O bapala eng?
What are you playing?
Usage
Used to talk to a child
Grammar Note
A regularly composed sentence
O botse kudu
You are very pretty
Usage
Used to compliment a child
Grammar Note
"botse" means beautiful or good; there is no gender distinction (a regularly composed sentence)
Sepela gabotse, ithute gabotse
Go well, and study well
Usage
Used to send a child off to school
Grammar Note
"ithute" is the subjunctive of "ithuta" (learn). A regularly composed sentence
Ngwana yo monyenyane o khutša
The little child is resting
Usage
Used to say a small child is resting
Grammar Note
"ngwana" is class 1, so the adjective agrees with "yo". The plural is "bana" (a regularly composed sentence)
Bana ba ya sekolong
The children are going to school
Usage
Used to talk about children's daily routine
Grammar Note
"sekolo" (school) with the locative -ng gives "sekolong" (a regularly composed sentence)
Bana ba a thaba
The children are happy
Usage
Used to say the children are happy
Grammar Note
A regularly composed sentence
Ke ithuta Sepedi
I am learning Sepedi
Usage
Used to say you are learning the language
Grammar Note
Language names are capitalised.
Bana ba rata go bapala
Children love to play
Usage
Used to say that children like to play
Grammar Note
"rata go bapala" means like to play. "bana" is the plural of "ngwana"
More Sepedi (Northern Sotho) phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Greetings
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Dating Apps
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Remote Work
- Convenience Store
- Signs
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Feelings
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences