[Lyrics Translation] “Lekela Mwadi” by Tshala Muana

This song is probably my favorite song in this world. It is a mix of salsa and mutwashi, the traditional rhythm of Kasayi, Congo. As I explained in a previous post, this song is a good example of “lisanga” or dedications, ”shout outs”. All along the song, Tshala Muana lists several people’s names. I put those parts between parenthesis…

This transcript is here only thanks to my mum who spent some of her free time on this… If you use this translation, please mention this blog to encourage us translating even more songs… It will be appreciated!^^

N.B.: Apparently this song is known in Latin America as “Kabuya” by Africando. TOTALLY FALSE!!! Give back to the Queen what belongs to the Queen. Africando is a Senegalese salsa band who often invited Congolese artists on their albums such as Papa Wemba, Nyboma or Madilu System but, correct me if I’m wrong, as far as I know, they never invited Tshala Muana and I don’t think they speak Ciluba. However, ‘Lekela Mwadi’ was featured on Putumayo compilation entitled ‘Congo To Cuba’.

Title: Lekela Mwadi (Stop Crying)
Artist: Tshala Muana
Album: Mutuashi
Year: 1996
Label: Sterns

Wikala dikemena wa kwata kumu kusu

(Kabuya Pitch Lux Pitch Lualua Mama ya bongo)

Yelele yelele…
Nganji kubikila Maamù eh
Mamiani mwà Mbuya kasasu eh
Mambi wa Tumba ne Tshala eh
Mwâna mudikaya yampongo eh
Moyi munda nganyì wà ngakwile eh
Ngipata mukunda muya mukanka mwâna we lekela we

(Ya Esther Ngalula Kulola!)

Ya ye lele ya ye lele
Nganji kubikila Maamù eh
Mamyanyi mwa Mbuya kasasu eh
Mambi wa Tumba ne Tshala eh
Mwana mudikaya yampongo eh
Moyi munda nganyi wa ngakwile eh
Ngipata mukunda muya mukanka mwana we lekela we

Mwâna we lekela kudila mwadi e
Mwâna we lekela kudila mwadi e
Bakulumpa bakudima kwěpì ?
Bakudima kuyaya dîba
Kuyaya kumpengelela kwadi
Bilumbu ni bya salala bya ya
Ngondu wa kubanda mulundingu
Mukàjì mufwà bintu bibombe

(Maman Ndimi Ngoyi Maman Colonel)

Yaye lele yaye lele…
Ngimba ne Mulume Mutombo ee
Ngimba ne Ange Kayembe ee
Ngimba ne Ngalula Waba Milolo ee
Ngimba ne Yaya Sangye e
Ngimba ne Mputu wa ba Ntumba ee
Tangila Kabeya Ndombie
Twayi lona, lekelayi mwadi
Balongeshi bakalukanyia
Simon Kabila lekela we

Mwâna we lekela kudila mwadi ee
Mwâna we lekela kudila mwadi ee
Bakulumpa bakadima kwěpì
Bakadima kuyaya dîba
Kuyaya kumpengelela kwànyì
Bulumbu ni byà salala bya ya
Ngondu wa kubanda mulundingu
Mukàjì mufwa bintu bibombe

Twayi lona ee
(Byà kulwa disànka) Twayi lona we
(Byà kulwa disànka) Twayi lona ee
(Byà kulwa disànka) Twayi lona we
(Byà kulwa disànka) Maestro!

(Super Mwika Ya Marie eh Maman coup de foudre…)

(Byà kulwa disànka) Twayi lona ee
(Byà kulwa disànka) Twayi lona we
(Byà kulwa disànka) Twayi lona ee
(Byà kulwa disànka) Twayi lona we
(Byà kulwa disànka) Twayi lona ee
(Byà kulwa disànka) Twayi lona we
(Byà kulwa disànka) Twayi lona ee
(Byà kulwa disànka) Twayi lona we

Bya kulwa disànka x4

(Bya kulwa disànka) Twayi lona ee
(Bya kulwa disànka) Twayi lona we
(Bya kulwa disànka) Twayi lona ee
(Bya kulwa disànka) Twayi lona we …

mutuashi2003

TRANSLATION:

Wikala dikemena wa kwata kumu kusu
Si tu es une fourmi rouge, accroche-toi au chiffon
If you are a red ant, hang on to the cloth

Nganji kubikila mamu
Que j’appelle maman
May I call mommy

Mamiani mwà Mbuya kasasu
Mon homonyme, la maman de Mbuya
My homonym, the mother of Mbuya

Mambia wa Tumba na Tshala
La maman de Tumba et de Tshala
The mother of Tumba and Tshala

Mwana mudikaya ya mpongo
L’enfant sur l’épaule du grand frère
The child on his older brother’s shoulder

Moyi munda ngani wa ngakwile
Mon cœur s’attriste, que tu intercèdes pour moi
My heart saddens, please intercede for me

Wipata mukunda muya mukanka
Je lance un cri strident qui va et fait trembler
I cry out loud and that sound’s loud and make people shake

Mwana we lekela
Toi mon petit, arrête-toi
Please, kid, stop

Mwana we lekela kudila mwadi
Toi mon petit arrête de pleurer
You, kid, stop crying

Bakulumpa bakadima kwepi ?
Les ainées, où cultivaient-ils ?
The elders where did they cultivate?

Bakadima kuyaya diba
Ils cultivaient là où le soleil se couche
They cultivated where the sun sets

Kuyaya kumpengelela kwadi
Là où la perdrix va pour se cacher
Where the partridge goes into hiding

Bilumbu ni bia salala bia ya
Les problèmes s’aggravent et s’estompent d’eux-mêmes
Problems come and go on their own

Ngondu wa kubanda mulundingu
La lune monte dans le firmament
The moon is rising in the sky

Mukàjì mufwà bintu bibombe
Une mère qui meurt
A mother is dying

Bya kulwa disànka
Cela devient une grande joie
This becomes a great joy

Twayi lona
Dansons ensemble
Let’s danse together

Ngimba ne Mulume Mutombo
Je chante avec Mulume Mutombo
i sing with Mulume Mutombo

Tangila Kabeya Ndombie
Regarde Kabeya Ndombie
Look Kabeya Ndombie

Twayi lona, lekelayi mwadi
Dansez de joie, arrêtez donc de pleurer
Danse with joy, stop crying

Balongeshi bakalukanyia Simon Kabila lekelayi
Les professeurs du lycée Simon Kabila, arrêtez (de pleurer)
Teachers of Simon Kabila High School, please stop

[Poem Translation] Makùmbù Matwa Cilubà Cyètù

Let me present you a beautiful poem, all written in Cilubà. This is a very good exemple of what we call Kasàlà. Lorraine Thompson requested a translation and I submitted it on Facebook so you may have already seen this text since some people copy-pasted without necessarily mentioning the source. Actually, my family put their brains together and came up with that translation… It’s not the work of one person, it’s team work and since we’re not linguists, there might be some imprecision in translation but that gives you a good idea. Always good to share… I invite you to check out this page for some clarifications about the names mentioned here. Feel free to add any comments or other ideas of translation.

