L
laalikwɛ́nkwɛ́nɛdér.deŋ́kwɛ́ngroann.vlaali danceThe name comes from the fact that the dance music sounds like quick, short groans.
labourńnɛ́mɛ́v.stat be in labourMaŋgɛ́ sɛ́ ńnɛ́mɛ́.The woman is in labour.
labourer, dayŋgaŋpambɛn.cday labourer
labour, forcednjɔ̂ɔkmáshín.cforced labourThis term dates from the German colonial period.
lackńzákvar.lib.deńjáklackv.tlack
lack(verb)ńjákvar. lib.var. lib.ńzákv lack
ladletuꞋuntraditional ladlePɛ́ ka pɔ́ ńdɔk tuꞋu ŋ́gap yúujʉ́ ŋkámbí.The traditional ladle was used formerly to serve food.
lakenɛtʉ̌ŋŋkivar. lib.var. lib.nɛkʉ̌ŋŋkinlakeNɛtʉ̌ŋŋki ká pɔ́ tsɛt ŋgɔŋ-mbɔ́ndaa pɔ́.There aren't any lakes in the Ndaa country.
lambmɔ́ɔ-njinjɔforme comp. non-spéc demɔ́ɔ 2animal youngnjinjɔsheepsyn.n.alamb
lamp, old-fashioned villagetúlúkáŋnold-fashioned village lampIt consists of a tin or glass jar equipped with a wick. The container holds the fuel (kerosene/parafin).
languagesẅíŋɛ 3dér.deɛ́sẅíŋɛnlanguage
large stack of woodkwɛ́l-ntsẅíicmp.dekwɛ́lsyn.nlarge stack or pile of wood
larvasʉꞋsɛ́var. dial.var. dial.shʉꞋsɛ́ncayor worm, mango worm, larva of the tombo/tumbu flySʉꞋsɛ́ ŋ́kúu nǔu zɛ-kúu nẅɛnɛThe larva (of the tombo fly) will get into damp sheets.Cordylobia anthophagambíinweevil worm, larva of the red palm weevilMbíi lɔ ńjẅí ŋgɔ́.Red palm weevil larvae kill raphia palm groves.Rhynchophorus raffia palm
larynxmɔ̂ndɛ́ 2dér.dendɛ́ 1tracheanlarynx, voice box
lastndẅiknzʉʉcmp.deńdẅiklɛ (nɛgɛ)end upnzʉʉ 1behinddér.deńdẅiklɛ (nɛgɛ)end upnzʉʉ 1behindn.cthe lastŊwaꞋnɛ-Sɛ́ cú ŋgɔ pɛluŋmbi ńdáꞋ ńtsʉ́Ꞌ pɛlẅiknzʉʉ.The Bible says that the first will be the last.ndiknzʉʉn.clastYɔ ndiknzʉʉ.This is the last.ńdáatɛv last, linger onKɔɔ láatɛ nɛpɛn!Don't linger on before returning.zɔ́n 1var. dial.var. dial.zɔ́ɔadv.ttomorrow (with a future tense) or yesterday (with a past tense)Mɔ ŋ́gʉ mɛtáa zɔ́n.I'm going to go to the market tomorrow.Mɔ ŋ̀gʉ mɛtáa zɔ́n.I went to the market yesterday.
last/nextláanɛadv.tlast or next (depending on the tense of the verb)A ńdɔ ńtɔ́ ŋguꞋ láanɛ.He will come next year.
lateriteŋkwáláꞋlɛnlaterite soil
late(vstat)ńdíiv.statbe late
laughhahahaidnoble laugh - hahahaFɔɔ lɔɔ ŋgwɛ ŋgɔ hahaha.Le roi rit que hahaha.
