W
waddingfɛt-ŋgátsyn.n.awadding for a riflePɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk fɛt-ŋgát ŋ́kíꞋ mɛkaa tsɛt ŋgát.One uses gun wadding to block the gunpowder in a traditional rifle.
waem upńzɔ́k 1v.iwarm one's self, warm upPúushi kɔŋ nɛzɔ́k múk, kɛmba mɔ́nɛm. Cats like to warm up by a fire or in the sun.The verb only has this sense with things that heat - the sun, the fire.
wagtailshíɛkɛkaꞋcmp.deɛ́shíɛseach_carefullykɛkaꞋreeddér.deɛ́shíɛseach_carefullykɛkaꞋreedn.cmountain wagtailShíɛkɛkaꞋ lɔ ńjúk yɛ́ pɔ tsɛt mɛkɛkaꞋ ḿbɔ ńdɔɔ yúu a ŋ́kwɛ́t.The wagtail spends his day in the reeds looks for food.Motacilla aguimp, motacilla clara
waist cloth, men'smbilanmen's waist or loin clothIt was put on by passing it between the legs and keeping in place with a cord or a belt. It is no longer in style in the Ndaa area.
waittɛ ńtsʉ́Ꞌ pɔ́Ꞌɔ 1dér.deńtsʉ́Ꞌvif not...; waitńzẅíꞋlɛ1v wait
wait forḿbɛ́p 1vwait for s.o. or s.th.
walkńtẅɛꞋv walk (using a cane)Tǎa tẅɛꞋ ntẅí.The father walked with a cane.ńnɛnv.iwalk, travelƆ nɛn kɛ́ cẅɛ́Ꞌnɛ́ ŋu ndúŋ, ńtsʉꞋ ɛ́fí pɔ ŋgɛ-nu kɛpɔŋ.When you walk without meeting anyone along the way, you become like an evildoer.nɛkát 1dér.deŋ́kátɛ́get/be tangled, coil, wiltnwalk, wandering aroundńnɛn nɛ́ kuforme comp. non-spéc deńnɛnwalknɛ́2 1toku1footńnɛnlocwalk, go on foot
walk aroundńnɛntɛv.itake a walk
walk, go for ańnɛntɛv.itake a walk
walk in a groupńnɛn táꞋ ku 1dér.deńnɛn flock
walk slowlyńdaplɛvwalk slowly, creep along
walk, slowly and peacefullynnapidslowly and peacefully (walk)Fɔɔ lɔɔ nɛn ŋgɔ nnap, nnap.The king(fon) walks slowly and quietly.The sense is a bit like 'slow and deliberate' steps.Used as a qualifier of someone's steps.
walk togetherńtɛmtɛ ku nɛnɛnforme comp. non-spéc deńtɛmtɛcome_together, mixku1footńnɛnex.id.walk or travel together, in the company of others
wallmbʉʉndá 2cmp.dembʉʉ 1bodyndáhousen.cwall (interior)sakndácmp.deɛ́sak 1longndádér.deɛ́sak 1longndán.cwall (exterior) of a houseSakndá-tǎaláꞋ waa kɛmɛ mbaꞋmbaꞋ lɔꞋɔ.The wall of my neighbor's house collapsed this morning.mbʉʉndá 1cmp.dembʉʉ 1bodyndáhousen.cwallḾbɔ́ mbʉʉndá gẅɛɛ mɛgúŋ mɛ́mbá : yɛ nzɛm-píi pɔ́p yɛ tsɛtú.There are two sides to the wall of a house, the outside and the inside.
wanderŋ́gúvwander aimlesslyŋ́kátnɛv wander around, take a strollḿbuu ńnɛn 1vwander, roamNdɔ́ŋ lɔ ńjuk ḿbuu ńnɛn.The lazy man spends his day wandering around.ńjɔ́mtɛvwander (around)Nji záŋ mɔ́ɔ, a pɔ́ ńjɔ́mtɛ ńdɔɔ yúu a ńjʉ́. A child is hungry; he wanders around looking for somthing to eat.ńdɛɛtɛ 2v.iwander (around)
wandering Jewŋgɛŋgɔ-láꞋnwandering JewCommmelina benghalensis
wantŋ́kɔŋ 2vwant, desireńdɔɔ 2v.twantƆ lɔɔ nɛgɛ ku?What do you want to do?
want to haveŋ́kɔŋ nɛgẅɛɛdér.deŋ́kɔŋavoir besoin de; to need, to have need of
warńdʉ̈ɔꞋ ntsɔ1v war, wage warntsɔ1nwarPʉɔ lɔ ḿbúu ḿpfú tsɛt ntsɔ.People die haphazardly in war.
wardrobekɔ́pɔt 2nwardrobe
war, makeḿmaꞋ ntsɔexpr.id.deḿmaꞋntsɔ1ex.id.make or wage warPɛkaŋtú tɛt ḿbɔ́ ḿmaꞋ ntsɔ.Soldiers are in the brush making war.ńdʉ̈ɔꞋ ntsɔ2dér.dentsɔ1make war, attack
warm one's self up (by a fire)ḿbáp mbʉʉdér.deḿbápwarm one's self (by a fire)
warm(stative verb)ńduuvar. lib.var. lib.ńduumɛv.stat be warm/tepid(referring water or food)Ŋki lɔk ɛ́suk mɔ́ɔ luu mɔ́.The water for bathing the child is already warm.
