mɔ́ɔ kɛ́ pɛ́ɛ fʉꞋ, ńzẅɛk ku yɛ́, ɛ́ lʉ̈ɔplɛ.Shoes were bought for the child without measuring for size, putting them on they were too long.gwɛ́adjbigsynkɛkɔꞋmá1adjbig, largeŋ́gúꞋvar.lib.deŋ́gwúꞋ 1bigv.i/v.statbe or get big, grow up, get tallerƐ́ mɛŋguꞋ tɛ ńzáa páꞋ ŋ ká pɛn ńjʉ́ɔ mɔ́ɔ nu pɔ́. A gʉ ḿbɔ́ ŋkɔ̂ɔnɛ, mbɔ a gúꞋ mɔ́ tɛꞋIt has been many years since I've seen your child. So by now, he/she must be quite big.kɛkɔꞋadjbig, fatsyngwɛ́
big and heavykɔꞋkɔꞋforme comp. non-spéc dekɔꞋ2mod.nbig and heavy
big brothernzápmbin.cbig brother or sister, elder brother or sisternzápmbi wɛ maŋgɛ́older sister/big sisternzápmbi wɛ mɔ́ɔ mbɛɛnɛolder brother/ big brother
big brother of twinstákaláꞋforme comp. non-spéc detásyn.nbig(elder) brother of twinsmákaláꞋnelder sibling of twinsPɛ́ lɔ ḿbí mɛfák ńtsʉ́Ꞌ ɛ́fúŋ nzapmbi wɔp pɔ ngɔ mákaláꞋ. When a woman gives birth to twins, their older sibling is called 'mákaláꞋ.'This special name is given to protect the older sibling for fear that the twins might do her/him harm.
bigdrummâŋkatnlarge tam-tam drum with legs
big manmáŋunimportant person, big man
big men's placezʉꞋ-pɛmápʉɔdér.demáŋuimportant seat, place of honor
big piece of wood breaking, noise ofntɔ́ɔꞋidnoise of a REALLY big piece of wood breakingŊkɛ̌m ntsẅíi pʉ̈ɔꞋnɛ ŋgɔ ntɔ̂ɔꞋ.Le morceau de bois est cassé en faisant ntɔ̂ɔꞋ.
big sister of twinsmâakaláꞋnbig(elder) sister of twins
big sister to twinsshǔŋnucmp.deɛ́shuŋ2pullnu2question, affair, problemdér.deɛ́shuŋ2pullnu2question, affair, problemexpr.id.deɛ́shuŋ2pullnu2question, affair, problemn.cbig sister to twins
big(stative verb)ŋ́gwúꞋ 1var. dial.ŋ́guꞋvar. lib.var. lib.ŋ́gúꞋv.statbe big
big toetɔ̂ku gwɛ́var.lib.demɔ́tɔ̂ku gwɛ́big toen.cbig toe
bilendẅi 1var. lib.ndʉnbilelẅinbilendʉvar.lib.dendẅinbile
billy-goatpʉ̈ɔpnbilly-goatCapra aegagrus hircus
bind one's self (to)ńdatnɛ (nǔu) 1vbind tie one's self (to)Ŋu mbɛ́ɛnɛ laa ńdatnɛ nǔu nzwɛ́ wɛ, mbɔ ŋkɔŋɛ sɛ́.If a man binds himself to his wife then there's love.
bird, bishopnzwɛ́ŋgʉʉmɔ́shʉ́ŋn.cred or fire-crowned bishop birdThis bird is so named because of its beauty.Euplectes orix, Euplectes hordeaceus
bird callŋ́kíi1 2vcall (bird)
bird of preytɛ́mnbird of prey , category comprised of kites, sparrowhawks and eagles
birdsongnzɔp-pɛshʉ́ŋtwitter of birds
bird that digs up corntɛ́túŋ-ŋgɛsáŋcmp.deńtúŋ1 1digŋgɛsáŋmaizedér.deńtúŋ1 1digŋgɛsáŋmaizesyn.nbird that digs up cornTɛ́túŋ-ŋgɛsáŋ ǹtúŋ táꞋ naŋ mbɔ̌ mɔ tɛ ɛ́ mɛ.A (corn-digger) bird dug up an entire plot of my corn.This name comes from the fact the bird digs up newly germinated corn seed an eats it.
birthnɛpínbirth, giving birth
birth fathertápícmp.detáḿbí1n.cbirth father
birth, giveḿbí1v.tgive birthPɛ́ pí waa nǔu ŋguꞋ 1956.I was born in 1956.
