The Ik language

Dictionary and grammar sketch

Terrill B. Schrock

language
African Language Grammars science
press
and Dictionaries 1
African Language Grammars and Dictionaries

Chief Editor: Adams Bodomo

Editors: Ken Hiraiwa, Firmin Ahoua

In this series:

1. Schrock, Terrill B. The Ik language: Dictionary and grammar sketch.

2. Brindle, Jonathan. A dictionary and grammatical outline of Chakali.

The Ik language
Dictionary and grammar sketch

Terrill B. Schrock

language
science
press
Terrill B. Schrock. 2017. The Ik language: Dictionary and grammar sketch
(African Language Grammars and Dictionaries 1). Berlin: Language Science
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For Amber Dawn
Contents
Preface ix

Acknowledgements xi

Abbreviations xiii

I Introduction 1
1 The Ik language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2 The dictionary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3 Using the dictionary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.1 Writing system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 Structure of entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.3 Tips for finding words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

II Ik-English dictionary 11
a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
ɓ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
c . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
ɗ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
dz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
e/ɛ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
f . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
h. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
ɦy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
i/ɨ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
j . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
ʝ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Contents

k. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
ƙ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
n. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
ɲ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 179
ŋ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
o/ɔ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
p. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
t . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
ts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
tsʼ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
u/ʉ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
w . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
x . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
y. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
z . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276

III English-Ik reversal index 279

IV Grammar sketch 475

1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477
2 Phonology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477
2.1 Consonants and vowels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 477
2.2 Consonant devoicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478
2.3 Vowel devoicing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478
2.4 Morphophonology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478
2.5 Vowel harmony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 485
2.6 Tone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 488
3 Morphology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 490
3.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 490
3.2 Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 491
3.3 Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 491
3.4 Demonstratives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 491

vi
 Contents

3.5 Quantifiers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 492

3.6 Numerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 493
3.7 Prepositions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 493
3.8 Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 495
3.9 Adverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 495
3.10 Ideophones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 496
3.11 Interjections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 497
3.12 Nursery words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 497
3.13 Complementizers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 497
3.14 Connectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 498
4 Nouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501
4.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 501
4.2 Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 502
4.3 Compounds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 508
5 Pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512
5.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512
5.2 Personal pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512
5.3 Impersonal possessum pronoun (pssm) . . . . . . . . . . 514
5.4 Indefinite pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 514
5.5 Interrogative pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 515
5.6 Demonstrative pronouns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 516
5.7 Relative pronouns (rel) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 517
5.8 Reflexive pronoun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 518
6 Demonstratives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 519
6.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 519
6.2 Spatial demonstratives (dem) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 520
6.3 Temporal demonstratives (dem.pst) . . . . . . . . . . . . 520
6.4 Anaphoric demonstratives (anaph) . . . . . . . . . . . . 521
6.5 Adverbial demonstratives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 522
7 Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 524
7.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 524
7.2 Nominative (nom) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 526
7.3 Accusative case (acc) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 528
7.4 Dative (dat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 529
7.5 Genitive (gen) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 530
7.6 Ablative (abl) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 531
7.7 Instrumental (ins) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 532
7.8 Copulative (cop) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 533

vii
Contents

7.9 Oblique (obl) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534

8 Verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534
8.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 534
8.2 Infinitives (inf) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 535
8.3 Deverbalizers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 539
8.4 Directionals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 542
8.5 Aspectuals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 544
8.6 Voice and valence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 545
8.7 Subject-agreement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 549
8.8 Dummy pronoun (dp) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 551
8.9 Mood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 552
8.10 Verb paradigms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 553
8.11 Adjectival verbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 558
9 Adverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 561
9.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 561
9.2 Manner adverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 561
9.3 Temporal adverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 562
9.4 Epistemic adverbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 565
10 Basic syntax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567
10.1 Noun phrases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 567
10.2 Clause structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 569
10.3 Subordinate clauses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 575
10.4 Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 578
10.5 Quotations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 580
10.6 Complements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 581
10.7 Comparatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 582
10.8 Clause combining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 583

Appendix A: Ik affixes 589

References 593

Subject index 595

viii
Preface
When I first heard about the Ik back in September 2005, I was thoroughly in-
trigued. Here was a people just emerging from the mists of time, from that now
dark and shrouded realm of African prehistory. Judging by appearances, their
journey had not been easy. Their story spoke of great suffering in the form of
sickness, suppression, starvation, and slaughter. And yet, somehow, there they
were, limping into the 21st century as survivors of conditions most of us cannot
imagine. Having grown up in a safe and serene community in the American
South, I thought the Ik seemed stranger than fiction. People like this actually
exist out there? I found myself wanting to know more about them, wanting to
know who they are. Subconsciously I sensed that anyone who could endure what
they had endured could perhaps teach me something about being truly human.
My quest to know the Ik has led me down a winding path to the present. Over
the years I have been frustrated by my inability to enter fully into their world, to
see reality through their eyes. More than once I wished I were an anthropologist,
so I could get a better grasp of their essence as a people. But time and time again,
life steered me right back to the language – to Icétôd. I gradually learned to accept
that their language is a doorway to their spirit, and that as a linguist, I could only
open the door for others, and point the way to the Promised Land while I remain
at the threshold. This book can act as a key to that door, a key that has been
carefully shaped and smoothened by hands tired yet trembling with purpose.
Living in Ikland has taught me a lot about being human, but not in the way
I expected. It was not by becoming ‘one with the people’ that I learned what it
is like to survive subhuman conditions. And it was not physical starvation, or
sickness, or slaughter that I was forced to endure. No, I was spared those things.
Yet all the same, in Ikland I became acquainted with spiritual starvation, social
sickness, and the wholesale slaughter of my cultural, religious, and intellectual
idols. And just as the Ik have learned that life does not consist in ‘bread alone’,
nor in health, nor in security – but can carry on living with dignity and humanity
– I have learned that at the rock bottom of my soul, where my self ends and the
world begins, there is where Life resides. That realization is my ‘pearl of great
price’ for which I have sold everything else and would do it all over again.
Acknowledgements
Compiling a dictionary such as this one is a massive undertaking, far more so
than I ever imagined it would be. Although I myself spent many hours, days,
and months working alone on this project, a whole host of people put me in a
position to do so. And it is here that I wish to acknowledge and thank them all.
First, I want to express a heartfelt Ɨ lákásʉƙɔtíàà zùk ᵘ to all the Ik people of the
Timu Forest area for welcoming us into their community and patiently putting up
with the long process of a foreigner trying to learn their language. To the follow-
ing Ik men and women, I give thanks for their participation in a word-collecting
workshop that took place in October 2009, during which roughly 7,000 Ik words
were amassed: Ariko Hillary, Kunume Cecilia, Lochul Jacob, Lokure Jacob, Lon-
goli Philip, Losike Peter, Lotuk Vincent, Nakiru Rose, Nangoli Esther, †Ngiriko
Fideli, Ngoya Joseph, Ochen Simon Peter, Sire Hillary, and Teko Gabriel.
A second group of Ik men are sincerely thanked for giving me a clearer view
of the Ik sound system and for helping me edit several hundred words during an
orthography workshop in April 2014: Amida Zachary, Dakae Sipriano, Lokauwa
Simon, Lokwameri Sylvester, Lomeri John Mark, Longoli Philip, Longoli Simon,
Lopeyok Simon, †Lopuwa Paul, and Lotuk Paul. One of those men, Longoli
Philip, deserves special thanks for the years he spent as my main guide into the
grammar and lexicon of his mother tongue. The number and quality of entries
in this book are owed in large part to his skillful labors. Four other men – Lojere
Philip, †Lochiyo Gabriel, Lokwang Hillary, and †Lopuwa Paul – also deserve my
thanks for teaching me bits of the language at various points along the journey.
But it is another group of Ik men that I wish to give special honor. These
are the ones who for an entire year went with me through every word in this
dictionary to refine their spellings and define their meanings. They include the
respectable elders Iuɗa Lokauwa, Locham Gabriel, and Lemu Simon, as well as
our translators Kali Clement, Lotengan Emmanuel, and Lopeyok Simon. The
three elders not only shared their intimate knowledge of the language with me
but also befriended me with a grace and humility that can only come with age.
Every moment I spent with them was a blessing I will never forget. As they said,
if I ever come back, I should ask if those old men are still around. I pray they are.
Acknowledgements

Although teaching foreigners Ik-speak has usually been the domain of men,
I wish to bring special attention to two Ik women who, through their resilient
friendship and lively conversation, greatly enhanced my grasp of the language.
These are the highly esteemed Nachem Esther and Nakiru ‘Akóóro’ Rose.
Next, I want to gratefully mention those in the long line of linguists who
worked on the Ik language and – in person or publication – passed their knowl-
edge down to me: Fr. J. P. Crazzolara who wrote the first recorded grammatical
description of the language; A. N. Tucker whose series of articles on Ik expanded
my knowledge considerably; Fritz Serzisko who penned several insightful arti-
cles and books on Ik and Kuliak; Bernd Heine who wrote numerous works on Ik
and Kuliak and authored a grammar sketch and dictionary of the language (1999);
Richard Hoffman who studied the grammar and lexicon, devised a practical or-
thography, and tirelessly supported language development efforts on behalf of
the Ik; Christa König who wrote several articles and an entire book on the Ik case
system; Ron Moe who helped me lead a word-collection workshop; Keith Snider
who trained me in tone analysis; Kate Schell who collected dozens of hours of
recorded Ik texts; and Dusty Hill who supervised me throughout the process.
Another group I wish to thank are our friends and family members whose
generous and faithful donations have made it possible for us to live and work in
Uganda since 2008. It has been a privilege to be financially supported in doing
long-term work on the Ik language, and I do not take that for granted.
For all their hard work pushing this project through to completion, I grate-
fully acknowledge the series editors: Adams Bodomo, Ken Hiraiwa, and Firmin
Ahoua. My sincere thanks also go the reviewers and proofreaders who helped
me improve this manuscript, to Monika Feinen for drawing up a lovely map of
Ikland (Figure 1), and lastly to Sebastian Nordhoff, whose patient help and tech-
nical expertise in manuscript preparation I could never have done without.
I also want to thank my dear family: my two adopted Ik daughters, Kaloyang
Mercy and Lemu Immaculate, and my wife Amber Dawn. Their loving presence
enabled me to carry out this long work in an otherwise isolated and often very
lonely environment. The existence of this book is owed in large measure to Am-
ber’s innumerable sacrifices big and small. It came into being at great cost to her.
For that and many other reasons, I thank her from the bottom of my heart.
Above all else, I want to praise the God whose Word became flesh – ὁ λόγος
σὰρξ ἐγένετο – making a linguistic cosmos where my mind and the Ik language
could collide and radiate bright rays of new knowledge out into the world.

xii
Abbreviations
A transitive subject gen genitive
abst abstractive H high tone
acc accusative hypo hypothetical
adj.pl adjectival plural ideo. ideophone
adv. adverb imp imperative
and andative inc inclusive
anaph anaphoric inch inchoative
anticip anticipative inf infinitive
ATR advanced tongue root infr inferential
aux auxiliary ins instrumental
bhvr behaviorative int intentional
C consonant interj. interjection
caus causative ipfv imperfective
CC copula complement ips impersonal passive
comp completive irr irrealis
compl. complementizer L low tone
cond conditional lit. literal
conf confirmational M mid tone
coordconn. coordinating med medial
connective mid middle
cop copulative n. noun
CS copula subject NF non-final form
dat dative nom nominative
dem. demonstrative num. numeral
dist distal nurs. nursery word
distr distributive O object
dp dummy pronoun obl oblique
dur durative opt optative
E extended object pass passive
exc exclusive pat patientive
FF final form phys physical property
(pre-pause) adverb
Abbreviations

pl. plural stat stative

plur pluractional subj subjunctive
prep. preposition subordconn. subordinating
prf present perfect connective
pro. pronoun v. verb
prox proximal ven venitive
pssm impersonal possessum 1 first person
pst1 recent past tense 2 second person
pst2 removed past tense 3 third person
pst3 remote past tense Ø zero realization
pst4 remotest past tense - morpheme
quant. quantifier boundary
real realis = clitic boundary
recent recentive […] phonetic form
recip reciprocal /…/ phonemic form
refl reflexive … morphemic form
rel. relativizer [ˊ] high tone
S intransitive subject [ˋ] low tone
seq sequential [ˆ] high-falling tone
sg. singular † deceased
sim simultaneous § section

xiv
 Part I

Introduction
 1 The Ik language

1 The Ik language
Ik is the native language of the Ik people who live on a narrow swath of land in
the northeastern corner of Uganda, East Africa. The people call their language
Icétôd, which means ‘Ik-speech’ or ‘Ik-talk’ and is pronounced ee-CHAY-TOad or
in phonetic symbols, [ītʃétôd̻]. Ik belongs to a small cluster of languages called
‘Kuliak’, which also includes Nyang’ía of Lobalangit and Soo/Tepeth of Mounts
Moroto, Napak, and Kadam – all in Uganda’s magnificent Karamoja Region.
At the outset, let me state definitively that Ik is not a dialect of Karimojong,
nor is it even Nilotic or ‘Hamitic’. And it is certainly not Bantu (as some have
asked me). Scholars disagree as to whether it is related to Karimojong at all, but
if it is, it would be a distant relationship within the great Nilo-Saharan language
family, much as English is related to Russian or Hindi within Indo-European.
One reason people assume Ik is a dialect of Karimojong is that the Ik have long
been surrounded and dominated by the pastoralist Dodoth, Toposa, Turkana, and
Jie. These groups, as well as the Karimojong proper, all speak mutually intelligible
forms of a speech variety called ‘Ateker’, ‘Teso-Turkana’, or ‘Tunga’. Another
reason Ik seems similar to Karimojong is that it has borrowed many hundreds
of words from Teso-Turkana speech varieties over the centuries. In addition to
lexical borrowing, the close contact between the Ik and Teso-Turkana peoples
has caused Ik grammar to become more like Teso-Turkana in various ways.
But despite the many superficial similarities one may see between Ik and Teso-
Turkana, their grammatical systems are actually quite different. For instance,
while their vowel inventories are similar, Ik has many more consonants than
Teso-Turkana, including the ejectives /ƙ/ and /tsʼ/, which are found in no other
Ugandan language. Ik also has an elaborate case system with eight cases all
marked with suffixes, whereas Teso-Turkana languages mark only four cases,
some using only tone to do so. And although both Ik and Teso-Turkana order
their words as Verb-Subject-Object in main clauses, in subordinate clauses, Ik
changes the order to Subject-Verb-Object. These are but a few examples among
others that show the significant differences between Ik and Teso-Turkana.

2 The dictionary
This book contains a bilingual Ik-English dictionary and an English-Ik reversal
index. The dictionary section lists all the Ik words I have recorded up to now and
offers English definitions for them. Including proper names, there are approxi-
mately 8,700 entries in the dictionary. While I have done all I could to collect as

3
many words as possible within the limits of time and resources, no doubt many
hundreds of other words still lurk out there in the recesses of Ikian minds. It will
not be until more texts are written in Ik that these missing words might be gently
coaxed out onto the page and into more books like the present one.
Although the presumed purpose of a dictionary is to propound the current
meanings of the words of a language, I fear that purpose is only partly achieved
in this volume. The true meanings of words are lived meanings, intended by liv-
ing beings in a living world. To capture them on a page is to encase them in
black rock and white ice. A native speaker of Ik may recognize in my English
definitions familiar traces of true meaning but never all of it. As a foreign, non-
native speaker of the language, my grasp of the living meanings of Ik words is
severely limited. For the only way to learn living linguistic meanings is to expe-
rience life linguistically, through a language, through its words and phrases and
tropes. Still, I have been fortunate enough to have had a few real-life experiences
in Ik, for instance, when I learned the living meaning of the verb ɨsɛɛs ‘to miss’
by actually missing a bushpig boar as I tried to spear it when it charged toward
me out of a thicket. The young Ik hunters never let me forget that miss, and as
they retold the story with glee, they always used that particular verb. So when
I hear it, I not only know what it means in terms of ‘missing’, but I also feel the
living overtones that include shame, regret, loss of opportunity, diminution of
manhood, and so on. That is how one learns the meanings of words.
Due to the exceptional nature of such experiences, most of the Ik words in this
volume I have had to define extrinsically, from the outside. Unfortunately, as a
foreign lexicographer, I do not inhabit the words. All I could really do was try to
understand the words as best I could and render them in perspicacious English,
marking out a felicitous meeting place between two very different modes of lin-
guistic being-in-the-world. To the degree that I succeeded in this endeavor, this
is what I hope to be a worthwhile first full-scale Ik-English lexicon.
The English definitions the reader will find are of various types. Some Ik
words lend themselves easily to one-word, entirely accurate glosses, for example,
gʉɓɛ́rá- as ‘leopard’. Others require a short phrase in English, for instance, ƙóré-
as the ‘back of the knee’. Still others, the ones that are conceptually more distant
from English, call for longer descriptions, as when makúlí- is defined as a ‘round
grass beehive cover that goes over the end of a hollow beehive’.
As well as being a record of modern Ik to be used for modern purposes, this
dictionary also provides much data for historical research. Because the Ik have
left little in the way of archaeology over the ages, and because oral histories tend
to be vague, inconsistent, and undated, language is one of the few lenses through

4
 2 The dictionary

which to investigate prehistory. Already the Ik lexicon gives some tantalizing

hints as to the ancient northern East African origins of the Ik, for example in
the link between words like sɔkɔ́- ‘hoof’ and Arabic saaq ‘foot’ and Gumuz tʃagw
‘foot’, or between ƙídz- ‘bite’ and Maltese Arabic gidem ‘bite’ and Uduk kʼūcūr
‘suck’. Every Ik word is a cultural relic, a linguistic artifact sticking out of the red
clays of time and memory. Each one has been molded by a million mouthings,
much as grains of sand are ground down by wind and water. Each has its own
history, an origin and a tortuous path of descent to its present form, the same
path, we can assume, that its many speakers have taken. This is where the fields
of etymology and historical linguistics (or ‘paleolinguistics’) can provide some
evidence on which to build a grounded sense of identity and cultural history.
A deeply rooted sense of history and identity is important because it could
help give the Ik a more sure footing as they transition into a nationally-minded
Ugandan society and a globally-minded international society. If I imagine the fu-
ture fate of the Ik language, I can see two possible developmental paths it could
take. The first is that it could be lost by being totally assimilated by Karimojong,
much like Nyang’ía already has and Soo/Tepeth is in danger of doing, or by suc-
cumbing to the dazzling promise of upward mobility that English seems to offer.
If either of these forms of language death should take place, at least this book
would remain as a monument to a once noble language-mediated world-view.
The second path the Ik language could take into the future is the one I have
often daydreamed of. It is the one that would fulfill my scholarly strivings and
confirm my greatest hopes for the Ik. In this path, Ik would go on to become
the language of a highly literate populace who would use it skillfully to promote
their own well-being. With explicit knowledge of their grammar and lexicon, ed-
ucated Ik people would harness the expressive power of their native-born tongue
and make it a vehicle of music, poetry, fiction, philosophy, theology, medicine,
education, policy – the full gamut of human expression. This scrappy language
that has barely scraped by countless threats to its existence yet somehow man-
aged to pull through, this language that contains the linguistic genes of so many
other languages from unrelated stocks, this small language of a small people in
small place, could go on to become an enduring symbol of the Ikian spirit.
As portrayed in Figure 1, the Ik language area can be viewed imaginatively
from an ‘Ik-centric’ perspective as a ‘heart’ of East Africa. There it lies, near the
arterial convergence of four East African nations: Uganda, South Sudan, Ethiopia,
and Kenya. Over the centuries the Ik have migrated through and throughout
each of these four countries. While doing so, their language absorbed words and
grammatical traits from the many languages spoken there. So, in a real sense, Ik

5
 Oromo

Nuer E T H I O P I A

Majang Shabo
Anuak
Kafa
Dinka Dawro
Murle
Me’en Lake
Chamo
S O U T H S U D A N

Mursi

Toposa Nyangatom
Hamar
Lake
Dhaasanac Chew
Bahir
Otuho Didinga
Ik Lake
Borana
Mening
Turkana Turkana
Nyangia
Acholi

Karimojong
U G A N D A Rendille
Soo/
Lango Tepeth

Pokot Samburu
Lake
Albert L. Kyoga Teso
Sabaot
Lumasaaba
Luganda
K E N Y A

Dholuo
Lake Victoria

16

Figure 1: Ik language area in an ‘Ik-centric’ perspective (CC-BY Monika Feinen)

6
 3 Using the dictionary

embodies the linguistic heritage of northern East Africa. Thus, could it be that
Ik is providentially situated to blossom into a language that can serve the full
range of communicative needs of a modernized Ik society, and then extend its
fruited boughs over the escarpment in four directions to become a blessing to
the neighboring nations? In the end, only time will tell, and yet it is toward the
fulfillment of that dream that this work on Ik has been lovingly consecrated.

3 Using the dictionary

3.1 Writing system
The Ik script used in this dictionary and grammar sketch is based on what is
called the Linguistic Orthography (LingO) as described in Schrock (2015). The
LingO is a compromise between the simpler Popular Orthography (PopO) and a
more scientific writing system. The main reason for choosing the LingO over the
PopO is that the LingO encodes three very important features of the Ik sound
system: voiceless vowels, vowel harmony, and tone. Although these three fea-
tures are difficult to remember and write, they are indispensable for the correct
pronunciation of Ik. Therefore it was decided that for this book to be an accurate
and reliable record of the language, the proper pronunciations would have to be
reflected in the spellings. LingO writing can easily be converted to PopO, but the
reverse is not true, since it requires greater linguistic awareness.
The alphabetical order of Ik letters is given below. Note that the vowel pairs
E/Ɛ, I/Ɨ, O/Ɔ, and U/Ʉ – whose two members differ only in terms of a linguistic
feature called Advanced Tongue Root [ATR] – are alphabetized as if they were
the same letter. This is done to assist non-native speakers of Ik in finding words
beginning with vowels they might not be able to distinguish at first. Also note
that the letter (Ʒ) is in parentheses because even though it belongs to the alphabet,
no recorded Ik word begins with it. For the pronunciation of these letters, the
reader is referred ahead to §2.1 of the grammar sketch section.

• Ik alphabetical order: A B Ɓ C D Ɗ Dz E/Ɛ F G H Hy I/Ɨ J Jʼ K Ƙ L M N Ɲ Ŋ

O/Ɔ P R S T Ts Tsʼ U/Ʉ W X Y Z (Ʒ)

3.2 Structure of entries

The Ik-English dictionary section contains entries of the following kinds of Ik
words: nouns, pronouns, demonstratives, quantifiers, numerals, prepositions,
verbs, adverbs, ideophones, interjections, nursery words, complementizers, and

7
connectives (or conjunctions). For a brief description of each word class, the
reader is referred to §3 of the grammar sketch at the back of the book. The goal
of the present section is to explain to the user the structure of lexicographical
entries. To do this, an example of a noun entry and a verb entry are discussed.
A typical noun entry has several components. To identify them, match the
numbered components in this explanatory paragraph with the superscript num-
ber in the model entry below. 1) The lexical headword is in bold typeface. It is
the citation form of the noun, that is, the form of the noun spoken in isolation.
In Ik, the citation form takes the nominative case (see §7.2). 2) The root or lexical
form is in parentheses. It is hyphenated to show that it still needs a case ending,
and it is the form on which to base all other case forms of this noun. This par-
ticular noun is also hyphenated in the middle to signify that it is a compound
noun made of two parts (see §4.3 of the grammar). 3) This is an abbreviation for
‘plural’, indicating that the next item is the plural form of the headword. 4) This
is the plural form of the singular headword bàdìàm. 5) This number (1) indicates
that what follows is the first and primary sense or meaning of the headword. 6)
This is an abbreviation of the grammatical category of the word, in this case n.
for ‘noun’. 7) After the primary sense, one or more other numbered senses of
the word may be added. 8) After the senses, one or more notes may mention
further information about the entry, for example cultural details or suggestions
for synonyms or near-synonyms.
1 bàdìàm 2 (bàdì-àmà-) 3 pl. 4 badiikᵃ 5 1) 6 n. sorcerer, wizard 7 2) anything
spooky, weird, or uncanny | 8 The concept of bàdìàm includes nocturnal
animals like bats, hyenas, and owls that have strange characteristics…
tobacco is also called bàdìàm because its strong physiological effects
are not attributable to human agency.

A typical verb entry has similar components but also some different ones: 1)
Just as with nouns, the verbal headword is shown in bold typeface. This is the
citation form of the verb, which in Ik appears in the infinitive form and nomina-
tive case (see §8.2 in the grammar). As an infinitive, the verb is acting as a noun
at this point, much like ‘to go’ or ‘going’ in English. To use an Ik infinitive as a
verb, simply remove the infinitive suffix (either -ònì- or -ésí-) and use the appro-
priate suffixes (see §8.7). 2) Then, the form in the parentheses is the lexical form
of the infinitival headword, the one that is the base for all other case-inflected
forms of the verb. 3) This number (1) indicates that what follows is the first and
primary sense or meaning of the headword. 4) This is an abbreviation of the
grammatical category of the headword, in this case v. for ‘verb’. 5) After the

8
 3 Using the dictionary

primary sense, one or more other senses of the headword may be added. 6) This
short note directs the user to a synonym or near-synonym of the headword.
1 betsínón 2 (betsínónì-) 3 1) 4 v. to be awkward, gauche, inept 5 2) to be
left-handed, sinistral | 6 See also ɨɓaŋɨɓáŋɔn.

Over a hundred Ik verb roots end in /a/, /e/, or /ɛ/, meaning that when an
infinitive suffix is added to the root, these root-final vowels are assimilated (see
§2.4.4). For example, though the root for ‘miss’ is ɨsá-, the infinitive form is ɨsɛɛs,
which obscures the root-final vowel. Lest the dictionary user hear a form of the
root ɨsá- in speech and then fail to deduce that its infinitive is ɨsɛɛs, both root
and infinitive have been listed in the dictionary. The entry for ɨsá- includes the
notation (<ɨsɛɛs) which indicates that ɨsɛɛs is the entry the user should go to for
the definition. Conversely, the entry for ɨsɛɛs ‘to miss’ includes both the lexical
form of the infinitive and the bare root, as in: ɨsɛɛs (ɨsɛɛsí-/ɨsá-).

3.3 Tips for finding words

Finally, because a good number of Ik words have more than one form, and be-
cause many of them can be reasonably spelled in multiple ways, let me offer the
user the following tips for locating polymorphous words in the dictionary:

• If you are looking up a verb beginning with /i/ or /ɨ/ and cannot find it,
remove the /i/ or /ɨ/ and try again. Conversely, if you are looking up a verb
and cannot find it, try adding an /i/ or /ɨ/ to see if that takes you to a word.

• If you are looking up a word beginning with /w/ and cannot find it, try
replacing the /w/ with /ɔ/, /o/, /ʉ/, or /u/ and vice versa.

• If you are looking up a word beginning with /y/ and cannot find it, try
placing the /y/ with /i/ or /ɨ/ and vice versa.

• If you are looking up a noun beginning with /ɲa/ and cannot find it, try
replacing it with /ɲe/ and vice versa.

• If you are looking up a noun beginning with /ɲe/ and cannot find it, try
replacing it with /ɲo/ and vice versa.

• If you are looking up a word beginning with /ts/ and cannot find it, try
replacing it with /tsʼ/ and vice versa.

9
 • If you are looking up a word beginning with /dz/ and cannot find it, try
replacing it with /ts/ or /tsʼ/ and vice versa.

• If you are looking up a word beginning with /d/ and cannot find it, try
replacing it with /ɗ/ or /t/ and vice versa.

• If you are looking up a word beginning with /g/ and cannot find it, try
replacing it with /ƙ/ or /ŋ/ and vice versa.

• If you are looking up a word containing the vowels /e, i, o, u/ and cannot
find it, try replacing the vowel with /ɛ, ɨ, ɔ, ʉ/.

10
 Part II

Ik-English dictionary
aaii aeétón

a
aaii (aaii) interj. ouch! ow! (an expres- Acúkwa (Acúkwaá-) n. a personal
sion of pain). name.
abáŋ (abáŋì-) pl. abáŋín. 1 n. my fa- àdàbì (àdàbìà-) n. vine species found
ther. 2 n. my uncle (father’s brother). growing on rocky outcroppings and
3 n. pope of the Catholic church. whose leaves are crushed, soaked in
ábaŋ (ábaŋ) interj. oh! wowǃ (an expres- water, and applied to the skin to treat
sion of amazement). Lit. ‘my father’. acne and rashes.

abáŋídzàƙa (abáŋí-dzàƙà-) n. son of my àdɛ̀nɛ̀s (àdɛ̀nɛ̀sà-) n. bird species.

father (brother or male cousin on fa- ádʉdʉƙɛ́s (ádʉdʉƙɛ́sí-) v. to pour from
ther’s side). a small opening.
abáŋìɲòta (abáŋì-ɲòtà-) n. my father-in- aɗáɗá (aɗáɗáà-) n. ringworm: an itchy,
law (sibling’s spouse’s father). circular skin fungus.
abér (abérí-) pl. áberaikwa . n. ter- àɗe (àɗè) num. three.
mite colony actively flying and mound- àɗèŋèlìò (àɗèŋèlìò-) n. large hardwood
building. tree that grows in the ravines and
àbɛ̀ta (àbɛ̀tà-) n. lesser kudu. Tragela- riverbeds of Rift Valley escarpments;
phus imberbis. Heine (1999) reports that its fruits may
abûba (abúbà-) pl. abúbìka . 1 n. spider. be eaten raw. Allophylus sp.
2 n. cobweb, spiderweb, web. àɗo num. three times, thrice.
ábʉbʉƙɛ́s (ábʉbʉƙɛ́sí-) v. to dip out (liq- àɗòn (àɗònì-) v. to be three.
uid with a vessel). aɗoniɛn (aɗoni-ɛní-) n. third time.
ábʉ̀bʉ̀ƙɔ̀n (ábʉ̀bʉ̀ƙɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to bubble, àɗònìke n. for the third time.
burble, gurgle. 2 v. to bellow, roar
(like a charging animal or angry per- aɗúŋkú (aɗúŋkúù-) pl. aɗúŋkúìka .
son). See also béúrètòn. n. guitar-like stringed instrument
found in many East African cultures
abʉtɛtɛ́s (abʉtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to sip, take a sip. (and whose body was traditionally
See also tsʉɓɛtɛ́s. made from a tortoise shell).
abutiam (abutiamá-) n. sippable food Àɗùpà (Àɗùpàà-) n. a personal name.
like beer or porridge.
aeam (aeamá-) n. any food that is ripe
abutiés (abutiesí-) v. to sip or slurp con- or otherwise ready to be eaten.
tinually. See also tsʉɓɛ́s.
aeásá bùbùì n. gluttony. Lit. ‘ripeness
aɓíɓílánón (aɓíɓílánónì-) v. to roll of the belly’.
around.
aeétón (aeétónì-) 1 v. to ripen up, start
aɓúlúkánón (aɓúlúkánónì-) v. to flip, ripening. 2 v. to light up. 3 v. to
flip over, somersault. catch fire. 4 v. to switch or turn on (of
Acóka (Acókò-) n. a personal name. electricity).

13
aeitetés aƙʉ́ƙʉ́rɔ̀n

aeitetés (aeitetésí-) 1 v. to light (a fire or akarér (akarérí-) pl. akaréríka . n. hole

lamp). 2 v. to switch or turn on (an dug to trap edible termites.
electronic device or electric switch). akatɛ́ta (akatɛ́tí-) pl. akatɛ́tíka . n. gourd
aeitetésíàwa (aeitetésí-àwà-) pl. aeiteté- plug (made from a gourd tip cut off and
síawíka . n. ignition, switch. inverted).
Aemun (Aemuní-) n. a personal name. akátsʼɛ́a na pakós n. cleft palate. Lit.
àèòn (àèònì-) 1 v. to be ripe, ready to eat. ‘mouth skin that is split’.
2 v. to be lit. akɛda (akɛdɛ-) 1 n. mouth, opening. 2
aeonuƙota (aeonuƙotí-) v. to become n. muzzle of a weapon.
ready to eat, ripen. akílìka (akílìkà-) 1 n. intelligence, mind.
aeonuƙota kíʝáe n. readying for harvest
2 n. skill, talent.
(of people’s gardens). àkìlɔ̀ (àkìlɔ̀) prep. instead (of). A noun
following this word takes the oblique
áɡɨrɨkácà (áɡɨrɨkácàà-) 1 n. agricultural
case.
training course. 2 n. tall variety of
maize. akín (akínɔ́-) n. greater kudu. Tragela-
phus strepsiceros.
àɡìta (àɡìtà-) pl. áɡìtìka . n. metal ringlet
sown on women’s traditional aprons. Akɔl (Akɔlí-) n. a personal name.
áɡʉʝɛ́s (áɡʉʝɛ́sí-) v. to gulp, guzzle. Also akɔ́ŋɨkɔŋ (akɔ́ŋɨkɔŋí-) n. cliff chat.
pronounced as íɡʉʝɛ́s. Myrmecocichla cinnamomeiventris.
áí (áí) interj. ouch! ow! (an expression Akóóro (Akóóroó-) n. a personal name.
of pain). Akúɗúkori (Akúɗúkorií-) n. a personal
àʝa (àʝì-) pl. áʝítín. n. pestle. See also name.
iwótsídàkwa and kuɲuka . akúkúròn (akúkúrònì-) v. to crawl. See
also tolíón.
aka (aká-) pl. akɨtín. 1 n. mouth, oral
cavity. 2 n. entrance, opening. 3 akwɛ́tɛ́kwɛ́tánón (akwɛ́tɛ́kwɛ́tánónì-)
n. burrow, den, hole, lair. v. to wriggle or writhe around.
aka ɡwaáe n. beak. áƙáfòn (áƙáfònì-) v. to yawn.
akáám (aká-ámà-) pl. akáíka . n. one aƙár (aƙáró-) pl. aƙáríkwa . n. palate,
skilled at talking deceptively or persua- roof of the mouth.
sively. Lit. ‘mouth-person’. aƙata (aƙatí-) pl. áƙátìka . 1 n. nose. 2
Akaɗééróta (Akaɗéérótò-) n. a personal n. nostril.
name. aƙatíékwa (aƙatí-ékù-) pl. aƙatíékwitín.
akákwáywa (aká-kwáyò-) pl. akákwáí- n. nostril. Lit. ‘nose-eye’.
tín. n. lip. Lit. ‘mouth-tooth’. áƙátìkìn (áƙátìkìnì-) n. points, topics.
Lit. ‘its nostrils’.
akáƙúm (aká-ƙúmù-) pl. akáƙúmítín.
n. cheekbone, malar, zygomatic bone. aƙatíɔ́ka (aƙatí-ɔ́kà-) pl. aƙatíɔ́kítín.
n. nasal bone, nosebone.
akání (akání) prep. until, up to (an event
or place). A noun following this word aƙóláánón (aƙóláánónì-) v. to swing.
takes the oblique case. aƙʉ́ƙʉ́rɔ̀n (aƙʉ́ƙʉ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to creep.

14
aƙwa amʉ́tsáàm

aƙwa (aƙɔ́-) pl. aƙwɨtín. n. inside, inte- ámánànès (ámánànèsì-) n. humanness,

rior. personhood.
áƙwɛ̂da (áƙwɛ́dɛ̀-) n. inner part, inside, ámáze (ámá-zeá-) pl. roɓazeíka . 1 n. big
interior. man, boss, chief, head honcho. 2
alálá (aláláà-) n. augur buzzard. Buteo n. mister, sir. 3 n. lord, master. 4
augur. n. adult, big person, grown-up.

alámááránón (alámááránónì-) v. to dis- ámázeám (ámá-ze-ámà-) pl. roɓazeíka .

perse, dissipate (like ants or a crowd of 1 n. big man, boss, chief, head honcho.
people). See also ɨlámááránón. 2 n. mister, sir. 3 n. lord, master.
alárá (aláráà-) n. shrub species whose ámázeáma awáe 1 n. chief village elder.
red or yellow berries are eaten raw 2 n. village chairperson.
and whose stems are made into arrows, ámázeáma na kɔ́nɔ̀nì n. councilor in
spears, and walking sticks and are used the Local Council I (LCI), a unit in
to build houses and granaries. Grewia the Ugandan government at the village
tenax. See also ɔɡɔn. level.
álìf (álìfù-) pl. álìfìka . n. thousand. ámázeáma ɲápukaní n. government of-
ficial.
alólóánitetés (alólóánitetésí-) v. to dan-
gle, suspend in the air. ámázeáma ɲépárìxì n. parish chief.
alólóánón (alólóánónì-) v. to dangle, ámázeáma ɲésukúluⁱ n. headmaster,
hang freely. head teacher, principal.
alólóés (alólóésí-) v. to dangle, hold up, ámázeáma teréɡì 1 n. boss, employer. 2
suspend in the air. n. crew chief, foreman.
alólóŋòn (alólóŋònì-) v. to be anxious, ámêda (ámédè-) pl. ámín. n. one respon-
fret, worry. sible, owner, proprietor.
ám (ámá-) pl. ròɓa . n. person. áméda kíʝáe 1 n. landowner. 2 n. indige-
e nous person, local, native. 3 n. God.
ámá na biyá n. foreigner, outsider. See
also ɦyɔ̀àm and ɲeɓúkúita . Amérìkà (Amérìkàà-) n. America.
ámá nà mìɲ n. deaf person. Amérìkààm (Amérìkà-àmà-) pl. Améri-
kaika . n. American.
ámá nà ŋwàx n. disabled person.
amózà (amózàà-) n. small black flying
ámácèka (ámá-cèkì-) pl. roɓacɨkám. ant species that often appears after a
n. someone’s wife. rain as a sign of the coming emergence
ámáìdwa (ámá-ìdò-) n. breast milk. Lit. of edible termites.
‘person-milk’. amʉ́tsa (amʉ́tsá-) pl. amʉ́tsíka . n. debt,
a
ámáìm (ámá-ìmà-) pl. roɓawik . obligation (like having drunk some-
n. someone’s child. one’s beer without having paid for it
ámákɔrɔ́ɓâda (ámá-kɔrɔ́ɓádì-) pl. ámá- by doing work in their garden).
kurúɓâda . n. personal item, personal amʉ́tsáàm (amʉ́tsá-àmà-) pl. amʉ́tsí-
property. kaika . n. debitor, debtor.

15
amʉtsanés arí

amʉtsanés (amʉtsanésí-) v. to collect on Apáásiá (Apáásiáà-) n. a personal name.

a debt. apápánà (<apápánɔ̀ɔ̀n) v.
anás (anásí-) n. male greater kudu. apápánɛ̀ɛ̀tɔ̀n (apápánɛ̀ɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) v. to
Tragelaphus strepsiceros. make peace, reconcile (often for self-
ànɛ̀ (ànɛ̀ɛ̀-) n. vine species whose tuber- centered purposes).
ous roots are peeled and eaten raw or apápánɔ̀ɔ̀n (apápánɔ̀ɔ̀nì-/apápána-)
roasted and whose beanlike seeds are v. to make peace, reconcile (often for
cooked and eaten. Vigna frutescens. self-centered purposes).
Possibly the same vine as málákʉ́r. apéléle (apéléleí-) pl. apélélèìka . n. ces-
anɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (anɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to recall, re- tode, tapeworm.
member (often with regret). Apéríta (Apérítì-) n. a personal name.
anɛtɛ́s (anɛtɛ́sí-) v. to recall, recollect, apɛ́tɛ́pɛ́tánón (apɛ́tɛ́pɛ́tánónì-) 1 v. to be
remember. See also tamɛtɛ́s. scattered around, strewn about. 2 v. to
aniesúƙota (aniesúƙotí-) v. to recall re- wave limbs wildly during a seizure or
peatedly (often with regret). when dying. See also ɨɗɛríɗɛ́rɔ́s.
aŋaras (aŋarasá-) n. gravel. apííròn (apíírònì-) 1 v. to jump down,
jump off. 2 v. to jump to it, leap into
aŋarasááƙwa (aŋarasá-áƙɔ̀-) n. gravelly
action. See also ipííròn.
area.
Apʉs (Apʉsí-) n. a personal name.
Aŋatár (Aŋatárì-) n. name of a hill or
mountain. aráɡwan (aráɡwaní-) pl. aráɡwànìka . 1
n. moon. 2 n. month.
aŋawa (aŋaú-) n. yellowish tobacco
aráɡwànà kɔ̀n n. maize variety. Lit.
leaves.
‘one month’. Also called katʉmán.
aŋɨrɛs (aŋɨrɛsí-) 1 v. to turn, twist. 2 aráɡwaníɛ́bɨtín (aráɡwaní-ɛ́bɨtíní-)
v. to steer (a vehicle).
n. new moon. Lit. ‘moon-horns’.
aŋiriesón (aŋiriesónì-) v. to swerve or aráɡwaníékwa (aráɡwaní-ékù-) n. full
veer repeatedly. moon. Lit. ‘moon-eye’.
Aŋolekóka (Aŋolekókò-) n. name of a Aramasán (Aramasánì-) n. personal
hill or mountain. name of a Bokora man who settled in
Apáálokiɓúka (Apáálokiɓúkù-) n. per- Ikland and married an Ik.
sonal ox-name of a colonial British Dis- Árápííʝí (Árápííʝíì-) n. place named after
trict Commissioner. rocket-propelled grenades (RPG).
Apáálokúka (Apáálokúkú-) n. name of arasí (arasíì-) n. councillor in the Local
an Italian priest (Father Daniel) who Council I (LCI), an administrative unit
founded the Kaabong Catholic mission in the Ugandan government at the vil-
and was killed by the Turkana. lage level.
Apáálomúƙa (Apáálomúƙú-) n. a per- arétón (arétónì-) v. to cross (this direc-
sonal name. tion, to this side).
Apáálòŋìrò (Apáálòŋìròò-) n. a per- arí (aríɛ́-) pl. arííka . n. section of the
sonal name. small intestine.