Makùmbù Matwa Cilubà Cyètù
Eloges à la Langue Ciluba
Tribute to Ciluba Language

Cilubà ke wetù mwakulu,
Le Ciluba, c’est notre langue
Ciluba is our language
Cilubà wetù,
Notre Ciluba
Our language
Udi mwakulu wà Balubà basanga mu mena,
C’est la langue parlée par tous les clans Balubas
It’s the language spoken by all Balubas clans
Kutwàdija ku Nsaadi, kusabuka Lualaba,
Depuis la rivière Nsaadi, en traversant la rivière Lualaba
From river Nsaadi, crossing river Lualaba
Kueyeka ne ku Ntanganyika mule bidimba.
Jusqu’au lac Tanganyika, aux longs méandres
Up to Tanganyika Lake with its wide turns
Udi wa Balubà Shankadi bonso basanga ntanda
Tu es la langue des Balubas Shankadi, toutes contrées confondues
You are the language of Baluba Shankadi people, from all countries
Wêwe udi mwakulu wà Ilunga Mbidi Nkola wa ku dîba.
Toi, tu es la langue de Ilunga Mbidi Nkola wa ku diba (ndlr : Empereur du Soleil Levant au XIIe)
You are the language of Ilunga Mbidi wa ku Diba (Emperor in XII century)
Kamona bintu kabinyanga wà Ndaya.
Qui posséda tant de biens et les détruisit sans retenue, fils de Ndaya (Mère de Ilunga)
Who got so many goods and destroyed them all, son of Ndaya (Mother of Ilunga)

Cilubà wetù,
Notre Ciluba
Our Ciluba
Mbakwakula kudi Kasonga Bamulambula Nkumuimbua mwena lunsuya.
(On te parle grâce à Kasongo (fils de Ilunga, Empereur du Kasayi) à qui l’on paye l’impôt, l’on fait des éloges car il inspire l’autorité.)
Udi citebwa mukana, mukana mukudiile ke mukulumbulwile.
Tu as une renommée par la bouche, bouche qui te salit, bouche qui te défend
Everybody speaks about you, some in bad, some in good (literally: you are known from the mouth)
Badi bakwela mu tusàlà, bakwela mu byondo.
On t’utilise dans les poèmes, on t’utilise dans les médias
They use your name in poems, in the media
Bakusenga dyà mvità ne dyà malu matonda,
On te loue en temps de guerre et en temps de paix
You are praised in times of war and in times of peace
Cilubà, Cilubà, udi mwakulu wa bakalenga.
Ciluba, Ciluba, tu es la langue des seigneurs
Ciluba, Ciluba, you are the language of Lords

lubaheadrest
Luba Headrest

Cilubà wetù,
Se udi cìlùngà wa mbumbutayi, wa kudya matama kaasami.
Tu es comme la patate douce que l’on mangerait sans avoir mal aux machoires.
You are as soft as the sweet potato you eat without hurting your jaws
Bidimu nkama ne nkama binkumvwile bakwela muyenga,
Depuis des siècles et des siècles que je t’entends louée par des cris (ou youyous),
For centuries you’ve been praised with ululations
Udi wa bavwala nsòkà, beela luonji mu mpaya.
Tes propos provoquent la colère mais ne laissent pas indifférents.
Your words triggers anger but let no one indifferent
Badi kumona ewu bu ewu,
Pour préserver la paix entre les uns et les autres,
To preserve peace between one another
Mukua kanyenga muoyi, wa badi banyenga mwoyi bu cyamù.
Car celui qui te crève le cœur, c’est celui qui te reprend la confiance par la force.
For the one who hurts you is the one who takes away the trust

Cilubà wetù,
Nganyi udi mwa kumvua bakwela mu kasàlà,

Qui peut entendre comme on te loue
Who can hear how we praise you
Mubidi kawuyi umuvwayila,
Sans que son corps ne soit saisit
Without being moved
Bulobo bubanda, binsonji biengelela mu mêsu.
Sans que la force monte et que les larmes emplissent ses yeux
Without strength growing up or tears welling up

Cilubà,
Udi mwakulu wa bushùwà wa kutemba ku bantu,

C’est une langue vivante que l’on peut faire valoir aux yeux des gens
It’s a language we can promote to people
Mupite mfwekenke bushême,
Langue douce et magnifique
Sweet and magnificent language
Kadi ndekela nganji kukwimbaku leelù.
Laisse-moi te chanter aujourd’hui
Let me sing you today

Appuie-tête luba (détail) (XIXè s.)
Luba Headrest – detail

Cilubà wetù,
Wêwe ke wanyì mwakulu, mwakulu wa ku dibèèla dindela,

Toi, tu es ma langue, ma langue maternelle
You are my language, my mother tongue
Mwakulu wa citèèlu cindaya, udi kupa butumbi kashidi,
Langue de renommée qui m’a été promise, tu me donnes beaucoup de fierté pour toujours,
Famous language who has been promised to me, you give me so much pride for ever
Wa kunaya nebe cyèndè ncibawu, cibawu acio cyà diditatakaja.
Celui qui te négligera payera une amende, une grosse amende
The one who will neglect you will pay the price, a significant price
Nemekayi wènù mwakulu, nuwakule ne kèènù kalolo,
Respectez votre langue, parlez-la avec fierté,
Respect your language, speak it with pride
Nudianyishe nawu mu yenu midimu.
Utilisez-la avec fierté dans toutes vos activités
Use it with pride in all your activities
Mukole pa kuwumanya, lekelayi kuwukonyangaja
Difficile à apprivoiser, cessez de la dévaloriser par des interprétations erronées
Difficult to master, stop depreciating it with mistaken interpretations
Ne myaku ya cisombasomba, idi kuteleja kayijikuluku.
Avec des mots empruntés à d’autres langues, elle devient incompréhensible.
With words from other languages it becomes incomprehensible
Tusanke tudi anyishe, tutumbishe Mufuki,
Soyons heureux, soyons fiers, louons le Créateur,
Let’s be happy, let’s be proud, let’s praise our Lord
Bwalu utupeele wetù mwakulu,
Car il nous a fait don de notre langue
Because he gave us our language
Tuwakule bwà utante mu yètù ndelu
Parlons-la pour qu’elle prospère et évolue vers les générations futures
Let’s speak it so it prosper and evolve with future generations
Kashidi ne kashidi kawujiminyi,
Qu’elle ne s’éteigne pas, pour des siècles et des siècles.
May it not vanish or centuries

Cilubà wetù,
Udi ne myaku bungi kabuyi kubala,

Tu as un vocabulaire riche et dense
You have a rich and dense vocabulary
Miaku bungi bu ntundu ne ngenene,
Riche comme la fourmilière de fourmis et la termitière de termites
Rich like anthill and termite mound
Wêwe kwena ukengela mikwabo myakulu,
Toi, tu n’as pas besoin d’emprunter à d’autres langues
You, you don’t need to borrow from other languages
Bwa wêwe kumvwija ngenyi mivule ya mamanya.
Pour faire comprendre ton intelligence et transmettre tes connaissances
To make people grasp your intelligence and pass on your knowledge
Bushuwa, mbilenga kulonga mikwabo kumanya,
En vérité, il est bon de t’apprendre
Really, it’s good to learn you
Bwa kubala mikanda kwanuna.
Pour lire les livres, analyser
To read books and analyze
Kumvwangana ne bukwa bisamba kalolu,
Pour s’entendre avec d’autres nations
To get on with other nations
Bwa kuyisha bungenda kumpala ne bumunyi,
Pour développer commerce et élevage
To develop trade and breeding
Mu bubanji bwa Ditunga kashidi.
Dans la prosperité du pays pour toujours.
In the country’s prosperity forever