laundress or launderersuk-ndẅísyn.nlaunderer/laundress
lawnɔŋŋgɔŋ 2nlaw of the land
lawbreakerfaanɛnɛpʉ́ʉcmp.deɛ́faanɛnɛpʉ́ʉ1dér.deɛ́faanɛnɛpʉ́ʉ1n.clawbreaker, offender
lawyerntɔɔnzʉʉcmp.dentɔ́ɔnzʉʉ 1behindn.clawyer
lax or slack, beńtsɔɔ 1vbe lax, slack
lay asideḿbaꞋnɛ 1vécarter
lay a snareńdʉꞋ ŋkʉv.t lay a snare using a rope or wireńtáa ŋkʉexpr.id.deńtáa3premeditate (an act)ŋkʉ2 3snare, trapex.id.set a trap, lay a snare
lay eggsńnyɔ mbuudér.deńnyɔlay eggs
layernɛgupnlayer, compartment
lay out (goods)ɛ́saŋtɛ1v.tspread outSaŋtɛ mɛndẅi-mɔ́ɔ nǔu ŋkʉ.Spread (hang) the child's clothes on the the line.
lay-snarendʉꞋŋkʉforme comp. non-spéc deńdʉꞋ gwakset a trapŋkʉ2 3snare, trapnsnare layer, i.e., someone who lays snares (wire or cord) to catch animals
lazyndɔ́ŋ4dér.deńdɔ́ŋnlazy person
lazy, beńdɔ́ŋv.stat be lazy
lazybonespfúnɛ́pɔ́ndɛ́mcmp.deḿpfúdienɛ́2pɔ́1handndɛ́mbuttockexpr.id.deḿpfúdienɛ́2pɔ́1handndɛ́mbuttockn.clazy person, like someone who sitts on their hands
leadmapítunleadMapítu, ɛ́ tʉ́n pɔ́tnɛ́nɛ.Lead is a soft metal.ḿbɔ́ tú mbidér.dembi2syn.vlead, be at the head of
leadersáꞋ2nleader, director (of...)Pɛ́ pɔ́ ntɔ́Ꞌ Sɔ́Ꞌ ḿbɔ́ ńtsẅíkŋɛ́ pasáꞋ lúŋ ŋkʉ́ŋkʉ́ ndǔ kɔꞋ.One was at the Bamesso chief's palace setting up the leaders of a 'political?' association.ntʉ́ʉmbivar. lib.var. lib.tʉ́ʉmbicmp.deńtʉ́ʉ1mbi2dér.deńtʉ́ʉ1mbi2n.cleader, authoritytʉ́ʉmbi 1var.lib.dentʉ́ʉmbistand-beforenleader, director
leaf outńtɔ́p1v.i leaf out, sprout new leavessynŋ́kẅík
leakńcú1vleak or dripMbaŋ-tẅín tsɔ́Ꞌnɛ nǔu tú-ndá, ɛ́ cú. If a nail has pulled out of a roof, it leaks.
leanńjɔŋɛvlean (over)Mɔ́ɔ jɔŋɛ ḿvu sɛ́.The child leaned over and fell down.
lean backḿbɛt 2vpencher en arrière
lean (on)ńjɔ́Ꞌnɛ́ (nǔu)v lean on
lean onńjʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌnɛv.i lean onMɔ́ɔ jʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌnɛ́ nzɔꞋ-má wɛ.The child leaned on his mother's breast.
learnernzíꞋŋwaꞋnɛ 1cmp.deńzíꞋŋwaꞋnɛn.clearner, student, pupil
leash, metalŋkʉ-tẅíŋsyn.nfil d'attache
leatherŋgup 2nleather, hide
leaveńnáv.tleave, let (go)
leave a messageńná cúdér.deńnáex.id.deliver/leave a message
leave in a hurryńtɛ́mv.ileave or get out of somewhere in a hurry
leave s.o. aloneńtík ŋu sɛ́dér.deńtík sɛ́ leave someone aloneTík wáa sɛ́!Leave me alone!
leavingnɛtswɛt 2BbtBfdBjovar.dial. denɛcẅɛtexitnleaving, going out, exiting
leekpualɔ̂ 1poirrotnleekAlium porrum var.
