T
tableclothzɛ-táapɛlɛforme comp. non-spéc dezɛclothtáapɛlɛtablesyn.n.atablecloth
taboo daylɛ́Ꞌ-njicmp.delɛ́Ꞌnji3syn.nban or taboo dayLɛ́Ꞌ-nji-mbɔ́sɔ́Ꞌ ŋkápɔ́t pɔ́p njʉ̈ɔ́láꞋ. Yɛ́ mbɔ́njíndaa pɔ́ sʉ́Ꞌŋgwɛ. Yɛ́ mbɔ́ŋkuu pɔ́ ŋkátʉʉ pɔ́p mɔ̂táa. Yɛ́ pɛtʉ̈ɔꞋ pɔ́ sʉ́Ꞌŋgwɛ pɔ́p ŋkápɔ́t. The days when work is banned in Bamesso are 'nkapot' (small market day in Mbouda) and 'ndjeuola'. That for Bamendjinda is 'seu'ngwe'. Those for Bamenkoumbo are 'nkapot' and 'motaa' (big market day in Mbouda). Those for Babete are 'seu'ngwe' and 'nkapot'.Pɛ́ lɔɔ ńdaa nɛvú píi lɛꞋnji pɔ́. Pɛ́ lɔ ńdaa pɔ ndá. People don't mourn their dead outdoors on ban day. They only mourn inside the house.This is a day when either field work or mourning a death outside the house is banned.
taboo, k. ofcí 1nk. of taboo for orphans and widows when their father/husband diesŊkɛ́m-mɔ̂ɔntɔ́Ꞌ tsɔ́Ꞌ cí, la pɔ̂ɔpɛcí jʉ́ yúu. The prince-notable removed the ban before the orphans ate.
taciturnńjɔt ntsuexpr.id.deńjɔtbe_heavyntsumouthex.id.be taciturn, withdrawnA jɔt ntsu tɛ ḿpfú kɛ́ tík nɛvú nɛ́.He is taciturn to the point of dying without making his will. (Formerly, one made one's will orally to a close friend or brother.)
tag, game ofkí 2ngame of tagḿmaꞋ kíplay a game of tagMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ lɔ ḿmaꞋ kí tɛtáa ŋká yi pɔ́p fyakŋɛ.Children play a game of tag in the schoolyard when they part from each other.Cʼest un jeu qui se pratique souvent au moment où deux amis prennent conger
tailŋkuuBjovar.dial. desáŋ1tailntailsáŋ1var. dial.var. dial.ŋkuuntail
tail between it's legs, put it'sŋ́ŋɔ́Ꞌ sáŋ 1cmp.deŋ́ŋɔ́Ꞌex.id.put it's tail between it's legsPrimary sense refers to a dog fleeing with its tail bewteen its legs.
tailortɛ́llantailorTɛ́lla lɔ ńtɛ́m mɛndẅí-sɛkút ŋ́gá mbɔ̌ mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ.A tailor sews school uniforms for children.
takeŋ́kɔ́ 1v take (what someone is offering)Kɔ́!(Here,) take (it)!ńdɔk 1v.ttake
take advantageńtẅɛ́Ꞌvprofiter
take a leak or a crapŋ́gʉ ŋkáꞋdér.deŋkáꞋ1ŋ́gʉeuph. go ease one's self
take a small amt with one's fingertips to giveŋ́ŋẅitv.ttake a small amt with one's fingertips to give
take_awayńcẅɛɛtɛ 1v.tpull or take off or out, removeCwɛɛtɛ mɛyúu má ntsu wú!Take those things out of your mouth!Pɛ́ lɔ ńcẅɛɛtɛ mɛgáꞋ-shú la ŋ́káŋ.On removes the fish scales before frying.synŋ́kẅɛ́Ꞌ 1
take a wrong turnɛ́faanɛ ku 2dér.deɛ́faanɛex.id.take a wrong turnƐ faanɛ ku, ŋ́kúu ndá-ndɔɔ.I took a wrong turn and ended up in a cursed house.
take care of, supportńdʉ̈ɔtɛ 2vsustain, uphold
take care(reflex)ḿbáa mbʉʉ 1forme comp. non-spéc deḿbáambʉʉ 1bodysyn.vtake care of one's self
take courage(verb) ; make an effort(verb)ɛ́sáꞋ mɛtʉʉsyn.vtake courage, buck up, make an effortMɔ́ɔ sáꞋ mɛtʉʉ mbíꞋŋgɔ súu nɛ tswáa wɛ́The child took courage because his friend had hit him.
take downŋ́kyɛt 1v.ttake(clothes )off (clothesline)
take flightḿbɛ́ɛ ndyɔ́llɛ́dér.deḿbɛ́ɛsyn.vtake flight, flee
take in small quantitiesɛ́sɛ́plɛ́ 2var. lib.ɛ́shíplɛ́1v.ttake or share in small quantities, scrimpPɛ́ lɔ ɛ́sɛ́plɛ́ yúujʉ́ tɛtáa-nɛvú sɛ́plɛ́nɛ́.Food is shared in very small amounts in a courtyard where there is a wake.
take off, removeŋ́ku2v.ttake or strip offMbʉŋ lɔ ńdɔ́ sɛ́sʉ́ʉ, ŋ́ku mɛtɔ̌ɔtɔ̌ɔ nǔu mɛtʉ́ zɛmnɛ́When it rains very hard, it strips the blossoms off the fruit trees.
take_outńcẅɛɛtɛ 1v.tpull or take off or out, removeCwɛɛtɛ mɛyúu má ntsu wú!Take those things out of your mouth!Pɛ́ lɔ ńcẅɛɛtɛ mɛgáꞋ-shú la ŋ́káŋ.On removes the fish scales before frying.synŋ́kẅɛ́Ꞌ 1
take s.th. outŋ́kẅɛ́Ꞌ 1v.ttake s.th. outMáamu kẅɛ́Ꞌ mɛjʉ́ tsɛt mbáŋ (nɛkʉŋ) ŋ́gá mbɔ̌ mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ́.The mother took the food out of the kettle and gave it to the children. Formerly this verb was used in the sense of drawing water.synńcẅɛɛtɛ 1
talemápitsɔꞋn(fairy) talepúꞋkɔp1n.ctale
talkŋ́kẅíi1v talk aboutɛ́shuŋɛ 2v.italk on and onŊu pɔ́p tákẅiꞋ wɛ sɛ́ ɛ́shuŋɛ nu nǔu tú-maŋgɛ́.Someone and his father-in-law are talking on and on over the bride price of a woman.
talk a lot(verb)ɛ́sẅíitɛ 2vtalk a lot, chatter
tallŋ́ŋáꞋnɛ́v.statbe tall or highTáaplɛ ŋáꞋnɛ.The table is tall.FuꞋsáp ŋáꞋnɛ ńtsá Ndwála.Bafoussam is higher (in elevation) than Douala.
tam-tam, bigmásɛmnbig tam-tam drumPɛ́ lɔ ḿbúꞋ másɛm tsɛt kana, ŋgi yɛ gʉ tɛ ŋga sak.One plays the big tam-tam drum during the 'kana', and its sound goes very far.This instrument is made from a large, hollowed-out tree truck which has an animal skin coveing the top end.a
tangled(stative verb) ; coil(verb) ; wilt(verb)ŋ́kátɛ́v.i get/be tangled, coil, wilt; scrawl
tanktâŋ1ntankPɛ́ lɔ́ ńníꞋ mbɛlajîŋ tsɛt tâŋ-matúwa.Petrol (gasoline) is put in the car's (fuel) tank.
tapŋ́kwɛn 2v.ttap (as a warning)ńdyɔŋv.t tap (the sap of a palm tree for making wine)ḿbúꞋtɛvtap lightly
tappingtúŋtuŋidnoise may by a bird picking at food - tap-tapMɔ̂ŋgɛ́p lɔ ńtsúk ŋgɛsáŋ ŋgɔ: túŋtuŋ.The chicken picks at the corn going tap-tap.
targetyúu lʉŋtɛnɛdér.deyúu1target, goalNɛkɔŋ-ŋgát cʉ́ɔ nǔu yúu lʉŋtɛnɛ.The bullet hit the target.
tarokuꞋúncocoyam (the tuber and plant)Pɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk kuꞋú ńcúꞋ cúꞋ.One makes achu by pounding cocoyams.Colocasia esculenta
taro, blackmâkumbaanblack taroColocasia esculenta
tasteják 1ntasteńzẅíꞋ 1v.t taste
taste goodńdɛɛ ntsuexpr.id.deńdɛɛpass (by)ntsumouthex.id.taste good¡Ɛ́ lɛɛ ntsu wu!May it taste good to you! (Enjoy your meal!)If food passes through the mouth, it's good because it wasn't rejected.ńdɛmɛ 2v.i/v.stattaste good, be tasty
tastelessńdɛplɛ 2v.statbe tasteless, bland
tasteless, beńcɔ́tv.statbe tasteless, insipid or blandYúujʉ́ kɛ́ ŋgwáŋ lɔ ńcɔt cɔtnɛ.Food without salt is rather insipid.
tasteless(verb)ŋ́ká gẅɛɛ jákdér.deják be tastelessNáꞋ ká gẅɛɛ ják pɔ́.The sauce is tasteless.
