D
dance arrownɛkɔŋ-lúŋ 1syn.narrow of dance
dance associationlúŋ 2nassociation de dancePɛ́ lɔ ńnʉŋ lúŋ nɛvu.One does an association dance at a funeral.
dance association, woven maskkwɛ́nkwɛ́nɛdér.deŋ́kwɛ́ngroann.vlaali danceThe name comes from the fact that the dance music sounds like quick, short groans.
dance, balafone stoolkɔꞋnzáŋcmp.dekɔꞋ1nzáŋn.ctraditional dance to the music of the balafon (the name actually means 'balafon stool' ) performed by a mixed gender dance group at major eventsKɔꞋnzáŋ kúŋ-mbɛ́ɛnɛ mba paŋgɛ́. Pɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk mɛnzáŋ ḿbúꞋ. Paŋʉŋ maꞋ kɛmkɔ́ŋ-ndẅí, ńzẅík sẅík, ḿbɛn ńzẅík mɛndǐi."Balafone stool" is a dance (association) of men and women. Balafons are played. The dancers wear a top, a skirt of raphia fibres and little bells around their ankles.
dance, braceletkwáŋntraditional dance in a circle, of which the name means ' bracelet', performed on the esplanade of the royal palace by wives of the royal family at the death celebration of the queen mother or other royalKwáŋ-pɛzwɛ́-fɔɔ lɔ ŋ́gɔ́ ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ zán, zʉꞋ naꞋ When the dance of the fon's wives enters the royal esplanade, there is silence.
dance, cover the rearkʉʉnzʉʉcmp.deŋ́kʉŋ nzʉʉcover rearn.ccultural dance & association called ' hide/cover the rear' Kʉʉnzʉʉ láꞋ ńtɔ́ nzʉʉ ŋu wɔp. The dance association called 'hide/cover the rear' came in support of their member.
dance, cry of dismayŋgʉ́tɛ 2nk.of traditional dance at the fon's palace, performed by a secret society whose members are of the royal family (princes and princesses). The name comes from an exclamation dismay
dance, demand the animalkanaantraditional dance, whose name means s.th. like "demand/claim the animal", performed by a mixed gender association at big eventsKanaa lúŋ, ḿbɔ́ ńćuꞋlɛ-mbɛ́ɛnɛ pɔ́p paŋgɛ́. Pɔ́p ńnʉŋ tɛtáa-nɛvú nɛnɛm mba nɛtúꞋ."Claim the animal" is a dance (association) including men and women. They dance at a wake during the day(light) as well as at night.This dance (kanoon) was learned from the Ngiemboons .
dance, female solidaritykʉŋnzʉʉ2cmp.deŋ́kʉŋ nzʉʉntraditional women's dance, whose name may mean ' soldiarity', that is performed at big events
dance (funeral)cẅínnstately dance performed at funerals and death celebrations by members of a secret society whose members are part of a royal familyThe instuments (small and large tam-tam drums) and their players are hidden from view in a small enclosure of woven mats, banana leaves or tarps.
dance group with maskmânzɔŋ-láalísyn.n.atraditional dance group that wear a woven maskThis dance is performed at funerals and large celebrations such as when candidates complete initiation into village nobility (la'-kem). Anyone can join this dance group.
dance, kinds of balfonesmɛgup-nzáŋforme comp. non-spéc demɛgupcategoriesnzáŋbalafonsyn.na traditional cultural dance whose name means 'kinds of balofones'Pɛ́ lɔ ŋ́kút ndẅí-ndɔp ńdɔk ńnʉŋ mɛgup. One puts on traditional clothing (lit. Ndop fabric) to do the dance of the kinds (of balofone)
dance, lightly touchnáꞋnɔꞋsyn.ntraditional dance, whose name means 'press lightly', performed by an association of elderly women at big events
dance, mother likes and doesmákɔŋŋgɛ́cmp.demá2ŋ́kɔŋŋ́gɛ2ntraditional dance to the music of the balofon, of which the name may mean 'mother likes and does' , that is performed by a mixed gender dance group at big events Pɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk mɛnzáŋ ḿbúꞋ mákɔŋŋgɛ́, ńzẅík mɛndǐi, ŋ́kút sẅík ḿbɛn ḿmaꞋ kɛmkɔ́ŋ-ndẅíOn taps 'mother likes and does' on the balofon, putting on jingle bells, tying on raffia fibre and putting on a top.
dance, nail the earskẅiimɛtɔ́ŋcmp.deŋ́kẅii1ntraditional dance, of which the name means ' nail the ears' , performed by men of a secret society in the sacred forest at the chief's palace in BamendjindaThe second part of this word is borrowed from Ngiemboon and means 'the ears.' lúŋ 1ndanceMɛlúŋ-láꞋ ḿbɔ́ nɛvú tɛ ńzáa.There are many village dances at a funeral.ńnʉŋ 2v.tdancePɛ́ júk ḿbɔ́ ńnʉŋ mɛlúŋ.One spent the day doing dances.
dance of a subchief, secrettákɔp-mbʉŋsyn.nsecret dance of a subchief The rhythm of the music of this dance resembles that of rain falling on a roof, hence the 'rain' part of the name. It is performed only at the death celebrations of their intiates (members of their secret society).
dancernʉŋyúun.cdancerŋgaŋnʉŋɛ́yúun.cdancer
dance, royal spokespersonkẅíꞋfɔɔ-ŋgɔŋ 1syn.n.asecret dance of the fon's palace, of which the name means 'royal spokesperson of the country', performed by men who are close to the fon (a group called ' the seven' )kɔ́Ꞌsɛ́cmp.deŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ2sɛ́1n.ctraditional dance, whose name means ' climb down', performed at the fon's palace by members of a secret society Kɔ́Ꞌsɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gap mɛluꞋ tɛtáa-nɛvú-ŋu wɔp.The ' climb to the ground' dance group shares wine in the courtyard of the wake or funeral when one of their own dies.
dance, rythmlessmânzapnkind of dance without a rhythm
dance, sacred forestfuꞋmbʉ́ʉcmp.deḿbʉ́ʉfuꞋ1n.ctraditional dance of the sacred forest whose name means something like "treasure taboo"FuꞋmbʉ́ʉ luŋ-ntɔ́Ꞌ, ḿbɔ́ páꞋ pʉɔ pí pɔ́p líŋɛ́nɛ kɛ pɛ́ sɛ́ ńnɛn páꞋ nu yi pɛ́ ka pʉ́ʉnɛ sɛ́ ḿbíkŋɛ ɔ́ɔ." Treasure-taboo" is a dance of the fon's palace, the members being like those who observe whether a prohitbition is respected.This dance is known as the very first sacred forest dance among the Ndaas.
dance, small whistlesmândɛ́lɛ́ 2var. lib.mândɛ́tntraditional dance done by a group blowing small whistles
dance, solidaritymɔ́ɔmânzɔŋn.ckind of cultural dance as well as the dance group that performs it, whose name may mean 'child of the solidarity association' , performed by an mixed gender association at big eventsGaŋ-mɔ́ɔmânzɔŋ lɔ ńtɔ́Ꞌ cɔꞋ-mɛfu-ŋgɛ́p, ḿmaꞋ kɛmkɔŋ-ndẅí, ŋ́kút sẅík, ḿbɛn ńzẅík mɛndǐi.The dancers of 'child of the solidarity association' wear a hat of chicken feathers, a top, tie raphia fibres on (their hips) and put jingle bells around their ankles. This is often a neighbourhood association.
