Language/Lingala/Vocabulary/Clothes
Hi Lingala learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will explore Lingala vocabulary related to clothes. Clothes are an essential part of our daily lives, and knowing the right vocabulary will help you during your shopping trips in Lingala-speaking countries.
To improve your Lingala Vocabulary, you can also use the Polyglot Club website. Find native speakers and ask them any questions!
Essential Clothing Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Let's start with some essential clothing vocabulary in Lingala.
| Lingala | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Ndako | ndá-kó | Shirt |
| Boti | bó-ti | Pants |
| Bomwana | bo-mwa-na | Dress |
| Nganda | ngán-da | Skirt |
| Tumba | tùm-bà | Underwear |
| Liputa | li-pù-tà | Socks |
| Kiremba | ki-rèm-bà | Scarf |
| Eyoni | é-yò-ní | Hat |
| Ntamu | ntà-mù | Shoes |
Examples[edit | edit source]
- Person 1: Na yeba na yebi ndako ya libulu. (I know how to sew a shirt with a collar.)
- Person 2: Bâton ya nganda ebombami osana mosala. (The button of my skirt is loose, it needs sewing.)
Weather-Related Clothing[edit | edit source]
In Lingala-speaking countries, the weather can be very hot and humid, or cold and dry, so you need to wear appropriate clothes to feel comfortable. Here is a list of weather-related clothing vocabulary.
| Lingala | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Lufu | lù-fù | Jacket |
| Lusala-lufu | lù-sà-là-lù-fù | Coat |
| Bisokota | bi-sò-kó-tà | Sweater |
| Mongongo | mò-ngó-ngò | Gloves |
| Nsɔmba | nsɔ̀m-bà | Umbrella |
| Eyélala | éyé-là-là | Sunglasses |
Examples[edit | edit source]
- Person 1: Ngai nde na lobɔ pesa nini na mosala na ye. (I don't know what to wear in her wedding.)
- Person 2: Bosoto ebele esali makelele. (A long coat is perfect for cold weather.)
Traditional Clothing[edit | edit source]
Lingala-speaking countries are known for their vibrant and colorful traditional clothing. Here are some words related to traditional clothing.
| Lingala | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Lipuki | li-pù-kì | Traditional dress |
| Liputa ya mbelele | li-pù-tà yà mbè-lè-lè | Beaded necklace |
| Libote | li-bò-té | Headwrap |
| Loso | lò-só | Wrapper skirt |
| Bobele | bó-bé-lé | Bracelet |
Examples[edit | edit source]
- Person 1: Na banga liputa ya mbelele ya mokili ebimi te? (Where can I buy a nice beaded necklace?)
- Person 2: Lipuki na loso ya mbongo, ebimisa mosala ya kati. (A traditional dress and a wrapper skirt are suitable for a formal event.)
Fashion Related Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Lingala-speaking countries are also home to various fashion designers and styles. Here are some Lingala fashion vocabulary words.
| Lingala | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bondoki | bó-ndò-kì | Tuxedo |
| Kanzo | kà-nzò | Jeans |
| Likɔlɔhé | li-kɔ̀-lɔ̀-hé | Blouse |
| Ndowu | ndò-wù | Cap |
| Lisele | li-sélé | Belt |
Examples[edit | edit source]
- Person 1: Ngayi akoki na bondoki. (He looks good in a tuxedo.)
- Person 2: Kanzo na likolohe nde basali mosali mwa kati. (Jeans and a blouse are suitable for casual events.)
➡ If you have any questions, please ask them in the comments section below.
➡ Feel free to edit this wiki page if you think it can be improved. 😎
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]
- Water
- Greetings
- Directions
- Street life
- Sports and recreation
- Daily routines
- Government
- Common phrases and examples
- Binomials
- Using ‘moko’ and ‘liboso’
Sources[edit | edit source]
- clothes in Lingala - English-Lingala Dictionary | Glosbe
- Lingala definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary
- ksludotiqueLingala : Common expressions - ksludotique