taste(verb)ɛ́fíi 2vtaste with the fingerMaŋgɛ́ fíi náꞋ, la ŋ́kẅíꞋ ŋgwáŋ.The woman tasted the sauce with her finger before adding salt.
tasty, good-smellinglɛmɛnɛdér.deńdɛmɛ 1smell (good)adj.vtasty, good-smellingPɛk láꞋ ńnɛ́ɛ mɛkúu líishi nɛ́ náꞋ lɛmɛnɛ.We prepared rice with a tasty sauce.
taxntsup1 2dér.deńtsupnimpôt, taxe
tax collectorncẅɛ́ɛntsupcmp.deńcẅɛ́ɛntsup1n.ctax collectorƐ́ m̄bɔ́ ŋkámbi, pɛtát-nɛpfuláꞋ pɔ́ pacẅɛ́ɛntup, ḿbɔ́ ɛ́fɛn tákshi, ńcẅɛ́ɛ ŋkáp, ŋ́gá mbɔ̌ ŋgɔ́mnaa.In former times, the quarter chiefs were the tax collectors, giving out tax tickets (receipts) in exhange for the money and giving the money to the government.
tax receipttákshintax receipt
teachernzíꞋŋwaꞋnɛ 2cmp.deńzíꞋŋwaꞋnɛn.cteachercícaAnglaisnteacher
tear downḿmuꞋ 2v.traze, tear downPɛ́ ŋ́gɛ ḿmuꞋ sak-ndá.The wall will be torn down.
tear (from eye)ŋkilíkn.ctear
tear upɛ́satɛdér.deɛ́sav.ttear into pieces, tear upNtsɔpɛ́ lɔ ɛ́satɛ mɔ̂ŋgɛ́p la ŋ́kwɛ́t.The civet tears the chicken into pieces before eating it.
tear(verb) ; rip(verb)ɛ́sav.ttear, ripA pɛ́ɛ ndẅí, ɛ́sa pak pɛ́pá.He took the garment and tore it in two.
teaseḿmaꞋ kwaŋɛdér.deḿmaꞋŋ́kwaŋɛexpr.id.deḿmaꞋŋ́kwaŋɛex.id.teaseŊ ka maꞋ kwaŋɛ mbɔ̌ ꞋCharlotteꞋ ŋgɔ mɔ ńtswáa wɛ, a kíi.When I teased Charlotte saying I that would hit her, she cried.ńdɔ́pv teaseńtaktɛv tease; smear oil or ointment the point of wasting it
temite, sm. and blackŋgɔ́Ꞌ-mɔ́shʉ́ŋforme comp. non-spéc deŋgɔ́Ꞌtermitemɔ́shʉ́ŋlittle birdsyn.npetit termite noirIsoptera
temporary shelterlápntemporary shelter Pɛ́ lɔ ŋ́kút láp tɛtáa-nɛvú. A temporary shelter is put up in the courtyard where there is a funeral.
temptŋ́kwaꞋlɛv temptŋ́kwaꞋnɛv temptA kwaꞋnɛ wáa ŋgɔ ŋ gɛ nu kɛpɔŋ.He tempted me to do wrong / to sin.ńzʉꞋnɛvtempt (discreetly)
temptationŋkwaꞋnɛntemptationMɛŋkwaꞋnɛ záa ndǔ tsɛ́tsáꞋ.There are many temptations on earth.
tempt(verb)ŋ́kaꞋlɛ / ŋ́kaꞋnɛv tempt
tender, beńcitɛ 2v.ibe tender (like well-cooked meat)
tension, excessivemɛkʉ́nexcessive tension, tightnessMɛkʉ́ lɔ ńnaŋ ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ tú-ŋu a jẅí mɔ́ ŋu.Excessive tension constantly mounts in the head of someone who has killed a person.It is said that it is the victims blood that rises in his head (causing the tension).
termiteshɔ́Ꞌnkind of termiteŋgɔ́Ꞌnwinged termite, alate termitePɛ́ lɔ ŋ́kwɛ́t ŋgɔ́Ꞌ. A gẅɛɛ mɛpap, ńnáanɛ kyɛꞋ páꞋtɛꞋ. One eats the winged termite. It has wings and is drawn to the light.Macrotermes sppshʉ̈ɔ́ꞋŋgɔꞋnk. of small termiteShʉ̈ɔ́ꞋŋgɔꞋ kʉ̈ɔ́k ńtsá saa. A lɔ ḿbɔ́ tsɛt nɛgíi zúunɛ ḿbɛn ŋ́kúu ndá ḿbʉ́ʉpɛ mɛyúu.This kind of termite is smaller than the Macrotermes termite.It even eats books.sa2ntermiteIsopterakɛ́fɔmnwoodland wasp or black termitefyáŋgɔꞋnwhite termite that is big in sizeIsoptera spshɔ́Ꞌŋgɔ́cmp.deshɔ́Ꞌtermiteŋgɔ́bambou groven.ctermiteShɔ́Ꞌŋgɔ́Ꞌ lɔ ŋ́kɔŋ ndyɔŋ.The termite likes raffia palm bamboo.
termite saa2nkind of large termite with a yellowish head and white body, Macrotermes termiteSaa lɔ ŋ́gá pɔꞋ mbʉʉ mɛmbʉ mɛ́.The Macrotermes termite yields mushrooms beside its holes.This kind of termite does not make large mounds, but rather one sees many holes in the ground. Macrotermes sp.
termite moundmásɛ́mntermite mound
termite queenmá-ŋgɔ́Ꞌdér.deŋgɔ́Ꞌqueen termiteIsoptera sp
term of endearment for childrentǎaŋgɔ́Ꞌexpr.id.detǎafatherŋgɔ́Ꞌtermitenterm of endearment for grandsons - dear grandsonMámɔ́ɔ ndʉ́m lɔ ŋ́gɛ mɛkuꞋ mɔ́ɔ-mɔ́ɔ nɛ ŋgɔ «tǎaŋgɔ́Ꞌ.»A grandmother cherishes her grandson by calling him 'father of winged termites.'
terrible affairtsǎnun.cterrible affair/matterPɛtsɔ́ŋ sɔp ŋu ḿmaꞋ Sɔ́Ꞌ. Ɛ́ pɔ́ tsǎnu.Bandits stabbed a man and dumped him in Bamesso. It's a terrible affaire.
terrifyɛ́sáa lɛ́mvar. dial.var. dial.ńtsɔ́Ꞌ lɛ́mvar. dial.ńtsɔ́Ꞌ mbɛexpr.id.deɛ́sáa1split, cracklɛ́mheart of fearex.id.terrify, startleńtsɔ́Ꞌ mbɛBbtBjoBfdvar.dial. deɛ́sáa lɛ́mterrifyv.tterrify, startle
testḿmɔɔ 1v.ttest (s.o. on a subject), , put s.o. to the test.Mɔ ḿmɔɔ wɛ́ ńjʉɔ kɛ a gẅɛɛ mɛtʉʉ, ɔ́ɔ?I am going to put him to the test and see whether or not he is strong.ńzẅíꞋ 3v.ttest, test (out)
testiclembaŋ-ŋuforme comp. non-spéc dembaŋŋusyn.n.atesticle
testiclesmɛzẅii 2euph.testiclesnɛzʉʉ 2euph.testicles
testifyńcẅɛ́ɛ ntáŋexpr.id.deńcẅɛ́ɛntáŋex.id.testify, give testimony (for someone), vouch for s.o.
testimony, testifyingnɛcẅɛ́ɛntáŋntestimony
test outńzẅíꞋ ntsuvtest out
thankńdúꞋnɛv thank, express gratitudeMɔ́ɔ tɛ́m ndẅí ńdɔk ńdúꞋnɛ́ tǎa-tsáp wɛ.The child sewed a garment to thank his adopted father.ńcɛꞋlɛ 2var. dial.var. dial.ńtsɛꞋlɛv.tthankMɔ sɛ́ ńcɛꞋlɛ wú tɛ ɛ́ záaThank you so much!
thanks, giveŋ́gá páꞋlá 2dér.deŋ́gápáꞋlá thank, give thanks
thanks tonɛtẅɛꞋnthanks to, owing to
thatni 1that (for something far from speaker and hearer)pîpádém.anathose (there) (about which we talked)ŋgɔdér.deŋ́gɔsayconjthatpinɛrelthat, whombɔconjthen, thatPʉʉ gʉ ńtɔ́ ńjʉ́ɔ mɔ́ɔ mbɔ́t, mbɔ pɛ́ lɔk yúu-ndẅí ŋ́kút wɛ́.You are going to arrive and find an infant that has been wrapped in cloth. (Evan Luc 2 :12)mîmádém.anathat (indicating s.th. previously mentioned)A ŋ́kaa lɔk mîmá mɛyúu ńtɔ́ pɔ́.He didn't bring (at least several days ago) those things (we talked about).for classes 4 & 6
that (at medium distance, closer to hearer)páadj. démthat (at medium distance, closer to hearer)Agrees with class 2 nouns.