warnɛ́shuŋ nɛtúutɛ-ŋuexpr.id.deɛ́shuŋ2ex.id.warnPɛ́ shuŋ nɛtúutɛ-ŋu, ɛ́sẅíi nɛ́ nu, ɛ́ ńdɔɔ ńdɛɛ zɔ́nSomeone gave the warning that it would happen tomorrow.
warn s.o.ŋ́kák nɛtúutɛ-ŋu 1expr.id.deŋ́káknɛtúutɛ́earŋuex.id. warn someone, put someone on their guardPɛ́ lɔ ŋ́kák nɛtúutɛ-ŋu, ɛ́sẅíi wɛ́ nɛ nu ɛ́ ŋ́kẅɛ́tɛ wɛ́. V One warns someone about what is going to/might happen to him.
warriorndʉ̈ɔ̌Ꞌntsɔn.cwarrior, soldiermaꞋ-ntsɔnwarrior
warrior's clothingndẅi-ŋgup-mɛga-tẅin 1nwarrior's clothing
wash one's selfɛ́suk mbʉʉforme comp. non-spéc deɛ́sukmbʉʉ 1bodysyn.vwash one's self, bathe one's self
wash poorlyńdɛplɛ 1v.twash partially, poorly, half-heartedlyMɔ́ɔ lɛplɛ mɛkáŋ, má wɛ kakŋɛ wɛ́.The child did a poor job washing the dishes and his/her mother scolded him/her.
waspfǐinwasp (paper wasp)Belonogaster griseus
wasteńcʉŋtɛ 2BbtBfdBjovar.dial. deḿbʉ́ʉpɛ 1spoiledv.labwasteMɔ́ɔ lɔ ńcʉŋtɛ yúu mbíꞋŋgɔ a ká jí ndɛn wɛ pɔ́.A child often wastes s.th. because she/he doesn't know its worth.ḿbʉ́ʉpɛ 2v.labwasteKɛ́sáŋnu lɔ ŋ́gẅɛɛ ŋkáp, ḿbʉ́ʉpɛ pɔ tsʉʉ.
waste moneyńtɔɔ ŋkapdér.deńtɔɔ1 spend excessively, be extravagant; heat, be hotPɛ́ tɔɔ mɛfu zúunɛ́, ɛ́ shíOne heats the dry leaves and they burn
waste timeŋ́kúu lɛɛtɛdict.deŋ́kúuenter, arriveńdɛɛtɛ 2wanderlocwaste time, neglect s.th. important
watchwáashiAnglaisnwatchḿbát2v.twatch, watch forPǔushi lɔ ḿbát tsɛtsa.The cat often watches for the mouse.
watch outḿbáa 2vwatch out for s.th.
watch overńdíŋɛ 2v.twatch over, take care ofNdumɔ́ɔ sɛ́ ńdíŋɛ́ mɔ́ɔ kwaꞋ sʉ́Ꞌnɛ ŋká yi má pɛ́ mɔ́ɔ gʉ nɛ́ tɛt.The babysitter takes good care of the child when the mother has gone to the farm.ḿbyɛ́p2v.tkeep, watch over, tend (e.g. livestock)Pɛndɔ́kta lɔ ḿbyɛ́p gaŋgɔ́ɔ..The doctors (and/or nurses) watch over the sick.
waterŋki2 1nwaterńtswɛtɛv.tirrigate, water
waterfallcakcakŋkin.cwaterfallNɛpíi gɔ ɛ́sẅɛnɛ tɛ ŋ́kúu sɛ́. ńcú ŋgɔ: « cakcak».The waterfall, as it falls to the bottom, makes the sound ' chak-chak' .synnɛpíinɛpíinwaterfallsyncakcakŋki
water holegʉ́ɔŋki 2cmp.degʉ́ɔholeŋki2 1watern.cwater hole
waterhole for animalsgʉ́ɔŋki-mɛnaaforme comp. non-spéc denaaanimal waterhole
waterleafnzap fífíforme comp. non-spéc denzapfífí1syn.nwaterleaf, green amaranth, pigweedNzap fífí ńzáa ḿbɔ́ mbʉʉ ndá. Waterleaf plants are quite common beside a house.Amaranthus hybridus
watermelonnɛpɔꞋ-mɛkátnwatermelon
water mimosafu-paŋsyn.n.awater mimosaNeptunia oleracea
wateryɛ́sẅiklɛ1 2v.statbe wateryNáꞋ sẅiklɛ.The sauce is watery.
water yamnɛlüɔꞋnwater yam, winged yamIt is absolutely necessary to cook this yam before eating. On may eat it without peeling and then peel it by hand.Dioscorea alata var.
watewrńtswɛttɛv water, drain
wave good-byeḿmaꞋtɛ pɔ́ ńdɔk ńdɛmɛdér.deḿmaꞋtɛ pɔ́syn.vwave good-bye
waxlǐi 2nwaxOnce the sap of the canarium tree has been dried it may be burned in a can producing a flame that gives off light, hence the sense of the word as 'wax'. It also gives off a very pleasant aroma.
waxbillzaazítnblack-crowned waxbill and black-rumped waxbillEstrilda nonnula, Estrilda troglodytes
way.of.doing.thingsfʉꞋnɛnway of doing things, behaviourFʉꞋnɛ mɔ́ɔ wɔ ká pɔŋ.This child's behaviour is not good.
