S
sabrekáfáa 1nsabre (made in a forge by a local metal worker)Tǎa mɔ kwá tɛ ɛ́sɔŋ káfáa mbá.My father ran around and jumped for joy until he removed the sabre from its sheath.This is an ancient weapon of war that is currently used only for mock battles at death celebrations.ntámbáŋ 1nsabrePɛ́ lɔ ńníꞋ ntámbáŋ tsɛt mbáa.One usually puts a sabre in a sheath.Longer than a cutlass, the sabre is used in victory dances at death celebrations.
sackpaansack or bagpaa-swìk , paa-mátta, paa-ŋgup(man's) bag made from raffia fibres, straw bag, leather bag
sack holding 18 kgpaaŋgʉ́tɛn.ceighteen kilo bagPaaŋgʉ́tɛ lɔ ŋ́guꞋ tɛꞋ. Pɛ́ kyɛtnɛ mbʉʉ-ndá pɛ́ pɔ́ ńtɔ́ ńníꞋ yúu-ŋgʉ́tɛ tsɛtsú.This sack is so big one hangs it on a hook on the wall and puts things in it for the 'ŋgʉ́tɛ' dance.
sack, huge for cocoapaa ŋgɛlaŋ 2forme comp. non-spéc depaanhuge sack for cocoa beans or coffee beans
sack hung around neckpaa lyɛpnɛ́dér.depaashoulder bag
sack made of fibresmbɔt (paa)syn.ngunny sack
sacred forestnɛfɛ́m1 1nsacred forest (on the grounds at chief's palace)
sacrifical placezʉꞋnɔŋpɔꞋ 1cmp.dezʉꞋńnɔŋpɔꞋ2n.ctraditional sacrifice place
sacrificeɛ́fɛꞋ1vmake a traditional sacrifice/offering pɔꞋ2nsacrifice
sacrifice, offerńnɔŋ pɔꞋ1vcélébrer
sacrifice, place ofzʉꞋ-sɛ́syn.nplace where sacrifices are made to spirits of ancesters
sacrifice, traditionalɛ́fɛꞋ sɛ́dér.deɛ́fɛꞋ1sɛ́3syn.vmake a sacrifice to the soul or spirit of a dead person, an ancestor
safety pinmákẅɛplɛnsafety pin
sagenjɛnsage, wise person¡MbúꞋ zúꞋ, njɛ zúꞋ!Let the innocent hear and let the wise hear!
saidmbaa2 2vsaid (just now) (also to get someone's attention), not so?Ɔ mbaa ŋgɔ ku?What did you just say?Kɔ mɔ́ɔ, mbaa!I said to take the child!
saison pluie
salarypii-faꞋdér.depiisalary, wages
salivanɛtẅɛ́nsalivesmɛtɛ́var. lib.var. lib.mɛtwɛ́nsaliva, spit
salt, child'sŋgwáŋ-mɔ́ɔsyn.n.athe child's salt, given to people who come to celebrate a newborn
salt, iodizedŋgwáŋ nɛ́ iyódɛforme comp. non-spéc deŋgwáŋsaltnɛ́2 1toiyɔ́dɛsyn.niodized salt
salvationzʉꞋ-mɔ́fíitɛ1 2dér.demɔ́fíitɛnsalvation
salvefu lɔk ńzɔ́Ꞌ mbʉʉdér.defu1ointment, salve
samali dancesamalɛ́var.lib.desamalíns. danse culturellesamalívar. lib.samalɛ́ntype of traditional festive dance, sometimes done at death celebrationsSamalí luŋ ɛ́ ka fúnɛ Sá. Pɛ́ ṕɔ ńdɔk mɛŋkat mɛntát ḿbúꞋ, ḿbɛn ŋ́gɛ mbantsaꞋLe samali est une danse importée de Bansoa. On utise les tam-tams et les maracas
samba dancesambaantraditional dance from the NWThis dance is perfromed at funerals and special events like the end of the intiation rituel for nobility. The dancers are clothed in traditional Grassfields garb and equipped with special cutlasses which they strike together as they pass one another.
same seasonfʉꞋpáꞋacmp.defʉꞋpáꞋa1adv.tsame time next yearŊgɔ́mna ńdɔ ḿbɛn láꞋ fʉꞋpáꞋa.The government administrator will come back to the village same time next year.
same thingtáꞋ yúudér.deyúu1same thingƐ́ táꞋ yúu.It's the same thing.
sample, take ańnɔ́ŋ 2vtake a sample
sandalsulpáashiPidgin?nsandal, flip-flop
sandpaper treekɔ́kgɛnn.csandpaper (leaf) tree, sandpaper figMɛfu-kɔ́kgɛn lɔ ŋ́káplɛ tɛ pɛ́ lɔk suk ŋkɔŋ, ɛ́ sẅiklɛ.The leaves of the sandpaper fig tree are rough so that one uses them to rub a pestle until it becomes smooth. Ficus exasperata
sapmɛci-tʉ́dér.demɛcinsap
satisfied, beńzwɛ́t1vbe satisfied, fullPɛ́ laa ŋ́gʉ ndína, pɛ́ lɔ ŋ́kwɛ́t yúu tɛ ńzwɛ́t.When one goes to a feast, one eats until one is full.
saucenáꞋnsauce (standard English), soup (local English)
sauce made with young taro leaves cooked together with orkanáꞋ-ntɔkuꞋúforme comp. non-spéc denáꞋsaucemɛtɔfoliagekuꞋútaro, cocoyamn.csauce made with young cocoyam leaves cooked together with okraƐ́ náꞋ pɛ́ lɔknɛ mɛtɔ-kuꞋú ńnɛ́ɛ nɛ́ mɔ̂nzu.This is a sauce made with young cocoyam leaves cooked with okra.
sauce of cocoyam leavesntɔkuꞋún.ck. of sauce made from cocoyam leaves eaten with corn foo-foo
saucepansáasɛpɔ́tPidginncooking pot
saved, beńduk2 3v.ibe savedPásɛtɔ cú ŋgɔ: « Pɛk luk nɛvu nɛ́ Sɛ́. »The pastor said, "We are saved (from death) by God."
save moneyńcúꞋlɛ́ ŋkápdér.deńcúꞋlɛsave money
save out of the maul of animalńcẅɛ́ɛ ntsu-naaforme comp. non-spéc deńcẅɛ́ɛsyn.vrescue from the maul of an animal
saving societyntswáꞋnjangi (local English), saving societyPʉɔ cúꞋlɛ, ḿmaꞋ ntswáꞋ ńdɔk ńcẅɛ́lɛ mɛmbʉʉ mɔ́p. People got together and had a savings society (jangi) meeting in order to help each other.
saving society, housendá-ntswáꞋasyn.nsociety house
saviorŋgaŋlukdér.deluklifensaviour
savour(verb)ɛ́shʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtɛdér.deɛ́shʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌvsavour, eat slowly and with relishPɛk ka shʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtɛ mbap ŋká nɛvú-fɔɔ wɛk.We relished the meat we ate at the occasion of the funeral of our fon.
sayŋ́gɔvsayYɔsɛ̂p maꞋ nɛkɔŋ ŋ́gɔ:"Yɛ́ɛ, ŋu gá wáa nɛ́ ŋu, ɛ́ɛ!"Joseph threw the speak and said, "Wow, somebody help me! Hey!"ɛ́sak (nɛkɛt)vsay, quote (proverb)Ŋ gɛ faꞋ yɔ, mbíꞋŋgɔ pɛ́ ka sak.I did this work because it was quoted.ńcú2v say
say good-byeńdɛɛmɛv say good bye, make an appointmentŊu pɔ́p súu nɛ lɔ ŋ́gɔ́ ɛ́fyakŋɛ, ńdɛɛmɛ.When someone separates from his friend, they tell each other good-bye.
say itńcú nu 1syn.vsay it
say stupid thingsɛ́fʉɔmɛ 2vsay or do vulgar thingsTǎláꞋ waa lɔ ɛ́fʉɔmɛ. My neighbor usually says and does vulgar things.
scabiesmɛtǎatɛnscabiesPʉɔ-láꞋ lɔ ńcu ŋgɔ, mɛtǎatɛ lɔ ɛ́fu ŋki.Village people often say that scabies comes from water.mɛzukdér.deńzukitchnitching, scabiesMɛzuk lɔ ŋ́gɛ mbʉʉ-ŋu kaplɛ.Scabies makes one skin become rough..
scalegáꞋ2nscale (of fish or reptile)Shú, nɔ́, mba nɔ́nɛkát gẅɛɛ mɛgáꞋ nǔu ŋgup yɔp.Fish, snakes and scaley anteaters have scales on their skin.
scaleskílɔ 2nscalesmɛgáꞋ 1var. lib.var. lib.mɛgáꞋtɛnscales (of fish or reptiles)mɛgáꞋtɛvar.lib.demɛgáꞋ 1scalesnscales
scalp, back ofnzʉʉ-nɛkɔtsyn.nback of head
scalyŋ́kaplɛ 2v.statbe covered with scalesŊgup-shú kaplɛ.The skin of fish is covered with scales.
scarcʉ́fʉ́ŋn.cscarMɔ́ɔ tíkŋɛ cʉ́fʉ́ŋ-súu nɛ tɛ mɛci cẅɛt.The child pressed down on his friend's scar until it bled. páp1nscar
scareńtsɔ́Ꞌ lɛ́mexpr.id.deńtsɔ́Ꞌ1lɛ́mheart of fearvar.dial. deɛ́sáa lɛ́mterrifyex.id.scare, give a scare, cause fear or anguish
scarecrowvuutɛŋkánn.cscarecrowPɛ́ lɔɔ ŋ́gɔ ńniitɛ vuutɛŋkán, níꞋ kɔꞋlɛ-ŋkɛndɔŋ sɛ́, ɛ́sɔ́klɛ kɛ́m-yúu mbáŋtɛ páŋtɛnɛ nǔu tú yɛ́, ɛ́sɔ ndẅí nǔu. In order to construct a scarecrow, put a plantain trunk into the ground, insert a stick on top of it and hang an article of clothing on it.
scatterɛ́sɛɛmɛ 2BbtBfdBjovar.dial. deɛ́shiɛmɛv.iscatter, disperseɛ́saŋ 2v.tscatter
scattered(stative verb)ɛ́satnɛ 1v.statbe scattered or in disarrayMɛndẅí-mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ satnɛ tsɛt lúmndá wɔ́p.The children's clothes are scattered about their room.
scatter(intransitive verb)ɛ́satnɛ 2v.i scatter
scatter(verb) ; strew(verb)ɛ́sat2v.tscatter, strewMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ sat mɛýuu lɔk ńgɛ mɛgáa tsɛt nda tsʉʉ.The children scattered their toys throughout the house.
schementáŋnscheme, plotŋgɔ́p 2dér.deŋ́gɔ́p 1plotnscheme, ploy
schoolsɛkútnschoolsynláꞋmɛsɔŋláꞋmɛsɔŋnschoolMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ tɛtáa-láꞋmɛsɔŋ ḿbɔ́ ŋgɛ mɛgaa.The children are playing in (on) the school courtyard.synsɛkút
schoolboyzíꞋsɛkútcmp.deńzíꞋsɛkútn.cschoolboy or schoolgirl
school, nurserysɛkút-gɛ́gɛ́ mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔcmp.desɛkútsyn.n.anursery school
scissorstsɛ́tsáashinscissors, hedge clippersPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk tsɛ́tsáashi ŋ́káptɛ́ tú.One uses scissors to cut hair.
scoff(verb)ɛ́sɔ́ɔv.iscoff or scorn at, stamp one's foot or make some other gesture of anger or frustrationMaŋgɛ́ zɔɔ ndúumɛ, á sɔ́ɔ, ńtsʉꞋtɛ tú yɛ́.La femme a insulté son mari, il a piaffer et a secoué sa tête.
scoldńcɔ́k 5var. lib.ńcʉ̈ɔ́kv.tto scold
scold(verb)ŋ́kakŋɛ 1v.tscoldTǎa kakŋɛ mɔ́ɔ tɛ a kʉ̈ɔ ndá.The father scolded the child until he/she fled the house.
scorpionŋgâasɛ́nwhite scorpion (found in the ground and used to practice divination)máŋgáasɛ́nemperor scorpion (quite venomous)Máŋgaasɛ́ lɔ ńnɛn pɔ sɛ́, ŋ́gẅɛɛ ŋgup shíshí.Le scorpion marche au sol et a la peau noire.Panidus imperador
scrapeńzʉkv.tscrape, dragA zʉk mɛku mɛ, a vu sɛ́.He dragged his feet and he fell down.ŋ́kẅɛ́ɛtɛ2v.tscrape, hoeńtákŋɛ1 1vscrapesynŋ́kúŋɛ naŋŋ́kẅɛ́ɛ 1ŋ́kẅɛ́ɛ 1forme comp. non-spéc denɛ́2 2withsɔ́hoev.tscrapePɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gɔꞋ yúu ndǔ luŋ, ŋ́kẅɛ́ɛ. When one crushes something on the grinding stone, one scrapes it.synńtákŋɛ1 1ŋ́kɔ́ɔv.tscrape, peel (e.g.potatoes), shave
scraperŋkẅɛ̂ɛnscraperk. of kitchen utensil for scraping food remains off a mortar
scratchɛ́shíplɛ́2v.tscratch, clawNdu-mɔ́ɔ lɔ ḿbɔ́ ńdɔɔ ŋgɔ pɛ́ cẅɛ́ɛ mɔ́ɔ mbɔ̌ wɛ́, ɛ́shíplɛ́ wɛ́.When the older sibling is looking to have someone take the child from him/her, he/she scratches it.
scratchers, those who can resolve a problempakákex.id.those who can scratch, that is those who can solve a problem Pɛ́ lɔ ńcú ŋgɔ mɛtǎatɛ lɔ ńzúk pakák.It is said that scabies itches those who can scratch. (i.e., A problem happens to s.o. who can solve it.)
scratch(verb)ŋ́kák 1vscratchŊgaŋ-mɛzuk lɔ ńnáŋ ŋ́kák mbʉʉ yɛ.Someone with scabies scratches himself all the time.
scrawny thingŋaꞋámod.nscrawny, puny thingmɛka-ŋaꞋá ŋkɛndɔŋ lɔɔ ńzáa pɔp, mɛndɔŋ mɛ́ pɛn ŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́k.A scrawny bunch of plantains never has many plantains on it and they are small.May refer to bunches of banana or plantains as well as human beings in a pejorative sense.
screenkíꞋ 1nscreen, shield
screw wormmbɛ́n1nscrew wormMbɛ́n ŋ́kúu nǔu ndẅi kɛzúu.The screw worm will get into clothing not yet dry.
scribeŋkyɛ́Ꞌtɛ 2var. lib.ŋkyɛ́Ꞌlɛpl.pakyɛ́Ꞌtɛdér.deŋ́kyɛ́Ꞌtɛ 2explainnscribe (in the Bible)
seamámá ŋki kɛ́ nɛpatforme comp. non-spéc demá1ŋki2 1waterkɛ́1NEG(future); NEG(future)nɛpatbordersyn.nsea
sea, oceanŋkikɛ́nɛpatcmp.deŋki1songkɛ́1NEG(future); NEG(future)nɛpatbordern.cocean, seasynŋkikɛ́ndẅiklɛ
search carefullyɛ́shíɛvar. dial.ɛ́sɛ́ɛv.tsearch carefully
seasonŋká mbɔ́tnji 2dér.deŋká1nseason
season, time periodŋká njídér.denjítime periodŊká njí yɔnɛ ká puŋ nɛgɛ mɛga.This is not a good time to play.
seat(v)ńtsẅíkŋɛvseat or enthrone (a successor)NáŋkɔꞋ ɛ́ nɛtsẅíkŋɛ njʉ́ndá ndǔ kɔꞋ tát wɛ, a pɔ́ ɛ́sáꞋ njɛꞋ.Enthroning is seating the heir on the seat of his father so he may direct the family.
secondḿbáatɛ 4adj.num.ord-ième
secretaryńdẅɛꞋntsɛm 2cmp.dendẅɛꞋntsɛmn.csecretairy NdẅɛꞋntsɛm-cúꞋlɛ, a ŋu ẅi a ŋwaꞋnɛnɛ mɛnu-cúꞋlɛ.The secretary of the meeting is the one who writes down the matters concerning the meeting.
