C
cabbageshûncabbageBrassica olerecea var.
cackleŋ́kwak1v.icackle (of hens)
cadiŋgu1ncadi (poisonous drink and/or ceremony of the same name)Pɛ́ lɔ ńzɔɔ ŋgu la ńnɔ́.One makes confession (calls judgement upon one's self) before drinking the cadi. (Literally: One curses the cadi before drinking it.)The purpose of the cadi is to uncover whoever is guilty of wrong and purge the village of evil.ntʉ́Ꞌnpotion used in a ceremony practiced at the royal palace to uncover who is at faultŋgwuncadi serum (used as a truth serum in certain rites)
calabashgʉ̈ɔ́lnkind of calabashtʉ́ɔncalabash with curved neckPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk tʉ́ɔ ńtúꞋ ŋki.One uses a calabash to draw water.When used to keep cooking oil or vinagre its name changes.Cucurbita maxima var.
calabash for oilndáŋ-mɛgwɛ́t 1cmp.dendáŋcalabash for oilgʉ̈ɔ́l-mɛgwɛ́tdér.degʉ̈ɔ́loil calabash
calabash for trad. vinegarndáŋ-nɛkícmp.dendáŋn.ccalabash for trad. vinegar
calabash (kitchen)ndáŋ 1nkitchen calabash (for cooking oil, water or trad. vinegar)Pɛ́ lɔ ńníꞋ mɛgwɛ́t mba kɛlaashí tsɛt ndáŋ. One puts oil, even kerosene, into a kitchen calabash.
calabash or jug, weave cover forŋ́gaŋv.tweave a protective covering over a wine calabash or a demijohn (big long-necked wine jug)
calabash, wine (for ordinary folks)káꞋalɛ́sp. var.káꞋlɛnlong-necked wine calabash (for use by anyone)Pɛ́ lɔ ńníꞋ mɛluꞋ tsɛt káꞋalɛ́.Wine is put into a long-necked calabash.
calbash rattlembantsaꞋncalabash rattle, maracaPɛ́ lɔ ńtsʉꞋ mbantsaꞋ tsɛt samalí mbaa kanaa.One shakes the calabash rattle in the Samali dance or the Kana dance.One cuts the pits of black fruit trees in two, puts them on strings and rolls them around the calabash to make this instument.
calculateńtsíkv calculate, reason, thinkNtáŋmɛtáa tsík ndɛn-ŋkáp yɛ́.The merchant calculated the sum of his money.
calculating, reasoningnɛtsík 1dér.deńtsíkcalculate, reason, thinkn.vcalculating, reasoning
calculationnɛtsík 2dér.deńtsíkcalculate, reason, thinkncalculation, reflection
calendarntaŋmɛlɛ́ꞋláꞋcmp.dentaŋ2 1storeroomlɛ́ꞋdayláꞋvillagencalendar
calfmɔ́ɔ-naꞋáforme comp. non-spéc demɔ́ɔ 2animal youngnaꞋácowsyn.n.acalfnzʉʉ-kuforme comp. non-spéc denzʉʉnzʉʉ 1behindsyn.ncalfmɔ́ɔ-fɔŋdér.defɔŋmɔ́ɔcalfNdɔ́ŋ lɔɔ ḿbɔ́ tú mɔ́ɔ-fɔŋ.There is never a horn on a calf's head.
calf (body part)nɛmúꞋ-kusyn.ncalf (body part)
call of partidgekákwáakidsound made by a partridge
call onɛ́fúŋ 3vcall on or visit (a sick person), make a sick callPɛpástɔ lɔ ŋ́gʉ ndá-ndɔ́kta, ɛ́fúŋ pɛgɔɔ. Pastors (often) go to the hospital and make sick calls (visit sick people).
call(verb)ɛ́fúŋ 1vcallƆ fúŋ wáa? M bʉ́ɔ laanɛ !Did you call me? Here I am!
calmŋ́kɔk tʉ́mexpr.id.deŋ́kɔktʉ́mheartex.id.calm downkɛmmidcalm, stillŊki tʉ́ʉ nɛ́ kɛmm.The water is quite calm.Used to describe still water.
calm, beńdɛ́ɛ2v.i/v.statbe calm or there's calmCíca lɔ ŋ́kúu ndá-sɛkút, zʉꞋ lɛ́ɛ.When the teacher enters the school, it is calm.
calm down
calm downńnaꞋ cí 1cmp.deńnaꞋcí 1k. of taboo ex.id.calm downḿbɔ́t 3v.icalm downPálɛ́ tʉꞋ; pɛ́ kút wɛ́, a pɔ́t.The crazy person is agited, when s.o. ties him up, he calms down.
calm s.o. downŋ́kɔk lɔŋ-ŋudér.deŋ́kɔkex.id.appease someone's anger
calm, stayŋ́gẅɛɛ tʉ́mexpr.id.deŋ́gẅɛɛ 1holdtʉ́mheartex.id.stay calmMɔ́ɔ ká fɛꞋnɛ ḿbɛn sɛkút pɔ́. Má wɛ pɔ́ ḿmʉk. Súu nɛ cú mbɔ̌ wɛ́ ŋgɔ: « Gẅɛɛ tʉ́m yú ! A gʉ ḿbɛn.»As her child did not return from school quickly, the mother was concerned. Her friend told her: ' Calm down! He/she is going to come back.'
CameroonKamɛlûmn.propCameroon
camomilelík-ŋgɛ́psyn.n.agolden camomile, daisyChrysanthellum indicum
canḿbɔ́2aux.mbe able toḾbɔ́ n zʉ́Ꞌ naŋ.I can cultivate (the plot of ground).Ḿbɔ́ a nɛ́m waa?Can he/she/it bite me?mbindɔ̂ŋn(jerry) can
cancerkansɛ̂Pidgin ou françaisncancer
canentẅíncane (for walking)
caninemɔ́ɔgákn.ccanine, eye toothPɛ́ lɔ ńcɛɛ yúu nɛ́ mɔ́ɔgák.One breaks up things with the canine tooth.
cannotḿbɔɔ1 1irreg. infl.pɔɔcannot, without being able (to)Njínaa lɔɔ ŋgɔꞋ ḿbɔɔ jʉ́ɔ.The pig looked for the stone without finding it.synńzɛ2ńzʉkŋɛ
canoekɛkɔɔŋkin.ccanoekanúꞋncanoePɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk kanúꞋ ńtúu ŋki, ɛ́fú Mádá ŋ́gʉ Ŋgaambɛ́ɛ.On canoes across the water from Mada to Ngambe Tikar
cape gooseberrymbandɛ́mncape gooseberryPhysalis angulata
care forḿbáa 3v.t take care (of), manage (goods)Tǎa páa mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ, ḿbɔ́ ɛ́sẅíi wɔp paꞋ ḿbɔ́ pɔ́p gẅɛɛ kɔt sʉ́Ꞌnɛ.The father takes care of the children telling them how they can keep the outhouse in good shape.
care for, aboutńtsáa mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́syn.vcare for or about childrenŊu laa ḿbɔ́ ńtsuŋ ńtsáa mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́, a tsuŋ ńtʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌlɛ wɔ́p, ḿbɛn ńtsuŋ ɛ́sẅíi wɔ́p páꞋ ɛ́ píkŋɛnɛ nɛnáŋ.If one truly cares for his children, he trains them well and explains how they should live.
carefully doneńtyɔt 2var.orthńtʉ̈ɔtcleanv.stat be carefully done, be meticulous
careless personkɛjíŋgɛ́mn.cperson unconcerned about the future
careless(stative verb) ; impolite(stative verb)ɛ́fʉ́ɔnɛvbe careless or impolite; to neglectŊu lɔɔ nɛn fʉ̈ɔ́nɛ, mba a gɛ vu sɛ.S'il quelqu'un est imprudent en marchant, il doit tomber.
caressńzʉktɛvar. dial.ńjʉktɛv.tcaress
carieslúꞋtsíkvar. dial.var. dial.lúꞋcʉ́kn.ccaries, cavity (tooth)
car parkkâŋ-matúwasyn.n.ataxi park
carpenterkápindaAnglaisncarpenter, furniture makerŋgaŋkẅǐitúndácmp.deŋ́kẅii1 1nailtúndáhead-housedér.deŋ́kẅii1 1nailtúndáhead-housesyn.ncarpenter
carressńjʉktɛBbtBfdBjovar.dial. deńzʉktɛv.tcaress, pet
carrotkalɔ́tanglaisncarrotDaucus carota
carryńdyɔ́ŋɛ́1v.t carry together (as a twosome)Pɔ́p sɛ́ ńdyɔ́ŋɛ́ ŋkɔ́p.They are carrying the casket together.
carry (child on one's back)ḿbatnɛvcarry a child on one's back
carry hanging from the handńcɔ́ŋɛ́ 1v.tcarry s.th. hanging from the hand (by the handle) Maŋgɛ́ cɔ́ŋɛ́ taŋkaa nɛ́ ŋgɛsáŋ tsɛtú.The woman carried (hanging by the handle) a large bucket with corn in it.
carry (hanging on the shoulder)ńdyɛp 1v.t carry (hanging on one's shoulder)
carry (on the back)ḿbatv.tcarry (on the back)
carry (on the headḿbiꞋ 1v.tcarry (on the head)
carry togetherńtíitɛ 2vcarry (several things by serveral people)TǎaláꞋ wɛk gɔ́ ŋ́kúp ndá, pʉɔ tɛ ńzáa tíitɛ mɛyúu ńdɔk ńcẅɛ́lɛ́ wɛ́.Before our neighbour changed houses, many people carried things to help him out.
cartridgemɛluŋ-ŋgátn(cartridge of) bulletssynmɛkɔŋ-ŋgát
carve (wood)ŋ́kɔ́ɔ ntsẅíidér.deŋ́kɔ́ɔ carve wood
car with breakdownmatúwa pʉkex.id.the car has had a breakdownMatúwa laa ḿbʉk, mbɔ ḿbɔ́ makánɛk niitɛ. Gɔɔ yɛ́ laa ḿbɔɔ tɛn, ḿbɔ́ yi pazíꞋ niitɛnɛ.If the car has had a breaddown, the mechanic can fix it. If it isn't serious, his apprentices can fix it.
carzy, gońtsɔ́Ꞌ ndẅíńtsɔ́Ꞌ1 1removendẅíńtsɔ́Ꞌ1euph.go mad, go crazy
casava, fermented and wrapped upmanɛ́ndɔ́ɔ (mǎndɔ́ɔ)nfermented casava wrapped in a leaffermented casava
caskndɛndɔ́ŋncask, jugPɛ́ lɔ ńtáa lyɔŋ nɛ́ ndɛndɔ́ŋ.Raphia wine is collected in a jug.
cassavakasálaAnglaisncassavaManihot esculenta
castrate(verb)ɛ́shɔ́ naacmp.deɛ́shɔ́naasyn.vcastrate a male animal
casualty of warmpfú-ntsɔforme comp. non-spéc dempfúdeceased(person)ntsɔ1warsyn.n.awar casualtyMpfú-ntsɔ lɔɔ ŋ́gɔ́ ńcẅɛt ndá ńjí pɔ́.The war casualty never knows before leaving the house (that he will die).
catpǔushianglaisncatPǔushi tʉ̈ɔt tɛꞋ, lá ńdɔk pɔ mɛtɛ́ mɛ́ ɛ́suk mbʉʉ, ḿbɔ́k ŋki.The cat is very clean, but only uses its spit to clean itself, fearing water.Felis catus
catastrophezazaꞋ 3dér.deńzazaꞋworryn.rédcatastrophe or catastropic, disasterZazaꞋ-fʉfʉ̈ɔt ǹdɛɛ, ńtsɔ́Ꞌ mɛtú-ndá.A catastophic wind passed through yesterday and tore off some roofs.
catchŋ́kwápv.tcatchMaꞋ táa-lamáashi, a kwápThrow the orange then he'll catch it.ŋ́gẅɛɛ 2v.tcatch, seizeNdʉꞋŋkʉʉ lɔ ŋ́gẅɛɛ naa nǔu ŋkʉʉ wɛ́.The snare layer catches an animal in his snare.