Kadi ncipepeji wanyì mwakulu,
Que je ne dévalorise ma langue
May I not depreciate my language
Ncipu mwoyo se: nansha ngamanya ya ku matunga a kule,
Même si je connais les langues des pays lointains, je ne dois pas t’oublier
Even if I know languages from faraway countries, I must not forget you
Kwa ba kanyunyi kaya kashikila.
Comme l’oiseau qui s’envole et s’arrête parce qu’il a atteint ses limites.
Like a bird flying away and stopping because it reached its limits
Nansha umwe wa kudiyo kawadiakuenza wanyì mwakulu.
Aucun autre mot ne peut transformer ma langue
No other word can transorm my language
Kadi Cilubà nguanyi mwakulu,
Car le Ciluba c’est ma langue
Because Ciluba is my language
Wa bumpianyi lapalapa,
Héritage pour l’éternité
Everlasting inheritance
Munshila kudi bankambwa ne baledi.
Léguée par nos ancêtres et nos parents
Passed on by our ancestors and parents

1801-1900PorteuseCoupeDuMaîtreDeBuliBOISLuba
Wooden Cup Bearer

Cilubà wetù,
Songaku nkele kashidi, bakutwe makumbu a kalolo,
Aiguise ton couteau pour toujours, que tu sois encensée
Sharpen your knife for ever, may you be praised
Kudi bana, kudi bakulumpe ne kudi banunu,
Par les enfants, les adultes et les anciens
By the children, the adults and the elders
Mu bicya byonso ne bidimu.
Depuis les années et siècles passés
Since years and centuries past
Bwalu udi mwakulu wa dikema,
Parce que tu es une langue extraordinaire
Because you are an extraordinary language
Mwakula kudi bankambwa mu musebu.
Parlée depuis la lignée de nos ancêtres
Spoken since our ancestors have been
Bakula babila Cyamakanda Mulopò Maweja’a Nangila.
Ils parlent et invoquent la puissance de notre Seigneur, Dieu bien-aimé
they speak and invoke the power of our Lord, our beloved God
Kapongo Mwena bantu, ufukile bibishi ne byosha,
Protecteur de tous les hommes, il créa la faune et la flore
Protector of all men, he created wild fauna and flora
Utupeele byonso bidi panwapa.
Il nous fit don de tout ce qui existe ici-bas
He gave us everything here on earth

Cilubà wetù ngamanyi kukusenga,
Notre Ciluba, je t’ai suffisamment loué
Our Ciluba, I praised you enough
Tantaku, uye kulekule.
Enrichis-toi et va de l’avant
Enrich yourself and go ahead
Wanyì mwakulu tumbaku kashidi.
Que ma langue soit glorifiée à tout jamais
May my language be glorified until for ever
Mulopò wetù twasakidila, bwalu utupeele wetù mwakulu.
Oh Seigneur, merci pour la langue que tu nous a donnée
Oh Lord, thank You for the language you gave us
Bifunda kudi Ezéchiel Ciswaka Bumanakudya,
Écrit par Ezechiel Cisuaka Bumanakudia (le bien-aimé qui a fini de manger)
Written by Ezechiel Cisuaka Bumanakudia (beloved one who finished eating)
Musosondi wa ku bena Kalenda, mu Dinsanga
Le puceau du village de Kalenda, au croisement des rues principales
The virgin from Kalenda, at the main crossroads

[Bwakulu] Most untranslatable word in Ciluba language

Ilunga has been defined by high class top notch translators and linguists around the world to be one of the most, if not the most, untranslatable word in the universe.

luba009

It is used to describe the nature of a person “who is ready to forgive and forget any first abuse, tolerate it the second time but never forgive nor tolerate on the third offense.”

Yeah, quite impossible to translate in one word!!!

[Lyrics Translation] “Leja Bulelà” by Tshanda Sangwa

The lyrics follow. There is only one actual verse repeated several times and the chorus is only one line. What fills in are the dedications or mabanga. This is an extremely common phenomenon in Congolese music. They are not lyrics as per say but names that would be listed. They generally praise the dead, the hero, the cultural icon, the celebrity but even you , as a ”normal” person, can have your name recorded by a famous singer. In exchange of whatever present, or upon a simple request, the singer will praise your name in their next hit song… So don’t be confused… A good part of the lyrics here are made of dedications which I won’t translate. Some Congolese artists don’t put dedications in their songs. This phenomenon is really common but it also depends on the type of music…
The special effects are very basic but this video is also interesting for the traditional ornament and clothing it shows. These are typically Kasayan clothing. You can also try to get some move of the traditional Kasayan dance, Mutuashi!!! hehe This said, enjoy!

tshanda_1

LEJA BULELÀ
Que la vérité éclate/montre la vérité
Let the truth come out/show the truth

Mema musamba cii ne bwalu
Je suis calme et tranquille
I am calm and quiet

Beena buloji benda bajana
Les malfaisants (=les sorciers) continuent à me harceler
The bad keep on harassing me

Moyi wà munda udi usàma
Tellement j’ai mal au coeur
My heart is in so much pain

Leja bulelà bwà ditùnga edi ooo
Fais éclater la vérité dans ce pays
Let the truth come out in this country

Leja bulelà, leja bulelà bwà ditùnga edi (x2)

(Various lyrics among dedications)

Ikalayi bònsu nku nnyimà wa Tshanda
Soyez tous derrière Tshanda
Be all supportive of Tshanda

Mwelayi dibòku muulu
Levez-lui le bras
Raise his arm (in sign of victory)

Kampingani kungima to
Qu’il ne recule pas
May it not back down

Ikala àmu uya kumpàla
Qu’il aille de l’avant
May it forge ahead

Tshanda, mwâna wa meeji, aya amu kumpala
Tshanda, l’enfant doué, qu’il aille de l’avant
Tshanda, the bright child, may he go forward

Kwata maja! ambulula!
Leja kune kulela

Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Translated by Gilbert Kadima Batumona-Adi and Professor Crispin Maalu-Bungi.

Dimanyisha Kudi Bukwa Bisamba Bia Buloba Bujima Pa Makokeshi A Muntu Yonsu

Mu matuku 10 a ciswamunene (ngondu wa dikumi ne mwibidi) wa cidimu cya 1948, Cifufu cinene cya Nsangilu wa bukwa-bisamba (ONU) ncyanyishile ne ncilejele patoke mapangadika mangata kudi bukwa-bisamba pa makokeshi a muntu yonso atudi tufunda aa. Kunyima kwa dyenjibwa dya bwalu bwa cikuma ebu, bena cifufu eci bakalomba ditunga ne ditunga dyonsu bwa kwenza mwadi monsu bwa kumwangalaja Mapangadika aa kudi bantu ku di abanya, di alamika ku bimana bwa bantu bonsu baamone, kudi abala ne diumvwija mu tulaasa tupwekele ne tubandile, kakuyi kansungansunga ka cididi cya misoko ne matunga.

