R
rabid dogpálɛ́ mɔ̂mvúsyn.nrabid dog
racendyɔ́lvar. lib.ndyɔ́llɛ́ncourse, race
radioladʉ̂ɔFrançaisvar.lib.deladyɔ̂radionradioPɛ́ lɔ ńzẅílꞋlɛ́ mɛŋkʉʉ tsɛt ladʉ̂ɔ.One follows the news on the radio.ladyɔ̂var. lib.var. lib.ladʉ̂ɔnradioPɛ́ lɔ ḿbʉ́ mɛvú nǔu ladyɔ̂.Deaths are announced on the radio.kúfɔm 2nslang word for radio or tape playerPɛ́ fúŋ ladíɔ ŋgɔ kúfɔm mbíꞋŋgɔ ɛ́ zɔt páꞋ kúfɔm zɔtnɛ tsɛt ntsẅíi. The radio is called 'carpenter ant' because it makes a rustling sound like the carpenter ants do (burrowing) in wood.
raffiakúknraffia palm nutKúk lɔ ɛ́sáꞋ, ḿbɔ́ mbi-ŋgɔ́.The raffia nut sprouts becoming the seed for the raffia palm.Raphia viviferanɛmvuꞋn(giant) raffiaNɛmvuꞋ lɔ ɛ́sáꞋ láꞋ-ŋkwaꞋ.The 'giant' raffia grows in coastland villages.This tree is thicker and taller than the dwarf raphia (ŋgɔ́). It no longer grows in the Ngomba area but may still be found in coastal regions of Cameroon.Raphia hookeri, Raphia fanifera.ŋká2ndwarf raffia (individual tree)Mɛtsɛ́n-ŋká kuꞋnɛ ŋgɔ́ tɛ ńzáa.Mature (ready to be tapped) raffia trees are plentiful in a raphia grove.
raffia fibersẅíknraphia branch fiber
raffia, new shootmbakɔpnnew raphia shootMɛtsɛn-ŋgɔ́ tɔ́k mbakɔp, ŋgɔ́ kẅíꞋWhen a raffia palm puts out a new shoot, the stand expands.Raphia sudanica
raffia nuts, budding oftúkúkn.ccluster of budding raffia nuts
raffia palm basenɛtsʉ́ʉbase (of a raffia palm)
raffia palm base (ready to be tapped for wine)nɛtsʉ́ʉ-ŋkáforme comp. non-spéc denɛtsʉ́ʉsyn.nraffia palm base (ready to be tapped for wine)
raffia palm (not yet mature) basenɛtsʉ́ʉ-ŋgɔ́forme comp. non-spéc denɛtsʉ́ʉsyn.nbase of a raffia palm (not yet mature)
raffia palm treenɛtsɛ́ŋ-ŋgɔ́cmp.deŋgɔ́syn.n.araffia palm treeThis is the expression for an individual raffia tree.
raffia, ripe (for tapping)lyɔŋvar.lib.dendyɔŋbamboo(raffia)nripe raffia ( ready to be tapped for wine)
raffia standŋgɔ́nbamboo (dwarf raffia) grove M maꞋ mbi-ŋgɔ́, ɛ́ sáꞋ mɛcẅiꞋ mɛcẅiꞋ.I planted raffia palm seeds and they came up in clumps.Kɔɔ pi ŋgɔ́ nɛ́ mbíi !Don't ever plant raffia palm with red palm weevil (inside)! Idiomatique expression meaning 'If you begin badly you'll end badly.'Comme le raphia nain pousse au bord de l'eau et dans les zones marécageuses, le mot est devenu synonyme de 'zone marécageuse'.raphia humilis
raffia tree, main surface of thelík-ŋgɔ́ 1dér.delík1n.ceye of the raphia tree - best place to tap the sap for wine-makingPɛ́ lɔ ńtɔ́k lyɔŋ pɔ nǔu lík-ŋgɔ́. One always pierces the eye of the raphia tree to extract wine.
raffia, young fibre stalk oftúsẅík 1cmp.desẅíkraphia_fibertúheadn.cyoung shoot of raffia fibre
ragscák-ndẅídér.decáksyn.n.arag(s), tattersLɔk mɛcák-ndẅí ɛ́fú mbi pʉɔ ŋ́kẅɛꞋlɛ!Move away from in front of people with rags.Lɔk táꞋ pak-cák-ndẅí, ńtuk mbɔ́tɛlɛ-ŋgázɛWipe off the gas bottle with a rag.!
rainńdɔ́vrainMbʉŋ sɛ́ ńdɔ́.It's raining. /Rain is fallingmbʉŋforme comp. non-spéc dembʉŋ fáatɛnɛrainstormnrain
raincoatndẅímbʉŋn.craincoat
rain hargingermɛnɛ́ɛ-mbʉŋdér.demɛnɛ́ɛwhat comes before rain (gusts of wind and flashes of lightning)
rain, intermittantcɛpcɛpmbʉŋn.cintermittent rainCɛpcɛpmbʉŋ láꞋ ŋ́gá ŋgʉ̈ɔꞋ tsɛt nɛtúꞋ tsʉʉ.An intermittant rain bothered us all night long..
rain, intermittentnyɛꞋnyɛꞋ-mbʉŋnintermittent rain
rain mixed with hailmbʉŋ-mɛzẅiidér.dembʉŋnrain mixed with hail
rain stoppermbaꞋmbʉŋcmp.deḿbaꞋ mbʉŋkeep rain from fallingn.crain stopperA fetishist who is hired to stop the rain from falling on a big event.
rainstormfɛ́m-mbʉŋsyn.n.arainstormFɛm-mbʉŋ gɔ ńtɔ́, pɛ́ kʉ tɛ ŋ́kúu yɛcɔ́ ndá.Before the rainstorm comes, one flees into a house. mbʉŋ fáatɛnɛsyn.nrainstorm
rain, where it falls around housemɛtswɛ́llɛ-ndávar.lib.demɛtswɛ́l-ndásyn.nplaces the rain lands that falls off the roof of a house
rainy seaon
rainy seasonŋká-mbʉŋrainy season
raiseɛ́sɔt2v.traise (animals, livestock)TǎaláꞋ pɛ súu waa lɔ ɛ́sɔt mɛnaa.My friend's neighbour raises livestock.ńdyákŋɛvraiseńtsáp2 1v raise (children, livestock)Mámú tsáp mɔ́ɔ tɛ a gwúꞋ.The mother raises the child until he or she is grown.