secret dances of the fon's palacekẅíꞋfɔɔ 1cmp.dekẅiꞋfɔɔchief ; kingnsecret dances of the fon's palace as a categoryKẅíꞋfɔɔ lúŋ tsʉʉ yi ɛ́ nɛfɛ́m.Fon's namesake is every dance in the sacred forest.
secret dansentsantsɛ́lcmp.deńtsa1ntsɛ́ln.réddance of the sacred forest at the fon's palace, meaning 'going beyond the soot' , that is so secret that even the fon is prohibited from viewing itFɔɔ lɔ ńzúꞋ ŋgi-ntsantsɛ́l, ŋ́kʉ̈ɔ.When the fon hears the sound of 'the ' beyond the soot' dance, he runs away. C'est une dance qui est exécutée lors des funérailles est des grandes manifestation comme la sortie de la'kem.
secret danse, kpapmɛtúutɛ́cmp.deḿbaplɛnɛtúutɛ́n.ctraditional dance, whose name means 'broad ears', performed by a secret society Papmɛtúutɛ́ lúŋ-ntɔ́Ꞌ. Pɔ́p lɔ ńtɔꞋ ŋkwá, mɛtúutɛ́ mɛ́ pɔ́ páꞋ mɛ́ shʉ́ɔ.The 'big, floppy ears' dance is a dance of the chief's palace. They wear a masque with ears that are as big as an elephant's. This is a dance performed at death celebrations or burials of noblement and at the completion of the initiation of a king (la'kem).
secret society, k.mányink. of secret society whose members are princes and princesses of the fon's palaceGaŋmányi lɔ ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ cẅín, ńzẅík ndẅí-Ndɔp.Members of the 'manyi' put on the ' chwin' dance dressed in Ndop fabric (Bamileke royal cloth).
secret society of notableskaa2nsecret society among the village nobility
sedgemáliipɛ́fɔɔnk. of sedge with razor-sharp edgesScleria verrucosa
seednɛsaa 1npip, tiny seednjẅɛt 2nseedmbiyúucmp.deḿbisowyúu1thingdér.deḿbisowyúu1thingnseed
seed, seedlingmbi-dér.deḿbinseed, seedling
seed, squashnzʉꞋnsquash seedsCucurbita pepo
see each otherńjʉ́ɔnɛdér.deńjʉ́ɔseev.rsee each other
seek the truthńdɔɔ nǔu nɛnẅindér.deńdɔɔ investigate
seekthingndɔ̌ɔyúun.cresearcherNdɔɔ-yúu lɔɔ ńcitɛ mbʉʉ pɔ́.Le chercheur ne se delaisse point.
seerŋkɛm-sɛ́syn.n.amedicine man, sorcerer, seernjʉ́ɔzʉꞋcmp.deńjʉ́ɔseezʉꞋplacedér.deńjʉ́ɔseezʉꞋplacen.cseer, clairvoyantNjʉ́ɔzʉꞋ lɔ ńdɛꞋlɛ mɛndɔɔ pɛ́ gʉ ɛ́fɛꞋ. The seer often indicates the sacrifices against curses one must make.ŋgaŋŋgáan.cseer, diviner
seize(verb) ; grab up(verb)
selectńtsúꞋvselect, chooseŊu lɔ ńtsúꞋ pʉɔ a ńdɔk ŋ́gʉ zʉꞋ. One chooses or selects the people one must take somewhere.Ɛ́ n̄dáꞋ ḿbɔ́ ndẅiknzʉʉ lɛ́Ꞌ, Sɛ́ tsúꞋ pʉɔ sʉꞋnɛ tsɛtsɛt pɛkɛpɔŋ.On the last day, God will choose the good out from among the evil ones.
self-controlsʉktʉ́mcmp.deɛ́sʉktʉ́mn.ccourage, self-controlA gẅɛɛ́ sɛktʉ́m.He/She has courage./ He/She is brave.
selfish individualistpfúnǔuyɛ́cmp.deḿpfúdienǔuin, onyɛ́2as for him, alsodér.deḿpfúdienǔuin, onyɛ́2as for him, alson.c.qindividualist who does not concern himself with others needs
selfishnesstɔŋ 2nselfishness, egocentrism
sell at the marketńtáŋ mɛtáaexpr.id.deńtáŋ 2bargainmɛtáamarketex.id.buy or sell at the market place, engage in commerce
sellerfɛnnsellerFɛn tsɛ́tsáꞋ lɔɔ ńdɔk ŋkáp ŋ́gɛ yúu pɔ́.A land seller never does anything with the money.
sell in small quantitiesɛ́sap2 1v.tsell in small quantitiesTát pɛ súu waa lɔ ɛ́sap ndapaꞋ.My friend's father sells tobacco in small quantities.
sell on creditńzáꞋ2v.t buy or sell on creditA záꞋ pɛkẅíbɛ mbɔ̌ mɔ.He sold me bouillon cubes on credit.
sendńtúuv.tsendńdyakŋɛv.tsend
senile personndʉ́m mɔ́ɔmbɔ́texpr.id.dendʉ́mmɔ́ɔmbɔ́t1babyex.id.senile person
senseshʉ́ 3nsenseFɛꞋ láꞋ ńtɛn tɛ shʉ́ wɛ pɔɔ cẅɛt.The dispute was so difficult that one could not make sense of it.
sensless onekɛ́túfoolish, stupidMɔ́ɔ kɛ́tú lɔɔ ńzúꞋ ntík pɔ́.An foolish child does not listen to advice. Ḿbɔ́ pɛ́ túu kɛ́tú pɛ́ɛ yúu, a gɔ́ ŋ́kúu zúꞋ mbɔ a likŋɛ mɔ́. You send a foolish person to get something and he forgets on the way what it was.
sentence (judicial)záꞋ-fɛꞋdér.defɛꞋsyn.nsentence (legal term)
separateɛ́shɛɛmɛvseparate from one another, part company, dispersěPɛ́ zẅíꞋlɛ kɛ́káŋ tɛ ɛ́shɛɛmɛ.We waited and waited until we just parted company.
separate one's self(verb)ɛ́fyakŋɛvar. lib.var. lib.ɛ́fyaknɛv.iseparate (from one another), part companyŊu pɔ́p súu wɛ sẅíŋɛ tɛ ɛ́fyakŋɛ.Quelqu'un et son ami se sont entretenus jusqu'à se séparer.
separate; partɛ́fakŋɛ1 2v.i separate, part company with s.o.
separate several things(verb)ɛ́fyaktɛv.tseparate or part several things, divide into several portionsPɔ́ɔ-njínaa lɛɛ tɛ ŋgúꞋ, pɛ́ fyaktɛ wɔ́p ńníꞋ tsɛt mɛkɛpɛ.Lorsque les porceaux grandissent, ont les séparent pour mettre dans des porcheries.
separate(transitive verb)
separationfakŋɛnseparation, distinction, difference
Septemberpɛsaŋ pɛnɛpfu'úsyn.nninth month, September
servantŋkwaa2nservant of the chiefkuk 2nhouseboy, servantŋgaŋntúu 2n.cservant
servant, k. ofcʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ-fɔɔdér.decʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌsyn.nthe king's/fon's servantCʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ-fɔɔ ŋu ẅí a faꞋnɛ mbɔ̌ fɔɔ, ḿbɔ́ mɛku-ntúu mɛ́. A 'cʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ-fɔɔ' is a person who serves the chief by doing errands for him.cʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ-sɛ́dér.decʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌsyn.nseer's servantCʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ -sɛ́ lɔ ŋ́kát tsɛt mbɛ́n, ńdɔɔ mɛfu ŋ́gá mbɔ̌ kɛmsɛ́.Le seer's servant walks around in the sacred forest looking for medicinal herbes to give to the seer.
servant, palacecʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌntɔ́Ꞌcmp.decʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌservantntɔ́Ꞌpalacedér.decʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌservantntɔ́Ꞌpalacen.cpalace servant who is one of the notables of the sevenCʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ-ntɔ́Ꞌ ŋu a faꞋnɛ tsɛt ntɔ́Ꞌ. 'Servant of the palace' is someone who serves in the chief's palace.
serveńdiv.tserve (food and drink during a ceremony)Súu waa ka li pʉɔ nǔu nɛvú-má wɛ tɛꞋ, ŋ́gá yúujʉ pɔ́p mɛluꞋ. My friend served people a lot for his mother’s wake, giving (them) food and drink.ńdyakv serve oneself (s.th.)Tǎa lyak cúꞋThe father serves himself achu.
serve(food and drink)ɛ́sáŋɛ́2v.tserve(food and drink)A láꞋ ɛ́sáŋɛ́ nɛvú njɛꞋ pɛ́ súu nɛ kwaꞋ sʉ́ꞋnɛHe served (food & drink) at the wake in his friend's compound (today).
serve manyɛ́sáŋɛ́1 2v.iserve people well, serve many peopleA láꞋ ɛ́sáŋɛ nɛvú njɛꞋ pɛ́ súu nɛ kwaꞋ sʉ́ꞋnɛHe served many well at the cry-die in his friend's compound.
serveurndipʉɔforme comp. non-spéc deńdipʉɔn.cserver (of food and drink), waiter/waitress
serviteurcʉ̈ɔ́ꞋnservantCʉ̈ɔ́-ntɔ́Ꞌ ŋu ẅí a tsiinɛnɛ ntɔ́Ꞌ. 'Cʉ̈ɔ́-ntɔ́' is a person who serves the chief's palace.
sessile joyweedmâmbaꞋmbʉŋvar. lib.mâmbatmbʉŋn.csessile joyweedAlternanthara sissalis
set a trapńdʉꞋ gwaksyn.vset a (metal) trapńtáa ŋkʉexpr.id.deńtáa3premeditate (an act)ŋkʉ2 3snare, trapex.id.set a trap, lay a snare
set fireḿmaꞋ múkexpr.id.deḿmaꞋthrowmúkfireex.id.set fire (to s.th.), burnMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ láꞋ ḿmaꞋ múk tɛt. Ɛ́ tɔɔ ŋkáꞋ-ŋu. V Some children started a brush fire; it burned a man's plantation.
settle, fixńtsuŋtɛv settle or solve, fixTát waa ka tsuŋtɛ nu-zɔ́Ꞌ yɛ́k.My father solved the problem of our engagement.
set uprightńnʉꞋtɛv.t set upright (a post), shore up (a wall)ḿbʉꞋv.tlift up, set up(right),
seventeenntsɔ̌psaambá nɛ́ nɛgɛ́madj.num.cardseventeen
seventh monthpɛsaŋ saambáasyn.nseventh month, July
seventymɛgɛ́msaambáadj.numseventy
seventy-eightntsɔ̌pɛ́nɛ́fɔ́m nɛ́ mɛgɛ́msaambáadj.num.cardseventy-eight
seventy-fiventsɔ̌ptaa nɛ́ mɛgɛ́msaambáadj.num.cardseventy-five
seventy-fourntsɔ̌pɛ́nɛ́kwa nɛ́ mɛgɛ́msaambáadj.numseventy-four
seventy-ninentsɔ̌pɛ́nɛ́pfúꞋu nɛ́ mɛgɛ́maambáadj.num.cardseventy-nine
seventy-onentsɔ̌pmɔ́Ꞌɔ nɛ́ mɛgɛ́msaambáadj.numseventy-one
seventy-sevenntsɔ̌psaambá nɛ́ mɛgɛ́msaambáadj.num.cardseventy-seven
seventy-sixntsɔ̌pɛ́nɛ́ntúkú nɛ́ mɛgɛ́msaambáadj.num.cardseventy-six
seventy-threentsɔ̌ptát nɛ́ mɛgɛ́msaambáadj.num.cardseventy-three
sewńtá2 1v.t sewńtɛ́m ndẅíexpr.id.deńtɛ́m 1strike, hitndẅí 2v.tsew
sex, haveńtsɔ́ŋ 1vhave sexual intercourse with s.o., have sex
sexually aroused, beńdɔ2v.statbe sexually aroused
sexually tranmitted diseaseshʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌnsexually transmitted disease, STDShʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ lɔ ḿbɔ́ nǔu ŋu mbɔ pɔp mangɛ́ laa ńnɔɔ a tíi.When s.o. has a sexually transmitted disease, if he sleeps with a woman she catches it. generic term
shshhtvar.lib.deshʉ́tnoise ordering silence - shh!, hush!interjcalling for silence (sh!)Mɔ́ɔ-ntɔ́Ꞌ cú mbɔ̌ mɔ́ɔ ŋgɔ: «Shht! Fɔɔ sɛ́ ɛ́sẅíŋɛ́.»The prince said to the child : "Sh! The king is speaking."
shade, shady spotzʉꞋ-mɔ́fíitɛ1 1dér.demɔ́fíitɛshade, shady place
shadowzʉꞋ-mɔ́fíitɛ2syn.nshade, shadow
shaftfáanarrow shaftPɛ́ luŋ nɛkɔŋ nǔu fáa.On emboite la flèche sur son manche.
shaft, umbrellaŋkɔŋ-guplɛforme comp. non-spéc deŋkɔŋ 1pounding stickguplɛumbrellasyn.numbrella shaft
shakeŋ́kwɛtv.tshakeńtsʉꞋ 1v.t shakeNʉŋ-mbayaa lɔ ńtsʉꞋ luꞋ yɛ.The Baya dancer shakes his hips.ńtsʉꞋnɛv.i shakesynńnʉꞋnɛ 1ńnʉꞋnɛ 1v.t shakeNʉꞋnɛ́ tú yu!Shake your head!synńtsʉꞋnɛ
shake handsńjʉ́ɔnɛ pɔ́expr.id.deńjʉ́ɔnɛsee each otherpɔ́1handex.id.shake hands (with s.o.)A nɛn tɛ ńjʉ́ɔ súu nɛ, pɔ́pmɛ jʉ́ɔnɛ pɔ́.He walked until he saw his friend; they shook hands.
shake hands(verb)ɛ́sʉʉ pɔ́expr.id.deɛ́sʉʉpɔ́1handex.id.shake hands
shake off waterńzatv.tdrain, shake off water or dirt
shake one's headɛ́sáŋɛ túforme comp. non-spéc deɛ́sáŋɛtúsyn.vshake one's head (in disagreement)
shake one's head 'no'ńtsʉ́Ꞌnɛ tú 1syn.vshake one's head 'no'
shake out the dustŋ́kwɛt pɛpɛpcmp.deŋ́kwɛtv.tshake out the dust
shamesʉ́ʉ2nshameSʉ́ʉ sɛ́ ŋ́kɔ́ waa.I feel ashamed.
shame or shameful thingkɔ́sʉ́ʉforme comp. non-spéc desʉ́ʉ2shameŋ́kɔ́ 1taken.cshameful thing
shame s.o.ńtɛ́m sʉ́ʉ (nǔu ŋu)expr.id.deńtɛ́msʉ́ʉ2shamesʉ́ʉ2ex.id.shame (s.o.)
shareńtɛmvhave (s.th.) in common, sharePʉʉnɛ tɛm láꞋYou have the village in common. (same home village)ńzáꞋnɛ 2vshare something together, split up or divide something between a couple peoplePɛ́k záꞋnɛ kɛm-mbɛlík.We shared a piece of bread together.ŋ́gaptɛ 2v.tshareŊgappɔ́, a ŋu ẅi a gaptɛnɛ yúu kɛ́ tuŋ.The generous person is one who shares things without distinction.
sharpenŋ́kwɛ́v sharpen, fileŋ́kẅív.t file/sharpenńcaklɛ2v.t sharpen, hone
sharpenerŋkẅí yúusyn.nsharpenerŊkẅí yúu gẅɛɛ gɔk.The sharpener has a file.
sharp(stative verb)ńcɔ́k 3var. lib.ńcʉ̈ɔ́kv.statbe sharp (as in a tool or instrument)Níi cɔ́k.The cutlass is sharp.