thatchpi2nthatching grass
thatch a roofɛ́fɛtnɛ (tú-)ndádér.deɛ́fɛtnɛsyn.vthatch the roof of a house with thatch or straw mats
thatcherŋgaŋfɛtnɛ tú-ndáforme comp. non-spéc deɛ́fɛtnɛ (tú-)ndáthatch_roofsyn.nroof thatcher
that (closer to hearer than to speaker)yáthat (med. distance, closer to hearer than to speaker)Agrees with class 7, 9 & 10 nouns.
that (close to hearer)náadj. démthat (to indicate something medium distance, close to the hearer)Pɛ́ɛ nɛpi ná, ŋ́gá mbɔ̌ mɔ.Pick up that cola nut (near you) and give it to me.Agrees with class 5 nouns.
that (indicates s.th. at medium distance, closer to hearer)wáadj. démthat (indicates s.th. at a medium distatnce, closer to the hearer)Agrees with class 1 & 3 nouns.
that (medium distance from spreaker)máadj. démthat (indicating s.th. medium distance from spreaker nearer the hearer)Agrees with class 4 & 6 nouns.
that (spoken of)nînádém.anaça, ce...-là
that thereẅîwá 2dém.anaẅîwá 1dém.anathat there (of which we spoke)Used with noun classes 1 and 3.
that ; thoseyi 1demfar demonstrative, that (for something or things far from speaker and hearer)
that, which, whoyinɛrelthat, which
that, whoẅinɛ2relqueninɛrelque, qui
that, who or whichminɛrelthat, who
theirmɔ́p 1adj.posstheirMɛndẅí mɔ́p zíŋɛ́.Leurs habits sont salles.Used with classes 4 and 6.yɔptheirpɔ́p2 1pn.posstheirwɔp 1pn.posstheirwɔ́p 1pn.posstheiryɔ́ptheirnɔ́p 1pn.posstheirwɔ́pmɛ 1pn.posstheir
their and hiswɔ́pmɛ 2pn.possUtilise en cas de deux possesseurs
their (dual)mɔ́pnɛpn.posstheir (dual)Mɛndẅí mɔ́pnɛ zíŋɛ.Their (for the two of them) clothes are dirty.Used with noun classes 4 and 6.
theirsnɔ́p 2pn.posstheirstheirsmɔ́p 2pn.posstheirs
the kind (chief) is deadmúk-láꞋ pɛ́expr.id.demúkláꞋḿbɛ́euph.the king (village chief) is dead
themwɔp 2pn.objthemwɔ́p 2pn.objthem
them, (all)pɛpɔ́ppro(all) them
thenla2 1conjthen, before, in order to, soGʉ la ḿbɛ́n!Go and come back!mbɔconjthen, thatPʉʉ gʉ ńtɔ́ ńjʉ́ɔ mɔ́ɔ mbɔ́t, mbɔ pɛ́ lɔk yúu-ndẅí ŋ́kút wɛ́.You are going to arrive and find an infant that has been wrapped in cloth. (Evan Luc 2 :12)
thereziꞋiadv(over) there (could be a place out of sight)zuꞋuvar. lib.var. lib.zuꞋadv.lthere (a place just talked about)zuꞋvar.lib.dezuꞋuthereadv.lthere
there is/aresɛ́2 2existmrkrthere is/areMɛgwɛ́t sɛ́? Ŋgáŋ, mɛgwɛ́t sɛ́ pɔ́.Is there oil? No, there isn't any oil.
there (it is!)píi3There they are/There you have it.
thesepɔ1these (for things near to speaker and hearer)mɔ1these (for things near to speaker and hearer)pɔ́nɛ 1these
the sevenpɛkɛ́m saambáforme comp. non-spéc deŋkɛ́msaambásyn.nthe seven notables
the village, fleeŋ́kʉ̈ɔ láꞋforme comp. non-spéc deŋ́kʉ̈ɔflee, runláꞋvillagevflee the village, go into exile (due to a crime)
the year after nextŋguꞋ yiexpr.id.deŋguꞋyearyi 1demex.id.the year after next
they twopɔ́pnɛ 1irreg. infl.pɔ́pmɛpn.suthey (they two), the two of themPɔ́pnɛ náŋ tɛ Tɔ́mɔ́shi gɔ́ɔ ŋ́gʉ ńtíi guplɛ mbíꞋŋgɔ mbʉŋ ka pɔ́ ńdɔɔ nɛlɔ́.The two of them sat there until Thomas quickly picked up his umbrella because it was threatening to rain.
thickŋ́gẅɛɛ nɛgwɛndér.denɛgwɛn be thickNtsẅíi gẅɛɛ nɛgwɛn.The wood is thick.
thicknessnɛgwɛnnthickness
thiefmbɔ́lǐicmp.depɔ́1handlǐi 1gluen.cthief, s.o. with sticky-fingersMbɔ́lǐi lɛɛ zʉꞋ, pɛ́ lɔɔ yúu kɛ́káŋ, mbíꞋŋgɔ a jɔ́.If someone with sticky fingers passes by, one looks for s.th. in vain, because he has stolen it. pɛ́ɛkɛ́nɔŋn.cs.o. who takes without having put down, thiefmbɛɛtɛzʉꞋnthiefntsɔ́ŋnthief, banditnjɔ2dér.deńjɔstealn.vthief
thighntáanthighnɛtâakɔꞋn.cthigh
thing acquired without payingcɛ́ɛvar.dial. detsɛ́ɛBjos.th. acquired without payingNjʉ́ cɛ́ɛ lɔɔ ńjí ncʉŋ-yúu pɔ́.The one who consumes things without having to pay for them doesn't know their value.
thing hung at the sidentsáŋnthing hung at the side (e.g., extra finger or toe)
thinkŋ́kwaŋɛvthink, consider
thinkńtsíkv calculate, reason, thinkNtáŋmɛtáa tsík ndɛn-ŋkáp yɛ́.The merchant calculated the sum of his money.
thinnessnɛŋaŋɛmod.nthinness, leannessNɛŋaŋɛ Jâŋ gɛ, pɛ́ jí ŋgɔ a sɛ́ ŋ́gɔɔ.John's thinness causes one to know that he's ill.
thin(stative verb)ŋ́gíktɛ́v.stat be thin, tinyMɛmbaŋ-susuk-láꞋ gíktɛ́.Village hot peppers are thin.
third monthpɛsaŋ pɛ́tátsyn.nthird month, March
thirteenntsɔ̌ptát nɛ́ nɛgɛ́madj.num.cardthirteen
thirtymɛgɛ́mtátadj.numthirty
thirty-eightntsɔpɛ́nɛ́fɔ́m nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mtátadj.num.cardthirty-eight
thirty-fiventsɔ̌ptaa nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mtátadj.num.cardthirty-five
thirty-fourntsɔ̌pɛ́nɛ́kwa nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mtátadj.num.cardthirty-four
thirty-ninentsɔ̌pɛ́nɛ́pfúꞋu nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mtátadj.num.cardthirty-nine
thirty-onentsɔ̌pmɔ́Ꞌɔ nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mtátadj.num.cardthirty-one
thirty-sevenntsɔ̌psaambá nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mtátadj.num.cardthirty-seven
thirty-threentsɔ̌ptát nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mtátadj.num.cardthirty-three
thirty-twontsɔ̌ppá nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mtátadj.num.cardthirty-two
thisẅi 1irreg. infl.ẅinɛ1adj. démthis (for something far from speaker and hearer)Used with noun classes 1 and 3.yîyápn.dém.anathis, this (here)one,TáꞋyúu gú, ḿbɔ́ yɛ́ tʉʉ ndɛn, Mɛlíya kaŋ yîyá.yɔ 2ci, ceciwɔnɛ 1thiswɔthis (for something near to speaker and hearer)nɔthis (for something near to speaker and hearer)
this, theseyɔ 1adj. démthis, these (for something near to speaker and hearer)NtúꞋ yɔ lɛ́ɛnɛ.This glass is clean.
thoraxgáŋtɛ́nthorax, upper torsosynnzɔꞋ 1nzɔꞋ 2nthrorax (of an insect)
thorny planttʉ́mɛnzɔ́ŋtʉ́mɛ́n!zɔ́ŋn.cplant, bush or tree with thorns
thoseɛ̂mádém.anathose (about which one has spoken)pi1 1adj. démthose (for things far from speaker and hearer)mi1 1adj. démthose (for things far from the speaker and hearer)pínɛthose
thoughts, internalnu-lɔ́ŋninternal thoughts, thoughts in the heartNu-lɔ́ŋ lɔɔ ŋ́gá guɔ tʉ́m.La pensé intérieure donne la maladie du coeur.
thousandntsáꞋ2adj.num.cardthousandŊguꞋ ntsáꞋ ɛ́pá nɛ́ yɛtaaThe year 2005syntɔ́ɔshi
threadnzuꞋnthreadshishivar. dial.var. dial.sɛsin.rédthreadsɛsiBbtBfdBjovar.dial. deshishithreadnthreadsɛsi-ŋkɛŋkupsyn.ncotton threadGossypium spp.ńtsɔ́ 3v.tthread
thread, cottonshishi-ŋkɛŋkupforme comp. non-spéc deshishithreadŋkɛŋkupcottonsyn.n.acotton thread
thread, v; string, vńtúŋ2v.tthread or string (beads, for ex.)Pɛ́ túŋ mɛmbaŋ-túꞋcí. Beads were strung (threaded).