raise a childńtsáp mɔ́ɔsyn.vraise a child
raise and lower the head to the groundńtɔꞋ túsyn.vraise and lower the head to the ground
raised planting bedgɔ̌ŋnaŋforme comp. non-spéc denaŋfield with raised planting bedsn.clong, unenclosed, raised planting bed
raise livestockńtsiinɛ mɛnaadér.deńtsiinɛsyn.vgraze or raise livestockMbululuꞋ lɔ ńtsiinɛ mɛnaa.The Bororos raise livestock.
raise prise, valueŋ́kaꞋ ndɛnforme comp. non-spéc deŋ́kaꞋ1ndɛn3syn.vraise the value, appreciate in value
raise(verb)ŋ́kaꞋ1v.traise
ram again and againɛ́swɛtɛ1 1vram or thrust s.th. into something repeatedly
ram(verb) ; jam(verb)ɛ́sɔ́klɛv.tram or shove (something into a hole),Mɔ́ɔ sɔ́klɛ́ pɔ́ tsɛt mbʉ́-ndǔm.The child shoved it's hand into a rathole.
rapŋ́kẅii1 2vsharply rap (s.o. on the head) with one's knuckle(s)
rape a womanńdɔk tʉʉ ńdɔk maŋgɛ́expr.id.deńdɔk 2withtʉʉforceńdɔk 1takemaŋgɛ́womaneuph.rape a woman, forcibly have sex with a woman
rash, filarialaꞋ2nfilaria rashLaꞋ lɔ ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ mbʉʉ-ŋu, ḿbɔ́ gɛ́gɛ́ mɛmbaŋ, ńzuk tɛꞋ. Filaria rash comes out on the skin as tiny bumps, and it itches a lot.
rash, skin)mɛmbaŋ-yúu kɔ́Ꞌnɛ́dér.dembaŋsyn.nrash (skin condition)
rat, bushtuꞋmbapcmp.deńtuꞋshortmbapmeatn.cstriped bush ratTuꞋmbap mɛk naŋ-mɔ̂nzu.A stripped finished off (most of) a ground nut field.Aethomys spp. ?
rat, giant pouchedndǔmngiant pouched rat Ndǔm lɔ ŋ́kúu tsɛt mbʉ́ wɛ́ ŋ́gɔ́ɔ ńjɔ́Ꞌ, ḿbɔ́k nɔ́ nɛkúu, ńtsuk wɛ́.When the (giant pouched) rat enters its hole, it immediately blocks it up for fear of a snake getting in and biting it.Cricetomys gambianus
rattankʉ̈ɔpnrattanRaphia sudanensis ; Raphia venifera
rattlentsáꞋ4nrattle,shakerPɛ́ lɔ ńtsʉꞋ ntsáꞋ tsɛt lúŋ mba nɛlɔk ńdáŋtɛ́ mɛfák.Rattles are shaken during a dance even to distract twins.
rattle noisejakjakvar. lib.jaŋjaŋidnoise made by a rattle
rattle or shaker double of rattanŋkʉɔndouble rattle/shaker woven from rattanThis instrument is used the ritual for twins and seers.
rattle, shakermántsanrattle, shaker
rattle shaped like a arrownɛkɔŋ-ntsáꞋforme comp. non-spéc denɛkɔŋarrowntsáꞋ4rattlesyn.ntraditional rattle shaped like an arrow with a sharp end
ravinekʉɔnravine, gullygɛmnravine, pit, ditchMɔ́ɔ vú sɛ́, ńcʉ́ɔ tsɛt gɛm.A child fell and landed a pit.
rawḿbʉ́k 1v.i/v.statbe rawMákap pʉ́k. Ɛ́ píkŋɛ ŋgɔ pɛ́ tsúŋ ńnɛ́ɛ la ŋ́kwɛt.Le macabo est cru. Il faut qu'on cuit bien avant de manger.
reachńcʉ́ɔ 1v reach, arrive (at)
reach out(verb) ; stretch out a hand(verb)ɛ́sɛn pɔ́ 1dér.deɛ́sɛnvstretch out one's arm or hand, reach out
read(verb)ɛ́fúŋ 2v.treadḾbɔ́ ɔ fuŋ yúu nǔu cú-láꞋ kwaꞋ ŋkɔ̂ɔ?Can you read something in village talk right now?
ready, beńtʉ́ʉ (nɛgɛ)expr.id.deńtʉ́ʉ1 2standex.id.be ready to do s.th.Ɔ laa ńtʉ́ʉ nɛgɛ yúu, kɔɔ zẅíꞋlɛ nzɔɔmɛ.If you are ready to do something, pay no attention to insults (or mocking).Always followed by a nominalized verb of noun class 5.
ready-to-weartɛ́mŋkyɛtnɛn.cready-to-wear clothing, used clothingFaꞋ-tɛ́ɛlaa pfú mbíꞋ tɛ́mŋkyɛtnɛ lɔk zʉꞋ.The tailors are losing work because of the ready-to-wear used clothing taking over the market.
reallyńtsuŋaux.advreally, with vigour; I worked with vigour.N tsuŋ faꞋ.J'ai travaillé avec ardeur.kwáꞋ(a)adveven, right, precisely (with time words), really, exactlyƐ́ kwáꞋ pɔ́Ꞌɔ!It's exactly like that!
rear end of a carnzʉʉ-matúwasyn.n.aread (end) of a vehicle
reasonntɔŋ2 1nreason (for doing something), motive; causeńtsíkv calculate, reason, thinkNtáŋmɛtáa tsík ndɛn-ŋkáp yɛ́.The merchant calculated the sum of his money.