16
Aríkó aya

Aríkó (Aríkóò-) n. a personal name. atɔŋ (atɔŋɔ́-) n. spotted hyena. Crocuta

àrìŋàs (àrìŋàsì) adv. all the time, always. crocuta. See also natɨŋá.
arír (arírá-) pl. aríríka . n. flame mixed àtsòn (àtsònì-) v. to come.
with smoke. átsʼa (átsʼá-) pl. átsʼítín. n. Sycamore fig:
àrònìàwa (àrònì-àwà-) pl. aroniawíka . huge branching tree in which beehives
n. crossing, bridge, ford. are placed, whose fruits are eaten raw,
and whose wood is used to carve bowls
aronuƙota (aronuƙotí-) v. to cross (to
and troughs. Ficus sycomorus.
that side).
atsʼam (atsʼamá-) n. gnawable food (like
arʉ́rʉ́bɔ̀n (arʉ́rʉ́bɔ̀nì-) v. to stalk.
maize or meat).
arútón (arútónì-) 1 v. to make noise, re-
átsʼɛ́s (átsʼɛ́sì-) 1 v. to chew, gnaw. 2
sound, sound. 2 v. to be famous, well-
v. to bite, sting (of insects). 3 v. to
known (when one’s name resounds).
ache, cause pain, hurt. See also ƙídzɛ̀s.
arútónuƙota (arútónuƙotí-) v. to make átsʼɛ́sà bùbùì n. bellyache, stomach
a noise, sound out. ache.
Áryánkòrì (Áryánkorií-) n. a personal átsʼɛ́sa ɡúróe 1 n. acid reflux, heartburn.
name. 2 n. heartache.
as (así-) pl. ásíka . pro. self, -self. átsʼɛ́sìàmà ròɓàe n. cannibal.
àsàka (àsàkà-) pl. asákíka . 1 n. door, átsʼɛ́sʉƙɔta (átsʼɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to eat all,
doorway. 2 n. patriclan: clan based eat up (by chewing or gnawing). 2
on the father’s lineage. 3 n. verse. v. to bite or sting thoroughly.
àsàkànèba (àsàkà-nèbù-) n. main body átsʼietés (átsʼietésí-) v. to hurt intermit-
of a door. tently.
asínítòn (asínítònì-) v. to dream, envi- atsʼímétòn (atsʼímétònì-) v. to wear out
sion (at night or prophetically). (of clothes, shoes, etc.).
asínítònìàm (asínítònì-àmà-) pl. asíní- aúɡòn (aúɡònì-) v. to emerge and feed
toniika . n. dreamer, fortuneteller, at night (of termites).
prophet. aukes (aukesí-) v. to fill (one’s mouth)
asínón (asínónì-) v. to delay. See also with drink before/without swallowing.
ɨtíɔ́n. awa (awá-) pl. àwìka . 1 n. abode,
Asiróya (Asiróì-) n. a personal name. home, homestead, manyatta, village. 2
asʉnán (asʉnání-) pl. asʉnáníka . n. place.
n. African pencil cedar, a tall evergreen awa ná zè 1 n. big home or village. 2
tree whose fragrant poles are used for n. capital city. 3 n. Heaven.
building and whose bark is pounded awa Ɲákuʝí n. Heaven.
and soaked as a decoction against stom- awááƙwa (awá-áƙɔ̀-) 1 n. compound,
ach ailments. Cupressus lusitanica. grounds, yard. 2 n. home life.
áta (átí-) n. um: a filler word that can awáám (awá-ámà-) pl. awáíka . n. home-
replace a forgotten word of any gram- body, stay-at-home person.
matical category.
aya (aí-) pl. aitín. 1 n. side. 2 n. area,
átà (átà) subordconn. even if. location.

17
bàbà bálábálatés

b
bàbà (bàbàà-) pl. bábàìka . n. armpit, un- bàdòn (bàdònì-) 1 v. to die. 2 v. to
derarm. be in a coma, unconscious. 3 v. to be
babata (babatí-) pl. babátíkwa . 1 broken.
n. his/her/its father. 2 n. his/her un- badona aráɡwaní n. lunar eclipse. Lit.
cle (father’s brother). ‘death of the moon’.
babatíím (babatí-ímà-) pl. babatíwíka . badona fetí n. solar eclipse. Lit. ‘death
n. his/her cousin (father’s brother’s of the sun’.
child). badona ná jèjèⁱ n. natural death. Lit.
babatínánès (babatínánèsì-) n. father- ‘death on a sleeping mat’.
hood, fatherliness. bàdònìàm (bàdònì-àmà-) pl. badoniika .
babatíɲóta (babatí-ɲótà-) n. his/her n. dead person, deceased.
father-in-law (sibling’s spouse’s fa- bàdònìsìm (bàdònì-sìmà-) pl. badoni-
ther). simitín. n. sisal species whose flat
bábò (bábòò-) pl. báboín. 1 n. your fa- white leaves are cut into strips and
ther. 2 n. your uncle (father’s brother). used to bind bodies for burial.
badonuƙota (badonuƙotí-) 1 v. to die. 2
bábòìm (bábò-ìmà-) pl. bábowika .
v. to collapse, go unconscious. 3 v. to
n. your cousin (father’s brother’s
break.
child).
bàɗa (bàɗà-) n. muscle twitching.
báboɲóta (bábo-ɲótá-) n. your father-in-
law (sibling’s spouse’s father). baɗɨbaɗas (baɗɨbaɗasí-) pl. báɗíbàɗà-
sìka . n. fontanelle, soft spot. See also
bácíka (bácíkà-) pl. bácíkìka . 1 n. area,
bɔɗɨbɔɗɔs.
place, spot. 2 n. corridor, walkway. 3
n. part, section. bakutsa (bakutsí-) pl. bákútsìka .
n. breast, chest, pectus, thorax.
bàda (bàdì-) n. giant, goliath: any huge
person or thing. bakútsêda (bakútsédè-) 1 n. middle, cen-
tral part. 2 n. belly (of a pot). Lit. ‘its
bàdìàm (bàdì-àmà-) pl. badiika . 1 n. sor- chest’.
cerer, wizard. 2 n. anything spooky,
bakutsísítsʼa (bakutsí-sítsʼà-) n. chest
weird, uncanny.
hair.
bàdìàm (bàdì-àmà-) n. canine tooth, cus-
baƙáíka (baƙáíkà-) n. exhaustion
pid.
brought on by exertion, hunger, or
badiréta (badirétí-) n. devilry, sorcery, thirst.
wizardry. baƙúlúmòn (baƙúlúmònì-) v. to be
badirétínànès (badirétínànèsì-) n. sor- thickly round (of long objects like rope,
cery, wizardry. See also ƙʉtsʼánánès. string, trees, etc.).
badítésuƙota (badítésuƙotí-) 1 v. to bálábálatés (bálábalatésí-) v. to disre-
make die. 2 v. to make break. gard, ignore, tune out.

18
balɛ́s bátsɛ́s

balɛ́s (balɛ́sí-) v. to disregard, ignore, ne- barítɛ́sʉƙɔta (barítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to enrich,

glect. make rich (originally in terms of live-
balɛ́sá así v. to neglect oneself (e.g. in stock).
hygiene or work). bàrɔ̀àm (bàrɔ̀-àmà-) pl. baroika . n. rich
balɛtɛ́s (balɛtɛ́sí-) v. to disregard, ignore, or wealthy person (originally in terms
neglect. of livestock). See also bàrɔ̀nìàm.
banɛ́s (banɛ́sí-) v. to sharpen, whet. bàròìm (bàrò-ìmà-) pl. bárítíníwika .
n. small flock or herd.
bàr (bàrɔ̀-) pl. bárítín. 1 n. flock, herd.
2 n. riches, wealth. bàrɔ̀n (bàrɔ̀nì-) v. to be rich, wealthy,
well-off (originally in terms of live-
baráʝónuƙota (baráʝónuƙotí-) v. to sleep
stock).
(of more than one person).
bàrɔ̀nìàm (bàrɔ̀nì-àmà-) pl. barɔniika .
barata (baratí-) pl. bárátìka . n. sisal
n. rich or wealthy person (originally in
species with flat leaves whose fibers
terms of livestock). See also bàrɔ̀àm.
are used to make string, rope, hunting
nets, and termite traps; pieces of the barɔnʉƙɔta (barɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to get rich
plant may be tied to the limbs of the or wealthy.
dead before they are burried. Sanse- bás (básá-) pl. básín. n. beam, ray, or
vieria sp. shaft of light. See also sʉ́wa .
barata (baratí-) pl. bárátìka . n. large fig basaúr (basaúré-) n. eland. Tragelaphus
tree species whose fruits are eaten and (Taurotragus) oryx.
whose sap is chewed as gum; beehives
basaúréèkwa (basaúré-èkù-) n. medium-
are placed in its branches. Ficus platy-
sized tree species found growing down
phylla.
the Rift Valley escarpment; it has red
baratídɛ̀ (baratí-dɛ̀à-) n. base or foot of flowers and extremely hard wood used
a fig tree (Ficus platyphylla), often a sa- for roof rafters. Lit. ‘eland-eye’.
cred place or the site of significant cul-
Basaúréika (Basaúré-icé-) n. traditional
tural activities like dances and prayers.
men’s age-group with the eland as its
baratíɡwà (baratí-ɡwàà-) n. yellow totem (# 6 in historical line). Lit.
white-eye. Lit. ‘fig tree bird’. Zosterops ‘Eland-Folk’. Also called Ŋíwápɛtoika .
senegalensis.
bàsɔ̀n (bàsɔ̀nì-) v. to dot, fleck, spot (e.g.
baratísím (baratí-símà-) pl. baratísímí- insect droppings).
tín. n. rope made of the fibers of a San-
batánón (batánónì-) 1 v. to be easy, sim-
seviera sisal plant.
ple. 2 v. to be ‘easy’, easily seduced. 3
baratsa (baratsó-) pl. barátsíkwa . 1 v. to be gentle, kind. 4 v. to be humble.
n. morning. 2 n. morrow. 5 v. to be cheap.
baratso n. in the morning. bàtse (=bèè/bɛ̀ɛ̀) adv. last, yester-:
bárɛ́tɔ̀n (bárɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to start getting yester-hour, yesterday, yesteryear.
rich or wealthy. bátsɛ́s (bátsɛ́sì-) v. to scrape off (e.g.
barís (barísá-) pl. barísíka . n. rock hyrax. bark, peelings, skin). See also sɛkɛ́s and
Procavia johnstoni. tʉkʉrɛs.

19
bátsʼa bɛrɛtɛ́s

bátsʼa (bátsʼá-) n. pus, suppuration. bɛfa na ɡóɡòròʝìkàe n. Gaboon viper.

baúcùè (baú-cùè-) n. amniotic fluid. Lit. ‘adder with ridges’. Bitis gabonica.
bɛ́bam (bɛ́bamá-) 1 n. fat slug (describ- bɛfácɛ́mɛ́r (bɛfá-cɛ́mɛ́rí-) n. small reed-
ing termites with fatty bodies). 2 n. fat- like plant species with thorns and
ass, fatso. whose roots are pounded, ground, and
applied to snake-bites; legend is that
béberés (béberésí-) 1 v. to pull, tow. 2
puff adders themselves taught people
v. to draw out, extract (e.g. blood or
about this treatment. Lit. ‘puff adder
information).
herb’. Cissus rhodesiae.
béberésúƙota (béberésúƙotí-) v. to drag
bɛfʉ́dɔ̀n (bɛfʉ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be bulky, hefty.
away/off, pull away.
See also bɛfʉ́kʉ́mɔ̀n.
béberésuƙota así 1 v. to scoot, skid. 2 bɛfʉ́kʉ́mɔ̀n (bɛfʉ́kʉ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be
v. to refuse treatment for oneself. bulky, hefty. See also bɛfʉ́dɔ̀n.
béberetés (béberetésí- ) 1 v. to pull in, bèkwa (bèkù-) pl. bekwitín. n. warthog
pull this way. 2 v. to imbibe, ingest, boar. Phacochoerus aethiopicus.
take (drink or medicine).
bɛná (<bɛnɔ́ɔ́n) v.
béberiés (béberiesí-) v. to drag or pull
along. beniitesa kíʝáe n. transformation of
the land (e.g. due to development or
bɛ̀ɗɛ (bɛ̀ɗɛ̀) 1 ideo. thinly. 2 ideo. lightly weather patterns).
in color.
beníón (beníónì-) 1 v. to not be (some-
bɛɗɛ́dɔ̀n (bɛɗɛ́dɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be delicately one or something). 2 v. to be unique.
thin, gossamer. 2 v. to be light in color. See also bɛnɔ́ɔ́n.
bɛ́ɗɛ́s (bɛ́ɗɛ́sì-) 1 v. to need, want. 2 beníónuƙota (beníónuƙotí-) v. to
v. to look or search for, seek. 3 v. to change, transform.
intend (to do). 4 v. to almost do (by
accident). bɛnɔ́ɔ́n (bɛnɔ́ɔ́nì-/bɛná-) 1 v. to not be
(someone or something). 2 v. to be
bɛ́ɗɛ́sa ɦyekesí v. to try to earn a living. unique. See also beníón.
Lit. ‘to look for life’.
bɛrɛ́s (bɛrɛ́sí-) 1 v. to build, construct,
bɛ́ɗɛ́sa wasɔ́ɛ v. to stand (for nomina- mould, make. 2 v. to develop, raise
tion). up (e.g. a community or country). 3
bɛɗɛtɛ́s (bɛɗɛtɛ́sí-) v. to look or search v. to braid, plait, weave. 4 v. to bom-
for, seek. See also ɨkʉʝɛs. bard with spears, spear (many animals
béɗíbeɗú (béɗíbeɗúù-) pl. béɗíbeɗúìka . at once).
1 n. butterfly. 2 n. letter, missive. See bɛrɛ́sá mɛnáɛ v. to go over matters, pro-
also bóɗíboɗú. cess issues. Lit. ‘to build matters’.
beemón (beemónì-) v. to crack slightly bɛrɛ́síàm (bɛrɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. bɛrɛ́síika .
without coming apart. n. builder.
bɛf (bɛfá-) pl. bɛfɨtín. n. puff adder or bɛrɛ́síama dómítíní n. potter.
viper in general. Bitis arietans. bɛrɛtɛ́s (bɛrɛtɛ́sí-) v. to craft, form,
bɛ̀f (bɛ̀fʉ̀) ideo. bulkily, heftily. shape, sculpt.

20
bɛrɛtɛ́sá mɛnáɛ bìta

bɛrɛtɛ́sá mɛnáɛ v. to come to a consen- bɨlamʉ́síàm (bɨlamʉ́sí-àmà-) pl. bɨlamʉ́-

sus. síika . n. village elder who adjudicates
bèrrr (bèrrr) ideo. baa! (bleating sound community matters.
of goats and sheep). bílíkɛrɛtɛ́ (bílíkɛrɛtɛ́ɛ̀-) n. crested fran-
betsínákwɛ̀ta (betsíná-kwɛ̀tà- ) pl. be- colin. Francolinus sephaena.
tsínákwɛtíka . n. left hand. bilóbà (bi-lóbàà-) n. your grandchild.
betsínáŋabér (betsíná-ŋabérí-) pl. be- bílɔɔrɔ́ (bílɔɔrɔ́ɔ̀-) n. fiscal, shrike. La-
tsínáŋabéríka . n. lefthand rib. nius sp.
betsínón (betsínónì-) 1 v. to be awk- binamúí (bi-namúíì-) pl. binamúátikwa .
ward, gauche, inept (e.g.in one’s limbs 1 n. your sibling-in-law (husband’s sib-
or speech). 2 n. to be left-handed, sinis- ling). 2 n. your sister-in-law (brother’s
tral. See also ɨɓaŋíɓáŋɔ̀n. wife).
bɛ̀ʉ̀r (bɛ̀ʉ̀rà-) n. fork-tailed drongo. Di- binamúíìm (bi-namúí-ìmà-) pl. bi-
crurus adsimilis. See also mɛ̀ʉ̀r. namúíwika . n. your niece or nephew
béúrètòn (béúrètònì-) v. to bellow, roar. (husband’s sibling’s child).
See also ábʉ̀bʉ̀ƙɔ̀n. binêba (bi-nébù-) n. yourself (singular).
bezekanitetésá tódàe v. to exchange Lit. ‘your body’.
words. bìɲ (bìɲì-) n. tiny red waterworm that
bezekánón (bezekánónì-) v. to fail to swims vertically.
cross paths or meet. bɨɲɛ́s (bɨɲɛ́sí-) v. to push nearer to.
bézèkètìkìn (bézèkètìkìnì-) n. crossroad, biɲóta (bi-ɲótá-) 1 n. your foreign
junction. friend. 2 n. your sibling-in-law (child’s
bì (bì-) pl. bìta . pro. you/your (singular). spouse’s parent).
bîba (bíbà-) n. dove, pigeon. biɲótáìm (bi-ɲótá-ìmà-) pl. biɲó-
a a táwika . n. your niece or nephew-in-
bɨbɨʝ (bɨbɨʝí-) pl. bíbìʝìk . n. chicken
law (child’s spouse’s sibling).
breastbone.
bicéka (bi-cékì-) n. your wife. bɨrá (<bɨrɔ́ɔ́n) v.

bìɗa (bìɗà-) pl. bɨɗɨtín. 1 n. bile, gall. 2 bɨráʉ́tɔ̀n (bɨráʉ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to be decreased,

n. gallbladder. less.

bìɗàhò (bìɗà-hòò-) pl. bɨɗahoíka . bírɛ́s (bírɛ́sì-) v. to avail, give, help.

n. gallbladder. bíro (bíroó-) n. bird species.
biéákwa (bi-éákwá-) n. your husband. bɨrɔ́ɔ́n (bɨrɔ́ɔ́nì-/bɨrá-) v. to be lacking,
biemetá (bi-emetáà-) pl. biemetátikwa . not there, unavailable.
n. your parent-in-law (of men). bɨrɔ́ɔ́nìmɛ̀n (bɨrɔ́ɔ́nì-mɛ̀nà-) n. lack (as
biɛ́n (bi-ɛ́ní-) pro. yours (singular). in ‘due to the lack of …’).
biím (bi-imá-) pl. biwíka . 1 n. your child. bisáka (bisáká-) n. appetite for meat,
2 n. your niece or nephew (brother’s meat hunger.
child). bìta (bìtì-) pro. you/your (plural).

21
bitáŋá bɔlɔnʉƙɔta

bitáŋá (bi-táŋáì-) n. your co-: cohort, bɔɗɔ́ka (bɔɗɔ́kʉ́-) pl. bɔɗɔ́kíka . 1 n. bark,
colleague, comrade, etc. husk, rind. 2 n. gun safety mechanism.
bítés (bítésì-) v. to spray. bɔ̀f (bɔ̀fɔ̀) ideo. puffily.
bɨtɛ́tɔ́n (bɨtɛ́tɔ́nì-) v. to increase, multi- bofétón (bofétónì-) v. to shout, yell.
ply. bɔfɔ́dɔ̀n (bɔfɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be puffy, tumid,
bitiɛn (biti-ɛní-) pro. yours (plural). turgid.
bɔfɔƙɔr (bɔfɔƙɔ́rɛ́-) pl. bɔfɔƙɔ́ríka .
bitinebitín (biti-nebitíní-) n. yourselves
n. ram: uncastrated male goat.
(plural). Lit. ‘your bodies’.
bófón (bófónì-) v. to shout, yell.
bɨtɨtam (bɨtɨtamá-) n. increase, profit.
bóɡès (bóɡèsì-) v. to catch off guard,
bɨtɨtɛtɛ́s (bɨtɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to increase, mul- storm, surprise, take by surprise. See
tiply. also itúúmés.
bitsétón (bitsétónì-) 1 v. to expire, pass bɔɨbɔ́ɔ́n (bɔɨbɔ́ɔ́nì-) v. to be reddish-
away, perish. 2 v. to be exhausted, brown.
used up (energy, wealth). bɔ̀ka (bɔ̀kà-) pl. bɔ́kítín. n. crotch or fork
biya (biyá-) n. outside. in a plant or tree.
biyáxán (biyá-xánà-) n. outside. bɔ̀kɛ̀da (bɔ̀kɛ̀dɛ̀-) pl. bɔ̀kìn. n. crotch or
bízès (bízèsì-) v. to press, push, squeeze. fork in a plant or tree.
bòkìbòka (bòkìbòkì-) pl. bokíbókìka .
bízetés (bízetésí-) v. to press out,
n. jowl.
squeeze out.
bokímón (bokímónì-) v. to get caught
bízibizatés (bízibizatésí-) v. to press or or stuck in/on.
squeeze all over.
bɔkɔ́ka (bɔkɔ́kɔ́-) pl. bɔkɔ́kíka . n. old
bɔ̀ (bɔ̀ɔ̀-) pl. bɔɨtín. n. section of the black honeycomb.
large intestine. bɔkɔ́s (bɔkɔ́sí-) pl. bɔkɔ́síka . n. neck-
bɔbá (bɔbáà-) pl. bɔbáín. 1 n. my grand- bone, upper cervical vertibrae.
father. 2 n. my father-in-law (of bɔƙátín (bɔƙátíní-) pl. bòkèta . 1 n. bride.
women). 2 n. daughter-in-law.
bɔbata (bɔbatí-) pl. bɔbatíkwa . 1 bɔƙátíníèàkwa (bɔƙátíní-èàkwà-)
n. his/her grandfather. 2 n. her father- n. bridegroom, groom.
in-law. bɔlɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (bɔlɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to forego,
bɔ́bɔ̀ (bɔ́bɔ̀ɔ̀-) pl. bɔ́bɔín. 1 n. your grand- give up, relinquish.
father. 2 n. your father-in-law (of bɔlɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (bɔlɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to make
women). someone stop doing.
bɔɗɨbɔɗɔs (bɔɗɨbɔɗɔsí-) pl. bɔ́ɗí- bɔlɔl (bɔlɔlɔ́-) pl. bolólíkwa . n. back-
bɔ̀ɗɔ̀sìka . n. fontanelle, soft spot. See yard: spot outside a home where
also baɗɨbaɗas. ashes/rubbish are dumped and where
bóɗíboɗú (bóɗíboɗúù-) pl. bóɗi- people go for their toilet.
boɗúìka . 1 n. butterfly. 2 n. letter, bɔlɔnʉƙɔta (bɔlɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to cease, de-
missive. See also béɗíbeɗú. sist, stop doing.

22
bòmòn bositíníàm

bòmòn (bòmònì-) 1 v. to be dense, thick bòròkùìm (bòròkù-ìmà-) pl. boroku-

(of undergrowth). 2 v. to be fertile, wika . n. bushpig piglet.
prolific (of people and animals). borokuŋwa (boroku-ŋwaá-) n. bushpig
bɔn (bɔnɛ́-) n. caretaking, provision (for sow.
dependent persons). bɔrɔƙɔƙa (bɔrɔƙɔƙɔ́-) pl. bɔrɔ́ƙɔ́ƙìka .
bɔnán (bɔnání-) pl. bɔnánáikwa . n. de- n. tobacco cone.
pendent, orphan. bɔ́rɔ́n (bɔ́rɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be tired. 2 v. to
bɔnánés (bɔnánésì-) n. dependence, or- be bored, uninterested.
phanhood. bɔrɔ́ɔ́n (bɔrɔ́ɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be ajar, open.
bɔnɛ́ám (bɔnɛ́-ámà-) pl. bɔnéíka . n. care- 2 v. to be loud (of a voice). See also
taker, provider. ŋawíɔ́n.
bɔnɛ́s (bɔnɛ́sí-) 1 v. to care or provide bɔ́rɔ́rɔ̀n (bɔ́rɔ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to cry out (in
for (esp. with food). 2 v. to feed, give alarm, fear, or pain). See also werétsón.
food relief. 3 v. to domesticate, tame bɔ̀rɔ̀tsa (bɔ̀rɔ̀tsà-) n. erosion, landslide,
(by feeding). mudslide. See also dìdìàka .
bònìta (bònìtà-) pl. bonítíka . 1 n. kind, Bɔ̀rɔ̀tsààka (Bɔ̀rɔ̀tsà-àkà-) n. name of a
species, type, variety. 2 n. clan. See place. Lit. ‘erosion-mouth’.
also ɲákaɓɨlá. borotsiés (borotsiesí-) v. to blow gently
bɔ̀ɲ (bɔ̀ɲɔ̀) ideo. brittlely. on.
bɔɲɔ́dɔ̀n (bɔɲɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be brittle. bɔrɔ́tsɔ́mɔ̀n (bɔrɔ́tsɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be
bɔ́ŋɔ́n (bɔ́ŋɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be nearly ripe goopy, sludgy (of any viscous liquid).
(showing some color). 2 v. to be fruit- See also ɓɔrɔ́tɔ́mɔ̀n.
laden. bòs (bòsì-) pl. bositín. n. ear.
boŋórén (boŋórénì-) pl. boŋórénìk . a bósánòn (bósánònì-) v. to be blue-gray.
n. red dirt or soil (naturally occuring See also kábusubusánón.
or from being burnt). bɔsɛtɛ́s (bɔsɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to collect, gather
bòrèn (bòrènì-) pl. bórénìk . 1 n. fatty
a (e.g. contributions, donations). 2 v. to
chicken tail. 2 n. small bottle-like summarize, sum up. See also ɨtsʉnɛtɛ́s.
gourd used as a butter or oil flask. bòsìèkwa (bòsì-èkù-) pl. bosiekwitín.
bɔrɛ́tɔ́n (bɔrɛ́tɔ́nì-) 1 v. to become tired, n. ear hole.
tire. 2 v. to become bored, lose inter- bòsìɔ̀ka (bòsì-ɔ̀kà-) pl. bosiɔkɨtín. 1
est. n. temporal (outer ear) bone, os tem-
bɔrɔ́ɗɔ́mɔ̀n (bɔrɔ́ɗɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be shriv- porale. 2 n. inner ear bone.
eled, shrunken (like a deflated ball or bòsìsìtsʼa (bòsì-sìtsʼà-) n. ear hair.
one’s eyes). bɔsɨtɛtɛ́s (bɔsɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to extract con-
bòròka (bòròkù-) n. bushpig. Potamo- tributions from.
choerus porcus. bositíníàm (bositíní-àmà-) pl. bosití-
borokucúrúka (boroku-cúrúkù-) níika . 1 n. deaf person. 2 n. nickname
n. bushpig boar. for a hare or rabbit.

23
bota bùɗàm

bota (botá-) pl. botitín. 1 n. burden, bubú (bubú) nurs. nighty-night! (a nurs-
cargo, load. 2 n. migration, movement, ery word for sleeping).
wave. bùbù (bùbùà-) pl. búbùìka . n. abdomen,
a belly, gut.
botáám (botá-ámà-) pl. botáík . n. im-
migrant, migrant. bùbùàƙwa (bùbù-àƙɔ̀-) 1 n. abdominal
botedo n. all, as a whole, entirely. cavity, bowel, gut. 2 n. bolt carrier.
bɔ́tɛ́s (bɔ́tɛ́sì-) v. to shape (with a blade), búbùèda (búbùèdè-) n. underbelly, un-
shave. derside. Lit. ‘its belly’.
bɔtɛtam (bɔtɛtamá-) n. wood shaving. búbuiem (búbui-emé-) n. back part
botétón (botétónì-) v. to migrate or or underpart of an animal’s leg, from
move this way. the ankle to the thigh, which is the
women’s special cut of meat.
botibotos (botibotosí-) v. to be migra-
bʉbʉn (bʉbʉná-) pl. bʉ́bʉ̀nìka . 1 n. cin-
tory, nomadic.
der, coal, ember. 2 n. bullet, slug.
botibotosíám (botibotosí-ámà-) pl. bo-
bʉbʉnɔ́ɔ́ʝa (bʉbʉnɔ́-ɔ́ʝà-) pl. bʉbʉnɔ́ɔ́ʝí-
tibotosííka . n. drifter, migrant, nomad.
tín. n. bullet or gunshot wound.
botitín (botitíní-) n. baggage, cargo, lug-
bùbùɔ̀ʝa (bùbù-ɔ̀ʝà-) pl. bubuɔʝɨtín.
gage.
n. stomach ulcer.
bòtòn (bòtònì-) v. to migrate, move.
bubuxánón (bubuxánónì-) 1 v. to be soft
botonuƙota (botonuƙotí-) v. to migrate (like ripe figs). 2 v. to blistered, vesi-
or move away. cated.
bótsón (bótsónì-) 1 v. to be clear, open, bubuxánónuƙota (bubuxánónuƙotí-) 1
vacant. 2 v. to be empty, hollow. v. to become soft, soften (like ripe
bótsóna ikáe v. to be clear, sober (of figs). 2 v. to blister, vesicate. See also
one’s mind). ileɓíléɓòn.
bóx (bóxá-) 1 n. nightjar. 2 n. idiot, budés (budésí-) v. to conceal or hide
moron, stupid person. oneself.
boxoƙoréta (boxoƙorétí-) pl. boxoƙo- búdès (búdèsì-) 1 v. to bury, inhume, in-
rétíka . n. tall softwood tree species ter, lay to rest. 2 v. to conceal, hide.
whose bland, red berries are eaten by See also muɗés and tʉnʉkɛs.
children and whose wood is carved budésón (budésónì-) v. to be concealed,
into bowls and cups. Cussonia arborea. hidden.
bú (búá-) n. airborn dust, dust cloud. budésónuƙota (budésónuƙotí-) v. to be-
a
buanítésuƙot (buanítésuƙotí-) v. to come hidden.
lose, hide, make disappear, misplace. búdesuƙota (búdesuƙotí-) 1 v. to bury.
buanón (buanónì-) v. to be lost, disap- 2 v. to conceal, hide.
peared, misplaced. búdòs (búdòsì-) v. to be concealed,
a
buanónuƙot (buanónuƙotí-) v. to dis- covert, hidden, private, secret.
appear, fade, evaporate, get lost. bùɗàm (bùɗàmà-) n. darkness.

24
buɗamaakón bulonuƙota

buɗamaakón (buɗamaakónì-) 1 v. to be bukúrésuƙota (bukúrésuƙotí-) 1 v. to

dark (of many). 2 v. to be black (of overturn, turn over, upset. 2 v. to
many). 3 v. to be dirty (of many). 4 cover up.
v. to be dim (of many). bukúrésuƙota así v. to dump over, over-
buɗamés (buɗamésí-) v. to move after turn, spill.
dark. buƙa (buƙú-) n. brideprice (and all asso-
buɗámón (buɗámónì-) 1 v. to be dark. 2 ciated ceremonies).
v. to be black. 3 v. to be dirty. 4 v. to
buƙés (buƙésí-) v. to pay for a bride
be dim (of eyesight). 5 v. to be dim or
by giving gifts and doing work for her
dull in intellect. 6 v. to be meaningless,
family on a continual basis.
pointless.
buƙésúƙota (buƙésúƙotí-) v. to pay out
buɗámónìàm (buɗámónì-àmà-) pl.
for a bride by giving gifts and doing
buɗámóniika . 1 n. black person. 2
work for her family on a continual ba-
n. African. 3 n. human being.
sis.
Buɗámóniicékíʝa (Buɗámóni-icé-kíʝà-)
buƙetés (buƙetésí-) v. to start paying for
n. Africa.
a bride by giving gifts and working for
bùɗu (bùɗù) ideo. softly. her family on a continual basis.
buɗúditésúƙota (buɗúditésúƙotí-) v. to buƙitetés (buƙitetésí-) v. to extract
make soft, soften up. brideprice.
buɗúdòn (buɗúdònì-) v. to be soft. buƙós (buƙósí-) v. to be married (of a
bùf (bùfù) ideo. spongily. woman) by virtue of having been paid
bufúdòn (bufúdònì-) v. to be spongy. for with brideprice.
buɡwám (b-uɡwámá-) pl. buɡwá- buƙotam (buƙotamá-) n. anything pay-
mátikwa . 1 n. your sibling-in-law able as part of the brideprice.
(wife’s sibling). 2 n. your sibling- buƙúám (buƙú-ámà-) pl. buƙúíka .
in-law (brother’s wife’s sibling). 3 n. brideprice payer: the groom and any
n. your brother-in-law (sister’s hus- of his relatives.
band). 4 n. your sibling-in-law (sis-
buƙusítésuƙota (buƙusítésuƙotí-) v. to
ter’s husband’s sibling).
overturn, turn over, upset.
bukites (bukitesí-) v. to lay prostrate.
bʉláʝámɔ̀n (bʉláʝámɔ̀nì-) v. to be debile,
bùkòn (bùkònì-) v. to be or lie prostrate. sapless, weak (from fatigue or sick-
bukonuƙota (bukonuƙotí-) v. to lie ness). See also daƙwádòn.
down prostrate. See also eponuƙota and bùlòn (bùlònì-) 1 v. to be empty, void. 2
itsólóŋòn. v. to be unoccupied, vacant. 3 v. to be
bukukánón (bukukánónì-) v. to be or lie free, unburdened. 4 v. to be destitute,
prostrate (e.g. while deep in thought). impoverished, poor.
bukures (bukuresí-) v. to overturn, bulonuƙota (bulonuƙotí-) 1 v. to empty
turn over, upset. See also iɓéléés and out. 2 v. to become unoccupied or va-
iɓélúkéés. cant. 3 v. to die off/out, go extinct.

25
bʉlʉbʉláta buúù

bʉlʉbʉláta (bʉlʉbʉlátí-) pl. bʉlʉbʉ- búɲèn (búɲènì-) pl. buɲéníka .

látíka . n. fire lily: plant species whose n. crumbly substance (like rock or soil
bulb is used to store tobacco (promot- that crumbles to powder when you
ing fermentation) and is made into a pinch it between your fingers).
thread to patch beehives or gourds; its bur (buré-) n. dust.
large red or pink flowers are worn on
bùr (bùrà) ideo. mushily.
the head by children during its brief
blooming season. Drimia altissima. burádòn (burádònì-) v. to be mushy,
e soft (like boiled pumpkin, damp soil, or
bʉlʉbʉláta na sábàìkà n. plant species
egg yolk). See also dabúdòn.
whose leaves are made into children’s
bracelets. Lit. ‘lily of the rivers’. Typha bùràtsa (bùràtsì-) pl. burátsíka . n. bat-
sp. eared fox. Otocyon megalotis.
bʉlʉbʉlɔs (bʉlʉbʉlɔsí-) 1 v. to be froo- bʉrɛ́tɔ́n (bʉrɛ́tɔ́nì-) 1 v. to fly, take flight,
fy, poofy, puffy (of animal tails and take off flying. 2 v. to wake suddenly.
hairstyles). 2 v. to be bristling, bristly bʉ̀rɔ̀n (bʉ̀rɔ̀nì-) v. to fly.
(of hedgehogs, porcupines, and women bʉrɔnʉƙɔta (bʉrɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to fly
with lots of jewelry). off/away, take off flying.
bulukéta (bulukétí-) pl. bulukétíka . Burukáya (Burukáí-) n. Turkanaland,
n. small gourd used as an enema northwest Kenya.
to rectally self-administer concoctions
bùrùkùtsa (bùrùkùtsì-) pl. burúkútsìka .
against intestinal illness.
n. kneecap, patella.
bùlùƙu (bùlùƙù) ideo. splash! (sound
bùsùbùs (bùsùbùsì-) pl. búsùbùsìka .
made by something landing in water).
n. papyrus-like water plant species
bulúƙúmòn (bulúƙúmònì-) v. to be bul- whose stalks are used as drinking
bous, bulging (like a gourd or a head). straws and whose white pith is used
See also lɔrɔ́dɔ̀n. to kill owls, hyenas, and other wizardly
bulútésuƙota (bulútésuƙotí-) 1 v. to creatures. Cyperus alternifolius.
empty out. 2 v. to clear out, vacate. bútés (bútésì-) v. to drink like a cow in
3 v. to eradicate, wipe out. long slow drags.
bunétón (bunétónì-) v. to come across, bùtsa (bùtsà-) pl. butsitín. n. patch of
happen upon. ground where birds dust-bathe.
bùnòn (bùnònì-) v. to come across, hap- búúbuanón (búúbuanónì-) v. to be in-
pen upon. frequent, rare, scarce.
bùɲ (bùɲà) ideo. crumbly. buúù (buúù) ideo. moo! (sound of cows
buɲádòn (buɲádònì-) v. to be crumbly. lowing).

26
ɓa ɓɛ́ɓɛ́lɛ́s

ɓ
ɓa (ɓa) ideo. unliftably. ɓariɓárón (ɓariɓárónì-) v. to be piquant,
ɓá (ɓá) nurs. yum-yum! (a nursery word sharp in taste, tart. See also ɓárikíkón.
for food or eating). See also mamá. ɓarɨɓárɔ́n (ɓarɨɓárɔ́nì-) v. to be medium-
ɓaaɓánón (ɓaaɓánónì-) v. to be cracked. sized. See also ʝɔ̀ƙɔ̀n and lerúkúmòn.
ɓaɓaránón (ɓaɓaránónì-) v. to linger, ɓarɨɓárɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɓarɨɓárɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to
loiter (sitting or standing). become a bit bigger, enlarge slightly
ɓàʝa (ɓàʝì-) pl. ɓaʝɨtín. n. large tree (from small to medium).
species whose bark is decocted and ɓárikíkón (ɓárikíkónì-) v. to be piquant,
drunk for heartburn and whose para- sharp in taste, tart. See also ɓariɓárón.
sitic plant is applied to swollen body ɓarites (ɓaritesí-) 1 v. to make sour. 2
parts; its bark may also be chewed and v. to make feel bad, upset.
applied to one’s head and attached to ɓarítésuƙota (ɓarítésuƙotí-) 1 v. to make
one’s bracelet as a charm to make one sour. 2 v. to make feel bad, upset.
attractive to friends and invisible to en- ɓáritson (ɓáritsoní-) n. small black ant
emies. Boscia angustifolia. species that causes pain if it gets in an
ɓakɨɓákɔ́n (ɓakɨɓákɔ́nì-) v. to be slightly eye. Also called sɨŋíl.
bitter. ɓàròn (ɓàrònì-) v. to be sour, tart.
ɓaláŋ (ɓaláŋí-) pl. ɓaláŋíka . n. tooth- ɓaronuƙota (ɓaronuƙotí-) v. to ferment,
brush tree: species whose stems are sour.
used to clean teeth, whose root decoc-
tion is drunk for chest or stomach pain ɓatísimú (ɓatísimúù-) n. baptism.
(esp. women after delivery), and whose ɓatísimúêda (ɓatísimú-édì-) pl. ɓatísi-
fruits are eaten raw. Salvadora persica. múéditín. n. baptismal name, Chris-
ɓalídɔ̀n (ɓalídɔ̀nì-) v. to be gleaming, tian name.
glistening. See also pirídòn. ɓatísimúkabáɗa (ɓatísimú-kabáɗá-) pl.
ɓaŋás (ɓaŋásí-) 1 n. looseness, slackness. ɓatísimúkabáɗíka . n. baptismal certifi-
2 n. plainness, simplicity. cate.
ɓàŋɔ̀n (ɓàŋɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be free, loose, ɓátsɛ́s (ɓátsɛ́sì-) v. to spread around (e.g.
slack. 2 v. to be plain, simple, uncom- food in order to cool it). See also iwies.
plicated. ɓátsɛ́sa así v. to spread oneself open
ɓaram (ɓaramá-) n. sour porridge used (that is, one’s legs while sitting, often
as mash to make beer. immodestly).
ɓarán (ɓarání-) pl. ɓaráníka . n. in- ɓatsilárón (ɓatsilárónì-) v. to be acerbic,
ner chamber of an anthill or termite acrid.
mound. ɓau (ɓau) ideo. seriously, steadily.
ɓarɨɓárítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɓarɨɓárítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to ɓàz (ɓàzì) 1 interj. so then, then. 2 in-
enlarge slightly, make a bit bigger terj. so there, you see?
(from small to medium). ɓɛ́ɓɛ́lɛ́s (ɓɛ́ɓɛ́lɛ́sí-) v. to split open/apart.