wepɛ́kŋɛ 1pn.su.inclwepɛ́k1 2pn.su.exclwe (exclusive = and not you)
we(2)pûu 2pn.su.duwe (two), you and I
weakḿbʉ́k 2vbe weakpɔ́t 2mod.nweakWhen referring to a human being
weakenńjɔ́mtɛv.statbe mentally diminishedGɔɔ gɛ a tsʉꞋ ńjɔ́mtɛ jɔ́mtɛnɛ. (Mental) illness left him mentally diminished. ŋ́gáŋɛv.i/v.statweakenGɔɔ gɛ tɛ a tsʉꞋ ŋ́gáŋɛ gáŋɛnɛ. The sickness made him get, very weak.
weaklingpɔ́tŋun.cweaklingkáa-ŋusyn.n.aweaklingmaꞋpɔptɔ́ɔtɔ̌n.cweakling
wealth, person ofŋgaŋyúun.cwealthy person
wean a childńtsɔ́Ꞌ mɔ́ɔ nɛ́ nɛpʉ́ʉexpr.id.deńtsɔ́Ꞌ1 1removemɔ́ɔ 1childnɛ́2 3fromnɛpʉ́ʉ2breastex.id.wean a child
wean earlyńcit mɔ́ɔvar. dial.var. dial.ńtsitv.twean a child early due to a quickly following pregnancy Some believe this implies infidelity by the woman.
wear, put onɛ́sɔ1v.iwear (a mask), to put on (a long piece of clothing)Mɔ́ɔ sɔ ŋkwá ńdɔk ńnʉŋ luŋ.L'enfant a porté le masque pour danser la danse.
weasteḿbʉ́ʉpɛ 3vwaste, squanderMɔ́ɔ mbɛɛnɛ ẅi a ka pɛnnɛ, tát wɛ pɛn ńjʉ́ɔ wɛ́ ; a ka gʉ ḿbʉ́ʉpɛ ŋkáp tɛ mɛ.The prodigal son (the son who had returned and his father found him again) had gone off and wasted all his money.
weave haphazardlyńtswaŋvweave haphazzardlyMáŋgáa lɔ ńtswaŋ mɛŋkʉ mɛ́, ́njinji.The spider weaves its strands haphazzardly to catch flies.Refers to spiders' weaving, because their webs are not orderly like fabric.
weaverbirdntsɔꞋmbíicmp.dentsɔꞋ 1tuftmbíiraffia larvavweaverbirdNamed '' tufte of the red palm weevil larva' because of its yellow colour. The head of the larva is red, but in Ngomba red and yellow are one word.Ploceus cucullatus, Ploceus nigerrimusmɔ́shʉ́ŋntsucmp.demɔ́shʉ́ŋlittle birdntsumouthn.cweaverbirdMɔ́shʉ́ŋntsu lɔɔ ḿbáꞋ ŋkaa ɛ́ pɔŋ pɔ́.The weaver bird doesn't weave his nest well. This term refers both to the weaver that is all black and another that has a black head and yellow breast. Ploceus cuculatus, Ploceus nigerrimus
wedgencẅiꞋ2var. dial.var. dial.ntsẅiꞋnwedge (used in splitting wood)Tǎa sɛ́ ńdɔk ncẅiꞋ ńtsɔ́Ꞌ pɔ́ɔ-ŋkɛndɔŋThe gentleman is using a wedge to remove the plantain suckers.kɛm-yúudér.dekɛmnwedge, blockA tswáa nɔ́ nɛ́ kɛm-yúu.He beat the snake with a block.
wedgedńdɛ́Ꞌ1v.ibe wedged or stuckTáꞋ ntsẅíi lɛ́Ꞌ mɛtɛꞋ-tʉ́. Ḿbɔ́ fʉfʉ̈ɔt kɔk, ɛ́ vú tú-ŋu.A piece of wood is wedged in a fork between the branches. A strong wind could make it come down and fall on someone's head.
Wednesdaywɛ́nɛsɛdɛnWednesday
weednɛgíi kɛ́puŋdér.denɛgíisyn.nweedgáꞋ2dér.deŋ́gáꞋ1 1excessivenkind of weed that invades a field and takes up all the space.GáꞋ lɔ ɛ́sáꞋ ŋkáꞋ-ŋu ńjʉ́ ŋkáꞋ pɔ tsʉʉ.When this type of weed (called ga' grows in someone's field, it takes over the field.
weed on the coffee treelǎplǎpɛ́ntype of plant that climbs up the coffee treeLǎplǎpɛ́ lɔ ŋ́kátɛ nǔu kafɛ́. This lǎ̧plǎpɛ plant wraps itself around the coffee plant.
weed that chokes out other plantsŋkɛmŋgwɛ́nforme comp. non-spéc deŋ́kɛm 1destroyŋgwɛ́nfragile herbn.ckind of creeping, invassive plant that chokes out weak-rooted herbssynŋkɛmŋguu
weed with milky sapnɛpʉ́ʉ-mɔ́ɔ-ŋgɔ́cmp.denɛpʉ́ʉ-mɔ́ɔ 2asthma plantsyn.nkind of wetland plant with milky sapPycreus lanceolatus
weekŋgapnthe weekmɛlɛ́Ꞌmbí nǔu ŋgap-láꞋthe days of the week
weekdaymɔ̂táanday of the traditional week (day of the big market in Mbouda)
weevilfuꞋ2nweevilCurculionidae
welcomejí-nɛtɔ́nwelcomeJí-nɛtɔ puŋ ńtsá ŋkáp.La bienvenue c'est plus bon que l'argent.; Being welcome is nicer than money.
welcome(verb)ŋ́gá jí-nɛtɔ́dér.dejí-nɛtɔ́ welcome, bid someone welcome
wellńzúꞋ sʉ́Ꞌnɛcmp.deńzúꞋsyn.vfeel well or betterFípa ḿbɔ́ ŋ́gáanɛ wáa, la n zúꞋ sʉ́Ꞌnɛ ŋkɔ̂ɔ.Malaria was bothering me, but I feel better now.nɛpʉ́-ŋkisyn.nwelltáaŋki 1cmp.detáa2pitŋki2 1watern.cwellgʉ́ɔŋki 1cmp.degʉ́ɔholeŋki2 1watern.cwell (sʉ́Ꞌnɛadjgood ; well
well-cookedpínɛ́ 1dér.deḿbí2adjwell done (cooked food)Páa pínɛ́.Cocoyam well cooked.
well doneḿbínɛv.statwell done, successfulPɛ́ laa ɛ́faꞋ kɛ cittɛ mbʉʉ, ɛ́ pínɛ.If one does not work unenthusiastically, the work is done well.
westmbɛ́nɛmcmp.demɔ́nɛmsunḿbɛ́get_lost, losesyn.n.awestantsáꞋnɛm
wetńtsɛpv.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.
wet, beńnẅɛɛ1 1v.statbe wetTsɛtsaꞋ nẅɛɛ mbíꞋŋgɔ mbʉŋ lɔ́.The ground is wet because it rained.ŋ́ŋyaklɛbe wet
wet blanketsaŋtɛ 1ndisperser, s.o. who discourages people from doing what was agreed uponantncúꞋlɛ
whatkʉ̈ɔ2var.lib.deku2whatinterrwhatƆ láꞋ ńcú ŋgɔ kʉ̈ɔ laa ? What did you say? (perhaps a few hours ago)ku2var. lib.kʉ̈ɔ1var. lib.var. lib.kʉ̈ɔ2interrwhat
what?kʉ̈ɔ1var.lib.deku2interrquoi
whenḿbɔ́ tɛdér.deḿbɔ́1whenḾbɔ́ tɛ n zúꞋ nɛŋwáŋ, ńj́i ŋgɔ tâm-cɔ́ɔshi kuꞋ. When I hear the bell, I know that church time is here. shʉ́nɛ́interrwhen? (which day)
wheregɔ́interrwhereƆ náŋ pɔ gɔ́ ?Just where do you live?
wherevermbaagɔ́láadvwherever
whetherkɛ 2conjwhether, ifCíca lo ńdíŋɛ kɛ mɔ́ɔ tsuŋ ŋwaꞋnɛ mík-ŋwaꞋnɛ káꞋ ɛ́ ṕikŋɛ.
whichyɛ́tvar. non spec.wɛ́tinterrwhich?Ɔ lɔɔ yɛ́t mbí?Which goat do you want(seek)?Cl 6,9,10wɛ́tvar. non spec.yɛ́tinterrquelpɛ́t(ɛ́)interrquel, quellewith nouns of class 2nɛ́tɛ́interrquelmɛ́tɛinterrwhichWith noun classes 4 and 6.
whichevermbayɛtlaindfprowhichever/whoever, each
whilelámbɔ2conjwhile. though, althoughA náŋ ḿbɔ́ ḿbyɛ́p súu nɛ, lámbɔ a ŋ́gʉ mɔ́. He stayed waiting for his friend, though he had already left.ŋká yi1dér.deŋká1syn.nwhileŋká yi2syn.nwhile
whimperḿmʉk 2vwhimper or cry (over something)
whineńciɛv.i whineńjẅíttɛv whine
whinerfuꞋńtsẅiicmp.deńtsẅiiwhinefuꞋ1n.cone who whines even if he finds something good, pessimistYúu lɔɔ ŋ́kuꞋ mbɔ̌ fuꞋńtsẅii pɔ́. Nothing is enough for one who has and still whines.
whipḿvipv.twhipsynɛ́fɛ́ɛtɛŋgwaa1nwhip
whirlwindshíkwɛtvar. dial.var. dial.shʉ́kwɛtn.cwhirlwind, dustdevil Shíkwɛt lɔ ńdɛɛ ŋká-luu, ḿbʉꞋ pɛ́pɛ́p, ḿbɛn ńtíi mɛfu-tʉ́. Whirlwinds often rise up during the dry season, lifting up the dust and picking up the tree leaves.
whisker, animalŋgʉ́Ꞌ-naaforme comp. non-spéc deŋgʉ́Ꞌwhiskersnaaanimalsyn.nanimal whisker
whisker of leopardŋgʉ́Ꞌ-ŋgwɛforme comp. non-spéc deŋgʉ́Ꞌwhiskersnaaŋgwɛpanthersyn.nleopard whisker
whiskers(animal)ŋgʉ́Ꞌ-ntsuforme comp. non-spéc deŋgʉ́Ꞌwhiskersntsumouthsyn.nwhisker (of an animal)one whisker
whiskeymɛluꞋ tɔɔnɛnɛcmp.demɛluꞋsyn.nwhiskey
whiskey (SW)haanha, locally-brewed hard liquor from the Southwest Prov.