catch up withŋ́kẅɛ́ɛtɛ1 1v.t catch up with, meet again
categoriesmɛgupncategories, kindsŊgɔŋ mɛgup mɛgup.The world is consists of various kinds.
categories cultural dance
cateracts, eyesaŋlíkn.ceye cateracts
caterpillarmátɛ́m mɛlẅísyn.ncaterpillar varietytɛmtɔ́knɛsyn.ncaterpillar of a moth of the genus yponomeutaYponomeuta spp.cucu-nẅɛ́tɛdér.decucusyn.ncaterpillar with red hairs (it sticks to one and causes pain)Ɛ́ lɔ ḿbɔ́ ŋká luu, cucu-nẅɛ́tɛ pɔ́ tsɛt mɛfu-tʉ́ zúunɛ.During the dry season the caterpillar with red hairs is found under dead leaves.cucu 1ncaterpillar
caterpillar, fat with hard fuzzntaŋkwaklɛn.ck. of chubby caterpillar with hard bristlesThis kind of caterpillar is often found on canarium trees
caterpillar, green with black spotsntɛ́ntɔ̌mn.ck. of chubby caterpillar that is green with black spotsThis kind of caterpillar is often found on blackfruit (canarium or elemi) trees.
caterpillar(kind of)fɛ̌pvar. lib.fɛpɛ́nkind of white caterpillar that frequently infests yellow yams while they're still in the ground.)Fɛpɛ lɔ ńtɔ́ktɛ mɛmbʉ́ nǔu zúꞋ kɔ́ꞋThe white caterpillar makes holes in white yams.
caterpillar, k. oftaŋkwáklɛnk. of caterpillar found on canarium trees
caterpillar that burns with acidcucu-nɛfaŋdér.decucusyn.n'thunder' caterpillarCucu-nɛfaŋ lɔ ńtɔɔ ŋu, zʉꞋ kɔ́Ꞌ. The thunder caterpillar often burns a person (w/acid) and the spot swells up.This larva is black or green, is often found on coffee bushes and secretes a chemical that burns the skin.Pyralidae
caterpillar, treecucu-mɛtʉ́dér.decucusyn.ntree caterpillar, caddisfly larvaNtaŋkwaklɛ mba ntɛ́ntɔ̌m mɛcucu-mɛtʉ́.The caddisfly larva and the 'ntɛntɔm' are tree caterpillars.Trichoptera
caterpillar with poison fuzznẅɛ̌ɛtɛnkind of caterpillar with poisonous hairs
cat feralgáꞋ1 2nferal catGáꞋ pǔushi a línɛ, ŋ́kʉ̈ɔ ndá.The feral cat is a cat that has become wild and has run away from the house.
catfishshú-mɛlẅivar. lib.shú-mɛlwintsusyn.ncatfishshú-mɛlwintsuvar.lib.deshú-mɛlẅin.ccatfishmɛlẅintsu 2cmp.demɛlẅibeardntsumouthncatfishClaria
cathedral bellsnɛzúꞋ 3var. lib.var. lib.nɛnzúꞋncathedral bells, life plant Succulent plant with somewhat broad, rounded leaves used for treating earaches and headaches.Kalanchoe pinnata
cautious (person)shúnɛgɔ́pŋkicmp.deshúfishnɛgɔ́pnear, by, besideŋki2 1waterexpr.id.deshúfishnɛgɔ́pnear, by, besideŋki2 1watermod.ncautious (person)
cavemvuꞋncave, grotto, cavernPɛ́ m̄bɔ́ ŋ́kʉ́ɔ ntsɔ ńdʉɔmɛ tsɛt mɛmvuꞋ. One used to flee war and hide in caves.
cavity(dental)ŋgíi2ncavity(dental), toothache
celebrateńjʉ́ ndína 1dér.deńjʉ́syn.vcelebrate a feast or holiday, have a party
celebratingnɛŋʉ ndînav.nomcelebrating
celibacykwɛncelibacy, singleness
cement(verb) ; daub(verb)ɛ́shʉŋ 1v.tsmooth (a wall with cement), daub, to rough-cast
cemetarcmbɛnŋgɛlɔ́ŋn.ccemetary, burial ground
cemeterymbɛlíŋgɛlɔ̂ŋPidginncemetery
ceremoniesfyɛ́t1nceremonies, partiesPɛmáa pɛ́kɛ lɔ ŋ́gʉ fyɛ́t ńtsáatɛ́ paꞋ maŋgɛ́ pínɛ́.Our mothers customarily go and do the ceremony of the newborns when a woman has given birth.Generic term that includes wedding and newborn ceremonies (born house) as well as just a simple visit.
ceremony in mourningkút-nɛgwáanceremony held during a time of mourningPɛ́ lɔ ŋ́kút nɛgwáa luꞋ-maŋgɛ́ ŋká yi tát wɛ pfúnɛ.One attaches the belt of traditional material around a woman's hips after her father or mother dies.
certainmɛcɔ́2 2dér.deyɛcɔ́dét.indéfcertainnɛcɔ́1adj. démcertain (one), other(one)used with class 5 nouns
certain, ayɛcɔ́dét.indéfa certain, certain onesnɛcɔ́2 2dér.deyɛcɔ́dét.indéfa certain
certain, awɛcɔ́ 2var. lib.cɔ̌dér.deyɛcɔ́dét.indéfa certain
certain onespɛcɔ́1dét.indéfcertain, other(s)pɛcɔ́2 2dér.deyɛcɔ́dét.indéfcertain ones
chainŋkʉ-tẅíŋmɛlʉ́ŋcmp.deŋkʉ2tẅínnɛlʉ́ŋnoden.cchainsyncɛ̂ncɛ̂nvar. lib.var. lib.kyɛ̂n nchainPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk cɛ̂n ńcʉ́ŋɛ mɔ̂mvu.One ties up a dog with a chain.synŋkʉ-tẅíŋmɛlʉ́ŋ
chain saw, drone ofndɔ̂ɔnidbuzzing of a chain saw
chairkɔꞋlɔ́ŋcyacmp.dekɔꞋ1stooln.cchair
chalklakɛlɛ́nchalk (a piece of)Cíca sɛ́ ŋ́ŋwaꞋnɛ yúu ndǔ táafɛlɛ gwɛ́ nɛ́ lakɛlɛ́.The teacher is writing something ont he blackboard with a piece of chalk.
chameleonkínaandɔ́ŋcmp.denaandɔ́ŋ1n.cchameleonChamaeleo africanus
champignon, k. oftyɔ́t2n.ck. of edible mushroom with a small cap and a long stalk
changeŋ́kúpv change, replace
change appearanceɛ́shɔt shʉ́-yuuforme comp. non-spéc deɛ́shɔtshʉ́syn.vchange appearanceMɔ́ɔ shɔt shʉ́-mɛtap, ɛ́ gwáŋɛ.The children changed his shoes around, they're lop-sided.
change, smallmɛtú-ŋkápdér.deŋkápsmall change
channelńtʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtɛ2v.tcanaliser
charactermbak-nusyn.n.acharacter, hardness of character
character ; behaviourfáashincharacter, temperament, manner, behaviour
charcoalkɛ́shiꞋlɛ-múkvar. dial.var. dial.kíkí-múkncharcoalPɛ́ lɔ ḿbík mɛgʉ̈ɔꞋlɛ -múk ńdɔk ŋgẅɛɛ kɛshiꞋlɛ-múk.One puts out embers to obtain charcoal.kíkí-múkBbtBfdBjovar.dial. dekɛ́shiꞋlɛ-múkcharcoalsyn.n.acharcoal
charitable personŋgappɔ́cmp.deŋ́gappɔ́1dér.deŋ́gappɔ́1n.ccharitable or generous person
charitygappɔ́cmp.deŋ́gappɔ́1n.ccharityGappɔ́ lɔ ńcẅɛɛtɛ ŋu ntsu-nɛvú.Charity often saves someone at death's door.
chaseńzuŋ 1v.tchase, huntMɔ̂mvú sɛ́ ńzuŋ púushi.The dog is chasing the cat.
chase awayńzuŋ 2v.tchase/send awayḾbɔ́ pʉʉ cẅɛ́lɛ́ nɛzuŋ SIDA tsɛt ŋgɔŋ nɛzíꞋ pɔ́ɔ pʉ́ʉ nɛpɔɔ gɛ nu-mágap píi zɔ́ꞋYou can chase AIDS away from the country by teaching your children not to have sexual relations outside of marriage.
chase awayńjakv.tchase away with a yell
chase away the ghostńzɔp gúvar. lib.var. lib.ńzɔp ŋgaŋńzɔpsinggú1 1ghosteuph.sing the ghostWhat it means is to perform the ritual to chase away the ghosts and evil-causing spirits from the village with many songs.
chattersẅíivar. lib.var. lib.nɛsẅíidér.deɛ́sẅíinchatterńzɔtnɛ 1v whir or buzz ( of insects), gabńzɔtnɛ 2v gab
chatterboxŋgaŋsẅǐnchatterbox
chattererŋgaŋnɛsẅíin.ctalkative person, chatterbox
cheapɛ́fɛlv.statbe stingyN dɔɔ ŋgɛsáŋ mɔ́ɔ wɔ, a pɔɔ gá. A fɛl tɛꞋ.I asked this child for corn, he would not give it to me. He's too stingysynŋ́kupŋ́kẅii2
cheapskateŋgaŋkẅiidér.deŋ́kẅii2nchiche Ŋgaŋkẅii lɔɔ ńjʉ́ pii pɔ́. The cheapskate never profits.cheapskatesynkupnɛntúꞋŋgaŋfɛlŋgʉ̈ɔꞋ2kupnɛntúꞋcmp.dekup 2peelingnɛntúꞋaeriel yamn.cskinflint, cheapskateŊu wá kupnɛntúꞋ, a lɔɔ ŋ́gá yúu mbɔ̌ ŋu pɔ́. This man is a skinflint; he doesn't give anyone anything.The word means 'skin of the aerial yam' which is so hard that one cannot eat it and one considers the skinflint to be just as hard.synŋgaŋfɛlŋgaŋkẅiiŋgʉ̈ɔꞋ2kɛpɛ́mbakn.ccheapskate, miserly personŋgaŋfɛln.ccheapskatesynkupnɛntúꞋŋgaŋkẅiiŋgʉ̈ɔꞋ2
cheap(stative verb)ɛ́fɛ́1v.statcheapNdɛn fɛ́.The price is cheap.
cheap thing worn by allkɛjínzwɛ́másaan.ccheap thing everyone wearsNdẅí-pfúk kɛjínzwɛ́másaa.A mourning dress is something worn by everyone (widows, rich or poor))
cheatɛ́fyɛp1v.tcheat, stealPɛ́ lɔ ŋgá yúu mbɔ̌ ntsɔ́ŋ ŋgɔ a gap, a kɛ́ ná kɛ́ fyɛp wɛcɔ́ pɔ́.When on gives something to a thief to share, he will not do it without cheating the other guy.
check on oftenńtsaꞋv look for or check on frequentlyŊu tsaꞋ pɔꞋThe person is looking frequently for mushrooms.Ndɔ́kta tsaꞋ gɔɔ ŋká tsʉʉ.Le medecin visite le malade fréquement (chaque fois).The doctor visits (checks up on) the sick person frequently.
cheepsẅíi sẅíi sẅíiidnoise made by a chick - "cheep"
chemist's; pharmacyndá-mɛfucmp.dendáhousefu1curenchemist's, pharmacy (US)Lyɔknút laa ŋ́gáanɛ ŋu, mbɔ pɛ́ gʉ nɛ́ ndá-mɛfu ńzúu fu la ḿmi.If malaria is threatening someone, one goes to the pharmacy, buys the medecine and then takes it.
chewńtsɛ́ɛ 1BbtBfdBjovar.dial. deńcɛ́ɛ 1chewvchewTsɛ́ɛ mɛjʉ́ la mi.Chew the food then swallow!ńcíɛvar.lib.deńcɛ́ɛ 1chewv.t chewƐ́ sɛ́ ḿbíkŋɛ ŋgɔ pɛ́ cíɛ mbap kwaꞋ sʉꞋnɛ, la ḿmi.It is necessary to chew meat well before swallowing.ńcɛ́ɛ 1var. dial.var. dial.ńtsɛ́ɛvar. lib.var. lib.ńcíɛv.tchewMɔ́ɔ waa, tsuŋ cɛ́ɛ mɛkúu-líishi la ḿmi !My child, chew the rice well before swallowing!