27
ɓɛ́ɓɛ́lɔ́s ɓètsʼìɓètsʼòn

ɓɛ́ɓɛ́lɔ́s (ɓɛ́ɓɛ́lɔ́sí-) v. to be split open/ ɓɛƙɛ́sínɔ́s (ɓɛƙɛ́sínɔ́sí-) 1 v. to walk to-

apart. gether. 2 v. to travel together.
ɓɛɨɓɛ́ɔ́n (ɓɛɨɓɛ́ɔ́nì-) v. to burn or sting ɓɛƙɛsɔs (ɓɛƙɛsɔsí-) v. to be ambulatory,
(of pain). mobile, on the move.
ɓɛʝɛ́kwa (ɓɛʝɛ́kʉ̀-) n. late-flying edible ɓɛƙɛsɔsíám (ɓɛƙɛsɔsí-ámà-) pl. ɓɛƙɛ-
termites that are less nutritious and sɔsííka . n. roamer, rover, wanderer.
tasty than their forerunners. ɓɛlɛ́ɓɛ́lánón (ɓɛlɛ́ɓɛ́lánónì-) v. to be
ɓɛkam (ɓɛkamá-) n. incitement, provo- chapped, cracked, split open.
cation. Ɓèlèkwa (Ɓèlèkù-) n. name of a flat area
ɓɛkánón (ɓɛkánónì-) v. to be incitive, in Turkanaland, Kenya.
inflammatory, provoking, rankling. ɓɛlɛlɛtsɛ (ɓɛlɛlɛtsɛ) ideo. flatly, pronely.
ɓɛkɛ (ɓɛkɛ) ideo. snap! (sound of some- ɓelémón (ɓelémónì-) 1 v. to crack or
thing thin snapping). split open (like burnt skin). 2 v. to
ɓɛkɛ́s (ɓɛkɛ́sí-) v. to perforate, puncture. break (of day), dawn.
ɓɛlɛ́rɛ́mɔ̀n (ɓɛlɛ́rɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be bug-
ɓɛkɛtɛ́s (ɓɛkɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to perforate,
eyed.
puncture. 2 v. to incite, provoke, ran-
kle. ɓɛlɛ́s (ɓɛlɛ́sí-) v. to crack, split.
ɓɛkɛ́tɔ́n (ɓɛkɛ́tɔ́nì-) v. to hatch (of ɓɛlɛtɛ́s (ɓɛlɛtɛ́sí-) v. to crack, split.
chicks). See also ɨɓɛ́ɓɛ́ɛ̀tɔ̀n. ɓeletiés (ɓeletiesí-) v. to split apart mul-
ɓɛkɨɓɛ́kɔ́n (ɓɛkɨɓɛ́kɔ́nì-) v. to rustle. tiply.
ɓɛlɔ́s (ɓɛlɔ́sí-) v. to be cracked, split.
ɓɛƙɛ́s (ɓɛƙɛ́sí-) 1 v. to walk. 2 v. to
travel. 3 v. to move. ɓereɲiés (ɓereɲiesí-) v. to pry open/
apart (like grass so one can look
ɓɛƙɛ́sá buɗámíke v. to move blindly.
through, or one’s eyelids when fight-
ɓɛƙɛ́sá kútúŋìko v. to walk on the knees. ing sleep).
ɓɛƙɛ́sá kwɛ̀tìkɔ v. to walk on the hands. ɓɛtɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n (ɓɛtɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be flatly or
ɓɛƙɛ́sá turúùke v. to stumble ahead. shallowly concave. See also fɛtɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n.
ɓɛƙɛ́sá wɛwɛɛs v. to walk leisurely. ɓetsʼaakón (ɓetsʼaakónì-) 1 v. to be
white (of many). 2 v. to be light in
ɓɛƙɛ́sá ziál v. to walk laboriously (like
color (of many). 3 v. to be clear, trans-
an obese or pregnant person).
parent (of many).
ɓɛƙɛ́síàm (ɓɛƙɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. ɓɛƙɛ́síika . 1 ɓetsʼakáwa (ɓetsʼa-káú-) n. shrub spe-
n. pedestrian, walker. 2 n. traveler, cies with ash-white bark, found grow-
wayfarer. ing down the escarpment; a decoction
ɓɛƙɛ́síama mukú n. one who walks at of its bark can be applied as a salve for
night (like a lover or wizard or merely skin abrasions. Lit. ‘white-ash’. Olinia
someone who has not reached their rochetiana.
destination by dark). ɓètsʼìɓètsʼòn (ɓètsʼìɓètsʼònì-) 1 v. to be
ɓɛƙɛ́síkabáɗa (ɓɛƙɛ́sí-kabáɗá-) pl. ɓɛƙɛ́- slightly white, whitish. 2 v. to be
síkabáɗíka . n. identity card, passport. slightly light (of daytime).

28
ɓɛtsʼɨɗɔ́ɗɔ́n ɓɔ́kɔ̀ɲ

ɓɛtsʼɨɗɔ́ɗɔ́n (ɓɛtsʼɨɗɔ́ɗɔ́nì-) v. to be ɓirídòn (ɓirídònì-) v. to be squashy,

whitish. squishy (like boiled greens or wet
ɓetsʼitetés (ɓetsʼitetésí-) 1 v. to make ground). See also rɔʝɔ́dɔ̀n.
white, whiten. 2 v. to embarrass, hu- ɓirímón (ɓirímónì-) v. to get squashed
miliate, shame. or squished.
Ɓètsʼòn (Ɓètsʼònì-) n. February: month ɓírítésuƙota (ɓírítésuƙotí-) v. to squash,
of white dryness. See also Lokwaŋ. squish.
ɓètsʼòn (ɓètsʼònì-) 1 v. to be white. 2 ɓɨs (ɓɨsá-) pl. ɓísítín. 1 n. spear. 2
v. to be light in color. 3 v. to be clear, n. baby boy.
transparent. 4 v. to be clean, pure. 5 ɓɨsááka (ɓɨsá-ákà-) pl. ɓɨsáákítín.
v. to be holy. n. spearhead. Lit. ‘spear-mouth’.
ɓètsʼònìàm (ɓètsʼònì-àmà-) pl. ɓetsʼo- ɓɨsáɓóló (ɓɨsá-ɓólóò-) pl. ɓɨsáɓólóíkwa .
niika . n. white person: American, Eu- n. neck of a spearhead. Lit. ‘spear-
ropean, or any Caucasian. See also gourd’.
ɲémúsukita .
ɓɨsáím (ɓɨsá-ímà-) pl. ɓísítíníwika .
Ɓetsʼoniicékíʝa (Ɓetsʼoni-icé-kíʝà-) n. dart.
n. America (North), Europe. Lit.
ɓo (ɓoó-) pl. ɓoitín. n. escarpment.
‘white people land’.
ɓóáka (ɓó-ákà-) n. top edge of an escarp-
Ɓetsʼoniicétôda (Ɓetsʼoni-icé-tódà-)
ment. Lit. ‘escarpment-mouth’.
n. English or any European language.
Lit. ‘white people talk’. See also ɓòɓòn (ɓòɓònì-) 1 v. to be deep. 2 v. to
Ŋímusukúìtòda . be high-pitched, shrill. 3 v. to be sexu-
ɓìɓa (ɓìɓà-) n. egg, ovum. ally insatiable (of a woman).
ɓiɓáhò (ɓiɓá-hòò-) pl. ɓiɓáhoíka . n. egg- ɓoɓonuƙota (ɓoɓonuƙotí-) v. to become
sack, ovary. deeper, deepen.
ɓíɓítɛ́s (ɓíɓítɛ́sí-) v. to drink with a ɓɔɗa (ɓɔɗá-) pl. ɓɔɗɨtín. n. clear-
straw. ing or glade where crops are dried and
threshed. See also ɗípɔ̀.
ɓíkìrà (ɓíkìràà-) pl. ɓíkɨraín. n. nun,
Catholic sister. ɓɔɗáʝʉ́m (ɓɔɗá-ʝʉ́mʉ̀-) n. dirt mixed
with threshed grain that is then sifted.
ɓilés (ɓilésí-) v. to cut out, excise, resect
(something soft like an organ). ɓóéɗa (ɓó-éɗì-) n. shrub species whose
round roots are peeled, boiled, and
ɓilésúƙota (ɓilésúƙotí-) v. to disem-
eaten during times of famine; they
bowel, eviscerate, gut.
are said to cause severe itching in the
ɓɨlíɓílɛ́s (ɓɨlíɓílɛ́sí-) v. to break into pie- throat and are thus swallowed quickly
ces, shatter. without chewing. Lit. ‘escarpment-
ɓilímón (ɓilímónì-) v. to burst, deflate, grain’. Arisaema ruwenzoricum.
erupt, explode. ɓokóánètòn (ɓokóánètònì-) v. to be tri-
ɓìr (ɓìrì) ideo. squashily, squishily. colored.
ɓirés (ɓirésí-) v. to squash, squish. See ɓɔ́kɔ̀ɲ (ɓɔ́kɔ̀ɲì-) pl. ɓokóɲíkwa . n. bank,
also rɛɗɛ́s. embankment, slope.

29
ɓɔ́l ɓuƙítésuƙota

ɓɔ́l (ɓɔ́lá-) pl. ɓɔ́lítín. n. shin. ɓòtòŋ (ɓòtòŋù-) pl. ɓótóŋìka . n. bunch,
ɓòlìɓòl (ɓòlìɓòlì-) pl. ɓolíɓólìka . 1 clump, cluster (like a swarm of bees, a
n. dewlap: fold of loose skin on a an- regime of bananas, a cluster of figs).
imal’s throat. 2 n. hood (of a snake). 3 ɓotsetés (ɓotsetésí-) v. to pluck or pull
n. goiter. off.
ɓólìs (ɓólìsò-) pl. ɓolísíka . n. tree ɓòtso (ɓòtsò) ideo. rigidly, stiffly.
species whose leaves are burnt green, ɓotsódòn (ɓotsódònì-) 1 v. to be in-
together with the ɲɛ́ɛkɨmá tree to flexible, rigid, stiff. 2 v. to be
smoke insect pests out of a garden. Cro- absent-minded, inattentive. See also
ton dichogamus. kɛtɛ́rɛ́mɔ̀n.
ɓoló (ɓolóò-) pl. ɓólóikwa . n. big round ɓɔtsɔ́ta (ɓɔtsɔ́tí-) pl. ɓɔtsɔ́tíka . n. awl.
gourd.
ɓotsotiés (ɓotsotiesí-) v. to pluck or pull
ɓólóèda (ɓólóèdè-) n. place where an ar- off continually (as when harvesting).
rowhead and shaft meet.
ɓʉ́ɓʉ́s (ɓʉ́ɓʉ́sà-) pl. ɓʉ́ɓʉ́sìka . n. natural
ɓòlòkòtsa (ɓòlòkòtsì-) pl. ɓolókótsìka .
perfume made from the dried heart of
n. scoop made from a small bisected
the tsʉ́ʉ́r tree.
gourd which often has a beaded handle
sewn into it. ɓʉɓʉsánón (ɓʉɓʉsánónì-) 1 v. to be rot-
ten at the core, have the heart-rot dis-
ɓolóɲómòn (ɓolóɲómònì-) v. to be wide-
ease (of trees). 2 v. to be indolent,
mouthed (of any opening like an anus,
slothful.
gourd, hole, or circumcized penis).
ɓʉkʉ́lá (ɓʉkʉ́láì-) pl. ɓʉkʉ́láìka . n. Ger-
ɓɔlɔrɔtsa (ɓɔlɔrɔtsɔ́-) pl. ɓɔlɔ́rɔ́tsìka .
rard’s acacia: hardwood tree whose
n. milkweed locust. Phymateus sp.
wood is used for building and fencing,
ɓòŋ (ɓòŋì-) pl. ɓoŋitín. n. tree whose bark fiber makes a rope for ty-
species whose bitter yellow fruits are ing, and whose bark decoction is drunk
boiled multiple times, exposing the to cleanse the gut. Acacia gerrardii.
seeds which are eaten only during
ɓuƙés (ɓuƙésí-) v. to elevate, lift, raise
famines. Balanites pedicellaris.
(as onto someone’s head). See also
ɓór (ɓóré-) pl. ɓórítín. n. boma, corral, ɨkɛɛtɛ́s.
kraal, livestock pen.
ɓuƙésá botáe v. to load a load.
ɓɔ́rítɔ̀n (ɓɔ́rítɔ̀nì-) v. to discharge, emit,
secrete (like pus or snot). ɓuƙetés (ɓuƙetésí-) v. to lift off, lower,
unload (as from someone’s head).
ɓɔrɔ́tɔ́mɔ̀n (ɓɔrɔ́tɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be goopy,
gunky (like millet beer, coagulating ɓuƙetésá botáe v. to offload or unload a
blood, drying eye drainage, snot, or load.
saliva). See also bɔrɔ́tsɔ́mɔ̀n. ɓuƙetésá mɛnáɛ v. to cause problems.
ɓɔtí (ɓɔtíì-) n. bland, watery meal mush Lit. ‘to unload issues’.
(posho) eaten without accompanying ɓuƙétón (ɓuƙétónì-) v. to enter, go in.
sauce in times of famine. ɓuƙítésuƙota (ɓuƙítésuƙotí-) 1 v. to
ɓotólómòn (ɓotólómònì-) v. to be make enter, put in, take in. 2 v. to
pooched out, protruding. enter, include. 3 v. to employ, hire.

30
ɓuƙítésuƙotíám ɓuumón

ɓuƙítésuƙotíám (ɓuƙítésuƙotí-ámà-) pl. ɓʉ̀nɔ̀n (ɓʉ̀nɔ̀nì-) v. to move past, pass

ɓuƙítésuƙotííka . n. employer, hirer. by.
ɓùƙòn (ɓùƙònì-) v. to enter, go in. Not ɓʉnɔnʉƙɔta (ɓʉnɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to go past,
to be confused with ɓúƙón. pass by going.
ɓúƙón (ɓúƙónì-) v. to commit adultery. ɓʉnʉ́mɔ́n (ɓʉnʉ́mɔ́nì-) v. to disperse,
Not to be confused with ɓùƙòn. scatter. See also ɨwɛ́ɛ́lánón.
ɓúƙónìàm (ɓúƙónì-àmà-) pl. ɓúƙóniika . ɓʉnʉ́mɔ́nà sèàe 1 v. to blush, flush, run
n. adulterer, adulteress. hot (of one’s blood out of excitement
ɓuƙonuƙota (ɓuƙonuƙotí-) 1 v. to enter, or embarrassment). 2 v. to run cold
go in. 2 v. to join in, participate. 3 (of one’s blood out of terror). Lit. ‘dis-
v. to pass through (specifically the legs persal of blood’.
of an old person during a ceremony of ɓʉnʉtɛ́s (ɓʉnʉtɛ́sí-) v. to disperse, scat-
blessing the next generation). 4 v. to ter.
go under, sink.
ɓunutiés (ɓunutiesí-) v. to scarify: make
ɓʉlɛs (ɓʉlɛsɛ) ideo. in large numbers.
small cuts for cosmetic or medical rea-
ɓʉlʉɓʉl (ɓʉlʉɓʉlʉ) ideo. sound of quak- sons.
ing or shaking (like an earthquake).
ɓúrukúkón (ɓúrukúkónì-) v. to germi-
ɓulúrúmòn (ɓulúrúmònì-) v. to be cal- nate, sprout.
lous, scarred.
ɓútánés (ɓútánésí-) v. to have sex re-
ɓʉ́nɛ́s (ɓʉ́nɛ́sì-) v. to cut through a tubu-
peatedly and often.
lar object (like a pipe or log).
ɓʉnɛtam (ɓʉnɛtamá-) n. something ɓutu (ɓutu) ideo. all, entirely.
cuttable cylindrically, tubularly (like a ɓutúrúmòn (ɓutúrúmònì-) v. to be bul-
beehive). ky, hulky.
ɓʉnɛtɛ́s (ɓʉnɛtɛ́sí-) v. to cut through a ɓuumón (ɓuumónì-) v. to get dislocated,
tubular object (like a pipe or log). out-of-joint.

31
caál Cerûba

c
caál (caalí-) pl. caalíka . 1 n. cooking 3 n. fuel: diesel, paraffin (kerosene),
stone, hearthstone. 2 n. supporting petrol (gas).
stone. ceka (cekí-) pl. cɨkám. 1 n. woman. 2
Caalíím (Caalí-ímà-) n. name of a place. n. wife.
Lit. ‘hearthstone-child’. cekínánès (cekínánèsì-) n. femininity,
càcɨ (càcì) adv. carelessly, heedlessly. womanhood, womanliness.
Cakalatɔ́m (Cakalatɔ́mɛ́-) n. name of a cɛma kíʝíkàe n. war. Lit. ‘fighting of
river near Lòsòlìà and Píré. Also called countries’.
Oŋorisabá. cɛmáám (cɛmá-ámà-) pl. cɛmáíka .
calúɓu (calúɓú) ideo. splish-splash! n. combatant, fighter.
(sound of walking in water). cɛmɛkánón (cɛmɛkánónì-) v. to be a
fighter.
cɛbɛn (cɛbɛní-) pl. cɛ́bɛ̀nìka . 1 n. white
concave container used for scooping. cɛ̀mɛ̀r (cɛ̀mɛ̀rì-) pl. cɛmɛ́ríka . 1 n. medic-
2 n. wooden spatula. 3 n. gearshift. inal herb. 2 n. drug, medicine, treat-
See also ɲémiikó. ment. 3 n. chemical. 4 n. poison.
cɛ̀mɛ̀rìèkwa (cɛ̀mɛ̀rì-èkù-) pl. cɛmɛrɨek-
cɛ́bɛ̀s (cɛ́bɛ̀sì-) v. to roughen (esp. the
witín. n. pill, tablet. Lit. ‘drug-eye’.
surface of a grinding stone).
cɛmɛ́ríkààm (cɛmɛ́ríkà-àmà-) pl. cɛmɛ́-
cɛɓɛ́s (cɛɓɛ́sí-) v. to scoop up (with a la-
ríkaika . n. herbalist, traditional healer.
dle or spoon). See also tɛ́bɛ̀s.
See also wetitésíàm.
cédicedí (cédicedíì-) n. hopscotch. cɛmɨcɛmɔs (cɛmɨcɛmɔsí-) v. to be belli-
cɛɛ́s (cɛɛsí-) 1 v. to kill, murder, slay cose, combative.
(singly). 2 v. to break. Compare with cɛ̀mɔ̀n (cɛ̀mɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to fight, struggle
sáɓés. against/with. 2 v. to be doing some-
cɛɛsá rié sàbàke v. to immerse a sacrifi- thing.
cial goat in the river, then roast it, and céŋ (céŋá-) n. humor, joke, joking.
then dance around it as a prayer for cɛŋ (cɛŋá-) n. woodpecker.
rain. Lit. ‘to kill a goat at the river’.
céŋáàm (céŋá-àmà-) pl. céŋáika .
cɛɛsíám (cɛɛsí-ámà-) n. killer, murderer n. joker, jokester, teaser.
(of one living thing). ceŋánón (ceŋánónì-) v. to joke around,
cɛɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (cɛɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) 1 v. to kill, murder tease.
(singly). 2 v. to break. ceŋetíám (ceŋetí-ámà-) pl. ceŋetííka .
cɛɛtɛ́s (cɛɛtɛ́sí-) v. to harvest bountifully, n. in-law.
produce a lot of. ceŋetínánès (ceŋetínánèsì-) n. being in-
Ceɡem (Ceɡemú-) n. a personal name. laws.
ceím (ceímá-) 1 n. lubricant, oil, oily sub- cɛ̀rɔ̀n (cɛ̀rɔ̀nì-) v. to have breastmilk, let
stance (cooking oil, cream, lotion, mo- down milk (of mammals and humans).
tor oil). 2 n. adipose tissue, blubber, fat. Cerûba (Cerúbè-) n. name of a river.

32
cicianón cúrúkà mɛ̀sɛ̀

cicianón (cicianónì-) v. to reform, re- cuanón (cuanónì-) v. to be fluid, liquid.

pent. cuanónuƙota (cuanónuƙotí-) v. to be-
cicídè (cicídèà-) n. bird species. come liquid, liquify, melt.
cɨɨtɛ́sʉƙɔta (cɨɨtɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to fill, sate, cucu (cucu) ideo. very black.
satiate, satisfy. 2 v. to charge (electri- cucue (cucué-) n. damp chill.
cally). cucuéétòn (cucuéétònì-) 1 v. to cool
cɨkám (cɨkámá-) 1 n. women. 2 down/off (of pain or weather). 2 v. to
n. wives. feel mercy, sympathize.
cíkóróìkànànès (cíkóróìkànànèsì-) Cùcùèìka (Cùcùè-ìkà-) n. name of a hill
n. boundedness, having boundaries. or mountain.
cíkóroya (cíkóroí-) pl. cíkóróìka . n. bor- cucuéítésuƙota (cucuéítésuƙotí-) v. to
der, boundary, limit. chill, cool down.
cikwa (cikó-) pl. cikóíka . n. male animal. cucuéítésuƙota ɡúróe v. to calm or cool
cìɔ̀n (cìɔ̀nì-) v. to be full, sated, satiated, down one’s heart.
satisfied. cucuéón (cucuéónì-) 1 v. to be chilly,
cɨɔnʉƙɔta (cɨɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to become full, cool. 2 v. to be weak . 3 v. to be
sated, satiated. bland, stale.
Cɔ́ƙɔ́tɔ̀m (Cɔ́ƙɔ́tɔ̀mɛ̀-) n. Dodoth people. cucuéónuƙota (cucuéónuƙotí-) v. to
Cɔ́ƙɔ́tɔ̀mɛ̀àm (Cɔ́ƙɔ́tɔ̀mɛ̀-àmà-) cool down/off (of pain or weather).
n. Dodoth person . cue (cué-) 1 n. liquid, water. 2 n. baby
còòkààm (còòkà-àmà-) pl. cookaika . 1 girl. 3 n. taboo of failing to give water
n. cowherd, shepherd. 2 n. guard, to the elders first.
watchman. 3 n. defender, guardian, cúédòm (cúé-dòmà-) pl. cúédomitín.
protector. n. water pot used to keep clean water
cookaama zíkɛ́siicé n. prison guard. inside the hut.
cookaika ínóe n. wildlife authorities. Lit. cueina mɛ́sɛ̀ n. beer leftover from a cere-
‘guardians of animals’. mony or group work-day. Lit. ‘waters
cookés (cookésí-) 1 v. to shepherd, tend of beer’.
(livestock). 2 v. to defend, guard, pro- cúémúcè (cúé-múcèè-) pl. cúémúcèìka .
tect. n. ditch, watercourse, waterway.
cookotós (cookotósí-) v. to be guarded, cúénêba (cúé-nébù-) pl. cúénébitín.
protected, tended. n. body of water.
coór (coorí-) pl. cooríka . n. leg rattle cúkúɗùm (cúkúɗùmù-) n. male moun-
tied below the knee. tain reedbuck. Redunca fulvorufula.
cooríɡwà (coorí-ɡwàà-) n. bee-eater. Curuka (Curukú-) n. name of a hill or
Lit. ‘rattle-bird’. Merops sp. See also mountain. Lit. ‘bull’.
keseníɡwà. cúrúka (cúrúkù-) pl. cúrúkaikwa . 1
cuááka (cuá-ákà-) n. permanent water n. bull. 2 n. male, sire, stud.
source (like a spring or well). Lit. cúrúkà mɛ̀sɛ̀ n. barm or yeast used in
‘water-mouth’. brewing beer. Lit. ‘sire of beer’.

33
Curukúdɛ̀ cwɛtéém

Curukúdɛ̀ (Curukú-dɛ̀à-) n. base of Cu- hand’ that may have taken on a nar-
ruk mountain. Lit. ‘bull-foot’. rower meaning for some Ik speakers.
cwɛta (cwɛtá-) pl. cwɛ̀tìka . n. upper arm. cwɛtéém (cwɛté-émè-) n. bicep and/or
An older form of the word kwɛta ‘arm, tricep. Lit. ‘upper arm flesh’.

34
dà dáŋádidí

d
dà (<dòòn) v. dakúdɛ̀ (dakú-dɛ̀à-) pl. dakwitínídɛíka .
daás (daasí-) 1 n. beauty, handsome- n. base/foot of a tree. Lit. ‘tree-foot’.
ness, loveliness, prettiness. 2 n. gen- dakúkwɛ́ta (dakú-kwɛ́tà-) pl. dakúkwɛ́-
erosity, magnanimity, philanthropy. 3 tíka . n. bough, branch, limb. Lit. ‘tree-
n. agreeableness, niceness, pleasant- arm’.
ness. 4 n. glory, radiance, splendor. dakúsɔ́ka (dakú-sɔ́kɔ̀-) pl. dakúsɔ́kítín.
5 n. holiness, sanctity. n. root. Lit. ‘tree-hoof’.
dàbìʝa (dàbìʝà-) n. bird species. dakwa (dakú-) pl. dakwitín. 1 n. plant,
dàbu (dàbù) ideo. mushily, softly, ten- shrub, tree. 2 n. wood. 3 n. piece of
derly. wood, pole, stick. 4 n. firewood.
dabúdòn (dabúdònì-) 1 v. to be mushy, dakwa kɔn n. one million. Lit. ‘one
soft (like a ripe avocado). 2 v. to be tree’.
soft and tender (like a baby). See also dàƙwa (dàƙwà) ideo. weakly.
burádòn. daƙwádòn (daƙwádònì-) v. to be debile,
dadáŋ (dadáŋì-) pl. dadáŋín. 1 n. my sapless, weak. See also bʉláʝámɔ̀n.
grandmother. 2 n. my mother-in-law dàlìs (dàlìsà-) 1 n. small plant species
(of women). whose roots are peeled, crushed, and
dádàta (dádàtì-) pl. dadatíkwa . 1 used as soap, especially as laundry de-
n. his/her grandmother. 2 n. her tergent. Dolichos oliveri. 2 n. soap.
mother-in-law. dàn (dànì) adv. exactly, precisely.
dádata dáŋáe n. queen of an edible- Dáŋ (Dáŋá-) n. March: month of edible
termite colony. termites. See also Lɔɗʉ́ŋɛ.
dádò (dádòò-) pl. dádoín. 1 n. your dáŋ (dáŋá-) n. termite species whose
grandmother. 2 n. your mother-in-law winged alates are traditionally caught
(of women). and consumed as a major source of nu-
daiƙota (<doonuƙota ) v. trition.
daites (daitesí-) v. to adorn, beautify, dáŋáàka (dáŋá-àkà-) pl. dáŋáakitín.
embellish, make lovely or nice. n. opening in an edible-termite mound.
Lit. ‘termite-mouth’.
daitetésá así v. to beautify oneself, make
dáŋádadáta (dáŋá-dadátí-) pl. dáŋáda-
oneself look good.
dátíkwa . n. queen of an edible-termite
dàʝa (dàʝà-) pl. daʝitín. n. beer residue, colony. Lit. ‘termite-grandmother’.
draff, dregs. See also ɗʉká.
dáŋádɛ̀ (dáŋá-dɛ̀à-) pl. dáŋádɛíka .
Dakáya (Dakáì-) n. a personal name. n. base of an edible-termite mound. Lit.
dakúáƙwa (dakú-áƙɔ̀-) n. forest, wood- ‘termite-foot’.
land. See also ríʝáàƙwa . dáŋádidí (dáŋá-didíì-) n. annual rain
dakúɓɔ́l (dakú-ɓɔ́lɛ̀-) pl. dakwitíníɓɔ- which stimulates the mass flight of ed-
lɨtín. n. tree trunk. Lit. ‘tree-shin’. ible termites.

35
dáŋáhò déƙwítetés

dáŋáhò (dáŋá-hòò-) pl. dáŋáhoíka . déé (=déé) dem. that (one already
n. housing of grass and soil made known or mentioned).
to trap edible termites as they emerge dɛɛda (dɛɛdɛ-) pl. dɛ̀ìkìn. 1 n. foot, leg (of
from the ground to fly. a particular person or thing). 2 n. base,
dáŋáʝʉ̀m (dáŋá-ʝʉ̀mʉ̀-) n. dirt mixed foot (of a particular non-animal thing).
with edible termites inside a trapping 3 n. handle. 4 n. butt of a gun.
hole.
dɛ̀ɛ̀dà hòe n. footer, foundation, ground-
dáŋákìtsa (dáŋá-kìtsà-) pl. dáŋákitsitín. work. Lit. ‘foot of a house’.
n. abandoned edible-termite mound.
dɛ́ɡɛ̀mɔ̀n (dɛ́ɡɛ̀mɔ̀nì-) v. to crouch, duck
dáŋámoróka (dáŋá-morókú-) pl. dá- down. See also rábʉ̀xɔ̀n.
ŋámorókíka . n. hollow clay column
built up by edible termites. Lit. dɛ̀ìkà àɗe n. traditional three-legged
‘termite-throat’. stool. Lit. ‘three legs’.
dáŋátsóya (dáŋá-tsóí-) n. season for har- dɛ̀ìkàɔ 1 n. on the feet or legs. 2 n. un-
vesting edible termites (usually around derfoot.
March). dɛɨkatsɨrím (dɛɨka-tsɨrímʉ́-) pl. dɛɨkatsɨ-
dáŋéèkwa (dáŋé-èkù-) pl. dáŋéekwitín. rímíka . n. metal anklet.
n. outlet in the ground from which dɛ̀ìkɔ n. by foot, on foot.
edible termites emerge to fly. Lit.
dɛ̀ʝɛ (dɛ̀ʝɛ̀) ideo. chubbily, plumply.
‘termite-eye’.
dɛʝɛ́dɔ̀n (dɛʝɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be chubby,
dayaakón (dayaakónì-) v. to be good,
plump.
nice, proper (of many).
dɛ (dɛá-) pl. dɛ̀ìka . 1 n. foot, leg. 2 deka (deké-) pl. dekitín. n. long deco-
n. footprint. 3 n. base, foot (of non- rated goat-leather hind-apron worn by
animal things). 4 n. tire, tire track, women and swished like a tail during
wheel. 5 n. taboo of neglecting to dances.
share the hind-quarters of bushmeat dekitíníàm (dekitíní-àmà-) pl. dekití-
with the elders. níika . n. an unmarried woman who
dɛááƙwa (dɛá-áƙɔ̀-) n. sole of the foot. may be promiscuous and who may
have had a child out of wedlock; hussy.
dɛáám (dɛá-ámà-) pl. dɛɨkaika . 1
n. courier, footman, messenger. 2 dèƙwa (dèƙù-) n. argument, dispute,
n. disciple, follower. quarrel.
dɛáɡwarí (dɛá-ɡwaríì-) n. top of the deƙwideƙos (deƙwideƙosí-) v. to be
foot. argumentative, contentious, quarrel-
dɛákɔ́rɔ́ka (dɛá-kɔ́rɔ́kʉ́-) pl. dɛákɔ́rɔ́kíka . some.
n. toe. Lit. ‘foot-finger’. deƙwideƙosíám (deƙwideƙosí-ámà-) pl.
dɛámóróka (dɛá-mórókú-) pl. dɛɨkamo- deƙwideƙosííka . n. quarreler, quarrel-
rókíka . n. ankle. Lit. ‘foot-throat’. See some person.
also kɔpɨkɔpa . déƙwítetés (déƙwítetésí-) v. to argue
dɛ̀dɛ̀s (dɛ̀dɛ̀sà-) n. willow warbler. Phyl- with, contradict, fight, start a quarrel
loscopus trochilus. with.

36
dèmìywa dikwétóna ŋabɔ́bɔ̀ɔ̀

dèmìywa (dèmìyò-) pl. demííkwa . rainy weather ailments like body aches
n. wild olive: tree whose termite- and pains. 4 n. soldiers.
proof wood is used in building and for Dìdìàka (Dìdì-àkà-) n. name of a river.
firewood and whose black berries are Lit. ‘rain-mouth’.
eaten and used as a dye, whose bark is
dìdìàka (dìdì-àkà-) pl. didiakɨtín. n. ero-
crushed, soaked, and drunk for malaria,
sion, landslide, mudslide. Lit. ‘rain-
and whose roots are pounded and used
mouth’. See also bɔ̀ròtsa .
for stomach ailments. Olea europaea
(africana). didiɡwarí (didi-ɡwaríì-) 1 n. atmo-
sphere, sky, outer space. 2 n. afterlife,
dèŋ (dèŋè) ideo. a long time (esp. wait-
heaven. 3 n. God. 4 n. salt. Lit.
ing in vain).
‘weather-top’.
dɛŋɛlɛs (dɛŋɛlɛsí-) 1 v. to raise (the leg)
dìdìke n. up, upward.
to kick. 2 v. to spread (legs) apart
while standing. didiɲeɗeké (didi-ɲeɗekéè-) n. sickness
associated with rainy weather or drink-
dɛŋɛlɛsá dɛáɛ 1 v. to stride. 2 v. to strad-
ing cold water (thus being perhaps flu
dle.
or pneumonia).
dɛŋʉ́ɲʉ́nɔ́s (dɛŋʉ́ɲʉ́nɔ́sí-) v. to hate
dìdìɔ̀ka (dìdì-ɔ̀kà-) n. clear sky. Lit.
each other.
‘rain-bone’.
dɛ̀r (dɛ̀rɛ̀) ideo. anemically, feebly,
didis (didisá-) pl. dídìsìka . n. female gen-
frailly.
italia, pubic area, pudendum.
dɛ̀rɛ̀dɛ̀r (dɛ̀rɛ̀dɛ̀rɛ̀) ideo. sound of a metal
didisíɔ́ka (didisí-ɔ́kà-) n. pubic bone, pu-
saucepan rolling.
bis.
dɛrɛ́dɔ̀n (dɛrɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be anemic, fee-
didisísítsʼa (didisí-sítsʼà-) n. pubic hair.
ble, frail.
Lit. ‘pubis-hair’. See also ɔ́zàsìtsʼa .
dɛrɛ́ƙa (dɛrɛ́ƙì-) pl. dɛrɛ́ƙíka . 1 n. hornet,
diditsóya (didi-tsóí-) n. rainy season.
vespid, wasp. 2 n. desert rose: flower-
See also ɔtáya .
ing plant species with a big base, long
thin branches, and pink flowers that at- díí (=díí) dem. those (already known or
tract bees and wasps; its oblong root mentioned).
is dug and rolled by children who pre- dikwa (dikwá-) pl. dikwitín. 1 n. dance,
tend it is prey in their spearing practice. song. 2 n. ring-tone.
Adenium obesum. dikwa na tsokóbè n. zigzagging men’s
detés (detésí-) v. to bring. dance modeled on the flight of Abdim’s
dèwòn (dèwònì-) v. to be extremely stork.
hard (of wood). dikwáhò (dikwá-hòò-) pl. dikwáhoíka .
dí (dí) nurs. poo-poo! (a nursery word n. dance hall, disco.
for defecating or feces). dikwétón (dikwétónì-) v. to dance.
dìdì (dìdìì-) 1 n. weather (especially dikwétóna ŋabɔ́bɔ̀ɔ̀ v. to dance at the
rain). 2 n. precipitation, rain. 3 danceground (where it is forbidden to
n. small blackish shrub species whose dance before the chief elder sings his
root decoction is drunk as a remedy for ox-song).

37
dikwidikos doʝánónuƙota

dikwidikos (dikwidikosí-) v. to always dìyòàm (dìyò-àmà-) pl. diyoika . n. elder

be dancing, like to dance. who sits at the lookout.
dìkwòn (dìkwònì-) v. to beat, palpi- diyoama ná zè n. chief local elder.
tate, pulsate, throb, thump. See also dìywa (dìyò-) pl. diitín. 1 n. lookout or
ƙádiƙádòn. observatory that serves as a local meet-
dɨƙwam (dɨƙwamá-) pl. dɨƙwámíka . ing place for men. 2 n. ethnic group,
n. headrest, pillow (traditionally a people, tribe.
stone or stool). dɔ́bàtòda (dɔ́bà-tòdà-) n. muddled talk,
díƙwɛ́s (díƙwɛ́sì-) v. to prop or rest (the nonsense. Lit. ‘mud-talk’.
head on a stone or stool). dódètòn (dódètònì-) v. to begin aching
a
dililitsʼ (dililitsʼá-) n. dipteran, gnat. or hurting.
Dímán (Dímánì-) n. name of a large area dodíka (dodíkí-) n. plant species whose
to the south of Lopokóka . big brown fruits are edible and sweet
and whose branching stems are used to
Dímánìàka (Dímánì-àkà-) n. name of
make mingling sticks. Canthium sp.
a mountain and associated river. Lit.
‘Dímán’s mouth’. dodimórón (dodimórónì-) v. to be
frozen or paralyzed (out of fear).
dimés (dimésí-) v. to deny, refuse, reject.
Dɔ́dɔ̀f (Dɔ́dɔ̀fà-) n. name of a river.
dimésá bubue ŋɔɛsí n. dyspepsia, indi-
gestion. Lit. ‘refusal of the stomach to dódòka (dódòkù-) pl. dódokaikwa .
grind’. n. malnourished child (as when births
are not spaced adequately, leading to a
dimités (dimitésí-) v. to forbid, prohibit, lack of breastmilk).
proscribe. See also itáléés.
dódòn (dódònì-) v. to ache, be painful,
dimitetés (dimitetésí-) v. to forbid, pro- hurt.
hibit, proscribe.
dɔ́dɔ̀rɔ̀n (dɔ́dɔ̀rɔ̀nì-) v. to move on one’s
dìr (dìrì) ideo. compactedly. buttocks.
diriɓá (<diriɓóón) v. dɔ́dɔrɔnʉƙɔta (dɔ́dɔrɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to
diriɓóón (diriɓóónì-/diriɓá-) v. to be im- move away on one’s buttocks.
movable, stabile, stationary. dòɗa (dòɗì-) pl. doɗitín. n. vagina.
diridírón (diridírónì-) v. to be sugary, dòɗìdòɗìɡwà (dòɗìdòɗì-ɡwàà-) n. bird
sweet. species. Lit. ‘vagina-vagina bird’.
dirídòn (dirídònì-) 1 v. to be compacted, dòɗìèkwa (dòɗì-èkù-) n. uterine cervix.
hard (of a full container like a bag of Lit. ‘vagina-eye’.
cement or sack of grain). 2 v. to be dɔ́ɡɔ̀lɔ̀mɔ̀n (dɔ́ɡɔ̀lɔ̀mɔ̀nì-) v. to be bent,
insolent, insubordinate. bowed (like a bow or bowlegged per-
diriʝiʝa (diriʝiʝí-) pl. diríʝíʝìka . n. gingiva, son).
gum. doʝánónuƙota (doʝánónuƙotí-) v. to
dɨrɨɲíɲɔ́n (dɨrɨɲíɲɔ́nì-) v. to be tough: freak out, go crazy, panic, go into pan-
hard to chew or crush. demonium.