threatenńnʉk2vthreaten (with death)Gɔɔ nʉk wáa tɛ m bɔ́ ŋ́gɛ ḿpfú.Sickness threatened me so much that I was going to die.
threemɛ́tátadj.num.cardthreeUsed with noun classes 4 and 6.yɛ́tát2adj.num.cardthree (when counting)yɛ́tát1adj.num.cardthreepɛ́tátadj.num.cardthreeUsed with class 2 nouns.
threshholdkɔꞋ-ndásyn.n.athreshhold
throatmɔ́ɔlɔ́ŋcmp.delɔ́ŋneckmɔ́ɔ 1childn.cthroatMɔ́ɔlɔ́ŋ-nát gúꞋ ńtsa wɛ ŋumɛsɔŋ.The throat of the ox is bigger than that of a human being.gáknthroatŊ gẅɛɛ gák záŋnɛ́.I have a sore throat.
throat, soreluŋ2npharyngitisLuŋ lɔ ḿbɔ́ nǔu ŋu, gák yɛ́ zúu, a mi yúu kɛkáŋ. When someone has pharyngitis, his throat dries up and he has difficulty smallowing something.
thronekɔꞋ nɛ́ fɔɔdér.dekɔꞋ1syn.nroyal chair, throne
throw awayɛ́fáatɛv.tthrow far awayḿmɛꞋ 1vleave behind, toss out, throw away
throwfishmaꞋshún.cfisherman (with fishing line)
throwfootmaꞋkuvar. lib.var. lib.maꞋákunlame person who has to throw their foot out to walk
throwing away trashnɛmɛꞋŋkyaŋɛ 2throwing away trash, rubbish or garbage
throw upńcẅɛɛtɛ 5v.tvomit, throw upMɔ́ɔ jʉ́ yúu ḿbɛn ńcẅɛɛtɛ tsʉʉ.The child at some food and threw it all back up.
thrustɛ́swɛ4vthrust or poke (with a long stick) repeatedlyPɛ́ lɔ ɛ́swɛ mbʉ-ndǔm, a tɛ́m.When repeatedly thrusts a long stick into a grasscutter rat's hole, he gets out of there quickly.
thrust, push inńnɛk 1v.t thrust, push inPɛ́ nǐk tʉ́ sɛ́.One thrusts the stake into the ground.
thumbmɔ́tɔ̂pɔ́ gwɛ́var. lib.var. lib.tɔ̂pɔ́ gwɛ́syn.nthumbtɔ̂pɔ́ gwɛ́forme comp. non-spéc detɔ̂pɔ́end handgwɛ́bigvar.lib.demɔ́tɔ̂pɔ́ gwɛ́little end hand bigsyn.nthumb
thumpntaꞋnthumping noise, thumpŊu pɔ́ súu nɛ jʉ́ɔnɛ pɔ́, ńtswáa ŋgɔ ntaꞋ. The man and his friend shook hands while thumping him (on the back).
thundernɛfaŋ 2nthunderPʉɔ lɔ ńzúꞋ ŋgi-nɛfaŋ la ńcú ŋgɔ: "Mbʉŋ sɛ́ ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌnɛ́."People hear thunder and say, "The rain is going up."
Thursdaytɔ́sɛdɛnThursdaiy
thuspɔ́Ꞌɔ laconjthus, and so
thwart ; keep out ; ward offŋ́kíꞋv thwart, impede or hinder, ward off, keep something outŊgláashi-matúwa sɛ́ ŋ́kíꞋ fɛfʉ̈ɔt ŋgɔ kɔɔ ɛ́ kúu tsɛt mik-shuŋmatúwa.The windscreen keeps the wind out so that it doesn't get into the driver's eyes.synŋ́gaanɛ
ticknyɛluꞋntickniɛluꞋntick
tickleŋ́ŋɛmɛv.itickle, feeling the effect of being tickled Pɛ́ lɔ ńnyaŋtɛ ŋu mbʉʉ yɛ ŋɛmɛ.When somebody tickles someone, his body vibrates inside.Ɛ́ ŋɛmɛ tɛꞋ!That tickles a lot!
tickle, strokeńnyaŋtɛv.ttickle, stroke
tide, lownzɛnzuk-ŋkisyn.nlow tideNzɛnzuk-ŋki lɔ ŋ́gʉ, pɛ́ jʉ́ɔ mɛgʉ̈ɔplɛ-taꞋ mbʉʉ-ŋki Kilíbi tɛ ɛ́ záa. At low tide, one can find a lot of seashells on the Kribi beaches.
tietsɔ́micmp.deńtsɔ́ 1tie_gentlymi2neckdér.deńtsɔ́ 1tie_gentlymi2necknnecktieŋ́kwɛ́t2 1BjoBbtBfdvar.dial. deŋ́kút 1bindvattacher
tie (a necktie)ńtsɔ́ 2vtie (a necktie)
tie around the neckńcʉŋɛ 2v.t tie (an animal)with a rope or chain around the neck, or tie up a person (as the police do with thieves they capture)Mɔ́ɔ níꞋ ŋkʉ lɔ́ŋ-mɔ̂mbí, ŋ́gʉ ńcʉŋɛ wɛ́ tsɛt nɛgíi.The child put a cord around the goat's neck and went and tied him in the grass.synŋ́kút 1
tie gentlyńtsɔ́ 1v.ttie gentlyPɛ́ lɔ ńtsɔ́ tú-mɔ́ɔ mbɔ́t ḿbɔk nɛzáŋ.A baby's hair is gently tied for fear of hurting him.
tie , looselyŋ́gɔ́plɛ1vtie loosely
tie upŋ́kút 1var. dial.var. dial.ŋ́kwɛ́t2vtie up or fasten synńcʉŋɛ 2
tightḿbatɛv.statbe too tightɛ́sʉʉnɛv.statbe tightA shuŋ tú-ŋkʉ-mɛtap mɛ́, ɛ́ sʉʉnɛ. He pulled the end of his shoelace and it is (became) tight..ɛ́fɛ́tnɛvar.lib.deɛ́fyɛ́tnɛv.labbe tight,or crampedPɛ́ lɔ ɛ́fɛ́tnɛ mɛtáa-MbuꞋndaa.It is often cramped at Mbouda Market.
tightenɛ́fɛ́plɛv.ttighten (up)
tighten(verb)ɛ́sʉʉ 1v.t tightenTǎa mɔ sɛ́ ńnii ŋ́kút ŋkáꞋ, ɛ́sʉʉ nɛ́ lʉɔ.My father, when he is tying up the fence, tightens it with a vine.
tilapiatsʉ́Ꞌmɔ́ɔlɛ́cmp.deńtsʉ́Ꞌstaymɔ́ɔ 1childńdɛ́sleepn.ctilapiaCoptodon zillii
tiltŋ́gwáŋɛ 2v.stattilt, be lop-sided.
timenjí 1ntime, daytâm 1ntime, the momentTâm kuꞋ...When the time comes...ŋká1 2ntime (hour), time of dayŋká ku?What time?zaꞋntimeZaꞋ lɛɛ mɔ́.Time has passed already.zaꞋnjín.ctime
time, freetâm 2ntime off, vacation or holiday
time, hardzaꞋ-ŋu lɛɛex.id. go through a hard timeZaꞋ-ŋu lɔɔ ńdɛɛ, a pfú ŋguꞋ ɛ̂yá pɔ́.Someone never goes through a hard time and then dies that same year.
time offtâm 2ntime off, vacation or holiday
timesnji2 1ntimes (multiplication)Yɛ́nɛ́ntúkú nji yɛ́pá, ɛ́ gɛ ntɔ̌ppá.Six times two equals twelve.
timidńnẅɛmɛv.stat be timid or pale
timid, beńtsɔɔ 2v.ibe timid, shy
tinygɛ́gɛ́mod.nvery small, tiny, minusculeSɛkut-gɛ́gɛ́ mbɔ́ɔŋkʉ̈ɔ pɛt kɛ́ kúu.The school for the really small children (nursery school) has not yet started.antmámáŋẅǐtŋẅǐt 1cmp.deŋ́ŋẅitmod.ntiny
tiny, beŋ́gíklɛv.statbe tiny, minisculeFífí pɔꞋ gíklɛ.The T. microcarpus mushroom is tiny.
tipńtyɔ́ŋɛv.t tip, tip over
tired(stative verb)ŋ́káa2v.stat be tired
tire of(verb)ŋ́káa nǔudér.deŋ́káa2v.itire of, be tired of s.th.; I am tired of working.Mɔ sɛ́ ŋ́káa nǔu faꞋ.Je me fatique de travailler.