chew s.o. outńtsɔ́ɔtɛvlambast, chew s.o. outTǎa tsɔ́ɔtɛ mɔ́ɔ nɛ ntɛ́ páꞋ a nánɛ mbí pɔ́ ŋ́kát.The father chewed his son out for letting the goats wander off.
chickmɔ́ɔ-mɔ̂ŋgɛ́pforme comp. non-spéc demɔ́ɔ 2animal youngmɔ̂ŋgɛ́pchickensyn.n.achick
chickenmɔ̂ŋgɛ́pnchickenGallus gallus domesticus var.
chicken poxmɔ́nuꞋnchicken pox
chickweed, tropicasɛ́nnɛ́ntropical chickweedDrymaria cordata
chief of statetátŋgɔŋcmp.detátfatherŋgɔŋworldnchief of state, president of the republic
childmɔ̂ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ 2nchild, servantMɔ̂nkʉ̈ɔ́ kɛ́ zúꞋ(nɛ) ntík, lɔ ŋ́kíi.The child who doesn't understand or receive counsel always weeps.synmɔ́ɔ 1mɔ́ɔ 1nchildsynmɔ̂ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ 2mɔ̂ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ 1nadolescent child
child born aftrer twinsmɔ́ɔ mɛkʉ́Ꞌexpr.id.demɔ́ɔ 1childmɛkʉ́Ꞌcrossedex.id.child that supposedly 'intersects' with twins, i.e., one who is born after them
child care personndumɔ́ɔ 1cmp.dendumɔ́ɔnberceur
childchildmɔ́ɔ-mɔ́ɔsyn.ngrandchild
child is born, themɔ́ɔ jʉ́ɔ píiexpr.id.demɔ́ɔ 1childńjʉ́ɔseepíi1 1outsideex.id.the child is born
childishnessnɛ́kʉɔadjchildishness
child labour, beginmɔ́ɔ zɛ maŋgɛ́expr.id.demɔ́ɔńzɛ2beginmaŋgɛ́womanex.id.begin child labour
child of difficult birthmɔ́ɔmɛkʉ́Ꞌ 1nchild of a difficult birthḾbɔ́ mɔ́ɔmɛkʉ́Ꞌ pɔ́: nɛfák, cʉ́ʉtswaꞋ, sáꞋtú mba mɔ́ɔ pɛ́ ka gɔ́ ḿbí wɛ́ a zẅík ndɔt.A child of a difficult birth can be a twin, a child born feet first, a child whose first tooth comes out from the upper jaw or a child born with the ombilical cord wrapped around his/her neck.
child's game of singing to ask for foodmɔ́ɔni1nchild's game of singing to ask for foodMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ lɔ ḿmaꞋ mɔ́ɔni ntsuŋkẅɛꞋ, pɛ́ gá yúujʉ́ pɔ́p jʉ́.Children do the 'moni' game in the evening, then they are given food and they eat.Ce jeu développe la génerosite et la mendicité.
child who was late to start talkingnjɔtntsu 2cmp.deńjɔtbe_heavyntsumouthexpr.id.deńjɔtbe_heavyntsumouthn.c.qchild who is late to begin talking, late talkerMɔɔ ẅi a gẅɛɛ ŋguꞋ yɛ́tát ḿbɔɔ sẅíŋɛ pɔ́, a njɔtntsu mɔ́ɔ.A child who is three years old and doesn't talk , is called a late talker.
chimneyndúŋndindínchimney
chimpanzeembindaŋnchimpanzeePan troglodytes
chips, fries (angl US)yúuzúplɛ́syn.nchips, (french) fries (angl US)
chokeŋ́kẅɛ́Ꞌlɛ2v.tchokeYúujʉ́ laa ŋ́kẅɛꞋlɛ ŋu, a kẅák tɛ ɛ́ cẅɛt.If s.o. chokes on food, they cough until it comes out.
cholerakwáncholeraKwá, ɛ́ nɛpɛm fʉʼnɛ ŋki ŋki. Ŋ́gɔ́ ḿbɔ́ ɛ́fʉꞋ, ɔ pɔ́ ńjɛ́Ꞌ. Ɛ́ lɔ ɛ́fɛ́Ꞌnɛ ńjẅí ŋu, mbíꞋŋgɔ ɛ́ gɛ ŋi mɛ mbʉʉ-ŋu.Cholera is (characaterised by) watery diarrhoea. With the diarrhoea, one vomits. It kills quickly because it dehydrates the body.
chooseńtsɔ́Ꞌ1 3v.tpick (out), chooseŊu lɔɔ nɛzúu mɛtáa-tɔmât, pɛ́ sẅíi wɛ́ ŋgɔ: «Tsɔ́Ꞌ yú cʉ́!»Someone wanted to buy tomatoes, he/she was told to, "Pick your pile!"synŋ́kaŋ
chooserntsɔ́Ꞌ 1dér.deńtsɔ́Ꞌ1 4electn.vchooser
choose(verb)ŋ́kaŋv choosesynńtsɔ́Ꞌ1 3
chop finelyńcivchop finely, mince
chopping noisecʉ̈áponochopping noise made by a cutlassA záꞋ pɔ́-záŋ ŋgɔ cʉ̈áp.He cut a palm branch and it made a noise 'chop'.
Christiankɛlɛ́tɛvar.lib.dekɛlɛtɛ̂nnChristiankɛlɛtɛ̂nvar. lib.kɛlɛ́tɛnChristianKɛlɛtɛ̂n lɔɔ nɛgɛ yúu mi Sɛ́ kɔŋnɛ.The Christian seeks to do what God likes.
Christmas bushpɛ̌nChristmas bushAlchornea cordifolia
churchcɔ́ɔshianglaisnchurchPɛ́ láꞋ ḿbɔ́ cɔ́ɔshi lɔ́Ꞌnɛ ḿbɔ́ ńcẅɛɛ ŋki. Someone was getting baptised at church today..
church (building)ndá-cɔ́ɔshisyn.nchurch (the building)
cicadamánɛsíinɛn.ccicadacicadoidaemɔ́líkʉ̈ɔncicada
cicada (generic)másɛm-nɔncicada (generic)Cicadoidea
cigarŋkwandaŋvar. lib.var. lib.sáŋndǔmn.chand-rolled village cigarsáŋndǔmvar.lib.deŋkwandaŋcigarn.chand-rolled village cigar
cigarettendapaꞋ-mɛkátdér.dendapaꞋcigarette
circumcise
circumsizeḿbúꞋ 3v.tcircumsize
citeńtʉŋ1v cite, recite or rehearseńtʉ́ʉ2v cite, enumerate, list (people's names)
citytʉ́sɔŋvar. lib.var. lib.tísɔŋncity, townLík tʉ́sɔŋ yɛ́k MbuꞋndaa.The name of our city is Mbouda.synmbálɛkmbálɛkncitysyntʉ́sɔŋ
city personŋu-tʉ́sɔŋ 1cmp.detʉ́sɔŋsyn.ncity person
civetntsɔpɛ́var. lib.ntsɔ̌pncivetNtsɔ̌p páa mɔ̂mvú. Ják yɛ́ tɛn.The civet hates dogs. His odor is pungent.Civetictis civetta
civet, Africanntsɔ̌pvar.lib.dentsɔpɛ́nAfrican civetNtsɔ̌p páa mɔ̂mvú. Ják yɛ́ tɛn.The civet hates dogs. His odor is pungent. Civettictis civetta
clairvoyantntsɔꞋŋgáan.cone who practices divination
clanggwáŋonoclang - metalic noise (of a metal cover falling to the ground)Njʉʉnɛ-mbáŋ ɛ́ vu sɛ́ ŋgɔ gwáŋ.The kettle cover fell clainging to the ground.
clang (of plates)gwáŋaláŋidclatter - noise made by plates hitting each otherMɛkáŋ gɛ ŋgɔ gwáŋaláŋ nǔu tsɛ́tsáꞋ.The plates clattered together noisily on the ground.
clan, lineagenjẅɛt 1nclan, lineage, family
clapḿbúꞋ mbɔ́dér.deḿbúꞋḿbúꞋ 1hitpɔ́1handvclap
clapping, quiet sound of respectfulntsûpidquiet sound of respectful clappingPɔ́ lɔɔ ńzaa fɔɔ ŋgɔ tsûp nɛ́ mbɔ́.One honors the king with quiet, respectful clapping.
classndásɛkút 2cmp.dendásɛkútn.cclass, form, grade (Amer.)Mɔ́ɔ waa gẅɛɛ ŋguꞋ saambá. A tsɛt mbaatɛ ndasɛkut.My child is seven years old. He is in class two.
class of nobilitykẅíꞋfɔɔ-ŋgɔŋ 2syn.n.aclass of noblemen who carry the chief's announcements to the village at night
classroomndásɛkút 1cmp.dendásɛkútn.cclassroom
clawgi-naadér.deginclawMɛgi-mɛnaa cɔ́k. Ḿbɔ́ naaŋgwɛ lɔk mɛgí mɛ́ ɛ́fɛ́Ꞌnɛ ńjẅí ŋgáp. Animal claws are sharp. The panther can quickly kill an antilope with his claws.
claw(verb)ŋ́ka nɛ́ mɛgiforme comp. non-spéc deŋ́ka1nɛ́2nɛgi1syn.vclaw
clayntsáꞋ1nclaymbʉ́ɔ 1nclayIn the plural it refers to various kinds of clay.
clay bowl, largetíiŋkɛpn.clarge clay bowl
clay bowl, smalltsɛ́Ꞌvar.lib.decɛ́Ꞌpotnsmall clay serving bowl
clay potmɔ́sɔ́Ꞌdér.desɔ́Ꞌsmall ceramic potnsmall clay potPɛ́ ḿbɔ́ ŋkámbi ḿbɔ́ ńnɛ́ɛ náꞋ tsɛt mɔ́sɔ́Ꞌ.In former times, sauce was cooked in a small clay pot.
clay soiltsɛ́tsáꞋ-mbʉ́ɔsyn.nsoil with clay
cleanńtyɔt 1var.orthńtʉ̈ɔtcleanv.statbe clean, neatMɔ́ɔ waa suk matúwa tɛ a tyɔt.My child washed the car until it is clean.ńtuk1v.t clean, wipe (off)Mɔ́ɔ tuk mɛtap-tát wɛ.The child wiped off his father's shoes.synńzíilɛ́ɛnɛnɛnpure; clean; holyNjẅɛt pɛ́ Yɛ́su njẅɛt lɛ́ɛnɛ́nɛ. The family of Jesus is a holy family.
clean, beńdɛ́ɛnɛv.stat be clean or clearA suk mɛkáŋ tɛ ɛ́ lɛ́ɛnɛ.He/she washed the dishes (until they are) clean!
clean by forcɛ́swɛ1 3v.tclean or flush out (by force)Pɛ́ lɔ ɛ́swɛ mbɛ́t tsɛt mɛtɔ́-mɔ̂mbí, la ŋ́kwɛ́t.One flushes the crap out of the goat intestines before eating them.
cleanlinesstʉ̈ɔtncleanliness
clean (verb)ɛ́swɛ1 1v.tpolish or wax s.th.A swɛ mɛtap mɛ́.He polished his shoes.
clean(vstat)ńtʉ̈ɔtsp. var.sp. var.ńtyɔtv.statbe clean
clearɛ́swɛ3v.tclearPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk sɔ́, ɛ́swɛ naŋ tsɛt ŋka luu. One uses a hoe to clear weeds from a raised garden bed in the dry season.This refers only to the removal of weeds from a raised garden bed.
clear, beńdɛ́ɛnɛv.stat be clean or clearA suk mɛkáŋ tɛ ɛ́ lɛ́ɛnɛ.He/she washed the dishes (until they are) clean!