rebellious childtɛ́túꞋŋkipɛlʉʉcmp.deńtúꞋdrawŋki2 1waterndʉʉ 1vampiredér.deńtúꞋdrawŋki2 1waterndʉʉ 1vampireexpr.id.deńtúꞋdrawŋki2 1waterndʉʉ 1vampiren.c.qstubborn and rebellious child
receiveŋ́kúkŋɛ 1v receive (people), welcome, offer hospitality ńcẅɛ́ɛvtake, receive
reclineńtʉ̈ɔ́ŋɛ 1v.irecline
reconcileḿmik mbuudér.deḿmiksyn.vput an end to a misunderstanding, reconcileTǎa pɔ́ mɔ́ɔmɛ́ wɛ mik mbuu wɔpnɛ.The father and his brother (relative) were reconciled.
reconcilerŋkɔkpɛlɔ́ŋn.creconciler, peacemaker, someone who promotes peace between people
reconciliation riteŋgwɛ́tnɛ́dér.deŋ́gwɛ́tnɛinteruptnreconciliation rite
recoverɛ́fiinɛv.irecoverMbʉŋ laa ńdɔ́ nǔu nɛtsɛn-ŋgɛsaŋ yi nɛm tɔɔnɛ, ɛ́fiinɛ.When rain falls on a corn plant that the sun has scorched, it recovers.ḿbɛnnɛ mbʉʉv.irecover one's health
rectangular mortarkɛ́kɔ́ɔ sɛsaforme comp. non-spéc dekɛ́kɔ́ɔsɛsasyn.nretangular mortarPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk kɛ́kɔ́ɔ sɛsa ńcúꞋ nzap-mɛfu-kasála.One uses a rectangular mortar for pounding casava leaves (as a vegetable).
redpɛpaŋdér.deḿbaŋ 2redadj.vred
red amaranthpaŋ nzapforme comp. non-spéc deḿbaŋnzapsyn.nred amaranthThis kind of amaranth is not considered good eating among the Ndaa people.synnzap fífí kɛpɔŋamaranthus cruentus
red amaranthnzap fífí kɛpɔŋforme comp. non-spéc denzapfífí1kɛpɔŋsyn.nred amaranthEven though some people eat this green leafy vegetable, most think it tastes bad.synpaŋ nzapAmaranthus cruentus
red bananakɛndǐi paŋtɛntɛnnɛdér.dekɛndǐisyn.nred bananaMusa sp.
red casavapaŋkasálacmp.deḿbaŋkasálan.cred casavaManihot esculenta var.
reduceńcẅɛɛtɛ 2v.treduceMbɛlík kʉ̈ɔ́k, pɛ cẅɛɛtɛ fʉꞋ-ndá.Since the bricks are few, the dimensions of the house were reduced.ńtsɔ́p1v.treduceNdɔ́kta cú mbɔ̌ maŋgɛ́ shǔutɛ ŋgɔ a tsʉ́Ꞌ ńtsɔ́p ŋgwáŋ nǔu yúujʉ́ tsɔ́pnɛ.The nurse (or doctor) asked the pregnant woman reduce the salt in her food.
reedkɛkaꞋ-ndɔ́ŋdér.dekɛkaꞋnreed or elephant grassIschaemum rugosumkɛkaꞋnreed or elephant grassPennisetum purpureumsɛsuŋ-mɔ̂mvúsyn.nroseau, esp. d'herbePennisetum polystachion, P. violaceum
reflectɛ́sáŋ2 2v.treflect on, reason, think throughƐ́ sɛ́ ḿbíkŋɛ́ ŋgɔ pɛ́ tsuŋ ɛ́sáŋ nu, la ŋ́gɛ yúu.One must really reflect on the matter before doing something.
refrain fromɛ́sʉk 2v.labs'abstenir, se maitriserA sʉk nɛkíi.He/She refrains from crying.synńji
refreshɛ́fík kʉ́syn.vrefresh, quench thirstMɔ́nɛm tá wáa tɛ súu waa ga ncʉŋ mɛluꞋ ńdɔk ɛ́fík kʉ́ waa.The sun burned me so much that my friend gave me a bottle of wine in order to quench my thirst.The meaning is like quenching thirst but literally it is to refresh the chest (internally, throat included).
refugeekiinɛnrefugeeKiinɛ lɔɔ ńcú yúu mi a kʉnɛ láꞋ-pɔ́p pɔ́.A refugee never tells what he running from in his village.
refugee, warŋkʉ̈ɔntsɔcmp.deŋ́kʉ̈ɔflee, runntsɔ1warn.cwar refugee
refuseńdaꞋnɛv refusesynńdʉꞋnɛ
refuse, forbidńdʉꞋv refuse, forbidTǎa lʉꞋ ŋgɔ kɔɔ a gʉ sɛkút.Le père lui a interdit d'aller à l'école.The father forbade him/her to go to school.
regain (consciousness)ḿbɛnnɛ 1vregain (consciousness), to come toMatúwa tɛ́m ŋu tɛ a vu ńnaꞋ. Pɛ́ gɔ́ ḿvukŋɛ, a pɛnnɛ.The car hit someone and he fell unconscious. Suddenly he regained consciousness.
regain consciousnessḿbɛ́ jínu 2dér.dejínuḿbɛ́lose consciousness
r'egionpak-ŋgɔŋcmp.depak1ŋgɔŋsyn.n.aprovince, region
regretnɛmʉk 1dér.deḿmʉk 1regretn.vregretMáꞋŋkatɛ́m tsɛt nɛmʉk, mbíꞋŋgɔ a jẅí súu nɛ.The hunter is in regret because he killed his friend.ḿmʉk 1vregret, lamentPazʉ́Ꞌsɔ́ sɛ́ ḿmʉk páꞋ pɔ́p ka tsɔ́Ꞌnɛ kafɛ́, ndɛn ɛ cɔ́k.The planters are regretting that they removed the coffee bushes since the price is higher.