leftpɔ́ ŋkẅɛpmɛdér.depɔ́1syn.nleft, to or on the left, ŋkẅɛpmɛ 1nleft
leftyŋkẅɛpmɛ 2nlefty, left-handed person, southpaw
leg, animalntáa-naasyn.nleg of an animal
lemonsitɛlɔ̂ŋFrançaisnlemonCitrus limonia
lemon treetʉ́-sitɛlɔ̂ŋdér.desitɛlɔ̂ŋnlemon treeCitrus limonia
lender (money)fɔŋkáp 1cmp.defɔ 1loanŋkápmoneyn.cmoney lenderFɔŋkáp lɔ ŋ́kɛ́ ḿbɔ́ pɔ́ tǎamɛnu.A money lender is alway someone with
lend (verb)ɛ́fɔ 1v.tlend (to someone)
lentilnɛzíi-ndásyn.nlentil, cross-piece over a doorway
leopard skinŋgup-naaŋgwɛ / ŋgup-ŋgwɛsyn.nleopard skin
leopard skin, fakeŋgup-naaŋgwɛ káanɛdér.deŋgup-naaŋgwɛ / ŋgup-ŋgwɛsyn.nimitation leopard skin
leperŋgaŋŋkaꞋpápn.cleperŋgaŋkaꞋpápn.c(skin) leperŊkaꞋpáp lɔ ḿbʉʉpɛ ŋgup-mbʉʉ-ŋu. Leprosy often ruins the skin of a person.ŋgaŋŋkaꞋ1 1nleperŋgaŋŋkaꞋ2dér.deŋkaꞋnleper
leprosyŋksaꞋpápn.cskin leprosy (with spots visible)ŋkaꞋnleprosyŊkaꞋ gɔɔ kɛpɔŋ. Leprosy is a bad illness.
leprosy, dryŋkaꞋzúplɛcmp.deŋkaꞋleprosyńzúplɛ 1drydér.deŋkaꞋleprosyńzúplɛ 1dryn.cdry leprosy
leprosy, runnyŋkaꞋŋkiŋkicmp.deŋkaꞋleprosyŋki2 1watern.crunny leprosy (where liquid runs from the sores)
let a field lie fallowńcaklɛ naŋexpr.id.deńcaklɛ2naŋfield with raised planting bedsex.id.let a field lie fallowNɛcaklɛ náŋ ɛ́ nɛná táꞋ ŋguꞋ mba ŋguꞋ yɛ́tát la ńzʉ́Ꞌ.Leting a field lie fallow is to leave it for a year or even three before cultivating it.
let s.th. gońtsɔ́Ꞌ mbɔ́ nǔu 2ex.id.let s.th. go
letter (of the alphabet)lík-ŋwaꞋnɛdér.delík1ŋwaꞋnɛsyn.nletter (of the alphabetPɛ́ tɛmtɛ mík-ŋwaꞋnɛ, ɛ́ gá kɛm-nu.Letters are put together to make a word.
lettucenzap-lʉ̈ɔ́kɛsyn.nlettuce
level, beńdaŋtɛv.stat be level
level, floor, slabndík2nlevel, slab, floorŊu tʉʉ ndǔ ndá-ndik, ḿbɔ́ ńdíŋɛ́ pʉɔ sɛ́.Someone stands on a multi-story building looking down on the people below.
level the road (remove bumps)ŋ́kwak sɛ̂ndúŋforme comp. non-spéc deŋ́kwak2prunesɛ̂ndúŋtrailv.t level a road by removing the little bumps/lumps
level(verb), grade(verb)ɛ́saŋtɛ2 3v.tlevel, grade and/or widenŊgɔ́mna saŋtɛ sɛ̂ndúŋ . Ɛ́ gɔ ŋ́gúꞋ, mɛŋkɔ́Ꞌ cẅɛtɛ.The government graded and widened the road. As it got wider the hills got less steep.