whisperńdɛmtɛ1v whisperPɛ́ lɔ ńdɛmtɛ ńcú nu lʉɔnɛ.Hidden matters are spoken in whispers.ńtsɛmtɛ1v whisper
whister (slander)ɛ́sɔ́klɛ ntsu sɛ́ ńcú nuexpr.id.deɛ́sɔ́klɛntsusɛ́1ńcú2nu2ex.id.whisper (slander) very quietly
whistleńtɔ́ŋ ŋgẅíiforme comp. non-spéc deńtɔ́ŋŋgẅíiwhistlinglocwhistle (to signal to s.o.)
whistle a songńdɔk mɛngẅíi ńzɔpforme comp. non-spéc deŋgẅíiwhistlingńzɔpsinglocwhistle a song
whistle a tuneńtɔ́ŋ mɛŋgẅíiforme comp. non-spéc deńtɔ́ŋŋgẅíiwhistlinglocwhistle a tune
Whistle made from an animal horn held vertically.mɛ́shʉanwhistle used in cultural dances made from an animal horn and held vertically.
whistle (mockingly)ŋ́gá wulûdér.dewulû boo or hiss (someone)Pɛ́ gá wulû pɛtsɔ́ŋ.The thieves were booed.
whistle, small and trad. made from bamboomândɛ́t 1var.lib.demândɛ́lɛ́nsmall trad. whistle made from bamboo
whistle, trad. et petit made of bamboomândɛ́lɛ́ 1var. lib.mândɛ́tnsmall trad. whistle made of bamboo
whistlingŋgẅíinwhistlingMbúꞋ ŋgẅíi lɔɔ ńnii ńtɔŋ pɔ́.There is no useless whistling. (each sends a message)nɛtɔ́ŋn.vwhistling
whitefúfúvar. lib.fúadj.vwhitefúvar.lib.defúfúadjwhiteɛ́fúk 1v.statbe clean, whiteSuk ndẅí tɛ ɛ́ fúk.Wash the clothing until it is clean.
white and very small mushroom, kind oftsafʉ́var.lib.detsafúnk. of tiny, white edilble mushrooms that grow on and around termite moundssynpɔꞋ fífíTermitomyces microcarpus
white, very spotlesstɔ́ɔt2idvery (white), spotlessNdẅí fúk ŋgɔ tɔ́ɔt.The garment is so very white.Intensifies the qualifier 'white'.
white, very-verypɛ́p1idvery white, dazzlingly whiteNdẅí fuk ŋgɔ pɛ́p.Le fabric (or article of clothing) is dazzlingly white.Used to intensify the qualifier 'white'.
white yamzúꞋfún.cwhite yamDioscorea guineensis var
whitlowtúmbaŋ1n.cwhitlow, paronychiaTúmbaŋ lɔ ŋ́gẅɛɛ tɔ́pɔ-ŋu, ɛ́ mut ḿbɛn ńzáŋ tɛꞋ.When someone's finger is affected by whitlow, it swells up and hurts a lot.An inflammation under the cuticle of a fingernail or toenail. It is thought to resemble a new taro tuber.
whittle, scrapeŋ́kwa 1v.twhittle, scrape
whoever, whomevermba wɔ̌ láindfproeach person, whoeverMba wɔ̌ lá gẅɛɛ pak-pípa mbɔ́ mɛ́.Each person holds a piece of paper in his/her hand.
whoevwermba wɛ̌t ŋu láindfprowhoever, anyone
whooshwûu3 1idsound of wind passing - whooshFɛfa lɛ́ mɔ́ ŋgɔ wúu.The wind whooshed by.
whymɛláꞋkʉ̈ɔ́interrwhysynmbíꞋkumbíꞋkuinterrwhy? how come?synmɛláꞋkʉ̈ɔ́
why?ntɛ́kucmp.dentɛ́1forku2whatinterrwhy? for what reason?
wide, beḿbaplɛ 2v.statbe wide or broadShʉ́ɔ gẅɛɛ mɛtúutɛ́ paplɛnɛ.An elephant has wide ears.
wide(stative verb)ɛ́saŋtɛ2 2v.statbe broad, wide or extensiveŊkáꞋ wáa saŋtɛ.My field is big.
widowmpfúknwidow or widowerMpfúk lɔɔ ńdɛ́ píi kɛ́ pɔ́ yi ŋguꞋ lɛɛ mɔ́ pɔ́.A widow (or widower) never passes the night away from his/her house until that year passes.
widowermpfúk ŋu mbɛɛnɛdér.dempfúksyn.nwidower
widowhood, part of the ritual ofnɛnáŋ ŋkɔ́Ꞌ-pfúklocthis is a part of the widowhood ritual where the widow sits and sleeps on the ground, called 'the widow's posture/position'
widowhood ritekɔꞋ-mpfúksyn.n.arite of widowhoodKɔꞋ-pfúk lɔ ńnáŋ lɛ́Ꞌ pɛ́nɛ́pfúꞋú la pɛ́ pʉꞋ wɛ́ ndǔ.The rite of widowhood lasts nine days before she is removed from it.
widowhood sackpaapfúkcmp.depfúkn.cwidowhood sackFamily and friends help the widow by putting something in the sack (and sometimes taking s.th. out in exchange)
widow's dressmalɛ́naavar. lib.var. lib.malínaanmourning clothing, traditionally black or navy blue (.e.g, black dress worn by widows)Pɛ́ lɔ ŋ́gɔ́ ńjí mpfúk, ńdɔk pɔ malɛ́naa ńdii wɛ́. One can recognize a widow by her special outfit, called a 'malɛ́naa.'