regularlyŋkátsʉʉadvall the time
reheatḿbɛn ńdẅiitɛvwarm up
reinforcementpɔmnreinforcement
rejectŋ́kʉ́ʉnɛ 1v reject, shunŋ́kív reject or refuse in angry disgust
rejoiceŋ́gaamɛv.irejoice, enjoy one's self, have funLáꞋpɔ́ mɛtáa ŋ́gaamɛ.People were at the market having fun.
relni 2relthat, whichNɛsɔŋ ni ɔ pɛ́nɛ́.The tooth that you lost.Nɛgálɛ́ ni ɛ́/a kít tsɛt ntúꞋ.The grasshopper that jumped into the cup.yi 2relthat, whichndá yi ɔ fɛnnɛthe house that you soldŋgɛp yi pɔ́p sɛ́ ńkwɛ́t yúuthe chicken that are eating somethingẅi 2irreg. infl.ẅinɛ1relthat, who(m), whichŋu ẅi ɔ jʉ́ɔnɛ́the person that/whom you saẃmɔ̂mvú ẅi a nɛm wuthe dog that bit youUsed with noun classes 1 and 3.pi1 2relthat, who(m), whichmbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ pi ɔ jʉ́ɔnɛ́the children that/whom you sawpʉɔ pi pɔ́p náŋ kɔpthe people who/that live outside the home areami1 2relthat, whichmɛluꞋ mi ɔ fɛnnɛthe wine that you soldmɛzẅíi mi ɛ́ vú sɛ́the hail that fell
relate (story, tell (story)ńdɛꞋlɛ 2v.trelate , tell a storyTǎa wɛ lɛꞋlɛ mɛyúu mi a gɛnɛ ndǔ tsɛ́tsáꞋ.His father related everything he did on earth (in his life).
relationship (between people)tswɛ́-pʉɔsyn.nrelationship, relations (between people)Tswɛ́ wɔp pɔŋ.They have a good relationship / good relations.
relativemɔ́ɔmán.cbrother or sister (in a general sense), relative
religion, traditionalnu-mɛsɛ́syn.nmatter of the gods, religion (traditional)
remainńtsʉ́Ꞌv.istay or remain, be left withḿvuꞋv.iremain, be left over
remain at a standstillńtát2v.i be at a standstillFaꞋ sɛ́ ńtát.Work is at a standstill.
remainderpfuꞋnremainder, leftoverMay refer to food as well as to money in one's pocket
rememberŋ́kẅíitɛv rememberƆ kwíitɛ nɛgá mɛjʉ mbɔ̌ mɔ̂mvú?Did you remember to feed the dog?ńtsáav.trememberŊká yi ŋu mbɛɛnɛ pfúnɛ, mpfúk zɛ nɛtsáa lɛ́Ꞌ ɛ̂yá ŋgɔŋ ŋká tsʉʉ. When a man dies, the widow starts out remembering that day all the time.
remember s.th. good (s.o. did for you)ŋ́kẅíitɛ ndɛn pɔŋvremember a good deed (s.o. did for you)
reminderkẅíitɛdér.deŋ́kẅíitɛremembernreminderKẅíitɛ lɔɔ ŋ́gɛ ŋu líi zʉꞋ pɔ́. A reminder never makes one late somewhere.
removal of taboo, k. of ritual fornɛtsɔ́Ꞌ cíforme comp. non-spéc deńtsɔ́Ꞌ1 1removecí 1k. of taboo lock. of ritual for removal of the taboo against eating and bathing for ophans and widows This ritual occurs the date of the burial of the deceased parent(s) or sooner if the deceased remains in the morgue a long time. It consists of giving achu and yellow soup with green leafy vegetable to each orphan and then each orphan passes what is left in her or his bowl to the sibling just younger . The elder orphan is from then on supposed to take care of his/her younger siblings. The ritual for the widow is different.
removeńtsẅíkvar. lib.var. lib.ńcẅíkv.t remove, take off (something hot in a pot)Maŋgɛ́ tsẅík mbap múk.The woman took the meat off the fire.synɛ́sɛtɛ́sɔt1v.tremove, take s.th. off (clothing or shoes)Ɛ sɔt mɛtap máa, ɛ́suk mɛku máa.I took off my shoes and washed my feet.ɛ́sɛtv.tremove (from the fire)Tǎalaa tɔɔ tẅín múk tɛ ɛ́ tɔɔnɛ, la ɛ́sɛt ńtẅí.The blacksmith heats the iron in the fire until it is hot and then removes it and forges it.synńtsẅíkńtẅitv.tremove (the red skin from grilled groundnuts)Pɛ́ lɔ ńtẅit mɔ̂nzu káŋnɛ́ la ŋ́kwɛ́t.On removes the skin from grilled groundnuts before eating.synḿbɛplɛńtsɔ́Ꞌ1 1v.tremovePɛ́ tsɔ́Ꞌ pɔꞋ ńdɔk ɛ́fɛ́n mɛtáa.The mushroom was removed to sell at the market.Applies to things that require force or even a cutlass, such as a banana tree.synŋ́ŋáꞋ 1
remove dewŋ́kwatv.tremove the dew, get wet with dew
remove fibreɛ́shẅɛꞋ sẅíksyn.vremove or take (raphia) fibrePɛ́ lɔ ɛ́shẅɛꞋsẅík nǔu ntɔɔtɛ-ŋgɔ́.Fibre is taken from the middle branch of the raphia palm.
remove garbageŋ́kyaŋɛv remove garbage
remove lightly(verb)ɛ́sɔŋ 1v.tremove lightly, to pick someone's pocketNtsɔ̌ŋ sɔŋ ŋkáp tsɛt paa maŋgɛ́ mɛtaa.Le bandit a soutiré l'argent dans le sac d'une femme au marché.
remove quicklyńjɛ́pv.tremove quicklyMay refer to a kettle full of yams on a fire.