birthmarkpáp-sɛ́expr.id.depáp1scarSɛ́Godex.id.birthmark
birth mothermápícmp.demá2ḿbí1n.cbirth mother or biological mother
births close togetherńtsitBbtBfdBjovar.dial. deńcit mɔ́ɔwean_earlyv.thave children without spacing them out
bitńtsúk 2vbite injecting venom (snake)Nɔ́-mɛtɔ laa ńtsúk ŋu, a fɛ́Ꞌnɛ ḿpfú.If a green mamba bites someone, he dies quickly.
bit, a
bite repeatedlyńnɛ́mtɛv.t nibble, take numerous bites out of s.th.Mɔ̂mvú nɛ́mtɛ́ ndɛɛsɛ̂ndúŋ.The dog bit a passerby repeatedly.
bitter colanɛpi mbítasyn.nbitter colaGarcinia cola
bitterleafnɛlẅǐitɛdér.deńdẅibitter(vstat)nbitterleaf, vernoniaVernonia colorata, Vernonia amygdalina, Vernonia hymenolepsis
bitterleaf sauceńaꞋ-mɛlẅǐitɛforme comp. non-spéc denáꞋsaucenɛlẅǐitɛbitterleafsyn.nbitterleaf sauce
bitter, to beńdẅiv.stat be bitter
blackshíshídér.deɛ́shí 1burnadj.vblack
blackboardtambɛlɔ̂nblackboardtáafɛlɛ gwɛ́ mbʉʉndáforme comp. non-spéc detáafɛlɛslategwɛ́bigmbʉʉndá 2wall(interior)syn.nblackboard
black fruitmbɛ́llɛ́nAfrican elemi, African oliveCanarium schweinfurthii
black hatshíŋkakn.cblack notable's hat
blackjacklɛpmíknblackjack, begger's ticksKyɛlkyɛ́l- lɛpmík lɔ ńdatnɛ nǔu ndẅí. Blackjack burrs stick to clothing.Bidens pilosa
blackness, darknessfɛ́m3nblacknessŊu lɔɔ ńtsuŋ ńjʉ́ɔ zʉꞋ tsɛt fɛ́m-nzɛ̌nzʉ́ʉ pɔ́.On never sees well in the blackness of night.
black nobleman's hatcɔꞋshíŋkakvar. lib.cʉ̈ɔꞋshíŋkakngombale 'chapeau noir'cmp.decɔꞋn.cblack nobleman's hatBorrowed from Ngombale, this is the traditional small, rimless black hat which may be worn by anyone in the NW Region. Among the Ndaa people only the noblemen wear it.
black peppersɔp-ŋgɔ́cmp.desɔp1ŋgɔ́syn.nblack pepperPiper nigrum var.
blacksmithtǎalaacmp.detǎalaa2n.cblacksmith, metalworkerTǎalaa lɔ ńtẅí pɔ́ɔpɛníi mbaa mɛnzaa.Le forgeron fabrique les couteaux et la haches.synntẅílaantẅílaacmp.deńtẅí1 2forgelaa2forgen.cblacksmithNtẅílaa lɔk háma ńzɛp tʉ́n tɔɔnɛnɛ, ɛ́ paplɛ, a lɔk ńniitɛ mɔ́níi.The blacksmith uses a hammer to beat the hot metal flat and uses it to make a knife.syntǎalaa
bladder, urinarytsiidér.deńtsiiurinatenurinary bladdersynŋkaa-tsiiŋkaa-tsiiforme comp. non-spéc deŋkaa1 3basketńtsiiurinateurinary bladdersyntsii
bladelísaanrazor bladeƐ́ píkŋɛ́ ŋgɔ ndɔ́kta lɔk lísaa fí ŋgɔŋ ŋká tsʉʉ a lɔɔ nɛzáꞋ mbʉʉ-ŋu.A doctor must use a new razor blade each time he wishes to cut someone's body.ŋgwatnblade for lancing boils with handle that fits over knuckles
blameḿbapnɛ 1dér.deḿbap1vblame, reproach, yell atTát wɛ papnɛ wɛ nǔu mɛfaanɛ mɛnu mi a gɛnɛ.His father reproached (yelled at) him for the errors he made.
blandness, blandlɛplɛ 2dér.deńdɛplɛmod.nblandness, blandLɛplɛ mɛjʉ́ píkŋɛ ŋgwáŋ la ḿbɔŋ nɛjʉ́.Bland food requires salt to taste good.
blanketmbalaŋAnglaisnblanket
bleatingmɛ̂ɛꞋidbleating of goat or sheepMɔ̂mbí lɔ ŋ́kíi ŋgɔ "mɛ̂ɛꞋ" ńdɔk ɛ́fúŋ pɔ́ɔ pɛ́.The goat goes "baahh" to call its young.mɛꞋmɛꞋmɛꞋ 1idsound of a goat or sheep bleating - "baa"
bleat of a sheepmbɛ̂ɛꞋ 1idbleating of a sheep, like "baahhh"
bleedingŋkaa2nhaemorrhage or bleed(ing) (from the nose)Ŋkaa sɛ́ ńcẅɛt mɛlẅí máa.I have a nosebleed.