liarntáŋmɛlaa 1cmp.deńtáŋ 2bargainmɛlaaliedér.deńtáŋ 2bargainmɛlaalienliarŋgaŋmɛlaadér.demɛlaalienliarŊgaŋmɛlaa lɔɔ ŋ́kẅíitɛ nu a ǹcúnɛ zɔ́n pɔ́. The liar doesn't remember what he said yesterday.ŋgaŋcɔ́tnudér.decɔ́tnulien.cliar
lid dropping into dust or watermbɛponosound of a (pot) lid dropped in the dust or into water - "plop"Njʉʉnɛ-mbáŋ vú tsɛt pɛpɛp ŋgɔ mbɛp.The pot cover fell with a plop.
liecɔ́tnudér.deńcɔtnun.cliesynmɛlaamɛlaanlie(s), falsehood(s)syncɔ́tnuńcɔtnuv tell a liesynńtáŋ mɛlaa
lie down; stretch outńnɔɔnɔɔnɛdér.deńnɔɔvlie down, stretch out
lie flat on one's bellyńnɔɔ zɛzɛdér.deńnɔɔ lie flat on one's belly
lie prostrate, face downńnɔɔ kɛ́pkɛ́pdér.deńnɔɔ lie down face to the ground, prostrate one's self
lie(tell falsehood)ńtáŋ mɛlaadér.deńtáŋ 2bargainmɛlaalieexpr.id.deńtáŋ 2bargainmɛlaaliesyn.vlie, deal in liesA taŋ mɛlaa.He lies. synńcɔtnu
lifeluknlifeLuk-ŋumɛ́sɔŋ cɔ́kThe life of a human being is dear.
lift(several things)ŋ́ŋáꞋtɛ1 1v.lablift up or off (several things)Fɛfʉ̈ɔt lɛɛ ŋ́ŋáꞋtɛ mɛzîŋ nǔu tú-ndá.The wind passed by and lifted up several corrugated aluminum panels on the roof.
lift(up or off)ŋ́ŋáꞋ 1v.tlift (up or off)Pɛ́ ŋáꞋ nzɛkɛ-nɛkʉŋ.One lifts the cover off the kettle.synńtsɔ́Ꞌ1 1
lift up (without taking off)ŋ́ŋáꞋtɛ2v.ilift up without coming off
lightńdyɛt 2v.t light (a fire), turn on (a light)A lyɛt múk.He/she has lighted the fire.A lyɛt múk-láatɛli.He turned on a(n electric) light.
light a fireńniitɛ múkv.i light the fire
light (cigarette)ńtɔɔnɛdér.deńtɔɔnɛv.tsmoke (a cigarette)
lightningḿmaꞋ pɛpaꞋforme comp. non-spéc deḿmaꞋpɛpaꞋmbʉŋv.igive off flashes of lightningMbʉŋ sɛ́ ḿmaꞋ pɛpaꞋ.The rain is giving off flashes of lightning.nyinyi-mbʉŋnlightning
lightningpɛpaꞋnlightningpɛpaꞋmbʉŋn.clightning flash
light-skinned foreignermɛkátnlight-skinned foreigner, white man
light upŋ́kyɛꞋ1v light or illuminate, reveal
lightweight, beńzaŋɛ 1v.stat be/become light(weight)ŊwaꞋnɛ zaŋɛ.Paper is light.
likenjɔ1conjlikeḾbɔ́ mbɔ́ɔtɛlɛ nɛ́ mbaŋ-mɔ̂nzu tsɛtú gẅɛɛ ŋkán njɔ gwak.A bottle with a peanut inside can catch a monkey like a trap.páꞋconjlike, as; when
like, loveŋ́kɔŋ 1vlike, love
like thatpɔ́Ꞌɔadvlike that (referring to something already mentioned), thus(ly)
like that (far away)pɛ́Ꞌɛadvlike that (other one), referring to something not near at hand,
like that other onepɛ́Ꞌnɛadvlike thatRefers to something somewhat far from speaker.