dance, taboo-customkaambʉ́ʉcmp.dekaa1ḿbʉ́ʉn.cdance performed by a secret society at the fon's palace whose name means something like "taboo alliance/custom "Kaambʉ́ʉ lúŋ-ntɔ́Ꞌ, ḿbɔ́ pʉɔ pí ṕɔ́p saŋnɛ páꞋ ḿbɔ́ láꞋ nɛn. Pɔ́p jʉ́ɔ yi kɛpɔŋ, ńtík kaa nɛlɔk ŋ́gɛ ŋgɔ kɔɔ ɛ́ gʉ mbi." Taboo-custom" is a dance(association) of the fon's palace, being people who reflect upon the good functioning of the village. When they see something bad, they put out a prohibition so that it does not go on.
dance treetʉ́-lúŋsyn.nkind of tree whose name means 'dance tree' because in the dry season certain migratory birds perch on them in large flocks hopping from branch to branch and singingMɛfu-tʉ́ lúŋ lɔ ŋ́kunɛ ŋká-luu.Les feuilles de l'arbre entada africana s'arrachent en saison sèche.Entada africana
dance, two-faced masknciplɛvar. dial.var. dial.ntsɛplɛntraditional dance of Bamesso performed by a mixed gender group with one male dancer wearing a two-faced mask and carrying a cutlassMákúu-nciplɛ gẅɛɛ mɛshʉ́ mɛ́mbá.The mask wearer for the dance called ' cut up helter skelter' has two faces.This dance originally comes from the Ndop plain, probably from the village of Bafanji.
dandelionŋkwɛŋkwɛ mɔ̂mvusyn.npissenlit, esp. d'herbeŋkwɛŋkwɛn.rédpissenlit, esp. d'herbe
danger, be inḿbɔ́ ntsu nɛvúex.id.be in danger
danger, mortalntsunɛvúcmp.dentsumouthnɛvú 1deathn.cmortal danger, death's doorMatúwa vu tsɛt gɛm, pʉɔ pfútɛ, tɛ ɛ́ tsʉ́Ꞌ pʉɔ pɛ́pá, Sɛ́ cẅɛɛtɛ wɔ́p ntsunɛvú.The car fell into the ravine, people died, except two persons God saved from death's door.
dark areaŋgat sʉ́ʉnɛdér.deŋgatsiteɛ́sʉ́ʉ1darkdark area
dark, beɛ́sʉ́ʉnɛv.statbe darkNdá sʉ́ʉnɛ́ . Sǎa ŋu zuꞋu pɔ́.The house is dark. Nobody is there.antɛ́fʉ́ɔ 1ɛ́fʉ́ɔ 2ɛ́sʉ́ʉ1v.ibecome or get darkNɛtúꞋ sʉ́ʉ mɔ́.It's already getting dark.
darknessnzɛ́nzʉ́ʉn.cdarknessnzʉ́ʉ1ndarkness
darnkessnzʉʉnzʉ́ʉnténèbres
date palm, falseŋkɛŋkɔ́ŋnfalse or wild date palmPɛ́ tsɔꞋ mɛnaꞋ nǔu ŋkɛŋkɔŋ ńdɔk ḿbáꞋ cɔꞋ-mátta.Fibre is pulled from the wild date palm to weave straw hats.Phoenix reclinata
date palm fibremɛnaꞋnwild date palm fibreḾbɔ́ pɛ́ lɔk mɛnaꞋ ḿbáꞋ mátta.On can weave a mat out of wild date palm fibres.Phoenix reclinata
daughter-in-lawmáncʉ́ʉndaughter-in-lawnzwɛ́-mɔ́ɔcmp.denzwɛ́syn.ndaughter-in-law
dawn(verb)ŋ́kiɛ2vbreak (day), dawnNjí kiɛ.The day dawns/dawned.
daylɛ́ꞋláꞋn.cday of the weeklɛ́Ꞌnday, datelɛ́Ꞌnjícmp.delɛ́Ꞌnjí 1timedaynɛnɛmdér.demɔ́nɛmnday or daytime (as opposed to nighttime)Jɛ́su ka gɛ pɛnɛnɛm mɛgɛ́m mɛ́nɛ́kwa mba pɛnɛtúꞋ mɛgɛ́m mɛ́nɛ́kwa kɔ̂ŋtɛt kɛ́ kwɛ́t yúu.Jesus went forty days and forty nights in the desert without eating anything.antnɛtúꞋ
daybreakŋkɔ́Ꞌnjín.cpre-dawn or the time of night just before dawn - around 5 AMYɛcɔ́ ntɛ-mɔ́shʉ́ŋ lɔ ńzɛ́ nɛzɔp ŋkɔ́Ꞌnjí.A certain kind of bird starts singing just before dawn.
day breaks, next daynjí kiɛdict.denjíŋ́kiɛ2syn.vday breaks, the next dayThis expression is used in texts to indicate the passage of time, as in 'the following day' or 'the next morning.'
day of the traditional weekntswɛ́llɛ́var. dial.var. dial.ncẅílínday of the traditional week - market day for Bamendjinda, Bamesso & Bamenkoumbo as well as the day of rest from field workŋkápɔ́tnday of the traditional week (day of the small market in Mbouda)ŋkátʉʉnday of the the traditional week which is the eve of the small market in Mboudasʉ́Ꞌŋgwɛnday of the traditional week which follows the day of the big market in Mbouda
day of the traditional weeknjʉ̈ɔláꞋn.cname of one of the days of the traditional eight-day weekDay of rest in Bamendjinda.mɛtâaŋgwɛ́nday of the traditional week that follows the small market day of Mbouda
day of traditional weekpɔ́mbʉ̈ɔꞋnone of the eight days the of the traditional week (eve of the big market day in Mbouda)
days from now, a fewnjǐinɛadv.tin a few days, a few days from nowSúu waa maꞋ ntúu ŋgɔ a ńdɔ ńtɔ́ njǐinɛ.My friend sent word that he will come a few days from now.
day (unspecified)lɛ́Ꞌmbícmp.delɛ́Ꞌdaymbíworldnday Lɛ́Ꞌmbí zɔ́n ńdɔ ḿbɔŋ. Tomorrow will be good.
DCEmbɛlɛvɛ̂nDCE (kind of school certificate)
dead-beatnjʉ́ŋkupcmp.deńjʉ́eat (without chewing)ŋkupgreeddér.deńjʉ́eat (without chewing)ŋkupgreedn.cdead-beat
dead personmpfúdér.deḿpfúdienthe deceased, the deadPɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gɔ́ ḿbɛ́m nu-mpfú mbɔ ɛ́ ka lɛɛ mɔ́.The word of a dead man is accepted when it's too late. (already over)
deaf personmbúꞋmɛtúutɛn.cdeaf personmbúꞋtúforme comp. non-spéc dembúꞋ 1innocenttúheadn.cdeaf
deartʉʉndɛnadjdearPɔ̂ɔpɛmá pɛtʉʉndɛn...My dear brothers/sisters...
dear (term of endearment)mâaŋgʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌn.cdear (term of endearment)The word means more 'partner or mother in suffering'.
dear twinmɛluꞋ 3nterm of endearment for twins,, dear twins
deathnɛvú 1ndeathŊu laa ḿpfú, mbɔ a gɔ́ŋ tsɛt nɛvú táꞋ ŋká?If someone dies, does he stay dead forever?