bleed(verb)mɛci ńcẅɛtdér.demɛcibleed, to hemorrhage
blessɛ́fɛ́ɛv.tblessA gá ŋkáꞋmbɔ̌ mɔ tɛ ɛ́fɛ́ɛ.He gave me the field and even blessed it as a sign of good faith.This is done by spitting on s.th. that one is giving or selling as a sign of good faith.ńníꞋ mbɔ́tnɛ nǔu ŋuvbless s.o.ŋ́gá mbɔ́tnɛ́syn.vbless, speak kindly to
blessedpɔ̂ttú 2n.cblessed (person), lucky
bless (with spit on palm)ńtẅiktɛ 1dér.deńtẅikspitvbless by spitting on the palm
bless womanńcʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ maŋgɛ́expr.id.deńcʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌmaŋgɛ́womanbless a woman in preparation for marriage (so that she may have a child)Mɔ́ɔ maŋgɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gɔ ŋ́gʉ zɔ́Ꞌ, pɛtát pɛ́ lɔk fífí ńcʉ̈ɔꞋ wɛ́.When a girl leaves for marriage, her parents bless her with hyscop
blindɛ́fʉ 1BbtBfdBjovar.dial. deɛ́fuv.statbe or become blindŊuu laa ḿbú ńníꞋ mɛfu mík yɛ, mba a gɛ fʉ.If someone gropes about putting medicine in his eyes he'll go blind.ɛ́fu 1var. dial.ɛ́fʉv.i/v.statblind, be blind
blind (person)fʉmíkvar. lib.fumíknblind person
blinkŋ́kyɛp míkdér.deŋ́kyɛplík1eyesyn.vblink one's eyes (once)ŋ́kyɛplɛ míkvar. lib.ŋ́kyɛptɛ míkforme comp. non-spéc deŋ́kyɛp míksyn.vblink (several times)ŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́p líkforme comp. non-spéc deŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́p1shellsyn.vwinkŋ́kyɛptɛ míkvar.lib.deŋ́kyɛplɛ míksyn.vblink (several times)
blood vesselsʉk1nblood vessel (big) (artery or vein)N dáꞋ ŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ ku yáa tɛ ńzáꞋ sʉk.I broke my foot (today) and even cut a large blood vessel/artery.
blood vesselsmɛŋaŋ-mbʉʉforme comp. non-spéc denɛŋaŋrootmbʉʉ 1bodysyn.n.ablood vessels
bloomḿmaꞋ tɔ̌ɔtɔ̌ɔdér.deḿmaꞋtɔ̌ɔtɔ̌ɔblossom or bloomMɛkúu máꞋ mɔ́ tɔ̌ɔtɔ̌ɔ.The beans have blossomed.ḿmaꞋ pɛflúwadér.deḿmaꞋex.id.blossom, bloomPɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gɔ́ ńjí ŋgɔ mɛkúu ńtsuŋ ńzɛ́m, ɛ́ tsuŋ ḿmaꞋ pɛflúwa.One can know a bean plant will produce well when many flowers blossom.
blossomḿmaꞋ pɛflúwadér.deḿmaꞋex.id.blossom, bloomPɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gɔ́ ńjí ŋgɔ mɛkúu ńtsuŋ ńzɛ́m, ɛ́ tsuŋ ḿmaꞋ pɛflúwa.One can know a bean plant will produce well when many flowers blossom.
blowɛ́fák 1v.tblowMɔ̂mvú fák mɛlẅí mɛ́ ńgɔ: «pfút».The dog blew air out his nose and it went "poof".
blow a whistle, blow or sound a hornńtɔ́ŋ ndɔ́ŋdér.deńtɔ́ŋndɔ́ŋ1 1horn blow a whistle, beep, blow or sound a horn
blow out, v.ɛ́fák ḿbíkɛ́fák 1blowḿbíkdestroy ; erasev.sblow s.th. out Pɛ́ laa ɛ́fák lâm ḿbík, lumndá sʉ́ʉnɛ. If one blows out the lamp, the room gets dark.
blow(verb)ɛ́fʉ̈ɔt 1var. dial.ɛ́fʉ̈ɛtv.tblowMɛsɔŋ-ŋu tsɔ́Ꞌtɛ, á fʉ̈ɔt múk kɛ́káŋ.When someone's teeth are pulled out, he/she has great difficulty blowing on a fire.