38
dòkìr dúduránón

dòkìr (dòkìrà-) pl. dokíraikwa . n. old donitiésuƙota (donitiesúƙotí-) v. to do-

honeycomb filled with crystallized nate or give out sporadically.
honey. dòòn (dòònì-/da-) 1 v. to be at-
doƙofiés (doƙofiesí-) v. to bark at, speak tractive, beautiful, fair, fine, good-
harshly to. looking, handsome, lovely, pretty. 2
dòl (dòlò) ideo. loosely or unfastenedly. v. to be agreeable, nice, pleas-
ant. 3 v. to be generous, magnani-
dolés (dolésí-) v. to pull back, retract
mous,philanthropic. 4 v. to be glori-
(e.g. the foreskin). See also rʉʝɛ́s.
ous, radiant, resplendent, splendid. 5
doletés (doletésí-) v. to pull back, retract v. holy, saintly.
(esp. the foreskin).
dòònìàm (dòònì-àmà-) pl. dooniika .
doletésá kwaní v. to pull back or retract n. generous, magnanimous person.
the foreskin.
doonuƙota (doonuƙotí-/daiƙot-) v. to
doletésá ɔ́zàɛ v. to project an anorectal
become better, improve (in any of the
appendage (to catch prey).
characteristics expressed by dòòn). See
dolódòn (dolódònì-) v. to be loose, unaf- also xɔ́dɔnʉƙɔta .
fixed, unfastened (like a hoe on its han-
dle). See also roiróón. dosés (dosésí-) v. to thatch.
dololoƙa (dololoƙí-) pl. dolólóƙìka . dɔ̀x (dɔ̀xà-) pl. dɔxɨtín. n. dried rheum,
n. grain kernels hollowed out by wee- mucopurulent discharge: thin mucus
vils. See also dololotsʼa . secreted from the eyes, nose, or mouth.
dololotsʼa (dololotsʼí-) pl. dolólótsʼìka . dɔxɛ́s (dɔxɛ́sí-) v. to berate, chide, re-
n. grain kernels hollowed out by wee- buke, reprimand, scold.
vils. See also dololoƙa . dɔxɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (dɔxɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to berate,
dóm (dómá-) pl. dómítín. n. cooking chide, rebuke, reprimand, scold.
pan or pot. dɔ̂ba (dɔ́bà-) pl. dɔ́bɨtín. n. mire, muck,
dómá na buɗám n. clay pot blackened mud.
from soot.
dʉbam (dʉbamá-) n. dough. Lit. ‘knead-
dómáìm (dómá-ìmà-) pl. dómítíníwika . able’.
n. small cooking pan or pot.
dʉbɛ́s (dʉbɛ́sí-) 1 v. to knead, work (mix-
dómóɔ̀z (dómó-ɔ̀zà-) pl. dómítíníɔzɨtín. ing a solid with a liquid). 2 v. to ruffle,
n. bottom of a cooking pot or pan. tousle. 3 v. to call for rain by putting
dómóɔ̀zà mɛ̀sɛ̀ n. beer dregs left at the leaves in water in a calabash and then
bottom of a pot. sprinkling water into the air.
dónés (dónésì-) v. to donate, give out, dʉ́bɛ̀s (dʉ́bɛ̀sì-) v. to capture, catch
present. (with the hands).
dónésìàm (dónésì-àmà-) pl. dónésiika . dúduránón (dúduránónì-) v. to be puffy,
n. donor, philanthropist. swollen (of skin, as from a bee-sting,
dónésuƙota (dónésuƙotí-) v. to donate, poisonous plant, or rash). See also
give out, present. leɓúdòn.

39
dʉɗɛ́r duxúdòn

dʉɗɛ́r (dʉɗɛ́rɛ̀-) pl. dʉɗɛ́ríka . n. biting dunaakóniika (dunaakóni-icé-) n. the el-

water beetle (reported to draw blood if derly, old people.
swallowed). dúnéìm (dúné-ìmà-) pl. dúnéikwa .
dʉ́ɡʉ̀mɛ̀tɔ̀n (dʉ́ɡʉ̀mɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) v. to bend or n. old woman.
hunch over. Dúnémoróka (Dúné-morókú-) n. name
dʉ́ɡʉ̀mɔ̀n (dʉ́ɡʉ̀mɔ̀nì-) v. to be bent or of a hill or mountain. Lit. ‘old-voice’.
hunched over. dúnésìàm (dúnésì-àmà-) pl. dúnésiika .
a n. elderly or old person.
duƙésúƙot (duƙésúƙotí-) v. to take
(somewhere). dúnésòn (dúnésònì-) 1 v. to be elderly,
duƙésúƙota mòràe v. to flee, run away. old. 2 v. to be doddery, senile.
Lit. ‘to take the fear’. dunétón (dunétónì-) v. to age, grow old.
dùl (dùlù) ideo. mushily, squishily. dununúòn (dununúònì-) v. to be minis-
dulátsʼámòn (dulátsʼámònì-) v. to be cule, tiny.
juicy (of oily foods like meat). duŋúlúmòn (duŋúlúmònì-) 1 v. to be
Dúlél (Dúlélí-) n. name of a certain blunt, dull. 2 v. to be born without
stream with a rock beehive. a hand. See also líídòn and tufádòn.
dulúdòn (dulúdònì-) v. to be mushy, dùràtsa (dùràtsì-) pl. dúrátsìka .
squishy (like feces, mud, or rotten n. brown jewel beetle. Buprestidae.
fruit). See also duxúdòn. dʉrʉdʉr (dʉrʉdʉrá-) pl. dʉrʉ́dʉ̀rìka . 1
dúlúƙuƙú (dúlúƙuƙúù-) pl. dúlúƙuƙú- n. carpenter bee. Xylocopa sp. 2 n. ra-
ìka . n. small round or oval gourd used dio. 3 n. mobile phone.
as cup or container. dʉrʉdʉra na tímoí n. hand-held HF ra-
dulúmón (dulúmónì-) 1 v. to become dio, walkie-talkie . Lit. ‘carpenter bee
suddenly diarrheal, loose. 2 v. to erupt, with a tail’.
flare up, ignite. dús (dúsé-) pl. dúsítín. n. grassland,
dʉmɛ́ɗɛ́mɔ̀n (dʉmɛ́ɗɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be dis- plain, savannah.
tractible, have a short attention span. dùù (dùù) ideo. deeply.
a
dʉmʉ́n (dʉmʉ́ná-) pl. dʉmʉ́náikw . dʉʉdʉ́ (dʉʉdʉ́) nurs. sitty-sit! (a nurs-
n. dung beetle. ery word for sitting down).
dʉmʉ́ná mòrìɗòe n. bruchid beetle. Lit. dùx (dùxù) ideo. mushily, squishily.
‘beetle of beans’. Bruchidae. duxúdòn (duxúdònì-) v. to be mushy,
dunaakón (dunaakónì-) v. to be elderly, squishy (like feces, mud, or rotten
old (of many). fruit). See also dulúdòn.

40
ɗa ɗàwa

ɗ
ɗa (ɗi-) pro. these ones. ɗáƙón (ɗáƙónì-) v. to slur, speak indis-
ɗa (ɗɨ-) pro. this one. tinctly. See also iŋáʝápánón.
ɗa áɗònì pro. the third (one). ɗalés (ɗalésí-) v. to scoop out (water
slowly seeping out of river sand). See
ɗa ʝírì pro. the last (one).
also ɨlaɓɛtɛ́s and tɛ́bɛtɛ́s.
ɗa kɔ́nɔ̀nì pro. the first (one).
ɗálútés (ɗálútésí-) v. to hit, strike.
ɗa leɓétsónì pro. the second (one).
ɗam (ɗamʉ́-) pl. ɗamɨtín. n. brain.
ɗa na pro. this one.
ɗamatés (ɗamatésí-) 1 v. to set fire to. 2
ɗa ne pro. that one. v. to fire or open fire on.
ɗa ni pro. these ones. ɗamɨɗámɔ́n (ɗamɨɗámɔ́nì-) v. to jump
ɗa tsʼaɡúsónì pro. the fourth (one). up and down excitedly.
ɗa túdònì pro. the fifth (one). ɗàmʉ̀s (ɗàmʉ̀sʉ̀) 1 adv. fast, quickly. 2
ɗa wáxì pro. the first (one). subordconn. before. 3 subordconn. un-
ɗàɗa (ɗàɗà-) pl. ɗaɗitín. n. honey. less. 4 subordconn. until. See also
ɗɛ̀mʉ̀s.
ɗàɗàɡwà (ɗàɗà-ɡwàà-) n. dragonfly.
Lit. ‘honey-bird’. ɗàŋìɗàŋ (ɗàŋìɗàŋì) quant. all, entire,
whole.
ɗàɗàhò (ɗàɗà-hòò-) pl. ɗaɗahoíka .
n. honeycomb. Lit. ‘honey-house’. See ɗapálámɔ̀n (ɗapálámɔ̀nì-) v. to be flat
also tsʼɨƙáhò. (of objects rather than land).
ɗaɗátésuƙota (ɗaɗátésuƙotí-) 1 v. to ɗaráɗáránón (ɗaráɗáránónì-) v. to be
drop or spill. 2 v. to hold or push down losing, molting, or shedding.
(e.g. a person in a fight). ɗarámɔ́n (ɗarámɔ́nì-) v. to slide or
ɗàɗèèwa (ɗàɗè-èò-) pl. ɗaɗeewitín. slough off (like boiled feathers or dead
n. leather honey bag. tissue).
ɗáɗítés (ɗáɗítésí-) v. to consume, de- Ɗàsòƙa (Ɗàsòƙò-) n. Dodoth County,
vour, inhale (food or drink). area around Kàlàpàtà.
ɗáɗítésa ríʝáe v. to crash through brush. ɗàsòn (ɗàsònì-) v. to be even, flat, level
Lit. ‘to devour forest’. (of an area).
ɗàka (ɗàkà) ideo. dryly as a bone. ɗatáɗátánón (ɗatáɗátánónì-) v. to be
ɗakɨtár (ɗakɨtárì-) pl. ɗakɨtárìka . decayed, decomposed, rotted.
n. clinic, health center, hospital, infir- ɗatáɲámòn (ɗatáɲámònì-) v. to be
mary. barrel-shaped, cylindrical.
ɗakɨtárìàm (ɗakɨtárì-àmà-) pl. ɗakɨtá- ɗatólóɲòn (ɗatólóɲònì-) v. to be unsta-
riika . 1 n. doctor, physician. 2 n. nurse. ble, unsturdy. See also ikáɓóɓánón.
ɗakɨtárɨama ínóe n. animal doctor, vet- ɗàwa (ɗàò-) pl. ɗáwítín. 1 n. blade,
erinarian, vet. knife. 2 n. propeller blade.

41
ɗɛɗɛanón ɗìɗa

ɗɛɗɛanón (ɗɛɗɛanónì-) v. to crack, clothing; hunters often remove cloth-

crackle, pop (like roasting maize, tree ing before trying to penetrate its brush;
on fire, thunder, gunfire, or people talk- found down in the Turkana plains, it is
ing angrily). See also rɛɗɛɗánón. used for fencing and is eaten by live-
ɗɛ́f (ɗɛ́fɛ́-) pl. ɗɛ́fítín. n. small well- stock. Acacia senegal. See also lofílitsí.
worn leather mat (often used as a sleep- ɗɛ̀rɛ̀tsa (ɗɛ̀rɛ̀tsà-) n. small pieces or
ing mat for children). sticks of kindling or tinder.
ɗɛ̀ka (ɗɛ̀kà-) pl. ɗɛ́kítín. n. small gourd ɗérócɛmɛ́r (ɗéró-cɛmɛ́rí-) n. rat poison
used to churn butter. (modern or traditional).
ɗɛ̀ƙwɔ̀n (ɗɛ̀ƙwɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be bland, fla- ɗéródɛíka (ɗéró-dɛíká-) n. pitter-
vorless, tasteless, vapid. 2 v. to not pattering rain. Lit. ‘mouse-feet’.
make any sense. See also ʝɔ̀lɔ̀n. ɗɛsɛ́ɗɛ́sánón (ɗɛsɛ́ɗɛ́sánónì-) v. to
ɗɛlɛ́mɔ́n (ɗɛlɛ́mɔ́nì-) 1 v. to cling, stick break or come apart (like an old rope).
(e.g. parasites). 2 v. to stick to, ɗɛsɛ́mɔ́n (ɗɛsɛ́mɔ́nì-) 1 v. to break, cut
stick with (as in to continue on, remain (like a rope or wire). 2 v. to connect,
with). join, rejoin.
ɗɛ̀m (ɗɛ̀mɛ̀) ideo. chattily, talkatively. ɗɛtɛ́ɗɛ́tánón (ɗɛtɛ́ɗɛ́tánónì-) 1 v. to
ɗɛmɛ́dɔ̀n (ɗɛmɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be chatty, be strewn about (like bones or feces).
talkative. See also ɗɛmɨɗɛ́mɔ́n and 2 v. to laugh uproariously (‘fall over
ɨkʉ́tʉ́kánón. laughing’).
ɗɛ́tɛ́s (ɗɛ́tɛ́sì-) v. to blow (a projectile).
ɗɛmɨɗɛ́mɔ́n (ɗɛmɨɗɛ́mɔ́nì-) v. to be
chatty, talkative. See also ɗɛmɛ́dɔ̀n and ɗɛ̀tsɛ (ɗɛ̀tsɛ̀) ideo. fetidly, foully.
ɨkʉ́tʉ́kánón. ɗɛtsɨɗɛ́tsɔ́n (ɗɛtsɨɗɛ́tsɔ́nì-) v. to be fetid,
ɗɛ̀mʉ̀s (ɗɛ̀mʉ̀sʉ̀) 1 adv. fast, quickly. 2 foul, rank.
subordconn. before. 3 subordconn. un- ɗɛʉɗɛ́wɔ́n (ɗɛʉɗɛ́wɔ́nì-) v. to ring hol-
less. 4 subordconn. until. See also low, sound empty.
ɗàmʉ̀s. ɗewen (ɗewení-) pl. ɗewéníkwa .
ɗɛ̀ɲ (ɗɛ̀ɲɛ̀) ideo. flatly. n. large tree species with small ed-
ible yellow fruits and whose bark
ɗɛɲɨɗɛɲɔs (ɗɛɲɨɗɛɲɔsí-) v. to be restless,
is decocted and drunk for abdomi-
uncomfortable.
nal ailments associated with the ap-
ɗɛ̀pɛ (ɗɛ̀pɛ̀) ideo. thinly. pendix, pancreas, liver, pancreas, etc.
ɗɛpɛ́dɔ̀n (ɗɛpɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be undesir- Berchemia discolor.
ably thin (like a thin sleeping mat). ɗɛ̂ɡa (ɗɛ́ɡɛ̀-) n. tamarind seeds.
Compare with bɛɗɛ́dɔ̀n.
ɗì (ɗì) 1 ideo. switch! (sound made by a
ɗér (ɗéró-) n. mouse, rat. small stick hitting skin). 2 ideo. snapǃ
ɗérá na áwìkàe n. house rat. (sound of small sticks breaking).
ɗeréta (ɗerétú-) pl. ɗerétíkwa . n. Sudan ɗiaka (ɗiaká-) pl. ɗiakáikwa . n. baby,
gum arabic or gum acacia: tree species infant, suckling.
with hooked thorns that rip skin and ɗìɗa (ɗìɗè-) n. ass, donkey.

42
Ɗìɗèàwa ɗɔanés

Ɗìɗèàwa (Ɗìɗè-àwà-) n. name of a down low (e.g. into a deep valley). 3

place in Timu Forest. Lit. ‘donkey- v. to screw around on an errand.
place’. ɗípɔ̀ (ɗípɔ̀ɔ̀-) pl. ɗɨpɔ́íka . 1 n. clearing
ɗiɗecúrúka (ɗiɗe-cúrúkù-) n. jack: male or glade where crops are dried and/or
donkey. threshed. 2 n. animal bed. 3 n. open
ɗìɗèìm (ɗìɗè-ìmà-) pl. ɗiɗewika . n. foal: air market. See also ɓɔɗa .
young donkey. ɗìr (ɗìrì) adv. right or straight away.
ɗìɗèkwàtsa (ɗìɗè-kwàtsì-) n. stale, wa- ɗír (ɗírá-/ɗíró-) 1 n. semen, sperm. 2
tery beer (often with a reddish color). n. nocturnal emission.
Lit. ‘donkey-piss’.
ɗis (ɗisá-) n. belowground, under-
ɗìɗèŋàm (ɗìɗè-ŋàmà-) n. sorghum va- ground.
riety with brownish-gray seeds. Lit.
ɗítá (ɗítá) prep. as, like. A noun follow-
‘donkey-sorghum’.
ing this word takes the genitive case.
ɗiɗeŋwa (ɗiɗe-ŋwaá-) n. jenny: female
ɗítɛ́s (ɗítɛ́sì-) v. to remove or take gin-
donkey.
gerly (as when uprooting seedlings for
ɗìɗèsɔ̀ka (ɗìɗè-sɔ̀kɔ̀-) n. stool with two transplating).
legs and circular foot and head. Lit.
ɗítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɗítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to remove or
‘donkey-hoof’.
take away gingerly.
ɗìɗèwàz (ɗìɗè-wàzò-) n. female foal:
young female donkey. ɗiwaakón (ɗiwaakónì-) v. to be red (of
many).
ɗíɗítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɗíɗítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to pick-
pocket, sneak, snitch. Ɗiwamúce (Ɗiwa-múceé-) n. August:
month of worn trails. Lit. ‘the trail is
ɗíɗítɛtɛ́s (ɗíɗítɛtɛ́sí-) v. to pick-pocket, worn’. See also Iɗátáŋɛ́r and Lósʉ́ɓán.
sneak, snitch.
ɗiwiɗíwón (ɗiwiɗíwónì-) v. to be pink-
ɗíɗítɔ̀n (ɗíɗítɔ̀nì-) v. to breathe fitfully
ish-red.
(like a crying child or someone dying).
ɗiwítésuƙota (ɗiwítésuƙotí-) v. to make
ɗiisí (ɗiisíì-) n. District Commissioner.
red, redden.
ɗɨɨta (ɗɨɨtí-) n. bird species.
ɗìwòn (ɗìwònì-) 1 v. to be red. 2 v. to be
ɗilata (ɗilatí-) pl. ɗilátikwa . n. vine brown-skinned. 3 v. to be well worn
species whose root decoction is highly (of footpaths or roads).
medicinal.
ɗìwònìàm (ɗìwònì-àmà-) pl. ɗiwoniika .
ɗɨnɛ́s (ɗɨnɛ́sí-) v. to block, obstruct, stop n. brown-skinned person.
up.
ɗiwonuƙota (ɗiwonuƙotí-) v. to become
ɗɨnɔ́s (ɗɨnɔ́sí-) 1 v. to be blocked, ob- red, redden.
structed, stopped up. 2 v. to be con-
gested (e.g. from nasal allergies). 3 Ɗɔan (Ɗɔaní-) n. a personal name.
v. to be stone-deaf. ɗɔan (ɗɔaní-) 1 n. weed(s). 2 n. weed-
ɗipímón (ɗipímónì-) 1 v. to calm, cool, ing.
die, or settle down. 2 v. to descend, go ɗɔanés (ɗɔanésí-) v. to weed.

43
ɗoɗékwa ɗɔmɔ́dɔ̀n

ɗoɗékwa (ɗoɗékú-) n. corner of the eye, ɗóɗoŋwa (ɗóɗo-ŋwaá-) n. ewe: female

peripheral vision. sheep.
ɗóɗés (ɗóɗésì-) 1 v. to indicate, point ɗóɗòsìtsʼa (ɗóɗò-sìtsʼà-) n. fleece, wool.
at/to/out. 2 v. to show.
ɗóɗotimóya (ɗóɗo-timóí-) pl. ɗóɗo-
ɗóɗésa muceé v. to get going, set out, timóíka . n. tail of fat-tailed sheep,
take off. Lit. ‘to show the way’. highly prized for its oil content.
ɗoɗésúƙota (ɗoɗésúƙotí-) 1 v. to indi- ɗɔ́f (ɗɔ́fá-) n. shrew.
cate, point at/out/to. 2 v. to demon-
strate, illustrate, show. 3 v. to expose, ɗɔ́ɡɨɗɔ̂ɡa (ɗɔ́ɡɨɗɔ́ɡɔ̀-) pl. ɗɔ́ɡɨɗɔ́ɡìka .
reveal. 4 v. to introduce. 5 v. to an- n. yellow sugar-ant species often found
nounce, report. eating honey.
ɗoɗésúƙota ɲásáatí v. to tell the time. ɗɔ̀kɔ (ɗɔ̀kɔ̀) ideo. scrumptiously, yum-
Lit. ‘to point to the hour’. mily.
ɗóɗiés (ɗóɗiesí-) 1 v. to pinpoint. 2 ɗɔkɔ́dɔ̀n (ɗɔkɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be scrump-
v. to bewitch by pointing, point to se- tious, yummy.
cretly so as to curse. ɗɔkɔ́lɔ́mɔ̀n (ɗɔkɔ́lɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to stammer,
ɗóɗiesá tsòònì v. to point at the sunset stutter. See also ɗákón and ɨkʉʝʉ́kʉ́ʝɔ̀n.
as a curse: “Go down with the sun at ɗókótsa (ɗókótsì-) n. sorghum variety
sunset!”. with yellow seeds and sweet canes.
ɗóɗítetés (ɗóɗítetésí-) v. to reveal, ɗòku (ɗòkù) adv. sole, solitary.
show. See also enitésúƙota .
ɗɔƙítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɗɔƙítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to dam-
ɗóɗítetésá así v. to let oneself be known,
pen, make wet, moisten.
show oneself.
Ɗóɗò (Ɗóɗòò-) n. name of a river. Lit. ɗɔ̀ƙɔ̀n (ɗɔ̀ƙɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be damp, moist,
‘sheep’. wet. 2 n. mucus, phlegm, snot, spu-
tum.
ɗóɗò (ɗóɗòò-) pl. ɗóɗòìkwa . n. sheep.
ɗɔƙɔnʉƙɔta (ɗɔƙɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to become
ɗoɗôba (ɗoɗóbà-) pl. ɗoɗóbìka . n. baby
damp, moist, or wet.
carrier or sling.
ɗòl (ɗòlì-) pl. ɗólítín. 1 n. tattered ani-
ɗóɗòbàr (ɗóɗò-bàrɔ̀-) pl. ɗóɗobarɨtín.
mal carcass with only the skin remain-
n. flock of sheep.
ing. 2 n. shell of an abandoned bee-
ɗóɗocurúka (ɗóɗo-curúkú-) n. ram: hive.
male sheep.
ɗɔ̀l (ɗɔ̀lɛ̀-) pl. ɗɔ́lítín. 1 n. small un-
ɗóɗòèm (ɗóɗò-èmè-) n. mutton: sheep
ripe pumpkin. 2 n. ulcer. See also
meat.
ŋíkalʉtʉ́rɔ.
ɗóɗòìm (ɗóɗò-ìmà-) pl. ɗóɗowika .
ɗòlà kòn n. one billion. Lit. ‘one bee-
n. lamb: young sheep.
hive shell’.
ɗóɗòƙwàz (ɗóɗò-ƙwàzà-) 1 n. sheep-
leather clothing (with wool removed). ɗɔ̀m (ɗɔ̀mɔ̀) ideo. gluily, gooily.
2 n. short sheep-leather skirt worn by ɗɔmɔ́dɔ̀n (ɗɔmɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be gluey,
young girls. gooey.

44
Ɗómòka ɗués

Ɗómòka (Ɗómòkò-) n. name of a place ɗɔtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (ɗɔtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) 1 v. to add. 2

in Timu and its associated human habi- v. to add or mix in. 3 v. to add together,
tations. combine, join.
ɗooɲómòn (ɗooɲómònì-) 1 v. to be de- ɗɔtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta mɛnáɛ v. to summarize,
formed or missing (of an eye). 2 v. to sum up.
have a bad eye, monocular vision. ɗɔtsɛtɛ́s (ɗɔtsɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to add up, com-
ɗɔ̀r (ɗɔ̀rɔ̀) ideo. slickly, slipperily. bine. 2 v. to attach, join. 3 v. to list.
ɗɔtsɛtɛ́sá así v. to gather oneselves.
ɗoriɗórón (ɗoriɗórónì-) v. to happen
quickly (like a person appearing near ɗɔtsɛtɛ́sá tódàe v. to negotiate, reach a
after being seen from afar, or foods consensus. Lit. ‘to add up speech’.
that are cooked quickly, like rice). ɗɔtsɔ́s (ɗɔtsɔ́sí-) 1 v. to be added. 2
ɗɔrɔ́dɔ̀n (ɗɔrɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be slick, slip- v. to be attached, joined. 3 v. to be
pery. compacted.
ɗòwòn (ɗòwònì-) 1 v. to be pristine, un-
ɗorôɡa (ɗoróɡè-) pl. ɗoróɡìka . n. roan
spoiled, untouched, virginal (like a for-
antelope. Hippotragus equinus.
est). 2 v. to be left alone, unused (like
ɗòs (ɗòsì-) n. gum, mucilage. a path or old village).
ɗɔ̀s (ɗɔ̀sɔ̀) ideo. gummily. ɗòx (ɗòxò) ideo. fitly, healthily.
ɗɔsɔ́ (ɗɔsɔ́ɔ̀-) n. vine species whose ɗɔ̀x (ɗɔ̀xɔ̀) ideo. unsteadily.
seeds are eaten raw or cooked and ɗɔ́xɛáta (ɗɔ́xɛatí-) pl. ɗɔ́xɛatíka . n. star.
whose roots are eaten raw, cooked, or Ɗɔ́xɛatá na baratsóe n. morning star.
roasted. Vigna sp.
ɗɔ́xɛatá na ɓɛƙɛ́s n. satellite. Lit. ‘star
ɗɔsɔ́dɔ̀n (ɗɔsɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to gummy. that moves’.
ɗotíɗótòn (ɗotíɗótònì-) v. to go rest- ɗɔ́xɛatá na tsúwà n. meteor, shooting
lessly from place to place. star. Lit. ‘start that runs’.
ɗɔtɔ́ (ɗɔtɔ́ɔ̀-) 1 n. rubbery gum (like that Ɗɔ́xɛatá tsòònì n. morning star.
of barata ). 2 n. rubber. 3 n. chewing Ɗɔ́xɛatá xìŋàtàe n. evening star.
gum. ɗoxódòn (ɗoxódònì-) v. to be fit, heal-
ɗɔtsánón (ɗɔtsánónì-) 1 v. to be joined thy, in shape.
together. 2 v. to cooperate. 3 v. to be ɗɔxɔ́dɔ̀n (ɗɔxɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be rickety,
compacted. See also kumutsánón. wobbly (of people, while walking).
ɗɔtsánónuƙota (ɗɔtsánónuƙotí-) 1 v. to ɗɔ̀xɔ̀ƙa (ɗɔ̀xɔ̀ƙɔ̀-) pl. ɗɔxɔ́ƙíka . n. gourd
join or meet together. 2 v. to cooper- flesh, pulp.
ate. ɗuɗuanón (ɗuɗuanónì-) v. to growl,
ɗɔtsɛ́s (ɗɔtsɛ́sí-) 1 v. to add. 2 v. to grumble, gurgle (of digestion).
add or mix in. 3 v. to add together, ɗʉ̀ɗʉ̀ŋ (ɗʉ̀ɗʉ̀ŋʉ̀) ideo. to the end. See
combine, join. also tùtùr.
ɗɔtsɛ́sá ɦyekesí v. to contribute re- ɗués (ɗuesí-) v. to deracinate, extirpate,
sources. Lit. ‘to add life’. pull up, uproot. See also rués.

45
ɗuetés ɗùtu

ɗuetés (ɗuetésí-) v. to deracinate, extir- ɗʉmɛtɛ́s (ɗʉmɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to pick up.

pate, pull up, uproot. 2 v. to choose, pick, select. See also
ɗʉká (ɗʉkáí-) pl. ɗʉkáíka . n. beer ɨɗɛpɛtɛ́s.
residue, draff, dregs. See also dàʝa . ɗʉmʉ́dɔ̀n (ɗʉmʉ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be cooked
ɗʉkán (ɗʉkánì-) pl. ɗʉkánìka . n. kiosk, well-done.
shop, store. See also ɲáɗʉkán. ɗúó pro. because (of), due to (the fact
ɗukes (ɗukesí-) 1 n. pollen. 2 n. egg that). This word is followed either by a
yolk. 3 n. yellow color. noun in the genitive case or a subordi-
nate clause with the dummy pronoun
ɗukés (ɗukésí-) v. to strain (muscles, on its verb.
causing burning pain, especially when
climbing a steep hill or mountain). ɗʉ́r (ɗʉ́rá-) pl. ɗʉ́rítín. n. fetus.

ɗùku (ɗùkù) ideo. circularly, roundly. ɗʉ́rɛ́s (ɗʉ́rɛ́sì-) v. to pull on, tug, yank.
See also ɗʉtɛ́s.
ɗùku (ɗùkù) ideo. very smelly or stinky.
ɗʉrɛtɛ́s (ɗʉrɛtɛ́sí-) v. to pull out, yank
ɗukúditésúƙota (ɗukúditésúƙotí-) v. to out. See also ɗʉtɛtɛ́s.
make round, round.
ɗʉ̀rʉ̀ (ɗʉ̀rʉ̀ʉ̀-) n. mild vulgarity: a damn
ɗukúdòn (ɗukúdònì-) 1 v. to be circular, thing, shit, squat.
round. 2 v. to be in large denomina-
ɗʉ́rʉɗɔ́ɔ̀ (ɗʉ́rʉɗɔ́ɔ̀) interj. fool! idiotǃ
tions, undivided (of cash).
(an insult to someone who made a mis-
ɗukuɗúkón (ɗukuɗúkónì-) v. to boom, take).
rumble, thunder.
ɗusés (ɗusésí-) 1 v. to break, pull apart,
ɗukúmétòn (ɗukúmétònì-) v. to crum- separate, sever, tear. 2 v. to harvest
ble, disintegrate, fall apart. (honey by pulling out honeycombs).
ɗukúmón (ɗukúmónì-) v. to crumble, ɗusésúƙota (ɗusésúƙotí-) v. to break off,
disintegrate, fall apart. pull apart, separate, sever, tear off.
ɗuƙúkón (ɗuƙúkónì-) v. to suffer inter- ɗusúmón (ɗusúmónì-) v. to break, come
nally or quietly (from hunger or sick- apart, cut, snap, tear (of rope-like ob-
ness). jects).
ɗùl (ɗùlù) ideo. thud! (sound of a person ɗusutes (ɗusutesí-) v. to break, cut, pull
landing on the ground). apart, sever, tear (rope-like objects).
ɗúlúnós (ɗúlúnósí-) v. to be at odds, un- ɗusutesíáwa (ɗusutesí-áwà-) pl. ɗusute-
cooperative with each other. síáwíka . n. breakage point.
ɗúlútés (ɗúlútésí-) v. to pound, pummel ɗùta (ɗùtà-) pl. ɗútítín. n. huge wide-
(with a fist or stick). bottom gourd.
ɗʉ̀m (ɗʉ̀mʉ̀) ideo. very well-cooked. ɗʉtɛ́s (ɗʉtɛ́sí-) v. to pull on, tug, yank.
Ɗʉmánámérìx (Ɗʉmáná-mérìxì-) See also ɗʉ́rɛ́s.
n. name of a hill or mountain. ɗʉtɛtɛ́s (ɗʉtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to pull out, yank
ɗʉmɛ́s (ɗʉmɛ́sí-) v. to pick up. See also out. See also ɗʉrɛtɛ́s.
ɨɗɛpɛs. ɗùtu (ɗùtù) ideo. very decayed or rotten.

46
ɗutúdòn ɗutúɗútánónuƙota

ɗutúdòn (ɗutúdònì-) v. to be decayed, ɗutúɗútánónuƙota (ɗutúɗútánónuƙotí-)

decomposed, rotten. v. to decay, decompose, rot. See also
ɗutúɗútánón (ɗutúɗútánónì-) v. to be masánétòn and mʉsánétòn.
decaying, decomposing, rotting.

47
dzàbùl dzôɡa

dz
dzàbùl (dzàbùlà-) pl. dzábùlìka . n. fe- dzíɡwam (dzíɡwamá-) n. commodity,
male eland. Tragelaphus (Taurotragus) merchandise, product, or ware (bought
oryx. or sold).
dzàƙa (dzàƙà-) pl. dzáƙaikwa . n. son. dzíɡwès (dzíɡwèsì-) v. to do commerce,
dzàƙɛ̀da (dzàƙɛ̀dɛ̀-) n. his/her son. trade (sell or buy).
dzálón (dzálónì-) v. to cry easily (usu- dzíɡwèsèda (dzíɡwèsèdè-) n. price.
ally for no good reason). See also dzíɡwèsìàm (dzíɡwèsì-àmà-) pl. dzíɡw-
ɨɲɛ́ɛ́mɔ̀n. esiika . n. buyer, customer.
dzàr (dzàrà-) n. red-billed oxpecker, dzíɡwesuƙota (dzíɡwesuƙotí-) v. to sell.
tickbird. Buphagus erythrorhynchus. dzíɡwesuƙotíám (dzíɡwesuƙotí-ámà-)
dzɛ́rɛ́dzɛránón (dzɛ́rɛ́dzɛránónì-) v. to pl. dzíɡwesuƙotííka . n. seller.
be in shreds, shredded. dzíɡwetam (dzíɡwetamá-) n. commod-
dzɛrɛ́s (dzɛrɛ́sí-) 1 v. to rend, rip, shred, ity, merchandise, product, or ware (to
tear. 2 v. to strike (a match). 3 v. to be bought). Lit. ‘buyable’.
gash, slash. dzíɡwetés (dzíɡwetésí-) v. to buy.
dzeretiés (dzeretiesí- ) 1 v. to shred, dzííƙotam (dzííƙotamá-) n. commodity,
strip, tear off. 2 v. to make facial in- merchandize, product, or ware (to be
cisions. 3 v. to stripe. sold). Lit. ‘sellable’.
dzeretiésuƙota (dzeretiesúƙotí-) v. to dziŋ (dziŋá-) pl. dziŋitín. n. base, foot,
shred, strip, tear off. floor (of a house or hill).
dzɛ̀rɔ̀n (dzɛ̀rɔ̀nì-) v. to dash, tear off. dziŋánànès (dziŋánànèsì-) n. lowland
living.
dzɛrɔ́sɔ́n (dzɛrɔ́sɔ́nì-) v. to be rent,
ripped, shredded, torn. dzɔɗáta (dzɔɗátí-) pl. dzɔɗátíka . n. rec-
tum.
dzibér (dzibérí-) pl. dzíbèrìka . n. axe,
hatchet. dzɔɗátínànès (dzɔɗátínànèsì-) n. grab-
biness, greediness. Lit. ‘acting like a
dzíbèrìkàmɛ̀s (dzíbèrìkà-mɛ̀sɛ̀-) n. an-
rectum’.
nual agricultural ceremony during
which beer is drunk as a reward for dzôɡa (dzóɡà-) pl. dzóɡitín. n. large
clearing new gardens and beer dregs tree species whose small red berries are
are poured all over the axes used for loved by children and baboons alike;
clearing. Lit. ‘axes-beer’. the seeds, when dried and ground,
yield a sooty black, smelly paste that
dzîɡwa (dzíɡwà-) 1 n. business, com-
women put into their hair and onto
merce, trade. 2 n. price.
their skin for cosmetic purposes; this
dzíɡwààm (dzíɡwà-àmà-) pl. dzíɡwaika . paste is also used to tan hides; the
n. buyer, customer. tree’s twigs make toothbrushes, and its
dzíɡwààwa (dzíɡwà-àwà-) pl. dzíɡwaa- wood is used for building and fencing.
wíka . n. market. See also ɲámákɛ̀ta . Pappea capensis.

48
dzoluɡánón dzúnánès

dzoluɡánón (dzoluɡánónì-) v. to have dzuesetés (dzuesetésí-) v. to burgle,

hidden motives. steal, thieve (and bring this way).
dzòn (dzònì-) pl. dzóníkwa . n. hand-dug dzuƙés (dzuƙésí-) 1 v. to displace, move,
well. relocate. 2 v. to pass, waste (time).
dzònìàm (dzònì-àmà-) pl. dzoniika .
dzuƙésúƙota (dzuƙésúƙotí-) v. to dis-
n. Toposa person. Lit. ‘well-person’.
place, move, or relocate away.
dzú (dzúú-) n. burglary, larceny, theft,
thievery. dzuƙetés (dzuƙetésí-) v. to displace,
move, or relocate this way.
dzúám (dzú-ámà- ) pl. dzúíka . n. bur-
gler, stealer, thief. dzúƙudzuƙiés (dzúƙudzuƙiesí-) v. to
dzuesés (dzuesésí-) v. to burgle, steal, postpone or put off repeatedly.
thieve. dzúnánès (dzúnánèsì-) n. thievery,
dzuesésúƙota así v. to sneak off/away. thieving.

49
eakwa eɡésá ɨtsɨkɛsí

e/ɛ
eakwa (eakwá-) pl. ɲɔta . 1 n. man. 2 ɛdéìm (ɛdé-ìmà-) pl. ɛdɛ́wika . n. my
n. husband. niece or nephew (brother’s child).
eakwánánès (eakwánánèsì-) n. man- édès (édèsì-) v. to carry on the back.
hood, manliness, masculinity. éditíníkabáɗa (éditíní-kabáɗá-) n. list of
ɛán (ɛání-) pl. ɛáníkwa . 1 n. co-wife: names, record of attendance.
one of multiple wives of one man. 2 eɗa (eɗí-) 1 n. cereal, grain. 2 n. tip, top.
n. sister-in-law (wife of one’s hus-
ɛɗá (ɛɗá) adv. alone, only, solely.
band’s brother).
eɗa ni erútsa n. harvest of new grain.
eaŋanes (eaŋanesí-) v. to be happy, joy-
ful. eɗeda (eɗede-) pl. eɗin. 1 n. kernel, seed.
2 n. embryo. 3 n. bullet. 4 n. glans
eas (easí-) 1 n. truth, verity. 2 n. hon- penis. See also ekweda .
esty, integrity, transparency.
eɗímɛ́s (eɗí-mɛ́sɛ̀-) n. grain beer.
easíám (easí-ámà-) pl. easííka . n. honest
person, truthful person. eɗin (eɗini-) n. fruit(s).
ee interj. yeah, yes. The tone on this
easíke n. really, truly.
word may vary in pronunciation.
ɛ́bàdɛ̀ (ɛ́bà-dɛ̀à-) pl. ɛ́badɛíka . n. gun-
éétòn (éétònì-) v. to become full, fill.
stock, stock. Lit. ‘gun-foot’.
ɛfás (ɛfásí-) pl. ɛfásíka . n. adipose tissue,
ɛbam (ɛbamá-) pl. ɛ́baikwa . n. fellow, in-
fat (esp. when eaten).
group friend (an Ik or an incorporated
foreigner only). Compare with ɲòta . ɛfɨtɛs (ɛfɨtɛsí-) 1 v. to flavor, season,
spice (especially with oil). 2 v. to
ɛbamánánès (ɛbamánánèsì-) n. friend-
sweeten (a deal or offer). 3 v. to spice
liness, friendship (with Ik or in-group
up: make it fun or funny.
members).
ɛ̀fɔ̀n (ɛ̀fɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be flavorful, tasty,
ébetiés (ébetiesí-) v. to blaspheme,
well-seasoned. 2 v. to be funny, inter-
curse, cuss out.
esting. 3 v. to be entertaining, fun.
éɓútòn (éɓútònì-) v. to groan, moan. See ɛfɔnʉƙɔta (ɛfɔnʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to be become
also ɛ́mítɔ̀n and émúròn. flavorful or tasty. 2 v. to become fun
ècòn (ècònì-) v. to get out of the way, or funny. 3 v. to become ecstatic, or-
move aside. Also pronounced as èkòn. gasmic, or rapturous.
êda (édì-) pl. éditín. n. name. eɡés (eɡésí-) v. to place, put.
éda na moranâde n. name of honor, title. eɡésá ekwí v. to go to seed, produce
Lit. ‘name that is feared’. seeds, seed. Lit. ‘to put an eye’.
ɛdɛ́ (ɛdɛ́ɛ̀-) pl. ɛdɛ́ín. 1 n. my brother. 2 eɡésá hòòke v. to imprison, jail, lock up.
n. my cousin (father’s brother’s son). Lit. ‘to put in the house’.
ɛdɛ́cèka (ɛdɛ́-cèkì-) n. wife of my brother eɡésá ɨtsɨkɛsí v. to pass a law. Lit. ‘to
or of a paternal male cousin. put a law’.