shatterɛ́sáatɛ 2dér.deɛ́sáa1v.ishatter
shaveŋ́kɔ́ɔ mɛlẅi-ntsuv.tshave (one's beard or face)
shave(off)ńzii2v shave off completely
sheathmbáansheathmbá- níicutlass sheath
shedkʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ 2nstorage shedPalɛ́Ꞌ-mbi ŋ́kaa ŋ́kút ndá kɛ́ gɛ kʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ pɔ́.People of former times did not build a house without also building a storage shed.ɛ́shẅɛtnɛ 1v.ished (one's skin - as a snake)Nɔ́ lɔ ńdɛn, ɛ́shẅɛtnɛ. When a serpent gets older, it sheds its skin.
sheetsndẅíkúun.csheets, bed clothes
shelfŋkɔꞋ1nshelf, set of shelvesPaŋgɛ́ lɔ ńtɛ́ɛ mɛkáŋ ndǔ ŋkɔꞋ tsɛt ndá pɔ́p.Women put plates away in the cupboard in their homes.
shellŋkaa1 2nshellgʉ̈ɔplɛnshell (egg)Pɛ lɔ ńdɔk gʉ̈ɔplɛ-ŋgɛ́p ńniitɛ fu-tɛt.Eggshells (from chickens) are used to treat a type of diarrhea in infants.ŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́p1v.tshellMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ cúꞋlɛ ḿbɔ́ ŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́p mɔ̂nzu.The children meet while shelling peanuts.ɛ́swɛ1 4v.tshell millet or wheat by pulling
shell cornŋ́kɛplɛ ŋgɛsáŋsyn.vshell maize/cornPɛ́ ŋ́kɛplɛ ŋgɛsáŋ ńdɔ ŋ́gɔꞋ zɔ́n. One will shell corn before grinding it the next day.
shell, snailgʉ̈ɔplɛ-taꞋforme comp. non-spéc degʉ̈ɔplɛshelltaꞋsnailsyn.nsnail shell
shelterkapaꞋnhutPɛ́ lɔɔ ŋ́kút kapaꞋ ɛ́ pɔŋ pɔ́.A hut is never well constructed.
shieldkíꞋ-mɛkɔŋdér.dekíꞋsyn.nshield ( of war)
shield of warkíꞋ-ntsɔdér.dekíꞋsyn.n(war) shield, buckler
shineɛ́shán1v.ishine, be shiny or brightńtá1v.i shineSaŋ sɛ́ ńtá.The moon is shining.This verbe with this sense is only for the moon, the sun and the stars and NOT for lamps or candles. ŋ́kʉ́1v.i shine, burnMúk sɛ́ ŋ́kʉ́.The fine is burning.ŋ́ŋwaŋɛv shine, be shiny or brightTáꞋyúu-nzwɛ́-fɔɔ ŋwaŋɛ.The queen's necklace is shiny.
shine(verb)ɛ́síi1v.ishinePɛ́ zɔ́Ꞌ mɛkɔꞋ tɛ ɛ́ síi.The stools were oiled until they shone.ɛ́síi2 1v.ibe meltedPɛ́ laa ńtík mɛgwɛ́t nduu mɔ́nɛm mbɔ ɛ́ síi.If one puts oil in the sun(shine), it melts
shirt, bubunjǔmbanshirt, bubu
shiverɛ́shúꞋlɛv.ishiver (from cold)
shiver(verb)ɛ́shʉ́ŋv.ishiverPɛ́ shʉ́ŋ mbíꞋ ŋgɔ fák sɛ́ ŋ́kɔ́.One shivered because one is cold.
shoeku-tapdict.deku1footmɛtapshoessyn.none shoeTap all by itself is a belt. Ku-tap is a single shoe, lit. a foot-of-belt
shootńtɛ́m 2v.tshoot (a gun)
shoot a gunńtɛ́m ŋgátexpr.id.deŋgátńtɛ́mex.id.shoot a gun/firearm
shoot (arrow)ŋ́kít (ŋkaasaŋ)dér.deŋ́kítv.t shoot an arrow
shoot(bamboo)sʉ́Ꞌlɛnbamboo shoot or stump
shorttɛtuꞋdér.deńtuꞋshortadj.vshort
shortagecʉ́2nshortage, scarcityCʉ́ lɔ ḿbɔ́ ŋká yi pɛ́ pi mɔ́ yúu, yúu kwɛ́tnɛ pɔɔ pɛ́t ńzáa pɔ́. Mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ lɔ ńzúu ŋká-cʉ́.There is scarcity when one has planted all the seed and there is nothing left to eat. Children lose weight during the time of scarcity.This word is often used to refer to the season when there is a shortage of food because most of the corn seeds have been planted. This is usually in March or April.
short, beńtuꞋv.statbe short
shortcutzáꞋndúŋcmp.deńzáꞋ1cutndúŋ 1traildér.deńzáꞋ1cutndúŋ 1trailn.cshortcutA láꞋ ńdɔk záꞋndúŋ ɛ́fɛꞋnɛ ŋ́kúu.He used a shortcut to get there quickly.kɛm-ndúŋdér.dekɛmshortcutḾbɔ́ pɛ́ lɔk kɛm-ndúŋ ɛ́fɛꞋnɛ ŋ́kúu MbuꞋndaa?Can one take a shortcut to get to Mbouda quickly?
short.vḿvúkv.statbe shortNjí vúk.Time is short.antɛ́sak 1
shouldernɛtẅíinshoulder jointŋkambʉ̈ɔꞋnshoulder
showńnatvar.lib.deńnyɛtshow(vt)v showńnyɛtvar. lib.var. lib.ńnatv.tshow or demonstrate
show favouritismeŋ́gɛ ŋgɔ́pexpr.id.deŋgɔ́p 1policyŋ́gɛ2dovshow favoristism
show offńnáttɛv show off, be arrogantsynŋ́ŋáꞋtɛ́ńnyɛt mbʉʉdér.deńnyɛtvshow off, bragsynɛ́shɛl
show-offnyɛtmbʉʉcmp.deńnyɛt mbʉʉshow bodydér.deńnyɛt mbʉʉshow bodyn.cshow-off, braggartŋgaŋnyɛ̌tmbʉʉn.cshow-off, braggart
show off, bragḿvɔpv.ishow off bragMɔ́ɔ zẅík ndẅí fí, ḿvɔp.A child puts on new clothes and brags (about it).
show partialityŋ́gɔ́p 2v show partiality in judging, favor someone unfairly
show sorrow to elicit pityḿmaꞋ mɛjʉ́ŋexpr.id.deḿmaꞋmɛjʉ́ŋex.id.show sorrow to elicit/gain pityMɔ́ɔ pfú mbɔ̌ maŋgɛ́ a laa, ḿmaꞋ mɛjʉ́ŋ.A woman's child died and she cried to gain pity.
shrew, African giantswɛnshrew (African giant)Ḿbɔ́ swɛ tsuk ŋu tɛ ɛ́ záŋ tɛꞋ, lá ḿbɔ́ a pɔɔ jẅí ŋu pɔ́. A gẅɛɛ ŋɛmɛ, lá ḿbɔ́ a pɔɔ pǔushi jẅí, ndaꞋ mbɔ́ mɛnaa, páꞋ tɛtɔꞋ mba mɛntâanɛ́.The shrew can bite someone so that it hurts a lot, but it cannot kill them. It has venom, but it cannot kill a cat, just small animals like toads and edible grasshoppers. Crocidura olivieri
shrimpmánjaŋgaavar. lib.var. lib.njaŋgaanshrimp, prawnPenaeus sp.
shrinkńtaŋ1v.i become skinny, shrink
shrivelŋ́ŋúꞋlɛ 2v.i shrivel up ; wrinkleShʉ́-táꞋ ndʉ́m ŋúꞋlɛ́nɛ́.The face of an older person is wrinkled.
shroud, whitemakɛ́kɔ́ɔnkind of white cloth used as a burial cloth
shrub
shrub whose wood glowsmɔ̂ɔntɔ́Ꞌmbɔsíin.ckind of shrubLit.- prince of glowers. Once cut the bark falls off and the wood shines. It is used as firewood.
shrug(verb)ŋ́kaꞋ mɛŋkambʉɔꞋ/ mɛŋkyɛt-ŋgíidér.deŋ́kaꞋ1v.tshrug one's shouldersPɛ́ kaꞋ mɛŋkyɛt-ŋgíi nɛlɔk ńdʉꞋnɛ.One shrugs one's sides/shoulders to refuse.
shuckɛ́shyak1 1var.lib.deɛ́shakvshuckɛ́syakBbtBfdBjovar.dial. deɛ́shakv.tshuck
shudder(verb) ; shiver(verb)ŋ́gwɛtv.ishudder, shiver; or tremble (with fear)Pɛ́ gwɛt mbíꞋŋgɔ pɛ́ sɛ́ ḿbɔ́kɛ́.One shudders because one is frightened.
sibling, youngerntsʉ́Ꞌnzʉʉn.cyounger brother or sisterntsʉ́Ꞌnzʉʉ wɛ́ mɔ́ɔmbɛɛnɛyounger brother/little brotherntsʉ́Ꞌnzʉʉ wɛ́ maŋgɛ́younger sister/little sister
sick at heartgɔɔ-tʉ́mdér.degɔɔsyn.n.aheart sickGɔɔ-tʉ́m lɔɔ ŋ́gɛ mbʉʉ-ŋu gíɛ pɔ́. Being heart sick never makes one content.
sicknessnɛgi1nkind of sickness characterised by rough bumps on the handsNɛgi lɔ ŋ́kɔ́ nǔu pɔ́-ŋu.The sickness of rough bumps comes out on a person's hand.
sickness, new groommɛlaŋnsickness of a newlywed man (attributed to his marrying too soon)
sickness with dizzinesslɛmndíntype of sickness that makes a person dizzyLɛmndí lɔ ŋ́gɛ mík-ŋu sʉ́ʉnɛ.The sickness called 'lemndi' causes dizziness.
sick oneŋgaŋgɔɔŋgaŋɣɔɔdér.degɔɔdiseasen.csick personA gʉ ndɔkta ŋ́gá yúujʉ́ mbɔ̌ ŋgaŋgɔɔ.He went to the hospital to give food to the sick person.
sick personŋgɔɔ 1dér.deŋ́gɔɔsicknsick person
sick(stative verb)ŋ́gɔɔv.stat be sick
sidembúnside, zone, endnɛjɔ́ŋ 1var. lib.var. lib.nɛjʉ̈ɔ́ŋnsideMɔ́ɔ waa, tɔ́ nɛjɔ́ŋ náa!My child, come to my side!ŋgíi1nside (anat.)nzɛmprépsideGʉ nzɛm-píi!Go outside!njʉ́nnside of a valleygúŋnsideGʉ nɛ́ gúŋ-ndá.Go to the side of the house.
siftertsʉꞋnsifterPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk tsʉꞋ ńtsʉꞋ ŋgʉŋ.The sifter is used to sift foo-foo.syntsákɛlɛtsákɛlɛnsifter or sievePɛ́ lɔk tsákɛlɛ ńtsʉ́Ꞌ mbɛp-ŋgʉŋ.One sifts the corn flour with the sifter.
sighńjẅiv.isighNdʉ́m pʉʉ nɛŋkɔ́Ꞌ tɛ ńjẅi, mbíꞋŋgɔ a káa mɔ́.The old person climbed the hill until he sighed because he was already tired (out).ńzẅiBbtBfdBjov.isigh
signalnɛpi2nsignalMaŋgɛ́ fúŋ fúk wɛ nɛ́ nɛpi nɔ́p.The woman called her co-wife with their signal.
signal to comeŋ́kyɛpv.tsignal s.o. (to come)This gesture consists of moving the four fingers to one's palm or tilting the head.
signal to s.o.ńkyɛpv.tsignal to s.o.
signsmɛsapnsigns, indications
sign (spiritual)lii-mbʉʉ 2dér.delii1sign
sign(verb)ɛ́shán2v.tsign (one's name)
silhouettejíjʉ́ŋvar. dial.mɔ́jíjɔ́ŋvar. lib.mɔ́jíjʉ́ŋnsilhouette, outlinemɔ́jíjʉ́ŋvar. dial.var. dial.mɔ́jíjɔ́ŋvar.lib.dejíjʉ́ŋnsilhouette, outline
sillinessgaꞋgaꞋ 1nsillinessMɔɔ wɔ kɔŋ gaꞋgaꞋ tɛ ɛ́ lɛɛ.This child loves silliness very much.
sillygaꞋgaꞋ 2mod.nsilly, stupidMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ laa ḿbɔ́ ŋ́gɛ mɛgaa nɛ́ mɛŋgɔꞋ ḿbɔ́ ńtɛ́m mɛmbʉʉ mɔ́p, mbɔ ɛ́ gaꞋgaꞋ mɛgaa.If children play around throwing thowing stones at each other, its a stupid game.
silouettemɔ́jíjɔ́ŋBbtBfdBjovar.dial. dejíjʉ́ŋmɔ́jíjʉ́ŋsilhouettenshadow, silouetteŊu lɔ ńnɛn pɔ́p mɔ́jíjɔ́ŋ.A person always walks with his shadow.
simplyndaꞋndaꞋcmp.dendaꞋadvsimplyNu yi ɔ gɛnɛ nǔu mɔ, ɛ́ pʉk wáa, lá n dikŋɛA ndaꞋndaꞋ.What you did to me, I didn't like it, but I have forgiven (forgotten) it.
sinnɛfʉꞋnɛnsinŋ́gɛ nukɛpɔŋforme comp. non-spéc denukɛpɔŋevilŋ́gɛ2dosyn.vsin, do evil
sincetɛ ɛ́fúdér.deɛ́fú1syn.vsinceTɛ ɛ́fú shʉ́nɛ́ tát wu ndʉ́m nɛn sʉꞋnɛ pɔ́?Since when has your grandfather not been walking well?Tɛ ɛ́fú lɛꞋ yi matúwa ka tɛ́mnɛ tát waa ndʉ́m, ḿbɔ́ a pɔɔ pɛn ńnɛn sʉꞋnɛ pɔ́.Since the day the car hit my grandfather, he hasn't been able to walk well.ŋ́káꞋv.conjsincentɛ́ káꞋconjbecause, since
singernzɔpŋkicmp.deńzɔpsingŋki1songdér.deńzɔpsingŋki1songn.vsinger
sing the ghostńzɔp ŋgaŋexpr.id.deńzɔpsingŋgaŋ2purification_ritevar.lib.deńzɔp gúsing the ghosteuph.sing the person/ ghostThis is a rituel to bring an end to evil activities in the village by chasing away ghosts and evil-causing spirits from the village.
sink in waterḿbɛ́nɛ́ tsɛt ŋkidér.deḿbɛ́nɛsink into water, drown
sinnerŋgaŋmɛfaan.csinnerŊgaŋmɛfaa gẅɛɛ nɛpúꞋ mbɔ́ mbɔ̌ Sɛ́. The sinner has the right to ask forgiveness from God.
sipḿmi ńdaańdaadér.deḿmisyn.vsip
sisalmvuluꞋnsisalAgave sisalana
sit downńtswɛ́ (sɛ́) 1v.isit down
sit downńnáŋ sɛ́dér.deńnáŋv.i sit down, stay
siteŋgatnsite, zone, placeMɔ̂naa náꞋ ńcẅɛt nǔu ŋgat fʉ́ɔnɛ́.The animal came out a little ways into a clearing.
sit onńdɛ́Ꞌ2v.isit on (eggs),Mɔ̂ŋgɛ́p lɔ ńdɛ́Ꞌ ŋ́gɛ lɛ́Ꞌ ntsɔ̌pmɔꞋɔ mɛgɛ́mmbá, la ɛ́sáa.A hen sits (on her eggs) for 21 days before they hatch.
sit upḿbʉꞋ mbʉʉdér.deḿbʉꞋsit up
sixyɛ́nɛ́túkúadj.num.cardsixA gẅɛɛ mɛnaa mɛ́nɛ́ntúkú.He has six animals.yɛ́nɛ́ntúkúadj.numsixpɛ́nɛ́ntúkúnumsixUsed with class 2.
sixth fingerntsáŋ-pɔ́dér.dentsáŋsyn.nsixth finger
sixtymɛgɛ́mɛ́nɛ́ntúkúadj.numsixty
sixty-fiventsɔ̌ptaa nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mɛ́nɛ́ntúkúadj.num.cardsixty-five
sixty-sevenntsɔ̌psaambá nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mɛ́nɛ́ntúkúadj.num.cardsixty-seven
sixty-threentsɔ̌ptát nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mɛ́nɛ́ntúkúadj.num.cardsixty-three
sizentí3 1nsizeNtí wɛ́ ŋgɔ̌ ku?What is its size?