boarndúu-naadér.dendúuboarPotamochoerus porcus
boastɛ́shɛlvar. dial.ɛ́syɛtɛ́shɛt1v.iboast, show offMaŋgɛ́ ɛwá, shɛl tɛꞋ mbíꞋŋgɔ a paŋ.That woman boasts a lot because she is red (lighter-complected).Maŋgɛ́ shɛl mbíꞋŋgɔ a jʉ́ɔ ndúu mɛ.The woman showed off because she saw her husband.synńnyɛt mbʉʉ
boasterŋgaŋnátɛnboaster, swaggerer
bob up and downŋ́ŋíꞋnɛv bob one's head up and down, nod
body oilmɛgwɛ́t-mbʉʉdér.demɛgwɛ́tskin/body lotion
boilyúukɔ́Ꞌn.cabscess, boilabcess, boilńdẅitɛv.i boil
boil(n)lɛlwɔnboil, abcessLɛlwɔ kɔ́Ꞌ tsɛt mɛntáa-mɔ́ɔ.A boil appeared on the child's thighs.
boil(verb)ɛ́fɔꞋ 1v.iboilYúujʉ́ lɔ ɛ́fɔꞋ tsɛt nɛkʉŋ la ḿbí. Food boils in a pot before it gets tender.
bonetsẅíinboneŊu lɔɔ ńnáŋ nɛgwat mbap, ɛ́sáa tsẅíi pɔ́.One never hangs around where meat is slaughtered and doesn't even get a bone.
bone marrowmɛfɔ́ɔtsẅíicmp.demɛfɔ́ɔfattsẅíibonesyn.nbone marrow
bookbagpaa-mɛŋwaꞋnɛdér.depaasyn.nportfolio, bookbagNdẅɛꞋntsɛm gẅɛɛ paa-mɛŋgwaꞋnɛ.The secretary has a portfolio (for papers).
book ; documentŋwaꞋnɛdér.deŋ́ŋwaꞋnɛnanything written (i.e., a book, a document, a bill, etc.)
book of the CreatorŋwaꞋnɛ-mbuꞋmbívar. lib.ŋwaꞋnɛ-Sɛ́nCreator's book, the Bible
boom(noise)bûmmonoboom! (sound of a gunshot)Ŋgát yɛ gɔ bûmm!His gun went boom!
boot (of a car), trunk (of a car)ŋkaꞋ-matúaboot (of a car), trunk (of a car)
bordernɛpatnborder, bounds
border furrowjɔ́Ꞌ 3nborder furrow
border treegwǎatɛnborder treeKwíꞋfɔɔ lɔ ńdɔk gwǎatɛ, ńnʉk yúu.The secret society at the fon's palace uses border tree branches as a gri-gri (fetish) to protect something.syngwǎatɛkẅíꞋfɔɔgwǎatɛtʉʉNewbouldia laevisgwǎatɛkẅíꞋfɔɔn.cborder tree, NewboldiasyngwǎatɛNewbouldia laevisgwǎatɛtʉʉnborder treesyngwǎatɛNewbouldia laevis
borer, maïs stemcucu-ŋgɛsáŋcmp.decucu 1caterpillarŋgɛsáŋmaizen.cmaize stem borerBusseola fusca
borrower (money)fɔŋkáp 2cmp.defɔ 1loanŋkápmoneyn.cmoney borrower
boss (woman)mǎafaꞋn.cfemale boss
both ... andńtɛmtɛ...pɔ́pcmp.deńtɛmtɛlocboth...andYɛ́su ka zíꞋ puɔ ŋgɔ ḿbɔ́ Sɛ́ tɛmtɛ mbap-mbʉʉ pɔ́p zẅikŋɛ ŋ́gẅɛ́tnɛ.Jesus taught people that God can destroy both body and soul.
botherḿbáklɛvbother, disturb or troubleMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ páklɛ má wɔp.The children disturbed their mother.gáanɛ 1nbother, troubleŊ ká kɔŋ gáanɛ pɔ́.Je n'aime pas le dérangement.