widow, to marryɛ́suk mpfúkɛ́sukmpfúkwidoweuph.marry a widowƐ́ ḿbɔ́ tsɛt ŋɔŋ-ŋgɔŋ, ḿbɔ́ laa ḿpfú, mɔ́ɔ má wɛ suk nzwɛ́ wɛ́; a tsʉ́Ꞌ nzwɛ́ wɛ ńdɔk ŋ́kẅíꞋ njwɛt.Traditionally, when a man died, his brother washed his wife, i.e,, she became his wife in order to increase the family.
wife for new fonnzwɛ́kɛ́mcmp.denzwɛ́ŋkɛ́mn.cnew wife who enters the camp of initiation rites (la'kem) with a new fon
wild bitterleafnɛlẅǐitɛ-mbɛnaŋ-paŋgɛ́syn.nwild bitterleaf or ironweed (inedible)It often grows in cultivated fields. It is not eaten but can be used to make a (home) remedy.Vernonia spp.
wild boarnjínaa-tɛtsyn.nwild boarPhacochoerus africanus
wild catgáꞋ1 1nwildcatGáꞋ lɔ ŋ́kwɛ́t ŋgɛ́p.The wildcat eats chickens.Felis lybica
wildcatmɔ̂naaŋgɛ́pn.cAfrican wildcatMɔ́naaŋgɛ́p lɔ ŋ́kát pɔ mɛmbʉʉ-ndá ḿbat ŋgɛ́p.The wildcate prowls around houses on the lookout for chickens.The name comes from the fact it likes to eat chickens.Felis silvestris libyca
wild, creeping beanmɛkúu-nɔ́n.ck. of bean - wild and creepingThis is an inedible kind of bean. Phaseolus, sp.
wild game parts for huntersmɛzʉ́Ꞌ-naapʉ́ɔforme comp. non-spéc dezʉꞋplacenaapʉ́ɔsyn.n.agame parts (for sharing among the hunters)Naapʉ́ɔ gẅɛɛ mɛzʉꞋ mɛ́nɛ́kwa: Tú, mi, gáŋtɛ́ ŋ́gɛ nɛtsɛ́n-naa.Game has four parts (to share): the head, the neck, the thorax (or breast) et the lower parts (legs, etc).
wild honeyŋwáꞋ-mɔ̂naacmp.deŋwáꞋ 2honeymɔ̂naalittle animalsyn.nwild honeyJẅiꞋjẅíꞋ lɔnɛ ŋ́gɛ ŋwáꞋ-mɔ́naa.It is the stingless bee that wild honey.synlúmɔ́naalúnaa
wild oniontɛt1nwild onion, country onion (local English)
wild rubber treendálnwild rubber treeMbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ ka láꞋ ḿbɔ́ ńdɔk ŋki-ndál ńdɔk ńniitɛ yúu-mɛgáa (mbalɔ̂ŋ)Children in former times used to may a toy (ball) from the sap of the wild rubber plant.
wild sweet potatomvukɔp-mɔ̂mvúsyn.nwild sweet potato, morning glory bushThe leaves are smaller that the sweet potato's and even the tubers are smaller, though they are larger than those of the indigenous sweet potato. They are called 'dog sweet potato' because they are too bitter to eat, i.e, they are not fit for human consumption. synmvukɔp-nɛgíiIpomoea carnea.
will (FUT aux)ńdɔ1auxiliary verb marking the tomorrow and later future tense, like "will" in English.
will (non-near FUTURE)ŋ́gɛ1aux.t.aspauxiliary verb marking the F3 future tense (for things said to occur a day or more in future)
winńjʉ́ ndína 2dér.deńjʉ́v.t win or earn
windfɛfʉ̈ɔtvar. lib.fɛfʉ̈ɛtnwindFɛfʉ̈ɔt sɛ́ ńdɛɛ.The wind is blowing.Fɛfʉ̈ɔt tíi tú-ndá-tǎaláꞋ waa.The wind blew off my neighbor's roof.
winding, beŋ́ŋɔ́Ꞌtɛ 2v.stat be winding, curvy
windowtɔ́kndácmp.deńtɔ́k2pierce oncendáhousesyn.nwindowNdá yɛk gẅɛɛ mɛtɔ́k mɛ́nɛ́túkú.Our house has six windows.synẅínduẅínduAnglaisnwindowsyntɔ́kndá
wine calabashmbɔtnwine calabashIt has a straight neck and is used by noblemen and chiefs.
wine-caraffeŋgʉ̈ɔp-mɛluꞋsyn.nwine caraffe shaped rather like a teapot with both a spout and a handle
wine, cornŋkáŋn(sweet) corn wine
wine growerndyɔŋ-ŋgɔ́n(wine) grower/tapperNdyɔŋ-ŋgɔ́ lɔɔ ɛ́fɛ́ mʉꞋ pɔ́.The raphia (wine) tapper is never put off by the dew.