death celebrationkɛ̌mnɛvúcmp.deŋ́kɛm 1destroynɛvún.cdeath anniversary celebrationKɛ̌mnɛvú lɔ ńcẅɛ́ɛ ŋkáp tɛꞋ!A death anniversary celebration takes lots of money!The death anniversary celebration brings to a close the period of mourning for a deceased person.synlikŋɛnɛvúlẅiklɛnɛvulikŋɛnɛvúcmp.deńdikŋɛforgetnɛvú 2mourningdér.deńdikŋɛforgetnɛvú 2mourningn.cdeath celebrationsynkɛ̌mnɛvúlẅiklɛnɛvu
death celebration, endsǎŋnɛgwáacmp.deɛ́saŋ 2scatternɛgwáabeltdér.deɛ́saŋ 2scatternɛgwáabeltnending death celebration
death celebration, end of mourningńdikŋɛ nɛvuv have a death celebration This ends the period of mourning for someone once and for all.
death celebration money from sons-in-lawtsɛt-nɛvúexpr.id.detsɛt2 1contentsnɛvú 1deathnfinancial contribution of sons-in-law to fathers-in-law for hosting a death celebration
death rattlekɛ́sʉꞋ-nɛvúvar. dial.kɛ́shʉꞋ-nɛvúexpr.id.dekɛ́sʉꞋrattle noisenɛvú 1deathex.id.death rattleŊu gɔɔ tɛ ńtɛ́m kɛ́shʉꞋ-nɛvú.Someone is sick until he makes the death rattle.kɛ́shʉꞋ-nɛvúBbtBfdBjovar.dial. dekɛ́sʉꞋ-nɛvúdeath rattle
death's door, be atńtsʉ́Ꞌ ntsu-nɛvúex.id.be at death's door
debauchery, get intoŋ́kúu kukudér.dekuku1get into debauchery
debrisshí-múkdér.deɛ́shí 1burnmúkfiresyn.n.adebris or charred remains left after a fire
debtndík1ndebt Nɛpʉ́ yúu mbɔ̌ ŋu, ɛ́ ndik.Promising something to someone is a debt.
debtorŋgaŋŋkupnperson in debt, debtor
decantńdɛ́lv.tdecantPɛ́ lɔ ńdɛ́l mɛluꞋ, ńcẅɛɛtɛ lẅí wɛ́, ńtswɛt.One decants wine to romove ... and pour it out. ḿbʉʉnɛ...ńníꞋ tsɛtdér.deḿbʉʉnɛdecant, pour intoPɛ́ pʉʉnɛ ŋki ńníꞋ tsɛt tʉ́ɔ.The water was poured into the calabash.
deceiverŋgaŋfʉklɛdér.deɛ́fʉ́klɛdeceivendeceiver
deceive s.o.ńnɔɔ ŋu zán 1ex.id.deceive s.o.
deceive(verb)ɛ́fʉ́klɛvar.lib.deɛ́fúklɛv.tdeceive, foolPɛ́ fʉ́klɛ́ wu.You were fooled.synɛ́fʉ 2BbtBfdBjo
deceive(verb) ; fool(verb)ɛ́fʉ 2BbtBfdBjovar.dial. deɛ́fuv.tdeceive, foolsynɛ́fʉ́klɛ
Decemberpɛsaŋ ntsɔ̌ppásyn.ntwelfth month, December
decideńcú nu 2syn.vmake a decision, make a pronouncement about s.th.TǎafaꞋ lɔ ńcú nu, gaŋfaꞋ lẅiklɛ pɔ nɛpɛ́m.When the boss makes a decision, the workers just end up accepting it.ńtík ŋgɔdér.deńtík2 decide
decorateŋ́káa1v.t decorate s.th. with fine beadworkPɛ́ lɔ ŋ́káa ntẅí, ŋ́káa mbɔɔt kɛmba kɔꞋ-fɔɔ.Canes, nobleman's calabashes or chief's thrones are decorated with fine beadwork..
décorateḿmákɛ́v.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
decorationsmɛsuundecorations, beauty Wɛcɔ́ mɔ́ɔ mɑŋɡɛ́ kɑ lɑ́Ꞌ ḿbɔ́ tsɛt yɛcɔ́ lɑ́Ꞌ. Sɛ́ kɑ pɔ́ɔ wɛ́ ńníꞋ mɛsuu nǔu wɛ́.There was (long ago) a certain girl in a certain village. Dieu created her giving her beauty.
decreenɛpʉ́ʉ1 2dér.deḿbʉ́ʉndecree, law
deep, beɛ́shiv.statbe deepTáa-ŋki ndǔ ŋkwɛn lɔ ɛ́shi paꞋ tɛꞋ.A well on a hilltop is very deep.
defecateɛ́fɛmɛ 3euph.take a dump, defecatePɛ́ lɔ ɛ́fɛmɛ tsɛt kɔt.One takes a dump in the outhouse.ńnʉvar.lib.deńnyɔdefecatev.idefecatesynńnyɔńnyɔvar. lib.var. lib.ńnʉvdefecate, have a bowel movement, shit or crapsynńnʉ
defendńdyɔ́Ꞌnɛv defend one's self, rush
deftkɛsẅɛn.c.qadroite, able, accurate
delicacymbyaŋtɛdér.deḿbyaŋtɛbe fond of (certain foods)ndelicacy, tasty snack
delicate, beńtík3v.stat be delicateFaꞋ-nɛzíꞋ cú-ŋgɔmbaa tík.The task of learning the Ngomba language is a delicate one.
demand(verb)ŋ́ká2v demand
demolishɛ́sat ndáforme comp. non-spéc deɛ́sat1ndásyn.vdemolir a house or building
demon, evil spiritsɛ́kɛpɔŋn.cdemon
dennɛpíꞋ 2nden ( of a snake or a giant pouch rat)nɛpʉ́ 2n(animal) den, lair
denounce faultsńtɔ́ɔlɔꞋvdenounce faults, upbraid
deny wrongdoingḿmuŋɛ 1var. lib.ḿmɔŋɛv.tdenyƆ laa ŋ́gẅɛɛ ntsɔ́ŋ kɛ́ yúu mbɔ̌ wɛ́, a muŋɛ.If you catch a thief without anything on him, he denies it. ḿmɔŋɛvar.lib.deḿmuŋɛv.tdeny
depose kingḿbʉꞋ fɔɔ nǔu kɔꞋdér.deḿbʉꞋsyn.vdethrone the king
depthnɛshi 1dér.deɛ́shibe_deepn.vdepthNɛshi-nɛpʉ́-ŋki-táaláꞋ waa míta mɛgɛ́m mbɛ́mbá.The depth of my neighbour's well is twenty metres.
depulpḿbɛplɛv.tdepulp, remove the skin (from coffee berries or peanuts)synńtẅit
derideŋ́ŋíŋɛvderide, mockPɛ́ lɔ ŋ́ŋíŋɛ ntsɔ́ŋ.One mocks a thief.
descendńtswɛ́nɛv.igo downPɛ́ tswɛ́nɛ́ ncaa.On goes downhill.
descendants of one womankɔ̌Ꞌndácmp.dekɔꞋ1ndáhousengenetic family of one womanƐ́ njɛꞋ záanɛ, mba wɛ́tɛ́ maŋgɛ́ lá tsáa pɔ kɔ̌Ꞌndá yɛ́.In a polygamous compound, each wife only cares about her own genetic children.
describeńdɛꞋlɛ 3vdescribe, tell about s.th.
deserted placekɔ̂ŋtɛtn.cuninhabited place, desert
desireŋ́gʉ̈ɔꞋtɛ 2BbtBfdBjovar.dial. deŋ́gʉ̈ɔꞋlɛ 1covetv.t admire; desire passionatelyŊu gɔ ŋ́gʉ̈ɔꞋtɛ yúu mbɔ a jʉ́ɔ.Before a person desires/admires a thing, he sees it.