like thispáꞋnɛ 1advlike thispáꞋa1advlike this (referring to something near at hand)
limestonembʉ́ɔ-mɛnʉ́ʉnlimestone
limittálnlimitńdẅiklɛ 1v.tlimitndẅiklɛnboundary, limits
limp (v)ŋ́kʉ̈ɔꞋ 1vlimpMɔ́ɔ waa kɛ́ ḿbɛt ŋ́kʉ̈ɔꞋ kʉ̈ɔꞋnɛ mbíꞋ páꞋ a ǹdʉ́ɔnɛ nǔu mbásɛku, lá ɛ́ gʉ ḿmɛ.My child is still limping because he injured himself (had an accident) on a bicycle, but he'll get over it.
lintel topmɛcẅɛt-ndásyn.nlintel topƐ́ ḿbɔ́ ŋkámbi,pɛ́ pɔ́ ńdẅɛꞋ tsɔ́Ꞌ mɛcẅɛt-ndá.In the past on kept the key on top of the lintel.
lionpúꞋntʉʉn.clionPanthera leo
lips, gesture withŋ́ŋẅɛt ntsuforme comp. non-spéc deŋ́ŋẅɛtsyn.vgesture with the lips
liquidyŋkǐŋki 2adj. redupliquidy
liquor, cornkwattancorn liquor
listen to counselńzúꞋ ntiksyn.vlisten to advice/counsel (and follow it)
littemɔ́zʉꞋ 1cmp.dezʉꞋplacemɔ́ɔ 1childquanta little bit of
littlemɔ́cɛꞋmod.nlittleMɔ́cɛꞋ tɔ̂pɔ́.little fingermɔ̂mbaꞋadva little bitmɔ́ɔyúumod.nlittlemɔ́ɔmɔadjlittle
little bitmɔ́zʉꞋ 2cmp.dezʉꞋplacemɔ́ɔ 1childadva little bit, somewhat
little bit, just asmɔ́mɔzʉꞋn.cjust a little bit
little bits, inŋẅǐtŋẅǐt 2cmp.deŋ́ŋẅitadvin little bits
little brother or sisterntsʉ́Ꞌnzʉʉn.cyounger brother or sisterntsʉ́Ꞌnzʉʉ wɛ́ mɔ́ɔmbɛɛnɛyounger brother/little brotherntsʉ́Ꞌnzʉʉ wɛ́ maŋgɛ́younger sister/little sister
little fingermɔ́ɔncɔ́t-tɔ́pɔ́syn.nlittle finger, pinky
little one hasmɔ́kɛ́záan.quantthe little one hasMpfúk níꞋ wɛ mɔ́kɛ́záa tsɛt zʉꞋ-yúupɔꞋ.The widow put in the little she had into the offering.
little(thing)mɔ́ncɛ́Ꞌyúuadjlittle things, the least things
liveńduk2 2v.ilive, be alive, to be saved
livernɛpɛtʉʉcmp.denɛpɛ 1internal organńtʉʉ1 2hardenn.clivermbɛnliver
liver or lungnɛpɛ 1ninternal organ with lobes (liver or lung)The liver is 'hard' and the lung 'soft'.
living roomfɛlándanliving room, parlourḾbɔ́ pɛ́ cẅɛ́ɛ ŋgʉʉ tsɛt fɛlánda, ḿbɛn ńnáŋ zuꞋ ńjʉ́ yúu.One can receive guests in the parlour and stay there and eat.
lizardkúkúkvar.lib.dekɛ́kúklizardnlizard (generic)Kúkúk lɔ ŋ́kwɛ́t pɛsɛ́sʉ́ʉ.The lizard eats (biting) ants.kɛ́kúkvar. lib.var. lib.kúkúknlizard (generic)Kɛ́kúk lɔ ŋ́kwɛ́t sɛ́sʉ̌ʉ.The lizard eats stinging ants.