renounceŋ́kwɛtɛ ŋkwɛnforme comp. non-spéc deŋ́kwɛtɛvrenoncer once and for all
rent outńjɔ́Ꞌ2v.t rent out ( someone)
repairmannniitɛ 2dér.deńniitɛnrepairman
repay, give or pay back, refundḿbaꞋ1 1v.tpay back or repay, give s.th. back, reimburse, refundMbɔ̌ŋtʉ́m lɔ ḿbaꞋ ŋkáp yi a fɔnɛ.A person of goodwill pays back the money he borrows.synḿbákɛ
repay, pay back
repeatńzɛ́plɛv repeatPɛn ńzɛ́plɛ́ ńcú!Repeat! (Say it again!)
repeatedḿbuu2aux.advrepeatedly, fullyYɛ́su ka puu ńjʉ́ɔ ŋgʉ̈ɔꞋ nǔu mbɔ́-pʉɔ.Jesus suffered repeatedly at the hands of men.
repeat one's selfńzʉ́ʉv repeat one's self
repentɛ́shɔt tʉ́mexpr.id.deɛ́shɔttʉ́msyn.vrepent, have a change of heart
repent, change one's waysŋ́kúp matdér.deŋ́kúp change one's ways, repent
replaceŋ́kúp túdér.deŋ́kúpsyn.v represent (symbolise), stand for s.o.ńdɔk zʉꞋdér.deńdɔksyn.vtake over (a place)
replyńtsɔ́Ꞌ2v reply, answerA tsɔ́Ꞌ ŋgɔ: «Ŋgáŋ!»He replied, "no!"ńtsɔ́p2v replyA cú nu mbɔ̌ mɔ́ɔ, á pɔɔ tsɔ́p.il a parlé à l'enfant et il n'a pas répondu.
reply, retortpʉ̈ɔt2dér.deḿbʉ̈ɔt1nreply, retort
reply stupidlyńdʉɔnɛvreply or answer stupidly
representativentûuláꞋcmp.deńtúusendláꞋvillagedér.deńtúusendláꞋvillagen.cmember of parliament, representative of the people
reprimandńnɔt 2var.lib.deńnɔꞋvreprimandńcɔ́k ŋgɔdér.deńcɔ́kadmonish to, exhort to, reprimandńnʉʉ 3vblâmer
request politelyńdɔ́ɔ nɛ́ mɛkuꞋdict.deńdɔ́ɔnɛ́2 2withmɛkuꞋrespectsyn.v request politely (or respectfully)
request time offńdɔ́ɔ tâmdér.deńdɔ́ɔ ask for time off
requiresƐ́ sɛ́ mbíkŋɛ ŋgɔ...dér.deḿbíkŋɛit requires that, it is necessary, one must
rescueńcẅɛ́ɛ ntsu-nɛvúex.id.rescue, deliver from deathńcẅɛ́ɛ mbɔ́expr.id.deńcẅɛ́ɛpɔ́1handex.id.deliver out of the hands of, rescue
rescuerŋgaŋlukdér.deluklifensaviour
resemble each otherɛ́fínɛv.rresemble each otherPɔ́p fínɛThey resemble each other.
resemble(verb)ɛ́fívresemble, look like
residue, pulpy and wetcɛ̌m 1nfibrous residue from squeezing something ( like sugar cane or palm nuts) to extract a liquid, bagassePɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk mɛcɛm-nɛtʉ́ɔ ńdyɛt múk. On uses (dried) remains of palm nut pressing to start fires.Pɛ́ lɔ ńcúꞋ nɛtʉ̈ɔ́, ŋ́kíɛ mɛcɛ̌m mɛ́, ńcẅɛɛtɛ mɛgwɛ́t.Palm nuts are pounded and then the fibrous residue is squeezed to extract the oil. This is what remains after having pressed palm nuts to extract palm oil or having made corn beer - ŋkwátta.
resist s.o.ńtɛn mbi ŋuexpr.id.deńtɛnmbi2before, in_front_ofŋuex.id.resist s.o., stand up to s.o.Nzápmbi waa láꞋ ńtɛn mbi ntsɔ́ŋ tɛ a pɔɔ ḿɔpaa wɛ sɔŋ.My big brother stood up to the thief so he was not able to take his pocketbook.
resoundŋ́givresound, sound
respectmɛkuꞋnrespect, honor
respondḿbʉ̈ɔt1vrespond based on something one observes A question has not been asked but a response is still required.ńcɔ́kŋɛ2v respond a question during a debateḿbʉʉtɛv.trespondto a letter or a question
responsepʉʉtɛdér.deḿbʉʉtɛrespondnresponse
resserach s.th. in depthɛ́shíɛ kɔŋ 1forme comp. non-spéc deɛ́shíɛkɔŋsyn.vlook carefully for ot investigate the origins of an affairPɛcɔꞋ shíshí shíɛ kɔŋ-nu tɛ ŋ́gẅɛɛ ntsɔ́ŋ.The policemen investigated the affair until they arrested the thief.
restartḿbɛn ńzɛdér.deḿbɛnresume, begin again
restlessgáplɛ́nɛadj.vrestless; unmanageableMɔ́ɔ wá gẅɛɛ mɛnuk-tú gáplɛ́nɛ mbíꞋŋgɔ a suk pɔ́ ŋ́kɛ́ ḿbɔɔ shɛp.That child has unmanageable hair because he/she doen't wash or comb it.
restless, beńcitɛ mbʉʉ 1dér.deńcitɛmbʉʉex.id.be or feel restless or at loose endsŊu citɛ mbʉʉ yɛ nǔu faꞋ, ɛ́ pɔɔ pínɛ.If someone does a job when he feels restless, it isn't done well.
restless(vstat)ŋ́gáplɛ́v.statbe restless or fidgetyNtʉ̌ʉtú mɔ́ɔ lɔ ŋ́gáplɛ́ páꞋ tɛꞋ.The stubborn child is often very restless.
rest, napńjẅiitɛv.i rest, nap
rest, take a breatherńdɔk fakv relax, take a breather
resurrectńzẅíimɛvar. lib.var. lib.ńzẅímv.i be resurrected, come back lifeńzẅíivar. lib.ńzẅímv.t resurrect someone, bring someone back life
retortḿbaꞋ1 2vretortŊu zɔɔ súu nɛ, a paꞋ; ŋkɔt gɔ́ɔ ńzɛ.Someone insulted his friend, he retorted and the fight began.