50
eɡésá kwɛtáɛ emitaakón

eɡésá kwɛtáɛ v. to sign. Lit. ‘to put the ekúɔ́ka (ekú-ɔ́kà-) pl. ekwitíníɔkɨtín.
hand’. n. brow bone, supraorbital bone.
eɡésá ɲáʝálaáke v. to jail, put in jail. ekúsítsʼa (ekú-sítsʼà-) 1 n. eyelash. 2
eɡésá zíkɛ́sìkɛ v. to imprison, jail, lock n. eyebrow.
up. Lit. ‘to put in tying’. ekwa (ekú-) pl. ekwitín. 1 n. eye. 2
eɡetés (eɡetésí-) v. to place, put. n. seed. 3 n. center, center point,
point.
éítésuƙota (éítésuƙotí-) v. to fill up.
ekweda (ekwede-) pl. ekwin. 1 n. kernel,
éítetés (éítetésí-) v. to fill up. See also
seed. 2 n. core, essence, point. See also
ilílíés.
eɗeɗa .
eʝá (eʝá) adv. not: do not, let not.
ɛkwɛ́tɔ́n (ɛkwɛ́tɔ́nì-) v. to start early or
ɛkɛwa (ɛkɛʉ́-) pl. ɛkɛ́wíka . n. iliolumber first.
ligament that joins the backbone to the
ekwin (ekwini-) 1 n. seeds. 2 n. points.
pelvis.
ɛkwɨtɛs (ɛkwɨtɛsí-) v. to put ahead or in
Ɛ́kìtɛ̀là (Ɛ́kɨtɛlaá) n. a personal name.
front.
ekoɗita (ekoɗití-) n. tree species whose
ɛkwítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɛkwítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to put
young roots are eaten raw and whose
ahead or in front.
fruit is liked by children and birds; its
bark is chewed as medicine for cough- ɛ̀kwɔ̀n (ɛ̀kwɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be early or first.
ing, and its wood is used to carve stools 2 v. to be ahead or in front.
and wooden containers. Lannea schim- elánétòn (elánétònì-) v. to accompany
peri. See also meleke. here, come after/with.
èkòn (èkònì-) v. to get out of the way, elánónuƙota (elánónuƙotí-) v. to accom-
move aside. Also pronounced as ècòn. pany away, follow or go after.
ekúám (ekú-ámà-) pl. ekúíka . n. one eletiesá mɛnáɛ v. to blunder, blurt out
with the ‘evil eye’: the magical power news or secrets.
to cause harm by staring too long or eletiésuƙota (eletiesúƙotí-) v. to blow,
too intensely at something admirable. squander, waste. See also iɲékésuƙota .
Lit. ‘eye-person’.
em (emé-) 1 n. flesh, meat. 2 n. muscle.
ekúcé (ekú-céè-) n. tears. Lit. ‘eye-
emetá (emetáa-) pl. emetátikwa . n. par-
water’.
ent in-law (of men).
ekúcúédidí (ekú-cúé-didíì-) n. teardrop
eminés (eminésí-) v. to draw, pull.
rain: light drizzle after a death or dur-
ing a funeral. eminésúƙota (eminésúƙotí-) v. to draw
or pull away/off.
ekúkɔ́ɔ́kwarósítsʼa (ekú-kɔ́ɔ́-kwaró-
sítsʼà-) n. eyebrow. Lit. ‘north-of-eye eminetés (eminetésí-) v. to draw or pull
hair’. out/up.
ekúnánès (ekúnánèsì-) n. having the eminiés (eminiesí-) v. to draw apart,
‘evil eye’: the magical power to cause pull apart, stretch.
harm by staring too long at something emitaakón (emitaakónì-) v. to swell (of
admirable. many).

51
emites eréɡam

emites (emitesí-) v. to make swell, enitésúƙota (enitésúƙotí-) v. to reveal,

tumefy. show. See also ɗóɗítetés.
ɛ́mítɔ̀n (ɛ́mítɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to groan, moan. Enitetés (Enitetésí-) n. Revelation: last
2 v. to wheeze. See also éɓútòn and book in the New Testament.
émúròn. enitetés (enitetésí-) 1 v. to clarify, ex-
èmòn (èmònì-) v. to swell, tumefy. plain. 2 v. to reveal, show.
émúròn (émúrònì-) v. to groan, moan. eŋún (eŋúnú-) pl. eŋúnáikwa . n. last-
See also ɛ́mítɔ̀n and éɓútòn. born. See also ʝìrìàm.
èmùsìà (èmùsìà-) n. tree species used eŋúnúnànès (eŋúnúnànèsì-) n. being
for fencing and whose black seeds the last born in a family.
are eaten raw and whose bitter roots eódòn (eódònì-) v. to be full.
are eaten by children, turning their ɛ̀ɔ̀m (ɛ̀ɔ̀mɔ̀) ideo. breakably, brittlely.
tongues yellow; also, the root rinds are
ɛɔmɔ́dɔ̀n (ɛɔmɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be breakable,
crushed and added to water or porridge
brittle. See also wɛtsʼɛ́dɔ̀n and pokódòn.
to cleanse the digestive system. Euclea
schimperi. epa (epú-) 1 n. sleep, slumber. 2 n. sex,
sexual relations or intercourse.
emuta (emutí-) pl. emútíka . 1 n. narra-
tive, story, tale. 2 n. news. 3 n. infor- epítésuƙota (epítésuƙotí-) 1 v. to lay
mation. down. 2 v. to put to sleep. 3 v. to
settle down.
emuta ínóe n. animal fable.
epitésúƙòtà ɗèɲ v. to flatten, lay flat.
emútíka (emútíkà-) 1 n. storytelling. 2
epitésúƙota tódàe v. to resolve an issue,
n. news. 3 n. information.
settle a dispute.
emutíká nùù kɔ̀wa n. history. Lit. ‘sto-
èpòn (èpònì-) 1 v. to be lying down. 2
ries of old’.
v. to be sleeping, sleep, slumber. 3 v. to
emútíkààm (emútíkà-àmà-) pl. emútí- have sex, make love.
kaika . n. narrator, storyteller. See also
epona ŋabéro v. to lie on the side. Lit.
isíséésíàm.
‘to lie on the rib’.
enés (enésí-) 1 v. to see. 2 v. to feel, eponuƙota (eponuƙotí-) 1 v. to lie down,
perceive. 3 v. to know, underestand. recline. 2 v. to go to sleep. See also
4 v. to discover. 5 v. to achieve, attain. bukonuƙota and itsólóŋòn.
enésá mɛnáɛ v. to confirm the case, find epopos (epoposí-) 1 v. to sleep a lot. 2
proof. Lit. ‘to see matters’. v. to sleep around, be sexually promis-
enésúƙota (enésúƙotí-) v. to catch sight cuous.
of, see. epúám (epú-ámà-) pl. epúíka . 1 n. lover
ɛ́nɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɛ́nɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to seize, take of sleep, sleeper. 2 n. lover.
by force. epúáwa (epú-áwà-) pl. epúáwíka . 1
enésúƙotíám (enésúƙotí-ámà-) pl. enés- n. sleeping place. 2 n. hostel, hotel,
úƙotííka . n. spectator, witness. lodge, motel, inn. 3 n. uterus, womb.
énímós (énímósí-) v. to visit. Lit. ‘to see See also ɲapéryɛ́ta .
each other’. eréɡam (eréɡamá-) n. useable, useful.

52
eréɡes ɛ̂ba

eréɡes (eréɡesí-) 1 v. to employ, make esetésúƙota (esetésúƙotí-) v. to ask, in-

use of, use. 2 v. to deploy, send. quire.
eréɡesíám (eréɡesí-ámà-) pl. eréɡesííka . esetetés (esetetésí-) v. to ask, inquire.
n. emissary, envoy, errand-runner. esetiés (esetiesí-) v. to question, interro-
érítòn (érítònì-) v. to flitter, flutter (of gate, investigate.
termite alates underground just before etsʼa (etsʼí-) n. droppings, dung, excre-
emerging and taking flight). ment, feces, poop, scat, stool.
erumén (eruméní-) pl. eruméníka . etsʼíhò (etsʼí-hòò-) pl. etsʼíhoíka . n. la-
n. short spear shaft (with ɲɛlɨráta as its trine, outhouse, toilet. See also ɲót-
spearhead). sorón.
erún (erúná-) pl. erúníka . n. edible ter- etsʼíƙwâz (etsʼí-ƙwázà-) pl. etsʼíƙwázíka .
mite alate that takes flight during the n. diaper, nappy.
night just before the day when the rest eûz (eúzè-) pl. eúzìka . n. buffalo bull.
of the colony does the same. Syncerus caffer.
Erupe (Erupeé-) n. a personal name. eúzòn (eúzònì-) v. to be predawn, in
erutánón (erutánónì-) 1 v. to low, moo. the small or ‘wee’ hours of the morn-
2 v. to roar (e.g. lions). ing (3:00-4:00 am, when buffalos come
to waterholes to drink).
erútsón (erútsónì-) 1 v. to be new. 2
v. to be fresh. 3 v. to be recent. èwa (èò-) pl. ewitín. n. leather bag
used for carrying honey and other wild
eruxam (eruxamá-) n. loose feces or foods.
stool.
ewanes (ewanesí-) 1 v. to notice, take
erúxón (erúxónì-) v. to have loose feces note off. 2 v. to attend to, show hospi-
or stool. tality to, welcome warmly.
ɛs (ɛsá-) n. termite(s). ewanetés (ewanetésí-) 1 v. to notice,
ɛ́s (ɛ́sá-) n. alcoholism, drunkenness, take note of. 2 v. to attend to, show
inebriation. hospitality to, welcome warmly.
ɛ́sáàm (ɛ́sá-àmà-) pl. ɛ́sáika . n. alcoholic, ewêda (ewédì-) n. wild potato-like vine
drunkard, drunk. species whose tubers are peeled and
cooked multiple times to remove tox-
ɛsánón (ɛsánónì-) v. to be drunk, inebri-
ins and are then eaten. Dioscorea sp.
ated, intoxicated.
eya (eí-) n. chyme: stomach contents.
ɛ́sátòda (ɛ́sá-tòdà-) n. drunken talk. See also ŋkʉ́ʝíta .
eséánètòn (eséánètònì-) v. to be tri- ɛ̂ba (ɛ́bà-) pl. ɛ́bɨtín. 1 n. antler, horn.
colored (brown, ruddy, yellow). 2 n. insect antenna. 3 n. musical
esetés (esetésí-) 1 v. to ask, inquire. 2 horn traditionally made from an ani-
v. to assess, test. 3 n. inquiry, ques- mal horn (often oryx). 4 n. firearm,
tion. gun, weapon.

53
fá fenétón

f
fá (<féés) v. fátárààka (fátárà-àkà-) pl. fátárikóákí-
fâda (fádò-) pl. fádikwa . n. scale, shell. tín. n. top of a vertically running ridge.
Lit. ‘ridge-mouth’.
faɗás (faɗásí-) n. divination, prophecy.
fátárààkànànès (fátárààkànànèsì-)
faɗetés (faɗetésí-) v. to extract, pull out n. having the habit of going to the
(like jiggers or a thorn). escarpment’s vertical-running ridges
faɗétón (faɗétónì-) v. to be casual, cav- and valleys to look for food as a way
alier, nonchalant about life. to escape domestic problems like con-
flict or hunger.
fàɗìɡùr (fàɗì-ɡùrò-) n. grass species
with a pungent odor and taste, used for fatsámánòn (fatsámánònì-) v. to be laid
thatching houses; the Didinga are said flat.
to use a decoction of its roots to treat fatsifatsos (fatsifatsosí-) v. to lie around
children’s diarrhea. Lit. ‘bitter-heart’. or sleep flat on one’s back.
Fadigura sp. fátsón (fátsónì-) v. to like on the back,
faɗites (faɗitesí-) 1 v. to make bitter in lie face-up.
taste. 2 v. to discourage, embitter. féés (féésì-/fá-) v. to cook by boiling.
fàɗòn (fàɗònì-) 1 v. to be bitter. 2 v. to féésa íditíní v. to cook for one’s unmar-
divine, prophesy. ried friends (of a newly married man,
as a celebration of getting access to
fàɗònìàm (fàɗònì-àmà-) pl. faɗoniika . ‘breasts’, i.e. his new wife). Lit. ‘to
n. diviner, prophet. cook breasts’.
fáídomés (fáídomésí-) v. to brew beer féíàwa (féí-àwà-) pl. féíawíka . n. bath,
and/or cook food for a housewarming bathroom, shower.
party. Lit. ‘to pot-boil’.
féítetés (féítetésí-) v. to bathe.
fàìdwa (fàìdò-) pl. faidíkwa . n. hard- fekifekos (fekifekosí-) v. to be giggly,
wood tree species with a black heart laugh a lot.
that is used for making beautiful black-
fekitetés (fekitetésí-) v. to amuse, enter-
brown walking sticks.
tain, make laugh.
fàka (fàkà) ideo. broad-bladedly. fèkòn (fèkònì-) v. to laugh.
fakádòn (fakádònì-) v. to be broad- fen (fení-) pl. fenitín. n. digging stick
bladed (like a leaf or spearhead). with a wide flat end.
fàlòn (fàlònì-) v. to fail to get, miss, miss fèn (fènì-) n. fart, flatulence, gas.
out on. fɛ̀n (fɛ̀nɛ̀) ideo. flatulently, gassily.
fàr (fàrà) adv. in the future. Also pro- fɛnɛ́dɔ̀n (fɛnɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be flatulent,
nounced as fàrò. gassy.
fátár (fátárà-) pl. fátárikwa . n. ridge fenétón (fenétónì-) v. to break wind,
running vertically. See also ɲɔɗɔ́kɛ́ta . fart, pass gas.

54
féón fɔrɔ́sìtà

féón (féónì-) v. to bathe, shower. fírítsʼés (fírítsʼésí-) v. to trample to

fet (fetí-) 1 n. sun.
a
2 n. thirst. 3 pieces.
n. clock, watch. fítés (fítésì-) v. to clean, wash.
fɛtɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n (fɛtɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be flatly or fítésa kíʝáe v. to create peace. Lit. ‘to
shallowly concave. See also ɓɛtɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n. wash the land’.
Fetíám (Fetí-ámà-) pl. Fetííka . n. Jie per- fítésuƙota (fítésuƙotí-) v. to wash up/
son. Lit. ‘sun-person’. away.
fetíbàs (fetí-bàsà-) pl. fetíbàsìn. n. sun- fítésuƙota ɡúróe v. to repent, self-
beam, sunray. cleanse. Lit. ‘to wash the heart’.
fetíékùàm (fetí-ékù-àmà-) pl. fetíékuika . fítésuƙota kwɛ́tìkàɛ v. to wash hands
n. easterner. Lit. ‘sun-eye person’. (for health or peace).
fetíékuxan (fetí-éku-xaná-) dem. east- fitetés (fitetésí-) v. to wash up.
erly direction. fitídòn (fitídònì-) v. to be dull (of
blades).
fetíékwa (fetí-ékù-) n. east. Lit. ‘sun-
eye’. fìtⁱ (fìtì) ideo. dully (of blades).
fètìfèta (fètìfètì-) pl. fetífétìka . n. nape fiuu (fiuu) ideo. zing! (sound of a bullet
of the neck, scruff. passing close by). The vowels in this
word are pronounced silently.
fetíɡwà (fetí-ɡwàà-) n. bird species. Lit.
‘sun bird’. fɔ́ɗa (fɔ́ɗɛ́-) pl. fɔ́ɗítín. 1 n. long
goat-leather loincloth worn by women
fetíhò (fetí-hòò-) pl. fetíhoíka . n. range (wider at the waist and at the knees,
on both horizons in which the sun rises narrower in between). 2 n. tiny gar-
and sets relatively constantly during den plot. 3 n. mudflap.
dry and rainy seasons. Lit. ‘sun-hut’.
fɔ́ɗítíníàm (fɔ́ɗítíní-àmà-) pl. fɔ́ɗítí-
Fetíícétôda (Fetí-ícé-tódà-) n. Jie dialect níika . n. old woman. Lit. ‘loincloths-
of the Ateker (Teso-Turkana) speech person’. See also dúnéìm.
varieties. Lit. ‘sun-people speech’.
fɔfɔ́ʝa (fɔfɔ́ʝá-) pl. fɔfɔ́ʝíka . n. dried fruit
féya (féí-) n. bathing, showering. of the tsʼɔƙɔm tree.
fìfòn (fìfònì-) v. to be annoying, bother- fɔ́fɔ́tɛ́s (fɔ́fɔ́tɛ́sí-) v. to drag, grate, scrape
some, irritating. See also ɨtsánánòn. (along the ground). See also ɨfɔɛs.
fiifíón (fiifíónì-) v. to be felt on the skin fóʝón (fóʝónì-) v. to whistle.
(like a breeze or scratching an itch). fɔ̀kɔ (fɔ̀kɔ̀) ideo. lightweightly.
fìr (fìrì) ideo. fully. fɔkɔ́dɔ̀n (fɔkɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be lightweight.
firifíránón (firifíránónì-) v. to be avoid- See also ɔfɔ́dɔ̀n and olódòn.
ant, circumventing, evasive, steering folólómòn (folólómònì-) v. to be wide
clear. See also wirifíránón. open (like an open road).
firímón (firímónì-) v. to be clogged or fòlòn (fòlònì-) v. to exuviate, molt, shed
constipated from overeating. (scales or skin).
fíritsʼár (fíritsʼárì-) n. bird species. fɔrɔ́sìtà (fɔrɔ́sìtàà-) n. forest.

55
fɔrɔ́tsʼɔ́mɔ̀n fùùtu

fɔrɔ́tsʼɔ́mɔ̀n (fɔrɔ́tsʼɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be de- furés (furésí-) 1 v. to scavenge, scrounge

flated, flat (like a ball or tire). for. 2 v. to be sexually promiscuous.
fɔ́tɛ́s (fɔ́tɛ́sì-) v. to winnow by tossing furésíàm (furésí-àmà-) pl. fúrésiika .
up and down in an open container (us- n. scavenger.
ing one’s breath or the wind to remove
chaff). furúdòn (furúdònì-) v. to pour out or
stream out (and part ways).
fotólón (fotólónì-) v. to be clear, open,
unobstructed (like a line-of-sight). fútés (fútésì-) v. to blow.
fòtsa (fòtsà-) pl. fotsitín. n. gorge, fútésuƙota (fútésuƙotí-) v. to blow off/
ravine. See also ɲɔ́kɔ́pɛ. away.
fòtsàìka (fòtsà-ìkà-) pl. fotsitíníikitín. fútón (fútónì-) 1 v. to blow. 2 v. to make
n. top end of a steep gorge. Lit. ‘gorge- noise (vehicle).
head’.
fùtsʼàtsʼa (fùtsʼàtsà) ideo. carelessly,
fɔ̀tsʼɔ (fɔ̀tsʼɔ̀) ideo. boggily, marshily,
heedlessly.
swampily.
fɔtsʼɔ́dɔ̀n (fɔtsʼɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be boggy, futsʼátsʼésuƙota (futsʼátsʼésuƙotí-) v. to
marshy, soggy, swampy. throw down carelessly.
fʉ́fʉ́ta (fʉ́fʉ́tà-) pl. fʉ́fʉ́tìka . n. fresh fútsʼiés (fútsʼiesí-) 1 v. to resuscitate, re-
footpath or trail (of animals or people, vive (especially with steam). 2 v. to
e.g. through grass). rekindle (with one’s breath).
fuʝúlúmòn (fuʝúlúmònì-) v. to be cliff- fùtu (fùtù) ideo. cut off completely.
like, cliffy.
fùù (fùù) ideo. sound of an empty gourd.
fúluƙurú (fúluƙurúù-) n. turaco (Ross’s
and white-crested species). Also pro- fúútòn (fúútònì-) 1 v. to breathe heavily.
nounced as ƙúlufurú. 2 v. to hiss (of snakes).
fùr (fùrù) ideo. streaming out, going sep- fùùtu (fùùtù) ideo. whoosh! (sound of
arate ways. flowing).

56
ɡaanaakón ɡamés

g
ɡaanaakón (ɡaanaakónì-) v. to be bad, Gaɗukúɲ (Gaɗukúɲù-) n. Gaɗukuɲ:
evil, wicked (of many). one of the Ik’s twelve clans.
ɡaánàs (ɡaánàsì-) 1 n. badness, evil, Gaɗukúɲùàm (Gaɗukúɲù-àmà-) pl.
wickedness. 2 n. anger, annoyance, Gaɗukúɲuika . n. Gaɗukuɲ clan mem-
fury, rage. 3 n. danger, peril, risk. ber.
ɡàànìke v. badly, poorly. ɡafarɛs (ɡafarɛsí-) v. to jab, stab. Also
pronounced as ɡɛfɛrɛs.
ɡaanítésuƙot (ɡaanítésuƙotí-) 1 v. to
a

make bad, worsen. 2 v. to anger, an- ɡafariés (ɡafariesí-) 1 v. to jab or stab

noy, upset. repeatedly. 2 v. to scoop up and eat
with fingers.
ɡaanón (ɡaanónì-) 1 v. to be bad, evil,
wicked. 2 v. to be angry, annoyed, ɡàfìɡàf (ɡàfìɡàfù-) pl. ɡafíɡáfìka . 1
upset. 3 v. to be dangerous, perilous, n. lung. 2 n. radiator.
risky. 4 v. to really like, be ‘into’ (e.g. ɡafíɡáfikaɲeɗeké (ɡafíɡáfika-ɲeɗekéè-)
playing football). n. pulmonary tuberculosis in animals.
Lit. ‘lung-disease’.
ɡaanónuƙota (ɡaanónuƙotí-) 1 v. to be-
come worse, worsen. 2 v. to become ɡaɡaanón (ɡaɡaanónì-) v. to chuckle,
angry, annoyed, upset. giggle.
ɡaɗa (ɡaɗɛ́-) n. destruction and violence ɡáí (ɡáí) quant. both.
directed treacherously towards one’s ɡàʝa (ɡàʝà) ideo. stammeringly, stutter-
own family, property, clan, neighbor, ingly.
etc. See also ɡaɗɛ́s. ɡaʝádòn (ɡaʝádònì-) v. to be stammer-
ɡaɗár (ɡaɗárá-) pl. ɡaɗáríka . 1 n. goo, ing, stuttering. See also ɨƙʉʝʉ́kʉ́ʝɔ̀n.
goop, slime. 2 n. chyme. 3 n. cervical ɡaʝádònìtòda (ɡaʝádònì-tòdà-) n. stam-
mucus. mering or stuttering speech.
ɡaɗɛ́ám (ɡaɗɛ́-ámà-) pl. ɡaɗéíka . n. per- ɡakímón (ɡakímónì-) v. to lurch, reel,
son who destroys property and as- stagger (due to drunkenness, sickness,
saults people from within his own or old age).
home, garden, or community. ɡáƙón (ɡáƙónì-) v. to leave early (before
ɡaɗɛ́s (ɡaɗɛ́sí-) v. to violently destroy dawn). See also isókón.
one’s own property, leading to the ces- ɡaƙúrúmòn (ɡaƙúrúmònì-) v. to be
sation of rain and a poor harvest for the grouchy, grumpy. See also ŋízìmɔ̀ɔ̀n.
whole community.
Gàlàtsa (Gàlàtsì-) n. name of a hill or
ɡaɗikam (ɡaɗikamá-) n. foraging. mountain.
ɡaɗikamáám (ɡaɗikamá-ámà-) pl. ɡaɗi- ɡamam (ɡamamá-) n. firewood, kin-
kamáíka . n. forager. See also wààm. dling, tinder. Lit. ‘kindlable’.
ɡàɗɔ̀n (ɡàɗɔ̀nì-) v. to be insufficient, ɡamés (ɡamésí-) v. to kindle, light or
lacking, not be enough. start (a fire).

57
ɡamésá tsʼaɗí ɡìɡa

ɡamésá tsʼaɗí v. to kindle, light, or start ɡasoŋwa (ɡaso-ŋwaá-) n. warthog sow.

a fire. ɡàtsa (ɡàtsà) ideo. rockily, stonily.
ɡàràʝa (ɡàràʝì-) pl. ɡáráʝìka . n. tree ɡatsádòn (ɡatsádònì-) v. to be rocky,
species with slick, reddish bark and stony.
branches which are ideal for placing ɡaúsúmòn (ɡaúsúmònì-) v. to be shag-
beehives; its seed-pods split open ex- gy, unruly (of hair).
posing little black seeds with red tips
and itchy hairs; these are fried, ground, ɡáʒàda (ɡáʒàdì-) pl. ɡáʒàdìka . n. red-
and cooked, yielding a nice edible seed- pod terminalia: large shady tree
butter. Sterculia stenocarpa. species whose branches can support
beehives and whose trunks are carved
Gàràʝìàwa (Gàràʝì-àwà-) n. name of a into beehives; the heart is ground and
place and village near Lopokóka . Lit. mixed with oil to make a perfume
‘ɡàràʝ-place’. called ɓʉ́ɓʉ́s; and a bark decoction is
ɡárés (ɡárésì-) v. to dish out/up, serve drunk with rukûdza and tikorotóta . Ter-
(food). minalia brownii.
ɡáruɓúɓón (ɡáruɓúɓónì-) v. to flourish, ɡáʒadɨŋwa (ɡáʒadɨ-ŋwaá-) n. blabber-
thrive (of plants). Also pronounced as mouth, gossiper.
karuɓúɓón. ɡɛbɛʝa (ɡɛbɛʝí-) pl. ɡɛbɛ́ʝíka . n. shrub
ɡàsàr (ɡàsàrà-) n. Cape buffalo. Syn- species found down in the Kenyan
cerus caffer. plains where the Turkana eat its fruits.
Boscia coriacea.
Gasaraika (Gasara-icé-) n. traditional
men’s age-group with the cape buffalo ɡɛf (ɡɛfá-) n. deadly abdominal disease
as its totem (#10 in historical line). Lit. (possibly cancer).
‘Buffalo-Folk’. ɡɛfɛrɛs (ɡɛfɛrɛsí-) v. to jab, stab. Also
ɡàsàràìm (ɡàsàrà-ìmà-) pl. ɡasarawika . pronounced as ɡafarɛs.
n. buffalo calf. ɡéɡès (ɡéɡèsì-) v. to chug, gulp, guzzle.
ɡàsàràkwàtsa (ɡàsàrà-kwàtsì-) n. small See also ɨʝíírɛ́sʉƙɔta .
plant species that resembles a potato ɡɛrɛ́sà (ɡɛrɛ́sàà-) n. British colonial gov-
and smells like buffalo urine; its leaves ernment in East Africa.
are rubbed curatively into foot sores. ɡerúsúmòn (ɡerúsúmònì-) v. to
Lit. ‘buffalo-urine’. Plecthranthus sp. be flabby, pudgy, tubby. See also
ɡasaraŋwa (ɡasara-ŋwaá-) n. buffalo rexúkúmòn.
cow. ɡìda (ɡìdà-) pl. ɡíditín. n. cloud.
ɡaso (ɡasoó-) 1 n. warthog. Phaco- ɡida ná buɗám n. dark raincloud.
choerus aethiopicus. 2 n. military tank. ɡìdà nà ɓètsʼa n. rainless cloud.
ɡasoa na ɨlír n. armored military vehicle ɡìdòɔ̀ka (ɡìdò-ɔ̀kà-) 1 n. clear, cloudless
with machine-gun turret. Lit. ‘wart- sky. 2 n. Heaven. Lit. ‘cloud-bone’.
hog that rotates’. See also dìdìɔ̀ka .
ɡasóím (ɡasó-ímà-) pl. ɡasówíka . ɡìɡa (ɡìɡà-) pl. ɡíɡitín. n. elephant
n. warthog piglet. trunk, proboscis.

58
ɡíɡìr ɡɔ́lɔ́ɡɔlánón

ɡíɡìr (ɡíɡìrò-) n. downward place, low- ɡɔɗɔ́ɛ̀ (ɡɔɗɔ́ɛ̀-) pl. ɡɔɗɔ́ìka . n. brownish-
land. black worm that eats bee larvae and
ɡíɡìròke n. down, downward. honeycomb.
ɡíɡiroxan (ɡíɡiro-xaná-) dem. southerly ɡóɡès (ɡóɡèsì-) v. to nail, peg, perforate
direction. with a tool.
ɡíʝɛ́s (ɡíʝɛ́sì-) v. to shave (hair). ɡɔɡɔm (ɡɔɡɔmɔ́-) pl. ɡɔ́ɡɔ̀mìka .
ɡɨʝɛtɛ́s (ɡɨʝɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to shave off (hair). n. breastbone, sternum. See also toroɓa .
2 v. to massacre, raze. ɡɔ̀ɡɔ̀r (ɡɔ̀ɡɔ̀rɔ̀) ideo. decrepitly.
ɡìʝìta (ɡìʝìtà-) pl. ɡíʝítìka . n. handmade ɡòɡòròʝa (ɡòɡòròʝì-) pl. ɡóɡòròʝìka . 1
razor. n. spine. 2 n. midrib. 3 n. straight
ɡirés (ɡirésí-) 1 v. to keep, save, store. 2 middle part. 4 n. ridge.
v. to have, possess. ɡòɡòròʝòɔ̀ka (ɡòɡòròʝò-ɔ̀kà-) n. back-
ɡirésá así v. to keep one’s business to bone, spine, vertebrae.
oneself. ɡɔ́ɡɔ̀rɔ̀mɔ̀n (ɡɔ́ɡɔ̀rɔ̀mɔ̀nì-) v. to be bony,
ɛ
ɡirésá ìtsìkà v. to keep the law. decrepit, rickety, scraggy.
ɡirésá mɛnáɛ v. to keep one’s thoughts ɡòka (ɡòkà-) n. insomnia, sleeplessness,
secret. wakefulness.
ɡirésíàwa (ɡirésí-àwà-) pl. ɡirésíawíka . ɡɔ̀ka (ɡɔ̀kà-) pl. ɡɔ́kítín. 1 n. larynx,
n. storage place, store (cupboard, cabi- voicebox. 2 n. eyeball.
net, cave, etc.). ɡokirós (ɡokirósí-) v. to be unsettled.
ɡirú (ɡirúù-) n. locust. ɡɔ̀kɔ (ɡɔ̀kɔ̀) ideo. stiffly.
a
ɡɨzá (ɡɨzáì-) pl. ɡɨzáìk . n. large flat boul- ɡɔkɔ́dɔ̀n (ɡɔkɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be stiff : impli-
der or table rock (where many people able or unsupple.
can grind their grains together at one
time). ɡòkòn (ɡòkònì-) 1 v. to be sleepless,
have insomnia. 2 v. to be awake for
ɡobétón (ɡobétónì-) v. to become over- sex. Not to be confused with ɡóƙón.
cast, cloud up.
ɡóƙa (ɡóƙá-) n. sitting as a group.
ɡɔ̀ɓa (ɡɔ̀ɓà-) pl. ɡɔ́ɓítín. n. knot in wood.
ɡoƙaakétòn (ɡoƙaakétònì-) v. to sit
ɡɔ̀ɓɔ (ɡɔ̀ɓɔ̀) ideo. hardly.
down (of many).
ɡɔɓɔ́dɔ̀n (ɡɔɓɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be impenetra-
ɡóƙáàwa (ɡóƙá-àwà-) pl. ɡóƙáawíka .
bly hard (like a tree knot or the seeds
n. place where groups of people sit to-
of the tílaŋ tree).
gether.
ɡodiywa (ɡodiyó-) pl. ɡodiíka . n. large
shady tree species whose wood is ɡóƙón (ɡóƙónì-) v. to be seated, sitting
used to make digging sticks and (of many). Not to be confused with
in whose branches beehives can be ɡòkòn.
placed. Diospyros scabra. ɡɔ́lìɗa (ɡɔ́lìɗì-) n. gold.
ɡɔɗírímɔ̀n (ɡɔɗírímɔ̀nì-) v. to be puny, ɡɔ́lɔ́ɡɔlánón (ɡɔ́lɔ́ɡɔlánónì-) v. to be
tiny, weeny. crooked, twisted (like a river or stick).

59
ɡomóí Góʒòwìka

ɡomóí (ɡomóíá-) n. small shrub species ɡóózés (ɡóózésí-) 1 v. to cast, throw,

whose bitter yellow berries are cooked toss. 2 v. to abandon, desert, forsake.
and eaten; the plant is beaten on paths 3 v. to vote for.
to thwart enemies, and it also serves ɡóózésíàm (ɡóózésí-àmà-) pl. ɡóó-
as a treatment for stomach ailments. zésíika . 1 n. one who throws meat
Maerua pseudopetalosa. at people sitting in age-groups. 2
Gomóíàwa (Gomóí-àwà-) n. name of a n. voter.
hill. Lit. ‘ɡomóí-place’. ɡóózésíàwa (ɡóózésí-àwà-) pl. ɡóózésía-
ɡòmòʝòʝa (ɡòmòʝòʝì-) n. small plant wíka . n. polling station.
species whose round roots are worn ɡóózesuƙota (ɡóózesuƙotí-) 1 v. to cast,
around the neck and whose smell is throw, or toss away. 2 v. to abandon,
believed to frighten snakes away; the desert, forsake. 3 v. to lose, misplace.
roots (or seeds, Heine 1999) are chewed
ɡóózetés (ɡóózetésí-) v. to cast, throw,
and the bitter juice swallowed for colds
or toss this away.
and coughs. Cyperus distans.
ɡóózinósúƙota (ɡóózinósúƙotí-) v. to
ɡɔmɔr (ɡɔmɔrʉ́-) pl. ɡɔmɔ́ríka . n. Nu-
forsake each other.
bian acacia: thorn tree species whose
bark is pounded and added to porridge ɡóózosuƙota (ɡóózosuƙotí-) 1 v. to be
or the juice is mixed with sheep blood abandoned, deserted, forsaken. 2 v. to
and fat and taken as a treatment for be lost, misplaced.
the loɓáí disease; the bark is also made ɡórés (ɡórésì-) 1 v. to cross over, go
into children’s necklaces and charms across, pass over. 2 v. to pass (an ex-
for spiritual protection. Acacia nubica. amination or test). Also pronounced as
ɡɔn (ɡɔnɛ́-) pl. ɡɔ́nítín. n. stump. íɡorés.
ɡònè (ɡònè) prep. all the way to, un- ɡóriés (ɡóriesí-) v. to cross over, go
til, up to. A noun following this word across, or pass over repeatedly. Also
takes the oblique case. pronounced as íɡoriés.
ɡonés (ɡonésí-) 1 v. to check out, in- ɡóriesá ɓɨsáɛ v. to cross or pass over a
spect, look at, view. 2 v. to be alert, spear.
awake. ɡɔ̀rìɡɔ̀r (ɡɔ̀rìɡɔ̀rì-) pl. ɡɔ́ríɡɔ̀rìka . 1
ɡonésá komo v. to be wide-eyed (when n. hoof. 2 n. bare foot.
alert to danger or embarassed). Lit. ‘to ɡɔ́ríɡɔ̀rìkɔ n. barefoot. Lit. ‘on hooves’.
see much’. Gɔrɨs (Gɔrɨsí-) n. name of a river
ɡonésétòn (ɡonésétònì-) v. to awaken, near Kàlàpàtà where the Dodoth and
wake up. Turkana fought each other.
ɡonésúƙota (ɡonésúƙotí-) v. to check ɡɔrɔ́x (ɡɔrɔ́xí-) pl. ɡɔrɔ́xíka . n. eyelid,
out, inspect, look at, view (over there). palpebra (upper and lower).
ɡonetés (ɡonetésí-) v. to check out, in- ɡóʒòwa (ɡóʒòù-) pl. ɡóʒòwìka . n. fog,
spect, look at, view (here). mist.
ɡónímós (ɡónímósí-) v. to look at each Góʒòwìka (Góʒòwìkà-) n. name of a hill
other. or mountain. Lit. ‘mists’.

60
ɡubes ɡwáím

ɡubes (ɡubesí-) pl. ɡúbèsìka . n. thigh. ɡúróàm (ɡúró-àmà-) pl. ɡúróika . 1

ɡubés (ɡubésí-) v. to blanket, cover. n. hothead, hot-tempered person. 2
n. calm, even-keeled person.
ɡubesíɔ́ka (ɡubesí-ɔ́kà-) pl. ɡúbesikɔɔ-
ɡúróèɗa (ɡúró-èɗì-) n. physical heart.
kɨtín. n. femur, thighbone.
Lit. ‘heart-kernel’. See ɡúr for the emo-
ɡubésúƙota (ɡubésúƙotí-) v. to blanket tional heart.
over, cover or wrap up. ɡúróɛ́nɔ n. from the heart, sincerely.
ɡʉɓɛ́r (ɡʉɓɛ́rá-) n. leopard. Panthera Gutí (Gutíì-) n. a personal name.
pardus.
ɡʉtsʼʉrɛs (ɡʉtsʼʉrɛsí-) v. to do away
ɡúɗúsam (ɡúɗúsamá-) n. fragment, with, get rid of, rid oneself of.
shard. ɡutsʼuriés (ɡutsʼuriesí-) v. to do away
ɡuf (ɡufá-) pl. ɡúfítín. n. foam, froth. with, get rid of.
ɡuféém (ɡufé-émè-) n. armpit muscle, ɡutsʼuriesá tódàe v. to speak harshly,
teres major. Lit. ‘froth-muscle’. meanly. Lit. ‘to get rid of speech’.
ɡʉ́ɡʉ̀rɔ̀n (ɡʉ́ɡʉ̀rɔ̀nì-) v. to be severely ɡʉtsʼʉ́rínɔ́s (ɡʉtsʼʉ́rínɔ́sí-) v. to repulse
hunched or stooped over. each other out of mutual hatred.
ɡùʝa (ɡùʝè-) n. small plant species whose ɡwa (ɡwaá-) 1 n. bird, fowl. 2 n. air,
flat leaves tortoises like to eat and peo- sky. Not to be confused with ɡwà.
ple may boil as an edible vegetable. ɡwà (ɡwàà-) pl. ɡwaitín. 1 n. stomach.
Commelina sp. 2 n. craw, crop. Not to be confused
with ɡwa.
ɡʉ̀lʉ̀ʝ ᶶ (ɡʉ̀lʉ̀ʝʉ̀) ideo. gulp! (sound of
swallowing something big). ɡwaa na awáe n. domestic bird.
ɡúr (ɡúró-) pl. ɡúrítín. 1 n. inner chest ɡwááka (ɡwá-ákà-) pl. ɡwáákítín.
containing the ‘heart’ (emotional and n. beak, bill. Lit. ‘bird-mouth’.
physical). 2 n. heart, soul, psyche. 3 ɡwábàr (ɡwá-bàrɔ̀-) pl. ɡwábarɨtín.
n. battery. 4 n. engine, motor. See n. flock of birds.
ɡúróèɗ for the physical heart. ɡwácúrúka (ɡwá-cúrúkú-) n. male bird:
ɡʉ̀r (ɡʉ̀rà-) pl. ɡʉ́rítín. n. sickle cock, rooster, tercel, etc.
bush: small, fast-growing hardwood ɡwadam (ɡwadamá-) 1 n. congealed an-
tree species with strong thorns and imal fat. 2 n. delicacy, treat.
which is used in blacksmithing and Gwáɡwààm (Gwáɡwà-àmà-) pl.
building and whose bark juice can act Gwáɡwaika . n. Dodoth person.
as a mouthwash. Dichrostachys cinerea.
Not to be confused with ɡúr. Gwáɡwaicétôda (Gwáɡwaicé-tódà-)
n. Dodoth dialect of the Ateker (Teso-
ɡúránòn (ɡúránònì-) v. to be hotheaded, Turkana) speech varieties.
hot-tempered, irascible.
ɡwáho (ɡwá-hoó-) pl. ɡwáhoíka .
ɡúránós (ɡúránósí-) v. to be hotheaded, n. birdhouse, nest.
hot-tempered, irascible. ɡwáím (ɡwá-ímà-) pl. ɡwáwíka .
ɡúréda dakwí n. duramen, heartwood. n. chick.