wingnɛpap (mɔ́shʉ́ŋ)n(bird) wing
winkkʉ̈ɔ́plíknwinkA lɔk kʉ̈ɔ́plík ńdiŋɛ súunɛ, a gɔ́ɔ ńzúꞋ. He looked at his friend with a wink and he (his friend) immediately understood.ŋ́ŋẅɛt míkcmp.deŋ́ŋẅɛtsyn.vwink
winnowmatáŋkɛ́lɛ́nwinnowing basketIndigenous platter used to sift or winnow fufu corn before cooking.ɛ́fák 2v.twinnow (for ex., bean pods)
wipeńtsíꞋnɛv wipe off , eraseńzíiv.t wipeMámú zíi mbɛt-mɔ́ɔ.The mother wiped the child's excrement.synńtuk1ńtuk2
wipe noseɛ́fɛꞋ mɛlẅíforme comp. non-spéc deɛ́fɛꞋ1mɛlẅísyn.vwipe one's nose
wipe (off)ńtuk1v.t clean, wipe (off)Mɔ́ɔ tuk mɛtap-tát wɛ.The child wiped off his father's shoes.synńzíi
wipe outŋ́gwɛtnɛ2v.twipe outYɛ́su ka láꞋ ńcú ŋgɔ, Ḿbɔ́ Sɛ́ tɛmtɛ mbap-mbʉʉ pɔ́p zẅikŋɛ ŋ́gwɛtnɛ. Jesus said that God can wipe out both body and soul.
wire(electrical)ŋkʉ-múkforme comp. non-spéc deŋkʉ2múk-láatɛlielectrical wire
wisdom, spiritnɛjínunwisdom, spirit
wiseŋgaŋjínuforme comp. non-spéc dejínu 2wisdomnwise person, sage
wise person, intellectuelnjínu 1nintellectual, wise person
withńdɔk 2v.twith (accompanied by an object may express the instrument in a sentence)Pɛ́ lɔ ńdɔk níi ŋ́kʉ̈ɔꞋ nɛgíi.One cuts grass with a cutlass.nɛ́2 2prépwithNtáŋmbap láꞋ ńzáꞋtɛ mbap nɛ́ níi mba mɔ́níi mbaꞋmbaꞋ lɔꞋɔ.The butcher cut up the meat with a cutlass and a knife this morning.
withdrawŋ́ŋúꞋlɛ 1v.i shrinkA pɔ́ cẅímaŋkɔꞋ mba la ŋúꞋlɛ́ mɛku mɛ́ ńtsʉ́Ꞌ pɔ paꞋ ŋgɔꞋ.It was the tortoise who (had) curled up his feet to become just like a stone.
withdraw fromńcẅɛɛtɛ mbʉʉdér.deńcẅɛɛtɛsyn.vwithdraw (one's self), back (one's self) out of s.th.Saambá pɛ́ cẅɛɛtɛ yɛ́nɛ́kwa, ɛ́ tsʉ́Ꞌ yɛ́tát.Seven minus four leaves/equals three.
withdraw to one sideḿbaꞋ mbʉʉcmp.deḿbaꞋ2vwithdraw to one side
without rhyme or reasonkɛmɛshʉ́dér.demɛshʉ́without meaning (meaningless), pointlessSẅíŋɛ́ kɛmɛshʉ́ ká pɔ́ŋ.A conversation without meaning is not good.
without showing favourkɛ tɔŋ(ŋu)dér.detɔŋwithout preference, without favouring (someone)Tǎa-mbɔ́ŋkʉ̈ɔ gap yúu kɛ tɔŋ- mɔ́ɔ.The children's father shared things without favouring one child over the others.
witnessnjʉ́njʉ́ɔn.cwitnessncẅɛ́ɛntáŋcmp.deńcẅɛ́ɛntáŋn.cwitness
woeyɛ́ɛcry of distress ( like "Woe is me!")
womanizer, be aḿvɛp nǔu paŋgɛ́dér.deḿvɛp nǔube a womanizer
woman(of)mâŋgíinwoman or daughter(of - always accompanied by the name of a village, town or city)mâŋgíi-MbuꞋndaawoman (or daughter) of Mboudanzẅíi-MbuꞋndaawomen (or daughters) of Mbouda
womennzẅíi1nwomen (as a group)Nzẅíi-kɔp gẅɛɛ mɛnkáꞋ mɔ́p láꞋ.City women have their fields in the village.Invariablesynpaŋgɛ́paŋgɛ́nwomensynnzẅíi1
women of ill reputesakʉ̈ɔeuph.women of ill repute (prostitute)
wonderŋkʉꞋnɛ́nucmp.deŋ́kʉꞋnɛsurpisenu2question, affair, problemn.cwonder, miracle, astonishing thingƐ́ ka pɔ́ kwaꞋ ŋkʉꞋnɛ́nu tɛ ɛ́ lɔ ḿbɔ́ ńtsa wáa tsanɛ.It was a real miracle such that it still completely astonishes me.
won'tŋ́kɛ́3aux.nég.twill not, am not doingŊgáŋ, ŋ kɛ́ zúu mbap lɔꞋɔ pɔ́.No, I will not buy meat today.
woodcutterkʉ̈ɔ́Ꞌnɛ́ tʉ́woodcutter
woodpeckermakʉ̈ɔpmɛtʉ́nwoodpeckerDendrocopos spp.kɛ́kʉ̈ɔ́pmɛtʉ́syn.nwoodpecker (African grey)Dendropicos goertae, Mesopicos goertae, Chloropicus goertae
wood sorrelmântsá-ŋgwáŋsyn.n.awood sorrelOxalis sp.