bother(verb) ; threatenŋ́gáanɛv.t bother, threaten
bottlencɔ́ŋ1nbottlePɛk gẅɛɛ pɔ ndaꞋ táꞋ ncɔ́ŋ-ŋgáazɛ.We have only one gas bottle.mbɔ́ttɛlɛAnglaisnbottle
bottomnɛtsɛ́n 1nbottom, base or foot (of something)synntsɛ́n-kuntsɛ́nnbottom
bottom of the pot (a dish)mbíitaꞋn.cbottom of the pot, a dish made from the bottom of a pot of corn foo-foo dried over a fire yielding a kind of crusty griddle cake
boubou (bird)fɔɔ-pɛshʉ́ŋsyn.ntropical boubou; boubou shrikePeople believe that this bird announces the arrival of a visitor.Laniarius aethiopicus
boundarymbáandɛlɛAnglaisnboundaryPɛfɔɔ nyɛt mbáandɛlɛ-tsɛ́tsáꞋ.The chiefs showed where the boundary of the land was.ndʉklɛnboundary
boutonmbaŋ-yúusyn.n.apimple
bowkít1nbow (for archery)ḿbáanɛv.ibow (down as a sign of respect)Pɛ́ páanɛ́ mbi fɔɔ.One bows before the chief.ŋ́ŋɔ́Ꞌnɛ 1v.ibend over, bow
bowl, soupkúmbunsoup bowl, covered dish
boymɔ́ɔ mbɛɛnɛdér.demɔ́ɔnboyŋuwɔ̂n.cboy, guy (form of address not very respectful)mɔ́ɔmbɛ́ɛnɛcmp.demɔ́ɔ 1childmbɛ́ɛnɛmalesn.cboy
brambɔlínbraNɛfɛ́n mbɔlí ndǔ zán, ɛ́ kɔ́sʉ́ʉ . Selling bras in the open air, is a shameful thing.
braceletkwáŋnbraceletMamá zúu kwáŋ-ntsʉꞋnzʉʉ waa.Mother bought a bracelet for my younger sister.
brackenshʉ̂ɔnɛ́-ŋgɔ́forme comp. non-spéc deshʉ̂ɔnɛ́syn.nmarsh bracken or fernsynshʉ̂ɔnɛ́-ŋkiDiplaziumshʉ̂ɔnɛ́-ŋkwɛnforme comp. non-spéc deshʉ̂ɔnɛ́syn.nmountain brackenDiplaziumshʉ̂ɔnɛ́-ŋkiforme comp. non-spéc deshʉ̂ɔnɛ́syn.nwater fern or brackensynshʉ̂ɔnɛ́-ŋgɔ́Diplazium
bragɛ́shɛt2var. dial.ɛ́syɛtv.ibrag, to boast, to show offŋ́ŋáꞋtɛ1 2vbrag or boastSúu nu sɛ́ ŋ́ŋáꞋtɛ́ mbíꞋ ŋgɔ a zúu mɔtɔsáku.Your friend is boasting because he bought a motorcycle.
braggartŋgaŋnyɛ̌tmbʉʉn.cshow-off, braggart
braggingshɛl2nbragging, boastfulness
brag, show offńnátɛvboast or swagger; extol
braidḿbáꞋ fɛtdér.deḿbáꞋvbraid a cord with banana bark fibre to use for piercing the hymen in a virgin womanIn former times, young women in the village braided an instrument called a 'fet' to pierce the hymen and thus open their vagina to be ready to have physical relations with a man. ḿbáꞋ 3vbraid
braids for short hairmatɔbánbraids for short hairPɛ́ lɔ ḿbáꞋ matɔbá tú-mɔ́ɔ ẅi mɛnuk-tú mɛ́ pɛ́t kɛ́ sak.One weaves the 'matoba' braid on the head of a child whose hair is not yet long.
brainmɛfɔ́ɔtúcmp.demɛfɔ́ɔfattúheadn.cbrain
brannzaŋgɛlɛnbran of corn fu-fu that one sifts out/rinces in a sievePɛ́ tsʉ́Ꞌ mbɛp-ŋgʉŋ, ɛ́suk nzaŋgɛlɛ la ńnɛ́ɛ.On sifts the corn flour, rinces the bran and then cooks it.
branchpɔ́tʉ́cmp.depɔ́1tʉ́1 1treen.cbranch or limb(of a tree), Fak pɔ́tʉ́!Break off the branch!synnɛtsátɛ́Ꞌ-tʉ́syn.nbranch of a treenɛtsánleafy branch endsynpɔ́tʉ́
branches, point between twonɛtɛ́Ꞌnpoint between twos branchesPfuŋ náŋ nɛtɛ́Ꞌ-tʉ́.The owl rests in a place between two branches.
brandkɛm-múkdér.dekɛmnburning sticks used for lighting fires
bratmu1nbrat, (naughty)kid, bad boy/girl (form of address for scolding a child or an age-mate)
breachnɛshẅɛlɛ́var.lib.denɛshẅɛ́lnbreach, gap or hole (in a fence, enclosure or wall)
breachsnɛshẅɛ́lvar. lib.nɛshẅɛlɛ́nbreach, gap or hole (in a fence, enclosure or wall)Ɛ́ gʉ nǔu nɛshẅɛ́l, ɛ́ mɔ́ɔmɔ mbʉ́ nǔu kɛpɛ́, zʉꞋ yi ḿbɔ́ njína lɛɛ zʉꞋ ńcẅɛt.As for a brech (or gap), it's a small hole in an enclosure, a place where a pig can pass through and get out.
breakḿbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌnɛv.ibreakMɔ́ɔ kɔ́Ꞌ tʉ́-máŋgɔl, pɔ́tʉ́ pʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌnɛ, a vú sɛ́.The child climbed the mango tree, the branch broke and he fell down. ḿbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌv.tbreak
break offɛ́fakv.tbreak off (as in a branch from a tree trunk)Mɔ́ɔ gẅɛɛ ŋgak-pɔ́tʉ́, ɛ́fak.The child grabbed the branch and broke it off.
break off(repeatedly)ɛ́faktɛv.tbreak off (as in several branches from a tree trunk)
break the lawḿvu kaaexpr.id.deḿvu (sɛ́)kaa1syn.vbreak the law, sinsynḿvu nɛpʉ́ʉ
break up a fightɛ́fak ŋkɔtexpr.id.deɛ́faksyn.vbreak up a fightMɔ m̀bɔ́ zɔ́n, ɛ́fak mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ pɔ́p púꞋnɛ́nɛ ŋkɔtYesterday, I broke up a fight between children/ separated some children who were fighting.
break up s.th.ḿbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtɛvbreak (more than one thing or one thing into several pieces )
breast diseasembɛpʉ́nnk. of breast diseaseMbɛpʉ́n gɔɔ ɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gẅɛɛ maŋgɛ́ nǔu mbʉ́ʉ mɛ́, ŋ́gɛ mbʉ́ʉ mɛ́ mut tɛꞋ.'Mbepun' is a disease that attacks a woman's breasts, causing them to swell up a lot.
breatheńzẅikɛvar. lib.var. lib.ńzẅíkŋɛv breatheńzẅíkŋɛvar.lib.deńzẅikɛbreathev.ibreathe
bribeŋ́gá mɛluꞋ mɛ́dér.deŋ́gáeuph. bribeńnɛ́ɛ saambáex.id. bribe
brick mouldŋkɔp-tsɛ́tsáꞋdér.deŋkɔpform for making bricks
bridenzwɛ́ŋgʉʉcmp.denzwɛ́wifeŋgʉʉstrangern.cbride
bridepriceŋkáp-tú-maŋgɛ́1ex.id.bridepriceIt is the money or goods paid by the man to the woman's family.
bride-priceŋkáp-tú-maŋgɛ́2forme comp. non-spéc deŋkápmoneytúheadmaŋgɛ́womansyn.n.abride-price
brideprice payertáŋkápn.che who pays the brideprice for his wife
bridgela1nbridgeLa-ndyɔŋ lɔ ɛ́sẅiklɛ.The bamboo bridge is slippery.
bright redtsâŋidbright red, very redNɛtʉ́ɔ paŋ ŋgɔ tsâŋ.The palm nut is bright red.Used with red things like blood and oil palm nuts to intensify the verb 'to be red.'
bringńdɔk yúu ńtɔ́ ŋ́gá mbɔ̌ ŋudér.deńdɔkńtɔ́ŋ́gáv.sbring s.th. to s.o.ńdɔk ńtɔ́forme comp. non-spéc deńdɔkńtɔ́v.sbringƆ jʉ́ɔ ntẅí yaa? Lɔk ńtɔ́!Do you see my cane? Bring it!
bristly starburtswɛnǎandɔ́ŋn.cbristly starburAcanthospermum hispidum
Britŋu aŋgɛlúshiforme comp. non-spéc deaŋgɛlúshisyn.nan Englishman
broadcast a messageḿmaꞋ ntúuforme comp. non-spéc deḿmaꞋthrowntúumessagesyn.vbroadcast or send a messageFɔɔ láꞋḿmaꞋ ntúu mbɔ̌ láꞋ ŋgɔ ŋgɔ́mna ńdɔ́ ńtɔ́Ꞌ zɔ́n. The chief sent a message to the people saying a government official will come to the palace tomorrow.
brookmɔ́lɛ̌ɛ ŋkiforme comp. non-spéc deŋki2 1watermɔ́lɛ̌ɛsmallsyn.nbrook, small stream
broomsáŋ2nbroomLɔk sáŋ ẅi ɛ́ nɔɔnɛ ndá-kɛ́shim ńzɛk sɛ-ndá.Sweep the floor with the broom that is in the kitchen.zɛknbroom
broomweedpaŋnzɛmɛ́mɔꞋɔn.cbroomweedSida acuta
brother, eldernzápmbin.cbig brother or sister, elder brother or sisternzápmbi wɛ maŋgɛ́older sister/big sisternzápmbi wɛ mɔ́ɔ mbɛɛnɛolder brother/ big brother
bruit de l'eau sortant dans une calebassetɔ̌ŋtɔ̌ŋtɔ̌ŋidnoise made by water pouring out of a calabash -- glug-glug-glugŊki tsẅɛtnɛ tsɛt tʉ́ɔ ŋgɔ tɔ̌ŋtɔ̌ŋtɔ̌ŋ.Water pours out of a calabash with a 'glug-glug-glug'.