returnḿbɛn 1vreturnsynŋ́kíi2 1
return s.th.ńtɔŋɛv.t give or bring back, return (a borrowed item), repay (a loan)
return to behindḿbɛn nɛ́ nzʉʉdér.deḿbɛnregress, go backwards
revealŋ́kyak1 2v.treveal (a secret)ŋ́kyɛꞋ1v light or illuminate, reveal
reveal a secretŋ́kɛm ntsɛmdér.deŋ́kɛm reveal a secret, betray a confidence
revenge, take on s.o.ɛ́sáꞋ mɛtʉʉ mbɔ̌ ŋudér.deɛ́sáꞋ mɛtʉʉsyn.vtake revenge(on) someoneŊu sáꞋ mɛtʉʉ mbɔ̌ pʉɔ kɛ́paa.The person took revenge on the evildoers.
rheumatismkɔkmɛtsẅíi 2n.crheumatismKɔkmɛtsẅ́i nǔu táꞋ tǎa, mɛzuŋ-mɛku mɛ́ kɔ́Ꞌtɛ.When an old pa has rheumatism (arthritis), the joints in his legs and feet swell up. nɔmbatíshiFrançaisn.crheumatismsɔ̌ŋjʉ́ɔcmp.deɛ́sɔŋ 1remove_gingerlyńjʉ́ɔseedér.deɛ́sɔŋ 1remove_gingerlyńjʉ́ɔseen.crhumatismSɔ̌ŋjʉ́ɔ lɔ ŋ́gẅɛɛ ŋu, mɛku mɛ́ káa.When s.o. suffers from rheumatism his legs are tired.
rhinocerosnaataꞋndɔ́ŋforme comp. non-spéc denaatáꞋn.crhinocerosDiceros bicornisnzɛ̌mnrhinocerosNzɛ̌m gẅɛɛ pɔ ndaꞋ táꞋ ndɔ́ŋ.The rhinoceros has only one horn.Diceros bicornis
rich personŋgaŋŋkápn.crich person, person of means
ricketsgɔɔ-pʉ̈ɔꞋtɛ mɛku 2cmp.degɔɔdiseaseḿbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtɛku1footdér.degɔɔdiseaseḿbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtɛku1footn.crickets
riddleŋkwálʉꞋnriddle, enigma
ridgenduu-ŋkwɛnsyn.nridge
ridge(house)
ridge(of the nose)ŋwaknridge (of the nose)
rifletɛmŋkʉ̈ɔvar.lib.demaꞋŋkʉ̈ɔsyn.ntraditional (muzzle-laoding) riflemaꞋŋkʉ̈ɔvar. lib.tɛmŋkʉ̈ɔntraditional (muzzle-loading) riflePɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gɔ ŋ́kẅíi maꞋŋkʉ̈ɔ yi nɛvú, ḿbɔɔ ńníꞋ mɛkɔŋ pɔ́; pɛ́ níꞋ pɔ ndaꞋ mɛkaa.When one loads a traditional rifle for a death celebration, one does not put in the shot, one only puts in the gunpowder. Like the ancient muskets or flintlocks, one loads this firearm with gunpowder, cotton wadding to block the powder, then the shot and more cotton to block again, but one uses phosphorus from matches to ignite the charge.
rightpɔ́ yɛ tʉʉ 1dér.depɔ́1syn.nright, on or to the right
right nowkwáꞋ ŋkɔ̂ɔdér.dekwáꞋ(a)right now, immediately
rinceńdɛ́ɛ1v.t rinse (off)Gʉ ńdɛ́ɛnɛ mɛkáŋ!Go rinse (off) the dishes!
ringing soundŋwáŋwáŋwáŋidringing sound (peal) of a traditional bell - cling-clang
ringwormlyɔ́ŋnringwormLyɔ́ŋ lɔ ŋ́kúu tú-mɔ́ɔ, « pɛ́ cú ŋgɔ tát-má wɛ tík ku yɛ́ tú wɛ́, ɛ́ mɛ.»When a child has ringworm on his head, they say "maternal grandfather puts his foot on the child's head the ringworm goes away."mɛlyɔ́ŋnringwormRash caused by a fungal infection.tinea corpis
rinseɛ́sẅiklɛ1 1v.trinsePɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk ŋki lɛɛnɛnɛ ḿmikŋɛ ɛ́sẅiklɛ ndẅíClean water is used to finish rinsing the clothing.ńtsuꞋ2v rinse out (e.g., a bottle)Pɛ́ lɔ ńtsuꞋ káꞋalɛ́ la ńníꞋ mɛluꞋ, ḿbɔ́k ják-fɛm.One often rinses a calabash before putting wine in it, for fear it will smell moldy.
riot inciterntɛ́m tákŋɛdér.detákŋɛńtɛ́mtrouble maker, one who incites a riot
ripepínɛ́ 2dér.deḿbí2adjtender or ride (fruit)N zúu mɔ́ píya pínɛ́ mɛtáa.I have bought ripe pear (avocado) at the market.ḿbí2 1v.ibe ripePíya pí, pɛ́ sáa ńjʉ.If the avocado (pear, local English) is ripe, one splits it open and eats.Applies to fruit.paŋnɛdér.deḿbaŋadj.vripeńtʉʉ2v be mature (ready for harvest)Píya tʉʉ.The avocado is ripe for harvest.
rite for man's autonomyláandánrite to establish the autonomy of a man who has married
rite, mother of desceasednɛsɔt 2ns. rite traditionnel sur la mère du défunt
rite of cutting off the lineagenɛtɛ́m nɛsáꞋdér.deńtɛ́m nɛsáꞋex.id.rite of cutting off the lineage fom the great grandfather in order to cease making sacrifices to him
rite of healing hasty marriageńzáꞋ mɛlaŋmɛlaŋnewlywed_sicknessńzáꞋ1cuteuph.perform the rite called 'cut the sickness of a man who marries too soon/young'
rite of widowhoodtsúꞋpfúkcmp.deńtsúꞋpfúkwidowhooddér.deńtsúꞋpfúkwidowhoodn.cchoosing widowhood riteRite in which the widow informs her parents that she is not free despite the death of her husband.