MAPANGADIKA MANGATA KUDI BUKWA-BISAMBA BYA BULOBA BUJIMA PA MAKOKESHI A MUNTU YONSU

MBANGILU

Pa kumona ne, kwitaba se bantu bonsu ba pa buloba badi ne buneme ne makokeshi amwe ne a kashidi ke nshindamenu wa budikadidi, bwakane ne bupole pa buloba bujima;

Pa kumona ne, dibenga kumanya ne dipepeja dya makokeshi a muntu bidi bifikisha ku ngenzelu mishadile idi mwa kunyengabaja myoyi ya munda ya bantu; pa kumona ne kufikisha bantu ku nsombelu udibo mwa kwikala bakula ne biitaba cidibo baswe, kabayi ne bowa anyi lutatu ke kiipacila kanene ka muntu yonso;

Pa kumona ne bidi bikengela kwenza mikenji idi mwa kukuba makokeshi a muntu yonsu ne kubenga kufikisha bantu ku ditombokela dya bukalenge bwa cinyangu ne bushipyanganyi,

Pa kumona ne matunga a Nsangilu wa Bukwa-bisamba (ONU) adi mashindike ditaba dyawu mu makokeshi mashindame ne mushinga wa muntu yonso mu bobumwe bwa makokeshi a balume ne bakaji, mu dyangata mapangadika a kutungunuja nsombelu mulenga wa bantu mu budikadidi;

Pa kumona ne ditunga ne ditunga dyonsu, pamwe ne Nsangilu wa Bukwa-bisamba mbangate mapangadika a kunemeka ne kwitaba makokeshi ne budikadidi bwa muntu yonsu;

Pa kumona ne bwa kukumbaja mapangadika aa, bidi bimpe bantu bonsu bikale ne ngumvwilu umwe wa budikadidi ne makokeshi aa;

Cifufu cinene cya Nsangilu wa bukwa-bisamba cidi cikobola Mapangadika pa makokeshi a Muntu yonsu aa bu kipacila ka bisamba ne bukwa matunga bwa se bantu bonsu pamwe ne bulongolodi bonso bwa bantu kabayi bapwa Mapangadika aa moyo, benze mwabu monsu bwa kutungunuja dinemeka mine Mapangadika aa ne budikadidi ku dilongesha bantu, kufikisha bantu ba buloba bujima ku ditaba ne di atumikila dilelela, ku dyangata mapangadika adi akengedibwa ku citupa ku citupa munda mwa matunga ne ku bukwa-bisamba byonsu ebi kudi bobo bena matunga aa pamwe ne bena misoko idi ku bukenji bwawu.

LubaStool01 Kanungu ka 1.

Bantu bonsu badi baledibwa badikadile ne badi ne makokeshi amwe. Badi ne lungenyi lwa bumuntu ne kondo ka moyo, badi ne bwa kwenzelangana malu mu buwetu.

Kanungu ka 2.

Budikadidi ne makokeshi mafunda mu Mapangadika aa bidi bitangila muntu yonsu, kakuyi disunguluja bisamba, diikala dia dikoba, bulume anyi bukaji, mwakulu, ntendelelu, ngumvwilu wa malu a cididi anyi dyela dya meji kana onsu, ditunga dya muntu; bubanji anyi bupele, mwaba wa cilelelu ne a mishindu kana yonsu.

Kabidi kabyena bikengela kansungansunga ku malu a cididi, a bunzuji a bukwa matunga anyi a mu ditunga didi muntu ufumina, nansha dyodyo didikadile anyi dikale ku bukenji anyi ku bupika bwa dikwabu.

Kanungu ka 3.

Muntu yonso udi ne bukookeshi bwa kwikala ne moyo, kudiikadila ne kusomba talalaa mu bumuntu bwende.

Kanungu ka 4.

Muntu nansha umwe kena mwa kukwaciibwa ku bupika bwalu mushinga wa bapika mmukandikiibwe mu mishindu yawu yonsu.

Kanungu ka 5.

Muntu nansha umwe kena mwa kukengeshiibwa anyi kupeshibwa bibawu bya kanyawu bidi kabiyi byakanyina bantu anyi bidi mwa kubapwekesha mulongo.

Kanungu ka 6.

Muntu yonsu udi ne bukenji bwa kumanyibwa mu myaba yonsu mu bumuntu bwende.

Kanungu ka 7.

Bantu Bonsu badi momumwe kumpala kwa meyi ni mikandu ne kakuyi dishilangana ne bukenji bwa kukubibwa kudi diyi dya momumwe. Bonso badi ne bukenji bwa kukubibwa mushindu wa momumwe kumpala kwa kansungansunga kikala mwa kutupa ku Mpangadika aa ne kumpala kwa nkebelu yonsu wa kansungansunga ka mushindu ewu.

Kanungu ka 8.

Muntu yonso udi ne bukokeshi bwa kunyemena ku tubadi tumanyike twa ditunga dyende padiye mumone maalu adi atupa ku makokeshi a nshindamenu adi mamwambika kudi meyi ne mikandu anyi kudi Diyi dikulu dya ditunga dyende.

Kanungu ka 9.

Muntu nansha umwe kena mwa kukwacibwa, kulamibwa anyi kwipacibwa cyanana ku diswa dya muntu.

Kanungu ka 10.

Muntu yonsu udi ne bukokeshi bwa kumona cilumbu cyende cikoshibwa byakane, mu bulelela kakuyi kansungansunga, kudi tubadi twa mu ditunga dyende ku mesu a bantu. Tubadi etu ne tujadike makokeshi ende ne bidiye ne bwa kwenza anyi bwimpe bwa kafundila.

Kanungu ka 11.

Muntu yonsu udi mufundibwe kena mwena cibawu too ne diba dya mulumbulwishabu ne didibo bamuleja se udi mwenze bibi kumpala kwa cilumbulwilu ne kabidi pikalabu bamane kumulumbulwila kudi baavoka bende.

Muntu nansha umwe keena mwa kukosedibwa buloku bwa bilema anyi ntupakanyi idi, cikondo civwayi myenza kayiyi myanji kwikala mimanyibwe ne yidi bilema ku mikandu ya ditunga anyi bukwamatunga. Bidi momumwe ne kakwakwikala cibawu nansha cimwe cikosela muntu cipite cukole eci civwa cifundiibwe cikondu civwa cilema cyenza.

Kanungu ka 12.

Muntu nansha umwe kena mwa kubwelakana mu nsombelu wa mukwabu, mu diku dyende, mu nzubu wende, mu difunda anyi difundilangana dyende dya mikanda peshi kunyanga lumu lwende. Muntu yonsu udi ne bukenji bwa kukubibwa kudi meyi ne mikandu pa malu a mushindu ewu.

Kanungu ka 13.

Muntu yonsu udi ne bukenji bwa kwendakana mudiye muswe ne bwa kusungula mwaba udiye mwa kusomba munda mwa ditunga dyende.

Muntu yonsu udi ne bukenji bwa kumuka mu ditunga dyonsu, nansha dyende ne kupinganamu kabidi

Kanungu ka 14.

Kumpala kwa lufu, muntu yonsu udi ne bukokeshi bwa kukeba mwaba wa kusokoma pikalaye mukengeshibwe mu ditunga dyende.

Mwena cibawu kena mwa kudisokoko kunyima kwa makokeshi aa pikalaye mubunde cibawu ne mwindende anyi mutupakane ku mikenji ya Nsangilu wa bukwa-bisamba.

Kanungu ka 15.

Muntu yonso udi ne bukokeshi bwa kwikala ne bwena ditunga dyende.

Muntu nansha umwe kena mwa kupadibwe patupu bwena ditunga, anyi bukokeshi bwa kushintulula bwena ditunga.