bruit du couscous...sur le feutɔŋtɔŋtɔŋidsound of foo-corn or porridge on the fire - bubbleNzaŋgɛlɛ-ŋgʉŋ fɔꞋ ŋgɔ tɔŋtɔŋtɔŋ.The bran of the foofoo boils with a bubbling sound.
brush(verb)ŋ́ka1v.tbrushPɛ́ lɔ ŋ́ka tú nɛ́ katú.One brushes one's hair (head) with a brush.
brutal, beŋ́gáklɛ 2v.statbe brutal, rough
bsrrierfátnhunting barrierPɛ́ lɔ ńnʉk fát, ńtsɔ́Ꞌ mɛmbʉ́ nǔu, ńdʉꞋ ŋkʉ zuꞋú ńdɔk ŋ́gẅɛɛ mɛnaa.One stakes out a (hunting) barrier, leaving out some gaps where one sets traps to catch animals.
buckettáŋkaanbucketluŋgáanbucket, pail
budńtɔ́k1v.ibud, bloom, sprout new branches, new leaves or new rootsTáꞋ tʉ́ lɔ ḿbitɛ ńtɔ́k mɛŋaŋ la ńtɔ́k mbɔ́ mɛ́ mba mɛfu mɛ́. A tree first sprouts roots before sprouting branches and leaves.
BueaBwɛ́yaan.propBuea (city in the Southwest Prov.)
buffalonátnbuffalo (W. African savannah); wild bush cow (local English)Syncerus caffer brachyceros
buildntsúꞋmbʉʉnstoutness, build, sizeŊu a gẅɛɛnɛ ntsúꞋmbʉʉ lɔ ŋ́gwák ŋu kɛkʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ.The person who has stoutness insults the small person.ŋ́kwɛ́t2 1BjoBbtBfdvar.dial. deŋ́kút 1bindvattacherḿbɔ́ɔ1vform ; construct
build a houseŋ́kút ndásyn.vframe a house, build a house
buildermbɔ́ɔ 2pl.papɔ́ɔdér.deḿbɔ́ɔ1form ; constructnconstructeur
bulb syringefʉ̈ɔt2 1nbulb syringe (for giving an enema), pipe (musical)
bulbultátyɔ́Ꞌ-ŋgɔsyn.ncommon bulbulTátyɔ́Ꞌ-ŋgɔ lɔ ńzáa ńzɔp ntsuŋkẅɛꞋ.The "tatuo-ngo" sings a lot in the evening.pycnonotus barbatusndǎpnkind of bulbul with a yellow spot on the rump
bullkáawuAnglaisnbull or cowBos taurus
bulletnɛluŋ-ŋgátsyn.nbulletnɛluŋnpellet, bullet; cannon ballnɛluŋ-ŋgátgun bulletnɛkɔŋ-ŋgát1dér.denɛkɔŋbulletnɛkɔŋ-ŋgát2nbullet
bullroarer. Secret name cannot be given
bullyŋgaŋfyɛ́tdér.deɛ́fyɛ́t 3bullyn.cbullyŊgaŋfyɛ́t lɔ ŋ́kɛ́ ńjʉ́ tsɛ́ɛ.A bully always feeds off ill-gotten goods.synmbaŋmík 2mbaŋmík 1n.cbullyɛ́fyɛ́t 3var. lib.ɛ́fɛ́tv.tbullyNdʉ́m fyɛ́t mɔ́ɔ ńcwɛ́ɛ ŋkáp yɛ.The elder one bullied his little brother and took his money.ńnuꞋnɛv.tbully s.o., rag on s.o.Pɛ́ lɔ ńnuꞋnɛ mɔ́ncí, mbíꞋŋgɔ wɛ́ ŋu gú pɔ́.An orphan often gets bullied because there isn't anyone anyone to stand up for him.
bullying, scorn, oppressionmánẅɛtnɛnbullying,s corn, oppressionPɛ́ lɔ ńjúk pɔ nɛgɛ mɔ̂ncí pfú mánẅɛtnɛ yi pɛ́ gɛnɛ nǔu wɛ́.All day they kill an orphan with bullying.