lizard, agamasáasɛkɔpnagama lizardAgama agama
loanfɔ 1nloan¡Pɛkŋɛ gʉ ńtsɔ́'Ꞌ fɔ-ŋkáp!Let'a go and pay back the loan!
lockjɔ́Ꞌ 2nlockńjɔ́Ꞌ1var. lib.var. lib.ńjʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌv.t lock, lock s.o. up or inPɛ́ lɔ ńjɔ́Ꞌ gáŋ-tsáŋ ntsuŋkwɛꞋ.Prisoners are locked up in the evening.kíiPidginnlock or keyńjʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌvar.lib.deńjɔ́Ꞌ1lockv.tlockŃjʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ ntsu-ndá.Lock the door.Texte du cuelleur de miel de Fokou ; sept 2012
locked, beńjɔ́Ꞌnɛv be closed / locked upNdá jɔ́Ꞌnɛ́ mbíꞋŋgɔ pʉɔ gʉ nɛkɛ́m nɛvuThe house is locked up because the people went to a funeral (death celebration).
locustŋgwɛl2nlocustsynŋgẅíimɛ́Schistocerca gregariaŋgẅíimɛ́nlocustPɛlʉ́m sẅíi wɛk ŋgɔ ŋgẅíimɛ́ ka láꞋ ḿvu láꞋ tɛ ńzáa, ŋ́kwɛ́t mɛfu-mɛtʉ́ tsʉʉ tsʉʉ.The old ones tell have told us that the locusts fell (long ago) on the village in great numbers and ate all the leaves off the trees.synŋgwɛl2Schistocerca gregaria
locust, green and inediblemálɛmcúŋcmp.deńdɛmsmell_badcúŋ very much (stink) n.ck. of green, inedible locustThe word ends in an ideophone that indicates that it gives off a stench when touched.
logfɛmmúkn.ca log that can keep aflame more than one dayIn the past, one kept a large log burning in the man's house of the compound for easy access to fire
longnɛsakv.nombeing long, length
long eyesɛsa lík / lík sɛsavar. lib.var. lib.mík sɛsa / sɛsa míkex.id.long eye, envy or jealousy of what someone else has
long-lastingpfúnánɛ́mɔ́ɔn.clong-lasting thing (which one can leave to ones children)La-Mɛzẅíinɛ pfuńanɛ́mɔ́ɔ.The bridge over Mezwiine Creek is a long-lasting thing.Lit. ' the deceased left to the child.'. The bridge in question goes back to 1918.
long (stative verb)ɛ́sak 1v.statbe long or tallTʉ́ mbɛ́lɛ sak tɛ ńdɛɛ.The blackfruit tree is very, very tall.antḿvúk
long , tallsɛsadér.deɛ́sak 1longadj.vlong, tall, far/distantSɛsa ndyɔŋ pɔŋ nǔu taŋ-ndá.Long raffia palm(bamboo) is good for the ceiling of a house.
longtimeńtswɛ́ (sɛ́) 3v.ipass or last a long timeTǎa pɛ́ tǎa ka tswɛ́ tsɛt gɔɔ pɛsaŋ tɛ ńzáa la ḿpfú.My paternal grandfather passed a long time being ill, up to many months. before he died.ntí gudér.dentí1a long time (ago)Ntí gu paꞋ tǎa mɔ pfúnɛ́.It was a long time ago that my father died..
long time, alaꞋ3aux.adva long timeƆ láꞋ ńnáŋ ḿbyɛ́p.You waited a long time.
lookńdíŋɛ 1vlook (at)synńjʉ́ɔ pɔ́-ŋulii1 2dér.deńdiinoticenlook; appearanceLii-ndẅí yɔ pɔŋ.This garment looks good.