despitembapáꞋlocdespite, in spite ofMbapáꞋ mbʉŋ lɔ́nɛ́, pɛk kɛ́ ŋ́gʉ pɔ ŋkáꞋ.Despite the falling rain, we still went to the field.
destroyɛ́sat1vdestroy, ruin (plan)N zʉ́Ꞌ naŋ, mɔ̂ŋgɛ́p tɔ́ ɛ́sat.J'ai cultivé le champ et la poule est venue détruire.ɛ́saꞋ1v.tdestroy, to tear downPɛ́ saꞋ ndá ńdɔk ŋ́kút yɛ́ fí.The house was torn down in order to build a new one.ŋ́kɛm 1v.t destroyA kɛm ńda yɛ ńdɔk ŋ́kút ndá fí.He tore down his house in order to build a new one.ḿbíkv.trub out, erase, destroy
destroyershakŋɛzʉꞋcmp.deɛ́shakzʉꞋdér.deɛ́shakzʉꞋn.cdestroyer or wrecker (of relations)ShakŋɛzʉꞋ lɔ ŋ́gɛ tɛ mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́-táꞋ tsɛnndá pɔɔ pɛn ńzúꞋnɛ pɔ.The relationship wrecker acts in such a way that the children of one family no longer get along with each other.
destructivembʉ́ʉpɛ 2mod.ndestructive
detach, untieŋ́kyɛ́Ꞌ 1v.t detach or untie
detourńdíꞋ ndúŋdér.deńdíꞋ detour around
detour, take aḿbaꞋ ndúŋexpr.id.deḿbaꞋ2loctake a detourPɛ́ paꞋ ndúŋ mbíꞋŋgɔ pɛ́ pɔ́ níitɛ la.One took a detour because the bridge was being repaired.
devilsáttanvar.lib.desáttadevilndevilsáttavar. lib.var. lib.sáttanndevil, satan
devil, hornedsátta-mɛndɔŋsyn.nhorned devilUsed as an strong insult.
dew, be covered withńtúꞋ/ńtíi mʉꞋdér.demʉꞋ get wet with dewNdʉ́ɔ ŋgɔ lɔ ńtúꞋ mʉꞋ mbaꞋmbaꞋ.The raphia palm tapper gets wet with the dew.
diagnosermbɛntɛndiagnoser, observerŊganmɛfu mbɛntɛ-ŋgɔɔ.The healer/traditional practitioner is a diagnoser of diseases.
diaper rashgɔ́ɔŋkwaꞋcmp.degɔɔŋkwaꞋn.cdiaper/nappy rash
diarrheafʉꞋ-nɛpɛmndiarrhea
dictatorŋgaŋnɔꞋndictator, oppressor (s.o. who insists on always having his way)
dictionaryntaŋmɛkɛmcúcmp.dentaŋ2 1storeroomkɛmcúwordn.cdictionarylit. - storehouse of words
dieńdut 2vdie, pass awayMɔ́ɔ nu lut.Your child has passed away.ḿpfúv.idie
die for this causeḿpfú ńdɔk mbʉꞋex.id.die for this causeNtsɔ́ŋ jɔ ýuu-ŋu. A gẅɛɛ, ŋgɔ a ḿpfú ńdɔk mbʉꞋ.The thief stole someone's property. That person captures him and says that he will die for this cause.
die (in numbers)ḿpfútɛdér.deḿpfúv.idie (many)Pɛkáŋtú pfútɛ tɛt-ntsɔ tɛ ńzáa.Many soldiers died on the battlefield.
die suddenlyńzáꞋnɛ ḿpfúexpr.id.deḿpfúdieńzáꞋnɛ 1split openex.id.die suddenly without any previous sign of illness (of a heart attack, for example)
difficult, beŋ́kẅít 1v.i/v.statbe difficult, hard
digńtúŋ1 1v.t digŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́p2vdig
dig deeply into (a matter)ńtúŋɛ kɔŋexpr.id.deńtúŋ1 1digkɔŋ 1origineex.id.plomb the depths of s.th.
digest foodŋ́gɔꞋ mɛjʉ́forme comp. non-spéc deŋ́gɔꞋ digestMájʉ́ sɛ́ ŋ́gɔꞋ mɛjʉ́The stomach digests food.
dig into s.th.ńtúŋtɛv.tinvestigate thoroughly, do in depth researchMɔ sɛ́ ńtúŋtɛ mɛnu nǔu cú-mbɔ́ndaa.I am thoroughly investigating the language of the Ndaa people.
dig upńtsúꞋv.tdig up (with a pick or pickaxe)
dig up (s.th. kept in the ground)ɛ́fiꞋvdig up, unearth (s.th. one buried to preserve it)Pɛ́ lɔ ɛ́fiꞋ mákap ŋká-cʉ́.Cocoyams are unearthed (from safekeeping in the ground) in time of famine.
dimɛ́saa2v.idim; grow dimŊki múk mɛ́ tsɛt kyɛ', ɛ tsʉ́Ꞌ saa saa.Quand le petrole fini dans la lampe, elle éclaire moins.ŋ́kapvar.lib.deŋ́kɛpv.i/v.statbe or become dimUsed to speak of light (sunlight or lamplight).
diminishńcẅɛ́ttɛv diminish
ding-dong! (ringing sound)kɔ́ŋŋkɔ́ŋŋidringing sound of a school or church bell, ding-dong
dipper for foo-foo corntúꞋ-ŋgʉŋsyn.npiece of calabash for removing fufu from the pot
directionshʉ́ 2ndirectiontú-ndúŋsyn.ndirectionA l?He want by heading which way?
directionsmɛshʉ́ 2nsense, meaning
dirty, beńzíŋɛvar. lib.ńjíŋɛv.stat be or get dirtyMɛndẅí-mɔ́ɔ zíŋɛ mbíꞋŋgɔ a vú sɛ́.The child's clothes are dirty because he fell down.Pɛ́ suk mɛndẅí ɛ́saŋ, mɔ́ɔ gɛ mɛgaa nǔu, ńzíŋɛ.The clothes were washed and spread out (to dry), then the child played on them and got them dirty.
dirty, beɛ́fɛmɛ 1v.statbe dirty (as in having poor hygiene habits)Mɔ́ɔ wɔ fɛmɛ tɛ́Ꞌ mbíꞋŋgɔ a lɔɔ ɛ́suk mbʉʉ yɛ pɔ́!This child is too dirty because he never washes himself!
dirty, bedwettingmɔ́tsiindácmp.deńtsiiurinatendáhousedér.deńtsiiurinatendáhousen.c.qdirty, bedwettingndɔɔtíndirt, dirtyNdɔɔtí nǔu gwu? Gʉ suk mbʉʉ yu!Is there dirt on you? Go wash yourself!ńdɔ́tíAnglaisv.stat be dirtynyɔ́kɛzíintsʉʉn.cdirty person
disagreementmbuundisagreement, discord, hatendʉ́ꞋndʉꞋdér.deńdʉꞋrefuse ; forbidn.réddisagreement
disappearɛ́fʉ̈ɔ́t2v.idisappearPɛ́ lɔ ńtsɔ́Ꞌ gú ŋu, zɛ yɛ́ fʉ̈ɔ́t.Quand on libere le paria de quelqu'un son totème disparaît.ńnẅɛ́ɛv.stat disappearMɔ ǹzúu mɔ̂mvú, a nẅɛ́ɛ.I bought a dog yesterday and it disappeared.ńdákŋɛv.idisappearɛ́sív.idisappearḿbɛ́ míkex.id.disappear (from sight), to lose sight ofN zuŋ mɔ́naa tɛ ŋ́káa, a pɛ́ mík mɔ.I hunted an animal until I was tired out and I lost sight of it.