bumpŋ́kwɛn 1v.tbump or run (into)Matúwa kwɛn ŋu sɛ̂ndúŋ, a vu sɛ́.A car ran into someone on the road and he fell down.nɛlútnrough spot, bumpMɛlút nǔu kɔꞋ.There are bumps on the stool.Mɛlút ndǔ sɛ̂ndúŋ, ɛ́ píkŋɛ ŋgɔ pɛ́ kwak.If there are bumps on the road, they need to be leveled.
bundleŋ́kwaꞋvbundlembʉ̈ɔꞋ 1nbundlenɛkáꞋnbundle (of sticks)Pɛ́ tɛ́ɛ ntsẅíi, ŋ́kút; ɛ́ tsʉ́Ꞌ nɛkáꞋ nɛ́.One arranges the wood, ties it up and it becomes a bundle (of wood).
bundle of strawmbʉ̈ɔꞋ 2syn.n.abundle of straw
burlapŋkutanburlap, sackclothPɛ́ lɔ ńníꞋ kafíi tsɛt paa ŋkuta. One often puts coffee beans in a burlap bag.Ɛ́ m̄bɔ́ ŋkámbi, tsɛt mɛcɔ́ mɛŋgɔŋ, pʉɔ pɔ́ mɛndẅí pɛ́ lɔknɛ ŋkuta ńtɛ́m, ńdɔk ńnyɛt ŋgɔ nɛvú nǔu pɔ́p, kɛ mba nɛnyɛt ŋgɔ pɔ́p kúpmɛ mat kɛpɔŋ wɔp. In certain countries, people often wore a burlap garment (sackcloth) to show they were in mourning, or that they had repented of their sins.This is used for bags that hold avocados or coffee beans.
burlap bagpaa-ŋkutaforme comp. non-spéc depaasackŋkutaburlapsyn.nburlap bag
burnńtɔɔ1 1v.t burnPɛ́ sɛ́ ńtɔɔ ntsẅíi ńdɔk ńtɔɔnɛ mbʉʉ.One is burning wood to warm one's self up.fʉ́ŋ-múkdér.defʉ́ŋburn
burn moneyńtɔɔ ŋkapdér.deńtɔɔ1 spend excessively, be extravagant; heat, be hotPɛ́ tɔɔ mɛfu zúunɛ́, ɛ́ shíOne heats the dry leaves and they burn
burn(verb)ɛ́shí 1vburn, be charred
burpḿbʉ̈ɔꞋv.iburp, to belch
burrowing aspkɛmnɔ́cmp.dekɛmpiecenɔ́nmole viper or variable burrowing asp/adder Kɛmnɔ́, nɔ́ ẅi ŋɛmɛ wɛ tɛn tɛꞋ. A lɔ ńtúŋ nɛpiꞋ nɛ́ tsɛt tsátsáꞋ.The mole viper is a snake whose venom is quite strong. It digs its burrow in the ground.Atractaspis irregularis
burst(verb)ɛ́sáꞋ1v.iburst, popKu-matúwa sáꞋ.The tire on the car popped.ḿvítv.iburst, popKu-matúwa vít.The tire on the car popped.synɛ́sáꞋ3
buryńtẅíiv.t bury, anchor deeply in the soilńtúŋ1 2BbtBfdBjov.tbury
bushŋkwɛn2nbushes (local English), scrubland
bushbabykwɛ́nnbushbabyMík-kwɛ́n lɔ ḿbaŋ paŋnɛ, ŋgi yɛ tɛn nɛtúꞋ tɛꞋ. The eyes of a bushbaby are quite red, its cry in the night is loud. Galago senegalensis
bushbuck, harnassedŋgɛ2nharnassed bushbuckTragelaphus scriptus
business, be one'sńtúŋɛv.tconcern s.o. (a thing or a problem)Nu ká túŋɛ wú pɔ́!The problem does not concern you!
business capital, gatherńcúꞋlɛ ntʉ̈ɔtdér.dentʉ̈ɔt2 gather capital/resources, capitalize (a business)
butláconjbut, however (unexpected result or consequence)
butcherntáŋmbapdér.deńtáŋmbapforme comp. non-spéc deńtáŋmbapnbutcher, meat sellerfɛnmbapn.cbutcher
buttockndɛ́mnbuttocksynnɛtsuŋnɛtsuŋnbuttocksynndɛ́m
buttocksmɛtsuŋvar. dial.var. dial.mɛtsɔŋnbuttocks, butt
butt with the headńtɔ́ nɛ́ túforme comp. non-spéc deńtɔ́comenɛ́2 2withtúheadsyn.vbutt (s.o.) with the head, give a headbuttńtɔ́ (tú)v.tto butt with the head
buzzńzɔtnɛ 1v whir or buzz ( of insects), gab
bynɛjʉ̈ɔ́ŋvar.lib.denɛjɔ́ŋ 1sideprépbeside, to or at the side of, by