skewerpáp2nskewerPɛ́ pǎp tsɔꞋ-ŋgɛsáŋ nɛ̂ɛ páp.One roasts corn on the cob on a skewer
skillfulkɛsẅɛn.c.qadroite, able, accurate
skinɛ́siitɛvskin in many placessynńjẅɛptɛńjẅɛp2 4var. dial.ńzẅɛpvskin (an animal)ŋgup 1nskin
skin (an animal)ńzẅɛp 2BbtBfdBjovar.dial. deńjẅɛp2v.tskin (an animal)
skinnymɔcẅítadj.indéfskinny, scrawny
skinny, beńzúu3v be skinnyŊu zúu.The person is skinny.
skinskinstayŋgupŋgupnâŋn.cbutterflyLepidoptera
skin(verb)ɛ́sii 1v.tskinMɔ́ɔ vu sɛ́, tú-kẅíꞋlɛ́ siinɛ.The child fell and skinned his knee.ńjẅɛptɛv skin in many placessynɛ́siitɛ
skipŋ́kítɛvar.lib.deŋ́kíttɛjump-repeatedlyv.iskip, jump up and down
skirts, wrapper threetú-ndẅí 1forme comp. non-spéc dendẅí 1clothtúheadsyn.nthree wrapper skirtsA piece of fabric that may be cut into three wrapper skirts.
skullkáatún.cskullŋkɔꞋ-túsyn.nskull
skull rehabilitation ceremonypaatɛtúcmp.deḿbáatɛ 1sticktúheaddér.deḿbáatɛ 1sticktúheadnrite to 'rehabilitate' the skill of a deceased adultIt's called 'beside'because on may put the skull beside those of other ancestors. See also the note in the 'tiktu' entry. syntíktú
skyshʉ́-tʉ́expr.id.deshʉ́tʉ́2highex.id.skyShʉ́-tʉ́ lɛ́ɛnɛ.The sky is clear.nɛpúnskynɛfaŋ 1nsky
slackntsɔɔdér.deńtsɔɔ 1be lax, slackmod.nslackard, lax personNtsɔ́ɔ mɔ̂suu lɔ ŋ́gɔ́ŋ pɔ tɔ́ɔ-ndá.The slackard youth just stays way inside the house.
slam! (sound)kʉŋidsound of a door slamming shut
slanderŋ́gúu ŋgúusyn.vslanderŊu gúu ŋgúu nǔu lík-súu nɛ. A zúꞋ, ɛ́ pɛk wɛ́.Someone slandered the name of his friend. He heard and was displeased.ŋgúunslander, gossipńtáŋ ŋgúuexpr.id.deńtáŋ 2bargainŋgúuslander slander
slantpáŋtɛ́dér.deḿbáŋtɛn.vslant, slopePáŋtɛ́ nǔu sɛ́-ndá yɛkɛ.There is a slant in the floor of our house.
slanted, beḿbáŋtɛvbe slanted, to pass each other (going in opposite directionsPáŋtɛ́ nǔu sɛ́-ndá yɛkɛ.There is a slant in the floor or our house.
slapnɛfɛ̂ɛnɛ́nslapA tík nɛfɛ̂ɛnɛ́ tú yɛ́.He slapped him on the head..mbâŋ2idslapping noiseA tswáa pɔ́ tú yɛ́ ŋgɔ mbâŋ.Il l'a gifle que mbâŋ.ńtswáa nɛ́ la-pɔ́dér.deńtswáa slap
slap-slap!zapat zapatid(onomatopea) sound of an improper(suggestive) walkŊkáttʉ́ lɔ ńnɛn ŋgɔ: «zapat zapat».A prostitute walks (suggestively) with a "zapat zapat"
slatmɔ́kúudér.dekúubedn.cbed slatlíkɛtnslat, narrow board
slatetáafɛlɛnslateMɔ́ɔ ŋwaꞋnɛ yúu táafɛlɛ wɛ.The child wrote something on his/her slate.
slaughterhousenɛgwátmɛnaan.cslaughterhousenɛjẅímɛnaacmp.deńjẅínaadér.deńjẅínaan.cslaughter house
slaughter(verb) ; slit(verb)ŋ́gwat2v.t slit ; slaughter (an animal)
slavepuꞋnslavePuꞋ, ẅi a tsáanɛ ŋga-láꞋ wɔ́p, lɔ ńcú ŋgɔ: « Yɛ́ɛ ʉn! »The slave who is overwhelmed by how far he is from his home village often says, "Alas!"antndẅǐi
slaverykwaanslavery, bondage
slave tradertǎapuꞋn.cslave traderTǎapuꞋ ka pɔ́ ńtáŋ puꞋ.The slave trader traded in slaves.
sleep (serveral people_ńdɛ́tɛdér.deńdɛ́v.isleep (several people)Ɛ́ lɔ ḿbɔ́ láꞋ, ŋ́gɔ́ ḿbɔ́ nǔu nɛm nɛgɛ́m nɛtúꞋ, mbɔ pɛ́ ńdɛ́tɛ mɔ́.In the village, before 10 PM many are already asleep.
sleevepɔ́-ndẅícmp.depɔ́1handndẅí 2ex.id.sleeve
slice(verb)ɛ́shɔ́v.tsliceFɛnmbap lɔ ɛ́shɔ́ zʉꞋ́mbap la ńzap ndǔ kílɔ.The butcher slices off a piece of meat before placing it on the scale.
sliding doorvuꞋnɛdér.deḿvuꞋnɛclose with a sliding doornsliding doorŊu lɛɛmɛ súu nɛ, ńcú mbɔ̌ wɛ́ ŋgɔ : « Ɛ́ tsʉ́Ꞌ wûu zɔ́n.» A paꞋ mbɔ̌ wɛ́ ŋgɔ: « PáꞋ vuꞋnɛ-ndá laa ńdɛɛ.»A man takes leave of his friend saying, "See you tomorrow." The other responds, "If the door slides (open). " This is an old-fashioned kind of bamboo (raffia palm) door that is no longer in use.Actuellement on entend ce mot dans une formule de
slightly, somewhatńnáꞋaux.adva little bit, slightlyƐ́ náꞋ ŋ́gɛ.Things are somewhat alright.
slingshotvɛtnslingshot (light-weight)Mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ lɔ ńdɔk vɛt ńtɛm pɛpǐipǐi.Children use a light-weight slingshot to shot at cordon bleus. This is for children of about 5 to 7 years of age. lɔ́paa 1PidginnslingshotMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ lɔ ńdɔk pɛlɔ́paa, ńtɛm pɛshʉ́ŋ.Children used slingshots to shoot birds.tɛmmbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtsẅíicmp.deńtɛ́m 1strike, hitḿbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌto breakntsẅíiwoodn.cslingshot (heavy-duty)Pɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk tɛmmbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtsẅíi ńtɛm pɛshʉ́ŋ mba mɛnaa kɛkʉ̈ɔꞋ paꞋ ndǔm.On uses a heavy-duty slingshot to shot and birds and small animals like the grass-cutter rat.Ḿbɔ́ pɛ́ pɛn ńdɔk tɛmmbʉ̈ɔ́tꞋtsẅíi ḿmáꞋ nɛkɔŋ-kít ńtɛm mɛnaa mi ɛ́ ka gwút tɛꞋ pɔ́.On can also use a heavy-duty slingshot to shoot arrows at medium-sized animals. satntraditional slingshot
slink awayńdʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtɛv slink away, dodge
slipknottẅíknslipknotantnɛjɔtnɛ
slipperyɛ́sẅiklɛ2 2v.statbe slipperySɛ̂ndúŋ sɛ́ ɛ́sẅiklɛ mbíꞋŋgɔ mbʉŋ lɔ́.The road is slippery because it rained.
slip(verb)ɛ́sẅiklɛ2 1v.islip
Slit-gongndʉꞋ-tɛ́tɔ́ksyn.nslit-gong with statues sculpted into the two endsndʉꞋ-kanaadict.dendʉꞋbellkanaatraditional_dansesyn.n.aSlit-gong drum used in the kanaa dance
slither(verb)ɛ́shɔ́ŋ1v.tslither
slopeŋkwɛn1 2nslopePaŋpɔꞋ lɔ ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ ndǔ ŋkwɛn.The yellow mushroom grows on slopes.ntsámbátn.cslope, hillside
sloughɛ́shɔt ŋgupforme comp. non-spéc deɛ́shɔtŋgupsyn.vslough (off) or shed skinNɔ́ lɔ ńnáŋ tɛ ɛ́shɔt ŋgup yɛ.The snake stays until it has shed it's skin.
slowńnyɛmɛv.i/v.stat be slow, go slowlyNdɛn ndʉ́m nyɛmɛ nɛnɛn.The elderly person is slow walking.ńcʉʉpɛv.statbe slowNdɔ́ŋ lɔ ńcʉʉpɛ nɛfaꞋ páꞋ ŋgaŋgɔɔThe lazy man is slow to work like a sick person.
slow downŋ́kɛp 1var. lib.ŋ́kapv.islow down
slowlyńdamɛaux.advdo slowly
slyndʉɔmɛgin.csly person, a wolf in sheep's clothingNdʉɔmɛgi lʉɔnɛ mat kɛpɔŋ ẅi a gẅɛɛnɛ.A sly person (claw hider) hides his bad character.
sly, beńdʉɔmɛgiex.id.be sly
smack lips togetherńtswáa ntsuexpr.id.deńtswáantsumouthex.id. smack one's lips
smallmɔ́yúumod.nsmall, littlePɛkŋɛ́ jʉ́ɔ ŋgɔ mɔ́yúu mɔ́ɔ-njinji jẅínɛ́ máma mɔ̂naaWe all see that the little child of the fly killed by itself killed the great big animal.kʉ̈ɔ́knɛ́adj.vsmallkɛ́kʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌdér.deŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́kadj.vsmall, littleYúu kɛkʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ lɔɔ yɛ záanɛ. The little thing looks for the big one.The example sentence is a proverb which means, "It is necessary to give thanks for even very small presents, because there may be bigger ones later.mɔ́lɛ̌ɛforme comp. non-spéc demɔ́ɔ 2animal youngńdɛɛpass (by)n.c.qsmallmbɔ́mod.nsmall, lightmbɔ́ mɛnaasmall animals
small ears, an insultmɛtúutɛ-vuksyn.nbat ears, k. of insultMɛtúutɛ-vuk kʉ̈ɔk tɛꞋ; pɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk ńzɔɔ ŋu.As the bat's ears are so very small, one uses the word to insult people.
small edible fish with barbs on its backmɔ̂nzɔ́ŋkwɛncmp.denzɔ́ŋstinger ; quill ; thornŋkwɛn1 1backnk. of small (10-15 cm) edible fish with barbs on its back
small entry holesmɛnɛ́ɛnsmall entry holes (in a termite mound)
small jerrican-like plastic container (5 litres) or bottle (1- 1.5 litres for keeping cooking oilndáŋ-mɛgwɛ́t 2cmp.dendáŋsmall jerrican-like plastic container (5 litres) or bottle (1- 1.5 litres for keeping cooking oil
small of the backzán-lúꞋsyn.n.asmall of the backpú1nabdomen and lower back
small part of a large raised planting bednǎŋkɔkforme comp. non-spéc denaŋfield with raised planting bedsŋ́kɔklowern.csmall division of a large raised planting bed.Naŋkɔk lɔk ńcú ŋgɔ naŋ-mvukɔp pɛ́ shɛ́ɛtɛnɛ ńdɔk ḿbí ŋgɛsaŋ.Nangkok means a sweet potato planting bed split into smaller ones for sowing corn.
small pilemɔ́ncẅiꞋnsmall pile
small(stative verb)ŋ́kʉ̈ɔ́kv.stat be small
small village barndá-mɛluꞋsyn.nsmall village barPɛ́ lɔ ńzɔtnɛ ndá-mɛluꞋ sɛ́sʉ́ʉ.One gabs too much in a small village bar.
smearńzɔ́Ꞌ3vsmear, anoint, cover with oilPɛ́ zɔ́Ꞌ mbʉʉ nɛ́ mɛwɛ́tOne smears one's body with oil.
smellják 2nsmell, odourńzúꞋ jákv.tsmell
smell (good)ńdɛmɛ 1v.i/v.statsmell (good)
smile(verb)ŋ́gwɛ mɔ́mɔ yúudér.deŋ́gwɛv.isourire
smokeńnɔ́ 2v.tsmokendindinsmoke
smoked fish, kindmbuŋgantype of smoked fish
smokernnɔ́ndapaꞋcmp.deńnɔ́ 2smokendapaꞋdér.deńnɔ́ 2smokendapaꞋn.ctobacco smoker
smooth outɛ́shʉŋ 2v.tsmooth out
smooth talkernzaŋntsucmp.deńzaŋɛ ntsuspeak with easen.c.qpolite (person)
smooth(v)ɛ́shílɛ́v.tsmooth out or level something by carvingPɛ́ lɔ ɛ́shílɛ kɔꞋ-ndyɔŋ.One carves the bambou stool to make it level.
smotherńtíkŋɛvsmothersmother, press down (on)
smother; suffocateɛ́fɛ́mɛ 1v.tsmother or suffocatePɛ́ fɛ́mɛ ndǔm tɛ á pfú.The rat was smothered to death.
snack, ground peanut-corn mixndákwánkind of snack (mixture of corn and groundnut with pepper)
snack loverŋgaŋmbyaŋtɛn.vsnack lover
snailtaꞋnsnailNɛ́ taꞋ ẅi ɛ́ ŋkáꞋ pɛ́ nɛ́ɛ fu-ŋgíi-tú.With field snails earache medicine is made.Conus
snake, driednzẅíi2ndried snack (made from sweet potato or plantain)
snake, kindnɛpúplɛ́nsp. of blind snake Sp. of snake whose skin is smooth and shiny and whose head is no wider than its bodyRhinotyphlops spp.
snakeskin, shedshẅɛt-nɔ́var.lib.deshẅɛtnɛ-nɔsnake sloughingnshed snakeskin
snake sloughingshẅɛtnɛ-nɔvar. lib.var. lib.shẅɛt-nɔ́ex.id.snake sloughing
snakeweedsʉ̌ʉndáꞋndáꞋcmp.desʉʉ2miscule holen.cblue snakeweed, blue rat's tailStachytarpheta cayennensis
snap!kák1 1idsound of something breaking, e.g. "crack"Ḿbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ yuu ŋ́gɔ kák.To break something with a "crack".
snareshuŋmbáacmp.deɛ́shuŋ2pullḿbáatɛn.ck. of wire snarePɛ́ lɔ ńdʉꞋ shuŋmbáa nǔu pɔꞋ-mɛnaa. One sets the wire snare on animal trails.This snare is composed of a brake cable tied to the end of a stake that is pulled down and affixed to a forked stick. So, when gets caught it becomes stuck between the two lends of the fork.It grabs the animal around the neck.saꞋkun.cfoot snareThe animal is caught by the foot.
snare(verb)ŋ́gẅɛɛ nǔu gwakdér.deŋ́gẅɛɛlocto snare
snatch(verb) ; grab(verb)ɛ́saꞋ2v.tsnatch or grabMɔ́ɔ saꞋ "gâteau" súu nɛ.The child snatched his friend's cake.
sneakɛ́sɔ́tɛ́v.tsneak, slip throughPɛ́ tɛ́Ꞌlɛ ntsɔ́ŋ, a kɛ ɛ́sɔ́tɛ tsɛtsɛt pʉɔ tɛ ŋ́gʉ.The thief was surrounded , he snuck between people and got away.
sneak awayńdʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌv sneak away, avoid
sniffleńdɛmtɛ2v.isniffle, sniffPɛ́ tswáa mɔ́ɔ, a lɛmtɛ.The child was struck and he/she sniffled.
snitchingkɛ́laa 1ngossiping, spreading lies about peopleKɛ́laa lɔ ḿbík láꞋ.Spreading lies about people destroys a village.