tit (bird)ntsɔꞋmbíi shíshín.cdusky titNtsɔꞋmbíi shíshí lɔ ɛ́sa mɛzáŋ-nɛtʉ́ɔ ńdɔk ḿbáꞋ ŋkaa wɛ́, tʉ-nɛtʉ́ɔ mba ŋkaŋ-ŋki nǔu mɛsɛsuŋ.The dusky tit (bird) tears up palm fronds to weave its nest, either from oil palms or, at the edge of water, from reeds.Like the weaverbird, it, too, weaves its nest and in the same shape.Melaniparus funereus
titleŋútláꞋcmp.deŋút (-yúu)láꞋntraditional title of nobility meaning 'owner of the village' ŊútláꞋ lɔ ńnʉk nɛvú páꞋ pɛ́ laa ḿbɔɔ niitɛ mɛnu ntɔ́Ꞌ pɔ́, mba ŋkáꞋ wi mɛfɛꞋ nǔu.The notable called ' owner of the village' plants a fetich as a ban on a crydie or death celebration if satisfactory prepartions have not been made at the fon's palace or in a compound where there is conflict.
titmouse flycatchersɛ́sáŋŋgɔ́ŋn.ctitmouse flycatcherMyloparus plumbeus
tombɔ̌prép, fornɛ́2 1prép, towardsƆ gʉ nɛ́ gɔ́?Where are you going (to)?
toadtɛtɔꞋntoadBufo marinus
toad, kind oftúꞋ2ntoad (flat-backed)Schlerophys maculata
tobaccondapaꞋntobaccoNicotiana rusticana
tobacco, cultivatedndapaꞋ-ndɛlɛŋgɛsyn.ncultivated tobacco, delegate's tobaccoNdapaꞋ-ndɛlɛŋgɛ, ɛ́ ndapaꞋ ɛ́ gẅɛɛnɛ sɛsa mɛfu.Delegate's tobacco is the tobacco that has long leaves.Nicotiana rustica, Nicotiana tabacum
to blameḿbap1vblame, criticiseḾbap ŋu.To blame someone
to criticiseḿbap1vblame, criticiseḾbap ŋu.To blame someone
todaylɔ́Ꞌɔ 1adv.ttodaylɔ́Ꞌɔ 2adv.ttodayMɔ ńjʉ́ cúꞋ lɔ́Ꞌnɛ.I'm going to eat taro today.
toemɔ́tɔ̂kuvar. lib.var. lib.tɔ̂kusyn.ntoetɔ̂kuvar.lib.demɔ́tɔ̂kulittle end footntoeTɔ̂ku-tǎa sɛ́ ńzaŋ.The father's toe hurts.
toe, bigmɔ́tɔ̂ku gwɛ́var. lib.var. lib.tɔ̂ku gwɛ́cmp.demɔ́tɔ̂kulittle end footgwɛ́bign.cbig toe
toe itchgɔ̌ɔkúŋcmp.degɔɔkúŋn.cathlete's footŊu laa ńnɛn tsɛt kúŋ mbɔ gɔɔkúŋ ŋ́kwɛ́t mɛku mɛ́.If someone walks in a torrent of rainwater athlete's food will eat at his feet.Disease cause by walking in runoff water.
toenailgi-kucmp.degiku1footn.ctoenailPɛ́ laa ḿbɔɔ tsuŋ ɛ́suk mɛku pɔ́, mbɔ gi gʉ ŋ́kúu tsɛt mbap-tɔ́ku ńníꞋ fʉ́ŋ. If one doesn't wash one's feel well, the nails might become ingrown, causing sores.
toe, sixthntsáŋ-kudér.dentsáŋsyn.nsixth toe
together, dońtɛmtɛ (ŋ́gɛ)dér.deńtɛmtɛv.s(to do something) togetherPûu sɛ́ ńtɛmtɛ́ ɛ́faꞋ.We (two) are working together
tolerable, beḿmɛɛ2vbe tolerableŊu jʉ́ yúu kɛ́ ŋgwáŋ, pɛ́ píkŋɛ wɛ́ ŋgɔ: «Ɛ́ pɔŋ?» A gɔ: «Ɛ́ náꞋ ḿmɛɛ.»Someone ate something without salt. He was asked, "Was it good?" He said, "It was somewhat tolerable."
tomatotɔmáttuntomatoPɛ́ kɔŋ nɛníꞋ tɔmáttu tsɛt náꞋ.One likes to put tomato in a sauce.Lycopersicon esculentum
tomorrowzɔ́n 1var. dial.var. dial.zɔ́ɔadv.ttomorrow (with a future tense) or yesterday (with a past tense)Mɔ ŋ́gʉ mɛtáa zɔ́n.I'm going to go to the market tomorrow.Mɔ ŋ̀gʉ mɛtáa zɔ́n.I went to the market yesterday.
tomtomŋkatntomtom, drumŊkat tʉ́ʉ tsɛtsɛt lúŋ.The tomtom stands in the middle of the dance.
tone, lowŋgi pɔ́tnɛ 2forme comp. non-spéc deŋgiex.id.low tone
tonsilitismiꞋtɛBbtBfdBjovar.dial. demiitɛsore throatntonsilitis, sore throatMɔ́ɔ mí yúujʉ́ suꞋnɛ pɔ́, mbíꞋŋgɔ miꞋtɛ nǔu wɛ́.The child doesn't swallow food well because he has a sore throat (or toncilitis).
toothachenɛsɔŋ záŋnɛ́syn.ntoothache
toothbrushsukmɛsɔŋn.ctoothbrush
tooth, caninetsɛtsɛt-nɛsɔŋforme comp. non-spéc denɛsɔŋtoothtsɛttsɛtamongsyn.ncanine tooth
toothlessnzúꞋntsun.cperson without teethNzúꞋntsu lɔ ŋ́gɔꞋ nɛpi la ŋ́kwɛ́t.A person without teeth grinds the cola before eating it.
toothpickŋkiŋkyɛtn.ctoothpickŋkẅɛ̂ɛmɛsɔŋcmp.deŋkẅɛ̂ɛnɛsɔŋn.ctoothpick
topláŋntop of a table or desk, or seat of a chair/stoolPɛ́ lɔ ńniitɛ láŋ-táaplɛ la ńtii ŋ́kẅi ndǔ mɛku mɛ́.The top of a stool is constructed before nailing it to the legs. ndǔ 2nthe top of an objectzán 2ntop (of a bed, for example)Pɛ́ lɔ ńnɔŋ matɛláshi nǔu zán-kúu.On places a mattress on top of the bed.The surface of the bed when the mattress is laid.
top(clothing)kɛmkɔ́ŋcmp.dekɛmkɔ́ŋn.ctop - booboo or t-shirt
top of hillntsɔꞋ 2nhighest point, peak
top (toy)mákǔ 1ntop (children's toy)
torchkyɛꞋntorch , lampsynlâm
torch(traditional)lʉꞋlɛmúkn.ctraditional torchƐ́ mbɔ́ ŋkámbi, pɛ́ pɔ́ lɔk lʉꞋlɛmúk ŋ́kyɛꞋ zʉꞋ tsɛt nzɛ́nzʉ́ʉ.In the past, one used to used to light up the darkness with a traditional torch. This torch was a piece of wood with one end not in flames but glowing embers.
tormentńtsáŋtɛ́ 2v.t torment, cause suffer much and/or a long timeGɔɔ fí tsáŋtɛ́ wɛ tɛꞋ.AIDS has caused him to suffer much.
torment, to be sarcasticḿbʉŋɛ2v.ttorment, be sarcastic to s.o.N cú nu, á pʉŋɛ wáa.I said something and he was sarcastic to me.
to rot (away)ńdʉ̈ɔ́ 1var. lib.ńdyɔ́v.irotMɛtʉ́ minɛ pɛ́ kʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌnɛ lɔ ńdʉ̈ɔ́.Trees that are cut down rot away.
toss outḿmɛꞋ 1vleave behind, toss out, throw away
totemzɛ́ntotem (according traditional beliefs, the animal projection in the world of a person who is asleep)Ŋu ẅi a m̀bɔ́ ŋ́gẅɛɛ zɛ́ ɛ̂yá, a pɔ́ páꞋa ḿbɔ́ ndʉ́m ɛ̂wá.The person who had that totem was thus that old man.
to think (over)ɛ́sáŋ2 1v.tthink (over or through)
touchŋ́kɔ́ 2v.ttouch, enter, affect or get toŋ́kuplɛv.ttouchKɔɔ kuplɛ mɛyúu máa!Don't touch my things!
touch (by a premonition)ńtsap 2v.ttouch (by a premonition ), have a premonitionNu lɔ ḿbɔ́ ŋ́gʉ ŋ́gɛ ŋu, ḿbiitɛ tsap wɛ́,When something happens to someone, he first has a premonition.
touch, gropeḿmɔɔtɛ 1vfeel (with one's hands), palpate (MED)Pɛ́ mɔɔtɛ tá-máŋgɔl ńdɔk ńji kɛ ŋgɔ a paŋɛOne feels a mango in order to know if it is ripe.
touchingnɛkuu 1ntouching, touchLa peau est l'organe du toucher
toweltáwɛlɛAnglaisntowelPɛ́ lɔk táwɛlɛ ńtuk mbʉʉ.On wipes oneself off with a towel.
toy that goes 'voom'mandavûmnk. of child's toy that goes 'voom' This toy consists of a string passed through two holes (through and back) in either a piece of bambou (raffia) or a bottle cap.
tracheandɛ́ 1ntrachea, windpipeFák lɔ ńdɛɛ tsɛt ŋaŋ-lɔ́ŋ lá ŋ́kúu tsɛt mɛpɛpɔ́t.Air passes through a man's winspipe before entering his lungs.