look againḿbɛn ńdíŋɛsyn.vlook again
look at with desireńdʉŋɛ 2vlook at with longing, desire
look forńdɔɔ 1v.t look for
look for a way outńdɔɔ pɛɛtɛdér.deńdɔɔ look for pretexts ( get out of a difficult situation or avoid work
look for s.o.ńtsɔ́Ꞌ kuexpr.id.deńzáꞋ1cutku1footex.id.look for s.o.N tsɔ́Ꞌ ku ŋu a niitɛnɛ mɛkúu lá, ḿbɔɔ wɛ́ jʉ́ɔ.I looked for someone who makes beds without finding him.
look for troubleńták mɛfɛꞋforme comp. non-spéc deńták1troublefɛꞋdisputelook for trouble
look for trouble with someoneńták ŋu mɛfɛꞋforme comp. non-spéc deńták1troubleŋupersonfɛꞋdisputesyn.vlook for trouble with someone, provoke s.o.
look over carefullyɛ́sɛ́ɛBbtBfdBjovar.dial. deɛ́shíɛv.tsearch minutely or examine very carefullyNdʉ́m sɛ́ɛ tú-mɔ́ɔ ńdɔɔ ncɔt tsɛtú.The adult carefully examines the child's head looking for lice.It is about looking for very small things.
look with desireńdʉŋtɛ 2var.lib.deńdʉŋɛ 1aimv.tlook at with desire, gaze at longingly
loosentsɔɔdér.deńtsɔɔ 1be lax, slackmod.nslackard, lax personNtsɔ́ɔ mɔ̂suu lɔ ŋ́gɔ́ŋ pɔ tɔ́ɔ-ndá.The slackard youth just stays way inside the house.
loose, be or becomeńzuplɛ 2v.ibe or become/come looseMɔ́ɔ fú ŋkáꞋ ŋ́kút ntsẅíi, ŋ́kúu sɛ̂ndúŋ, mɛlyɔ zuplɛ.The child in leaving the field tied up the wood, getting on the road the cords came loose.
loosenńzuplɛ 1v.tbe loosenMámɔ́ɔ zuplɛ lyɔ nǔu nɛkaꞋ-ntsẅíi, la ɛ́sɔŋ.The grandmother loosened the cord on the bundle of wood before taking any out.ńdʉ̈ɔ́plɛv.i/v.statloosen or be loose
loosen, beńdʉ̈ɔ́plɛv.i/v.statloosen or be loose
lose bit by bit(verbe) ; dribbleɛ́sɔŋtɛv.ilose or drop out bit by bit, (to fray)Ŋgɛsáŋ nɛn tʉ́ matɔ́wa sɔŋtɛ.Le maïs s'est perdu petit à petit dans la voiture.
lose consciousnessḿbɛ́ jínu 1dér.dejínuḿbɛ́lose consciousness, faint
lose weightńtaŋ1v.i become skinny, shrink
loudŋgi gwɛ́dér.deŋgiloud noise
louse, headncɔtnhead louseFɔɔ-pɛŋkán gɔ́ ḿbɔ́ ŋ́kwɛ́t, pɛzwɛ́ pɛ́ pɔ́ ɛ́shyɛ́ cɔt nǔu wɛ́. Pediculus humanus capitis ; Ediculus humanus humanus
loutŋgwa2nlout, dishonest and unreliable jerk
lovekɔŋɛnloveŋkɔŋɛ 1dér.deŋ́kɔŋ 1like, lovenlove
loveseatgrasskɔŋkwɛ́tnɛgíi 1n.cstingy person, miserŊu laa ḿbɛɛ fuꞋ ḿbɔɔ lɔk ḿbɛn láꞋ pɔ́, mbɔ a kɔŋkwɛ́tnɛgíi.If someone discovers a treasure without bringing it back to the village (to share), then he's a stingy person.