ritual of the skulltíktúcmp.deńtík2put_on, put_downtúheadn.critual for 'rehabilitating' as it is called the skull of a deceased adultNow, among the Ndaa, it is usually not the skull but a stone that was rubbed on the forehead of the deceased before burial. Six months after the buriel, this stone is placed on the ground in a small house for this purpose or in a corning inside the house and a clay pot is put on top of it for the performance of traditional rites (i.e. libations, sacrifices)done in memory of the deceased, synpaatɛtú
ritual produce exchange in preparation for a death celebrationŋkyɛnfamily produce exchange ritual in preparation for a death celebrationPɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gɔ́ ŋ́kɛm nɛvú-ndʉ́m, ńzáꞋ njí ŋ́gɛ ŋkyɛ. Before having the death celebration (to end the mourning period) for a older person, one holds the family produce exchange ritual in preparation.This is an exchange of produce between the daughters-in-law and the members of the family held in a compound during a mourning period just before the death celebration.
rivalńdʉŋtɛ ntí 2irreg. infl.irreg. infl.lʉŋtɛex.id.rivaliser
rivermínriver (large) ; oceanPɛ́ lɔ ńjʉ́ɔ mí Límbɛ.One sees the ocean at Limbe.
riverbankŋkaŋŋkinriverbank, shoreRefers to streams.
road, smoothedsɛ̂ndúŋ shʉŋnɛdér.desɛ̂ndúŋsyn.ncoal tar road, blacktop
road, take theńcʉ́ɔ sɛ̂ndúŋexpr.id.deńcʉ́ɔ 1reachsɛ̂ndúŋtrailex.id.hit the road, be on one's wayA cʉ́ɔ sɛ̂ndúŋ nɛgʉ mɛtáa.She/he hit the road for the market.
roar of lionŋgi-púꞋsyn.nroar of lion
roastńtɔɔ1 2v.troast over an open fireMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ lɔ ńtúŋ ndǔm, ŋ́gẅɛɛ, ńtɔɔ la ŋ́kwɛ́t.Children dig out a (giant pouch) rat, catch it and roast it over a fire before eating it.ɛ́fɛm2v.troast in ashes (e.g., tubers)Pɛ́ fyáklɛ́ zúꞋ, ɛ́fɛm.The white yam was heated over a flame and roasted in ashes.
roastedkáŋnɛdér.deŋ́káŋroast, fryadj.vroastedmɔ̂nzu káŋnɛroasted peanuts
roast in ashes or dustńtɔ́p3v.troast s.th. in ashes or dust
roast(verb) ; fry(verb)ŋ́káŋv.t roast or fry
robber, armedgiꞋnarmed robberPɛgiꞋ kúu ndá-ŋu ntsuŋkwɛꞋ, ńtswáa wɛ́, ńcwɛ́ɛ ŋkáp yɛ́. The armed robbers entered someone's house in the evening, beat him up and took his money.s
robin-chat, mountainndakmɛkǔpyúun.cmountain robin-chatCossypha isabellae
rock in waterŋgɔꞋŋkinaquatic rockŊgɔꞋŋki lɔ ḿbɔ́ fúfú.An aquatic rock is usually white.
rocky soiltsɛ́tsáꞋ-mɛŋkwáꞋálɛ́syn.nsoil with little stones
rollŋ́kiimɛv.irollKu sɛ́ ńtsʉ́ʉ mbalɔ̂ŋ lá mbalɔ̂ŋ kiimɛ.The foot pushes the ball and the ball rolls.
rooftúndácmp.detúheadndáhousen.croofntsɔꞋndácmp.dentsɔꞋ 2highest point, peakndáhousen.croof
rooferŋkẅiitúndácmp.deŋ́kẅii1 1nailtúndáhead-housedér.deŋ́kẅii1 1nailtúndáhead-housen.croofer
roof of a carndǔ-matúwasyn.n.acar roofMatúwa vu tɛ ndǔ wɛ́ nɔꞋnɛ.The car tumbled to the point of crushing the roof.
roof slopenɛguu-ndánslope/face of the roofNormally a house's roof has two or four slopes.
room, conjugalnzɛm yaaeuph.conjugal room
roostermɔ̂ŋkʉ̈ɔꞋɔ́var.lib.demɔ̂ŋkʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌnroostermɔ̂ŋkʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌvar. lib.mɔ̂ŋkʉ̈ɔꞋɔ́nroosterGallus gallus domesticus var.
root for sesoning taro or nkwiŋaŋ-máŋgɛ́mtɔ́ɔsyn.nroot of a plant that creeps up trees which is used as a seasoning spice for achu sauce and nkwi sauce
roots
rosellefɔllɛlɛ́ 1nroselle plant, kind of hibiscusIn Ngomba folere is the name for both the plant and the drink (hibiscus tea) made from the sepals that protect the blossoms.Hibiscus sabdariffa
rotnɛpɛ tʉʉvar.lib.denɛpɛ 2rotńtʉʉ1 2hardensyn.nkind of rot that affects banana treesThis is caused by a red caterpillar feeding on the banana tree trunk. It leaves a black mark where it enters. ńdyɔ́ 1var.lib.deńdʉ̈ɔ́v.i rot, decompose
rot, banana treenɛpɛ 2var. lib.var. lib.nɛpɛ tʉʉnbanana tree rotThis is caused by a red caterpillar attacking the trunk leaving a black mark where it enters.
rotten banana tree marrowcɛ̌m 2nrotten banana tree marrowPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk cɛ̌m-kɛndǐi ńtáa mɛluꞋ nɛpɔk páꞋ mɛluꞋ ŋ́gʉ sɛ́.One uses rotten banana tree marrow to tap the raffia wine (that is, to seal the tube conducting the sap into a calabasse) for fear of it falling on the ground. Pɛ́ lɔɔ ńdɔk cɛ̌m-ŋkɛŋkuꞋ ŋ́gɛ yɛcɔ́ yúu pɔ́. Pɛ́ lɔ ḿmɛꞋ ŋkáꞋ, ɛ́ zúu ŋ́gɛ ńdʉ́ɔ.One doesn't do anything with sugar cane peelings. One tosses them in a field, they dry out, and later they rot.