61
ɡwaítón ɡwìrɔ̀n

ɡwaítón (ɡwaítónì-) v. to leave in a huff, ɡwas (ɡwasá-) pl. ɡwàsìka . 1 n. pebble,

storm off. See also íɡwìʝìrɔ̀n. small rock, stone. 2 n. grinding stone.
ɡwaítsʼa (ɡwaítsʼí-) 1 n. giraffe. Giraffa 3 n. nugget. 4 n. battery. 5 n. medal.
camelopardalis. 2 n. camel. ɡwasa na féí n. bathing stone (for rub-
ɡwaítsʼícikwa (ɡwaítsʼí-cikó-) n. giraffe bing one’s heels).
bull. ɡwàsìkàkìtsa (ɡwàsìkà-kìtsà-) n. grave
Gwaítsʼíika (Gwaítsʼí-icé-) n. traditional marked by a pile of stones. Lit. ‘stones-
men’s age-group with the giraffe as its pile’.
totem (#8 in the historical line). Lit. ɡwɛɛ́tsʼɛ́mɔ̀n (ɡwɛɛ́tsʼɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to stop
‘Giraffe-Folk’. seasonal swarming (of termites).
ɡwaítsʼíìm (ɡwaítsʼí-ìmà-) pl. ɡwaítsʼí- ɡweɡweritiés (ɡweɡweritiesí-) v. to
wika . n. giraffe calf. scratch, scribble, scrawl.
ɡwaítsʼílɔ̀da (ɡwaítsʼí-lɔ̀dà-) pl. ɡwaítsʼí-
ɡweɡweritiós (ɡweɡweritiosí-) 1 v. to
lɔ́dɨtín. n. tassel made from the bushy
be scratched, scribbled, scrawled. 2
end of a giraffe’s tail.
v. to be striped.
ɡwaítsʼíŋwa (ɡwaítsʼí-ŋwaá-) n. giraffe
ɡwɛ̀ʝɛ (ɡwɛ̀ʝɛ̀) ideo. roughly.
cow.
ɡwàʝa (ɡwàʝà) ideo. wham! (sound of ɡwèlèʝe (ɡwèlèʝè) 1 ideo. unsteadily,
hitting the ground heavily). wobbly. 2 ideo. empty-handedly.
ɡwàʝa (ɡwàʝì-) pl. ɡwaʝitín. n. belly, ɡwelítésuƙota (ɡwelítésuƙotí-) v. to dis-
paunch, pot-belly. tract, make forget.
ɡwaláta (ɡwalátí-) pl. ɡwalátíka . ɡwèlòn (ɡwèlònì-) v. to be forgotten.
n. labret, lip plug. See also iɓíléròn.
ɡwamétón (ɡwamétónì-) v. to stand up ɡwɛɲɛ́mɔ́n (ɡwɛɲɛ́mɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be
(of more than one person). bright, brilliant (of the sun at day-
ɡwámón (ɡwámónì-) v. to stand (of break). 2 v. to be wide awake, wide
more than one person). open (of one’s eyes).
ɡwan (ɡwaní-) 1 n. bushbaby, lesser ɡwɛrɛ́ʝɛ́ʝɔ̀n (ɡwɛrɛ́ʝɛ́ʝɔ̀nì-) v. to be
galago. Galago senegalensis. 2 n. pair coarse, gritty, mealy (like poorly
of trousers. ground flour or boiled maize with loose
shells).
ɡwaŋwa (ɡwa-ŋwaá-) n. female bird,
biddy, hen. ɡwétsʼón (ɡwétsʼónì-) v. to be sweet,
ɡwarés (ɡwarésí-) v. to throw multiple tasty, yummy.
things in a downward motion. ɡwi (ɡwié-) pl. ɡwiitín. n. grove, stand.
ɡwarí (ɡwaríì-) 1 n. top. 2 n. location, May also be spelled as ɡuya .
presence. ɡwidídòn (ɡwidídònì-) v. to be limber,
ɡwaríêda (ɡwaríédè-) n. top part. lithe.
ɡwaríédeke n. on, on top. ɡwìdⁱ (ɡwìdì) ideo. limberly, lithely.
ɡwárixan (ɡwári-xaná-) dem. northerly ɡwìrɔ̀n (ɡwìrɔ̀nì-) v. to squirm away,
direction. wriggle out.

62
hà harítɔ́n

h
hà (hà) interj. whateverǃ (an expression hakaikitetés (hakaikitetésí-) v. to dis-
of scornful disbelief). tract, make forget.
hàba (hàbù-) pl. hábikwa . n. natural bee- hakaikós (hakaikósí-) v. to be forgotten,
hive in a hollow tree trunk. neglected, overlooked.
hábàs (hábàsì-) n. selfishness, stingi- hákátòn (hákátònì-) v. to clear the
ness. Lit. ‘hotness’. throat, harrumph, hawk. See also
hábatsésúƙota (hábatsésúƙotí-) v. to xaƙarés.
cast away, discard, ditch, toss aside. hákátònìàm (hákátònì-àmà-) pl. há-
Also pronounced as ábadzésúƙota . kátoniika . n. one who speaks harshly
hábatsetés (hábatsetésí-) v. to cast or meanly.
down, discard, toss aside. Also pro- hakítésuƙota (hakítésuƙotí-) v. to lead
nounced as ábadzetés. astray, mislead. See also itwáŋítés-
hábètòn (hábètònì-) v. to become hot, úƙota .
heat up. hakonuƙota (hakonuƙotí-) 1 v. to drift
hábitésúƙota (hábitésúƙotí-) 1 v. to heat off, get lost, go astray, lose the way,
up, make hot. 2 v. to charge (electri- stray off. 2 v. to err, make a mistake.
cally). 3 v. to digress, go off topic. 4 v. to be
hábòn (hábònì-) 1 v. to be hot. 2 v. to forgotten, leave one’s memory.
be selfish, stingy. hakwés (hakwésí-) v. to harvest (wild
hábona kíʝáe n. hot weather. Lit. ‘heat foods like honey and edible termites).
of the land’. hakwésá dáŋáe v. to harvest edible ter-
hábona nébwì n. fever, high tempera- mites.
ture. Lit. ‘heat of the body’.
hamomos (hamomosí-) v. to sample or
hábonuƙota (hábonuƙotí-) v. to become try out in large numbers.
hot, heat up.
hamʉʝɛ́s (hamʉʝɛ́sí-) 1 v. to finish grind-
hádaadánón (hádaadánónì-) v. to be in- ing well (grain that had been poorly
ept, maladroit, uncoordinated. ground). 2 v. to botch, bungle, do
hádoletés (hádoletésí-) v. to open wide, wrongly, mess or screw up.
set agape. hár (hárí-) pl. hárítín. n. diarrhea.
hádòlòmòn (hádòlòmònì-) v. to be gap-
hárá na ɡwɛrɛʝɛ́ʝa n. chunky diarrhea.
ing, yawning (of any opening).
hárá na tílɨwa n. liquid diarrhea.
hàʝa (hàʝà) ideo. loosely.
haʝádòn (haʝádònì-) v. to be loosely hárá ná zè n. severe diarrhea.
tied, unsecured. See also laʝádòn and háríɡaɗár (hárí-ɡaɗárá-) n. diarrheal
yaŋádòn. mucus.
hakaikés (hakaikésí-) v. to forget, ne- harítɔ́n (harítɔ́nì-) v. to diarrhate, have
glect, overlook. diarrhea.

63
harítɔ́na pɨɔ hoetés

harítɔ́na pɨɔ v. to have liquidy diarrhea. hoaƙwa (ho-aƙɔ́-) n. inside of a house or

The sound represented by pɨɔ is whis- hut.
pered. hɔɓɔ́mɔ́n (hɔɓɔ́mɔ́nì-) v. to be hungry
hataikánón (hataikánónì-) 1 v. to ripen quickly, have a high metabolism.
quickly. 2 v. to cook quickly. hodzíŋ (ho-dzíŋá-) n. porch, veranda.
haú (haúù-) n. hyena. hoɗés (hoɗésí-) 1 v. to free, liberate, re-
haʉ́dɔ̀n (haʉ́dɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be be tough lease, set free. 2 v. to divorce. See also
when cooked. 2 v. to be munchy (hun- talakes.
gry between meals). hoɗésúƙota (hoɗésúƙotí-) 1 v. to free,
hà ᶶ (hàʉ̀) ideo. cooked very tough. liberate, release, set free. 2 v. to re-
hèɓu (hèɓù) ideo. softly, squeezably. move, take off, undress. 3 v. to fire,
sack, terminate (from employment).
heɓúdòn (heɓúdònì-) v. to be soft,
squeezable, squeezy (like a ball, belly, hoɗetés (hoɗetésí-) 1 v. to free, liberate,
or breast). release, set free. 2 v. to remove, take
off, undress. 3 v. to save spiritually.
heɓúlúmòn (heɓúlúmònì-) v. to be
paunchy, potbellied (like beer-drinkers hoɗetésá así 1 v. to free oneself. 2 v. to
or pregnant women). be born again, get saved (in the Chris-
tian sense).
hɛ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔta (hɛ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to shrink
or shrivel up. See also kɨɗɔnʉƙɔta . hoɗetésá taƙáíkàɛ v. to remove or take
off shoes.
hééʼ (hééʼ) interj. yeah right! (an ex-
pression of disbelief or doubt). The hoɗetésíàm (hoɗetésí-àmà-) pl. hoɗe-
apostrophe at the end marks a glottal tésíika . 1 n. freer, releaser (e.g. of pris-
stop, which makes an abrupt end to the oners or trapped animals). 2 n. re-
word’s voicing. deemer, savior.
hɛ̀ɡa (hɛ̀ɡà-) pl. hɛ́ɡɨtín. n. bone mar- hoɗómón (hoɗómónì-) v. to come
row. free/off/undone, loosen.

heʝú (heʝúù-) pl. heʝúìka . n. suprapubic hoés (hoesí-) 1 v. to cut, slice. 2 v. to

area: space above the pubis but below butcher, slaughter. 3 v. to skin. 4 v. to
the abdomen. operate on, perform a surgery on. See
also tɔŋɔlɛs.
hèz (hèz) interj. hey! (an expression of
strong disapproval). hoesíàm (hoesí-àmà-) pl. hoesíika . 1
n. butcher. 2 n. surgeon.
hɨíʝa (hɨíʝá) 1 adv. slowly. 2 adv. care-
fully. hoesího (hoesí-hoó-) pl. hoesíhoíka . 1
n. abattoir, butchery, slaughterhouse.
hɨíʝɔ (hɨíʝɔ́) 1 adv. slowly. 2 adv. care- 2 n. operating room (OR), surgery, the-
fully. ater.
híƙɔ́ (híƙɔ́ɔ̀-) pl. híƙɔ́ìka . n. chameleon. hoetés (hoetésí-) 1 v. to cut into/out/up.
hò (hòò-) pl. hóíka . 1 n. house, hut. 2 2 v. to do surgery on, operate on. 3
n. casing, housing. 3 n. class, grade, v. to figure out, solve. 4 v. to divide or
level (in school). divvy up.

64
hoetésá ɲásáatí hyeaa

hoetésá ɲásáatí v. to plan a time. Lit. to be confused with hɔnɛ́s.

‘to cut out an hour’. hɔnɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (hɔnɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) 1 v. to drive
hoɡwarí (ho-ɡwaríì-) n. roof. off/away. 2 v. to exorcize.
hóítá kwí interj. oh my goodness/God/ hɔnɛtɛ́s (hɔnɛtɛ́sí-) v. to drive out (in
wordǃ (an expression of strong emo- this direction).
tions like fear or astonishment). Bor-
rowed from Ateker (Teso-Turkana). hɔnɛtɛ́sá ínóe v. to drive out animals (as
from a thicket).
hoƙʉtsʼa (ho-ƙʉtsʼá-) n. type of biting
worm that lives in dirt floors. hɔ́tɔ̀ (hɔ́tɔ̀ɔ̀-) n. bustard.
hómò (hómòò-) n. laundry detergent or hòwɛ̀l (hò-wɛ̀là-) pl. howélíkwa .
soap. From the detergent brand called n. house window.
OMO; see also ɲéómò. húbutés (húbutésí-) v. to perforate,
hɔnɛ́s (hɔnɛ́sí-) 1 v. to drive (a vehicle). punch (e.g. a hole in a gourd or a skull).
2 v. to ride (a bicycle or motorcycle). See also pulés.
Not to be confused with hɔ́nɛ́s. hyeaa (hyeaa) ideo. sound of a tree
hɔ́nɛ́s (hɔ́nɛ́sì-) v. to drive (animals). Not falling.

65
ɦyakwés ɦyɔɛn

ɦy
ɦyakwés (ɦyakwésí-) v. to hush, shush. ɦyekes (ɦyekesí-) 1 v. to be alive, live. 2
ɦyàƙàtàka (ɦyàƙàtàkà-) n. a bit far, far- n. being, existence, life. 3 n. livelihood,
away, some distance away. living, survival.
ɦyàtàka (ɦyàtàkà-) n. close by, nearby, ɦyekesíám (ɦyekesí-ámà-) pl. ɦye-
in the vicinity. kesííka . n. dependant, long-term guest
(who may be asked to help work with-
ɦyeés (ɦyeesí-) v. to know. Another
out payment).
form of the root of this word is íye-.
ɦyekétón (ɦyekétónì-) v. to come back
ɦyeésúƙota (ɦyeésúƙotí-) v. to come to
to life, resurrect, revive.
know, learn, learn how.
ɦyekitetés (ɦyekitetésí-) v. to reani-
ɦyeímós (ɦyeímósí-) v. to be kin, re- mate, resurrect, revive.
lated. Lit. ‘to know each other’. Also
ɦyɛnɛ́tɔ́n (ɦyɛnɛ́tɔ́nì-) v. to barf, hurl,
pronounced as ɦyeínós.
puke, regurgitate, vomit, upchuck.
ɦyeínós (ɦyeínósí-) v. to be kin, related.
ɦyɛnɛ́tɔ́na pɨɔ v. to vomit pure liquid.
Lit. ‘to know each other’. Also pro-
The sound represented by pɨɔ is whis-
nounced as ɦyeímós.
pered.
ɦyeínósá ƙwaatéo v. to be related by
ɦyɛ̀nɔ̀n (ɦyɛ̀nɔ̀nì-) v. to barf, hurl, puke,
birth.
regurgitate, vomit, upchuck.
ɦyeínósá na ƙɔ́ɓàɛ v. kinship or relation ɦyɛtás (ɦyɛtásí-) n. ferocity, fierceness,
by birth. Lit. ‘relation of the umbilical meanness, savagery.
cord’.
ɦyɛtɨɦyɛtɔs (ɦyɛtɨɦyɛtɔsí-) v. to be fero-
ɦyeínósá na séàe v. to be related by cious, fierce, mean, savage.
blood. Lit. ‘relation of blood’.
ɦyɛ̀tɔ̀n (ɦyɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) v. to be ferocious,
ɦyeínósá sitsʼésú v. to be related by mar- fierce, mean, savage.
riage.
ɦyɔ̀ (ɦyɔ̀ɔ̀-) n. cattle, cow(s). Can refer
ɦyeités (ɦyeitésí-) 1 v. to check out, fa- to one or more cattle/cows.
miliarize oneself with, get to know. 2 ɦyɔ̀àm (ɦyɔ̀-àmà-) pl. ɦyoika . n. for-
v. to discern, recognize, tell apart. 3 eigner: non-Ik, especially a member of
v. to prospect, survey. a pastoralist tribe. Lit. ‘cattle-person’.
ɦyeitésá arííkàɛ v. to haruspicate: to di- ɦyɔ̀bàr (ɦyɔ̀-bàrò-) pl. ɦyɔbarɨtín.
vine the future by inspecting patterns n. herd of cattle.
in animal entrails.
ɦyɔ̀cèka (ɦyɔ̀-cèkì-) pl. ɦyɔcɨkám. n. for-
ɦyeítésihò (ɦyeítési-hòò-) pl. ɦyeítési- eign woman: non-Ik, especially a mem-
hoíka . n. examination room. ber of a pastoralist tribe. Lit. ‘cattle-
ɦyeitésúƙota (ɦyeitésúƙotí-) v. to in- woman’.
form, let know, tell. ɦyɔɛn (ɦyɔ-ɛní-) n. foreign language:
ɦyeitetés (ɦyeitetésí-) v. to inform, let any but especially that of a pastoralist
know, tell. tribe. Lit. ‘cattle’s (language)’.

66
ɦyɔ̀ètsʼa ɦyʉƙʉ́n

ɦyɔ̀ètsʼa (ɦyɔ̀-ètsʼì-) n. cowdung, ma- ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɛ̀tɔ̀n (ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to ap-

nure. See also ŋɔta . proach, come close, draw near. 2 v. to
ɦyòìdwa (ɦyò-ìdò-) pl. ɦyoiditín. 1 be approximate.
n. cow udder. 2 n. cow milk. ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɨmɔ́s (ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɨmɔ́sí-) v. to be
ɦyòìm (ɦyò-ìmà-) pl. ɦyowika . n. for- close/near to each another.
eign child: non-Ik, especially of any ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɔ̀n (ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be close,
pastoralist tribe. Lit. ‘cattle-child’. near. 2 v. to be approximate. 3 v. to
ɦyɔjejé (ɦyɔ-jejéì-) n. cowhide, cow be almost.
leather, cowskin. ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɔ̀nìàm (ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɔ̀nì-àmà-) pl. ɦyɔ-
ɦyɔ̀ʝàn (ɦyɔ̀-ʝànì-) n. short grass species tɔ́ɡɔniika . n. friend or neighbor whom
loved by cattle and used to make you want to stay close to.
brooms. Eragrostis braunii.
ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɔnʉƙɔta (ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to ap-
ɦyòm (ɦyòmò) ideo. crack! (sound of a proach (going), go near.
stick breaking easily).
ɦyʉƙʉm (ɦyʉƙʉmʉ́-) pl. ɦyʉ́ƙʉ́mìka .
ɦyɔŋwa (ɦyɔ-ŋwaá-) n. cow. This is the n. neck.
term for a female cow; see ɦyɔ̀ for ‘cow’
in general. ɦyʉƙʉma ƙwázàe n. collar, neckband.
Lit. ‘neck of clothing’.
ɦyoós (ɦyoosí-) v. to be famous, known,
reputed, well-known. ɦyʉƙʉmʉ́ɔ́ka (ɦyʉƙʉmʉ́-ɔ́kà-) n. cervi-
cal vertebrae, neckbone.
ɦyɔtaƙáya (ɦyɔ-taƙáí-) pl. ɦyɔtaƙáíka .
n. cow-leather shoe. ɦyʉƙʉmʉ́tsírím (ɦyʉƙʉmʉ́-tsírímʉ́-) pl.
ɦyɔ̀tòda (ɦyɔ̀-tòdà-) pl. ɦyɔtodaicíka . ɦyʉƙʉmʉ́tsírímíka . n. metal neckring
n. foreign language: any but espe- worn as jewelry.
cially that of a pastoralist tribe like the ɦyʉƙʉ́n (ɦyʉƙʉ́ná-) pl. ɦyʉƙʉ́níka .
Dodoth, Toposa, and Turkana. Lit. n. back interior wall of a house/hut (op-
‘cattle-talk’. posite the front door).

67
ɨáíá íbɔtsɛ́s

i/ɨ
ɨáíá (<ɨáíɛ́ɛ́s) v. ibéta (ibétí-) pl. íbètìka . n. thorn-tree
ɨákɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨákɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to take away. species whose wood is used for build-
See also duƙésúƙota . ing, fencing, and carving tool handles;
ɨakɛtɛ́s (ɨakɛtɛ́sí-) v. to bring. See also its twigs are used as toothbrushes, and
detés. its red seeds are worn as beads by the
Turkana. Commiphora africana.
ɨatɛs (ɨatɛsí-) v. to add, increase.
íbìrìbìròn (íbìrìbìrònì-) v. to babble,
ɨatiés (ɨatiesí-) v. to add repeatedly, keep blather.
adding.
íbɨtɛ́s (íbɨtɛ́sí-) v. to plant, sow.
ɨatiésuƙota (ɨatiesúƙotí-) v. to add re-
íbɔbɔtsɛ́s (íbɔbɔtsɛ́sí-) v. to agitate,
peatedly, keep adding.
churn, shake vigorously.
ɨatímétòn (ɨatímétònì-) v. to be added,
iboboya (iboboí-) n. African paradise fly-
grow, increase.
catcher (both rufous and white). Terp-
ɨatɔs (ɨatɔsí-) 1 v. to added, increased. 2 siphone viridis.
v. to be expanded, widened.
íboɗolés (íboɗolésí-) v. to lean or tip
ìàwìàwa (ìàwìàʉ̀-) pl. ɨáíwíáwìka . over (e.g. a beer gourd in order to drink
n. creek, small stream. from it).
íbaɗɛ́s (íbaɗɛ́sí-) v. to bang into, bump, íbòfòn (íbòfònì-) v. to make an alarm
hit, knock, run into. call (of animals, like a baboon’s bark an
íbaɗiés (íbaɗiesí-) v. to bang into, bump, oribi’s whistle).
hit, knock, run into repeatedly. íbokés (íbokésí-) 1 v. to put up: elevate
íbànètòn (íbànètònì-) v. to come in for safe storage. 2 v. to postpone, put
the late afternoon or evening. See also off.
irípétòn. ɨbɔta (ɨbɔtá-) pl. íbɔ̀tìka . 1 n. ring of dried
íbànòn (íbànònì-) v. to go in the late af- out pumpkin. 2 n. wrist knife. See also
ternoon or evening. See also irípón. ɲáɓaaráta .
íbatalɛ́s (íbatalɛ́sí-) v. to put in a sling, íbotitésúƙota (íbotitésúƙotí-) v. to
sling. bounce, jounce, make jump.
íbatɛ́s (íbatɛ́sí-) v. to knock down/over, íbotitetés (íbotitetésí-) v. to bounce,
topple, tumble. jounce, make jump.
íbatɛsa así v. to tumble down. Íbotokoka (Íbotokokó-) n. name of a
íbatɛtɛ́s (íbatɛtɛ́sí-) v. to knock river.
down/over, topple, tumble. íbòtòn (íbòtònì-) 1 v. to jump, leap,
íbatiés (íbatiesí-) v. to knock down/over, spring. 2 v. to bounce, rebound.
topple, or tumble repeatedly. íbɔtsam (íbɔtsamá-) n. butter. Lit.
íbɛ̀ɗìbɛ̀ɗɔ̀n (íbɛ̀ɗìbɛ̀ɗɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to blink, ‘churnable’.
nictate, wink. 2 v. to creep or sneak íbɔtsɛ́s (íbɔtsɛ́sí-) v. to agitate, churn,
up. See also irwapírwápòn. shake vigorously.

68
íbɔtsɛ́sá así ɨɓatíɓátɛ́s

íbɔtsɛ́sá así v. to be agitated, churn, roil. ɨɓáɓɛ́ɛ́s (ɨɓáɓɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨɓáɓá-) v. to handle

íbʉbʉŋɛ́s (íbʉbʉŋɛ́sí-) 1 v. to inclose, in- carefully, treat gently.
sert, slip or tuck into (e.g. when one is ɨɓákínɔ́s (ɨɓákínɔ́sí-) v. to be next to
secretly passing an item into a friend’s each other.
pocket). 2 v. to butt in, disrupt, inter- ɨɓákɔ́n (ɨɓákɔ́nì-) v. to be adjacent, be-
fere. side, next to.
íbʉbʉŋɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (íbʉbʉŋɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) 1 v. to ɨɓákɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨɓákɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to move
inclose, insert, slip or tuck into (e.g. adjacent, beside, or next to.
when one is secretly passing an item ɨɓálɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨɓálɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to appall, aston-
into a friend’s pocket). 2 v. to butt in, ish, horrify, shock. The one who expe-
disrupt, interfere. riences this sensation takes the dative
íbuɗés (íbuɗésí-) v. to trample, tromp. case in a sentence.
íbuɗésá cué v. to slosh through water. ɨɓalíɓálɛ́s (ɨɓalíɓálɛ́sí-) v. to consume,
Lit. ‘to trample water’. misuse, waste.
íbunutsés (íbunutsésí-) v. to brace, ɨɓálɔ́n (ɨɓálɔ́nì-) v. to be appalling, as-
splint. tonishing, horrifying, shocking. See
also toɓúlón.
íburuburés (íburuburésí-) v. to mingle
or stir in (e.g. flour into water to make ɨɓámɔ́n (ɨɓámɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be free, unoc-
meal mush). cupied. 2 v. to be extra, spare, unused.
3 v. to be loose, unfixed. 4 v. to be
íbutsés (íbutsésí-) v. to beat down, beat free of charge. 5 v. to be plain, simple,
out (e.g. to put out fire by beating unadorned.
it with leafy branches; to clear away
ɨɓámɔ́nìàm (ɨɓámɔ́nì-àmà-) pl. ɨɓámɔ́-
brush before cutting larger trees; to
niika . n. care-free person.
beat dust out of clothing).
ɨɓámɔ́nìtòda (ɨɓámɔ́nì-tòdà-) n. point-
íbutsurés (íbutsurésí-) v. to flavor, sea-
less talk.
son. See also iwéwérés and iwówórés.
ɨɓaɲɛs (ɨɓaɲɛsí-) v. to bump, jab (e.g
ɨɓááŋàs (ɨɓááŋàsì-) 1 n. innocence, with the elbow).
naivete. 2 n. folly, foolishness. 3
ɨɓaŋíɓáŋɔ̀n (ɨɓaŋíɓáŋɔ̀nì-) v. to be awk-
n. idiocy, stupidity. 4 n. illiteracy.
ward, clumsy, uncoordinated (in move-
ɨɓááŋàsìàm (ɨɓááŋàsì-àmà-) pl. ɨɓáá- ment or speech). See also betsínón.
ŋasiika . n. idiot, imbecile, moron,
ɨɓatɛs (ɨɓatɛsí-) 1 v. to block, deflect,
stupid person.
knock back, parry. 2 v. to hamper,
ɨɓááŋàsìtòda (ɨɓááŋàsì-tòdà-) n. bunk, handicap, hinder, impede, stymie. See
hogwash, nonsense. also ɨƙɨɛs.
ɨɓááŋɔ̀n (ɨɓááŋɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be innocent, ɨɓátɛ́sʉƙɔta mɛnáɛ v. to digress, side-
naive, unknowing. 2 v. to be foolish, track a discussion.
unwise. 3 v. to be dumb, idiotic, stupid, ɨɓatíɓátɛ́s (ɨɓatíɓátɛ́sí-) 1 v. to block, de-
unintelligent. 4 v. to be illiterate, une- flect, knock back, or parry repeatedly.
ducated. 2 v. to hamper, handicap, hinder, im-
ɨɓáɓá (<ɨɓáɓɛ́ɛ́s) v. pede, or stymie repeatedly.

69
ɨɓatíɓátɔ̀n iɓolíɓólésuƙota

ɨɓatíɓátɔ̀n (ɨɓatíɓátɔ̀nì-) v. to be ham- iɓélúkéés (iɓélúkéésí-/iɓélúká-) v. to

pered, handicapped, hindered. overturn, turn over, upset. See also
iɓátísa (<iɓátíseés) v. bukures and iɓéléés.
iɓátíseés (iɓátíseesí-/iɓátísa-) v. to dunk, ɨɓɛ́rɔ́ánón (ɨɓɛ́rɔ́ánónì-) v. to be ener-
baptize. getic, hard-working, industrious.

ɨɓɛ́ɓɛ́ (<ɨɓɛ́ɓɔ́ɔ̀n) v. ɨɓɛsíɓɛ́sɛ́s (ɨɓɛsíɓɛ́sɛ́sí-) v. to break up

into small pieces (like sticks for kin-
ɨɓɛ́ɓɛ́ɛsʉƙɔta (ɨɓɛ́ɓɛ́ɛsʉƙɔtí-) v. to lay dling).
(eggs).
iɓíléròn (iɓílérònì-) 1 v. to be forgotten,
ɨɓɛ́ɓɛ́ɛ̀tɔ̀n (ɨɓɛ́ɓɛ́ɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) v. to hatch out misplaced. 2 v. to be baffled, confused,
(of chicks). See also ɓɛkɛ́tɔ́n. perplexed. See also ɡwèlòn.
ɨɓɛ́ɓɛ́lɛ́s (ɨɓɛ́ɓɛ́lɛ́sí-) v. to split into iɓíléronuƙota (iɓíléronuƙotí-) v. to be-
pieces. come forgotten or misplaced.
ɨɓɛ́ɓɔ́ɔ̀n (ɨɓɛ́ɓɔ́ɔ̀nì-/ɨɓɛ́ɓɛ́-) v. to hatch (of iɓilíɓílésá así v. to keep turning oneself
chicks). over (e.g. in bed at night).
ɨɓɛkíɓɛ́kɛ́s (ɨɓɛkíɓɛ́kɛ́sí-) v. to break or ɨɓíɔ́n (ɨɓíɔ́nì-) v. to shart: defecate unin-
snap off (e.g. dry sticks). tentionally while passing gas.
ɨɓɛ́lɛ́ (<ɨɓɛ́lɔ́ɔ̀n) v. ɨɓɨtsíɓítsɛ́s (ɨɓɨtsíɓítsɛ́sí-) v. to struggle
ɨɓɛ́lɛ́ánón (ɨɓɛ́lɛ́ánónì-) v. to be impetu- or wriggle into (an opening).
ous, impulsive. iɓóɓólés (iɓóɓólésí-) v. to chip or pull
iɓéléés (iɓéléésí-) 1 v. to overturn, roll or (bark) off in pieces (rather than strips).
turn over. 2 v. to alter, change, trans- iɓóɓóŋètòn (iɓóɓóŋètònì-) v. to come
form. See also bukures and iɓélúkéés. back, return, turn around this way. See
iɓéléésuƙota así v. to change one’s direc- also itétón.
tion, turn oneself around. iɓóɓóŋòn (iɓóɓóŋònì-) v. to go back, re-
iɓéléetés (iɓéléetésí-) v. to overturn, roll turn, turn around.
or turn over. iɓóɓórés (iɓóɓórésí-) v. to core or hol-
iɓéléìmètòn (iɓéléìmètònì-) 1 v. to over- low out.
turn, roll or turn over (on its own). iɓóɓórós (iɓóɓórósí-) v. to be cored or
2 v. to change, transform. See also hollowed out.
iɓékúkáìmètòn. iɓokes (iɓokesí-) v. to jiggle, shake.
iɓelíɓélésa tódàe v. to change state- iɓókésuƙota (iɓókésuƙotí-) v. to shake
ments or the story. or throw off.
ɨɓɛ́lɔ́ɔ̀n (ɨɓɛ́lɔ́ɔ̀nì-/ɨɓɛ́lɛ́-) v. to be impetu- iɓoletés (iɓoletésí-) v. to covenant, pro-
ous, impulsive. mise.
iɓélúká (<iɓélúkéés) v. iɓolíɓólés (iɓolíɓólésí-) v. to plunder,
iɓélúkáìmètòn (iɓélúkáìmètònì-) v. to ransack, rifle through.
overturn, turn over (on its own). See iɓolíɓólésuƙota (iɓolíɓólésuƙotí-) v. to
also iɓéléìmètòn. plunder, ransack, rifle through.

70
iɓólínós Icédìywa

iɓólínós (iɓólínósí-) v. to enter a ɨɓʉrɛtɛ́síàm (ɨɓʉrɛtɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. ɨɓʉrɛt-

covenant with each other, promise ɛ́síika . n. attractive or vivacious person.
each other. Lit. ‘warm-person’.
iɓólínósa na séàe v. blood covenant. ɨɓʉ́rɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨɓʉ́rɛ́tɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to warm up. 2
iɓólóɲés (iɓólóɲésí-) v. to hole, make a v. to arouse, incite desire.
hole in. iɓurímétòn (iɓurímétònì-) 1 v. to warm
ɨɓɔ́lɔ́tsɛ́s (ɨɓɔ́lɔ́tsɛ́sí-) v. to strip off (e.g. up. 2 v. to be aroused, turned on,
strips of sisal or tree bark). See also worked up (sexually).
ɨɓɔtɛs. ɨɓʉ́rítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨɓʉ́rítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to make
ɨɓɔníɓɔ́nɛ́s (ɨɓɔníɓɔ́nɛ́sí-) v. to caress, warm, warm up.
stroke afffectionately. ɨɓʉ́rɔ́n (ɨɓʉ́rɔ́nì-) v. to be warm.
iɓoníɓóniés (iɓoníɓóniesí-) v. to caress, ɨɓʉrʉ́ɓʉ́rɔ̀n (ɨɓʉrʉ́ɓʉ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to do
stroke affectionately. quickly, hasten, hurry.
iɓóŋón (iɓóŋónì-) v. to do again, repeat. iɓutes (iɓutesí-) v. to atone for, expiate.
iɓóótánón (iɓóótánónì-) v. to be her- ɨɓʉtsɛs (ɨɓʉtsɛsí-) v. to elude, evade, get
mitic: living in solitude. away from.
ɨɓɔtɛs (ɨɓɔtɛsí-) v. to strip off (e.g. strips ɨɓʉtsɛtɛ́sá así v. to evade, elude, get
of sisal or tree bark). See also ɨɓɔ́lɔ́tsɛ́s. away from.
iɓótóŋés (iɓótóŋésí-) v. to lock, shut up. iɓutsúmétòn (iɓutsúmétònì-) v. to es-
iɓótóŋésá akáe v. to keep one’s mouth cape, evade, get away.
shut, shut up (e.g. in anger). iɓutúɓútés (iɓutúɓútésí-) v. to dump or
Ìɓùɓù (Ìɓùɓùù-) n. December: month of shake out (of a container).
clearing. See also Raraan. iɓutúɓútòn (iɓutúɓútònì-) 1 v. to defec-
iɓúɓúés (iɓúɓúésí-) v. to clear off/out tate frequently (of children). 2 v. to be
(uncut brush for a garden). obese, overweight.
iɓues (iɓuesí-) v. to sear (e.g. fresh ani- ɨɓʉ́tʉ́ŋɔ̀n (ɨɓʉ́tʉ́ŋɔ̀nì-) v. to pout, sulk.
mal hides). See also imutúmútòn.
iɓúlíánón (iɓúlíánónì-) v. to be destitute, ɨɓʉyákòn (ɨɓʉyákònì-) v. to enter pu-
dirt-poor. berty, mature sexually (of boys).
iɓúlíánónìàm (iɓúlíánónì-àmà-) pl. iɓú- iɓwates (iɓwatesí-) v. to jerk, pull, yank.
líánoniika . n. destitute, dirt-poor per- See also ipoles.
son (who does not work). iɓwátésuƙota (iɓwátésuƙotí-) v. to
iɓúŋá (<iɓúŋéés) v. shove away.
iɓúŋéés (iɓúŋéésí-/iɓúŋá-) v. to flog, iɓwatetés (iɓwatetésí-) v. to pull force-
lash, scourge. fully, yank over (this way).
ɨɓʉ́ŋɔ́n (ɨɓʉ́ŋɔ́nì-) v. to be in a hurry, Icéám (Icé-ámà- ) pl. Ika . n. Ik person.
hurry, rush. Icédìkwa (Icé-dìkwà-) pl. Icédikwitín.
iɓures (iɓuresí-) v. to replant (a garden n. Ik dance.
a second time in a single year). Icédìywa (Icé-dìyò-) n. Ik tribe.