trackńnɛn nǔu ndúŋdér.deńnɛnto track
track an animalńtsaꞋ pɔꞋ-naadér.deńtsaꞋ track an animal
traderntáŋkɛ́ntʉ̈ɔtforme comp. non-spéc deńtáŋ 2bargainkɛ́1NEG(future); NEG(future)ntʉ̈ɔt2fundsn.clivestock traderNtaŋkɛ́ntʉ̈ɔt lɔ ńjʉ́ pii mbɔ̌ nzúu zúunɛ mba mbɔ̌ ̌ɛfɛn fɛnnɛ.The livestock trader gets his profits from both the buyer and the seller.This person negotiates between the seller and the buyer of pigs, goats or poultry.
traditionnɔŋŋgɔŋ 1ntradition (since the founding of the country)
traditional handbellmɔ̂nzɛmndʉ́Ꞌsyn.nk. of traditional iron handbell with an iron handle that one strikes with a stick
traditional policemanmɔ́púꞋdér.deḿbúꞋ 1hitn.ctraditional security agent at the fon's palaceHe when someone has commited a crime in the village, magic acts, poisoning or murder where on suppects sorcery was involved.
traditonal fabricndẅíŋkʉn.cGrassfields traditional handwoven cotton fabricPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk ndẅíŋkʉ ńtá mɛndẅí-pɛkɛ́m.Garments for village nobility are made from traditional handwoven fabric.
trad. small whistle dancemândɛ́t 2var.lib.demândɛ́lɛ́ntrad. small bamboo whistle dance
tragedyzazaꞋ nusyn.ntragedy, an tragic and very upsetting event
trailsɛ̂ndúŋn.croad, trailndúŋ 1ntrail, road, way, laneNdúŋ-matúwa gúꞋ ńtsa ndúŋ-kwáŋmɛku mba mɔtɔsáku.The road for cars is bigger than the road for bicycles or even motorcycles.
trail an animalńtsaꞋ pɔꞋ-naadér.deńtsaꞋ track an animal
trail (of an animal)pɔꞋ (-mɛnaa)ntrail or tracks (of animal)A gʉ ŋkaŋ-ŋki nɛlɔɔ mɛpɔꞋ-mɛnaa, lá ńdʉꞋ ŋkʉ nǔu.He went to the edge of the water to look for animal tracks and then laid a snare on them.
trainńdík2v.ttrain, teach how to do s.th.Mɔ́shʉŋ sɛ́ ńdik mɔ́ɔ nɛ́ nɛtat.The bird trains its offspring to fly.
traitorfɛnŋgɔŋcmp.defɛnŋgɔŋn.ctraitorFɛnŋgɔŋ ŋu ẅi a zúꞋnɛ záꞋnɛ ŋ́gʉ́ zíꞋnɛ ńcúA traitor is someone who hears something here and goes there and tells it.nɔɔŋgupcmp.deńnɔɔlieŋgup 1skinn.ctraitor (like a Judas)Nɔɔŋgup, a ŋu pʉʉnɛ́ júknɛ, ńjʉ́ yúu, ńnɔ́ mɛluꞋ; a shɔtnɛ ɛ́fɛn wú.A Judas is a person with whom you spend the day, eat, drink wine and he turns around and betrays you.
trampleńtẅiꞋlɛv trample (a field)
transgressńjɛ́Ꞌ njidér.deńjɛ́Ꞌbreak a prohibition
translatorŋkyɛ́Ꞌtɛ 1var. lib.ŋkyɛ́Ꞌlɛpl.pakyɛ́Ꞌtɛdér.deŋ́kyɛ́Ꞌtɛ 2explainntranslator or interpreterŋkyɛ́Ꞌlɛvar.lib.deŋkyɛ́Ꞌtɛntranslator
transparent(stative verb) ; lit up(stative verb)ɛ́fʉ́ɔ 1v.statbe transparent, clear (even lit up); be emptyantɛ́sʉ́ʉnɛ
transplant
transport (on a litter)ńdʉ̈ɔ́ŋɛdér.deńdʉ̈ɔ́ŋswingv.ttransport (swinging on a litter)Ɛ́ ḿbɔ́ ŋkámbi pɛ́ pɔ́ ńdʉ̈ɔ́ŋɛ pfu-ŋu, mba ŋgaŋgɔɔ lʉ̈ɔ́ŋɛnɛ.In former times, a corpse or a sick person was transported swinging on a litter.This usually refers to putting a sick person or a corpse on a sheet or blanket tied to two poles which people usually carry on their shoulders.
transverse cow-hornntaŋ1ntransverse cow-horn
trapgwakntrapnɛjʉ̈ɔꞋntrapMaꞋŋkatɛ́m lɔk nɛjʉɔꞋ ŋ́gẅɛɛ mɔ̂naaThe hunter caught an animal with a trap.
trap, fishlaꞋ1nfish trapPɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk kʉ̈ɔp ḿbáꞋ laꞋ, ńdʉꞋ ŋki ńdɔk ŋ́gẅɛɛ mɛshú. One often weaves a fish trap with rattan. Then one places it in a river to trap fish.
trap, kind oftswáatúcmp.deńtswáato beattúheadn.ckind of animal trap that catches the animal by the head like a mousetrap only largersyntswáatáŋ
trap, k. oftswáatáŋn.ck. of animal trap like a mousetrap only larger for catching partidges or ratssyntswáatú
trap, leopardgwak-naaŋgwɛsyn.nleopard trapThis is a large animal trap which can also be used to trap other kinds of large animals, like a lion, for ex.
trap(n)fɛ́plɛ́nkind of trap
trap, snareŋkʉ2 3nsnare, trapNdʉꞋmɛŋkʉ gʉ ŋkaŋ-ŋki nɛlɔɔ mɛpɔꞋ-mɛnaa, la ńdʉꞋ ŋkʉ nǔu.The trapper went to the edgeof the water in order to look for animal tracks and then set a snare on them.
trashnɛmɛꞋŋkyaŋɛ 1trash (place where one puts it)
trash talkḿmaꞋ sẅíŋɛ-mɛkɔkexpr.id.deḿmaꞋthrowsẅíŋɛ 1wordmɛkɔkdiscouragementex.id.express words of discouragement
travelnɛnɛn 2dér.deńnɛnwalkntravel, trip
travel by car, bus or lorry (truck US)ńnɛn nɛ́ matúwaforme comp. non-spéc deńnɛnloctravel by car, bus or lorry (truck US)
travellingnɛnɛn 1dér.deńnɛnwalkntravelling, transportation
travel on footńnɛn (pɔ) sɛ́expr.id.deńnɛnwalksɛ́1 1groundex.id.travel on footƐ́ ḿbɔ ŋkámbi, pɛ́ pɔ́ ńtáŋ túu, ńnnɛn pɔ sɛ́.Long ago, one was trading outside the area travelling on foot.
travel on horsebackńnɛn nɛ́ naalʉ́ɔexpr.id.deńnɛnnɛ́2 1tonaalʉ́ɔhorseloctravel on horseback
travel togetherńtɛm ku nɛnɛndér.deńtɛmńtɛ́mtravel together"SIDA" pɔɔ lɛɛtɛ ŋ́kúu nǔu ŋu nɛtɛm ku nɛnɛn pɔ́.AIDS is not passed to anyone by travelling together.ńnɛn táꞋ ku 2dér.deńnɛn walk or travel together (on the same road)
treasorierndẅɛꞋŋkápcmp.dendẅɛꞋŋkápntreasurerƐ́ píkŋɛ́ ŋgɔ ndẅɛꞋ-ŋkáp pɔ́ ŋu ẅinɛ a cúnɛ́ nu nɛ́nẅín.The treasurer must be someone who tells the truth.
treatńzɔŋv.t treat (a wound or a disease)Ndɔ́kta ka zɔŋ gɔɔ nǔu mɔ.The doctor treated my illness.
treat a woundḿbát fʉ́ŋdér.deḿbát2care for a wound, to take care of a wound
treatmentnɛzɔŋntreatment(medical)
treat(verb) woundńcʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ fʉ́ŋexpr.id.deńcʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌfʉ́ŋex.id.treat a woundPɛ́ lɔ ńcʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌ fʉ́ŋ nɛ́ fu.One treats a wound with medicine. (or One puts salve on a wound.)
tree barkŋgup-tʉ́forme comp. non-spéc deŋgup 1skintʉ́1syn.ntree bark
tree climbing harnessŋgẅɛ́pntree climbing harnessNdyɔŋ mɛluꞋ-nɛlʉ̈ɔ́ lɔ ńdɔk ŋgẅɛ́p ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ tʉ́ la ńdyɔŋ.The palm wine tapper uses a harness to climb the tree before tapping.
tree crookŋgak 1ncrook of a treePɛ́ lɔ ńnʉk mɛŋgak sɛ́ ńdɔk ŋ́kút ntap.The crook of a tree into the ground to construct a shelter.
tree for treating thigh paralysisŋgɛ́plɛnk. of tree whose fruit can be used to treat a disease that parlyzes one's thighsMoringa oleifera
tree good for firewoodtɔ̌pntree good for firewoodThis tree can reach a height of 7-10 meters. It's leaves are wide.