lowerŋ́kɔkv.tlower, take downMaŋgɛ́ pɛn tɛt, ŋ́kɔk piꞋ tú yɛ́ ńtík sɛ́.The woman returned from the farm, took the burden down off her head and put it on the ground. ńcɔŋvlower
lower backlúꞋnlower back, small of the backPɛ́ júk ńzʉ́Ꞌ naŋ, ɛ́ gɛ ḿbɔ́ ntsuŋkwɛꞋ, lúꞋ ŋu záŋ.When one spends the day cultivating, by evening one has has an ache in the small of the back.This is a part of the back and not the organ called the kidney..
lower back paingɔɔ-lúꞋforme comp. non-spéc degɔɔlúꞋn.clower back (kidney) painGɔɔ-lúꞋ záa píi ŋkɔ̂nɛ, mbíꞋŋgɔ pɛ́ sɛ́ ɛ́faꞋ sɛ́sʉ́ʉ.Lower back pain is quite common around now because people are working a lot.
lower intensityŋ́kɛp 2var. lib.ŋ́kapv.i/v.statlower intensity, dimSaid of light.
lower parts of an animalnɛtsɛ́n-naaforme comp. non-spéc denɛtsɛ́n 1bottomnaaanimalsyn.n.alower parts of an animal (from the belly down to the feet)
lowlandfúꞋ2 1nvalley, lowland
luckypɔ̂ttú 1nlucky person
lukewarmńduꞋ 2vbe lukewarm
lukewarm, beḿbɔ́t 2v.statbe or become lukewarmPɛ́ tík ŋki ndǔ mɔ́nɛm, ɛ́ pɔ́t.When one put some water in the sun, it becomes lukewarm.
lumpnɛntwɛ́tnhard lump of cocoyam in achu that is not properly cookedtúꞋ1 2nlump or ball (of something), bar (of soap)Ɛ́ sɛ́ ḿbíkŋɛ́ ŋgɔ pɛ́ shɔt ŋgʉŋ nɛ́ tʉ́ʉ ńdɔk ḿbɔ́k mɛtúꞋ tsɛt ŋgʉŋ.It is necessary to stir the corn foo-foo very fast to avoid having lumps in it.Lɔk túꞋ-suk ńtɔ ŋ́gá mbɔ̌ pɛgʉʉ, pɔ́p lɔk ɛ́suk mbɔ́ la ńjʉ́ yúu.Bring the guests a bar of soap to wash their hands with before eating.ndɔ́ŋ1 2nlump, goose egg (bump)This sense has to do with a swelling on someone's body, often on the head.
lump on the he sur la têteŋkɔ́Ꞌndɔ́ŋvar. lib.var. lib.ŋkɔ́Ꞌ2cmp.deŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ1swellndɔ́ŋ1 1horndér.deŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ1swellndɔ́ŋ1 1hornngoose egg (bump), lit. lump-swellerŊu kẅii ŋkɔ́Ꞌndɔ́ŋ tú-súu nɛ, ndɔ́ŋ kɔ́Ꞌ nǔu tú yɛ́.Someone rapped his friend on the head with his knuckle, a real lump-sweller, and a goose egg (bump) came out (swelled) on his head.
lumpy(stative verb)ɛ́sɛɛv.statbe lumpy (achu)Kɛndǐi-cúꞋ sɛɛ.Pig bananas (which one puts in achu) are lumpy.
lungmbɛpɔ́t2cmp.dembɛliverḿbɔ́t 1be_weak, softn.clungnɛpɛpɔ́tcmp.denɛpɛ 1internal organḿbɔ́t 1be_weak, softdér.denɛpɛ 1internal organḿbɔ́t 1be_weak, softn.clung
lyenɛkinlye, traditional vinegarLye made in the village by passing water through wood ash. This is not a highly concentrated form of lye/caustic soda, but it is more alkaline than sodium bicarbonate.
lye filtertsʉʉnɛkin.clye (alkaline solution called traditional vinegar) filter/sieveOne places tree ashes into this kind of sieve and passes water through it to produce lye (traditional vinegar). The lye is then used in the prepartion of achu sauce or to remove corn (maize) kernal hulls in order to make cornchaff.