woodworkingnɛkɔ́ɔ ntsẅíisyn.nwoodworking, carpentry
woodwormfuꞋ-ntsẅíicmp.defuꞋ2syn.nwoodworm
wordkɛmcún.ca unit of speech such as a short phrase or sentence, an expression or even a wordMɛkɛmcú pɔ́nɛ tsɛt mɛŋwaꞋnɛ-papɛ́tnzɛ sɛkút.Books for those just beginning school have short sentences.cú 2nwordsẅíŋɛ 1dér.deɛ́sẅíŋɛnwordtsapnwordkɛ́m-nusyn.n.aword
workerŋgaŋfaꞋdér.defaꞋn.cworker
work, hardńdɛpv.twork or labour long and hard at or over s.th.Maŋgɛ́ lɛp mɔ̂nzu ŋká nɛtsɔ́Ꞌ kuꞋ, a ná, ḿpfú.The woman worked long and hard over her ground nut crop, but when the time for the harvest came, she quit working and died.
work suppliesyúu-faꞋdér.deyúu1syn.nwork suppliesMɛyúu-faꞋ-kɛlák lɔ ńzáa.The work supplies of a clerk are many.
work togetherńtɛm nuvhave some things in common (together), cooperate, work together
work(verb)ɛ́faꞋv.twork, labour
work with s.th.ńdɔk yúu ɛ́faꞋdér.deńdɔksyn.v use
wormsmɛnɔ́dér.denɔ́snakenintestinal worms
worn out, beḿbɛ́k 1v.i/v.statbe or go bad - referring to something that is no longer of use (worn out) or of food one can no longer eatPɛcú pɛ́ pɛ́k. A cyɔtnu.His words are bad (false). He lied.Yúu laa ḿbɛ́k pɛ́ mɛꞋ ŋkáꞋ. If something has gone bad or is worn out, one throws it in the field.
worn(stative verb)ŋ́kunɛv.stat be wornMɛku-matúwa kunɛ.The cars tyres are worn.
worry(v)ńzazaꞋv.tworry or scare (needlessly, without cause)A zazaꞋ waa ŋ́gɔ ndá yaa shí.He scared me needlessly saying that my house had burned.
worshipŋ́gɛ́mɛ 2vworshipgɛ́mtɛnworshipƐ́ ndá-cɔ́ɔshi, gɛ́mtɛ ḿbɔ́ yúu mba wɔ̌ lá gẅɛɛ nɛgá mbɔ̌ Sɛ́.In church, worship is something everyone ought to give to God.ŋ́gɛ́mtɛv.tadorer
worstnyaŋɛdér.deńnyaŋɛ2worsen.vthe worst, excessPɛ́ kʉʉnɛ mɔ́cí tɛ nyaŋɛ lɛɛ nǔu.The orphan was picked on until the worst happened.
would one day doka táa (ŋ́gɛ) 1forme comp. non-spéc dekaP3ńtáa2Indefinite very distant futuresyn.vwould one day (do)...ŋ́gɛ Jẅídas Iskaliyɔ̂t ẅi a ka táanɛ ɛ́fɛn Yɛsú. (Lukáshi 6.16)...and Judas Iscariot who would one day betray Jesus.This construction in a narrative set in the past indicates an event that has not yet happened at this stage in the text and is yet a long ways off. It is a combination of the distant past (P3) and the indefinite very distant future
wounded, beńtíi fʉ́ŋexpr.id.deńtíipick upfʉ́ŋsoreńtíiex.id.be or get woundedA vu sɛ́, ńtíi fʉ́ŋ.He fell down and got wounded.
wound(verb)ńníꞋ fʉ́ŋdér.defʉ́ŋ woundA níꞋ fʉ́ŋ nǔu mɔ.He wounded me.
woven maskŋkwá láalíforme comp. non-spéc deŋkwá 1woven maskmânzɔŋ-láalítraditional_dance_groupsyn.nwoven hooded mask used in the traditional dance called "laali "
wow!hâainterjwow!, interjection expressing surpriseyɔ̂yvar. lib.var. lib.yʉ̂yinterjinterjection expressing surprise - wow!yʉ̂yvar.lib.deyɔ̂yinterjection expressing surpriseinterjinterjection showing surprise or astonishment - wow!ɔ́ɔinterjinterjection at the end of a sentence to get someone's attention or express surprise (hey!)
wrapɛ́sɛm 2v.twrap (up), package (up)Mɔ́ɔ sɛm ŋwaꞋnɛ.The child wrapped up the notebook.
wrapper skirt, traditionaltú-ndẅí 2forme comp. non-spéc dendẅí 1clothtúheadsyn.ntraditional long wrapper skirt
wreck of a carmɛcák-matúwadér.decáksyn.ncar wreckage, wrecked car
wreck of vehiclekʉ̈ɔꞋmatúwacmp.deŋ́kʉ̈ɔꞋ 1limpmatúwaautomobiledér.deŋ́kʉ̈ɔꞋ 1limpmatúwaautomobilen.cwrecked vehicle
wrestleḿbúꞋnɛ́ ŋkɔtdér.deŋkɔtsyn.vwrestle (each other)ḿbʉ́Ꞌnɛ ŋkɔtdér.deḿbʉ́Ꞌnɛvwrestleŋ́kwɛnnɛ ŋkɔtdér.deŋ́kwɛnnɛ wrestle or struggle with someone
wretchŋgaŋmɛjʉ́ŋ1 1nunfortunate person, wretch
wrinkle(verb)
writerŋŋwaꞋnɛdér.deŋ́ŋwaꞋnɛn.vwriter
wrongńdaꞋ1v.twrong, attribute wrong to someoneŊu láꞋ ńdaꞋ súu nɛ mbíꞋŋgɔ a pʉʉpɛ lík yɛ́.Someone did wrong (sometime today) to his friend, he ruined the friend's reputation.