71
Icéɛ́n ídʉlɨdʉlɛ́s

Icéɛ́n (Icé-ɛ́ní-) n. Ik culture and/or lan- ídèmèdàkwa (ídèmè-dàkù-) n. small

guage. plant species with yellow flowers; its
Icéhò (Icé-hòò-) pl. Icéhoíka . n. tradi- roots, when roasted and ground, are
tional beehive-shaped grass hut once used to treat snakebites. Lit. ‘snake-
the primary dwelling of the Ik people. plant’. Also called ídemecɛmɛ́r.
Lit. ‘Ik-hut’. ídèmèìm (ídèmè-ìmà-) pl. ídemewika .
Icékíʝa (Icé-kíʝà-) n. Ikland, Ik country n. earthworm. Lit. ‘snake-child’.
or county. ídèmèkwàywa (ídèmè-kwàyò-) pl. í-
Icémóríɗa (Icé-móríɗó-) n. cowpeas. demekwaitín. n. snake fang.
Lit. ‘Ik-beans’. ídemeƙɨdzɛ́s (ídeme-ƙɨdzɛ́sí-) n. snake-
Icémóríɗókàka (Icé-móríɗó-kàkà-) bite.
n. cowpea leaves (which the Ik eat ídèmètàta (ídèmè-tàtì-) n. snake venom.
as a vegetable). Lit. ‘Ik-bean leaves’. Lit. ‘snake-spit’.
Icénáƙáf (Icé-náƙáfʉ̀-) n. Ik language, ídirés (ídirésí-) v. to smack.
the Ik tongue. Lit. ‘Ik-tongue’. See ídocɛmɛ́r (ído-cɛmɛ́rí-) n. herb that
also Icétôda . is soaked in water with hot quartz
Icénánès (Icénánèsì-) n. Iklikeness, Ik- and applied as a treatment to women’s
ness. swollen breasts. Lit. ‘breast-herb’.
Evolvus alsinoides.
icéɲʝeés (icéɲʝeesí-) v. to change.
ídoeɗa (ído-eɗí-) pl. ídoeɗitín. n. breast
icéɲʝèìmètòn (icéɲʝèìmètònì-) v. to areola. Lit. ‘breast-kernel’.
change.
ídoho (ído-hoó-) pl. ídohoíka . n. udder.
Icéódòwa (Icé-ódòù-) n. Ik day: a gen- Lit. ‘milk-housing’.
eral Ik gathering held every January in
ídòkàka (ídò-kàkà-) n. milk-leaf: a
Kamion to celebrate Ik identity and dis-
shrub species whose bark fibers are
cuss challenges.
used for tying and whose large leaves
Icétôda (Icé-tódà-) n. Ik language. Lit. are used to wrap meat, honeycomb,
‘Ik-speech/talk’. See also Icénáƙáf. or mira (khat); livestock also eat this
ɨcɔ́ŋáimetona ikáe v. to be baffled, con- plant. Abutilon sp.
fused, perplexed. ídòkàtsa (ídò-kàtsì-) pl. ídokatsín.
ídadamɛ́s (ídadamɛ́sí-) v. to fondle, grab, n. nipple. Lit. ‘breast-tip’.
grope. See also tárábes. ídòkwàywa (ídò-kwàyò-) pl. ídokwai-
ídadamɔ́s (ídadamɔ́sí-) v. to be groping tín. n. milk tooth.
(e.g. walking in darkness or on a slope). ídoɲeɗeké (ído-ɲeɗekéè-) n. mastitis.
ídèm (ídèmè-) pl. ídèmìka . 1 n. serpent, Lit. ‘breast-disease’.
snake. 2 n. intestinal worm. ídulés (ídulésí-) v. to commingle, com-
ídemecɛmɛ́r (ídeme-cɛmɛ́rí-) n. small mix, mix in (e.g. contaminating a liquid
plant species with yellow flowers; its or refreshing beer by adding more por-
roots, when roasted and ground, are ridge).
used to treat snakebites. Lit. ‘snake- ídʉlɨdʉlɛ́s (ídʉlɨdʉlɛ́sí-) 1 v. to pour out
herb’. Also called ídèmèdàkwa . noisily (from a small opening). 2 v. to

72
ídʉlɨdʉlɛ́sa tódàe Iɗátáŋɛ́r

rub vigorously (e.g. when one is hit on ɨɗafesa sáwátìkàɛ v. to slap the shoul-
the body, or to soften up a fruit). ders.
ídʉlɨdʉlɛ́sa tódàe v. to murmur, mutter. ɨɗáfɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨɗáfɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to slap.
íduludulés (íduludulésí-) v. to commin-
2 v. to beat back/down, repel, subdue,
suppress.
gle, commix, mix in (e.g. by kneading
or mashing). ɨɗáfɛ́sʉƙɔta así v. to be beat back, re-
pelled, subdued, suppressed.
ídulumona cué v. to flow in waves (of
water). ɨɗafiés (ɨɗafiesí-) v. to slap around.
ɨɗáíƙɔta (<ɨɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta ) v.
ídʉrɛ́s (ídʉrɛ́sí-) v. to bombard, pelt,
shower, spray (with projectiles). ɨɗáínɔ́s (ɨɗáínɔ́sí-) v. to murder each
other.
ídʉrɛ́sá tódàe v. to barrage or bombard
with words. ɨɗaiyes (ɨɗaiyesí-) 1 v. to hide repeat-
edly, keep hiding. 2 v. to keep murder-
îdwa (ídò-) pl. íditín. 1 n. breast. 2 ing, murder repeatedly.
n. teat. 3 n. milk. 4 n. young maize
ɨɗaka (ɨɗakí-) pl. ɨɗákíka . n. small plant
kernels filled with a milky white liquid.
species whose salty-tasting leaves are
5 n. sebum: whitish oily substance ex-
boiled as a vegetable or mixed in with
uded from skin pores.
meal mush or edible termites. Portu-
ídwà nì ɓàr n. sour milk. laca quadrifida.
ídzànànès (ídzànànèsì-) n. affluence, ɨɗakɛ́s (ɨɗakɛ́sí-) v. to lack, miss.
prosperity, success. ɨɗákɔ́n (ɨɗákɔ́nì-) v. to be deficient, in-
ídzès (ídzèsì-) 1 v. to discharge, emit, ex- sufficient, lacking.
pel. 2 v. to fire, shoot. ɨɗalɛs (ɨɗalɛsí-) v. to spring, trigger, trip
ídzesa así v. to shoot across/over, whiz (a trap).
by (e.g. a shooting star or a person ɨɗálɛ́sʉƙɔta así v. to spring, trip (of a
dashing somewhere). trap).
ídzesuƙota (ídzesuƙotí-) 1 v. to dis- ɨɗámɔ́n (ɨɗámɔ́nì-) v. to go for a walk.
charge, emit, expel. 2 v. to fire, shoot, ɨɗaɲɛtɛ́s (ɨɗaɲɛtɛ́sí-) v. to accumulate,
take a shot at. amass. See also torítéetés.
ídziidziés (ídziidziesí-) 1 v. to discharge, ɨɗaŋíɗáŋɛ́s (ɨɗaŋíɗáŋɛ́sí-) v. to knead,
emit, or expel continuously. 2 v. to fire press repeatedly.
or shoot repeatedly. ɨɗaŋíɗáŋɔ̀n (ɨɗaŋíɗáŋɔ̀nì-) v. to persist,
ídzòn (ídzònì-) v. to discharge, drain, persevere, press on.
emit, run out. iɗásón (iɗásónì-) v. to be sneaky,
ɨɗá (<ɨɗɛɛs) v. stealthy.
ɨɗaarɛ́s (ɨɗaarɛ́sí-) v. to ambush, lie in Iɗátáŋɛ́r (Iɗátá-ŋɛ́rá-) n. August: the
wait for, waylay. See also taɗapes. month when mingling sticks are heard
banging on cooking pots (due to the
ɨɗafɛs (ɨɗafɛsí-) 1 v. to slap. 2 v. to clap. presence of food from freshly har-
ɛ
ɨɗafɛsa kwɛ́tìkà v. to clap the hands. vested gardens). Lit. ‘mingling sticks

73
ɨɗatɛs iɗikitetés

are banging’. See also Ɗiwamúce and v. to be covered, scoured, searched

Lósʉ́ɓán. over thoroughly.
ɨɗatɛs (ɨɗatɛsí-) v. to bang on, pound ɨɗɛ́ɔ́n (ɨɗɛ́ɔ́nì-) v. to be jumping out/up,
(e.g. a hammer on metal). springing, striking (e.g. a grasshopper
ɨɗɛ́bɛtɛ́s (ɨɗɛ́bɛtɛ́sí-) v. to amass or accu- or snake, or pumpkin seeds in a pan).
mulate one-by-one. ɨɗɛpɛs (ɨɗɛpɛsí-) v. to pick up. See also
ɨɗɛ́ɗɛ́ (<ɨɗɛ́ɗɔ́ɔ̀n) v. ɗʉmɛ́s.
iɗéɗéŋés (iɗéɗéŋésí-) v. to necrotize: ɨɗɛpɛtɛ́s (ɨɗɛpɛtɛ́sí-) v. to pick up. See
eat away body tissue. also ɗʉmɛtɛ́s.
ɨɗɛ́ɗɔ́ɔ̀n (ɨɗɛ́ɗɔ́ɔ̀nì-/ɨɗɛ́ɗɛ́-) v. to lie on ɨɗɛpíɗɛ́pɛ́s (ɨɗɛpíɗɛ́pɛ́sí-) v. to pick up
one’s back, recline, repose. (many things).
ɨɗɛɛs (ɨɗɛɛsí-/ɨɗá-) 1 v. to conceal, hide. ɨɗɛpíɗɛ́pɛtɛ́s (ɨɗɛpíɗɛ́pɛtɛ́sí-) v. to pick
2 v. to bump off, get rid of, murder, off. up (many things).
ɨɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔtí-/ɨɗáíƙɔt-) 1 v. to
ɨɗɛrɛs (ɨɗɛrɛsí-) 1 v. to scatter, strew (e.g.
conceal, hide away. 2 v. to bump off,
seeds). 2 v. to bead, decorate with
get rid of, kill off.
beads (e.g. gourds or hides).
ɨɗɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨɗɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to jump out or up ,
launch, spring (e.g. a grasshopper or ɨɗɛríɗɛ́rɛ́s (ɨɗɛríɗɛ́rɛ́sí-) v. to scatter
snake, or popcorn or pumpkin seeds around, strew about.
when heated up). ɨɗɛríɗɛ́rɔ́s (ɨɗɛríɗɛ́rɔ́sí-) v. to be scat-
ɨɗɛɨɗɛ́ɛ́s (ɨɗɛɨɗɛ́ɛ́sí-) 1 v. to rap or tap tered around, strewn about. See also
repeatedly. 2 v. to burn around the apétépétánón.
edge of, make a firebreak on. See also ɨɗɛrɔs (ɨɗɛrɔsí-) 1 v. to be scattered,
ɨlɛrílɛ́rɛ́s. strewn. 2 v. to be beaded, decorated
iɗékè (iɗékèè-) pl. iɗékèìka . n. aircraft, with beads. See also kazaanón.
airplane, plane (with propellers). ɨɗɛtɛs (ɨɗɛtɛsí-) v. to cut, mow, or slash
ɨɗɛmɛs (ɨɗɛmɛsí-) v. to bewitch by star- (vegetation).
ing at with the ‘evil eye’. ɨɗɨɗɛs (ɨɗɨɗɛsí-) v. to cut into strips.
iɗenes (iɗenesí-) v. to borrow, credit,
ɨɗíɗíwɛ́s (ɨɗíɗíwɛ́sí-) v. to clear a nar-
take on credit.
row furrow or path in.
iɗenetés (iɗenetésí-) v. to borrow, cred-
it, take on credit. See also wáánɛtɛ́s. ɨɗííɗɛ́s (ɨɗííɗɛ́sí-) v. to swish, swoosh.
ɨɗɛŋɛs (ɨɗɛŋɛsí-) 1 v. to pack down, tamp iɗíkétòn (iɗíkétònì-) 1 v. to clot, coagu-
(e.g. cement or dirt). 2 v. to cover, late, congeal, solidify, thicken. 2 v. to
scour, or search (an area). escalate, intensify.
ɨɗɛŋíɗɛ́ŋɛ́s (ɨɗɛŋíɗɛ́ŋɛ́sí-) v. to pack ɨɗíkílɔ̀n (ɨɗíkílɔ̀nì-) v. to be obstinate,
down or tamp repeatedly (e.g. cement stubborn.
or dirt floor). iɗikitetés (iɗikitetésí-) 1 v. to clot, coag-
iɗéŋímètòn (iɗéŋímètònì-) 1 v. to be- ulate, congeal, solidify, thicken. 2 v. to
come packed or tamped down. 2 esclate, intensify.

74
iɗíkón iɗókóliés

iɗíkón (iɗíkónì-) 1 v. to be clotted, coag- ɨɗɨmɔ́s (ɨɗɨmɔ́sí-) 1 v. to be fixed, made,

ulated, congealed, solidifed, thickened. repaired. 2 v. to be organized, pre-
2 v. to be intense. pared, tidy.
iɗiles (iɗilesí-) 1 v. to gain ground or ɨɗɨmɔtɔ́s (ɨɗɨmɔtɔ́sí-) 1 v. to be created,
make headway on. 2 v. to work made. 2 n. creature.
on/over: slang for clobbering some- ɨɗɨmɔtɔ́sá kwɛ̀tìkɔ v. to be hand-crafted,
body. handmade.
ɨɗɨlɛs (ɨɗɨlɛsí-) v. to bundle, jam, pack. ɨɗɨmɔtɔ́sá ròɓo v. to be artificial, man-
iɗílón (iɗílónì-) v. to get a headstart (e.g. made.
on the day by leaving early). ɨɗíɲɔ́n (ɨɗíɲɔ́nì-) v. to grunt, strain.
ɨɗɨmɛ́s (ɨɗɨmɛ́sí-) 1 v. to fix, make, repair. ɨɗíŋɔ́n (ɨɗíŋɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be narrow. 2
2 v. to organize, prepare, ready. v. to be tight (of a space, e.g. inside a
ɨɗɨmɛ́sá así v. to sit decently (by arrang- vehicle).
ing your legs and clothes modestly). ɨɗíɔ́n (ɨɗíɔ́nì-) v. to drop down (of seeds
ɨɗɨmɛ́sá buƙúⁱ v. to arrange a marriage. from a dried out plant pod).
ɨɗɨmɛ́sá ìʉ̀màɛ v. to arrange a marital en- ɨɗíɔ́na ikáe v. migraine headache.
gagement. iɗipes (iɗipesí-) v. to dip into (e.g. a con-
ɨɗɨmɛ́síàm (ɨɗɨmɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. ɨɗɨmɛ́- tainer, fire, etc.).
síika . 1 n. fixer, mechanic. 2 n. artist, ɨɗírírɔ̀n (ɨɗírírɔ̀nì-) v. to move straight
creator, inventor. ahead.
ɨɗɨmɛ́sɔ́n (ɨɗɨmɛ́sɔ́nì-) v. to be prepared, ɨɗírítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨɗírítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to
ready. straighten, unbend.
ɨɗɨmɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (ɨɗɨmɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) 1 v. to fix, ɨɗírɔ́n (ɨɗírɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be or move in a
make, repair. 2 v. to organize, prepare, straight line. 2 v. to aim, take aim.
ready.
ɨɗɨtsɛs (ɨɗɨtsɛsí-) v. to cane, lash, whip.
ɨɗɨmɛtɛ́s (ɨɗɨmɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to create, make.
2 v. to fix, repair. See also iroketes and ɨɗɔ́bɛ̀s (ɨɗɔ́bɛ̀sì-) v. to arrange, order.
tɔsʉɓɛs. See also ɨnábɛ̀s and itíbès.
ɨɗɨmɛtɛ́síàm (ɨɗɨmɛtɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. ɨɗɨ- ɨɗɔ́bɛtɛ́s (ɨɗɔ́bɛtɛ́sí-) v. to arrange, order.
mɛtɛ́síika . n. creator, maker. ɨɗɔ́ɗɔ́ɛ́s (ɨɗɔ́ɗɔ́ɛ́sí-) v. to cook up, rustle
iɗimiés (iɗimiesí-) v. to organize, plan, up (a light meal or snack).
prepare, ready. iɗóɗókánón (iɗóɗókánónì-) v. to be
iɗimiesá así v. to prepare or ready one- heaped, piled or stacked up.
self. iɗóɗókés (iɗóɗókésí-) v. to heap, pile,
iɗimiesíàm (iɗimiesí-àmà-) pl. iɗimie- or stack on top of.
síika . 1 n. organizer. 2 n. usher. iɗoes (iɗoesí-) v. to drop into (e.g. food
iɗimiesúƙota (iɗimiesúƙotí-) v. to orga- in the mouth).
nize, plan, prepare, ready. iɗokes (iɗokesí-) v. to add on top.
ɨɗímɔ́n (ɨɗímɔ́nì-) v. to speak a foreign iɗókóliés (iɗókóliesí-) v. to choose, pick,
language, talk foreignly. select (e.g. fruit that is ripe).

75
iɗolíɗólés ɨɛ́ƙímɔ́s

iɗolíɗólés (iɗolíɗólésí-) v. to dot, speck- iɗúzòn (iɗúzònì-) v. to flee, fly, or run

le, stipple. away (as a group).
iɗolíɗólòn (iɗolíɗólònì-) 1 v. to be dot- iɗyates (iɗyatesí-) v. to blend, combine,
ted, speckled, spotted. 2 v. to get rusty. mix. See also iɲales.
iɗomes (iɗomesí-) v. to do in intervals, ɨɛ́bɛ̀s (ɨɛ́bɛ̀sì-) 1 v. to bump, glance,
intersperse. sideswipe. 2 v. to go by, pass via,
iɗómíòn (iɗómíònì-) v. to be alternated, swing by. 3 v. to give a lift or ride
in intervals, interspersed. to, pick up and take. See also toyeres.
ɨɛ́bɛsʉƙɔta (ɨɛ́bɛsʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to bump,
iɗómóés (iɗómóésí-) v. to toss in the
glance, swipe. 2 v. to go by, pass via,
mouth one by one.
swing by. 3 v. to give a lift or ride to,
ɨɗɔ́nɔ́n (ɨɗɔ́nɔ́nì-) v. to dribble, drip con- pick up and take.
tinously. See also tsʼòlòn.
ɨɛ́bɛtɛ́s (ɨɛ́bɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to bump, glance,
iɗoŋes (iɗoŋesí-) v. to punish (often by swipe. 2 v. to come by, pass here via,
beating or caning). swing by. 3 v. to give a ride to, pick up
ɨɗɔŋíɗɔ́ŋɛ́s (ɨɗɔŋíɗɔ́ŋɛ́sí-) v. to knock or and bring. See also tɔmɛɛtɛ́s.
rap on (esp. wood, e.g. a beehive). See ɨɛ́ɓɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨɛ́ɓɛ́tɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to become cold. 2
also ikoŋíkóŋés. v. to become ashamed or embarrassed.
ìɗɔ̀r (ìɗɔ̀rɔ̀-) n. cultivation done early in ɨɛ́ɓítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨɛ́ɓítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to make
the farming season. cold.
ɨɗɔ́rɛ́ʉƙɔta (ɨɗɔ́rɛ́ʉƙɔtí-) v. to cultivate ɨɛ́ɓítɛ́sʉƙɔta ɡúróe v. to calm or cool
early in the farming season. down emotionally.
iɗoses (iɗosesí-) v. to crush, pound (of- ɨɛ́ɓítɛtɛ́s (ɨɛ́ɓítɛtɛ́sí-) v. to douse, soak,
ten between stones, e.g. the spermatic souse (e.g. flour in a pot).
cords of an animal during castration). ɨɛ́ɓɔ́n (ɨɛ́ɓɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be cold. 2 v. to be
iɗotíɗótòn (iɗotíɗótònì-) 1 v. to hop weak. 3 v. to be meek, mild. 4 v. to be
along. 2 v. to appear randomly at dif- frigid: sexually unresponsive.
ferent places. ɨɛ́ɓɔ́na kíʝáe v. cold weather.
iɗótón (iɗótónì-) 1 v. to bound, hop, ɨɛ́ɓɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨɛ́ɓɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to become
jump, leap, spring. 2 v. to bounce or cold. 2 v. to clear up (of sickness).
glance off, rebound, ricochet.
ɨɛƙás (ɨɛƙásí-) n. distance, farness.
ɨɗɔtsɛs (ɨɗɔtsɛsí-) v. to belabor, press, ɨɛƙɨɛƙa (ɨɛƙɨɛƙí-) n. vine species whose
push. hollow yellow seedpods children like
ɨɗɔ́tsɔ́n (ɨɗɔ́tsɔ́nì-) v. to jam, stick (e.g. to use as rattles or blow as whistles
of a gun). (with the seeds inside). Crotalaria lach-
iɗúkóós (iɗúkóósí-) v. to stay put, stick nocarpoides.
around one place. ɨɛƙíɛ́ƙɔ̀n (ɨɛƙíɛ́ƙɔ̀nì-) v. to be slightly dis-
iɗupes (iɗupesí-) v. to follow, stick to, tant or far.
trace (specifically landscape features ɨɛ́ƙímɔ́s (ɨɛ́ƙímɔ́sí-) v. to be far from each
like rivers, ridges, or roads). other.

76
ɨɛƙítɛ́sʉƙɔta ifúlón

ɨɛƙítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨɛƙítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to dis- ɨɛ́pɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨɛ́pɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to ease off:

tance, take far away. move away slowly and carefully.
ìɛ̀ƙɔ̀n (ìɛ̀ƙɔ̀nì-) v. to be distant, far. íɛ́s (íɛ́sì-) v. to clear or hoe (grass, leav-
ɨɛmɛs (ɨɛmɛsí-) v. to lead slowly and gen- ing only soil). See also ireɲes.
tly. ɨɛtɛ́s (ɨɛtɛ́sí-) v. to defend, rescue, save.
See also hoɗés.
ɨɛmɛtɛ́s (ɨɛmɛtɛ́sí-) v. to bring slowly
and gently. ɨɛtɛ́sá así v. to save oneself.
ɨɛmíɛ́mɛ́s (ɨɛmíɛ́mɛ́sí-) v. to mangle, mu- ɨɛtɛ́sá ɨsíítɛ́sʉ́ v. to acquit, clear, exoner-
tilate. ate. Lit. ‘to save from accusation’.
ɨɛ́mɔ́n (ɨɛ́mɔ́nì-) v. to walk slowly (e.g. ɨɛtɛ́síàm (ɨɛtɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. ɨɛtɛ́síika . n. de-
when sick). See also ɨsɔ́wɔ́ɔ̀n. fender, rescuer, savior.
ɨfáfáɲɛ́s (ɨfáfáɲɛ́sí-) v. to scramble, stir
ɨɛ́nɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨɛ́nɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to discuss, have a
around (e.g. coals to put out fire, or
talk, talk.
grain spread out to dry).
ɨɛ́nítɛtɛ́s (ɨɛ́nítɛtɛ́sí-) v. to draw out,
ifáfúkés (ifáfúkésí-) v. to gobble down
elicit speech, get to talk. See also
or wolf down. See also ŋɔfɛ́s.
tóítetés.
ifáfúkós (ifáfúkósí-) v. to be comatose,
ɨɛ́nɔ́n (ɨɛ́nɔ́nì-) v. to converse, discuss, unconscious.
speak, talk. See also tódòn.
ɨfalífálɛ́s (ɨfalífálɛ́sí-) v. to chase, drive,
ìɛ̀ŋààwa (ìɛ̀ŋà-àwà-) pl. ɨɛŋaawíka . impel (e.g. animals, wild or domestic).
n. resting place.
ɨfátɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨfátɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to check
ɨɛ́ŋɔ́n (ɨɛ́ŋɔ́nì-) 1 v. to breathe, respire. on/out, keep an eye on, monitor.
2 v. to rest. See also sʉ̀pɔ̀n. ɨfɛ́ɗɛ́lɛ́s (ɨfɛ́ɗɛ́lɛ́sí-) v. to scramble,
ɨɛ́ŋɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨɛ́ŋɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to catch scurry, or shinny up.
one’s breath. 2 v. to rest up, take a ɨfɛlɛsa así 1 v. to glide, slide, slip (like an
break. adze off of wood). 2 v. to slip or sneak
ɨɛpɛs (ɨɛpɛsí-) v. to ease: place slowly away/off.
and carefully. ɨfɛ́lɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨfɛ́lɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to glide,
ɨɛpɛsa así v. to ease over: move slowly skid, slide (e.g. on one’s buttocks).
and carefully. ifitífítés (ifitífítésí-) v. to cut bluntly,
ɨɛpɛsa asíɛ́ ámáke v. to ease up on some- saw away at.
one. ɨfɔɛs (ɨfɔɛsí-) v. to drag, grate, scrape
ɨɛ́pɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨɛ́pɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to ease off (along the ground). See also fɔ́fɔ́tɛ́s.
with: move away with slowly and care- ɨfɔɛsa así v. to drag oneself.
fully. ifófóés (ifófóésí-) n. taboo of eating the
ɨɛ́pɛ́sʉƙɔta así v. to ease off: move away year’s new crops prematurely, before
slowly and carefully. the culturally appointed time.
ɨɛpɛtɛ́s (ɨɛpɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to ease down: put ifúƙúfuƙés (ifúƙúfuƙésí-) v. to snort or
down slowly and carefully. 2 v. to snuffle at loudly.
abduct, kidnap, smuggle. ifúlón (ifúlónì-) v. to go at dawn.

77
ifulúfúlòn ɨʝíírɛ́sʉƙɔta

ifulúfúlòn (ifulúfúlònì-) 1 v. to be vio- íɡùlàʝòn (íɡùlàʝònì-) 1 v. to boil, bubble.

lent. 2 v. to have explosive diarrhea. 2 v. to churn, roil. See also wádòn.
See also iréɲíánón. íɡùm (íɡùmà-) pl. íɡùmìka . n. unripe
íɡaɗɛ́s (íɡaɗɛ́sí-) v. to displease, dissat- maize (with small milky kernels). See
isfy. also káruɓú and ɲaŋárʉ́tɛ̀.
íɡatsɨɡatsɛ́s (íɡatsɨɡatsɛ́sí-) v. to chink íɡwɨɡwɨʝɛ́s (íɡwɨɡwɨʝɛ́sí-) v. to beautify,
or clink against (e.g. rocks in soil). embellish.
íɡòmòn (íɡòmònì-) 1 v. to bark, woof. 2 íɡwìʝìrɔ̀n (íɡwìʝìrɔ̀nì-) v. to leave in a
v. to bluster, boast, brag. huff, storm off. See also ɡwaítón.
íɡɔɲɛ́s (íɡɔɲɛ́sí-) v. to cater or provide iíɗón (iíɗónì-) v. to clench one’s but-
for, supply (e.g. people working your tocks.
garden whom you had already paid in ɨíɗɔ́n (ɨíɗɔ́nì-) v. to disappear, vanish.
beer earlier). See also wɨɗímɔ́nʉƙɔta .
íɡorés (íɡorésí-) v. to cross over, go iikííkés (iikííkésí-) v. to rock back and
across, pass over. Also pronounced as forth (like a tree loose in its hole, a
ɡórés. rock rooted in the soil, or one’s body
íɡorésúƙota (íɡorésúƙotí-) 1 v. to cross in dancing). May also be spelled as
over, go across, pass over. 2 v. to give iyikíyíkés. See also iukúúkés.
across/over the top (e.g. of a fence). iʝákáánón (iʝákáánónì-) v. to be rich,
íɡoriés (íɡoriesí-) 1 v. to cross over, go wealthy, well-off.
across, or pass over repeatedly. 2 v. to ɨʝaƙíʝáƙɛ́s (ɨʝaƙíʝáƙɛ́sí-) v. to lap up.
leapfrog: jump over repeatedly. Also ɨʝárɔ́n (ɨʝárɔ́nì-) v. to be dazed, in shock,
pronounced as ɡóriés. stunned (e.g. over bad news). See also
íɡoriesá simáe v. to jump or skip rope. ʝarámétòn.
íɡɔ̀rɔ̀bɔ̀n (íɡɔ̀rɔ̀bɔ̀nì-) v. to bound, leap, Íʝéekwa (Íʝéekú-) n. a personal name.
spring. ɨʝɛ́ɛ́lɔ̀n (ɨʝɛ́ɛ́lɔ̀nì-) v. to grow under-
íɡʉʝɛ́s (íɡʉʝɛ́sí-) v. to guzzle. Also pro- ground (of roots).
nounced as áɡʉʝɛ́s. ɨʝɛ́mítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨʝɛ́mítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to hush,
íɡʉʝʉɡʉʝɛ́s (íɡʉʝʉɡʉʝɛ́sí-) v. to rinse, quiet down, shut up, silence.
swish (the mouth). See also ɨmʉ́mʉ́ʝɛ́s. ɨʝɛ́mɔ́n (ɨʝɛ́mɔ́nì-) v. to be hushed, quiet,
íɡuʝuɡuʝés (íɡuʝuɡuʝésí-) v. to fiddle silent, still.
with, twiddle. ɨʝɛ́mɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨʝɛ́mɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to become
íɡuʝuɡuʝésa tódàe v. to repeat a point of still, calm down, hush up, quiet down,
discussion endlessly. Lit. ‘to twiddle shut up.
(one’s) talk’. ɨʝíílɔ̀n (ɨʝíílɔ̀nì-) v. to move in single file.
íɡùʝùɡùʝòn (íɡùʝùɡùʝònì-) v. to be busy, ɨʝíírɛ́s (ɨʝíírɛ́sí-) v. to pour to the last
preoccupied (e.g. in the house or in the drop.
garden). ɨʝíírɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨʝíírɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to pour
íɡulaʝitetés (íɡulaʝitetésí-) v. to boil, out to the last drop. 2 v. to chug, down,
make bubble. drink to the last drop. See also ɡéɡès.

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ɨʝɨlɛtɛ́s ɨkákɛ́ɛ́s

ɨʝɨlɛtɛ́s (ɨʝɨlɛtɛ́sí-) v. to cream or skim off ɨʝʉlɔs (ɨʝʉlɔsí-) v. to be flipped, switched,

(e.g. cream from liquid milk). turned.
iʝíŋáánón (iʝíŋáánónì-) v. to be dull, iʝúrúʝúròn (iʝúrúʝúrònì-) v. to be down-
sluggish, torpid. cast, downward (of eyes).
ɨʝɨwɛs (ɨʝɨwɛsí-) v. to filter, strain. See iʝúrúròn (iʝúrúrònì-) v. to be downcast,
also ɨtɨwɛs. downward (of eyes or head, e.g. in
iʝokes (iʝokesí-) v. to give, leave to, pass prayer, deep thought, or timidity).
off/on, transfer, transmit.
Ika (Icé-) n. Ik people.
iʝokesa mɛnáɛ v. to pass on problems,
transmit trouble. ika (iká-) pl. ikitín. n. head.
iʝókésuƙota (iʝókésuƙotí-) v. to give, ɨkáábɛs (ɨkáábɛsí-) v. to pick or skim off
leave to, pass off/on, transfer, transmit. (e.g. the top of hot food to cool it, or
iʝókón (iʝókónì-) v. to drivel, drool, the top layer of termites in a trapping
slaver, slobber. hole). See also ɨkákápɛ́s.
ɨʝɔƙíʝɔ́ƙɛ́s (ɨʝɔƙíʝɔ́ƙɛ́sí-) v. to stick in and ikáburés (ikáburésí-) v. to enshroud, en-
out repeatedly (e.g. the penis during wrap, wrap (the body in clothing).
sexual intercourse or one’s finger in ikáɓóɓánón (ikáɓóɓánónì-) v. to be un-
and out of mud). stable, unsteady: not having good con-
ɨʝɔƙíʝɔ́ƙɛ́sá kwaní v. to masturbate (of tact with a surface. See also ɗatólóɲòn.
males). ikáɗóés (ikáɗóésí-) v. to blend, combine,
ɨʝʉkɛs (ɨʝʉkɛsí-) v. to push. or mix (different kinds of grain). See
ɨʝʉkɛsííka búbùìkàe n. obese elders (of also ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɛ́s and itsulútsúlés.
long ago). Lit. ‘pushers of bellies’. ikáɡwarí (iká-ɡwaríì-) n. crown, pate,
ɨʝʉ́kɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨʝʉ́kɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to push top of head, vertex.
away.
ikáɡwaríìke n. midday, noon. Lit. ‘at
ɨʝʉkɛtɛ́s (ɨʝʉkɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to pull. 2 v. to the top of the head’.
bring.
ɨkaɨká (<ɨkaɨkɛ́ɛ́s) v.
ɨʝʉ́kítɛtɛs (ɨʝʉ́kítɛtɛ́sí-) v. to make pull.
ɨkaɨkɛ́ɛ́s (ɨkaɨkɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨkaɨká-) v. to flit
ɨʝʉkʉ́ʝʉ́kɛ́s (ɨʝʉkʉ́ʝʉ́kɛ́sí-) v. to goad,
(from one person or thing to another).
push along, spur (e.g. an animal).
iʝúkúmiés (iʝúkúmiesí-) v. to push aside ɨkáká (<ɨkákɛ́ɛ́s) v.
brusquely and repeatedly. ɨkákáɨƙɔta (<ɨkákɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta ) v.
ɨʝʉƙʉ́ʝʉ́ƙɛ́s (ɨʝʉƙʉ́ʝʉ́ƙɛ́sí-) v. to break ɨkákápɛ́s (ɨkákápɛ́sí-) v. to pick or skim
apart/up, dismantle, take apart. off (e.g. the top of hot food to cool it, or
ɨʝʉlɛs (ɨʝʉlɛsí-) v. to flip, switch, turn. the top layer of termites in a trapping
ɨʝʉlɛsa tódàe v. to change the subject. hole). See also ɨkáábɛs.
ɨʝʉlɛtɛ́s (ɨʝʉlɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to flip, switch, or ɨkákɛ́ɛ́s (ɨkákɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨkáká-) v. to separate
turn around/over. 2 v. to give birth to by shaking (e.g. unground grains from
(a child legs first). ground ones, or seeds from dirt).

79
ɨkákɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta ikeda mɛ́sɛ̀

ɨkákɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨkákɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔtí-/ ɨkákáɨƙɔt-) ɨkárɔ́n (ɨkárɔ́nì-) v. to be gaunt, haggard,

v. to separate out by shaking (e.g. un- ragged, thin. See also kɔrɔ́ɗɔ́mɔ̀n.
ground grains from ground ones, or ikásíés (ikásíésí-) v. to work. See also
seeds from dirt). tereɡanés.
ɨkáláʝaránón (ɨkáláʝaránónì-) v. to be ikásíetam (ikásíetamá-) v. doable, feasi-
feckless, inept, irresponsible. ble, viable, workable.
ɨkálámɛ́s (ɨkálámɛ́sí-) v. to gap, leave ikásíìmètòn (ikásíìmètònì-) v. to hap-
gaps in (e.g. when taking big steps, or pen, occur, take place, transpire. See
when sewing in wide passes). also itíyáìmètòn.
ɨkámárɛ́s (ɨkámárɛ́sí-) v. to stretch ikásíitetés (ikásíitetésí-) v. to employ,
across. hire, put to work, work. See also
ɨkamɛs (ɨkamɛsí-) v. to grip, handle, teréɡanitetés.
hold. See also tokopes. ikásítsʼa (iká-sítsʼà-) n. head hair.
ɨkamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (ɨkamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) 1 v. to catch, ɨkatɛs (ɨkatɛsí-) v. to assay, attempt, try.
grab, grip, take hold of. 2 v. to capture,
seize. See also ɨkamɛs. ɨkatíkátɛ́s (ɨkatíkátɛ́sí-) v. to attempt or
try repeatedly.
ɨkamɛtɛ́s (ɨkamɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to catch, grab,
grip, take hold of. 2 v. to build on the ɨkátínɔ́s (ɨkátínɔ́sí-) v. to compete with
ground (e.g. a granary or roof). each other. See also ɨlɔ́ínɔ́s.
ɨkamíkámɛ́s (ɨkamíkámɛ́sí-) v. to grab ɨkatsɛs (ɨkatsɛsí-) v. to care, mind. See
or grip repeatedly, hold onto (e.g. a also ɨmɨsɛs.
tree when climbing it). ɨkáʉ́tɛ́s (ɨkáʉ́tɛ́sí-) v. to cool down (e.g.
ɨkámʉ́nɔ́sʉ́ƙɔta (ɨkámʉ́nɔ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to food by pouring or stirring).
take hold of each other. ɨkáwílɔ̀n (ɨkáwílɔ̀nì-) v. to burn poorly
ɨkanɛ́s (ɨkanɛ́sí-) v. to appease, placate (of firewood, when it burns quickly and
(e.g. the bride’s parents by negotiating does not hold fire).
favorably for a reasonable brideprice). ɨkáyá (<ɨkáyɛ́ɛ́s) v.
ɨkaníkánɛ́s (ɨkaníkánɛ́sí-) v. to appease, ɨkáyɛ́ɛ́s (ɨkáyɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨkáyá-) v. to canvass,
pacify, placate (e.g. an infant by rock- cover, or spread over (an area). See also
ing it back and forth). ɨɗɛŋɛs.
ɨkáɲɔ́n (ɨkáɲɔ́nì-) v. to abstain, fast. ɨkázànà (<ɨkázànòòn) v.
ɨkaŋíkáŋɛ́s (ɨkaŋíkáŋɛ́sí-) 1 v. to grind ɨkázànòòn (ɨkázànòònì-/íkazana-) v. to
coarsely. 2 v. to chew roughly (e.g. be ambituous, determined, tenacious.
uncooked maize). See also ɨŋaíŋɛ́ɛ́s. ikeda (ikede-) 1 n. head, top part, upper
ɨkarɛtɛ́s (ɨkarɛtɛ́sí-) v. to discourage, end. 2 n. heading, title.
frustrate. ikeda ƙwázàe 1 n. collar. 2 n. waist,
ikarímétòn (ikarímétònì-) v. to be de- waistline (of clothing). Lit. ‘head of
pleted, exhausted, wiped out. the cloth’.
ɨkárímétòn (ɨkárímétònì-) v. to become ikeda mɛ́sɛ̀ n. beer head: the foamy,
fruitless, futile, or vain. frothy top layer of beer.

80
ɨkɛɗɛs ikómá

ɨkɛɗɛs (ɨkɛɗɛsí-) v. to curse with a diffi- ɨkɨríkírɔ̀n (ɨkɨríkírɔ̀nì-) v. to get a move

cult labor and delivery. on, hurry, rush.
ɨkɛɗíkɛ́ɗɛ́s (ɨkɛɗíkɛ́ɗɛ́sí-) v. to stimulate ɨkɨta (ɨkɨtí-) pl. ɨkítíka . n. head-pad:
digitally, titillate, touch lightly. See twisted clothing, grass, or leaves used
also ɨkwatíkwátɛ́s. to cushion the weight of a load on the
ɨkɛɗɔs (ɨkɛɗɔsí-) v. to be cursed by rela- head.
tives with a difficult birth. ikitínícɛmɛ́r (ikitíní-cɛmɛ́rí-) n. shrub
ikéé kɔ̀n n. at once, in concert, simulta- species whose roots are crushed,
neously, together. Lit. ‘at one head’. soaked in water, and drunk as a rem-
edy for headaches. Lit. ‘heads-
ɨkɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨkɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to elevate, lift
herb’. Withania somnifera. See also
or raise up.
ɲónomokére.
ɨkɛɛtɛ́s (ɨkɛɛtɛ́sí-) v. to elevate, lift or
ɨkɔɓɛs (ɨkɔɓɛsí-) 1 v. to hand, pass, trans-
raise up. See also ɓuƙés.
fer. 2 v. to render, translate.
ikeimétòn (ikeimétònì-) 1 v. to be lifted,
ɨkɔ́ɓɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨkɔ́ɓɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to hand
raised up. 2 v. to be developed.
over, pass along/on, transfer there.
ɨkɛ́ítɛtɛ́s (ɨkɛ́ítɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to make elevate,
ɨkɔɓɛtɛ́s (ɨkɔɓɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to hand over,
lift, or raise. 2 v. to benefit, profit.
pass along/on, transfer (this way). 2
ɨkɛ́kɛ́mɔ̀n (ɨkɛ́kɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to cackle. v. to translate.
ikékéɲòn (ikékéɲònì-) 1 v. to be stable, ɨkɔ́ɓínɔ́s (ɨkɔ́ɓínɔ́sí-) 1 v. to pass around
steady, sturdy. 2 v. to be dependable, to each other. 2 v. to translate back
reliable (in work). and forth.
ɨkɛɲíkɛ́ɲɛ́s (ɨkɛɲíkɛ́ɲɛ́sí-) v. to kill seri- ɨkɔɗíkɔ́ɗɔ̀n (ɨkɔɗíkɔ́ɗɔ̀nì-) v. to mean-
ally. der, weave, zigzag. See also iƙulúƙúlòn
ɨkɛɲíkɛ́ɲɛ́síàm (ɨkɛɲíkɛ́ɲɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. ɨ- and lúkúɗukuɗánón.
kɛɲíkɛ́ɲɛ́síika . n. serial killer. ikokes (ikokesí-) v. to crack open (bones
ɨkɛ́ŋɛ́ɗɛ́s (ɨkɛ́ŋɛ́ɗɛ́sí-) v. to break, cut, to extract the marrow).
pull apart, sever, tear (rope-like ob- ikókíánón (ikókíánónì-) v. to be or-
jects). See also ɗusutes and tɔŋɛɗɛs. phaned.
ɨkɛtɛs (ɨkɛtɛsí-) 1 v. to choke. 2 v. to ikókórés (ikókórésí-) v. to crawl up,
hang (by the neck to kill). scale.
ɨkɛtɛsa así v. to hang oneself. ikókóretés (ikókóretésí-) v. to crawl up
iketiés (iketiesí-) v. to choke, strangle, or scale this way.
throttle. ikókótés (ikókótésí-) v. to shadow, tail,
ɨkíɗítsɛ́s (ɨkíɗítsɛ́sí-) v. to stick out of trail.
sight, tuck away. ɨkɔ́kɔ́yà (ɨkɔ́kɔ́yàà-) n. armoured
ikíkóanón (ikíkóanónì-) v. to convene, ground cricket. Bradyporidae.
meet (for a discussion). ikólípánón (ikólípánónì-) v. to be bar-
ɨkílɔ́n (ɨkílɔ́nì-) 1 v. to rumble, thunder. ren, childless, infertile, sterile. See also
2 v. bellow, holler, shout, yell. 3 v. to osorosánón.
trumpet. ikómá (<ikómóòn) v.

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ikómáiƙota ikutúkútés

ikómáiƙota (<ikómóonuƙota ) v. fact that, for the reason that. 3 subor-

ikóméètòn (ikóméètònì-) v. to come dconn. in order that, so that. A noun
quickly, hasten here, hurry this way. following this word takes the oblique
case. See also kóteré.
ikómóòn (ikómóònì-/ikómá-) v. to has-
ten, hurry, move quickly. ikuɗúkúɗés (ikuɗúkúɗésí-) v. to dig or
pick out with a finger (e.g. from an ear
ikómóonuƙota (ikómóonuƙotí-
or a nostril).
/ikómáiƙot-) v. to go quickly, hasten
there, hurry over there. ikues (ikuesí-) v. to warm up (e.g. por-
ridge or water).
ìkɔ̀ŋ (ìkɔ̀ŋà-) pl. ɨkɔ́ŋíka . n. malt: soaked
flour that is fried and dried for brewing ikuetés (ikuetésí-) v. to warm up (e.g.
beer. porridge or water).
ikoŋetés (ikoŋetésí-) v. to corral, round ɨkʉʝɛs (ɨkʉʝɛsí-) v. to look or search for,
up. See also ƙalíƙálɛ́s. seek. See also bɛɗɛtɛ́s.
ikoŋíkóŋés (ikoŋíkóŋésí-) v. to knock or ikúʝíánón (ikúʝíánónì-) 1 v. to perform
rap on (e.g. a door). See also ɨɗɔŋíɗɔ́ŋɛ́s. a miracle. 2 v. to prophesy.
ikúkúrés (ikúkúrésí-) v. to claw or dig
ikoŋíkóŋòn (ikoŋíkóŋònì-) v. to live
up by scratching.
long.
ɨkʉlɛs (ɨkʉlɛsí-) 1 v. to clean, clear (a
ikóŋítetés (ikóŋítetésí-) v. to make
surface). 2 v. to even, plane, shave (e.g.
swear.
tool handles or poles). See also ɨkwalɛs.
ikóŋón (ikóŋónì-) v. to avow, swear,
ɨkʉ́lɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨkʉ́lɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to clean or
take an oath.
clear off (a surface). 2 v. to plane off,
ikóóbés (ikóóbésí-) 1 v. to close, fold up shave off (e.g. tool handles or poles).
or in half (e.g. a book or leather mat). 2
ɨkʉlɛtɛ́s (ɨkʉlɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to clean or clear
v. to collect, gather (e.g. yard rubbish).
up (a surface). 2 v. to even out, plane,
ikóóbetés (ikóóbetésí-) 1 v. to close, fold shave (e.g. tool handles or poles).
up or in half (e.g. a book or leather mat). ikúrúfánón (ikúrúfánónì-) 1 v. to be des-
2 v. to collect, gather up (e.g. rubbish). titute, poor, poverty-stricken. 2 v. to
ikóóbetésá así v. to come together, con- be undeveloped.
gregate. ikúrúfánóníàm (ikúrúfánóní-àmà-) pl.
ikóɔ́ka (ikó-ɔ́kà-) pl. ikitíníɔkɨtín. n. cra- ikúrúfánóníika . n. destitute, poor,
nium, skull. Lit. ‘head-bone’. poverty-stricken person.
ɨkɔɔtɔ́s (ɨkɔɔtɔ́sí-) v. to be elevated, lifted ikutses (ikutsesí-) v. to chase off/away,
or raised up. run off (e.g. a beggar or a dog).
ikópíòn (ikópíònì-) v. to condense (of ikútsésuƙota (ikútsésuƙotí-) v. to chase
water vapor). See also tsɨpɨtsípɔ́n. off/away, run off (e.g. a beggar or a
ikórímés (ikórímésí-) v. to peek or peep dog).
at (by bobbing the head up-and-down ɨkʉ́tʉ́kánón (ɨkʉ́tʉ́kánónì-) v. to be
like small animals do). See also ilóíkés. chatty, talkative. See also ɗɛmɛ́dɔ̀n.
ikóteré (ikóteré) 1 prep. because of, due ikutúkútés (ikutúkútésí-) v. to back up,
to. 2 subordconn. because, due to the reverse.

