Language/Lingala/Grammar/Adverbs
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Adverbs in Lingala
Adverbs are an essential part of any language. In Lingala, adverbs are used to add more information to a verb, or to describe how an action is performed. They can describe the intensity, time, or manner of the action. In this lesson, we will learn about adverbs in Lingala and how to use them in sentences.
Types of Adverbs
There are different types of adverbs in Lingala, based on the information they provide. Here are the main types:
- Manner adverbs: These adverbs describe how something is done. They usually end in -ment (the Lingala equivalent would be -menti). For example: fata mpe mwami bamiti (take the key gently).
- Time adverbs: These adverbs describe when something is done. They can be simple words like ntina (now), nsima (later), or mpasi (yesterday).
- Place adverbs: These adverbs describe where something is done. They can be simple words like mbongo (here), lobi (there), or maboko (everywhere).
- Frequency adverbs: These adverbs describe how often something is done. They can be simple words like mpasi mpe mpasi-mpe (sometimes), na matukio (occasionally), or na nzela na bato (rarely).
- Intensity adverbs: These adverbs describe the degree of an action or state. They can be simple words like miyango (very), toluka (slightly), or moko (a bit).
Formation of Adverbs
In Lingala, most adverbs are derived from adjectives. Here's how:
- Take the adjective, for example: nzela (long).
- Add the suffix -i to the adjective stem: nzel-i.
- The result is the adverb: na nzel-i (longly).
So, na nzel-i means "longly", or "in a long way". Here are some more examples:
| Lingala | English Translation |
|---|---|
| kufa | to die |
| na kuf-i | deadly |
| londa | to lie |
| na lond-i | lyingly |
| yaaka | to be quiet |
| na yaak-i | quietly |
Position of Adverbs in a Sentence
In Lingala, adverbs can be placed in different parts of the sentence. The most common position is after the verb, for example:
- Basali basasa mbongo. (The boys run fast here.)
The adverb mbongo (here) is placed after the verb basasa (run fast). Another position for adverbs is at the beginning of the sentence, for example:
- Toluka na moto. (Drive slowly.)
Finally, adverbs can also be placed before the verb, for example:
- Naye mpasi-mpasi na mokili. (I sometimes travel around the world.)
Negative Adverbs
In Lingala, negative adverbs are formed by adding the prefix na- to the adverb. Here are some examples:
| Lingala | English Translation |
|---|---|
| ndenge | well |
| na-ndenge | not well |
| te | yes |
| na-te | no |
| nini | what |
| na-nini | nothing |
Practice
Here are some sentences for you to practice using adverbs in Lingala. Try to add the appropriate adverb in the sentence:
- Banani balingi na-moyi. (Children like to play in the afternoon.)
- Nasala na sima na-maboko. (I will sleep later everywhere.)
- Batata basambaka na-miyango nini. (Fathers work very hard.)
- Natoke na yo na-toluka. (I will speak to you slightly.)
- Ngai nasali mpasi-mpasi na bomoyi. (I sleep sometimes during the day.)
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know how to use adverbs in Lingala! Remember, adverbs can add more information and depth to your sentences, and are an essential tool in communicating effectively in Lingala.
Impressive work on finishing this lesson! Explore these additional pages to enhance your understanding: Irregular verbs – koya – to come & Object Pronouns.
Other Lessons
- How to Use Be
- Personal pronouns
- Create your first simple sentences in the affirmative
- Object Pronouns
- Questions
- Subject pronouns
- Using Commands in Context
- The first 10 words
- Gender
- Forming Imperatives
Sources
| ◀️ Comparative and Superlative — Previous Lesson | Next Lesson — Common Foods ▶️ |