tree good for firewood growing in a swampy placetɔ̌p-ŋgɔ́cmp.detɔ̌psyn.ntree good for firewood growing in a swampy placeIn the moisture of a swampy place the bark of this tree is black, hence the distinction between this and the ones growing on a hillside.Ficus asperifolia
tree good for firewood on a hillsidetɔ̌p-ŋkwɛncmp.detɔ̌pŋkwɛn1 1backsyn.ntree good for firewood on a hillsideGrowing on a slope, the bark of this tree is white, hence the distinction between this and those that grow in swampy places.
tree(kind of)fapɛ́var. lib.fǎpnkind of treePɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk fapɛ́ ŋ́kɔ́ɔ kɛkɔ́ɔ.One carves a mortar from fape (wood). This tree can attain a height of 12 m. Its leaves are broad and heart-shaped. Its wood is dark brown with black streaks.
tree, markhamiagwǎatɛfɛꞋn.cMarkhamia treeMarkhamia tomentosa
tree nut with peanut tastemɔ̂nzu-mɛkátforme comp. non-spéc demɔ̂nzupeanutmɛkátlight-skinned foreignersyn.ntree nut with a groundnutty(peanutty) taste
tree, oil palmtʉ́-nɛtʉ́ɔdér.denɛtʉ́ɔnoil palm treeElaeis guineensis
tree specieskɛkʉ̈ɔꞋndʉ̈ɔ́lɛsyn.n.atree species
tree, tall and good for spicestʉ́-lɛ́luusyn.nk. of tall tree whose bark and seeds are used as aromatic spicesTʉ́-lɛ́luu lɔ ɛ́sak tɛ ŋ́gẅɛɛ míta yɛ́taa la nduŋmbi pɔ́ ńcẅɛt. The 'leluu' tree grows very tall and the first branches start at 5 meters from the ground.
tree that grows on fallow groundntaŋshʉŋn.ck. of treeNtaŋshʉŋ lɔ ŋ́kɔ́Ꞌ tsɛt naŋ mɛꞋnɛ.The "ntangshung" tree often grows in fallow land.Ɛ́ táꞋ tʉ́, mbɔ́ mɛ́ lɔɔ ńtʉ́ʉ ńdʉ́ŋndʉŋ pɔ́. Pɛ́ lɔ ŋ́kwɛ́t mɛfu mɛ́ ńdɔk ńzɔŋ ncɔ́ŋ.It's a tree whose branches are never straight. One eats the leaves to treat mucus in the stools.The branches of this tree are never straight and its leaves open gradually as it grows, opening like a book.
tree that loses its leavesgɛmɛnkind of tree that loses its leaves at the end of the rainy season and then leafs out again early the dry season and blossoms near the end of the dry seasonPɛ́ lɔ ḿbi sɔp-mɛkát nɛtsɛ́n gɛmɛ mbíꞋŋgɔ ɛ́ lɔɔ ɛ́fɛ́Ꞌnɛ ḿpfú pɔ́. People often plant white pepper corns at the foot of the tree called 'gɛmɛ' because this tree doesn't die quickly.This tree is planted next to a peace plant in a compound where twins have just been born.
tree that yields a certain spicetʉ́-ŋkaksyn.nk. of tree that grows quite tall and who seeds are used as an aromatic spice
tree, thornynzɛ́nnk. of thorny treeNzɛ́n lɔ ŋgẅɛɛ mɛnzɔ́ŋ nǔu mbʉʉ yɛ. The "nzɛ́n" tree has thorns on its trunk.
tree, thorny with thick trunknɛŋgǎmnk. of tree with a thick trunk and spiny bark
tree trunk, sacrednɛcẅinsacred tree trunk
tree, tulipfukfukɛ́n(African) tulip treeFukfukɛ́ lɔ ḿmáꞋ tɔ̌ɔtɔ̌ɔ, pɛ́ j́i ŋgɔ luu sɛ́ ńtɔ́.When the tulip tree blossoms, one knows the dry season is coming.Spathodea campanulata
tree used for cookingfǎŋnkind of tree whose wood is used only for heating and cooking, i.e., firewood
tree, very hard with small leaveskít2nk. of tree with curved branches and small leaves this is very hardTʉ́-kít gwɛɛ gɛ́gɛ́ mɛfu. Mbɔ́ mɛ́ lɔ ŋ́ŋɔꞋnɛ ŋɔꞋnɛnɛ. Ɛ́ pɛn ńtɛn tɛꞋ. The kit tree has tiny leaves. Its branches are bowed. It is also very solid.
tree with medicinal barkmâfɔɔtʉ́nqueen mother tree, the bark of this tree is used as a traditional medicine
tree with red saplǔnnkind of large tree with red sap
tree with rough barkŋgaꞋánk. of tree whose bark is rough and whose leaves are larger than those of the 'geme' tree which it resembles
tree with round, black fruitmvǔunɛnk. of tree with round black fruitMɛntáa-mvǔunɛ lɔ ɛ́sʉ́ʉ sʉ́ʉnɛ.The fruit of the 'mvuune' tree is always black.
trenchsɛ́mntrenchsynsʉ́ʉ1sʉ́ʉ1nborder trench separating two enemy villagessynsɛ́m
trickkɔɔtɛnpretext, excuseMápfu lɔ ńdíi nɛnɛ́ɛ yúu ḿbɛ́ɛ kɔɔtɛ nǔu mɔ́ɔ.The child of an infant is often late in preparing meals, using the child as an excuse.
trick?ńtáa zúŋ/mɛzúŋexpr.id.deńtáa3premeditate (an act)zúŋcraftiness act slyly or craftily (looking to profit by it)Pɛ́ gẅɛɛ ntsɔ́ŋ, ḿbɔ́ ńtswáa wɛ́ a táa mɛzúŋ tɛ ńdɔ́ sɛ́ ŋ́kʉ̈ɔ.A thief got caught and while beating him he acted slyly and got up and fled.
trip(verb)ɛ́faanɛ ku 1dér.deɛ́faanɛex.id.trip; stumbleƐ faanɛ ku la ḿvu sɛ́ mbíꞋŋgɔ n dáꞋ ḿbɔɔ ńdíŋɛ zʉꞋ n nɛnnɛ pɔ́.I tripped and fell because I wasn't looking where I was going.
troopkwɛ́lɛntroop, herdMaꞋŋkatɛ́m tɔ́ ńjʉ́ɔ kwɛ́lɛ-pɛnjɔplɛ.The hunter came and saw many hedgehogs.
troubletákvar. lib.var. lib.tákɛdér.deńták1ntrouble, disorderŊu wɔ lɔ máꞋ ták ndá-cúꞋlɛ.This person sows trouble in the meeting(house).ɛ́saŋ zʉꞋdér.deɛ́saŋex.id.stir up trouble, sow discordŊu ẅi a ká gɛ mɛkuꞋ pʉɔ pɔ́, lɛɛ tɛ ŋ́kúu nǔu zʉꞋ, ńdɔk sẅíŋɛ́ yɛ́ ɛ́saŋ zʉꞋ.The person who doesn't show respect to people, when he arrives somewhere he stirs up trouble.Literally he disperses people.tákŋɛntrouble, riot(ing)ńtákŋɛ2 2v.ttrouble, stir things upńduupɛv.tdisturb, bother, troubleNtʉʉtú ŋgaŋsɛkút lɔ ńduupɛ pɛcɔ́. A obstinate pupil disturbs the others.ntákŋɛdér.deńtákŋɛ2 2troublen.vtrouble, disorderPɛ́ láꞋ ḿbɔ́ ńniitɛ nu sʉ́Ꞌnɛ, wɛcɔ́ ŋu tɔ́ ńtɛ́m ntákŋɛ nǔu.A problem was getting solved, s.o. came and stirred up trouble.páklɛ́ 1ntroublegáanɛ 1nbother, troubleŊ ká kɔŋ gáanɛ pɔ́.Je n'aime pas le dérangement.
trouble, hideńtaatɛ 1vtrouble, hide or coverLá yɛcɔ́ yúu taatɛ, pɔ́p pɔɔ wɛ́ lii.Something hid them and they didn't recognize him.
troublemakerntswɛtɛmɛnáꞋntroublemaker, spoilsportNtswɛtɛmɛnáꞋ lɔ ńtɛ́m shɛ́ɛ nǔu nu.The troublemaker disrupts things.fakmɛndácmp.deɛ́fakndádér.deɛ́fakndán.csower of discord in the family, troublemakerMaŋgɛ́-ntsu lɔ ḿbɔ́ fakmɛndá.An overly talkative woman is a sower of discord in the family..
troublemakingŋkuutɛ 2mod.ntroublemaking
trouble one's selfḿbáklɛ mbʉʉ 1forme comp. non-spéc deḿbáklɛmbʉʉvtrouble or bother one's selfƆ páklɛ mbʉʉ níinɛ́.You trouble yourself for nother.
troublernzazaꞋdér.deńzazaꞋworryn.rédtroubler, someone who scares needlessly
trouble(v)ńták1v.t trouble or bother, provoquePálɛ́-mɛluꞋ lɔ ńták pʉɔ.The drunkard bothers people.