disappointńcɔŋndɛn 1forme comp. non-spéc deńcɔŋlowerndɛn3 1value; price vdisappoint
disappointment, person who isncɔŋndɛnforme comp. non-spéc deńcɔŋlowerndɛn3 1value; price n.cdisappointment, s.o. who let others downPɛtát-pɔ́ɔ laa ḿbʉ́ʉpɛ ŋkáp nǔ mɔ́ɔ sɛkút, a lɔk ŋ́kúu lɛɛtɛ, mbɔ a ncɔŋndɛn.If parents put out lots of money for their child's schooling and he neglects it, then she or he's a disappointment.
disarray, put inńtɛ́m shɛ́ɛ nǔuexpr.id.deńtɛ́m 1strike, hitshɛ́ɛhatex.id. create disorder in , disruptḾbɔ́ pámɛluꞋ tɛ́m shɛ́ɛ nǔu cúꞋlɛ.Un drunkard can disrupt a meeting.
discharge mucus (from the eye)ńcyɛꞋ2v.idischarge mucus (from the eye), have mucus/grime from tearsMɔ́ɔ kíi tɛ mík mɛ́ cyɛꞋ.The child cried until he had mucusy grime. crasse de la larme.
discipleŋgaŋkudér.deku1footn.cdisciple, compagnon
discomfort, havembʉʉ ńcitɛex.id.feel poorly, have discomfortMbʉʉ yáa sɛ́ ńcitɛ. N jʉ́ɔ ŋgɔ ɛ́ ká pɔ́ lyɔknút ɛ́ zɛɛnɛ pɔ́I feel poorly. I see (hope) this isn't the start of malaria.
discountmaꞋ1ndiscount, dashŊ gʉ mɛtáa ńzúu mbap pɛ́ níꞋ maꞋ nǔu.I went to the market to buy meat and they gave me a dash on top of it.
discourageḿbɔ́t mbɔ́/pɔ́dér.deḿbɔ́tex.id.discourageSẅíŋɛ kɛpɔŋ gɛ ŋu pɔ́t pɔ́ nǔu faꞋEvil words discourage someone in their work. (Lit. make him weaken the hand ...)ńtɛ́m tswɛnexpr.id.detswɛn 3discouragementńtɛ́mex.id.discourageŊu lɔk sẅíŋɛ yɛ́ ńtɛ́m nǔu súu nɛ.Someone used his words to discourage his friend.synŋ́kɔktɛŋ́kɔktɛdér.deŋ́kɔklowerv.tdiscouragesynńtɛ́m tswɛn
discouragementkɔ̌kmɛ́tswɛnn.cdiscouragementKɔ̌kḿɛtswɛn mbʉʉ mɔ nɛgʉ ńcɛ́Ꞌlɛ ŋgaŋtśaŋ.I felt (too) discouraged to go greet the man in prison.mɛkɔkdér.deŋ́kɔklowern.vdiscouragementMɔ ḿbɔ́ ŋ́gʉ ɛ́fɛn ndá yaa. Nzwɛ́ waa maꞋ sẅíŋɛ-mɛkɔk tɛ n ná. I was going to sell my house. My wife spoke words of discouragement to the point where I gave up.mɔ́kɔkdér.deŋ́kɔklowerndiscouragementNɛgíi kɔ́Ꞌ sɛ́sʉ́ʉ nǔu naŋ, ŋ́gá mɔ́kɔk.When there's too many weeds growing in a cultivated field, it gives one discouragement.tswɛn 3ndiscouragementTswɛn nǔu ŋu mbʉʉ jɔt.When a person is weighed down by discouragement he/she feels heavy (sad).
discouragersaŋtɛ 1ndisperser, s.o. who discourages people from doing what was agreed uponantncúꞋlɛŋgaŋmɛkɔkndiscouraging personŊgaŋmɛkɔk lɔɔ ḿbɛ́m ŋgɔ ŋu gʉ mbi pɔ́. The one who discourages doesn't allow anyone to make progress.
discourage s.o.ḿmaꞋ kɔ̌kmɛ́tswɛn nǔu ŋuex.id.discourage s.o.Mbʉŋ láꞋ ḿmaꞋ kɔ̌kmɛ́tswɛn nûu mɔ mbaꞋmbaꞋ tɛ ḿbɔɔ tɛt gʉ.The rain this morning discouraged me from going to the farm.
discourage s.th.ŋ́kɔk mɛtswɛn nǔu yúu 1expr.id.deŋ́kɔklowertswɛn 3discouragementex.id.discourage s.th.
discouraging words, speakḿmaꞋ sẅíŋɛ-mɛkɔkexpr.id.deḿmaꞋthrowsẅíŋɛ 1wordmɛkɔkdiscouragementex.id.express words of discouragement
discriminate against s.o.ŋ́gɛ tɔŋ nǔu ŋucmp.detɔŋsyn.vdiscriminate against s.o.; play favorites (against s.o.)This also has the sense of tribalisme or racisme. On disfavors someone who is not of one's family (tribe, village, etc.) or just not one's friend.
discriminationtɔŋ 1ndiscriminationPɛcɔ́ mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ kɔŋ nu-tɔŋ tsɛt ndá yɔp.Children like selfishness/discrimination (playing favorites) in their own home.
discussńzɔŋɛv.t discuss a matterŊu pɔ́p súu nɛ zɔŋɛ nu kɛ́káŋ tɛ ŋkɔt vu.Someone discussed a problem with his friend in vain until a fight broke out.
discuss(verb)ɛ́sẅíi nudér.deɛ́sẅíisyn.vdiscuss or resolve a problem
disdainful noisewûu2interjan exclamation of disdain
diseasegɔɔndisease, illness, sickness
disease causing breasts to swellmbʉpʉ́nnk. of disease causing both a woman's breasts to swell up
disease, sexually transmittedshʉ̈ɔ́ záŋnɛsyn.nkind of disease
disguise one's selfḿmákɛ́ mbʉʉdér.deḿmákɛ́syn.vdisguise (one's self)
disgusting, beɛ́fɛ́3 2v.stat be disgustingPúushi zɛ́Ꞌ tsɛt ndá, ɛ́ fɛ́.The cat threw up in the house, it's disgusting.
disgust, interjection ofɔ́ɔꞋ 1interjinterjection of disgust
disgust(verb)ɛ́fɛ́3 1v.tdisgustA gɛ yɛcɔ́ yúu, ɛ́ fɛ́ wáa. She/he did something and it disgusted me.
dishonor(verb)ŋ́gwákv.t dishonor, put someone in their place
dislocateŋ́kɔkŋɛ 1v.i dislocate (a joint)Tsẅíi-ku yɛ́ kɔkŋɛ.He dislocated his ankle.ɛ́sẅiklɛ2 3v.idislocate (a joint)Mɔ́ɔ vú sɛ́, nɛlyɔꞋ-ku nɛ́ sẅiklɛ.The child fell/has fallen and dislocated his ankle.
disobediencenɛpɔ́zʉ́Ꞌnɛdér.depɔ́2ńzúꞋnɛ ŋuobey, heedn.vdisobeying, disobedience
disobedient(n)túkɛ́zúꞋn.cdisobedient childTúkɛ́zúꞋ lɔ ńnɔɔ pɔ faa-ŋkɔꞋ.L'enfant désobeissant est toujours perdant.