snore(verb)ŋ́ku1v.i snore
snottycúcú-mɛlẅícmp.deńcú1leakmɛlẅínosedér.deńcú1leakmɛlẅínosesyn.nsnotty-nosedŊu puu pɛ́ cẅɛt pɔ ŋká tsʉʉ cúcú-mɛlẅí.A person whose nose runs constantly is snotty-nosed.mɔ́fɛ̌ɛ-puu 1n.c.qsnotty (one)Mɛlẅí-mɔ́fɛ̌ɛ-puu lɔ ŋ́ŋyaklɛ ŋyɛklɛnɛ.The nose of a snotty one is usually wet.
snotty, beńdɔ́ŋ mɛlẅí 1syn.vhave a runny or snotty nose
sola2 2conjthen/already (at the end of a sentence)
soakńtsɛpv.t wet, soakMaŋge sɛ́ ńtsɛp mɔ̂nzu-ndɔ́lɛ́, la pɛ́ gɔꞋ.The woman is soaking the peanuts for the ndole sauce and then someone will grind them.
sobḿmʉꞋ2v.isobMɔ́ɔ kíi tɛ ḿmʉꞋThe child cried to the point of sobbing.
sockkɛmsɔkusyn.n.asock, stocking
sofakɔꞋsɛlípcyan.csofa or armchair
soft,beḿbí2 2v.ibe soft or well cookedPɛ́ nɛ́ɛ mákap, ɛ́ tsuŋ ḿbí; pɛ́ kwɛ́t, ɛ́ pɔɔ zuk.If one cooks cocoyams until they are nice and tender, then when one eats them it doesn't cause scratchiness (in the throat).If one eats cocoyams raw or not well cooked, they may cause a rash in the throat. Applies to food one cooks.
softlynǐɛnǐɛnǐɛidnoise that indicates someone is walking very softly
soft spotfɛfuꞋnsoft spot on a baby's head
so help me!pɛ́ fɛn wáa!ex.id.exclamation of firmness of resolveŃtsʉ́Ꞌ yi, m bɛm nu kɛsaŋ, pɛ́ fɛn wáa!Instead of accepting something without thinking about it, let them betray me!
soil(v)ɛ́fɛmɛ 2v.tsoil, get s.th.dirty
soldiersɔ́jansoldiersynkâŋtúmákáa 1nsoldier or law enforcement for the fonMákáa tɔ́ nɛpfú pɛk, ŋ́gẅɛɛ mɛtsɔŋ.A soldier (of the fon) came to our quarter and arrested a thiefkatúꞋn.csoldierkâŋtúcmp.dekáŋplatetúheadn.csoldier, policeman or gendarmeThe helmet of a soldier resembles a plate.syncɔꞋpɛpaŋcɔꞋshíshísɔ́ja
sole of the foottsɛn-kuforme comp. non-spéc denɛtsɛ́n 1bottomku1footsyn.nsole of the foot
solidaritykʉŋnzʉʉ1forme comp. non-spéc deŋ́kʉŋ nzʉʉcover rearn.csolidarityKʉŋnzʉʉ ŋká yi pʉɔ cúꞋlɛnɛ nɛcẅɛ́lɛ́ ŋu nu kẅɛ́ɛtɛnɛ wɛ́ nɛpfuláꞋ. Solidarity is when people get together to help someone to welcome him to the quarter.
solidifyŋ́kẅít 2v.isolidifyFák lɔ ńdɛɛ, mɛgwɛ́t pɛpaŋ kẅít.When (cold) air passes, red (palm) oil solidifies.
somembɔ́ntaꞋcmp.dembɔ́smallntáꞋunitquantsome, a fewMbɔ́ntaꞋ pʉɔ pi mɔ́ mɔ̂nzu.Some people have already planted peanuts.
somersaultḿbɛtnɛv.itumble over, do somersaultsMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ sɛ́ ḿbɛtnɛ ndǔ zán-sɛkút.The children are doing somersaults on the school grounds.
somewherezʉꞋ kɛkɛdér.dezʉꞋsyn.nsomewhere
songzɔ̌pŋkivar. dial.var. dial.zɔ̌pnciforme comp. non-spéc deńzɔpŋki1songn.csongsynzɔ̌pŋki1nsongPɛ́ lɔɔ ŋ́zɔp ŋki-nɛvu ŋká yi ŋu pfúnɛ́.One sings a dirge when someone dies.zɔ̌pnsongsynzɔ̌pŋki
songbookŋwaꞋnɛ-mɛzɔ̌pŋki 1forme comp. non-spéc deŋwaꞋnɛzɔ̌pŋkisyn.nsongbook, hymnal
son-in-lawncinson-in-lawNci lɔ ńtát nzwɛ́ wɛ mbɔ̌ tátkẅiꞋ wɛ.The son-in-law pays the brideprice to his father-in-law.
son-in-law's mothermá-ncisyn.n.amother of son-in-law
soonŋká yɛ́páŋkɛ̂ɛpáexpr.id.deŋká1yɛ́páex.id.soon, in a momentŊká yɛ́pá , mɛjʉ́ pɔ́ sɛ́.Soon the meal will be ready.
sorcerertsɔ́Ꞌtsiin.csorcerer (who kills by removing or in order to remove the bladder)Pɛtsɔ́Ꞌtsii lɔ ńjẅí ŋu.ŋgaŋnɛkaŋn.ctraditional healer, sorcerer, witch doctor
sorcerer (murderer)ŋgaŋsadér.desa1sorcerer (one who by means of sorcery and/or poison kills)Gaŋsa lɔ ɛ́fɛn pʉɔ ńdɔk ńdɔɔ ŋkáp.Sorcerers sell (the life) of people looking for money.
sorcerer's servanttutúꞋŋkipɛlʉʉn.csorcerer's servantThis is an insult for someone of poor behaviour. Lit. it means ' water drawer of vampires.'
sores, cause to appearńtsɔ́Ꞌtɛ mɛfʉ́ŋloccause sores to appear
sore throatmiitɛvar. dial.var. dial.miꞋtɛnsore throatMiitɛ nǔu ŋu a mi yúu pɔ kɛ́káŋ.When someone has a sore throat, he has difficulty swallowing his meal.
sortńtíitɛ 1vsortMaŋgɛ́ tíitɛ mɔ̂nzu la ḿbi.The woman sorted the peanuts before planting.
soundvupidsound produced by a wrapper (or skirt) as one walksA sɛ nɛn, sanza gɛ vup.As she walks her wrapper goes 'voop'.ŋgi 2dér.deŋ́giresoundnsound
sound(high heels)kɔɔꞋidsound of a person walking with high heels
sound of a billy-goatɛ́Ꞌɛ́Ꞌɛ́Ꞌpfʉonosound of a billy-goat bleating
sound of a bird chirpingcẅíitonothe sound of the chirping of a bird - 'tweet'A maꞋ ŋgi ŋgɔ: cẅiit!It(the bird) cried 'tweet'.
sound of a branch fallingzɔɔꞋidsound of a branch breaking off and falling, or the sound of someone walking on dry leaves.
sound of a car smashing into somethingtûummidsound of a car smashing into something
sound of a fruit falling from a treetɛmmidsound of a fruit falling from a tree
sound of a hammer blowtwaꞋ twaꞋidsound of a hammer or some other object striking wood
sound of a heavy load hitting the grounddiiponosound of a heavy load hitting the ground; a big thud
sound of a large object falling into watercǔmmonosplat!, sound of a large object falling into water - splashTɛtɔꞋ kít, ḿvu ŋki ŋgɔ cǔmm. The frog jumped and fell into the water making a splash.
sound of a sudden fartpǔmidsound of a sudden fart, suddenlyNdʉ́m shú ŋgɔ pǔm.The old person suddenly farted. Qualifies the release of a fart as 'suddenly'
sound of a whip striking the bodypfíponosound of a whip or switch striking the bodyŊgwaa cʉ́ɔ nǔu mɛnzʉʉ mɛku mɛ́ ŋgɔ pfíp.Le fouellet a frappé pfíp derrière ses pieds.
sound of breathing (like a rattle)kɛ́sʉꞋvar. dial.kɛ́shʉꞋnsound of the breathing of s.o. with congested air-ways, resembling the sound of a rattle
sound of coughingkɔ́hɔ́Ꞌɔidsound of coughingMɔ́ɔ kẅák ŋgɔ kɔ́hɔ́Ꞌɔ.The child coughed with a noise
sound of walkingzapat zapatid(onomatopea) sound of an improper(suggestive) walkŊkáttʉ́ lɔ ńnɛn ŋgɔ: «zapat zapat».A prostitute walks (suggestively) with a "zapat zapat"
sound of wind passingwûu3 1idsound of wind passing - whooshFɛfa lɛ́ mɔ́ ŋgɔ wúu.The wind whooshed by.
sound outḿmɔɔ ntsu-ŋuforme comp. non-spéc deḿmɔɔ 1testntsumouthex.id.sound out s.o. (to gather information)Ŋgaŋŋgúu mɔɔ ntsu-ŋu ŋ́gʉ ńcú. The gossips sounds out s.o. on a subject and then goes and tells (it).
sound, sweetŋgi pɔ́tnɛ 1forme comp. non-spéc deŋgisyn.npleasant sound
sour, beńcɔ́k 1var. lib.ńcʉ̈ɔ́kv.stat be sour or acidic(as in a fruit)Lamáashi cɔ́k.The orange is sour.
source of the family line, great grandfathernɛsáꞋ-njẅɛtnsource of the family line, great grandfather;
sour nor sweet, notńcɔ́tneither sour nor sweed
sowḿbiv.tsow or plantMbʉŋ laa ńdɔ́ ŋká yɛ́pá nǔu pɛsáŋ pɛtát kɛmba pɛsáŋ pɛ́pá, paŋgɛ́ fɛꞋnɛ ńzʉ́Ꞌ mɛnaŋ mɔ́p, la ḿbi mɛkúu ḿbɛn ŋ́gɛ ŋgɛsáŋ.If it rains twice in March or February, the women quickly cultivate their fields before planting beans and corn (maise).
sowingŋkapǐyuunsowing or planting time
spaceńtaamɛv.t space out (something)Pɛ́ lɔ ńtaamɛ mɛlyɔ nǔu kɛp-njínaa.saa1nspaceTǎaláꞋ waa kút mɛndá-pɛzwɛ́ pɛ́, ńtík mɛsaa nɛlɔk ŋ́kút mɛkɛp-njínaa.My neighbor built his wives houses putting spaces (between them) for building pigpens.
space outńtsɔ́Ꞌ ntyakforme comp. non-spéc deńtsɔ́Ꞌ1 2openntyakspaceex.id.space out (plants, for ex.)
space s.th. outńtɛ́mtɛv.tspace out
spadenɛsɔpntraditional spade with a sharp edge and a flat headPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk nɛsɔp ńtúŋ kɔt mba nɛlɔk ńtsɔ́Ꞌ mɔ́ɔ-ŋkɛndɔŋ.One uses a traditional spade to dig a WC or remove a banana shoot.cɔ́pnspadeThis is a small hoe made entirely of iron or steel that palm wine makers use to dig a hole at the base of the raphia palm when they want to collect sap for making the wine.
sparrowcẅíkɔtvar. lib.var. lib.tsẅíkɔtngrey sparrowKind of small bird that is not eaten.passer griseus
sparrow hawkmɔ́pápnsparrow hawkMɔ́páp kʉ̈ɔk ńtsa mágúu, ḿbɔ́ ŋ́gẅɛɛ pɛshʉ́ŋ mba pɔ́ɔ-ŋgɛ́p.The sparrow hawk is smaller than an eagle and it catches birds and chicks. Accipiter esp.
sparrowhawk, cry of theshẅítonocry of a bird of prey (hawks, eagles, etc.)Tɛ́m lɔ ŋ́kíi ŋgɔ shẅít ńdɔk ɛ́fúŋ ŋgɛ́p.A bird of prey calls 'creak' in order to call chickens.
speak in parablesŋ́kitnuBbtBjoBkbvar. non spec.ŋ́kɛtspeak in parablesvspeak in parablesŋ́kɛtvar. non spec.var. non spec.ŋ́kitnuv.tspeak in parables
speak(verb) ; say(verb)ɛ́sẅíŋɛvar. lib.var. lib.ɛ́shẅíŋɛvspeak, say, chatMɔ sɛ́ ɛ́sẅíŋɛ cú-láꞋ.I am speaking the village language.Ŋu pɔ́p súu nɛ tʉ́ʉ ḿbɔ́ ɛ́sẅíŋɛ.Someone and his friend are standing and chatting.Mɔ́ɔ waa ka tíi nɛsẅíŋɛ, ŋ́gẅɛɛ pɔ ndaꞋ
speak with easeńzaŋɛ ntsuexpr.id.deńzaŋɛ 2be_lightweightntsuex.id.speak with ease, be nice
speech (discourse)mɛsẅíŋɛ́nspeech (as in a discourse or a talk)
spice for achu saucenʉꞋsɛ́ 2cmp.denʉꞋcogon grasssɛ́1 1groundnk. of spice used to season the sauce for achu or nkwiIt's the roots of the plant of the same name which have been dried and crushed or ground up to make the spice.
spice for achu sauce, k.oftsɛtsɔ́Ꞌnkwɛn 2n.cs. d'épice (en forme de graine avec laquelle on prépare la sauce jaune ou le nkwi)
spice for achu sauce or nkwilɛmɛ-ŋgɔ́Ꞌsyn.n.aspice in grains for yellow sauce or 'nkwi' sauce
spice for nkwilɛ́lǔunk. of aromatic spice that comes from the bark or nut of the ' leluu' treePɛ́ lɔɔ níꞋ lɛ́lǔu nǔu ná-cúꞋ ḿbaa nǔu mpfwɔ̌. One puts the ' leluu' spice in achu sauce or nkwi.This spice is used in making yellow sauce or nkwi.
spice for oil sauce and nkwimɔ̂njɔŋnk. of spice in the forme of small tree nuts used for seasoning oil sauce or nkwiTʉ́-mɔ̂nzʉŋ lɔ ɛ́saꞋ pɔ tsɛt mbɛ́n.The tree of the mozuhng spice grows in the forest.
spice for oil sauce or nkwilɛ́luumɛmbaŋ 1ntype of aromatic spice in the form of round grains from the ' leluu' tree Lɛ́luumɛmbaŋ lɔ ḿbɔŋ nǔu náꞋ-cúꞋ mba nǔu mpfwɔ̌. The spice called ‘leluu’ grains is good in yellow sauce or nkwi.This spice is often used in palm oil sauce or nkwi.málɛ́mnkind of spice (in the form of seeds or nuts which is used in the preparation of yellow(oil) sauce or nkwi)Pɛ́ lɔɔ ńníꞋ málɛm nǔu na' cúꞋ.On met l'épice malem dans la sauce du taro.mɛgʉ́ŋmɛgʉ́ŋ 1n.ck. of spice in the form of small grains used to season oil sauce or nkwi.
spice for oil sauce or nkwi, kind ofŋkǔunjɔBjon.ck. of spice (made from seeds taken from a long pod and used to season achu sauce or nkwi sauce)
spice from the tanyeh treentanyɛ 2nspice made from the fruit of the tanyeh treeTo make a seasoning out of this, one picks it, boils it, dries it and grinds it. It's used in oil sauce for achu and nkwi.
spice, k. of for achunjʉꞋfú 1n.ck. of spice that comes in the form of grains and is used to prepare achu sauce
spidermáŋgáanspiderPɛ́ lɔɔ ńjí ndá-ndɔɔ ŋ́gʉ máŋgáa pɔ́.One never knows the source of a curse and then goes to the spider (to divine another for it).Araneae
spider webmɛlɛla-máŋgáanspider web
spinal columnkɔ́ɔŋkwɛnn.cspinal column,spine
spin aroundɛ́sáŋɛ 3v.ispin around
spinekɔ́ɔŋkwɛnn.cspinal column,spinemɔ̂ŋkwɛndér.deŋkwɛn1 1backnspinal column, spine
Spinning-disc used by children
spiritzẅikŋɛnspiritSɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gá zẅikŋɛ ndɛ́ɛnɛlɛ́ɛnɛ mbɔ̌ pʉɔ-mɛsɔŋ.God gives the Holy Spirit to people.sɛ́3 1nspirit
spirit, ancestralsɛ́3 2nspirit of the dead or of ancestors that is worshipped as a divinity
spirit of a deceaced personmpfúsɛ́ 1cmp.dempfúdeceased(person)sɛ́3 2ancestral spirit one worshipsn.cspirit of a deceased person
spitńtẅikv spitńtik mɛtɛ́v spit
spit outŋ́kẅɛ́Ꞌ 2v.t spit s.th. back out,Mɔ́ɔ laa ŋ́kẅɛ́Ꞌ fu, mbɔ ɔ pɔ́tnɛ́ ḿbɛn ŋ́gá.If the child spits the medicine back out, then gentlyly give it again.
spit s.th. upŋ́gwattɛ v.t split or crack in several places
splashcukonosound of a small object falling on the surface of the water (splash!) or of someone stepping in mudTǎa faꞋ tɛ ŋ́káa, ɛ́sɔp níi yɛ nǔu tʉ́-kɛ́ndǐi ŋgɔ cuk. Ɛ́sɔŋ ńníꞋ tsɛt mbáa. The father worked until he became tired, and stuck his machete into a banana tree, making a 'cuk' sound. He pulled it out and resheathed it.ńcʉ̈ákv.tsplashMatúwa lɛɛ ńcʉ̈ák ŋki nǔu ŋu.The car passed by and splashed water on someone
spleenmbát2nspleennɛpʉꞋnspleen
spleen diseasesɔpnɛpʉꞋ2cmp.deɛ́sɔp 1pierce, pricknɛpʉꞋspleendér.deɛ́sɔp 1pierce, pricknɛpʉꞋspleennspleen disease
splitɛ́sáanɛv.isplit or crackTʉ́ɔ lɔɔ sáanɛ, pɛ́ lak mɛpak mɛ́ ńdɔk ḿbɛn ndá pɔ́.One never picks up the pieces of a cracked calabash and takes them home.ŋ́kiꞋv.tsplit halfway (with a pair of scissors or a razor blade)ḿbáŋɛvsplit (as in a road)Ɔ laa ŋ́gʉ tɛ ŋ́kuu nǔu zʉꞋ yi ndúŋ páŋɛnɛ, ɔ shɔtnɛ pɔ́ yɛŋkẅɛpmɛIf you go until the place where the road splits, you turn left.ɛ́shyɛ́tɛv.tsplit into several slivers Pɛ́ lɔ ɛ́shyɛ́tɛ ndyɔŋ ńdɔk ŋ́kút kyɛꞋ lɔk ńták ŋwáꞋ.One splits the raffia into several slivers to make a torch to collect honey (by smoking out the bees).ŋ́gwatnɛv.isplit, crackRefers to a pail /bucket or a ball.
split gong beaterpúꞋ-ndʉꞋdér.depúꞋslitdrum stick
split openńzáꞋnɛ 1vsplit openḿbakv.tsplit open
split upńcyɛꞋ1v.tsplit s.o. up, divide into little piecesPɛ́ lɔ ńzáꞋ mbap ndá-mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ pɔ ńcyɛꞋ cyɛꞋnɛ.When one cuts meat in a house with children, one divides it up into little pieces..
split(verb)
split(verb) ; crack(verb)ɛ́sáa1v.tsplit, crack, dividePɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk nzaa ɛ́sáa ntsẅíi.An axe is used to split wood.
spoilḿbákv.i/v.statspoil, be spoiledPɛ́ nɛ́ɛ nɛlyɔꞋ ŋgap yinɛ. Ɛ́ pák ŋkɔ̂ɔ.The yam was cooked last week and now it is spoiled.
spokesperson, royalsáꞋadér.deɛ́sáꞋ2announcenspokesperson of the king/chiefSáꞋa lɔ ɛ́sáꞋ ŋkʉʉ-fɔɔ.The fon's spokesperson announces the news from the fon.
spoonsɛpúnAnglaisnspoonsynfukʉ̈ɔpfukʉ̈ɔpnspoonTǎalaa ka tẅí mɔ́níi, nɛkɔ́ɔ fukʉ̈ɔp, nɛlɔk ńjʉ́ yúujʉ́.The blacksmith forged a knife, to carve a spoon to eat food with.synsɛpún
spottedńtsɔptɛv.stat be spottedmɛntsɔpmɛntsɔpdér.deńtsɔptɛspottedadjspottedsynmɛntsaꞋmɛntsaꞋmɛntsaꞋmɛntsaꞋadjspottedPǔushi waa mɛntsaꞋmɛntsaꞋMy cat is spotted.synmɛntsɔpmɛntsɔpmɛpápmɛpápadjspotted, spottyNaaŋgwɛ lɔ ḿbɔ́ mɛpápmɛpáp.The panther (leopard) is spotted.
sprain(verb)ńdíꞋ 1v.tsprain, twistN díꞋ ku yáa.I sprained (or twisted) my ankle.
spray(verb)ɛ́fáa1 2v.tspray
spreadɛ́shiŋɛv.tspread out, levelPɛ́ shiŋɛ tɛ́táa, mɛlút mɛ́.The courtyard was leveled, the bumps are gone. ḿmaꞋtɛvspread
spreader of false newsmbɛ́tkɛ́zúꞋn.cone who speaks without fully hearingMbɛ́tkɛ́zúꞋ lɔ ńcɔt pɔ nu.One who speaks without fully hearing tells a lie.This refers to s.o. repeating a message without completely understanding it.
spread out(transitive verb)ɛ́saŋ 1v.tspread out or lay outPɛ́ lɔ saŋ mɛndẅí ŋka mbʉŋ, ɛ́ zúu nɛ́ ŋgʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ.When one lays laundry out during the rainly season, it has a hard time drying
sprikleńtswɛttɛv water, drain
springŋ́kɔkŋɛ 2v.tspring (a trap)Ŋkʉ kɔkŋɛ ḿbɔɔ yúu gẅɛɛ.The trap sprung without catching anything.kɔ́Ꞌ-ŋkisyn.n.aspring(water)synsáꞋŋkisáꞋŋkicmp.deɛ́sáꞋ1burstŋki2 1waterdér.deɛ́sáꞋ1burstŋki2 1watersyn.nspringsynkɔ́Ꞌ-ŋkinɛtẅɛ́Ꞌ-ŋkivar.lib.denɛtɛ́Ꞌ-ŋki 1spring of watersyn.nspring
spring of waternɛsáꞋ-ŋkisyn.n.aspring of watersynnɛtɛ́Ꞌ-ŋki 1
spring(of water)nɛtɛ́Ꞌ-ŋki 1var. lib.var. lib.nɛtẅɛ́Ꞌ-ŋkisyn.nspringsynnɛsáꞋ-ŋki
sprinkleńnyɛꞋtɛvsprinkle (rain)Mbʉŋ lɔ́ yɛ gwɛ́, ŋ́gɔ́ ńdẅiklɛ ńtsʉ́Ꞌ ńnyɛꞋtɛ nyɛꞋtɛnɛ.It rained hard and before fininishing up, it turned into a light rain.This verb is often used when there has been a downpour and the rain begins to let up. ńzattɛdér.deńzatdrain, shake_off_waterv.tsprinkle or sprayɛ́futɛv.isprinkle (rain)Mbʉŋ lɔɔ ɛ́futɛ nɛŋɛ́lɛ́ cʉ́ɔ pɔ́. When it sprinkles, water doesn't flow in the gutters. ńcʉ́ɔtɛ 2v.isprinkle (rain)Mbʉŋ sɛ́ ńcʉ́ɔtɛIt's sprinkling.
sproutŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ2 2vsprout, grow, pop upNǔu cú-mbɔ́ndaa, nɛlyɔꞋ sáꞋ la ndaa-pɔꞋ kɔ́ꞋIn Ngomba, yellow yams sprout (sa') but mushrooms ' pop up'.
sprout new leavesŋ́kẅíkv.isprout new leavessynńtɔ́p1
sprout(verb) ; grow(intransitive verb)ɛ́sáꞋtɛdér.deɛ́sáꞋ3v.isprout/grow multiple placesɛ́sáꞋ3v.isprout/growsynḿvít
spurgenɛpʉ́ʉ-mɔ́ɔ-ŋkwɛncmp.denɛpʉ́ʉ-mɔ́ɔ 2asthma plantsyn.nspurge, kind of hillside plant with milky sapEuphorbia heterophylla
spy onḿbátɛv.tspy onPɛ́ pátɛ ntsɔ́ŋ tɛ ńnʉɔ zʉʼ a kúunɛ la ŋ́gẅɛɛ wɛ́.They spied on (several hrs ago) the thief until they saw where he went and then apprehended him.
spy outńtsáꞋ zʉꞋv spy out, reconnoitreNtsɔ́ŋ tsáꞋ zʉꞋ la ḿbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ nda.The thief spied out the place and them broke into the house.
spy (v)ḿmaꞋ náŋex.id.spy on s.o.Pɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gɔ́ ŋ́gẅɛɛ ntsɔ́ŋ, ḿbiitɛ ḿmaꞋ náŋ.Before stopping a bandit, one often spies on him first.
squabbleŋ́kɔ́ɔmɛv.rsquabble, quarrelPɛfúk sɛ ŋ́kɔ́ɔmɛ ntsu.Les co-épouses se chamaillent.
squashkyaklɛnkind of squash (from which one uses only the seeds)NáꞋ-nzʉꞋ-kyaklɛ lɔ ńdukŋɛ.Sauce from kyakle squash seed is appetizing.Citrullus lanatuskalɛ́mngreen pumpkin or squash (seeds are used in the preparation of sauces)Cucumis sppnɛpɔꞋntype of squash or pumpkinCurcurbita pepo
squash seednzʉꞋnsquash seedsCucurbita pepo
squatńtsɔ́mtɛBbtBfdBjovar.dial. deńtsɔ́ɔmɛcrouchv.i squat
squawking of a chicken in dangerkɔꞋkɔꞋkɔꞋkɔꞋkɔ́ɔkɔkɔ 1onosquawking of a chicken in dangerMɔ̂ŋgɛ́p jʉ́ɔ tɛ́m ŋ́gá gwát ŋgɔ «kɔꞋkɔꞋkɔꞋkɔꞋkɔ́ɔkɔkɔ.» When a chicken sees a sparrow hawk, he squawks loudly "koꞋkoꞋkoꞋkoꞋkoohkoko."
squeezeɛ́sʉʉ 2v.tsqueeze or pinch; be tightMɛtáp máa sɛ́ ɛ́sʉʉ wáa.My shoes are pinching me. (or My shoes are tight.)ŋ́kíɛpɛ́v.tsqueeze (in the palm of one's hand)
squirrelndɛɛtɛmbapcmp.deńdɛɛtɛ 1pass frequently or overallmbapmeatdér.deńdɛɛtɛ 1pass frequently or overallmbapmeatnmountain squirrel (tree dwelling)Paraxerus cooperi
squirrel, groundkaŋnground squirrel (African striped)Kaŋ lɔɔ ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ tʉ́ pɔ. A lɔ ńnɛn pɔ sɛ́.The ground squirrel never climbs in trees; it always walks on the ground.Euxerus erythropus
squirrel, treekɔꞋtúcmp.dekɔꞋkɔꞋtúnred-legged sun squirrelKɔꞋtú mɔ́naa. A kʉ̈ɔ́k ńtsa ndǔm. A lɔ ḿbɔ́ ŋkaŋ-ŋgɔ́ tsɛt mɛtʉ́ mba nǔu mɛtsá-záŋ.'Fat head' is an animal. It is smaller than a giant pouch rat. It is often around a raphia palm stand, in the trees or fronds. It's name distinguishes it from the smaller mountain squirrel (Paraxerus cooperi).Heliosciurus rufobrachium
squirt(verb)ɛ́fáa1 1v.iburst out, squirt out
sseasoning, k. ofŋáꞋntsun.ckind of seasoning
stabɛ́sɔp 2v.tpoignarderNjʉ́naa wa cwɛ́t ŋ́gʉ njɛ' tǎaláꞋ wa, á sɔp.Mon porc est sorti pour aller chez mon voisin et il l'a poignardé.
staggerɛ́fʉŋɛv.istaggerńzɔ́ŋɛvstaggerńnɛn ḿvutɛdér.deńnɛn staggerŋ́kɔɔtɛ 2v.istaggersynŋ́kaatɛ
stakemɔ̂tʉ́dér.detʉ́1 2stalknstake
stake out (land)ńjʉkBbtBfdBjovar.dial. deńnʉk1mark offv.tmark out with stakes
stake out with treesńnʉk mɛtʉ́expr.id.deńnʉk1mark offtʉ́1 1treeex.id.stake out a boundary by planting trees
stalktʉ́1 2nstalk ( as in corn stalk)kɔꞋ3ntrunk, stalkńnáꞋtɛv stalk, approach quietlyMaꞋŋkatɛ́m náꞋtɛ nɛtɛ́m naa.The hunter stalks in order to shot an animal.ŋkɔꞋlɛnstalkUsed to refer to cocoyams, corn, banana plants, plantain plants.
stamp one's feet (curse)ńtsɛmtɛ mɛku 1vstamp one's feet repeatedly as a sign of a curse
standńtʉ́ʉ1 2v standLɔ sɛ́ ńtʉ́ʉ tʉ́ʉnɛ!Get up and stand!
standing stem groundnutmɔ̂nzu tʉ́ʉlândict.demɔ̂nzupeanutńtʉ́ʉ1 2standlânlinesyn.nstanding stem groundnut (peanut)antmɔ̂nzu laasɛ́Arachis hypogaea var.
stange laughterkyǎkkyǎkkyǎkidstrange or funny laugh(ter)A gwɛ ŋgɔ kyǎkkyǎkkyǎk.He laughed with a funny kind of laugh.
stangleńnɔꞋ lɔ́ŋdict.deńnɔꞋ 1presslɔ́ŋnecksyn.vstrangle
staplesɔp mbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌforme comp. non-spéc deɛ́sɔp 1pierce, prickḿbʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌto breaksyn.nstaple
starcɔ́Ꞌsaŋvar. lib.cʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌsaŋcmp.decɔ́Ꞌsaŋn.cstarCɔ́Ꞌsaŋ gúꞋ ńtsa mɔ́ɔ-saŋThe star is bigger than the child of the moon.mɔ̂ɔsaŋn.cplanetPɔ́ɔsáŋ gúꞋ ńtsá pɛcɔ́Ꞌsaŋ.Planets are bigger than stars.The bigger stars on sees at night and which change position from one night to another are actually planets.
stareḿbáttɛvwatch for (as a thief watches for a potential victim or a hunter his prey), stare at N jʉ́ɔ paꞋ ntsɔ́ŋ páttɛ́ súu waa.I saw how the thief was staring at my friend.ńdíŋɛ tɛ mɛꞋ mbʉʉdér.deńdíŋɛstare (at)ɛ́fii míkdér.deɛ́fiisyn.vstare wide-eyedNtsɔ́ŋ fii mík, pɛ́ pɔ́k.If the thief stares wide-eyed, one fears.ńtík lík nǔu kɛ́ kɛpdér.deńtík2 stare atMɔ́ɔ mbɔ́t tík lík nǔu ŋgʉʉ kɛ́ kɛ́p.The infant stared at the stranger (without blinking).
stare atńtík lík nǔudér.deńtík2 fix one's gaze upon
starling(bronze-tailed)nzẅiŋɔꞋɔn.cbronze-tailed starlingLamprotornis chalcurus
stars
startḿvukŋɛ 1v.istart(le) (with surprise), start and wake upMɔ̂mvú cẅɛt mbi ŋu, a vukŋɛ.A dog stepped in front of someone and he was startled.
start (an engine)ḿmaꞋ múk nǔu matúwaexpr.id.deḿmaꞋmúknǔuin, onmatúwaautomobilestart (a car)N dáꞋ ḿmaꞋ múk nǔu matúwa, ɛ́ pɔɔ gẅɛɛ. Ɛ́ píkŋɛ nɛniitɛ. I tried to start the car; it didn't start. It will have to be repaired.
startleḿvuutɛ 1v.tstartle, frightenḿvukɛ 1v.tstartle or frighten s.o.ńtsɔ́Ꞌ mbɛBbtBjoBfdvar.dial. deɛ́sáa lɛ́mterrifyv.tterrify, startle
state of healthtsáꞋnstate(physical), healthPɛ́ lɔ ŋ́kwaŋɛ ŋgɔ tsáꞋ-mbʉʉ-pʉɔ ŋká-mbi ka pɔŋ.One supposes that the health of people was good in former times.
