Useful Phrases

1. Nva mu Japan

   I am from Japan

   Usage

   States where you are from; literally "I come from Japan". The name is used in its English form.

   Grammar Note

   An answer to Tatoeba "Ova mu nsi ki?" (which country are you from?). Okuva "to come from" is a regular verb. The name Japan follows lg.wikipedia.

2. Ndi mutambuze

   I am a traveller

   Usage

   An answer when asked about your work or purpose.

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary lists omutambuze and omutambuzi under tourist. As in Tatoeba "Ndi musomesa", the initial vowel is dropped after "to be". Composed from verified parts.

3. Ntambula nzekka

   I am travelling alone

   Usage

   Telling people you travel on your own.

   Grammar Note

   Okutambula "to walk, travel" in the present; nzekka "alone" is from Wikivoyage "Mundeke nzekka". Tatoeba has "Nja kutambula". Composed from verified parts.

4. Guno mulundi gwange ogusooka wano

   It is my first time here

   Usage

   Tells people it is your first visit.

   Grammar Note

   Omulundi "time, occasion" is from the dictionary (once: omulundi gumu); ogusooka is from okusooka "to be first" (dictionary: first). Composed from verified words; native review advisable.

5. Nsobola okukuba ekifaananyi?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Always ask before photographing a person or a stall.

   Grammar Note

   The dictionary gives photograph (v.) as "okukuba ekifaananyi". Frame as in Tatoeba "Nsobola okukozesa ko essimu yo?". Composed from verified words.

6. Tukube ekifaananyi awamu?

   Shall we take a photo together?

   Usage

   To someone you have got to know; only with their consent.

   Grammar Note

   The "let us" form with tu-. Okukuba ekifaananyi is photograph, awamu is together in the dictionary. Composed from verified words.

7. Tonseera!

   Don't cheat me!

   Usage

   A clear protest when you think you are being overcharged.

   Grammar Note

   To- (negative command) + n- (me) + okuseera "to cheat, overcharge" (dictionary: cheat, defraud). Composed from verified words; it is blunt, so use it with care.

8. Njiga Oluganda

   I am learning Luganda

   Usage

   People are pleased to hear you are learning their language.

   Grammar Note

   The language name replaces the one in Tatoeba "Njiga Olufaransa" (I am learning French).

9. Njogera Oluganda katono

   I speak a little Luganda

   Usage

   Offered at the start of a chat, it makes people meet you halfway.

   Grammar Note

   Okwogera "to speak"; katono "a little" is built on the dictionary entry little (ka- and tono). Composed from verified words.

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