6. CONJUNCTIONS
...AND...
[na-]
When we join two words with the word 'and', we add 'na-' to the beginning of the second word.
Nouns start with a vowel. So, when we add 'na-' to a noun, two vowels are put next to one another. When two vowels are placed next to each other, VOWEL CHANGES happen. isinkwa na + amasi = isinkwa namasi (bread and sour milk) umntwana na + inja = umntwana nenja (a child and a dog) umama na + ubaba = umama nobaba (mom and dad) |
Go back to the lesson on CHANGES
if you want to refresh your memory on what happens to vowels. |
'Na-' can also mean 'have'...
I have -- ngina-
I have a brother -- ngina + ubhuti = nginobhuti
I have a brother and a sister -- nginobhuti na + usisi = nginobhuti nosisi
The only time that 'na-' does not change its vowel, is in the negative form:
I do not have -- angina-
I do not have money -- anginamali
We will learn more about this in the lesson on NEGATIVES.
I have -- ngina-
I have a brother -- ngina + ubhuti = nginobhuti
I have a brother and a sister -- nginobhuti na + usisi = nginobhuti nosisi
The only time that 'na-' does not change its vowel, is in the negative form:
I do not have -- angina-
I do not have money -- anginamali
We will learn more about this in the lesson on NEGATIVES.
...BUT...
[kodwa]
'Kodwa' is used the same way as the English 'but' (not butt).
I slept, but I am still tired -- ngilale kodwa ngisakhathele.
I slept, but I am still tired -- ngilale kodwa ngisakhathele.
...BECAUSE...
[ngoba]
'Ngoba' is used the same way as the English 'because'. As easy as that.
I will eat because I am hungry -- ngizodla ngoba ngilambile.
I will eat because I am hungry -- ngizodla ngoba ngilambile.