disordervaꞋndisorder, troubletuptɛdér.deńtuptɛmess up thingsndisorder, conflictTuptɛ lɔɔ ŋ́kaa tsɛtsɛt pʉɔmɛsɔŋ pɔ́.Le conflit ne manque jamais entre les humains.páklɛ 2ndésordre
disorder treetʉ-tákforme comp. non-spéc detʉ́1 1treeńták1troublesyn.nk. of tree whose name means 'disorder' or ' trouble' because certain people believe it has mystical powers for sowing disorder
disorder tree barkkup-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.
disorganizedkɛkúunǔunucmp.dekɛ́1NEG(future); NEG(future)ŋ́kúuenter, arrivenǔuin, onnu2question, affair, problemdér.dekɛ́1NEG(future); NEG(future)ŋ́kúuenter, arrivenǔuin, onnu2question, affair, problemn.cdisorganized person
disperseɛ́shiɛmɛ 1var. dial.ɛ́sɛɛmɛv.idisperse (a crowd)Pɛ́ lɔ ńdɛɛ tɛ ńtẅíi, ńjʉ́ yúu, ɛ́shiɛme. One stays until the burial, eats, then [the crowd] disperses/breaks up.
dispersionsatnɛndispersion, scatter
displayɛ́sap2 2v.tdisplay in small qualitiesFɛn-sɛ́súk lɔ ɛ́sap yúu-mɛtáa mɛ́ mɛcʉ́ mɛcʉ́.The (hot) pepper seller displays his merchandise in small piles.ɛ́saŋtɛ1v.tspread outSaŋtɛ mɛndẅi-mɔ́ɔ nǔu ŋkʉ.Spread (hang) the child's clothes on the the line.
displeaseḿbɛ́k 2v.tdispleaseNu pɛ́k wáa!The thing displeased me.
displeasure, expression ofɔ̂ɔ!interjinterjection expressing displeasure expressing unpleasant surprise
displeasure or disgust, expression ofɛ̌!interjinterjection expressing displeasure
disputentsaŋ1ndisputePɛk ḿbɔ́ ntɔ́Ꞌ ńzáꞋ ntsaŋ.We were at the chief's palace settling a dispute.fɛꞋndispute, disagreement, argumentPɛk m̀bɔ́ ntɔ́Ꞌ ńzáꞋ fɛꞋ.We were at the chief's palace settling a dispute.mɛlaꞋndispute, disagreement (between two brothers)Pɛk m̀bɔ́ ntɔ́Ꞌ ńzáꞋ mɛlaꞋ.We were at the chief's palace settling a dispute.sáꞋ3ndispute ; palaver
disrupt, disturbḿbʉ́ʉpɛ 4vdisrupt, disturbPálɛ́ pʉ́ʉpɛ cúꞋlɛ.The madman disrupted the meeting.
dissolveɛ́shiɛmɛ 2var. dial.ɛ́sɛɛmɛv.idissolvePɛ́ laa ḿmaꞋ mbaŋ-fu tsɛt ŋki, ɛ́ shiɛmɛ.When one puts the medicine tablet into water, it dissolves.
dissolveɛ́sɛɛmɛ 1BbtBfdBjovar.dial. deɛ́shiɛmɛv.idissolvePɛ́ níꞋ mbaŋ-fu tsɛt ŋki, ɛ́sɛɛmɛ, la pɛ́ nɔ́.One puts the medicine tablet in water, it dissolves, and then one drinks it.
distanceŋga2ndistanceŊga-nɛfú MbuꞋndaa ŋ́kúu Sɔ́Ꞌ sak.The distance between Mbouda and Bamesso is long.
distantpast
distinguishedńtuŋv.stat be distinguished; distinguish
distinguishing marklii1 3dér.deńdiinoticendistinguishing mark, mark of ownershipŊu laa ŋ́gʉ tsɛtsɛt pɔ́ɔ-mvú ŋ́kaŋ wɛ táꞋ, a gɛ mɛlii mɛ́.When someone goes amid puppies and picks out one for himself, he puts his mark on it.
distractńtatɛv distractMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ tatɛ wɛk nɛ́ faꞋ.The children distract us from our work.
distract(a crying baby)ńcẅiitɛvdistract with funny gestures (a crying baby)
distress, cry out inńcʉ ŋguŋdér.deŋguŋ cry out in distress
distributeŋ́gaptɛ 1v.tdistribute, divide s.th. up
dive into waterŋ́gɛ mápɛ́ ŋkiex.id. dive into the water
divideŋ́gapv.tdivide, sharePɛ́ gap yɛ́nɛ́túkú mbɔ̌ yɛ́pá, ɛ́ gɛ́ yɛ́tát.Six divided by two equals three.ɛ́fakŋɛ1 1v.tdivide
divide in twoŋ́gap nji yɛ́pádér.deŋ́gap halve, split in two
divinationŋgáandivination; charlatanism.Ḿbɔ́ ŋgáa fúklɛ́ pʉɔ tɛ pɔ́p gɛ yúu kɛpɔŋ.Divination can fool people into doing wrong
divine using a scropionńtsɔ́Ꞌ ŋgáaforme comp. non-spéc deńtsɔ́Ꞌ1 1removeŋgáadivinationex.id.devine (using a scorpion)Traditional divination practice whereby certain things are arranged around a scorpion hole and then covered for a time before removing the covering in order to interpret the signs, i.e., what the scorpion has moved.
diving beetle, predaceousmanɛlɛ́ɛŋkin.cpredaceous diving beetleDytiscidae
divisionfyakŋɛndivision, separation
dizzy (stative verb)ɛ́fʉ̈ɔplɛv.statbe dizzy, light-headedMɔ́ɔ ẅi a lɔɔ ŋ́kwɛ́t yúu sʉ́Ꞌnɛ pɔ́, fʉ̈ɔplɛ paꞋ tɛꞋ.The child who does not eat well is often light-headed.
do ahead of timeńzáꞋ njí ŋ́gɛdér.deńzáꞋ1 take measures beforehand prepare by doing...
doctor, medicalndɔ́ktandoctor, nurse
dodderlǎplǎp-ŋkwɛndér.delǎplǎpsyn.n.adodderCuscuta australis
do errandsɛ́shɛp mɛnuexpr.id.deɛ́shɛpnu2question, affair, problemex.id.take care of one's affairs, do some personal errands
dogmɔ̂mvúndogMɔ̂mvú jí mɔ́ɔ, ḿbɔ́ mɔ̂mvú pɔɔ mɔ́ɔ nɛ́m.If a dog knows a child, it will not bite him.Canis lupus familiaris
dog, wildlakʉ̈ɔpnAfrican wild dog or hyenaCrocuta crocuta ou Lycaon pictus
do heartilyńníꞋ tʉ́m (yú) nǔuv do something with all one's heart, heartily
doingŋgɛ̌nɛnway of doingŊgɛ̌nɛ mɛnu kɛpɔŋ mɛ́ ńtáa ŋ́gɛ a pɛ́.His sins will cause him to perish.
dollarndɔ́laAnglaisn5 franc CFA coinSɛ́sẅíi, ga táꞋ mbɛlɛ̂t nǔu ŋkʉ fɛlâŋ nɛ́ ndɔ́la yɛtaa mbɔ̌ mɔ!Please me 125 franc loaf of bread! Litt. for 100 francs with 25 five-franc coins)Pɛ́ lɔ ɛ́fɛn túꞋ-mákala ndɔ́la nɛgɛ́m.A beignet (puff-puff ang. loc.) is sold for 50 francs.
domesticateŋ́kúkŋɛ 2v.tdomesticate, tame
dominationntʉ̈ɔꞋndomination, submission Fɔɔ cẅíɛ láꞋ yɔ́p, pɔ́p pɛ́m ntʉ̈ɔꞋ yɛ.The chief took their village and they submitted.nɔtndominationNɔt faꞋ-ŋgaŋŋkáp nǔu mbúŋ.Domination is the work of the rich over the poor.
donkeynjakáashiPidginndonkeyEquus asinus
do notlɔɔaux.nég.aspdo/does not usually, neverNdaandaa lɔɔ ńtɛ́m ŋu sɛ́ pɔ́.Taking it easy one never falls.
don'tkɔɔ kíidér.dekɔɔDon't... anymore !Kɔɔ kíi ŋ́kíi!Don't cry anymore!
don't!kɔɔimp.negDo not...! (imperative verb negator)
doorpáa-kʉ́ŋɛ́-ndásyn.n.adoorntsundácmp.dentsumouthndáhousen.cdoor
doorframe, vertical part ofŋgɛp-ndásyn.ndoorframe, or more exactly the vertical parts of the doorframe
door frontmɛcẅɛtndoor front
doorleafkʉ́ŋɛdér.deŋ́kʉŋɛndoor (leaf)
dormousepaŋmɛtuꞋcmp.deḿbaŋmɛtuꞋn.cdormouse (woodland or African)Pɛ́ m̄bɔ́ ŋkámbi, ńtɔɔ paŋmɛtuꞋ ńdɔk ŋ́gɛ fu-ntsɔ́p nǔu mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́.Formerly, on roasted the dormouse over an open fire to make the cure for kwashiokor in children.Graphiurus murinus
do something not to be believedɛ́sɔp shʉ́ɔexpr.id.deɛ́sɔpshʉ́ɔex.id.do something not to be believed, exaggerateNdɔ́ŋ laa ŋ́gʉ tɛt ńjúk ɛ́faꞋ tɛ ŋ́kúu ntsuŋkẅɛ́Ꞌ mbɔ a sɔp shʉ́ɔ ḿbáatɛ mɔ́ɔ.If a lazy person goes to the farm and works all day until evening, know that he killed the elephant and its young. (That is to say, it is not to be believed that a lazy bones would do such a thing. He's exaggerating.)
DoualaNdwállan.propDoualaNɛzáa pʉɔ lɔ ŋ́gʉ ńnáŋ Ndwálla nɛtáŋ mɛtáa.Many people move to Douala to become merchants/sell things.
doubtḿmʉktɛvdoubtMɔ sɛ́ ḿmʉktɛ ŋgɔ súu waa gʉ ńtɔ́ lɔꞋnɛ.I doubt that my friend is going to come today.
dovepuutɛmbɛ́lcmp.depuutɛpigeonn.cdove; wild pigeonTerron waaliapuutɛmɔ́nzun.cdove ; wild pigeoncolombia unicincta
do(verb)ŋ́gɛ2v.t do, make
downncʉ́aprép.dirdown, downwards, downhillncaaprép.dirdownhill, downsɛ́1 2ndown
downspoutnɛŋɛ́lvar. lib.nɛŋɛ́llɛ́var. dial.var. dial.nɛŋɛ́nndownspoutnɛŋɛ́nBbtBfdBjovar. lib.var. lib.nɛŋɛ́nɛ́var.dial. denɛŋɛ́ldownspoutndownspoutnɛŋɛ́llɛ́var.lib.denɛŋɛ́lndownspoutnɛŋɛ́nɛ́var.lib.denɛŋɛ́nBbtBfdBjodownspoutndownspout
do wrongɛ́faanɛ nudér.deɛ́faanɛex.id.do wrong (to s.o.)A faanɛ nu ḿbɛn ḿbɛ́m, mbíꞋŋgɔ a lɔk gát ńcẅɛɛ ŋkáp-ŋu.He wronged s.o. et acknowledged it, for he took someone's money by fraude.
dozeɛ́fʉ njʉɔexpr.id.denjʉɔex.id.doze (off), take a catnapMaŋgɛ́ zʉ́Ꞌ naŋ tɛ ŋ́káa, ńnáŋ sɛ́ nɛtsɛ́n-tʉ́, ɛ́fʉn jʉɔThe woman cultivated a field until she got tired, sat down at the base of a tree and dozed off.
dragńtʉ̈ɔꞋtɛv.t drag or pullPɛ́ tʉ̈ɔꞋtɛ ŋgaŋ-gɔɔ ḿbɔ́k nɛvu sɛ́.A sick person is pulled (or dragged) for fear of his falling.ńtáatɛv.tdrapN táatɛ paa ndá.I dragged the sack home.
drag one's feetɛ́shuŋ mɛkucmp.deɛ́shuŋ2ex.id.drag one's feetńdáamɛ́ 2v.i drag one's feet, coast along lazilyńnɛn ɛ́shúŋ mɛku sɛ́dér.deńnɛnsyn.v shuffle
drag one's feetńjɔt mbʉʉex.id.act slowly, drag one's feet
dragonflyluu2ndragonfly; dragonflySubordre anisoptera
drainńzatv.tdrain, shake off water or dirt
dramazazaꞋ 1dér.deńzazaꞋworryndrama
drawńtúꞋv draw ( water)ńdɔkv.tdrawGaŋsɛkút sɛ́ ńdɔk táꞋ tʉ́ tsɛt mɛŋwaꞋnɛ mɔ́p.The schoolchildren are drawing a tree in their notebooks.
drawingfútu 2ndrawing, picture or imageMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ lɔ ŋ́kɔŋ nɛmákɛ́ pɛfútu.Children like colouring pictures.
draw ; underlineɛ́sáa2v.tdraw or trace a line, underlineMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ lɔ sáa ŋkaŋ nǔu zán mɛgaa mɔ́p.Les enfants tracent souvent les lignes sur l'esplanade de leurs jeux.
draw(verb) waterɛ́shɔ́k (ŋki)var. lib.ɛ́shʉ̈ɔ́kv.tdraw or scoop out(water)Pɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk gʉ̈ɔ́lɛ́ ɛ́shɔ́k ŋki.One uses a cup of calabash to draw water
drawwaterntúꞋŋkin.cdrawer of water
dreamńdɛ́ njʉɔdér.deńdɛ́syn.vhave a dream, dreamMɔ́ɔ lɛ́ njʉɔ kɛ́puŋ, ḿvúkɛ ḿbɔ́ ŋ́kíi.The child had a bad dream and jumped up crying.
dream, visionnjʉɔndream, visionNdɛ́ njʉɔ.I had a dream.
dresskɔbavar.lib.dekabankaba dressKɔba lɔ ḿbɔŋ nǔu maŋgɛ́ shǔutɛ.The kaba dress is good on a pregnant woman.ńzẅík2v.t put on (pants)
dress traditionallyŋ́kẅii mbʉʉdér.deŋ́kẅii1 dress up (in a special traditional outfit)Pɛndɛ kẅii mbʉʉ yɔp la ŋ́gʉ ńnaŋ nɛgwaŋ-pɛkɛ́m.The noblemen got dressed up in traditional outfits before going to sit in the section for the nobility.
dress (v)ḿmaꞋ ndẅíexpr.id.deḿmaꞋndẅíex.id.put on clothes, get dressedŊu laa ḿmaꞋ ndẅí sʉ́Ꞌnɛ, ńtɔꞋ ndâa cɔꞋ, ḿbɔ́ ɛ́ ŋ́gẅɛɛtɛ wɛ́.If someone wears nice clothes and puts on an attractive hat, he'll look good.