Kanungu ka 16.

Mulume ne mukaji bakadi bakumbaje mvula ya dibaka badi ne bukokeshi bwa kuselengana ne kwasa diku, kakuyi mukanda wa cisamba, ditunga anyi citendelelu. Makokeshi abu adi momumwe bwa bidi bitangila mbangilu wa dibaka, nsombelu ne dishipa dya dibaka.

Dibaka diswikiibwe mu budiswile bwa basedyanganyi.

Diku ke mfukila ne nshindamenu wa nsombelu mu bantu. Pa nanku, mbulamatadi ne bukwa-bisamba badi ne cya kubakuba.

Kanungu ka 17.

Muntu yonsu nkayende anyi ne bakwabu udi ne bukokeshi bwa kwikala ne byende bintu.

Muntu nansha umwe kena mwa kunyengibwa cintu cyanana nansha.

Kanungu ka 18.

Muntu yonsu udi ne bukokeshi bwa kwela meji ku budiswile bwende, kulonda kondo ka moyo wende, kutendelela Nzambi wa moyo wende. Pa nanku, udi ne budikadidi bwa kushintulula citendelellu anyi ditabuja dyende ne kubileja patoke, nkayende anyi mu cisumbu, mu bantu anyi pa nkayende, ku dilongesha, byenzedi ne mishindu mene ya kutendelela.

Kanungu ka 19.

Muntu yonsu udi ne bukenji bwa kwela meji ne kwakula mudiye muswe. Mbwena kwamba ne kabena mwa kumukwata bwa mine malu aa. Udi ne bukokeshi bwa kukeba, kupeta ne kumwanglaja ngumu ne meji emde myaba yonsu mu mishindu yonsu.

Kanungu ka 20.

Muntu yonso udi ne bukenji bwa kuswa ne kubwela mu bisangilu ne mu bisumbu mudiye muswe.

Kakwena muntu nansha umwe udibo mwa kubweja mu cisumbu ku bukole.

Kanungu ka 21.

Muntu yonso udi ne bukenji bwa kuludika malu a ditunga dyende, yeye mwine anyi ne batumibwe badiye mudisungwile.

Bukokeshi bwa kulombola malu a ditunga budi bwa mumwe bwa bantu bonsu.

Majinga a ditunga ke nshindamenu wa bukalenge bwa mbulamatadi: majinga aa adi amweneka ku masungula malelela adi ne cya kwenjibwa ku cikondu ne ku cikondu, bela kaci kasokome, bilondeshele bulongolodi budi mwa kufikisha muntu yonsu mwa kusungula mu budiswile.

Kanungu ka 22.

Muntu yonsu udi ne bukenji wa kupeta dyambulwisha kudi mbulamatadi, bwa kukumbaja majinga ende ku malu a bubanji, nsombelu ne malu a nshidimukilu, buneme bwende ne ditungunuja bumuntu bwende, ku dikwacisha dya bena ditunga pamwe ne matunga menyi bilondeshele bulongolodi ne lupetu lwa ditunga.

Kanungu ka 23.

Muntu yonsu udi ne bukokeshi bwa kupeta mudimu, kudisungwilawu ne kuwenza kakuyi lutatu lwa dicina bulofu.

Bantu bonsu badi benza mudimu umwe badi ne bukenji bwa kupeta difutu dya mumwe kakuyi kansungansunga.

Muntu yonsu udi wenza mudimu udi ne bukenji bwa kupeta difutu dikumbane didi dimulengelele ne didi mwa kumufikisha ku disomba ne dikuba diku dyende byakane, pikalaku nushindu ne dikubabwa pamwe ne manga makwacisha pamutu pa difutu.

Muntu yonsu udi ne bukokeshi bwa kwasa ne bakwabo bisumbu bya dyakwila beena mudimu ne kubwela mu bisumbu byakwidi bya bena mudimu bwa kwakwila makokeshi ende.

Kanungu ka 24.

Muntu yonso udi ne bukokeshi bwa kwikisha ne kumana lutetuku ne kwikala ne lupoolu lujaadikiibwa lwa nengenu wa mudimu ne kwikala ne dikisha difuta ku cikondu ne ku cikondu.

Kanungu ka 25.

Muntu yonsu udi ne bukokeshi bwa kwikala ne nsombelu mwakane bwa kumona mwa kupetesha bena diku dyende ne yeye mwine bukole bwa mubidi ku didya dimpe, dilwata, londapu ne ku dipeta dyambulwisha dya mbulamatadi. Yeye mubwele mu bulofu, badi ne cya kumwambulwisha, yeye musame anyi mupangile bukole bwa mubidi, mufwishe, nkolumu anyi mujimije bivwa bimudisha kakuyi ku bwenzavi bwende.

Mukaji muvyeele ne mwana badi ne bwa kupeta dyambulwisha dya pa bwadyo. Bana bonso balela mu dibaka anyi ba mu njila badi ne cya kukubibwa mushindu wa momumwe kudi mbulamatadi.

Kanungu ka 26.

Muntu onso udi ne bukenji bwa kulonga. Dilonga didi amu dya patupu kadiyi dya kufucila mfwalanga, nangananga edi dya mbangilu ne dya nshindamenu. Dilonga dya ntwadijilu didi dya muntu yonsu. Dilonga dya midimu ya byanza didi ne cya kwikala myaba yonsu; dibwela dya mu tulaasa tubandile didi ne cya kunzulwibwa mushindu wa momumwe bwa bonsu bilondeshele dimanya dya muntu ne muntu yonsu.

Dilongesha didi ne cya kwipacila ditabulula dya bumuntu ne dikolesha dya dinemeka dya makokeshi a muntu ne madikadidi mashindame, difikisha bantu ku dyumvwilangana, malunda munkaci mwa matunga onso ne bantu ba bisamba ne bitendelelu kana byonso, ditungunuja mudimu ya Nsangilu wa Bukwa-Bisamba mu dilama bupole munkaci mwa bantu.

Baledi badi ne bukenji bwa kusungula mushindu wa kukolesha bana babu.

Kanungu ka 27.

Muntu yonsu udi ne bukokeshi bwa kudifila mudiye muswe mu malu a kabukulu a ditunga dyende, kusanka ne bunsenda bwa ditunga dyende, kutungunuja bamanyi ba mikanda ne kusanka ne byonso byapatuka kwinaku.

Muntu yonsu udi ne bukenji bwa kusanka ne bya pa mudimu wende, bumanyi bwa mukanda anyi bunsenda bwende.

Kanungu ka 28.

Muntu yonsu udi ne bukenji bwa kujinga se makokeshi ne budikadidi bidi bifunda mu Meyi mamba aa basangane kwenzeka anyi byenzeke.

Kanungu ka 29.

Muntu udi ne malu adiye mwa kwenzela bantu badiye musombe nabu bwa kumona mwa kutungunuja bumuntu bwende.

Mu ditumikila dya makokeshi ne budikadidi bwende, muntu yonsu udi ne cya kwitabuja mekenji myela bwa kusaka bantu ku dimanya ne dinemaka budikadidi ne makokeshi a bakwabu pamwe ne majinga majalame a nsombelu mulenga, bupole mu ditunga ne dyakalenga dya bantu mu ditunga didi dilonda mikenji anyi dikale ne bukalenge bwa cyata.