clearingŋgat fʉ́ɔnɛ́dér.deŋgatclearing
clear the pathŋ́kɔ́ɔ ndúŋsyn.vclear the path (of weeds)
clerkkɛláknclerk, govt. employee
click-clackkɛlík kɛlákidclicking noise made by the hooves of cattle or horses on a road
climbŋ́ŋápvclimb (up a tree)Mɔ́ɔ máa tʉ́, ŋ́ŋáp tɛ ŋ́kúu ntɔŋ.The child put his arms around the tree and climbed to the top.ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ2 1v climb or go up, come en masseMɔ́ɔ lɔk kɔ́Ꞌ ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ nǔu tʉ́, ŋ́káp mɛntáa-tʉ́.The child climbed up a ladder into a tree and picked some fruit.ḿmáa1 1vclimb (a tree)ḿbʉʉvgo upPɛ́ pʉʉ kɔ́ŋɛ.One climbs uphill.antḿbaŋtɛ
climb out or downḿpfúuv.icome down from, climb down/out of (a car or a tree)
cling (to)ńdatnɛ (nǔu) 2v cling (to), clutch
clingyńtsaŋɛv cling muchMɔ́ɔ tsaŋɛ mbɔ̌ tát wɛ.The child clings too much to his father.
close cadavreŋ́kɛ́p mpfúv perform a traditional autopsie
closed, beńjɔ́Ꞌnɛv be closed / locked upNdá jɔ́Ꞌnɛ́ mbíꞋŋgɔ pʉɔ gʉ nɛkɛ́m nɛvuThe house is locked up because the people went to a funeral (death celebration).
close friendntʉ́ɔnclose friend
close furrowŋ́kɛ́p naŋvclose or cover the weeds between the furrows with dirt
close (the door)ŋ́kẅíipɛ 2v.tclose (the door)
close with a sliding doorḿvuꞋnɛv.tclose up with a sliding doorsynŋ́kʉŋɛ
clothzɛdér.deńzɛ1ncloth, coveringndẅí 1ncloth or fabric
clothingndẅí-Ndɔpdér.dendẅíNdop fabric, Bamileke fabricPɛkɛ́m lɔ ḿmáꞋ ndẅí-ndɔp ńdɔk ŋ́gʉ ntɔ́Ꞌ.The nobles dress in traditional fabric to go to the chief's palace.This ia a traditional handwoven cotton fabric or clothing dyed dark blue and covered with traditiional symbols. A large piece of it is often used to cover a seat where a village chief or nobleman sits.synpɔ́ndɔp
clothing, article ofkɛm-ndẅídér.dendẅíarticle of clothing, garment
cloudmɛláancloud(s), fogMbʉŋ lɔ ńdɔ́ tɛ ńtsa yɛcɔ́ ŋká, mɛláa vu. The rain falls until it stops; sometimes the fog descends.
cluck!cluck! (hen noise)kwɔkkwɔkonocry of the hen calling her chicksMá-pɔ́ɔ-mɔ̂ŋgɛ́p jʉ́ɔ ŋɛɛmbaꞋ, ɛ́fúŋ pɔ́ɔ pɛ́ ŋgɔ : «kwɔkkwɔk». The hen saw an earthworm and called her chicks, saying "bwak-bwak."
cluckingkɔ̌kɔkɔkɔonosound of the clucking of a hen
clump of raffia palmsncẅiꞋ-mɛtsɛ́n-ŋgɔ́cmp.deŋgɔ́syn.n.aclump of raffia palms
clumsy(stative verb) ; awkward(stative verb)ŋ́gwáŋɛ 1v.stat be clumsy or awkwardŊ gwáŋɛ́ nɛmaꞋ lɔ́pa.I am clumsy at firing a slingshot.Cú yɛ́ gwáŋɛHis word is awkward, out of place.
clusterntswánclusterƐ́ nǔu ntswá-mbɛ́lɛ́ mɛndɔ́ŋ mɛ́ záa.In a cluster of blackfruit there are many fruits.
coagulateŋ́kúttɛv coagulate, gel, freeze
coatŋgwɛl1ntranditional (rain)coatPɛlʉ́m paŋgɛ́ m̄bɔ́ ńdɔk ŋgwɛl ŋ́gʉ tɛt ŋká mbʉŋ.Older women used to take a traditional (rain)coat (called an ngwel) to the farm during the rainy season.
cobrambǎmnblack-necked spitting cobraMbǎm laa ɛ́fáa mɛtɛ́ mɛ́ tsɛt lík-ŋu, mbɔ lík yɛ́ ńzáŋ tɛꞋ, ḿbɛn ɛ́shɔtnɛ ḿbaŋ. Tú yɛ́ pɔ́p shʉ́ wɛ́ pɛn ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ.If a cobra spits in someone's eye, his eye will hurt a lot and become red. His head and face will all swell up.Naja nigricollis
cockadoodle-doo!kɔkɔ́lɔ́ɔkɔ̂ɔonorooster's cry; cockadoodle-dooMɔ̂ŋkʉɔꞋ lɔ ńtɔ́ŋ ŋgɔ: «kɔkɔ́lɔ́ɔkɔ̂ɔ.» The rooster crows "cockadoodle-doo" .
cockroachfɛkvar. lib.fukncockroachPeriplaneta americanafúk-mbɛnsyn.ncockroachPeriplaneta americana
cocoakakáfrançaisncocoaTheobroma cacao L.
cocoa treetʉ́-kakáfrançaisdér.dekakáncocoa treeTheobroma cacao L.
coconutkɔkɔnɛ́tAnglaisncoconutCocos nucifera L.
coconut treetʉ́-kɔkɔnɛ́tanglaisdér.dekɔkɔnɛ́tcoconut treeCocos nucifera L.
cocoyammákapnarrowleaf elephant ear, k. of cocoyamXanthosoma sagittifolium mafaffa
cocoyam, falsendaandaŋn.cfalse cocoyamNdaandaŋ lɔ ńtsuŋ ḿbí pɔ́, ḿbɛn ńzuk-gak. Ŋu laa ńjʉ́ sɛsʉ́ʉ, mbɔ a ḿpfú. Fake cocoyam doesn't cook up very well and it hurts your throat. If a person eats too much of it, he'll die.This is a tuber than looks like a cocoyam but is inedible even somewhat poisonous!
cocoyam leaf and roasted groundnut (peanut) saucenáꞋ-ŋgwalaꞋn.csauce made from cocoyam leaves and ground roasted peanuts cooked togetherPɛ́ ḿbɔ́ ŋkámbi ńdɔk náꞋ-ŋgwalaꞋ ńjʉ́ ŋgʉŋ.In former times one ate corn foo-foo with an oil-less cocoyam leaf and ground roasted groundnut (peanut) sauce.
cocoyam leaf saucentɔkuꞋún.ck. of sauce made from cocoyam leaves eaten with corn foo-foo
cocoyam, littlekuꞋúkʉ̈ɔ́kcmp.dekuꞋútaro, cocoyamŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́kbe_smalldér.dekuꞋútaro, cocoyamŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́kbe_smalln.clittle cocoyamThis kind of cocoyam cooks up well for making achu.
cocoyam, slimy and purplemápaŋpuucmp.depɛpaŋredpuu 1mucusn.cslimy violet cocoyamPɛ́ lɔ ńnɛ́ɛ mápaŋpuu la nzuu, ńjʉ́. One cooks the slimy violet cocoyam before peeling and eating it.This makes good eating as a tuber or pounded into achu, but as achu it does not keep well.synkáŋfɛlɛ
cocoyam, sp.paŋkɛnuꞋcmp.deḿbaŋ 2redkɛ́1ńnuꞋn.cred cocoyamPɛ́ ka pɔ ŋkámbi, ḿbɔ́ ḿbi paŋkɛnuꞋ tsɛt ncɔꞋ.Formerly, red cocoyam was planted in marshy land.Colocosia esculenta var.kuꞋúmbɔ́gwɛforme comp. non-spéc dekuꞋútaro, cocoyamGwɛAwingn.ccocoyam of the Awing peoplePɛ́ lɔ ḿbi kuꞋúmbɔ́gwɛ pɔ tsɛt fúꞋ.One only plants cocoyam of the Awing in low-laying areas.Colocosia esculenta var.
cocoyam, typekáŋfɛlɛn.ckind of cocoyam which has purple flesh and a slimy layer under the skinPɛ́ lɔɔ ḿbɛ́t ńjʉ́ɔ káŋfɛlɛ pɔ́One no longer sees 'miser's plate' cocoyams.So named because its (heart-shaped) leaf does not hold water for the birds to drink.synmápaŋpuuColocasia esculenta var.
cocoyam, whitemákap fúfúdér.demákapsyn.n(white) arrowleaf elephant ear, cocoyam (white)Xanthosoma sagittifolium mafaffa
coersionfyɛ́t2n.vcoersion, forceŊu lɔk fyɛt ńcẅɛɛ ŋkáꞋ-mɔ́ɔmá wɛ.Someone took the field of his brother by by force
coffeekafíivar. lib.kafɛ́ncoffeeƐ́ tʉ́sɔŋ, pɛ́ lɔ sé mbaꞋmbaꞋ, ńnɔ́ kafíi.In town, one gets up in the morning and drinks coffee.Coffea arabica, Caffe carebra (robusta)
coffee treetʉ́-kafíifrançais (café) ou anglaisforme comp. non-spéc dekafíincoffee treeCoffea arabica, Coffea carebra (robusta)
coffinŋkɔp-mpfúdér.deŋkɔpcoffin
coffin moneyŋkáp-kɔpncoffin money
coin, old-fashioned k. ofpɔŋnold-fashioned k. of coinColonial era English coin that was worth 20 francs.
cola nut sectionmbakncola nut sectionŊu sáa nɛpí, ŋ́gá táꞋ mbak mbɔ̌ súu nɛ.Someone split a cola nut and gave a section to his friend. cola nitida, cola acuminata
colanut treetʉ́-nɛpidér.denɛpi1ncolanut treeCola acuminata
cold seasonŋkáfákn.ccold season
collapseŋ́kɛmɛv.i collapsePɛ́ laa ńcẅɛɛtɛ ŋgɔꞋ-mɛlẅí-ndá, mbɔ ɛ́ ŋ́kɛmɛ.If you remove the cornerstone of a house, it will collapse.synḿvu (sɛ́) 1
collarlɔ́ŋ-ndẅíncollar (of a garment)ŋ́káamɛ 1v.tcollar, grab s.o. by their shirt
collectŋ́káptɛv collectńtsupv.t collect/gather or take several kindsPʉɔ tsup mɛjʉ́ ńdɔk ŋ́gʉ nɛvú.People gather several kinds of food for going to the funeral/death celebration.ńtáa1v.t collect (drops of a liquid)Ndʉ́m gʉ́ ŋgɔ́ ńtáa lyɔŋ.The old man went to the stand of raffia palms to tap raffia (sap for making wine).ńdyɔ́tɛ́v.t collect (a liquide)
collectionntsup1 1dér.deńtsupncollection
collect (liquide)ńdʉ̈ɔtɛ 1vcollect (liquide, in a recepticle)
collector, tax
collideńtsɛmmɛv.r collide, hit each other
colobus monkeyŋkʉ̈ɔ̂ŋncolobus monkey
colonial coin, k ofsílpɛɛnk of colonial coin
colorlii1 1dér.deńdiinoticencolor, appearanceŊɔ̌ɔtɛ gẅɛɛ mɛlii mɛ́mbá: shíshí pɔ́p fúfú.Le piedbald crow has two colors: black and white.ntɛ́2nkind ; colorsynkân
colourḿmákɛ́v.tcolour Cíca gá pɛfútu mbɔ̌ gaŋsɛkút, páꞋ pɔ́p ḿmákɛ́. The teacher gave pictures to the students, since they were going to color.pictures or the face for dance or theatre
comb(verb)ɛ́shɛpv.tcombPɛ́ shɛp mɛnuk-tú nɛ́ shɛp.On se peigne avec un peigne.
come en masseŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ3v come en masse
come from(verb)ɛ́fú1vcome from, leaveƆ fú nɛ́ gɔ́? Where have you come from?Ɛ fú nɛ́ mɛtáa. I've come from the market.
come looseŋ́kyɛ́Ꞌnɛv.i(be)come looseMbaŋ-ladyɔ̂ kyɛ́Ꞌnɛ́.The radio has (be)come loose.