trouserssɔkun.ctrouserslɔŋtrɔ́ɔshintrousers
trullyɛ́fáa2aux.advbe truly (expressing surpise)Yʉy, pɛk fáa ḿpfú!Wow, we are trully dead!
trussguu (ndá)ntrussMɛguu-ndá ŋkámbi ka pɔ́ ŋ́gá ŋgʉ̈ɔꞋ nɛ́kut.House trusses in former times were a pain to make.
trustŋ́gá tʉ́m (mbɔ̌/ nǔu qqn)expr.id.deŋ́gágivetʉ́mheartex.id.put or have confidence in, trustsynńzáp tʉ́m yɛ́ nǔu (ŋu)ńzáp tʉ́m yɛ́ nǔu (ŋu)dér.deńzáptʉ́mheartexpr.id.deńzáptʉ́mheartex.id. put or have one's confidence or faith in someone, trust s.o., believe in s.o.synŋ́gá tʉ́m (mbɔ̌/ nǔu qqn)
trust inŋ́gẅɛɛ tʉ́m sʉ́Ꞌnɛ mbɔ̌expr.id.detʉ́msʉ́Ꞌnɛmbɔ̌ex.id.trust (in s.o.), to have confidence in (s.o.)Ŋ gẅɛɛ tʉ́m sʉ́Ꞌnɛ́ mbɔ̌ wɛ́.I trust him.
trust s.o.ńtík tʉ́m nǔu...ńtsádér.deńtík2 preferA tík tʉ́m nǔu ŋgaŋfaꞋ ńtsá ndɔ́ŋ.He prefers the worker to lazy one.
trustworthytʉ́m sʉ́Ꞌnɛforme comp. non-spéc detʉ́mheartsʉ́Ꞌnɛex.id.good heart, trustworthyanttʉ́m kɛpɔŋ
tryńzẅíꞋ 2v.t tryńtɛlaAnglaisv try
try hardŋ́ŋakŋɛv.rforce one's self, make an effortMámɔ́ɔ ŋakŋɛ lɔ́Ꞌnɛ tɛ ńzʉ́Ꞌ naŋ ŋgɔŋ nɛgɛ́m.The (grand) mother forced herself today to cultivate ten furrows (raised garden beds)..
try s.th. (new) outḿmɔɔ 2v.ttry s.th. (new) out;
try(verb)ɛ́fʉꞋnɛ 2v try on (clothing or shoes)
tsetse flycícɔ́t ntɔꞋfɛlɔ́kdér.decícɔ́tsyn.ntsetse fly
t-shirtsáŋŋgílíshint-shirt
tubetɛ́tɔ́ŋnbamboo tube often used to tap raphia palm sap for making wine
tuberculosiskẅáktʉʉn.ctuberculosisKẅáktʉʉ lɔ ɛ́fɛ́mɛ ŋu, ḿbɔɔ gá shʉ́ nɛkẅák ńtẅik pɔ́. Tuberculosis often suffocates a person, not allowing him to cough and spit.
tuber, k. of ediblentáꞋmbɔ́ 1nk. of edible tuber shaped like a handPɛ́ lɔ fɛntɛ ntáꞋmbɔ́ pɔ́p ntúꞋntúꞋ, ńdɔk ŋgɔꞋ naasɛ́.One mixes the hand-shaped tuber with the round tuber called 'ntúꞋntúꞋ' to make a dish that's called 'naasɛ́.'
Tuesdayáptamɔ́ɔndɛAfter MondaynTuesday
tuftntsɔꞋ 1ntuft (of hair) , crest (of feathers)A kɔ́ɔ tú tɛ ńtík ntsɔꞋ nǔu.He shaved his head so that a tuft of hair was left on it.
tugɛ́shuŋɛ 1v.itug at (each other)
tulip tree, Africanfukfukɛ́n(African) tulip treeFukfukɛ́ lɔ ḿmáꞋ tɔ̌ɔtɔ̌ɔ, pɛ́ j́i ŋgɔ luu sɛ́ ńtɔ́.When the tulip tree blossoms, one knows the dry season is coming.Spathodea campanulata
turacoŋgúꞋnBannerman's turacoTauraco bannermaniŋgʉ̈ɔꞋ1nk. of touraco bird
turkey berrykiɛnturkey berrySolanum torvum
turnɛ́fakŋɛ2v.iturn or curve
turn againḿbɛntɛ 1v.tturn something again
turn back onŋ́kwɛtɛ ŋkwɛnforme comp. non-spéc deŋ́kwɛtɛvrenoncer once and for all
turn inside outḿbɛt 1v.tturn inside outƐ́ ḿbɔ́ ŋká mbi, pɛ́ pɔ́ ḿbɛt ndẅí-mpfúk, ŋ́gá nzɛm yɛ kɛpɔŋ píi.In the past, one turned the widow's garment inside out, with the bad side showing.
turn intoɛ́shɔtnɛ 2v.iturn or change (into), becomeMɛtáa-tʉ́ shɔtnɛ ḿbaŋ.The fruit turned/became ripe.
turn(intransitive verb)ɛ́shɔtnɛ 1v.iturnShɔtnɛ pɔ́ yi ɛ́ tʉ́u!Turn right!
turn one's back on s.o.ńtɛm ŋkwɛn mbɔ̌ ŋuforme comp. non-spéc deńtɛmshareŋkwɛn1 1backmbɔ̌toex.id.turn one's back on s.o.
turn(transitive verb) ; stir(transitive verb)ɛ́shɔt 1v.tturn something, stirA shɔt mbaŋ-láalyɔ, a zɔp.He/She turns (on) the radio and it plays.
turtlecẅímaŋkɔꞋnturtleCẅímaŋkɔ́ lɔ ńnyɛmɛ.The turtle moves slowly.KinixiscẅímaŋkɔꞋ-ŋkidér.decẅímaŋkɔꞋnAfrican soft-shelled turtleTrionyx triunguis
tweetjẅɛ́ɛtonosound of a whistle, tweet
twelventsɔ̌ppá nɛ́ nɛgɛ́madj.num.cardtwelvetwɛ́pAnglaisnnoon
twentymɛgɛ́mbáadj.num.cardtwenty
twenty-eightntsɔ̌pɛ́nɛ́fɔ́m nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mbáadj.num.cardtwenty-eight
twenty-fiventsɔ̌ptaa mɛgɛ́mmbáadj.numtwenty-five
twenty-fourntsɔ̌pɛ́nɛ́kwa nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mbáadj.num.cardtwenty-four
twenty litres, unit of measuretinnmeasuring unit of 20 litres
twenty-ninentsɔ̌pɛ́nɛ́pfúꞋu nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mbáadj.num.cardtwenty-nine
twenty-onentsɔ̌pmɔ́Ꞌɔ nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mbáadj.num.cardtwenty-one
twenty-sevenntsɔ̌psaambá nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mbáadj.num.cardtwenty-seven
twenty-sixntsɔ̌pɛ́nɛ́ntúkú nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mbáadj.num.cardtwenty-six
twenty-threentsɔ̌ptát nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mbáadj.num.cardtwenty-three
twenty-twontsɔ̌ppá nɛ́ mɛgɛ́mbáadj.num.cardtwenty-two
twigŋẅiꞋlɛvar. lib.var. lib.nɛŋẅiꞋlɛntwignɛntʉ́ntwig, stickA gá mɛntʉ́ mbɔ̌ wɛ nǔu ndɛɛmɛ yɔp.He gave him some twigs for their (debt) rendez-vous.
twin bellkẅíꞋfɔɔ 2cmp.dekẅiꞋfɔɔchief ; kingndouble bell or twin bell which is often used in traditional ritesPɛ́ lɔ ḿbɛn ɛ́fuŋ mɛyúu pɔ́p púꞋnɛ tsɛt nɛfɛ́m kẅíꞋfɔɔ mbíꞋŋgɔ pɛ́ lɔɔ ńjʉ́ɔ pɔ́. The things one beats in the sacred forest are also called 'the fon's namesake' because one never sees them.
twins, one ofmɔ́ɔ-nɛfákdér.demɛfákone twin
twirlɛ́shɔttɛ 2v.itwirl or spin around; turn a number of times
twirl s.th. aroundɛ́shɔttɛ 1v.tturn or spin s.th. around a number of times
twirl(verb)ɛ́sáŋɛ 1v.itwirlMɔ́ɔ nʉŋ lǔŋ tɛ sáŋɛ.The child danced until he twirled around.
twistɛ́sʉ́kvar. dial.var. dial.ɛ́shʉ́kv.ttwistPɛ́ sʉ́k lyɔ la ḿbáꞋ.Vine is twisted before weaving.Mɔ́ɔ tʉʉ tú ,tát wɛ sʉ́k nɛtúutɛ́ nɛ́.The child acted stubborn, so his father twisted his ear.
twitternzɔp-pɛshʉ́ŋtwitter of birds
twomɛ́mbáadj.num.ordtwombáadj.numtwoyɛ́páadj.num.cardtwopɛ́páadj.num.cardtwoUsed with class 2 nouns.
typhoidfípa tɔ́ktɛ́ mɛtɔ́dér.defípasyn.ntyphoid fever
typoid feverlyɔknút tɔ́ktɛ́ mɛtɔ́dér.delyɔknúttyphoid fever