Budikadidi ne makokeshi onsu kaena mwa kushilangana ne kipacila anyi mikenji ya Nsangilu wa Bukwa Bisamba (ONU).

Kanungu ka 30.

Mu Mapangadika aa, kakwena kanungu anyi bwalu budi buleja ne ditunga, cisumbu cya bantu anyi muntu udi ne bukenji bwa kwenza bwalu budi butupakana ne budikadile anyi makokeshi adi mafunda aa

PDF version

find others versions

[Vocabulary] Kulela/Couleurs/Colors

In Ciluba, like in many other languages, people refer to a common object to define a color, for example:

-a mayi aa mamvwa
couleur maïs / color of corn => jaune/yellow
-a mayi aa kamata
couleur tomate/ tomato color => rouge/red
-a mayi aa matàmbà/kaleji
couleur feuille de manioc / cassava leave color => vert/green

cercle-chromatique

But there are standard color names as well:

Cibundubundu

Gris Cendre / Ash grey

Kaki

Marron / Brown

Kàlaabi

Jaune / Yellow

Lubundubundu

Violet / Purple

Lumbidi

Orange

Mbùlê

Bleu / Blue

Mufika

Noir / Black

Mukùnze

Rouge / Red

Mutòòka

Blanc / White

To associate those colors with names, you have two options, according to the adjective you want to use:

  • you drop the prefix mu- and put instead the corresponding prefix, depending on the class the name is part of.
  • you add the particle -a + color

-fiike(a) = noir/black
-kùnze = rouge/red
-tòòke(a) = blanc/white
-a bùlê = bleu/blue
-a kàlaabi = jaune/yellow
-a lumbidi = orange
-a lubundubundu = violet/purple

example: ditumbu difiike
un chapeau noir/ a black hat

Biensûr, il existe des nuances:
-kùnze = rouge/red -kùnzùbìle = rougeâtre / redish
-tòòke = blanc; -tòòkòlòke = blanchâtre

[Conjugation] Present Tense II

Here’s a new selection of verbs conjugated at the present tense

Kupèèsha
donner/to give
Kwangata
prendre/to take
Kwenza
faire/to make
Kufwà
mourir/to die
ndi pèèsha
je donne
udi upèèsha
tu donnes
ùdi ùpèèsha
il/elle/on donne
tudi tupèèsha
nous donnons
nudi nupèèsha
vous donnez
badi bapèèsha
ils/elles donnent
ndi ngangata
je prends
udi wangata
tu prends
udi wangata
il/elle/on prend
tudi twangata
nous prennons
nudi nwangata
vous prennez
badi bangata
ils/elles prennent
ndi ngenza
je fais
udi wenza
tu fais
ùdi wenza
il/elle/on fait
tudi twenza
nous faisons
nudi nwenza
vous faites
badi benza
ils/elles font
ndi nfwà
je meurs
udi ufwà
tu meurs
ùdi ùfwà
il/elle/on meurt
tudi tufwà
nous mourons
nudi nufwà
vous mourez
badi bafwà
ils/elles meurent

Part I | Part III

LubaFemalefigure

[Conversation] More Sample Sentences (1)

here’s a few random sentences:

Bikila sheebe! / appelle ton père! / call your father!
Lwa kunoko! / viens ici! / come here!
Ndi muswe kuya ku Paris / je veux aller à Paris / i want to go to Paris
Tuye lubilu / allons vite / let’s go quickly
Tuye biteketa / allons doucement / let’s go slowly
Wakuya / il (elle) est parti / he (she) left
Ndi mubi / je me sens mal / i am not well
Kolesha mwoyi! courage!
Mbeela ngonga / on sonne (à la porte) / the doorbell is ringing
Nganyi wetu ? / qui est-ce ? / who is this ?
Nweenu banganyi ? / qui êtes-vous? / who are you ? (plural)
Mike udiku anyi ? / Mike est-il là ? / is Mike there ?
To. Mmupatuka. / non. il est sorti / no. he’s out.
Tuyaayi ku mesa / à table / let’s eat!
Kazala aaku / bon appétit

[Conversation] Human Body – sample sentences

Ndi ne mutu
J’ai mal à la tête
I’m having a headache

Badi bapunga mushiku
Ils se mettent d’accord
They find an agreement

Human_body

Udi unkwela nnyima
Il m’a tourné le dos
He turned his back on me

Mpesha diboku
Donne-moi la main
Give me your hand

Mucima ukuma bikole be
Mon coeur bat très fort
My heart is beating hard

Kakwanyi utu anu ukuma dikasa mpadii uja maja
Mon grand-père frappe toujours du pied quand il danse
My grand-father is always stomping his foot while dancing

vocabulary

[Vocabulary] Mubidi / Human Body / Le Corps Humain

mutu / mutu
tête / headlusuki / nsuki
cheveux / hair

mpala / mpala
front ou visage / forehead or face

disu / mesu
oeil-yeux/ eye(s)

dikiki / makiki
sourcil(s)/ eyebrow(s)

mukana
bouche / mouth

mushiku / mishiku
lèvre(s)/lip(s)

dinu / menu
dent(s)/ tooth-teeth

ludimi / ndimi
langue/tongue

ditama / matama
joue/cheeck

lubanga
menton/chin

dici / maci
oreille (s)/ear(s)

muminu
gorge/throat

nshingu
cou/neck

dikoshi
nuque/nape of the neck

cyadi / byadi
buste/chestdibeela / mabeela
poitrine/breast

difu
ventre/belly

mofu
nombril/belly button

nnyima
dos/back

cimono
les reins/lower back

diboku / maboku
bras/arm(s)

cyanza / byanza
main(s)/hand(s)

munu / minu
doigt(s)/finger(s)

luzadi / nzadi
ongle/nail

ditaku  / mataku
fesse(s)/buttock(s)

mukolu
jambe/leg

cinu / binu
genou/knee

dikasa / makasa
pied(s)/foot-feet

dikoba
peau/skin

Human_body
learn more body parts
sample sentences

[Conversation] Time – Sample Sentences

Tudi diba kayi?
Quelle heure est-il ?
What time is it?

Tudi diba umwe
Il est 1 heure.
It’s 1 o’clock.

Tudi mundankulu
Il est minuit.
It’s midnight.

Tudi dya ibidi ne tusunsa dikumi
Il est 2h10
It’s 10 past 2.

Diba dya kuya dya kumbanyi
Il est temps de partir
It’s time to leave

time

Diba dya kudya dyakumbanyi
Il est temps de manger
It’s time to eat

Leelu tudi wa manga ?
Quelle est la date aujourd’hui?
What is the day today?