come out ofńcẅɛtvget/come out
come toḿbɛ́ jínu 2dér.dejínuḿbɛ́lose consciousness
come togetherńtɛmtɛv come or bring together, mixMɛŋki mɛmbá tɛmtɛ.Two streams came together.
comfortŋ́kẅiꞋ mɛtʉʉdér.demɛtʉʉ1ex.id.comfort, encourage, increase strengthNzʉꞋ naŋ yáa tɛ ɛ́ tsʉ́Ꞌ ŋgɔ́ŋ yɛ́tát ŋ káa, lá Sɛ́ kẅiꞋ mɛtʉʉ máa, m mɛk. I cultivated my field until there were only three furrows to go; I was tired, but God increased my strength and I finished.
commandment, keepŋ́gẅɛɛ nɛpʉ́ʉforme comp. non-spéc deŋ́gẅɛɛ 3keepnɛpʉ́ʉ1syn.vkeep the commandment or ban, obey the lawantḿvu nɛpʉ́ʉ
command, ruleŋ́kɔmɔnv.trun, be in chargeŊu a gẅɛɛnɛ zʉꞋ-faꞋ-pɔ́ɔ mɛndá sɛ́ ŋ́kɔmɔn gaŋfaꞋ. The man in charge of the building site is in the middle of directing the employees.
commerce, engage inńtáŋ mɛtáaexpr.id.deńtáŋ 2bargainmɛtáamarketex.id.buy or sell at the market place, engage in commerce
commit adulteryŋ́gɛ mpfuꞋdér.dempfuꞋ commit adultery
committeepak2ncomité (association)
compact (dirt)ńtsɛmtɛ2v.tcompact (dirt)
compact disckáŋzɔ̌pŋkin.ccompact disc (CD)
companionŋgaŋkudér.deku1footn.cdisciple, compagnon
compassion, be moved bymɛjʉ́ŋ (mɛ́) ŋ́kɔ́ ŋuv.part.demɛjʉ́ŋpityŋ́kɔ́ 2touchŋupersonph.v be moved with pity or compassion for someoneMɛjʉ́ŋ mɛ́ sɛ́ ŋ́kɔ́ wáa.I am moved with pity for him.
compensateńtú 1vcompensateNjínaa waa kwɛ́t mákap-tǎaláꞋ waa, n tú.My pig ate my neighbour's coco yam and I compensated him.
competeńtáamɛv competePatáŋmɛ́táa sɛ́ ńtáamɛ nǔu ndɛn-yúu mɛtáa.Merchants compete over prices.ńtáapɛvcompete
competitiontáamɛncompetitive exam, competitionGaŋ-sɛkút sɛ́ ŋ́gɛ táamɛ.The pupils are writing a competitive exam.
complainńdaꞋ ŋu nǔusyn.vcomplain about/at someoneMɔ sɛ́ ńdaꞋ súu waa nǔu yúu a gɛnɛ nǔu mɔ.I'm complaining about my friend for what he did to me.
completelyŋkuŋkuŋ 2adjall, completelyŊkuŋkuŋ mɛnu kɛpɔŋ, Sɛ́ ka likŋɛ ŋ́gá mbɔ̌ ŋu ẅí a shɔtnɛ tʉ́m yɛ́.All sins, God has forgiven them for the one who repents.
complicatednzaꞋnbarbes on an arrow head impeding the removal
computerɔndinatɛ̂ncomputerḾbɔ́ pɛ́ lɔk ɔndinatɛ̂ ńtúŋtɛ mɛnu tɛ ńzáa tsɛt ŋgɔŋ tsʉʉ tsʉʉ.One can use a computer to do research all over the world.
computer repairmannniitɛ ɔndinatɛ̂forme comp. non-spéc denniitɛ 2repairmanɔndinatɛ̂computerncomputer repair technicianPaniitɛ ɔndinatɛ̂ lɔ ŋ́gẅɛɛ pazíꞋ pi a zíꞋnɛ wɔ́p nɛgɛ faꞋ yɛ́. A computer repair technician often has apprentices he teaches to do his work.
concealablelʉɔnɛadj.vconcealable
conceive a child(verb) ; get pregnant(verb)ɛ́shuŋ1v.iconceive(a child), be or get pregnantA shuŋ mɔ́ɔ.She has conceived a child.A shuŋ.She is pregnant.
concentrateńcúꞋlɛ mbʉʉsyn.vconcentrateńníꞋ tú nǔuex.id.concentrate on (s.th.)
concernńjʉ́ɔ pɔ́-ŋuexpr.id.deńjʉ́ɔpɔ́1handex.id.concern, be the responsibility of s.o.Gɔɔ-mɔ́ɔ lɔ ńjʉ́ɔ pɔ́-pɛtát pɛ́.A child's illness only concerns his parents (is his parents' responsibility.)synńdíŋɛ 1ńdíŋɛ ŋuńtɔ́ɔshív concern, interestƐ́ ká tɔ́ɔshí wɔ́p pɔ́.That doesn't even interest (or concern) them.Nu yi tɔ́ɔshí waa.That problem interests me/ I am concerned about that problem.
concern, be someone'sńdíŋɛ ŋuexpr.id.deńdíŋɛ 1lookŋuex.id.be someone's concernsynńjʉ́ɔ pɔ́-ŋu
concern (s.o.)ńtúŋɛv.tconcern s.o. (a thing or a problem)Nu ká túŋɛ wú pɔ́!The problem does not concern you!
concludeńdẅiklɛ 2v.tconclude, bring to a closeŋ́kút túexpr.id.deŋ́kút 1bindtúheadex.id.conclude (an argument, a debate)Fɔɔ sáꞋ láꞋ, ŋ́gɔ ŋ́kút tú, ḿbíkŋɛ mbɔ̌ Sɛ́ ŋgɔ a níꞋ mbɔ́tnɛ tsɛt láꞋ.The chief announced a message to the people, and in conclusion he asked God to put (bring) peace in (to) the village.
concretetɛtɔp-mɛkátdér.detɛtɔpconcreteNɛgɛ ŋgɔ tɛtɔp-mɛkát ńtɛn sʉꞋnɛ, ɛ́ pɔŋ ŋgɔ ɛ́ zúu ndaandaa kɛ́ mɔ́nɛm nɛlɛɛ nǔu.To cause the concrete to harden well, it is good to let is dry slowly without any sunshine falling on it.
concubinemágapnconcubine, mistress
condimentsmɛyúu-náꞋncondiments, seasonings
condomlɔ́paa 2Pidginncondom
conduct (affairs)ńtsiinɛ 3vconduct the affaires (of another person, like a fon)Wɔ̌ tsiinɛ ntɔ́Ꞌ ŋ́ga mbɔ̌ fɔɔ?Who conducts the affaires of the palace for the fon?
confessionzɔɔnoath, confession (of wrong)Zɔɔ-ŋù láa-pɔ́ yɛ́.A person's confession/oath is in their hand(up to them).
confess sinsńdɔ́ɔ mɛfaavconfess (sins or misdeeds)Ŋgɛ mɛnu kɛpɔŋ lɔ ńdɔ́ɔ mɛfaa mɛ́ mbɔ̌ Sɛ́.A wrongdoer (even sinner) confesses his sins to God.ḿbɛ́m mɛnu kɛ́pɔŋ / mɛfaadér.deḿbɛ́m (ŋgɔ)syn.vconfess or acknowledge one's sins / faultsŊu laa ḿbɛ́m mɛnu kɛpɔŋ mɛ́ mbí Tsapʉɔ Sɛ́, a líkŋɛ ŋ́gá mbɔ̌ wɛ́.If s.o. confesses his sins before God, he forgives him.
confess wrongdoing(verb)ŋ́gá zɔɔdict.deŋ́gázɔɔsyn.v swear (an oath) confess, make confession (of wrong)Ɔ ŋ́gá zɔɔ ŋgɔ ɔ ká pɛ́ ŋkáp pɔ́?Will you swear that you did not take the money?
confidantńdẅɛꞋntsɛm 1cmp.dendẅɛꞋntsɛmn.cconfidant
confidence in s.o., haveńtɛm ŋkwɛn ŋ́gá mbɔ̌ ŋuexpr.id.deńtɛmŋkwɛn1 1backŋ́gágive have confidence in someone.N tɛm ŋkwɛn yaa ŋ́gá mbɔ̌ súu waa.I have confidence in my friend.
conflictkɛzúꞋnɛn.cconflict, disagreementcɔ́knconflict, feud, disputeCɔ́k lɔ ḿbɔ́ tsɛtsɛt mɛláꞋ mɛ́mbá, pɔ́p pɔɔ zúꞋnɛ.When there is a conflict between two villages, they do not get on with each other.ndʉ̌'ndʉ'n.rédconflictzɔŋɛdér.deńzɔŋɛdiscussnconflict
conflict, be inńdʉꞋnɛv be at odds with each other (lit. refuse each other)synńdaꞋnɛ
confluencentɛmtɛ-ŋkidér.dentɛmtɛconfluenceNdɔt-ntɛmtɛ-ŋki lɔ ɛ́saŋtɛ.The area of the confluence of two streams is often broad.
confuseɛ́fɔ́t 2v do something by mistakeN dáꞋ ŋ́gɔ ɛ́sáŋ ŋkáp yi mɔ ŋ́gá nɛ́ gwu, ɛ fɔ́t.I made a mistake counting out the money that I gave you.
confusedńtɛplɛv be embarrassed or ill at ease; embarrass, confuse or overburdenMɔ́ɔ-lík gɛ ŋu tɛplɛ tsɛtsɛt mɛjʉ́.Greed makes a person overburdened when it comes to food choices.
congratulateŋ́gɛ́mɛ 1vcongratulateŋ́gá páꞋlá 1dér.deŋ́gápáꞋlá thank, congratulatePɛ́ gá páꞋlá nǔu faꞋ sʉꞋnɛ.Thanks is given for good work.
con mankɛjímɔ̂ncíforme comp. non-spéc dekɛ́1NEG(future); NEG(future)ńjíknown.ccon artistKɛjímɔ̂ncí lɔ ńdʉ̈aklɛ mba wɔ̌ lá, ɛ́fúklɛ wɛ́, ńcẅɛ́ɛ yúu pɛ́.The con artist flatters anyone, tricks them and takes their goods. Literally, this refers to s.o. who has no pity, not even for an orphan. sɔpŋgwɛ́tnɛ́mɛgi 1cmp.deɛ́sɔp 1pierce, prickŋ́gwɛ́tnɛginailn.ck. of evildoer who pretends to sympathise with his victims
con man, greedy personshɔtmbaŋ ndɔ́ɔmbaŋn.ccon man who hides what he already has to ask for more
conningsɔpŋgwɛ́tnɛ́mɛgi 2cmp.deɛ́sɔp 1pierce, prickŋ́gwɛ́tnɛginailn.c.qquality of an evildoer who pretends to sympathise with his victimssynsɔpndʉɔfʉŋ 1
connivingsɔpŋgwɛ́tnɛ́mɛgi 2cmp.deɛ́sɔp 1pierce, prickŋ́gwɛ́tnɛginailn.c.qquality of an evildoer who pretends to sympathise with his victimssynsɔpndʉɔfʉŋ 1
consecrateńzɔ́Ꞌ1vconsacrerMɛkɛ́m ka zɔ́Ꞌ fɔɔ láꞋ.Les notables ont consacré le chef du village.
consequentlyɛ́ lɛɛtɛ pɔ́Ꞌɔforme comp. non-spéc deńdɛɛtɛ 1pass frequently or overallpɔ́Ꞌɔcoordconnthus it follows that, consequently
consoleńdáŋtɛ1v console or comfortNdumɔ́ɔ láŋtɛ mɔ́ɔ wɔp, a lɛ́.The babysitter comforted the child and he fell asleep.ŋ́kɔk lɔŋ-ŋudér.deŋ́kɔkex.id.appease someone's anger
consternation, interjection expressingwɛ́ɛinterjinterjection expressing consternation - oh no!
constipated, benɛpɛm-ŋu tátexpr.id.denɛpɛmabdomenńtát2remain_at_a_standstilllocbe constipatedNɛpɛm-súu waa tát.My friend is constipated.synnɛpɛm-ŋu kíitɛ
constipationnɛpɛm tátnɛdér.denɛpɛmńtát2remain_at_a_standstillsyn.nconstipationsynnɛpɛm kíitɛnɛfʉʉnconstipationFʉʉ jẅí njínaa waa.Constipation killed my pig.Fʉʉ nǔu mɔ.I am constipated.This is used to refer to animals mostly.nɛpɛm kíitɛnɛsyn.nconstipationsynnɛpɛm tátnɛ
constitutionnɔŋŋgɔŋ 3nconstitution
containerpânnlarge metal container
contemplateńdɔ́plɛv contemplate, imagine
contentstsɛt2 1ncontentsTsɛt-paa ká kuꞋ!The contents of the sack are not enough! (said during brideprice negotions)
contortɛ́sʉkŋɛv.icontort or become twisted(with pain)
contributeḿmaꞋ ŋkápexpr.id.deḿmaꞋŋkápex.id.contribute, throw in some moneyFɔɔ cú ŋ́gɔ pɛ́ ḿmaꞋ ŋkap ńdɔk ŋ́kút sɛkút. The chief said people need to contribute money to build the school.
control one's selfŋ́gẅɛɛtɛ mbʉʉexpr.id.deŋ́gẅɛɛtɛhold manymbʉʉ 1bodyex.id. control or master one's self, exercise self control, practice abstinenceZíꞋ pɔ́ɔ pʉ́ʉ nɛgẅɛɛtɛ mbʉʉ yɔp lá ńzɔ́Ꞌ!Teach your children to exercise self control (practice abstinence) before they marry!ɛ́sʉk 2v.labs'abstenir, se maitriserA sʉk nɛkíi.He/She refrains from crying.synńji
conversationlɔꞋlɛdér.deńdɔꞋlɛnconversationsẅíŋɛ 2dér.deɛ́sẅíŋɛnconversation
converseńdɔꞋlɛv converse, sayńtsapv converse (with), talk (with someone)Pɛk tǎa sɛ́ ńtsap.I am talking with (my) father.ɛ́sẅíŋɛ pɛ́pácmp.deɛ́sẅíŋɛpɛ́páex.id.dialogue, converse
converse in secretńtʉ́ʉ ntsɛmdér.dentsɛm converse in secret (two or three people)
convictŋgaŋnzɔ́ns.o. who has been fined, a convict
convince, win overɛ́swáŋ 1vconvince someone to do s.th.,win s.o. over
convulseḿvu saꞋcmp.desaꞋsyn.vconvulse, have a convusion or fit
convulsionpɛ1nconvulsion, fitMɔ́ɔ vu pɛ.The child had(lit. fell) a convulsion.saꞋnconvulsion
cookńnɛ́ɛv.t cookkuk 1ncookKuk nɛ́ɛ yúu lɔ́Ꞌnɛ, ɛ́ pɔŋ kwaꞋsʉ́Ꞌnɛ. The cook prepared a meal today that is really good.
cooked in part with uncooked balls in itŋ́gíitɛv.statbe partly cooked with uncooked balls still in itKɛ́ndǐi lɔ ŋ́gíitɛ, ḿbʉʉpɛ cúꞋ, mɛcɔ́ mɛzʉꞋ pí, mɛcɔ́ pɔɔ pí.When the banana cooks only in certain parts, it ruins the achu. Some places are cooked and others are not.Said of bananas and tubers
cooked skin (cowhide)ŋgup nɛ́ɛnɛ́dér.deŋgupnbeef hide cooked for eating
cook (person)nɛ́ɛmɛjʉ́ncook
coolńnẅɛɛ1 2v.statcoolŊ kɔŋ nɛnɔ́ ŋki nẅɛɛnɛ.I like drinking cool water.
cool, be; cold, beɛ́fɛ́2 1v.statbe cool or cold
cool offɛ́fɛ́2 2v.icool off or cool down
cooperateńtɛm nuvhave some things in common (together), cooperate, work together
copperkápaanglais (copper) via anglais nigerian (kobo)ncopper (coin)Pɛtǎa pɛ́kŋɛ ka pɔ́ ŋká mbi, Mḿbɔ́ ńtáŋ mɛtáa nɛ kápa.Our parents in days gone by practiced commerce with copper coins called "kapa".
cordon bleupǐipǐi 1n.rédred-cheeked cordon bleuThe name is a kind of onomatopoeia for several kinds of little brids who make this noise and eat small grass seeds.Uraeginthus bengalus
corn cakekɛkaanmaize (corn) cake
cornchaffkɔ̂ncancorn chaffPɛ́ lɔ ńnɛ́ɛ kɔ̂nca tɛ ńzáa ŋ́gá mbɔ̌ gaŋfaꞋ pi pɔ́p kút ndá ŋká luu.Lots of corn chop is cooked up for workers who build a house in the dry season.Dish made from corn(maize) kernels and beans.synkwǎkŋgɛm
corn-chopkwǎkŋgɛmncorn chaffA dish made from maize kernels et beans.synkɔ̂nca
corn cobkɔꞋlɛ-ŋgɛsáŋdér.dekɔꞋlɛcorn cobPɛ́ kɛplɛ ŋgɛsáŋ nǔu tsɔ́Ꞌ, ɛ́ tsʉ́Ꞌ kɔꞋlɛ.If one shucks the corn from the cob, only the corn cob remains.
corncockletúꞋpfú-ngɛsáŋn.ccorncockle, k. of dry rot of corn kernels
corner of a bednɛlẅí-kúuforme comp. non-spéc denɛlẅíkúusyn.ncorner of the bed
corner of a housenɛlẅí-ndáforme comp. non-spéc denɛlẅíndásyn.ncorner of a house
corner of a roomtɔ̂kúuex.id.corner of a room
corner of the cupboardnɛlẅí-kɔ́pɔtforme comp. non-spéc denɛlẅísyn.ncorner of the cupboard
corn foo-foo brannjaŋgɛlɛ-ŋgʉŋsyn.n.acorn (foo-foo) branPɛ́ lɔ ńtsʉꞋ ŋgʉŋ, ɛ́suk njaŋgɛlɛ, ńnɛ́ɛ tɛ ɛ́ pí la pɛ́ níꞋ pɛp-ŋgʉŋ.On sifts the corn foo-foo, washes the bran, cooks it until it is done before putting in the corn foo-foo flour.
corn fu-fumɛsáŋBbtBfdBjovar.dial. deŋgʉŋcorn_fu-funcorn fu-fusynŋgʉŋŋgʉŋvar. dial.var. dial.mɛsáŋnfufu corn, cornmeal mushPɛ́ lɔ ńjʉ́ ŋgʉŋ nɛ́ náꞋ-gɛgaŋ, kɛmba nɛ́ nzap, ḿba náꞋ mɔ̂nzu,One eats fufu corn with okra soup (sauce), vegetable or peanut soup (sauce).synmɛsáŋBbtBfdBjo
corn kernels, shriveledtúꞋpfú-ngɛsáŋn.ccorncockle, k. of dry rot of corn kernels
corn liquorkwattancorn liquor
corn plantŋkʉ̈ɔŋncorn plantPɛ́ lɔ ńnik ŋkʉ̈ɔŋ nǔu zʉꞋ yi pɛ́ níꞋ tʉ́-ŋgɔ́ zuꞋu.Corn plants (Peace trees?) are planted where one has placed a raphia palm saplingDracaena fragans
corn plant rootŋáŋ-ŋkʉ̈ɔŋsyn.ncorn plant rootThis root may be used to make a remedy that treats venereal diseases.
cornsilknɛlẅíŋgɛsáŋncorn silk
cornstalkfʉk-ŋgɛsáŋsyn.n.acornstalk (without ears)ŋkɔŋ-ŋgɛsáŋforme comp. non-spéc deŋkɔŋ 1pounding stickŋgɛsáŋmaizesyn.ncornstalk
corn, whiteŋgɛsáŋ fúfúcmp.deŋgɛsáŋsyn.nwhite cornPeople like roasting and eating white corn. It's not the right kind for making foo-foo corn.Zea mays
corn, yellowŋgɛsáŋ pɛpaŋcmp.deŋgɛsáŋsyn.nyellow cornThis is the right kind for making foo-foo corn. Zea mays
corpsepfú1ncorpse (human), carcass (animal)pfú-ŋuforme comp. non-spéc depfú1corpse
corruptńtsɛp ntsuńtsɛpwet, soakntsumoutheuph.corrupt
cottonŋkuŋkupvar.lib.deŋkɛŋkupncottonsɛsi-ŋkɛŋkupsyn.ncotton threadGossypium spp.ŋkɛŋkupvar. lib.ŋkuŋkupncottonPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk shishi-ŋkɛŋkup ḿbaꞋ cɔꞋ. One often uses cotton thread to weave hats.Gossypium spp.
cotton threadshishi-ŋkɛŋkupforme comp. non-spéc deshishithreadŋkɛŋkupcottonsyn.n.acotton thread
coughkẅákdér.deŋ́kẅákcoughncoughPɛ́pɛ́p lɔ ŋ́gá kẅák ŋká luu. Dust in the dry season causes a cough.ŋ́kẅákv.i coughPanɔ́ ndapaꞋ lɔ ŋ́kẅák tɛꞋ.Smokers usually cough a lot.
couldńdaa ḿbɔ́aux.condcould, would be able toƐ́ ńdaa ḿbɔ́ Yɛ́su jí yúu mi pɛcɔ́ pʉɔ ḿbɔ́ ŋ́kwaŋɛnɛ?Would Jesus be able to know what some people were thinking?
counselńtík1v counselntíkncounsel, advice
counsellortátntíkcmp.detátfatherntíkcounseln.ccounsellor
counselorŋgaŋntíkncounselor
count onńdɔk ŋu ḿbap (yúu / nɛgɛ yúu)expr.id.deńdɔk 1takeŋupersonḿbap2 1foreseevcount on someone (for s.th./ to do s.th.)N dáꞋ ḿbɔ́ ńdɔk pɔ wu ḿbap faꞋ yáa yɔ.I was counting on you for this work of mine.ńdɔk ńtʉʉdér.deńtʉʉ1syn.vcompter sur
countries of light-skinned peoplesŋgɔŋ pɛ́ mɛkátforme comp. non-spéc deŋgɔŋworldsyn.n world or country of white men
countries, other Africanŋgɔŋ-píisyn.nother African countries
countryŋgɔŋncountry, world
count(verb)ŋ́kukŋɛv countKukŋɛ ŋgáp, ɛ́sẅíi waa!Count the chickens and tell me (how many there are)!
count(verb) ; add up(verb)ɛ́sáŋ1v.tcount , addƐ sáŋ ŋkáp ya, ńjʉɔ ɛ́ pɔ́ ŋkʉ yɛ́taa.J'ai compté l'argent là et j'ai trouvé que c'était cinq cent.
county groundnut/peanutmɔ̂nzu-láꞋforme comp. non-spéc demɔ̂nzupeanutláꞋvillagesyn.nvillage groundnut/ peanut which is small in size but loved for its flavour and richness in oilArachis hypogaea var.
couragenzɔꞋ 3ncourageƆ̀ gẅɛɛ nzɔꞋ.You have courage/are courageous.shuk1ncourage, self esteemsʉk2ncourage
courageousŋ́gẅɛɛ nzɔꞋdér.deŋ́gẅɛɛnzɔꞋex.id.be courageous
courageous personŋgaŋnzɔꞋncourageous person
coursendyɔ́lvar. lib.ndyɔ́llɛ́ncourse, race
court, appear in; judge in courtɛ́fɛꞋ kɔ́texpr.id.deɛ́fɛꞋ2kɔ́tcourtex.id.appear in court, judge in courtŊu laa ńjẅí wɛćɔ ŋu, pɛ́ lɔ ɛ́fɛꞋ kɔ́t.If a person kills someone else, it gets judged in court.
court a womanɛ́swáŋ maŋgɛ́forme comp. non-spéc deɛ́swáŋ 1woosyn.vcourt a woman, to woo a womanMɔ́ɔ wɛk gʉ nɛ́ Ŋkúu nɛswáŋ maŋgɛ́.Our child went to Bamenkoumbo to court a woman.
courtyardtɛtáancourtyard, compoundMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ lɔ ŋ́gɛ mɛgaa tɛtáa-sɛkút.Children play games in the school courtyard.