statuetɛ́tɔ́kforme comp. non-spéc detɛ́tɔ́k káanɛkind of statuenstatueTɛ́tɔ́k tʉ́ʉ ntsu-ntɔ́Ꞌ.The statue stands at the entrance to the chief's palace.tɛ́tɔ́k káanɛsyn.nkind of statue
stayńtswɛ́ (sɛ́) 2v.istay, live (reside)ńnáŋv.ito sit/stay
stay(verb) ; remain(verb)ŋ́gɔ́ŋv.i stay/remain (a long time)
stealḿbɛ́ɛtɛ zʉꞋvstrealḿbɛ́ɛ kɛ́ nɔŋdér.deḿbɛ́ɛex.id.take without having put down, stealńjɔvar. lib.ńjʉ̈ɔv steal
steal by magicɛ́sɔŋ 2v.tsteal by magic
steal, cheat s.o.ńjʉ̈ɔ 1var.lib.deńjɔvvoler, tricher
steal magicallysɔŋ2nsteal by magicWɛcɔ́ maŋgɛ́ zʉꞋ yúu, ɛ́ pɛ́m pɔ́ yɛ́; pɛ́ cú ŋgɔ, « A gẅɛɛ sɔŋ. »A woman cultivated something and it did well; it was said that she had s.th. stolen magic.
steamzwɛ́llɛ́nsteam, breath, vaporzwɛ́t 1nsteam
stepńnʉŋ 1v.tstep on s.th
step in crapńták mbɛ́tforme comp. non-spéc deńták2extractmbɛ́texcrementex.id.step in crap (accidently)Ŋu nɛn kɛ́ líŋɛ zʉꞋ, ńták mbɛ́t.Someone didn't watch where he was going and stepped in poop.
sterilkɛŋmod.nsteril, barrenKɛŋ maŋgɛ́ lɔɔ ḿbí pɔ́.A barren woman never gives birth.
sterile(stative verb)ɛ́fʉ̈ɔ́t1 2v.stat no longer be capable of giving birth (said of animals)
sterilitykɛ́nmod.nsterility, sterileKɛ́n maŋgɛ́ lɔɔ ḿbí pɔ́. A sterile woman never gives birth.
stewndʉndʉ̈ɔꞋnsoup or light stew (with tubers, maybe meat or fish, oil,water and seasoning)
stickŋgwaa2nbeating stick, heavy leather whipŋ́kaamɛ 1vstick or be stuck (in the mouth)ḿbáatɛ 1v.labstickḿmɛtnɛ (nǔu)vstick, get stuck or caught; be in the habit of...Fɛlɔ́k ka mɛtnɛ nǔu wɛ.He is always sleepy. (lit: Sleep is stuck on him.)tswáꞋlɛnstick used to play the balafonPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk mɛtswáꞋlɛ mɛ́mbá ḿbúꞋ nzáŋ.Two sticks are used to play the balafon.
stick on a border furrowḿbát jɔ́Ꞌcmp.deḿbát1v.tstick on a border furrow (to that of one's neighbour)Mámɔ́ɔ zʉ́Ꞌ naŋ tɛ ŋ́gɔ́ ńdẅiklɛ, ḿbat jɔ́Ꞌ nǔu wɛ ŋgaŋ-nɛpat-naŋ wɛ.The mother cultivated her field and before finishing she stuck on a border furrow onto that on her neighbour.
stick, poundingŋkɔŋ 1var. dial.var. dial.kɛkɔŋnpestle, pounding stick
stick(vt)ńdyɛt 1v.t stick (something something else)
sticky(vstat)ńdɔ́ŋv.stat be sticky or softGɛgaŋ lɔ́ŋ.Okra is sticky.
stillkɛ́2aux.advstill (persistive aspect)Evang Luc 13 : 34ŋ́kɛ́2aux.advstill, yet, keep on (doing)Mɔ́ɔ nu ká kɛ́ tɔ́ pɔ́.Your child hasn't come yet.TǎaláꞋ wɛk kɛ́ ḿbɔ́ zʉꞋ-faꞋ.Our neighbour is still at work.
still, yetnii1aux.t.aspencore
stilts (made from bamboo)luꞋmbaŋvar. dial.var. dial.naamɛkɔlɔ́Ꞌn.cbamboo stilt(s)Pɛ́ lɔ ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ nǔu luꞋmbaŋ ńdɔk ńnʉŋ lúŋ yi pɛ́ fúŋnɛ ŋgɔ kuꞋŋgaŋ láꞋ pʉɔ-Fáŋ.On climbs on bamboo stilts to dance the dance of the association called kou'ngang in the village of Bafang.
stingńtsúk 1v.tsting injecting venom (of a bee or wasp)synɛ́suuńtá2 2v.i stingSɛ́súk tá paꞋ tɛꞋ!The hot pepper stings very much!
stinginessfɛlvar. lib.fɛlɛnstinginessFɛl lɔ ŋ́gɛ ŋu tíi mbuu.Stinginess makes a person carry discord with him.
stingingtánɛadj.vstinging, hot, pepperyMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ pá ká kɔŋ susuk tánɛ́ pɔ́.My children do not like hot peppers.
stingng creeper, k. ofmbɛpaplɛnk.. of stinging creeperMbɛpaplɛ nɛgíi ɛ́ lɔ ńdaalaanɛ, mɛfu mɛ́ pɔ́ ńtɔɔ ŋu.'Mbepaple' is a kind of plant that creeps, its leaves sting a person.
sting(transitive verb)ɛ́suuv.tsting (as by an insect, i.e. something supposedly without teeth)ŊwáꞋ suu wáa, ɛ́ záŋ.A bee stung me and it hurts.Nɔ́ gʉ ɛ́suu wú.The snake is going to bite you.synńtsúk 1
stingykɔŋkwɛ́tnɛgíi 2n.c.qstingyKɔ́ŋkwɛ́tnɛgíi ŋu lɔ ḿbɛ́ɛ fuꞋ ḿbɔɔ lɔk ḿbɛn láꞋ pɔ́.
stingy, act or beŋ́kumtɛ 1Bjovar.dial. deŋ́kupbe greedyvact or be stingy
stingy, beŋ́kẅii2vêtre chichȩŊuu wɔ kẅii shʉ́shʉʉ.Cet homme est très chichesynɛ́fɛlŋ́kup
stinkják yɛ́ kɔ́v.i it stinks badlyńdɛmv smell bad, stink, reek ofMbap lɔ ńdyɔ́ ńdɛm.Meat stinks when it rots.
stinkbuglɛmlɛmdér.deńdɛmsmell_badn.rédtype of stinkbugJák-lɛmlɛm lɔ ŋ́kɔ́. The stinkbug's smell gets to (you).Petatomidae esp.
stirḿbiŋɛvstir; spinPɛ́ lɔ ḿbiŋɛ cúꞋ, ńníꞋ ná-mɛgwɛt nǔu, la ńjʉ́.One stirs achu (to make a hole), puts oil sauce over it and eats.synńtákŋɛ2 1ńtákŋɛ2 1v.t stir (up)Pɛ́ lɔ ńtákŋɛ cúꞋ la ńjʉ́.One stirs the fufu(cocoyam) before eating it.synḿbiŋɛɛ́shɔt 2v.tstirḿbʉʉnɛ 2v.tstir, turn over
stir dirt with handsńtɔ́p zʉꞋexpr.id.deńtɔ́p2kneadzʉꞋplaceex.id.stir up the dirt with one's hands (to remove weeds from peanuts)Uses also to speak of pigs rooting with their snouts.
stomachmájʉ́ 1nstomach (human or other animals with the exception of those that chew cud)túk 1nbelly or stomach (for animals that chew cud)Túk-káawu gúꞋ páꞋ tɛꞋ.The cow's stomach is very large.ŋkaa-májʉ́forme comp. non-spéc deŋkaa1 3basketmájʉ́ 1stomachsyn.nstomach
stone, that is not hard and is lightweightnɛkáalaankind of stone that is not hard and is lightweight
stool, bambookɔꞋ-ndyɔŋdér.dekɔꞋ1syn.nbamboo stoolKɔꞋ-ndyɔŋ lɔ ńnáŋ tɛ ɛ́fuꞋ.The bamboo stool lasts until it gets full of weevils.
stool, carvedkɔꞋ tẅíttɛ́nɛ́dér.dekɔꞋ1syn.ncarved stool
stool mucusncʉ̈ɔŋndisease with mucus in the stool
stool with feetkɔꞋ-mɛkudér.dekɔꞋ1syn.nstool with legs
stool without openingingsmâpɔ́ɔnk. of bamboo (raffia) stool that is all closed in (no openings)This kind of stool is usually used by fons (kings) or greater nobles.
stopnɛtʉ́ʉ 2dér.deńtʉ́ʉ1 1to stopnstop, positionńtʉ́ʉ1 1v.istopA nɛŋ mɔ́ tɛ ńtʉ́ʉ.Il a marché jusqu'à s'arrêter.
stop cryingńnaꞋ cí 2cmp.deńnaꞋcí 1k. of taboo ex.id.stop crying
stoppingnɛtʉ́ʉ 1dér.deńtʉ́ʉ1 1to stopnstopping or standing
stop(rain)ńtsa2vstop (rain)Mbʉŋ júk pɔ nɛlɔ́ tɛ ńtsa pɔ nɛtúꞋ.It just rained all day then stopped during the night.
stop(verb) ; seize(verb)ŋ́kúꞋlɛv stop, seize, embraceŊ kúꞋlɛ ntsɔ́ŋ tsɛt ŋkáꞋ wáa.I seized a thief in my field.
stop workingńtsɔ́Ꞌ faꞋexpr.id.deńtsɔ́Ꞌ1 1removefaꞋwork stop work
storekeepermbyɛ́pntaŋdér.deḿbyɛ́p2ntaŋ2forme comp. non-spéc deḿbyɛ́p2ntaŋ2n.cstorekeeper
storeroomntaŋ2 1nstoreroom or storehouseNtaŋ ka láꞋ ḿbɔ́ táꞋ lǔmndá, ḿbɔ́ zʉꞋ yi pɛtǎa ḿbɔ́ ndẅɛꞋ yúu tsɛtú.The storeroom was a room where our parents kept things.
storymɛnu-mápitsɔꞋnstory, fable
storytellerndɛꞋlɛ yúudér.dendɛꞋlɛn.cstoryteller, describerNtsu-ndɛꞋlɛ yúu lɔ ńzaŋɛ páꞋ tɛꞋThe describer (storyteller) has an easy way with the language. (lit. a light mouth)
straight(direction)ndʉ́ŋndʉ́ŋadvstraight (ahead), correct (slang)
straighten out(transtive verb)ɛ́sɛntɛv.tstaighten out (something crooked or bent)Mámuu sɛntɛ pɔ́ mɔ́ɔ yi á kɔknɛ.La mère a redressé la main de l'enfant qui s'est tordue.
strangeŋ́gáꞋlɛ́ 1v.statbe strange, odd, bizarre, wierd
strangerŋgʉʉnstranger, guest
straw, piece ofŋgʉɔ 1npiece, stick or twigŊgʉɔ píi.piece of strawRefers to straw.
streamŋki2 2nbody of water such as a stream, pond or lake
streambedndɔt1nstreambedNdɔt-ntɛmtɛ-ŋki lɔ ɛ́saŋtɛ.The streambed of a confluence of two streams is often broad.
stream, calm and deep spotzɛmɛndeep calm place in a stream
strengthenńníꞋ pɔmv.tstrengthenńtɔ́ɔtɛ 1v.t strengthen, support
stretchɛ́sɛn mbʉʉ 2dér.deɛ́sɛn stretch one's selfɛ́sɛntɛ mbʉʉdér.deɛ́sɛntɛsyn.vstretch (one's self)out
stretchmark(s)ŋinstretchmark(s)Mɛŋi lɔ ḿbɔ́ nǔu mɔ́ɔ maŋgɛ́ a tíinɛ nɛgúꞋ mba nǔu ẅi a shuutɛ.Stretchmarks can appear on on a girl who has quickly put on weight or is pregnant.
stretch one's self(verb)ɛ́sɛn mbʉʉ 1dér.deɛ́sɛnsyn.vstretch one's selfŊgaŋgɔɔ zɔ́k mɔ́nɛm tɛ ńdɔ sɛ́, ɛ́sɛn mbʉʉ yɛ.Le malade s'est échauffé au soleil, après avoir s'est lever, il s'est étiré.
stretch(verb)ɛ́sɛn 1v.labstretchA ŋuꞋtɛ mɛku mɛ ḿbɛn ɛ́sɛm.S/he folded his/her feet and stretched them
strikeńtsap 1v.tstrike, touch (by emotion), move (deeply)N zúꞋ páꞋ pɛfút zwáanɛ táꞋ ndɛn maŋgɛ́ tsɛt nɛpfuláꞋ nɛ́k, nu tsap wáa.I heard how bandits beat up an old woman in our quarter and it deeply moved me.ńtɛ́m 1v.tstrike
string of waist beadskɔp2nstring of beads worn around the hip as an decoration (frequently used as a place to hang a fetish or gri-gri)
strip bark(verb) ; skin an animal(verb)ŋ́kiɛ1vstrip (bark), skin (an animal)
striped grass mousekyawaꞋnstriped grass mouseKyawaꞋ lɔɔ ŋ́gɔ́ ńdut ndúŋ ńdáatɛ pɔ́. The striped grass mouse never takes his time crossing the road.Lemniscomys striatus
strip leavesńjẅɛp2 3var. dial.ńzẅɛpvstrip off the leavesPɛ́ lɔ ńjẅɛp ŋgɛsáŋ la ŋ́kɛplɛ.One shucks the corn before shelling the grains.This is the sense with beans.synɛ́shakńjẅɛp2 2var. dial.ńzẅɛpv skin
strip (leaves); shuck (corn)ńzẅɛp 1BbtBfdBjovar.dial. deńjẅɛp2vstrip leaves, shuck (corn)
strip leaves(verb) ; shuck(verb)ɛ́shakvar. dial.ɛ́syakvar. lib.ɛ́shyak1v.tshuck (corn or beans), shell (beans)Má-mɔ́ɔ sɛ́ ɛ́shak ŋgɛsáŋ la ŋ́kɛplɛ.The child's mother shucked the corn before shelling it.Pɛ́ lɔ ɛ́shak mɛkúu la ɛ́fak.One shucks (shells) the beans before winnowing them.synńjẅɛp2 3
strokeńjʉktɛBbtBfdBjovar.dial. deńzʉktɛv.tcaress, pet
strollŋ́gwɔvstroll, loiter, roamńnyɛ́pɛ́v.itake a walk/stroll
stroll(verb) ; walk(take a)ŋ́kátv.i take a walk or a stroll, wander
strongntʉʉ 2dér.deńtʉʉ1 1exertnstrong
strong, becomeńtɛntɛv.ibecome strong, toughen upMɔ́ɔ náꞋ ḿbɔ́ ńtɛntɛ.The child is becoming somewhat strong.
stronglyńtsuŋ ńtɛndér.deńtɛnaux.adv be too strong, overpower; stronglyńtɛn 2aux.advstronglyPɔ́p tɛn ńdʉꞋ.They strongly refused.
strong sunshine before the rainmɔ́nɛm-mbʉŋlocstrong sunshine before the rain
stubbornntʉʉtúcmp.deńtʉʉ1 1exerttúheaddér.deńtʉʉ1 1exerttúheadmod.nstubborn, obstinatetʉ̌ʉ-túadjstubborn
stubbornnesstʉ̌ʉtú 1nstubornness
studentŋgaŋsɛkútnstudent, pupil
stuff s.th.ńnúꞋv.tcram s.th. into s.th. stuff s.th. inPɛ́ lɔ ńnúꞋ gaŋtsáŋ, pɔ́p ják zʉꞋ nɛlɛ.Prisoners are crammed in (to prison cells) and lack a place to sleep.
stumbleŋ́kaatɛvstumble, tripsynŋ́kɔɔtɛ 1ŋ́kɔɔtɛ 2ŋ́kɔɔtɛ 1vstumblesynŋ́kaatɛ
stumpkɛmtʉ́cmp.dekɛmpiecetʉ́1 1treen.ctree stump
stupid actɛ́fʉɔmɛ 1vexpose or bare one's selfMɛcɔ́ mɛkɛm ndẅí gɛ maŋgɛ́ náŋ fʉɔmɛ.Short dresses expose women when they are seated.