Dibidi dya ngondu mwibidi
Le 2 février
February 2nd

Kudi mafuku abidi
Il y a 2 jours
Two  days ago

Note that to express time in Ciluba we use the first person of plural form so that “it is 1pm” is actually literally translated into “we are 1pm”…

Time – Vocabulary
Practice Counting in Ciluba

[Vocabulary] Time / Diba / Temps

Here’s a vocabulary list with words related to time. click on the link at the bottom to find a few sample sentences.

dîba
temps / timecidimu
année/ year

ngondu, mwenji
mois / month

ditùku / matùku
jour(s) / day(s)

dîba
heure / hour

kasunsa
minute / minute

cidimu
saison / season

luuyà
été / summer (hot season)

mashika makole
hiver / winter

muvwa wa mvùla
saison des pluies / rainy season

muvwa wa mashìka
saison sèche / dry season

mààlabà, makèèlèlà mushààla
hier/yesterdayleelù
aujoud’hui / today

mààlabà, makèèlèlà
demain / tomorrow

dìndà
le matin / morning

mundaamuunyà
l’après-midi / afternoon

dilòòlù
le soir / evening

bufùku
la nuit / night

mpindyewu
maintenant/ now

pashììsha
plus tard / later

diba dyônso
n’importe quand / anytime

Cyongu (wa minanga)*
janvier / januaryLwîshi*
février / february

Lwabanya (nkasu)*
mars / march

Cisanga (nkasu)*
avril / april

Lumùngùlù*
mai / may

Kabalanshipu*
juin / june

Kashipu (nkenza)*
juillet / juillet

Cimungù (wa mashika)*
aout / august

Kabitenda*
septembre / september

Kaswamansensa*
octobre / october

Kaswàbàngà*
novembre / november

Ciswà munèna*
décembre / december

lumingu
semaine / weekdiimwe
lundi / monday

diibidi
mardi / tuesday

diisatu
mercredi / wednesday

diinayi
jeudi / thursday

diitanu
vendredi / friday

diisambombu
samedi / saturday

dyalumingu
dimanche / sunday

ndekelu wa lumingu
fin de semaine / weekend

time

*Baluba people traditionally call months by the event happening during the moon. for example Ciswa Munene, December, is the month where the big winged ants are out.

Time – Sample Sentences
Practice Counting in Ciluba

[Lyrics Translation] “Bwalu Bwà Lesa” by Joël Mbuyi

This song is actually a variation of David Psalm #150. The rhythm of this song is traditional music from Kasayi.  It’s called Mutwashi.  Enjoy!

Artist: Joël Mbuyi
Title: Bwalu bwà Lesa
Album: Just One WOrd
Year: 2005

(Itaba Yezù kayi wende nende bitekète bitekète
Ambula Yezù kayi wenda nende konso kuwaya) Album version

Verse 1:
Diba diakani diakukwela muyenga Tatu Nzambi
(Mulopò Maweja Nangila)
Butumbi mbueba Nzambi wa kwimbila Yepowa
(Mulopò Maweja Nangila)
Mwena djulu wewe, muena Bantu wewe
Mwena bintu wewe Yepowa
(Mulopò Maweja Nangila)
x2

Tshanga we yoyo
Tutwayi tshanga cya Mulopo lesa x2
Tudi twimba bualu bwa Yezù
Bualu yeye udi Mulopo.

Verse 2:
Nzambi wa kwetu kutuyaya
Wa kuimbila ngoma ne biondo
Cikunku nsanga bilembi
Wa sanga batoke ne bafike
Kumatunga a bende Yepowa wanyi
Kuangani kunga kunaya…

Chorus x2:
Lesa yo
Mwena bwalu butwimbila wewe
Tuluka wenda Madiunda e
Mukatshi mwa bana beba
Tumone bukenke ne bukole bweba
bwalu bwana bwa shiya kubutu bwaswa Dilolo e

Lesa yo Mukalenga atumbe x4

Verse 3:
Mwanza nkongolo wa kumayi
Mpokolo wa mayi matoke
Biwanua wakaja moyo
Nzambi wa balume ba mpolondo
Badi balaka mayi bu mbwa
Kwanganyi kunga kunaya
wewe Nzambi wa Isalela…

Chorus x2

Lesa yo mukalenga atumbe x4

kwata maja…

Lesa yo mukalenga atumbe…

Tshanga we yoyo
Tutwayi tshanga tsha Mulopo lesa
Tudi twimba bualu bua Yesu
Bualu yeye udi Mulopo.

joelmbuyi

TRANSLATION

Verset 1

Croyez en Jésus et soyez avec Lui en toute confiance,
Portez le Seigneur dans votre cœur partout où vous irez.
Il est temps de Te glorifier, oh ! Toi Dieu le Père.
Oh Dieu Tout Puissant et d’amour,
Créateur du ciel et de la vie humaine,
Et toute chose.
Soyez loué, oh ! Eternel Dieu d’amour. (x2)

Dansons, dansons.
Dansons pour l’Eternel Notre Dieu.
Chantons pour Notre Seigneur Jésus-Christ,
Car Il est l’Eternel Notre Dieu.

Verset 2
C’est le Dieu vers qui nous cheminons
Jouons pour Lui tambours et xylophones
Protecteur des hommes courageux
Consolateur des Blancs et des Noirs
Et ce, jusqu’en terre étrangère.
Oh ! Mon Dieu, où irais-je encore si ce n’est chez Toi ?

Oh ! Mon Dieu !
Montre Ta puissance
Au sein de Ton peuple
Que Ta lumière et Ta force
Vivifient tes enfants perdus (x2)

Que Dieu Notre Seigneur soit loué (x4)

Verset 3

L’arc-en-ciel, source d’eau vive qui vivifie
Oasis, source d’eau vive
Quand tu la bois, elle apaise ton âme
Protecteur des hommes courageux
Ceux qui lapèrent l’eau comme les chiens
Où irais-je encore mon Dieu
Que vers Toi, Dieu d’Israël.

[Conjugation] Present Tense I

In this post, we’re gonna see how to conjugate in Ciluba. I chose here a few common verbs.

Kwikala
être/to be
Kunwà
boire/to drink
Kudyà
manger/to eat
Kulààla
dormir/to sleep
ndi
je suis
udi
tu es
ùdi
il/elle/on est
kudi
nous sommes
nudi
vous êtes
badi
ils/elles sont
ndi nwà
je bois
udi unwà
tu bois
ùdi unwà
il/elle/on boit
tudi tunwà
nous buvons
nudi nunwà
vous buvez
badi badwà
ils/elles boivent
ndi ndyà
je mange
udi udyà
tu manges
ùdi udyà
il/elle/on mange
tudi tudyà
nous mangeons
nudi nudyà
vous mangez
badi badyà
ils/elles mangent
ndi ndààla
je dors
udi ulààla
tu dors
ùdi ulààla
il/elle/on dort
tudi tulààla
nous dormons
nudi nulààla
vous dormez
badi balààla
ils/elles dorment

I am not gonna show the verb “to have” as it is the same as “to be”. In Ciluba, “to have” is translated as “to be with”, therefore, all you have to do is add the preposition “with”  or “nè” in Ciluba to transform “to be”, kwikala, into “to have”, kwikala ne.

Mema ndi mukaji: I am a woman
Ndi nè mukanda: I have a book
Ndi nè mutu: I have a headache

Power Figure Luba
Power Figure Luba

As a general rule, when you have the infinitive form of a verb, for examples kudyà, kunwà, all you have to do to conjugate it is to drop the infinitive prefix ku- and keep the verb stem -dyà, -nwà, then add the personal pronoun according to want you want to say:

n- => ndi = I (am)
u- => udi = you (are)
u- => ùdi = she/he (is)
tu- => tudi = we (are)
nu- => nudi = you (are)
ba- => badi = they (are)

Of course, it wouldn’t be fun if there wasn’t any exceptions. Kwikala is one (it is a special verb that is also used as auxiliary and its conjugated form is also used as personal pronouns). We’ll check them out as we go. Note that in the dictionaries you will often find the verb stem as the entry. It makes sense, I believe, otherwise there would be thousands of words under “ku-” and nothing in the other sections… 🙂

N.B.: verbs of which stem starts with L transform NL into ND at the first person of singular, to ease pronunciation.