coverŋ́kʉŋɛv.tcover (an opening), close (a door)synḿvuꞋnɛɛ́fɛtnɛ mbʉʉforme comp. non-spéc deɛ́fɛtnɛmbʉʉ 1bodysyn.vcover (up) one's self Ɛ fɛtnɛ mbʉʉ yáa nɛ́ mbalaŋ.I covered up (myself) with a blanket.nzʉkŋɛncover, lidPɛ́ lɔɔ nzʉkŋɛ yi ḿbɔ́ ɛ́ pɔɔ ntsu-kɔt sʉꞋnɛ.A cover was looked for to cover completely the outhouse hole.ŋ́kẅíipɛ 1v.tcoverḿbɔɔ2vcoverɛ́sɛm 1v.tcover (up)Fák kɔ́, tát waa pɛ́ɛ ndẅí-fák ńdɔk ɛ́sɛm mbʉʉ yɛ.When it is cold, my father picks up his sweater and covers himself up with it.ɛ́fikvar. lib.var. lib.ɛ́fɛkvcover, fill in (a hole with dirt)Tsʉʉ tsɛtsáꞋ ńdɔk ɛ́fik taa-ŋkɛndɔŋ!Push dirt to fill in the plantain tree hole!
cover againḿbɔɔtɛv.tcover or wrap up again
coverbedpɔ̌ɔkúun.cmatresssynmatɛnɛ́shi
covering, raphiafɛtnɛnraphia (raffia) covering that one has gathered
cover, lidnjʉʉnɛn.vcover, lid
cover(v)ńzʉkŋɛv.t coversynḿbɔɔ1 1ńzɛ2
cover(verb)ɛ́fɛtnɛv.tcoverNzwɛ́ -ndɔkfáwulɛ lɔ ńdɔk mɛfu mɛ́, ɛ́fɛtnɛ mbuu mɛ́.The duck covers her eggs with her feathers.
cover weeds with dirtńtsáp1vcover (a pile of weeds) with dirtPɛ́ lɔ ńtsáp ŋkɔ́p, ɛ́ zúu, pɛ́ tɔɔ.One covers a pile of weeks with dirt, it dries and then one burns it.
cover with a lidńjʉʉnɛvcover a (pot, kettle) with a lidPɛ́ lɔ ńtík mbáŋ múk, ńjʉʉnɛ la yúujʉ́ pí.When one puts a pot on the fire, one puts the lid on the pot and then the food gets well cooked.
cover with oilńzɔ́Ꞌ3vsmear, anoint, cover with oilPɛ́ zɔ́Ꞌ mbʉʉ nɛ́ mɛwɛ́tOne smears one's body with oil.
covetńnáatɛ 2dér.deńnáavcovetŋ́gʉ̈ɔꞋtɛ 1BbtBfdBjovar.dial. deŋ́gʉ̈ɔꞋlɛ 1covetv.icovetŋ́gʉ̈ɔꞋ 1v.tcovet
covet(vt)ŋ́gʉ̈ɔꞋlɛ 1var. dial.var. dial.ŋ́gʉ̈ɔꞋtɛv.t covet (what someone else hasNtsɔ́ŋ gʉ̈ɔꞋlɛ yúu-ŋu tɛ ńjɔ́.The thief coveted something belonging to someone (else) to the point of stealing it.
cownaꞋáncow (general term)Bos taurus
cow, bushnátnbuffalo (W. African savannah); wild bush cow (local English)Syncerus caffer brachyceros
cow hide
co-wifefúkna married woman living in the same compound as another married woman having either the same husband or husbands that are brothers. In English, this is either co-wife or sister-in-law whichever may be the case.
cowlickntsáŋ-túdér.dentsáŋcowlick
cowriembʉ́ʉ 1ncowrie shellPɛzwɛ́-fɔɔ lɔ ńzẅík táꞋyúu-mbʉ́ʉ fú.The wives of the chief wear white cowrie shell necklaces.
cow, shorthornfɔŋnshort-horned cow or bullBos taurus
crabmákáa 2ncrabPotamonnautidae Sspkáamaŋkin.ccrabkáancrab
crackŋ́kiꞋnɛdér.deŋ́kiꞋv.icrack
crack upŋ́kiꞋtɛdér.deŋ́kiꞋv.labcrack upŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌnɛv.icrack up
craftinesszúŋnslyness or craftiness
craftynjínu 2n.ccrafty fellow
cramɛ́fyɛ́t 2var. lib.ɛ́fɛ́tv.tcram or forcePɛ́ɛ mɛndẅí máa, ɛ́fyɛ́t tsɛt paa.Take my clothes and cram them into the bag.
crampntát 1ncramp (in a muscle)Ntát lɔ ŋ́gẅɛɛ zʉꞋ mbʉʉ́-ŋu.A person has/gets a (muscle) cramp at a place in his body.
crampedɛ́fyɛ́tnɛvar. lib.ɛ́fɛ́tnɛv.statbe cramped, crammed, crowdedƐ́ lɔ ḿbɔ́ lɛ́Ꞌ mɛtáa, pʉɔ fyɛ́tnɛ ndǔ mɛtáa paꞋ tɛꞋ.On market days, the market is very crowded with people.
cramp, have antát ńgẅɛɛ ŋuforme comp. non-spéc dentát 1crampŋ́gẅɛɛ 1holdŋupersonlochave a (muscle) cramp
crap!kasɔnɛtíꞋ 1var. lib.katsɔnɛtíꞋinterjcrap! - expresses of dismay or disgustKatsɔnɛtíꞋ! ɔ tswáa wɔ̌?Crap! who'd you hit?
crawlŋ́kɔ́ŋv.i crawlńdaamɛvcrawl (of plants)
crazy, beḿbáv.statbe crazy
creationpíimbín.ccreation, the worldPíimbí ka gɔ́ ńzɛ...Before the world began...
creatorMbuꞋmbícmp.deḿbuꞋ 2creatembíworlddér.deḿbuꞋ 2creatembíworldn.cCreator of the world (a name for God)mbɔ́ɔ 1pl.papɔ́ɔdér.deḿbɔ́ɔ1form ; constructncreator, formermbɔ́ɔ wuyour
creditnzáꞋncreditA gá yúu mbɔ̌ mɔ nǔu nzáꞋ.He gave something to me on credit.MɛnzáꞋ gɛ ndá-mɛtáa vu sɛ́.Credits make a store fail.
creepńdaa2v.icreep or crawl ( as in a plant)
creepernzʉ́Ꞌnk. of creeper/vineThis vine can be used to make a harness for climbing palm trees to cut down palm nuts or place a tap for making palm wine.Pilostigma thonningii
creeper sp. InɛpɔꞋ-ŋkánsyn.ncreeper sp. I
creeper with stinging leavesmbɛpǎplɛnk. of creeping plant with small leaves that sting on touch
creeping groundnutmɔ̂nzu laasɛ́dict.demɔ̂nzuńdaa2creepsɛ́1 1groundsyn.ncreeping groundnut (peanut)With certain varieties of groundnut (peanut) the plant creeps, but at the same time the grains can be either large or small. antmɔ̂nzu tʉ́ʉlânArachis hypogaea var.
creeping plant (in general)lǎplǎpdér.deńdaplɛn.vcreeping plant (general term)
creep with edible roots and fruitmáŋgɛ́mtɔ́ɔnkind of vine whose roots are used to season sauces and which bears edible fruit
crested porcupinenjɔ́plɛ́mɛ́tiŋgúcmp.denjɔ́plɛ́grasscutter ratforme comp. non-spéc denjɔ́plɛ́grasscutter ratn.ccrested porcupineHystrix cristata
crest-fallenshʉ́-ŋu pfúuexpr.id.deshʉ́ŋuḿpfúuex.id.someone's face fell; s.o. became sad
cricketmɔ́cincricketGryllotalpa africana
cricket, k. ofcícímaŋkuuvar.lib.decʉ́cʉ́maŋkuun.ck. of black, inedible cricket
cricket of small sizetsitsǐ 1var.lib.deŋkǐŋki 1unripenk. of cricket (small size)
cricket, sp.cʉ́cʉ́maŋkuuvar. lib.cícímaŋkuun.csmall species of black inedible cricketPɛ́ lɔ ḿbi mɛkúu tɛ ɛ́ sáꞋ, cʉ́cʉ́maŋkuu cẅɛt ńtɔktɛ mɛfu mɛ́.When a person plants beans, and they start to sprout, the inedible black cricket comes out and eats the leaves.
crime, premeditatednutáanɛn.cpremeditated crime
crime, to commit aɛ́fʉ́Ꞌnɛ nukɛpɔŋexpr.id.denukɛpɔŋɛ́fʉ́Ꞌnɛ 1act_badlysyn.vcommit a crime
criminalŋgaŋsɔ́ɔn.cevildoer, mean person, criminal
crippleŋkɛmkucmp.dekɛmpieceku1footn.clame person , one crippled in the feetReferring to the feet.ŋgaŋpʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtɛ́n.ccripple (Designates a person who has one or more deformed limbs either as a birth defect or the result of an illness.)kɔꞋku 1ncrippleKɔꞋku lɔɔ ńdɔɔ fɛꞋ pɔ́. A cripple doesn't look for an argument.
cripple (foot)ŋkʉ́ɔkuforme comp. non-spéc deŋkʉ́ɔhandicapped_personku1footn.ccripple (foot)
cripple footkʉ̈ɔꞋkuforme comp. non-spéc deŋ́kʉ̈ɔꞋ 1limpn.ccripple (foot)
cripple (hand)ŋkʉ́ɔpɔ́forme comp. non-spéc deŋkʉ́ɔpɔ́1handn.cone-armed person, cripple (hand)
criticŋgaŋnẅɛtnɛncritic, detractor
criticiseńtɔ́ lɔ́Ꞌex.id.criticise, talk about s.o.'s faults
criticism, sharptsɔ́ɔtɛdér.deńtsɔ́ɔtɛreproachnsharp criticism, oppression or bullyingTsɔ́ɔtɛ lɔ ŋ́gɛ ŋu naŋ tsɛt nɛmʉk.Oppression causes one to live in anxiety.
croakgɔɔꞋonosound of the croaking of a frog or toadƐ́ nɛtúꞋ pɛtɛtɔꞋ pɔ́ mbʉʉ ncɔꞋ ŋ́kíi ŋgɔ : «GɔɔꞋ, gɔɔꞋ, gɔɔꞋ,» At night the toads around the edge of the swamp croak.
crocodileŋgǎnndwarf crocodileMɛgáꞋ-ŋgǎn ŋá́Ꞌtɛ mbíꞋŋgɔ a sɛ́ ńzɔ́k mɔ́nɛm.The scales of the dwarf crocodile are lifted up because he is warming up in the sun.Osteolaemus tetraspisŋgɛ́mnɔ́cmp.deŋgɛ́mnɔ́n.ccrocodileŊgɛ́mnɔ́ lɔ ŋ́gúꞋ ńtsá ŋgǎn.The (Nile) crocodile is larger than the dwarf crocodile.Crocodylus niloticus
crooked(stative verb)ŋ́gwáŋtɛv.stat be crookedŋ́gʉ́ŋɛv be crooked or cock-eyedTɔ́k-ndá gʉ́ŋɛ́.The window is crooked.
crop (of a bird)túk 2ncrop(of a bird)
crossḿbáꞋ 1v.labcrossḾbáꞋ mbɔ́.To cross one's armsŋ́gɔpv.tcross (one's legs or one's arms)Fɔɔ lɔɔ ḿbɛ́m ŋgɔ pɛ́ gɔp ku mbi yɛ.The fon (chief) never allows anyone to cross his feet (legs) in front of him.ŋ́kwáa (ku)v cross (one's legs)Ḿbɔ́ pɛ́ pɔɔ kwáa ku mbi fɔɔ-láꞋ.One cannot cross one's legs in front of the village chief.ńtúu ŋkiv.tcross a streamńzɛ́Ꞌnɛv go/cut across; cut cornersŋ́kʉ́Ꞌnɛv (lay) cross each other, be crossedńzɛ́Ꞌ 1BbtBfdBjovar.dial. deńjɛ́Ꞌvcross, go or walk across
crossbeamsmɛtʉ́-tâŋndán.ccrossbeams
crossedmbaŋɛpaŋnɛdér.deḿbáŋɛsplitadj.vcrossedmɛkʉ́Ꞌdér.deŋ́kʉ́Ꞌnɛcrossncrossed, crossingsynmɛfaŋɛ
crossingmɛfaŋɛncrossingsynmɛkʉ́Ꞌnɛfaŋɛnoverlapping; crossing
cross(intransitive verb)ńjɛ́Ꞌ 1var. dial.ńzɛ́Ꞌv.icrossA zʉꞋ naŋ tɛ ńjɛ́Ꞌ tál.She cultivated until she crossed the boundry (of her field).