dried maize (corn) cakekɛkaa ndwɛnforme comp. non-spéc dekɛkaamaize_cakendwɛn 1oldsyn.ndried maize (corn) Pɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk pɛ́p-ŋgʉŋ ŋ́gɛ kɛkaa ndwɛn. Ɛ́ pɔɔ lʉʉ.Foo-foo corn flour is used to make dried maize (corn) cake. It is not sweet. This dish is prepared with milled dry maize (corn), the same flour with which one can make foo-foo corn.
drinkmɛluꞋ 2ndrink or beverageńnɔ́ 1v.tdrink
drinkernnɔ́mɛluꞋcmp.deńnɔ́ 1drinkmɛluꞋ 1winedér.deńnɔ́ 1drinkmɛluꞋ 1winen.vdrinker (not necessarily in excess)
drinkingnɔ́nɛadj.vdrinkingŋki nɔ́nɛdrinking water
drink(sweet)mɛluꞋ lʉʉnɛforme comp. non-spéc demɛluꞋsyn.nsweet drink, sweet mimbo (local English), soda pop (US), fizzy drink (UK), Includes fruit juices and carbonated non-alcoholic beverages.
dripńcʉ́ɔtɛ 1v.idripńcyɔ́tɛv drip
drip(verb)ńcʉ́ɔ pɛtyak pɛtyakexpr.id.deńcʉ́ɔ 1reachtyakdropvcome out drop by drop, drip
drive (livestock)ńtsiinɛ 2vlead or drive (a herd of cattle or a flock of sheep)
drivershuŋmatúwacmp.deɛ́shuŋ2pullmatúwaautomobilen(car) driver
drive(verb) a carɛ́shuŋ matúwadér.deɛ́shuŋ2syn.vdrive a car
droolmɛlẅilẅindroolMɔ́ɔ lɔ ńdɛ́ tɛ mɛlẅilẅi cẅɛt ntsu wɛ́.Often a child sleeps until drool comes out of his mouth.
droptyakndropTyak-mɛgwɛ́t pʉʉpɛ pák-ŋwaꞋnɛ.The drop of oil ruined the page (of the notebook).
drop s.th.ńná yúu ḿvú sɛ́dér.deńnáv.sdrop s.th.
drumkáashindrum, barrelPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk káashi ńdʉɔtɛ ŋki yi ɛ́ fúnɛ nɛŋɛ́lɛ́.One collects water that comes from the rain gutter in a barrel.sɛm1ntall drum
drum, hourglasslɛmbiindrum; hourglass drumPɛ́ lɔ ɛ́fɛ́plɛ lɛmbii nɛgáplɛ la ḿbúꞋ. One tightens the hourglass drum before playing it..
drum, small tam-tammɔ́ɔsɛmn.csmall tam-tam drum
drunkardpálɛ́-mɛluꞋsyn.n.adrunk(ard)
drunkard, alcoholicnɛ́nɔ́mɛluꞋcmp.deńnɔ́ 1drinkmɛluꞋ 1winen.cdrunkard, alcoholic
drunkard, be aḿvɛp nǔu mɛluꞋdér.deḿvɛp nǔusyn.vbe a drunkard, a wine-biber
drunk, beḿbá mɛluꞋdér.deḿbáex.id.be drunkŊu pá mɛluꞋ tɛ ńtsʉ́Ꞌ ńnɛn ńjɔ́mtɛ jɔ́mtɛ́nɛ.The man became so drunk that he wandered around aimlessly.
dryńzúplɛ 1v.statbe dry/ dry out (but not to the point of becoming hard), aridMbɛlɛt laa ńnáŋ lɛ́Ꞌ pɛ́pá kɛ pɛ́tát ɔ́ɔ, mbɔ ɛ́ gʉ ńzúplɛ. Lá, ḿbɔ́ pɛ́ lɔk ńnɔ́ kafíi.If bread is left two or even three days, it will dry out some, but one may still have it with coffee.ńtẅiɛ2v.t dry (refers the action of drying corn in the granary by a smoky wood fire)zúunɛ́adj.vdryshú zúúnɛ́dry fish (dried fish)
dryerŋkyɛt2nshelter for drying grain, etc.
dry partiallyńtsẅíivdry partially (neither wet nor dry)
dry seasonŋká-luuforme comp. non-spéc deŋká1luu1heatsyn.ndry seasonŊká luu lɔ ńzɛ nǔu pɛsaŋ nɛgɛ́m.The dry season usually starts in October.
dry(verb)ɛ́shí 2vdry (up)
DschangTsaŋn.propDschang, city and capital of Menoua Division in the West RegionPɛ́ m̄bɔ́ ŋká mbí ŋ́ŋak ntsaŋ Tsaŋ.Formerly, disputes were judged in Dschang.
duckndɔkfáwɛlɛnduckAnas spp.
ducksaladkuꞋúŋkicmp.dekuꞋúŋki2 1watern.cducksaladHeteranthera callifolia
duikerŋgápnduiker (black-fronted)Ŋgáp fí mɔ̂mbí.The duiker looks like the goat.Silvicapra grimmia, cephalophus negrifonsmɔ́cẅinduiker (blue)Mɔ́cẅi tʉʉ sɛ́ páꞋ mɔ́ɔ-mɔ̂mbí, lá ḿbaŋ paŋnɛ. A lɔ ŋ́kʉ̈ɔ ndyɔ́llɛ tɛꞋ. Pɛ́ lɔ ŋ́kwɛ́t.The duiker stands at the same height as a goat kid, but it's yellowish (to reddish) in colour. It runs a lot. One eats it.Sylvicapra grimmia, Cephalophus spp., Philantomba monticola
duiker, bluentsánblue duikerNtsá kʉ̈ɔk nǔu ntsúꞋmbʉʉ ńtsá mɔ̂cẅi. A lɔ ŋ́kwɛt nɛgíi páꞋ mɔ̂mbí.The blue duiker is smaller in size than the (common or Grimm's) duiker. It grazes on grass like the goat.Philantomba monticola
dull, beńtswɛn 1v.statbe dullNíi tswɛn.The cutlass is dull.
dull (not sharp), beŋ́kum 1v.ibe dull (blade)
dung beetlefuꞋmbɛ́tvar. lib.fuꞋfuꞋmbɛ́tndung beetleHeliocopris spp., Scarabaeus laticollis
dung beetlefuꞋfuꞋmbɛ́tcmp.defuꞋfuꞋvar.lib.defuꞋmbɛ́tn.cdung beetleHeliocopris spp.
dustpɛ́pɔ́pvar. lib.var. lib.pɛ́pɛ́pndustPɛ́pɔ́p záa ŋká luuThere is much dust in the dry season.
dust devilshʉ́kwɛtBbtBfdBjovar.dial. deshíkwɛtwhirlwind, dustdevilndust devel
dwarftâtuꞋcmp.detátfatherńtuꞋshortn.cdwarf (male)TâtúꞋká kuꞋ nɛpɛ́ɛ tsɔ́Ꞌ mɛcwɛt-ndá.The dwarf is not able to take the key from over the door.mátuꞋcmp.demá2motherńtuꞋshortn.cdwarf (female)kɛkʉ̈ɔꞋ-ŋusyn.n.adwarf, midget
dyeńjẅɛp1v.t dyePɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk nɛpi ńjẅɛp mɛndẅí mba mɛpaa.The cola is used to dye clothing and even sacks.
dyingnɛpfú1v.nomdying, death
dysenterytsɔ́pɔ́ndysentaryTsɔ́pɔ́ ka gáanɛ́ pʉɔ ŋká mbi paꞋ tɛꞋ.Dysentery seriously harassed people in former times.A disease characterized by acute diarrhea accompanied by blood, pus or mucus in the stools, vomitting and flatulence.saakɔ́Ꞌndysentery, diarrhoea with blood