-lààla -> ndi ndààla -> I sleep
-lela -> ndi ndela -> I give birth
-lekela -> ndi ndekela -> I leave

Check out the second part

Post a comment if you have any question…

Part II | Part III

[Conversation] Numbers – Sample Sentences

Here’s a few sample sentences to show how numbers can be used in Ciluba. As I explained in the “Let’s count!” lesson, numbers from 1 to 6, used as numeral, go accordingly with the noun they follow. as such, they reflect the class the noun belongs to. you will see that modification in color in the sentences.

Ndi ne bidimu makumi abidi ne bitanu
J’ai 25 ans
I’m 25 years old

Udi muntumine mifuku ibidi ya tshombe
Il m’a envoyé 2 sacs de manioc
He sent me 2 bags of manioc (cassava)

Udi mumpesha nigensu inayi ya losa
Il m’a donné 4 casseroles de riz
He gave me 4 saucepans of rice

numbers2

Kabeya mu mpanisha twela tusambombu
Kabeya m’a vendu 6 couteaux
Kabeya sold me 6 knives

Ndi musumba bibota bibidi ne dinga ya dimue
J’ai acheté 3 bananes et 1 mangue
I bought 3 bananas and 1 mango

Kwata bisaku bibidi bibidi
Prends 2 paniers à la fois
Take 2 baskets at a time

Muntu udi ne maboku abidi ne mikolu ibidi
L’être humain a 2 bras et 2 jambes
Human beings have 2 arms and 2 legs

Bantu ku bungi buabo badi nkama mwanda muteketa makumi asambombo ne umwe
Il y a, au total, 761 personnes
There are 761 people, overall

Let’s count!
Practice Counting in Ciluba

Congolese National Anthem

Created in 1960
Used: 1960 – 1971 and 1997 – present
Lyrics: Joseph Lutumba
Music: Simon-Pierre Boka di Mpasi Londi

MUSAMBU WA DITUNGA

Hymne National
National Anthem

Juukaayi panshi batanda ba Kongu
Debout Congolais,
Arise, Congolese,
Basanga kudi mashi amwe
Unis par le sort,
United by fate,
Basanga kudi bukola bwa kupeta dipanda
Unis dans l’effort pour l’indépendance,
United in the struggle for independence,
Twambululaayi mpala yetu
Dressons nos fronts
Let us hold up our heads,
Ivwa minamija bicya ne bidimu
Longtemps courbés
So long bowed,
Ne bwa kashidi, twangatayi lwendu mu bimpe mu bupole.
Et pour de bon prenons le plus bel élan, dans la paix,
And now, for good, let us keep moving boldly ahead, in peace.
Eyi batanda ba bukitu, ku mudimu wa cisumi
Ô peuple ardent, par le labeur,
Oh, ardent people, by hard work
Ne twibaka ditunga dipicile dya kumpala ku bwimpe mu bupole.
Nous bâtirons un pays plus beau qu’avant, dans la paix.
We shall build, in peace, a country more beautiful than before
Beena-mwabu! Pungulujaayi! Musambu mujidila wa buwenu
Citoyens, entonnez l’hymne sacré de votre solidarité,
Countrymen, sing the sacred hymn of your solidarity,
Ne didiswa, koselayi mpala! Dibendela dya ngoolu dya budikadidi bwetu.
Fièrement, saluez l’emblème d’or de votre souveraineté.
Proudly salute the golden emblem of your sovereignty

622px-Coat_of_arms_of_the_Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo.svg

Dipa dibenesha (Kongu!)
Don béni (Congo)
Blessed gift (Congo)
Dya bankambwa (Kongu!)
Des aïeux (Congo),
of our forefathers (Congo),
Eyi ditunga (Kongu!)
Ô pays (Congo)
Oh country (Congo)
Dinanga byakana (Kongu!)
Bien aimé (Congo)
beloved (Congo)
Netwasa buloba bweba ne tujadika bunena bweba.
Nous peuplerons ton sol et nous assurerons ta grandeur.
We shall people your soil and ensure your greatness.
(Mafuku 30 a kashipu-nkenza) eyi muunya wa civwengavwenga
(Trente juin) Ô doux soleil
(30 June) Oh gentle sun
Mafuku 30 wa ba mafuku 30 a kashipu-nkenza
(Trente juin) du trente juin,
(30 June) of 30 June,
(Dituku dya cijila) ikala ntemu
(Jour sacré) Sois le témoin
(Holy day) Be witness
(Dituku dya cijila) cya cyendelela cya cyeleka budikadidi
(jour sacré) de l’immortel serment de liberté
(holy day) of the immortal oath of freedom
Citudi tushila ndelanganyi yetu bwa kashidi ne kashidi.
Que nous léguons à notre postérité pour toujours.
That we pass on to our children forever.

Translated to Ciluba by Gilbert KADIMA Batumona Adi

[Vocabulary] Tubalayi! / Let’s count! / Comptons!

0 cijèngù
1 ùmwà
2 ibìdì
3 isàtù
4 inaayi
5 itaanu
6 isambòmbò
7 mwandamutekèta
8 mwandamukùlù
9 citemba
10 diikùmi
11 diikùmi nè ùmwà
12 diikùmi nè ìbìdì
20 makùmi àbìdì
22 makùmi àbìdì nè ìbìdì
30 makùmi àsàtù
33 makumi asatu nè isatu
40 makùmi ànaayi
44 makùmi ànaayi nè inayi
50 makumi atanu
55 makumi atanu nè itanu
60 makùmi àsambòmbò
66 makumi asambombu nè isambombu
70 makumi mwanda muteketa
77 makumi mwanda muteketa nè mwanda muteketa
80 makumi mwanda mukulu
88 makumi mwanda mukulu nè mwanda mukulu
90 makumi citemba
99 makumi citemba nè citemba
100 lukama
101 lukama nè umwà
143 lukama nè makumi anayi nè isatu
200 nkama ibidi
201 nkama ibidi nè umwà
500 nkama itanu
1.000 cinunu
1.001 cinunu nè umwà
1.010 cinunu nè dikumi
1.111 cinunu nè lukama nè dikumi nè umwe
2.345 binunu bibidi nkama isatu makumi inayi nè itanu
10.000 binunu dikumi
20.000 binunu makumi abidi
54.321 binunu makumi atanu ne inayi nkama isatu makumi ibidi ne umwe
99.999 binunu makumi citemba ne citemba nkama citemba makumi citemba ne citemba
100.000 cishikula
1.000.000 mbombu (umwà)
2.000.000 mbombu ibidi
10.000.000 mbombu dikumi
100.000.000 mbombu lukama
1.000.000.000 citotu (cimwà)

numbers2

Note the forms mentioned there for numbers from 1 to 6, are the actual numbers, used as cardinal numeral pronouns or more commonly, nouns but used in a sentence as adverbs or adjectives, they will be modified accordingly to the nouns they follow…

ditala dimwe
un épi de maïs one corn cob
bintu bibidi
deux choses two things
bilamba bisatu
trois habits three clothes
mikanda inayi
quatre livres four books
mata atanu

 

cinq arcs five bows
tusuyu tusambombo
six haches six axes

Practice Counting in Ciluba

Sample Sentences