cross(noun)tʉ́mɛ́kʉ́Ꞌtʉ́mɛ́!kʉ́Ꞌvar. lib.tʉ́mɛkʉ́Ꞌmɛkʉ́Ꞌcmp.detʉ́1ŋ́kʉ́Ꞌnɛcrossdér.detʉ́1ŋ́kʉ́Ꞌnɛcrossn.ccross
crossroadsmɛkʉ́Ꞌ-ndúŋcmp.deŋ́kʉ́Ꞌnɛcrossndúŋ 1traildér.deŋ́kʉ́Ꞌnɛcrossndúŋ 1trailcrossroadssynmɛfaŋɛ-ndúŋ
cross the roadńdut ndúŋ,forme comp. non-spéc deńdut 1exceedndúŋ 1trailsyn.vcross the road, the path or the street
crotchmɛtuꞋ 1ncrotch, inside of thighsMɛtuꞋ-ŋu gaꞋnɛ lɔ ḿbatɛ.The crotch of a fat person is too tight.
crouchńtsɔ́ɔmɛvar. dial.var. dial.ńtsɔ́mtɛv.icrouch, squat on one's heels
crowŋɔ̌ɔtɛn(piebald) crowCorvus albusnzẅíiŋɔꞋɔ́n.ccrow, ravenCorvus albus
crowdnɔɔ 2ncrowdŋ́ŋáamɛv.icrowd (around) s.th. CẅímaŋkɔꞋ lɛɛ tɛ ńjʉ́ɔ páꞋ pʉɔ. ŋáamɛnɛ ntsu-ndá yɛ.The turtle went along until he saw how people crowded around the entrance to his house.
crowing of a roosterkɔ́kɔ́líkɔ̂ɔidsound of the crowing of a rooster - cockadoodledoo
crpuch on one's heels
crueltykɛgáambɔŋn.cinhumane or cruel personKɛgáambɔŋ laa ńjʉ́ɔ mɔ́ɔ sɛnduŋ, ńtswá wɛ́ tswáa.When a cruel person sees a child in the way, he just beats him.
crumbnɛsaa 2quantunit of crumb or grain (of bread, sugar, or flour)Lú tíi nɛsaa-kɛkaa.The biting ant (manyang ant) picked up a fresh corn cake crumb.
crumbleńnẅiꞋtɛBbtBfdBjovar.dial. deńnẅiꞋlɛcrumblev.tcrumbleńnẅiꞋlɛvar. dial.var. dial.ńnẅiꞋtɛvar. lib.var. lib.ŋ́ŋẅiꞋlɛvcrumble, break to piecesɛ́shɛꞋlɛv.tcrumble or break up s.th. (with one's hands)ŋ́ŋẅiꞋlɛvar.lib.deńnẅiꞋlɛcrumblev.labcrumble
crumbsmɛnẅiꞋlɛvar. lib.var. lib.mɛŋẅi'lɛdér.deńnẅiꞋlɛcrumblencrumbsmɛŋẅi'lɛvar.lib.demɛnẅiꞋlɛcrumbsncrumbs
crumple upɛ́shʉ́ꞋlɛBbtBfdBjovar.dial. deɛ́sʉ́Ꞌlɛrubv.tcrumple up, crush or rub between one's handsPɛ́ lɔ ɛ́hsʉ́Ꞌlɛ ndapaꞋ la ńníꞋ tsɛt kɛ́p. One often crushes tobacco between one's hands before putting it in a pipe.
crunch boneńzwaꞋ tsẅíiforme comp. non-spéc deńzwaꞋtsẅíisyn.vcrunch up a boneMvú kɔŋ nɛzwaꞋ tsẅíi.Dogs like to crunch up a bone.
crushɛ́sáatɛ 1dér.deɛ́sáa1v.tcrushPɛ́ lɔ ɛ́sáatɛ mɛkúu-kɔɔkíi mɛpak mɛpak, la ńtsɛp.One crushes koki beans (black-eyes peas, cow peas)ɛ́shɛ́ɛtɛvcrushMɔ̂mvú shɛ́ɛtɛ tsẅíi-mbap ŋ́kwɛ́t.The dog crushed the meat bone and ate it.ḿvav.tcrush, break into fragmentsGɔ ńtsɛp mɛkúu-kɔkíi, ḿbiitɛ ḿva ; m bɛn nzʉʉ, ņ́tsʉꞋ ɛ́suk suknɛ!Before you soak the koki beans (black-eyed peas) in water, you must first crush them; when I return all that remains will be for me to wash them.One does this in order to get rid of the skins off the beans.
crutchntẅǐ-ŋkʉ́ɔ 1ncrutch
cryńtɔ́ŋvcry, shout or screamŋ́kíi1 1vcry (as in shed tears) or weepŋguŋncry,wail or yell of distress(e.g. announcing a death or a theft)Pɛ́ zúꞋ páꞋ mɔ́ɔ-nɛpfuláꞋ pfúnɛ ndɔ́kta, la ńzɛ nɛpúꞋ ŋguŋ.It was heard that a child of the quarter died in hospital and then one began to wail in distress.
cry babymákíkíinɛncry babyPɛ́ tsɔ́Ꞌ mɔ́ɔ nǔu nɛpʉ́ʉ ḿbɔɔ tsúŋ ńzẅík wɛ́ pɔ́, á tsʉ́Ꞌ mɔ́kíkíinɛ.If a child is weaned without feeding it well, it becomes a cry baby.
cry from astonishment or distressŋ́kʉŋtɛvcry outfrom astonishment or distress
cry of astonishmentyʉ́ʉꞋinterjcry of astonishment
cry of dispisingwulûinterjcry of disapproval or despising (like "boo!")
cry of distresswɔ̌yinterjcri of distress - ouch!Sɛ́sʉ́ʉ suu mɔ́ɔ, a kíi ŋgɔ «wɔ̌y!»A venimous ant stung the child and he cried out "ouch!"
cry of mourning or distresswúucilílíidcri of distress, keeningŊu pfú, pɛ́ lɔ ńcʉ ŋguŋ ŋgɔ «wúucilílíi.»When someone dies there are cries of distress, keening a lament.
cry outŋ́kuŋv cry out in alarm or distress (e.g. announce a death)
crystalizeŋ́kẅít 4v.icrystaliseŊwáꞋ laa láatɛ tsɛt yúu sɛ́sʉ́ʉ, ŋ́kẅít.If honey remains in something a long time, it crystalises.
cuckootǔutǔuncoucal, k. of cuckoo birdTǔutǔu lɔ ńzɔp ŋkɔ́Ꞌ-njíThe "tutu" bird sings just before daybreak.Centropus senegalensis
cultivateńzʉ́Ꞌv.t cultivate, hoe
cunningŋ́gik sɛ́sʉ́ʉdér.deŋ́gik 1be prudentsɛ́sʉ́ʉmuchex.id.be cunning, shrewd, craftyŊu gik sɛ́sʉ́ʉ ŋ́gɔ ńdẅiklɛ, ńdẅɛꞋ ŋkáp yɛ́ mbʉʉ-tsɛtsa. A very crafty fellow ends up keeping his money in a mouse hole.
cupboardŋkɛn 2ncupboardMɛntúꞋ gɔ? Ɛ́ tsɛt ŋkɛn.Where are the cups? They are in the cupboard.Ḿbɔ́ pɛ́ lẅɛꞋ mɔ̂nzu tsɛt ŋkɛn ndá.Ground nuts can be kept in a cupboard in the house.kɔ́pɔt 1ncupboard
cup rimntsu-ntúꞋsyn.nbrim of a cup
cup(traditional)gʉ̈ɔ́lɛ́ntraditional cup made from a calabash (gourd)Ɛ́ ḿbɔ́ ŋkámbi, pɛ́ pɔ́ ńdɔk gʉ̈ɔ́lɛ́ ńnɔ́ ŋki. Ɛ́ ŋkɔ̂ɔnɛ, pɛ́ tsʉꞋ ńdɔk pɔ ntúꞋ ńnɔ́.In former times, one used a calabash cup for drinking water. Now, one just uses a cup.
curseńníꞋ ndɔɔ nǔu (tú-)ŋusyn.vput a curse on someone('s head)ńzɔɔtɛv.t curse, insultńzɔɔv.tcurse, insultndɔɔncursePɛ́ lɔɔ ńjí ndá-ndɔɔ ŋ́gʉ ndá-ŋgáa pɔ́.One does not know the source of a curse and then go to a house of divination looking for it.
curse on merchandisetswɛn 2ncurse on merchandisePɛ́ lɔ ńcú ŋgɔ mɔ́ɔ nɛfák lɔ ńníꞋ tsɛn nǔu yúu-mɛtáa.It is said that a twin puts a curse on merchandise.
curse, sacrifice forɛ́fɛꞋ ndɔɔexpr.id.deɛ́fɛꞋ1ndɔɔcursesyn.vmake a traditional sacrifice/offering to avoid a curse
curvenɛŋɔ́Ꞌnɛmod.ncurve, curvedńtuk2v.i curve or twistPǔushi lɔ ńtuk ŋkwɛn yɛ ŋká yinɛ a jʉ́ɔnɛ́ mɔ̂mvú.The cat arches its back when it sees a dog.synńzíi
cushionpíilɔAnglaisnpillow, cushion
customtswɛ́ncustomƐ́ tsɛt wɛ́knɛ tswɛ́ mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ pɔ pɔɔ náŋ ŋ́gʉ ntɔ́Ꞌ ŋgɔŋ ŋká tsʉʉ pɔ́.In our custom(s) children do not go to the chief's palace every day.synmatmatncustom, habit, conduite, characterTǎa mɔ gẅɛɛ mat-nɛfaꞋ tsɛt cafɛ́.My father is in the habit of working in coffee.(in the coffee plants)syntswɛ́kaa1 1ncustom, law
cutńzáꞋ1v.t cut (all the way through)
cut from the class rollsńzáꞋ lík yɛ́ ndásɛkútdér.deńzáꞋ1 take his name off the class roll
cut hair with scissorsńdɔk tsɛ́tsáashi ŋ́káptɛ túdér.deŋ́káptɛsyn.v cut hair with a scissors
cut off ties with a great grandfatherńtɛ́m nɛsáꞋforme comp. non-spéc deńtɛ́m 1strike, hitnɛsáꞋ-njẅɛtsource of the family lineex.id.perform the rite that cuts ties with a great grandfather in order to cease making sacrifices to him
cut off too much with the peelingḿbʉɔv.tpeel cutting off too much of the flesh (of the tuber or a fruit)
cut partiallyńzwávpartially cut (weeds, due to being in too much of a hurry)
cutting grassnjʉ̈ɔ́plɛ́var.lib.denjɔ́plɛ́grasscutter ratngrasscutter rat (loc. Eng.), greater cane rat (stan. Eng.)
cut upŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtɛdér.deŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌv.tcut up (into large pieces)ńzáꞋtɛv.t cut up (into small pieces)synńcíplɛ́ńcíplɛ́v.tcut up into piecessynńzáꞋtɛ
cut up into chunksńcitɛ 1v.icut up into chunksMaŋgɛ́ citɛ mbap, la ńnɛ́ɛ, ɛ́ fɛꞋnɛ ḿbí.The woman cut up the meat into small pieces before cooking and it got done quickly.
cut(vt)ŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌv.t chop, cut (partially through)Ḿbɔ́ pɛ́ lɔk níi kɛpɔ́ nzaa ŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ tʉ́.One may use a cutlass or an axe to chop a tree.