rotten, beńdʉ̈ɔ́ 2var. lib.ńdyɔ́v.statbe rottenńdyɔ́ 2var.lib.deńdʉ̈ɔ́v.stat be rotten
rottenness (of seeds)tɛndér.deńtɛn 1be_hardndry rot (of seeds)
rough, beńdútv.stat be rough
rough(stative verb)ŋ́kaplɛ 1v.stat be rough
roundsɔ́ŋsɔ́ŋadj. reduproundzɛmɛzɛ́mɛ́mɛ́nɛ́adj.vround
roundwormntyɔtnpinworm/ roundworm
royal godfathertǎafɔɔn.cgodfather of the chief/king - the one in whose home the new chief/king gets initiated into his duties
rub between one's handsɛ́sʉ́Ꞌlɛvar. lib.ɛ́sʉ́Ꞌvar. dial.var. dial.ɛ́shʉ́Ꞌlɛv.trub or crush between one's handsPɛ́ lɔ ɛ́sʉ́Ꞌlɛ ndapaꞋ, la ńníꞋ tsɛt kɛ́p. One rubs the tabacco before putting it into the pipe.Pɛ́ lɔ ɛ́sʉ́Ꞌlɛ fu la ŋ́kíɛ.One crushes the remedy in one's hand(s) before squeazing.
ruinḿbʉ́ʉpɛ 1var. dial.var. dial.ńcʉŋtɛv.labspoil, ruin, be spoiled, ruined or deterioratedSɛ̂ndúŋ pʉ́ʉpɛ tɛ ŋ́gáꞋ. Nɛnɛ́n ndǔ tɛn.The road is too deteriorated. Travelling on it is hard.ńcʉŋtɛ 1BbtBfdBjovar.dial. deḿbʉ́ʉpɛ 1spoiledv.labruin
ruiner, destroyermbʉ́ʉpɛ 1nruiner, destroyer
ruler of the worldSáꞋmbín.cruler of the world, the Almighty
rule (verb)ɛ́sáꞋ láꞋv.trule, govern, reignŊu ẅi a pɔ́knɛ Sɛ́, sáꞋ láꞋ nɛ́ mɛkuꞋ.A person who fears God commands people with respect
rumbleńzɔtv.i rumbleNɛfaŋ sɛ́ ńzɔt.It's thundering.ŋ́kwɛnɛv.irumbleNɛfaŋ kwɛnɛ ḿbɔ́ ńdɛꞋlɛ mbʉŋ, ɛ́ gʉ ńdɔ́.The thunder rumbled, announcing rain is going to fall.
rumbling of thunderpákalakalakalakonorumbling of thunder
rummageńtaꞋ 1v rummage ; riffle throughNtsɔ́ŋ taꞋ mɔ̂paa wáa mɛtáa.A thief rummaged through my pocket at the market.
rumpntútnrumpNtút-mbindaŋ gɔkŋɛ ńtsá yi mɔ̂mvú, mbíꞋngɔ, a sɛ́ ńdɔk ńnáŋ sɛ́ ŋká tsʉʉ.The chimpanzee's rump is more worn than that of the dog because he sits on it all the time.
runŋ́kʉ̈ɔ ndʉ̈ɔ́lɛdér.deŋ́kʉ̈ɔndʉ̈ɔ́lɛrunningloc runŋ́kʉ̈ɔ ndyɔ́ldér.dendyɔ́l run (a race) or jog
run a raceńtáamɛ ndʉ̈ɔ́lɛ́forme comp. non-spéc deńtáamɛcompetendʉ̈ɔ́lɛrunninglocrun a race, raceŋ́kʉ̈ɔ ndyɔ́ldér.dendyɔ́l run (a race) or jog
run around and jump for joyŋ́kwávrun around and jump for joyThis is often done at death celebrations in mock battles.
run awayɛ́fyɛ́t fʉ́ʉ sɛ́expr.id.deɛ́fyɛ́tfʉ́ʉsɛ́1ex.id.run away, cut and runN jʉ́ɔ ntsɔ́ŋ ŋkáꞋ mɔ, ńcú ŋgɔ, «yɔ wɔ̌?» A fyɛ́t fʉ́ʉ sɛ́.I found a thief in my field and I said, "Who's that?" He cut and ran.
run away from a problem without a wordŋ́ŋɔ́Ꞌ sáŋ 2cmp.deŋ́ŋɔ́Ꞌex.id.run away from a problem without a word, run away with your tail between your legsBroader sense refering to human beings.
runningndʉ̈ɔ́lɛvar. lib.var. lib.ndyɔ́llɛ́nrunning
runnyńdʉ̈ɔpv.statbe runny, softPɛ́ níꞋ ŋki tsɛt cúꞋ, ɛ́ lʉ̈ɔp ŋ́gɔ cûu.Water was put on the achu et it was very runny (said "chooo")
runny-nosed personfɛ́ɛpuun.cperson with a runny nose, snotty-nosed personPɔ́-ndẅí-fɛ́ɛpuu lɔ ŋ́ŋyaklɛ.The sleeve of a person with a runny nose is alway sticky.
run-offkúŋnrain run-off, torrent of rainwaterA kíꞋ kúŋ ḿbɔ́k nɛkúu ndá.He blocked the rain run-off to keep it from going into the house.
rush(verb), hurry(verb), rushed(verb stative)ŋ́gwɛtnɛ1v.i hurry, be in a hurryGwɛtnɛ!Hurry up!
rustwɛ́tkaanrustWɛ́tkaa lɔ ŋ́kwɛ́t tʉ́n pɔ ndaa ndaa.Rust consumes iron (or other metals) very slowly. gwɛ́tkáa 1n.crust