stupidityfʉɔmɛdér.deɛ́fʉɔmɛ 1expose one's selfnill-considered and stupid act
sturdy, beńdáŋtɛ2v.statsturdy (be), be in good healthPɛ́ lɔ ḿbʉ́ ŋu nɛ́ mɔ́ɔ, a pikŋɛ ngɔ : « a laŋtɛ tɛꞋ ?»When one announces the birth of a child to someone , he asks, ' Is he in really good health? '
stutterḿmʉꞋtɛv.imutter, stutter a lotḿmʉꞋ1v.istutter
sub-chieffɔɔntʉ̈ɔꞋn.csub-chief ou subordinate chiefPɛfɔɔntʉ̈ɔꞋ lɔ ńtɔꞋ cɔꞋshíŋkakSubchiefs often wear a black hat (called a 'shingkak').Ŋu lɔ ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ láꞋ yɔ́p nɛ́ pʉɔ nzʉʉ yɛ́, ŋ́kúu tsɛt yɛcɔ́ láꞋ;fɔɔ-láꞋ ɛ̂yá gá pak-láꞋ mbɔ̌ wɛ́, ńdɔk wɛ́ ŋ́gɛ fɔɔntʉ̈ɔꞋ.When someone flees (going into exile from) his village with people behind him and enters another village, the fon of that village gives him land and makes him a sub-chief.
subchief who stands in for the chiefndɛnjɔ́n.cin Bamesso, the notable with rank of subchief who represents the chief when he is absent
sub-chief who stands in for the chieffɔɔpaan.cin Bamendjinda, the notable with rank of sub-chief who represents the chief when he is absent
subjecttú-nu 1cmp.detúheadnu2question, affair, problemn.csubject (grammatical)
submergedḿmɛnnɛ2v.labbe submerged or immersed (in water)
submission, vassal
submissive onekɔ̌kmbʉʉpl.pakɔ̌kmbʉʉn.csubmissive person, humble person
submitḿbɛm ntʉ̈ɔꞋforme comp. non-spéc deḿbɛ́m (ŋgɔ) 1accept, agree_withntʉ̈ɔꞋsyn.vsubmit to a sovereign
succeedńduk1v succeedA luk nɛfɛꞋnɛ tú-ndá yɛ.He succeeded at roofing his house. (lit: at covering his roof)
succeed (father)ńjʉ́ ndádér.deńjʉ́ex.id. inherit family leadership
succeed for s.o.ḿbɛ́m pɔ́-ŋuex.id.succeed for s.o., do wellYúu gɔ ḿbɛ́m pɔ́-ŋu mbɔ a tsuŋ ɛ́faꞋ.Before something succeeds for s.o., it means he or she has really worked.
successornjʉ́ndán.csuccessor, heir (there is but one heir or successor to a head of family)
suckɛ́sẅɛɛ1v.tsuck or sip (a liquid)Pɛkɛ́m lɔ ŋ́gɔ ɛ́sẅɛɛ mɛluꞋ ḿbɔ́ ɛ́sẅíŋɛ nu. The notables sip wine while discussing a problem.ɛ́fíi 1v.tsuck s.th.
suckle, nurseńnɔ́ŋ 1v suck, breastfeed
suddenlyḿvukɛ 2aux.advsuddenly, unexpectedlyPɛtsɔ́ŋ láꞋ ḿbɔ́ ńjɔ́, ŋgaŋ-ndá cẅɛt mbi pɔ́p ḿvukɛvukɛnɛ.The thieves were stealing when the owner of the house appeared before them suddenly.ḿvukŋɛ 2aux.advsuddenlytáꞋ ŋkádér.deŋká1syn.nonce (and for all), suddenly
suds, soapmɛfɔꞋ-suksyn.n.asoap suds
sufferńjʉ́ɔ ŋgʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌexpr.id.deŋgʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ1ex.id.sufferńzɔ́k 2v.isuffer (from cold), be be subjected tóMɔ́ɔ tʉʉtú, tát wɛ pɛ́ɛ mɔ́ɔtʉ ŋ́gɔ a ńtswáa wɛ. A kʉ̈ɔ ńcʉ́ɔ píi, ńdɛ́ láꞋ, ńzɔ́k fák.The child acted stubbornly and his father took a switch to beat him. He fled suddenly outside and spent the night suffering from the cold.It only has this sense with 'air/cold'.
sufferer of misfortuneŋgaŋŋgʉ̈ɔꞋn.csufferer, one who is suffering misfortune
suffering danceŋgʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ2ntraditional dance, who name mean 'suffering', is performed by a mixed gender association in group outfits at big eventsŊki-ŋgʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ lɔ ńcú páꞋ tsɛtsa tíinɛ ŋgwáŋ-mpfúk, a laa tɛ ŋ́kɔ́ɔ tú.The song of suffering (name of this dance) tells how the mouse took the widow's salt and so she wept and even shaved her head.C'est une dance qui est exécutée lors des funérailles est des grandes manifestation comme la sortie de la'kem.
suffering, land ofŋgɔŋ-ŋgʉ̈ɔꞋeuph.hell, land of suffering
suffering, troubleŋgʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ1nsuffering, trouble
suffer longńtsáŋtɛ́ 1v.i suffer a long timeA tsáŋtɛ́ nǔu gɔɔ.He has suffered a long time with the disease.
suffocateɛ́fɛ́mɛ 2v.isuffocate, smotherMâŋkʉ̈ɔ́ ka vúu ŋki, ɛ́fɛ́mɛ, ḿpfú.The mother of twins fell into the water, suffocated and died.
sugar caneŋkɛŋkuꞋnsugar caneŋkuŋkuꞋn.rédsugar caneSaccharum officinarum
sugarcane stalktʉ́-ŋkɛŋkuꞋsyn.ncane shaft
suggestŋ́ku ŋgʉsyn.v suggest
suicide, commitńjẅí mbʉʉdér.deńjẅív commit suicide
suitcaseŋkɔp-mɛndẅídér.deŋkɔpsuitcase
suit (v)ŋ́gẅɛɛtɛ ŋuexpr.id.deŋ́gẅɛɛtɛhold manyŋupersonex.id.suit s.o.
summitntsɔꞋ 2nhighest point, peak
sunbirdmɔ̂tɔŋnsunbirdThe sunbird is fond of red mistletoe berries and it is often through the bird's droppings that this parasitic plant is propogated.Cyanmitra oritis
sunkenḿmaꞋnɛ 1v.statbe sunken (referring to eyes)Ŋki mɛ nǔu mɔ́ɔ, mík mɛ́ maꞋnɛ.If a child is dehydrated, his eyes are sunken into their sockets.
sun, orb oflík-nɛmcmp.delík1mɔ́nɛmsunsyn.norb of the sunSáꞋnɛm ɛ́ ŋká yi lík-nɛm cẅɛtnɛ.Sunrise is when the (orb of the) sun comes up.
sun showermbʉŋ-mɔ́nɛmdict.dembʉŋmɔ́nɛmnsun shower
suppleńtaŋ2v.stat be elastic or tenderMbap taŋ.The meat is tender.Lôpa taŋ.The slingshot is elastic.
supple, beńdẅɛɛmɛv.statbe supple, flexible
supportḿbiꞋ 2v.tsupport, hold upƐ́ sɛ́ ḿbíkŋɛ́ ŋgɔ pɛ́ tẅí mɛntɔ́ɔ mɛ́nɛ́kwa ńdɔk ḿbiꞋ tú-ndá nǔu ntap.It is necessary to anchor deeply the four supports to hold up the roof of a shelter.synńtíintɔ́ɔ 2nsupport (object that supports another)Pɛ́ lɔ ńtík ntɔ́ɔ nǔu ŋkɛndɔŋ ndɔ́k ḿbɔ́k ŋgɔ kɔɔ ɛ́ vu.One places a support under a plantain tree to keep it from falling over.ntɔ́ɔ 1nsupportPɛ́ lɔ ńjí ntɔ́ɔ-ŋu ŋká yi nu gɛnɛ wɛ.One knows what support a person has when he has problems.ńtɔ́ɔtɛ nzʉʉdér.deńtɔ́ɔtɛvsoutenir
surpassńtsa1 1v.tsurpassNzápmbi waa sak ńtsa wáa.My big brother that I follow directly surpasses me in height. / My big brother that I follow directly is taller than me.This verb is often used in making a comparison between to things of unequal height, weight, etc.
surpervisormbyɛ́ppyɛ́pnɛn.csurpervisor, watchman (of children, of a construction site...)Mbyɛ́ppyɛ́nɛ ká pɔ́ ŋgaŋyúu pɔ́.The watchman is not the owner.
surpiseŋ́kʉꞋnɛv surpise or astonishMɔ́ɔ wɔ kʉꞋnɛ wɛk.This child astonished us.
surpise, cry ofyʉ̂yvar.lib.deyɔ̂yinterjection expressing surpriseinterjinterjection showing surprise or astonishment - wow!
surpriseḿmɛ́nv.tsurprise, catch unawaresA mɛ́n wáa ndá.He surprised me at the house.
surprised(stative verb)ŋ́gyɛ́tv.i be surprised or alarmed, cry in anguishN jʉ́ɔ súu waa. A pɔ́ ŋ́gɔɔ. Ŋ gyɛ́t mbíꞋŋgɔ ŋ ká jí.I saw my friend and he/she was sick. I was surprised because I didn't know about it.
surprise, exclamation ofyɛ̂yinterjexclamation of surprise - hey!Tɔ́mɔ́shi gɔ: ʼʼYɛ̂y! yá pɛn ḿbɔ́ ku?ʼʼThomas said, "Hey! And what is this?"
surroundńtʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌlɛ1 1var.lib.deńtɛ́Ꞌlɛv.tencircle, surroundńtʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtɛ1v.t surround, cornerNtsɔ́ŋ tʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtɛ́ mɔ̂ŋgɛ́p la ŋ́gẅɛɛ.The thief surrounds/corners the chicken before catching it.ńtɛ́Ꞌlɛvar. lib.ńtʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌlɛ1var. dial.var. dial.ńtɛ́Ꞌtɛv.tencircle, surroundńtɛ́ꞋtɛBbtBfdBjovar.dial. deńtɛ́Ꞌlɛsurroundvsurroundńzɛmɛv go around, surround, make a circleLúŋ zɛmɛ tɛtáa.The dance group encircled the courtyard.ŋ́kíitɛ 2ventourer
surrounderntʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌtɛnsurrounder
surviveńduk2 1v.isurviveMatúwa vunɛ tɛ pɛ́ pfútɛ tɛꞋ. Lá, súu waa ǹduk.It's the car that fell (from the road) so that many died. But, my friend survived.Ńduk nɛkɔŋ, ḿpfú nzaꞋ.Survivre le flèche et mourir de son équille.
survivorndukdér.deńduk2 1survivensurvivorSúu waa nduk tsɛtsɛt pʉɔ pɔ́p m̀bɔ́nɛ tsɛt matúwa a m̀vunɛ tɛ pɛ́ pfútɛ tɛꞋ lá.My friend is a survivor among those who were in a car that fell and many died.
suspendedńdyɔ́ŋɛ́2v.stat be suspended
swallowḿmivswallowntsagwatnswallow (bird)Ntsagwat tat ńtsa pɛshʉ́ŋ tsʉʉ.The swallow flies more than all the birds.Hirundinidae
swallowermiyúun.cswallower, gluttonMiyúu lɔɔ ńzwɛt pɔ́A glutton is never satistfied.
swayńnʉꞋnɛ 2v.i sway, swing
swear(verb)ŋ́kaa1v swear, promiseŊu laa ńcú nu, ŋ́kaa Sɛ́ mbɔ a cɔt nu.Si quelqu'un parle et jure Dieu, sit qu'il ment.
sweatńjiꞋnɛvar. lib.ńziꞋnɛv.isweat, perspirejiꞋnɛvar. dial.var. dial.ziꞋnɛ2dér.deńjiꞋnɛnsweatŊ kʉ̈ɔ ndyɔlɛ́ tɛ jiꞋnɛ sáꞋ nǔu mɔ.I ran until I broke out in a sweat.ńziꞋnɛvar.lib.deńjiꞋnɛv.isweat, perspireziꞋnɛ2BbtBfdBjovar.dial. dejiꞋnɛsweatsweat
sweepńzɛkvar. lib.var. lib.ńjɛkv sweep
sweetlʉʉnɛdér.deńdʉʉbe_sweetadj.vsweet or sweetenedmɛník lʉʉnɛsweetened (cond.) milkńdʉʉtɛv.stat be slightly sweet
sweet, beńdʉʉv.stat be sweet
sweet broomweedkɔtɛmánjɔ 1nsweet broomweedKɔtɛmánjɔ lɔ ɛ́sáꞋ mbʉʉndá.Le Scoparia pousse sur les murs de la maison.Scoparia dulcis
sweet potatomvunsweet potato (small)Indigenous sp. of sweet potato produces small tubers, still grown but only for personal consumption.Ipomoea aquatica
sweet potato (indedible)mvu-mɔ́shʉ́ŋforme comp. non-spéc demvumɔ́shʉ́ŋsyn.n.aplant with tubers that are unfit to eat whose blossoms are small and of varied colours.The birds eat the flowers.
swellńzwɛ́t2v.i/v.statswell (up), be swollen, puff upNɛlyɔ́Ꞌ-ku yáa zwɛ́t.My ankle is swollen.ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ1vswell upPɛ́ níꞋ fák tsɛt ku-matúwa, ɛ́ kɔ́Ꞌ.Air was put into the tyre and it swelled up.Mɔ́ɔsuu kɔ́Ꞌ mbíꞋŋgɔ a máꞋ ndẅí fí.The youth swelled up (with pride) because he put on a new article of clothing.
swell in many spotsŋ́kɔ́Ꞌtɛv.tget swellings (bumps or lumps) in several placesThis may be caused by blows, by insect bites or even a disease.
swell upḿmut 2v.i/v.statswell up; be swollenŋ́ŋaa 1v.labswell up or swell s.th. up
swimńzwáꞋv.iswimPɛ́ laa ńzíꞋ mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ nɛzwáꞋ ŋki, mbɔ pɔ́p kɛ́ pɛn ḿbɔ́k ŋki pɔ́.If one teaches the children to swim, then they won't be afraid of the water.ńzwáꞋ ŋkiforme comp. non-spéc deńzwáꞋŋki2syn.vswim in the water
swim(verb)ḿbúꞋ ŋkidér.deḿbúꞋvswim
swindlerŋgaŋmɛfúklɛdér.deɛ́fúklɛfooln.cswindler, con artist, crookGaŋmɛfúklɛ gú pi pɔ́p lɔ fúŋ pʉɔ, ńcú mbɔ̌ pɔ́p ŋgɔ ŋu pɔ́p jínɛ wɛ́ gá ŋkáp tɛ ɛ́ záa tɛꞋ ŋgɔ pɛ́ gá mbɔ̌ pɔ́p. Lá ɛ́ píkŋɛ ŋgɔ pɔ́p túu ŋkáp la ŋ̧́gwɛɛ.There are con artists who often call people to tell them that someone they know has given them a lot of money, but they must send money in order to receive it.
swingmályɔ́ŋvar. lib.var. lib.málʉ̈ɔ́ŋnswingńdʉ̈ɔ́ŋvswingMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́ niitɛ málʉ̈ɔ́ŋ, ḿbɔ́ ńdʉ̈ɔ́ŋ nǔu.The children made a swing and are swinging on it.gmálʉ̈ɔ́ŋvar.lib.demályɔ́ŋswing(n)n.vswing
swollenɛ́shẅíꞋvhave swollen feet and bellyNzwɛ́-ŋu laa ŋ́gɔ ḿpfu shẅíꞋ, á gʉ ɛ́suk ki.If someone's wife swells up in the feet and belly before dying, he goes and purifies himself.
swordníi-ntsɔ 1forme comp. non-spéc deníicutlassntsɔ1warsyn.nswordThis weapon may be distinguished from the cutlass by its straightness and the fact that both sides of the blade are sharp. They stopped being manufactured in the 1970's after the struggle for independance.