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ikutúkútòn ɨƙɨrɛs

ikutúkútòn (ikutúkútònì-) v. to back up, ɨƙaíƙá (<ɨƙaíƙɛ́ɛ́s) v.

reverse. ɨƙaíƙɛ́ɛ́s (ɨƙaíƙɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨƙaíƙá-) v. to fight,
ikwá (<ikwóón) v. oppose, resist.
íkwà (íkwà) adv. apparently, seemingly, ɨƙáƙá (<ɨƙáƙɛ́ɛ́s) v.
it seems. See also ókò. ɨƙáƙɛ́ɛ́s (ɨƙáƙɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨƙáƙá-) v. to fight, op-
ikwáánitetés (ikwáánitetésí-) 1 v. to pose, resist.
equalize, equate, treat equally. 2 v. to ɨƙáƙɛ́ɛtɛ́s (ɨƙáƙɛ́ɛtɛ́sí-) v. to fight, op-
model, simulate. See also iríánitetés. pose, resist.
ikwáánòn (ikwáánònì-) 1 v. to be the ɨƙalíƙálɛ́s (ɨƙalíƙálɛ́sí-) v. to confine,
same. 2 v. to resemble, be similar. 3 hold back/in, restrain (e.g. animals in
v. to be symmetrical. a pen or someone in a fight).
ɨkwákwárɛ́s (ɨkwákwárɛ́sí-) v. to spread ɨƙaŋɛs (ɨƙaŋɛsí-) v. to hold or prop up,
around . support.
ɨkwalɛs (ɨkwalɛsí-) 1 v. to clean, clear (a ɨƙárárɔ̀n (ɨƙárárɔ̀nì-) v. to sit on a stool.
surface). 2 v. to even, plane, shave (e.g. ɨƙɛɓíƙɛ́ɓɛ́sa tsʼaɗí v. to slash a firebreak.
tool handles or wooden poles). See also
ɨƙɛ́ƙɛ́ɛ́s (ɨƙɛ́ƙɛ́ɛ́sí-) 1 v. to crack open (e.g.
ɨkʉlɛs.
the seeds of gourds or pumpkins). 2
ikwárétòn (ikwárétònì-) v. to resusci- v. to pick out, select.
tate, revive.
ɨƙɛ́lɛ́mɛ́s (ɨƙɛ́lɛ́mɛ́sí-) v. to castrate (by
ɨkwaríkwárɛ́s (ɨkwaríkwárɛ́sí-) 1 v. to crushing the spermatic cords).
spread around. 2 v. to spend wildly.
ɨƙɛlɛs (ɨƙɛlɛsí-) v. to choose, pick out,
ɨkwaríkwarɔ́s (ɨkwaríkwárɔ́sí-) v. to be select.
spread around.
ɨƙɛlɛtɛ́s (ɨƙɛlɛtɛ́sí-) v. to choose, pick out,
ɨkwatíkwátɛ́s (ɨkwatíkwátɛ́sí-) v. to select.
stimulate digitally, titillate, touch
iƙémíƙémés (iƙémíƙémésí-) v. to cut or
lightly. See also ɨkɛɗíkɛ́ɗɛ́s.
slice away, fillet (i.e. meat or skin).
ɨkwɛ́rɛ́ɗɔ̀n (ɨkwɛ́rɛ́ɗɔ̀nì-) v. to wrestle
iƙenes (iƙenesí-) 1 v. to beseech, entreat,
out, wriggle free (of a hold).
plead with. 2 v. to forgive, have mercy
ɨkwɛtíkwɛ́tɛ́s (ɨkwɛtíkwɛ́tɛ́sí-) v. to cor- on, pardon.
ral, round up (e.g. animals, by lightly ɨƙɛníƙɛ́nɛ́s (ɨƙɛníƙɛ́nɛ́sí-) v. to cluck at
hitting them). (e.g. animals or a honeyguide).
ɨkwɨlíkwílɛ́s (ɨkwɨlíkwílɛ́sí-) v. to tickle. ɨƙɛrɛs (ɨƙɛrɛsí-) v. to draw, mark, trace
ɨkwílílɔ̀n (ɨkwílílɔ̀nì-) v. to scream, (non-linguistically).
shriek. ɨƙɨɛs (ɨƙɨɛsí-) v. to block, deflect, shield.
ɨkwɨɲíkwíɲɔ́n (ɨkwɨɲíkwíɲɔ́nì-) v. to be See also ɨɓatɛs.
active, energetic. See also kwɨɲídɔ̀n. ɨƙɨlíƙílɔ̀n (ɨƙɨlíƙílɔ̀nì-) v. to drip. See also
ikwóón (ikwóónì-/ikwá-) v. to crow. ɨlímɔ́n.
ɨƙáálɛ́s (ɨƙáálɛ́sí-) v. to skim off. See also ɨƙɨrɛs (ɨƙɨrɛsí-) v. to draw, mark, write
iripetés. (linguistically).

83
ɨƙɨrɔs ɨlá

ɨƙɨrɔs (ɨƙɨrɔsí-) 1 v. to be recorded, writ- iƙulúƙúlòn (iƙulúƙúlònì-) v. to mean-

ten. 2 v. to be striped. der, weave, wind around. See also
iƙofes (iƙofesí-) v. to cut off, interrupt. ɨkɔɗíkɔ́ɗɔ̀n and lúkúɗukuɗánón.

iƙóƙós (iƙóƙósí-) v. to be doubftul, dubi- ɨƙʉlʉ́ƙʉ́lɔ̀n (ɨƙʉlʉ́ƙʉ́lɔ̀nì-) v. to come

ous. back around, retrace one’s steps.

iƙólésuƙota (iƙólésuƙotí-) v. to score (a iƙumes (iƙumesí-) v. to jab, poke, prod

goal). (physically or verbally).

ìƙòlòta (ìƙòlòtà-) pl. iƙólótaikwa . iƙúmúnós (iƙúmúnósí-) v. to bicker,

n. dried out gourd. clash, fight, skirmish, squabble. Lit. ‘to
jab each other’.
ɨƙɔmɛs (ɨƙɔmɛsí-) v. to annihilate, oblit-
iƙúón (iƙúónì-) 1 v. to howl, wail. 2
erate, wipe out.
v. to holler, shout, yell.
ɨƙɔ́nɔ́nɔ̀ɔ̀n (ɨƙɔ́nɔ́nɔ̀ɔ̀nì-) v. to droop, sag
iƙúónuƙota (iƙúónuƙotí-) 1 v. to howl,
(e.g. an overloaded fruit tree, or some-
wail. 2 v. to holler, shout, yell.
one hunched over in hunger).
iƙures (iƙuresí-) 1 v. to stir. 2 v. to pad-
ɨƙɔŋɛs (ɨƙɔŋɛsí-) 1 v. to lean, prop, or
dle, row. 3 v. to confound, confuse.
rest on/against. 2 v. to depend or rely
on. See also tonokes. iƙurúƙúròn (iƙurúƙúrònì-) v. to be cor-
rupt, crooked.
ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́s (ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́sí-) v. to lean, prop, or
rest on/against. iƙúrúmétona ikáe v. to be confounded,
confused.
ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to lean,
prop, or rest on/against. iƙúrúmós (iƙúrúmósí-) v. to be agitated,
incited, roused, stirred up (as a group).
ɨƙɔ́ŋítɔ́s (ɨƙɔ́ŋítɔ́sí-) v. to be leaned,
propped, or rested on/against. ɨƙʉ́ʉ́lɛ́s (ɨƙʉ́ʉ́lɛ́sí-) v. to swipe or wipe
clean (e.g. a bowl, with one’s finger).
ɨƙɔ́ɔ́rɛ́sá así v. to strut, swagger. See
See also ɨtsɨɗɛs.
also ƙɔrɔn.
ɨƙwáƙwárɛ́s (ɨƙwáƙwárɛ́sí-) v. to prune,
iƙoríƙórés (iƙoríƙórésí-) v. to work with
trim.
a long tool (e.g. stir gourd innards or
shave the interior of a hive or mortar ɨƙwɛ́ƙwɛ́rɛ́s (ɨƙwɛ́ƙwɛ́rɛ́sí-) v. to shave
when making it). off (e.g. thorns from a tree’s trunk or
branches).
iƙórú (iƙórúù-) pl. iƙórúìka . 1 n. milli-
pede. 2 n. trailer. iƙwéón (iƙwéónì-) v. to yelp, yip.
iƙúétòn (iƙúétònì-) 1 v. to howl, wail. 2 ɨƙwɛrɛs (ɨƙwɛrɛsí-) 1 v. to brush, comb.
v. to holler, shout, yell. 2 v. to rake. See also ŋírés.
ɨƙʉʝʉ́kʉ́ʝɔ̀n (ɨƙʉʝʉ́kʉ́ʝɔ̀nì-) v. to stam- ɨƙwɛ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨƙwɛ́rɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to brush
mer, stutter (when cold). See also or comb out.
ɗákón and ɡaʝádòn. ɨƙwɛrɔs (ɨƙwɛrɔsí-) 1 v. to be brushed,
iƙúƙúrés (iƙúƙúrésí-) v. to enlarge, combed. 2 v. to be down-striped.
erode (a hole in the ground). ɨlá (<ɨlɔ́ɔ́n) v.

84
ɨlaɓɛtɛ́s ilébìlèbètòn

ɨlaɓɛtɛ́s (ɨlaɓɛtɛ́sí-) v. to scoop or skim ɨlámááránón (ɨlámááránónì-) v. to dis-

off (e.g. water from sand). See also perse, dissipate (like ants or a crowd of
ɗalés and tɛ́bɛtɛ́s. people). See also alámáárón.
iláɓúés (iláɓúésí-) v. to smoothen (with ɨlamɛs (ɨlamɛsí-) v. to curse, damn, im-
water). precate.
iláfúkòn (iláfúkònì-) v. to hurt in the ɨlámɔ́n (ɨlámɔ́nì-) v. to go through, pass,
chest (e.g. from acid reflux or heart- succeed, win.
attack). ɨlamɔs (ɨlamɔsí-) v. to be cursed,
ɨláíƙɔta (<ɨlɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta ) v. damned, doomed.
ɨlaɨlá (<ɨlaɨlɛ́ɛ́s) v. ɨláŋ (ɨláŋí-) pl. ɨláŋíka . n. Indian jujube:
ɨlaɨlɛ́ɛ́s (ɨlaɨlɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨlaɨlá-) v. to rinse. See a tree whose round yellow fruits are
also ɨlɔ́lɔ́tsɛ́s. eaten by people and goats and whose
roots are decocted as a cure for stom-
ɨláítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨláítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to take for ach and chest ailments; its forked poles
a walk, walk. are used for building houses and plat-
ɨlaʝíláʝɛ́s (ɨlaʝíláʝɛ́sí-) 1 v. to loosen. 2 forms. Ziziphus mauritiana.
v. to fail, neglect, overlook. ilaŋés (ilaŋésí-) v. to leave behind, over-
ɨlákásítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨlákásítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to take, pass.
delight, make happy, please. 2 v. to ap- ɨláŋíɡwì (ɨláŋí-ɡwìè-) pl. ɨláŋíɡwiitín.
preciate, thank. See also ɨmʉ́mʉ́ɨtɛtɛ́s. n. grove of Indian jujube trees.
ɨlákásɔ̀n (ɨlákásɔ̀nì-) v. to be glad, ɨlápɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨlápɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to overflow, spill
happy. over.
ɨlákásɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨlákásɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to be- ɨlarɛs (ɨlarɛsí-) v. to abuse, misuse, uti-
come glad or happy. 2 v. to be appre- lize inappropriately. See also ɨlwarɛs.
ciative, thankful.
ɨlárímétòn (ɨlárímétònì-) v. to become
ɨlaƙɛs (ɨlaƙɛsí-) v. to pan, shake in a pan distressed or stressed out. See also ɨl-
(e.g. looking for gold). wárímétòn.
ɨlaƙíláƙɛ́s (ɨlaƙíláƙɛ́sí-) v. to pan, shake ɨlarɨtɛtɛ́s (ɨlarɨtɛtɛ́sí) v. to keep waiting,
in a pan (e.g. looking for gold). make wait, waste the time of. See also
iláƙízòn (iláƙízònì-) v. to feel ill, nause- ɨlwarɨtɛtɛ́s.
ated, queasy. ɨlárɔ́n (ɨlárɔ́nì-) v. to be inactive, idle,
ɨláláƙɛ́s (ɨláláƙɛ́sí-) v. to pan, shake in a unused, unutilized. See also ɨlwárɔ́n.
pan (e.g. looking for gold). ɨlatɛs (ɨlatɛsí-) v. to add water to (e.g.
ɨláláŋɛ́s (ɨláláŋɛ́sí-) v. to eat gingerly cement, grist, or flour).
(hot food). ílebéɗa (ílebéɗé-) n. small green snake
ɨlálátɛ́s (ɨlálátɛ́sí-) v. to add water to (e.g. (possibly a boomslang).
cement, grist, or flour). ilébìlèbètòn (ilébìlèbètònì-) v. to be sat-
ìlàm (ìlàmà-) n. curse, imprecation, urated, water-logged (e.g. cement or
malediction. sand).

85
ileɓíléɓòn ɨlɛ́tʉ́ránón

ileɓíléɓòn (ileɓíléɓònì-) v. to blister, ɨlɛ́lɛ́ɨmɔ́s (ɨlɛ́lɛ́ɨmɔ́sí-) v. to despise each

vesicate. See also bubuxánónuƙota . other.
ɨlɛɗɛs (ɨlɛɗɛsí-) v. to crush, smash, ɨlɛ́lɛ́ítɛtɛ́s (ɨlɛ́lɛ́ítɛtɛ́sí-) v. to disgust, re-
squash. See also ɨtsakɛs. pulse, revolt.
ilééránitetés (ilééránitetésí-) v. to dis- ilélémùòn (ilélémùònì-) v. to be loud,
close, expose, reveal, show. noisy, make a racket.
ilééránón (ilééránónì-) v. to be clearly ilemílémòn (ilemílémònì-) v. to blabber,
seen, exposed, visible. jabber, prattle.
ɨlɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨlɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to come for a visit, Iléŋ (Iléŋí-) n. Iléŋ: one of the Ik’s twelve
travel here. clans.
íleɡûɡa (íleɡúɡù-) 1 n. black ant species ileŋes (ileŋesí-) v. to be higher than, sur-
that transports grain. pass in height.
Iléŋíàm (Iléŋí-àmà-) pl. Iléŋíika . n. Iléŋ
iléʝíánón (iléʝíánónì-) v. to be undepend-
clan member.
able, unreliable.
ɨlɛ́ɔ́n (ɨlɛ́ɔ́nì-) v. to rage, rampage.
ɨlɛʝílɛ́ʝɛ́s (ɨlɛʝílɛ́ʝɛ́sí-) v. to do odd jobs,
work temporarily. ɨlɛ́pɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨlɛ́pɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to clamber
or scramble up.
ɨlɛʝílɛ́ʝɨtɛtɛ́s (ɨlɛʝílɛ́ʝɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to hire
temporarily. ilépón (ilépónì-) v. to meet a member of
the opposite gender in the middle of a
ɨlɛkílɛ́kɛ́s (ɨlɛkílɛ́kɛ́sí-) v. to waste. See dance circle during a group dance.
also iɲekíɲékés.
ɨlɛ́pɔ́n (ɨlɛ́pɔ́nì-) v. to clamber, scramble
ílekó (ílekóò-) pl. ílekóìka . n. edible yel- (e.g. like monkeys).
low seeds of the ʝàwa shrub.
ɨlɛrílɛ́rɛ́s (ɨlɛrílɛ́rɛ́sí-) v. to rap on repeat-
ɨlɛ́ƙwɛ́rɛ́s (ɨlɛ́ƙwɛ́rɛ́sí-) v. to make stum- edly (e.g. a gourd or head). See also
ble, trip. ɨɗɛɨɗɛ́ɛ́s.
ɨlɛ́ƙwɛ́rɛtɛ́s (ɨlɛ́ƙwɛ́rɛtɛ́sí-) v. to make ilérón (ilérónì-) v. to be bare, naked,
stumble, trip up. nude.
iléƙwéries (iléƙwériesí-) 1 v. to thread, ilérúmùòn (ilérúmùònì-) v. to argue,
weave around (e.g. reeds to build a gra- dispute, quarrel (as a large group).
nary). 2 v. to whip all over . ilététà (<ilététòòn) v.
ilélébés (ilélébésí-) 1 v. to lift and carry ilététaitetés (ilététaitetésí-) v. to expose,
together (as when a killed animal or a leave out in the open.
prisoner is being hauled by more than
ilététòòn (ilététòònì-/ilététa-) v. to be
one person). 2 v. to winnow.
exposed, left out in the open, unpro-
ilélébètòn (ilélébètònì-) v. to buoy, float. tected.
ilélébonuƙota (ilélébonuƙotí-) v. to drift ɨlɛtílɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨlɛtílɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to be insensi-
or float away. tive, unresponsive. See also ɨlɛ́tʉ́ránón.
ɨlɛ́lɛ́ɛ́s (ɨlɛ́lɛ́ɛ́sí-) v. to despise, detest, dis- ɨlɛ́tʉ́ránón (ɨlɛ́tʉ́ránónì-) v. to be insen-
dain. sitive, unresponsive. See also ɨlɛtílɛ́tɔ̀n.

86
iléúrés ɨlíŋírɛ́s

iléúrés (iléúrésí-) 1 v. to light up (e.g. ɨlílíŋɛ́s (ɨlílíŋɛ́sí-) v. to shake back and

with fire or a torch). 2 v. to view (e.g. forth or side to side (like one’s head
through binoculars or a microscope). saying ‘no’ or like a dog with some-
See also inwakes. thing in its mouth).
ilíánòn (ilíánònì-) v. to reek, stink (e.g. ɨlílíɔ̀n (ɨlílíɔ̀nì-) v. to be angry, annoyed,
the stench of blood). heated, pissed. See also ɡaanón.
ɨlɨɓaakón (ɨlɨɓaakónì-) v. to be green (of ɨlílíɔnʉƙɔta (ɨlílíɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to become
many). angry, annoyed, heated, or pissed off.
ɨlɨɓaakónuƙota (ɨlɨɓaakónuƙotí-) v. to ilílítsés (ilílítsésí-) v. to shake off/out
turn green (of more than one). (e.g. how a bird or dog shakes off dust
or water).
ɨlíɓɔ́n (ɨlíɓɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be green. 2 v. to
be new (of foliage). ɨlɨmɛs (ɨlɨmɛsí-) v. to pare, trim (e.g. a
tanned skin or a piece of wood). See
ɨlíɓɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨlíɓɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to turn also ɨpɛlɛs.
green.
ɨlɨmɛsa así v. to drip.
ɨlɨɗɛ́s (ɨlɨɗɛ́sí-) v. to tie off (e.g. one’s ɨlɨmɛtɛ́s (ɨlɨmɛtɛ́sí-) v. to pare down,
stomach when very hungry, or one’s trim back.
gold flecks in a small pouch, or a penis
ɨlɨmílímɔ̀n (ɨlɨmílímɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to drizzle.
in a practical joke boys play on each
other).
2 v. to be flecked, spotted.
ilímítés (ilímítésí-) v. to bring up, men-
ɨlɨɗɛtɛ́s (ɨlɨɗɛtɛ́sí-) v. to tie off (e.g.
tion.
one’s stomach when very hungry, gold
flecks in a small pouch, or a penis in a ɨlímɔ́n (ɨlímɔ́nì-) v. to drip. See also
practical joke boys play on each other). ɨƙɨlíƙílɔ́n.
ɨlíŋánètòn (ɨlíŋánètònì-) v. to be
ɨlɨɗɔ́s (ɨlɨɗɔ́sí-) v. to be tied off.
streaked, striped.
ilies (iliesí-) v. to paste, seal.
Ilíŋéètsʼa (Ilíŋé-ètsʼì-) v. July: month
iliílíés (iliílíésí-) v. to paste, seal. when feces have streaks in them due
iliílíós (iliílíósí-) v. to be pasted, sealed, to a change in diet resulting from sea-
seamless. sonal foods. Lit. ‘the feces are
ilíítés (ilíítésí-) v. to snitch, tattle, or tell streaked’. See also Lomoɗokoɡéc.
on. ɨlɨŋɛs (ɨlɨŋɛsí-) v. to do partially, streak-
ily (e.g. cut only a portion of one’s hair,
ɨlɨkílíkɛ́s (ɨlɨkílíkɛ́sí-) v. to jerk, jiggle,
or bathe only a portion of one’s body).
tug back and forth (e.g. a dog with cat
in its mouth, or jerking a kid’s ears). ɨlɨŋílíŋɛ́s (ɨlɨŋílíŋɛ́sí-) v. to shake back
and forth or side to side (like one’s
ilílíés (ilílíésí-) v. to fill up. See also head saying ‘no’ or like a dog with
éítetés. something in its mouth). See also ilit-
ɨlílíɛ́s (ɨlílíɛ́sí-) v. to dry over fire (e.g. sílítsés.
meat or tobacco). ɨlíŋírɛ́s (ɨlíŋírɛ́sí-) 1 v. to cut around, cut
ɨlílíɨnɔ́s (ɨlílíɨnɔ́sí-) v. to be angry at each a ring in, ring. 2 v. to circumcise. Also
other. pronounced as ɨlɛ́ŋɛ́rɛ́s. See also ɨlɨrɛs.

87
ɨlíŋírɛ́síàwa ɨlɔkílɔ́kɛ́s

ɨlíŋírɛ́síàwa (ɨlíŋírɛ́sí-àwà-) pl. ɨlíŋírɛ́- ɨlɔ́ɓɔ́tɛtɛ́s (ɨlɔ́ɓɔ́tɛtɛ́sí-) v. to hurl, spew,

síawíka . n. place on an arrow where upchuck, vomit.
grooved rings have been made for hold- ɨlɔ́ɗɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨlɔ́ɗɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to come around.
ing while nocking the arrow.
ɨlɔɗílɔ́ɗɔ̀n (ɨlɔɗílɔ́ɗɔ̀nì-) v. to go round
ɨlíŋɔ́n (ɨlíŋɔ́nì-) v. to be streaked, and round.
striped. ɨlɔ́ɗíŋánón (ɨlɔ́ɗíŋánónì-) v. to be dis-
ilios (iliosí-) 1 v. to be pasted, sealed. 2 criminatory, marginalizing, segrega-
v. to be deaf, hard-of-hearing. tive.
ilírá (<ilíróòn) v. ɨlɔ́ɗíŋɛ́s (ɨlɔ́ɗíŋɛ́sí-) v. to discriminate,
ilíráitetés (ilíráitetésí-) v. to coordinate, isolate, marginalize, segregate.
synchronize. ɨlɔ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨlɔ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to go
ɨlɨram (ɨlɨramá-) n. meal mush stirred around.
solid. Lit. ‘rotatable’. See also tɔbɔŋ ɨlɔɛs (ɨlɔɛsí-) 1 v. to beat, defeat, exceed,
and tʉɗʉtam. outdo, surpass. 2 v. to be more or less
ilíréètòn (ilíréètònì-) v. to act in sync than (in terms of an attribute). See also
or in unison (e.g. vehicles in a convoy, kurés.
birds in an echelon, or people mourn- ɨlɔɛtɛ́s (ɨlɔɛtɛ́sí-) v. to beat, defeat, outdo,
ing a death). surpass.
ɨlɨrɛs (ɨlɨrɛsí-) 1 v. to circumvolve, move ɨlɔ́ɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨlɔ́ɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to be beat, bored,
around, rotate (e.g. when stirring food). tired out, worn out.
2 v. to circumcise, cut around, ring (e.g. ɨlɔ́ɡɔtsɛ́s (ɨlɔ́ɡɔtsɛ́sí-) v. to drape, lay
when removing the anus of a wild ani- over.
mal). See also ɨlíŋírɛ́s. ilóíkés (ilóíkésí-) v. to peek or peep at
ɨlɨrílírɛ́s (ɨlɨrílírɛ́sí-) v. to circumvolve, (by bobbing the head up-and-down like
move around, or rotate repeatedly (e.g. small animals do). See also ikórímés.
when trying to balance something). iloílóés (iloílóésí-) v. to dislodge, loosen
ilíróòn (ilíróònì-/ilírá-) v. to be coordi- by moving back and forth.
nated, synchronized, in unison. iloimétòn (iloimétònì-) v. to be defeated
ilitsílítsés (ilitsílítsésí-) v. to shake or overcome, lose.
back and forth or side to side (like ɨlɔ́ímɔ́s (ɨlɔ́ímɔ́sí-) v. to compete, con-
one’s head saying ‘no’ or like a dog tend.
with something in its mouth). See also ɨlɔ́ínɔ́s (ɨlɔ́ínɔ́sí-) v. to compete, contend.
ɨlɨŋílíŋɛ́s. See also ɨkátínɔ́s.
ɨlɨwɛs (ɨlɨwɛsí-) v. to clean, clear (e.g. ɨlɔ́ítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨlɔ́ítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to beat
smooth surfaces). See also ɨkʉlɛs. down, discourage, frustrate, wear
ɨlɨwílíwɛtɛ́s (ɨlɨwílíwɛtɛ́sí-) v. to clean down.
or clear off (e.g. smooth surfaces). ilóʝésuƙota (ilóʝésuƙotí-) v. to displace,
ɨlɨwílíwɔ́s (ɨlɨwílíwɔ́sí-) v. to be cleaned relocate, transfer.
or cleared off (e.g. smooth surfaces). ɨlɔkílɔ́kɛ́s (ɨlɔkílɔ́kɛ́sí-) v. to wind or
ɨlɔɓílɔ́ɓɛ́s (ɨlɔɓílɔ́ɓɛ́sí-) v. to plaster. wrap around.

88
ɨlɔkílɔ́kɛtɛ́s ɨlʉlʉŋam

ɨlɔkílɔ́kɛtɛ́s (ɨlɔkílɔ́kɛtɛ́sí-) v. to wind or ɨlɔpílɔ́pɛ́s (ɨlɔpílɔ́pɛ́sí-) v. to move

wrap around. around in (e.g. a crowd or village).
ilókótsés (ilókótsésí-) v. to exchange, ilores (iloresí-) v. to intersperse, space.
swap, trade. See also ɨxɔtsɛs and xɔ́tsɛ́s. ɨlɔ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨlɔ́tɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to wash.
ilókótsésa mɛnáɛ v. to exchange words. ɨlɔ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta kíʝáe v. to create peace. Lit.
ɨlɔ́ƙɛ́rɛ́s (ɨlɔ́ƙɛ́rɛ́sí-) v. to interlace, inter- ‘to wash the land’.
lock, interweave, mesh. ilotses (ilotsesí-) 1 v. to change, trans-
form. 2 v. to relay, translate. 3 v. to
ɨlɔƙɛs (ɨlɔƙɛsí-) v. to dissolve, emulsify.
confuse, mistake for, mix up.
ɨlɔ́líɛ́s (ɨlɔ́líɛ́sí-) v. to displace, expel,
ilotsesa mɛnáɛ v. to change decisions,
force out, oust.
override, veto.
ɨlɔ́líɛ́sá así v. to drift, wander. ilotsesa zɛƙɔ́ɛ v. to migrate, move, relo-
ɨlɔ́líɛtɛ́s (ɨlɔ́líɛtɛ́sí-) v. to threaten to dis- cate one’s home.
place (by encircling several times). ilotsímétòn (ilotsímétònì-) v. to change,
ɨlɔ́lɔ́kɛ́s (ɨlɔ́lɔ́kɛ́sí-) v. to space, thin out transform. See also iɓéléìmètòn.
(e.g. seedlings). ɨlɔ́yɔ́n (ɨlɔ́yɔ́nì-) v. to be beat, bored,
ɨlɔ́lɔ́mɔ̀n (ɨlɔ́lɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be roomy, tired, weary.
spacious. See also lalʉ́ʝɔ́n. iluʝúlúʝés (iluʝúlúʝésí-) v. to fill up to the
ɨlɔ́lɔ́ŋɛ́s (ɨlɔ́lɔ́ŋɛ́sí-) v. to agitate, stir. brim.
ɨlʉ́kánètòn (ɨlʉ́kánètònì-) v. to point
ɨlɔ́lɔ́rɛ́s (ɨlɔ́lɔ́rɛ́sí-) v. to smear, smudge
downward (of horns).
(e.g. food on a child’s face to trick its
parents into believing it has eaten). ɨlʉkɛs (ɨlʉkɛsí-) v. to carry under (e.g.
tucked under one’s arm).
ɨlɔ́lɔ́tsɛ́s (ɨlɔ́lɔ́tsɛ́sí-) v. to rinse. See also
ɨlaɨlɛ́ɛ́s. Ilʉ́kɔ́l (Ilʉ́kɔ́lì-) n. a personal name.
ilúkúɗòn (ilúkúɗònì-) v. to arc, curve.
ilólúés (ilólúésí-) v. to bombinate, buzz
around. ilúkútsés (ilúkútsésí-) v. to inject, in-
terject, interpose (objects or comments,
ɨlɔmílɔ́mɔ̀n (ɨlɔmílɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to circu- e.g. in a conversation without knowing
late, move around (e.g. a snake or a the topic).
thief in a house).
ilúƙúretés (ilúƙúretésí-) v. to coil, curl,
ɨlɔŋɛs (ɨlɔŋɛsí-) v. to chase, go after, pur- spiral, wind.
sue. See also irukes.
ilúƙúrètòn (ilúƙúrètònì-) v. to coil or
ɨlɔ́ŋɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨlɔ́ŋɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to chase, go, curl up (as in the fetal position).
or pursue after. ilúƙúròn (ilúƙúrònì-) v. to be coiled or
ɨlɔ́ɔ́n (ɨlɔ́ɔ́nì-/ɨlá-) v. to go for a visit, take curled up (as in the fetal position).
a trip, travel. See also ipásóòn. ilúlúés (ilúlúésí-) v. to badger, bug,
ɨlɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨlɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔtí-/ɨláíƙɔt-) v. to go pester.
for a visit or on a trip, travel away. ɨlʉ́lʉ́mʉ̀ɔ̀n (ɨlʉ́lʉ́mʉ̀ɔ̀nì-) v. to swim.
ɨlɔpɛs (ɨlɔpɛsí-) v. to move, reassign, ɨlʉlʉŋam (ɨlʉlʉŋamá-) 1 n. fist. 2 n. fist-
transfer. ful, handful. See also mʉkʉtam.

89
ɨlʉ́lʉ́ŋɛ́s imákwéètòn

ɨlʉ́lʉ́ŋɛ́s (ɨlʉ́lʉ́ŋɛ́sí-) v. to make ball- ɨmá (<ɨmɛɛs) v.

shaped, round, or spherical. ima na interj. this kid, I tell you! (an
ɨlʉ́lʉ́ŋɔ́s (ɨlʉ́lʉ́ŋɔ́sí-) v. to be made ball- expression of any positive or negative
shaped, round, or spherical. opinion about a single object or per-
ilumes (ilumesí-) v. to dip (into liquid), son). Lit. ‘this child’.
immerse, submerge. ɨmaarɛ́s (ɨmaarɛ́sí-) v. to count, enumer-
ate, number.
ilúmésuƙota (ilúmésuƙotí-) v. to dip
(into liquid), immerse, submerge. ɨmaarɛ́sá dɛ̀ìkàɛ v. to pace or step off.
Lit. ‘to count feet’.
ilumetésá así v. to enter, immerse on-
self. ɨmaarɔ́s (ɨmaarɔ́sí-) v. to be few, num-
bered.
ɨlʉ́mʉ́lʉ́mɛ́s (ɨlʉ́mʉ́lʉ́mɛ́sí-) v. to munch
happily. imácéka (imá-cékì-) pl. wicécíkám.
n. daughter-in-law. Lit. ‘child’s-wife’.
ilúɲón (ilúɲónì-) v. to go by, pass, pass
ɨmaɗɛs (ɨmaɗɛsí-) v. to apply heat to,
by (e.g. a person or time).
heat.
ilúɲónuƙota (ilúɲónuƙotí-) v. to go by,
ɨmaɗɛsa ɔ́ʝáɛ v. to treat a wound.
pass, pass by (e.g. a person or time).
ɨmáɗɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨmáɗɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to apply
ɨlʉŋʉ́lʉ́ŋɛ́s (ɨlʉŋʉ́lʉ́ŋɛ́sí-) 1 v. to bribe, heat to, heat up.
corrupt, buy or pay off. 2 v. to pay to
ɨmaɗímáɗɔ̀n (ɨmaɗímáɗɔ̀nì-) v. to
have killed.
treacherous, tricky (e.g. enemies that
ilúrón (ilúrónì-) v. to mourn. come in peace and then turn violent, or
Ilúúkori (Ilúúkorií-) n. name of a place. a sickness that sets in slowly but then
ɨlʉ́zɛ̀tɔ̀n (ɨlʉ́zɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) v. to doze or nod worsens rapidly).
off. imáɗíŋánón (imáɗíŋánónì-) v. to be for-
ɨlʉ́zɔ̀n (ɨlʉ́zɔ̀nì-) v. to feel drowsy or getful, undependable, unreliable (e.g.
sleepy. when given a message to deliver to
someone).
ɨlwarɛs (ɨlwarɛsí-) v. to abuse, misuse,
utilize inappropriately. See also ɨlarɛs. ɨmakɛs (ɨmakɛsí-) v. to bandage, bind.
ɨmakímákɛ́s (ɨmakímákɛ́sí-) v. to wind
ɨlwárímétòn (ɨlwárímétònì-) v. to be-
up. See also ɨlɔkílɔ́kɛ́s.
come distressed or stressed out. See
also ɨlárímétòn. imákóitetés (imákóitetésí-) 1 v. to con-
tort, distort, twist up. 2 v. to get to
ɨlwarɨtɛtɛ́s (ɨlwarɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to keep
misbehave, make difficult.
waiting, make wait, waste the time of.
See also ɨlarɨtɛtɛ́s. imákóòn (imákóònì-) 1 v. to be con-
torted, distorted, twisted up. 2 v. to be
ɨlwárɔ́n (ɨlwárɔ́nì-) v. to be inactive, idle, in a long and difficult labor. 3 v. to be
unused, unutilized. See also ɨlárɔ́n. difficult, misbehaving, unmanageable.
ɨlwárɔ́na teréɡù v. to be jobless, out of imákwéètòn (imákwéètònì-) 1 v. to be-
work, unemployed. come contorted, distorted, or twisted
im (imá-) pl. wika . n. baby, child, kid, up. 2 v. to become unmanageble, grow
youngster. difficult, misbehave.

90
imáƙɔ́fɔ́ iméníkánón

imáƙɔ́fɔ́ (imá-ƙɔ́fɔ́ɔ̀-) pl. imáƙófóikwa . ɨmasɛtɛ́s (ɨmasɛtɛ́sí-) v. to hurl, throw,

n. child’s small gourd bowl. or toss this way.
ɨmáláánón (ɨmáláánónì-) v. to be sexu- imásítsʼa (imá-sítsʼà-) n. baby hair.
ally loose or promiscuous. ɨmátáŋɛ́s (ɨmátáŋɛ́sí-) v. to chew, mas-
ɨmalímálɛ́s (ɨmalímálɛ́sí-) v. to spread ticate (esp. tobacco). Also pronounced
around in a circular motion (e.g. lotion as mataŋɛs.
on skin or peanuts in a frying pan). imátôda (imá-tódà-) n. babble, baby
imámáɗós (imámáɗósí-) v. to deviate, talk.
go off track, wander off (as if innon- ɨmátsárɛ́s (ɨmátsárɛ́sí-) v. to brand, la-
cently, e.g. to look for food or escape bel, mark.
captivity).
imáúròn (imáúrònì-) v. to feel dizzy,
ɨmámɛ́ɛ́s (ɨmámɛ́ɛ́sí-) v. to cajole, coax, lightheaded, woozy.
sweet-talk, wheedle.
ɨmáxánɛ́s (ɨmáxánɛ́sí-) 1 v. to wave. 2
ɨmámɛ́ɛtɛ́s (ɨmámɛ́ɛtɛ́sí-) v. to call v. to greet, say hello to.
sweetly, coax into coming.
ɨmáxánínɔ́s (ɨmáxánínɔ́sí-) v. to great
ɨmánán (ɨmánánɨ-) pl. ɨmánánìka . each other.
n. castor-oil plant: large shrub species
whose hollow stems are used to make imeda ɡwasáe n. grinding stone held in
pipes and straws (for drinking from the hand. Lit. ‘child of the stone’.
rock wells) and whose seeds are friend, ɨmɛ́ɗɛ́lɛ́s (ɨmɛ́ɗɛ́lɛ́sí-) v. to rebuff, reject,
ground, and made into a body lotion snub, spurn, turn down.
for women. Ricinus communis. ɨmɛ́ɗɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨmɛ́ɗɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to flare up,
imánánès (imánánèsì-) n. childhood, flash.
childlikeness, childishness. Lit. ‘being ɨmɛ́ɗɛ́tɔna ekwí v. to see stars (when
a child’. concussed). Lit. ‘flashing of the eye’.
ɨmanɛs (ɨmanɛsí-) v. to plot against, vow ɨmɛɗímɛ́ɗɔ̀n (ɨmɛɗímɛ́ɗɔ̀nì-) v. to
to harm. flicker, glitter.
imánétòn (imánétònì-) v. to connect, en- ɨmɛ́ɗɔ́n (ɨmɛ́ɗɔ́nì-) 1 v. to flare, flash. 2
counter, meet, run into. v. to be bright, brilliant.
imanímánés (imanímánésí-) v. to curl ɨmɛ́ɗɔ́nà dìdìì n. lightning. Lit. ‘flashing
or wind around (e.g. a vine on a tree). of rain’.
imánónuƙota (imánónuƙotí-) v. to con- iméérés (iméérésí-) v. to shift, transfer
nect, encounter, join up, meet up, run (from one like thing to another, i.e. con-
into. tainer, place, etc.).
ɨmáráɗàɗà (<ɨmáráɗàɗòòn) v. ɨmɛɛs (ɨmɛɛsí-/ɨmá-) v. to warm (by fire
ɨmáráɗàɗòòn (ɨmáráɗàɗòònì-/ɨmáráɗa- or sunlight).
ɗa-) v. to be fancy, flashy, gaudy. ɨmɛlɛs (ɨmɛlɛsí-) v. to flicker, flitter (e.g.
ɨmasɛs (ɨmasɛsí-) v. to hurl, throw, toss. the tongue).
ɨmásɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨmásɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to hurl, iméníkánón (iméníkánónì-) v. to be un-
throw, or toss away. true to one’s word, untrustworthy.

91
Ìmɛ̀r ɨmʉ́káánón

Ìmɛ̀r (Ìmɛ̀rà-) n. name of a hill or moun- ɨmɔ́ɗɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨmɔ́ɗɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to cheat,

tain. heist, rip off.
imetsés (imetsésí-) 1 v. to fill in for, re- ɨmɔɗɛtɛ́s (ɨmɔɗɛtɛ́sí-) v. to allure, bait,
place, substitute for, take over for. 2 entice, lure.
v. to inherit. ɨmɔɗímɔ́ɗɛ́s (ɨmɔɗímɔ́ɗɛ́sí-) v. to
imetsités (imetsitesí-) v. to fill or put in, slather, smear, spread.
replace, substitute. ɨmɔ́ɗɔ́rɔ̀n (ɨmɔ́ɗɔ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to be sooty.
ɨmɨɗímíɗɛ́s (ɨmɨɗímíɗɛ́sí-) v. to dilate, ɨmɔ́ʝírɛ́s (ɨmɔ́ʝírɛ́sí-) v. to intertwine,
enlarge (a small hole). twine, twist.
ɨmɨɗímíɗɛ́sa mɛnáɛ 1 v. to elaborate or ɨmɔlɛs (ɨmɔlɛsí-) v. to administer, allot,
expand on the issues. 2 v. to exagger- apportion, deal or dish out.
ate or hyperbolize.
ɨmɔlɛsíám (ɨmɔlɛsí-ámà-) pl. ɨmɔlɛsííka .
ɨmíɗítsɛ́s (ɨmíɗítsɛ́sí-) v. to fill, plug, n. administrator.
stop up (a hole).
ɨmɔ́lɔ́ŋɛtɛ́s (ɨmɔ́lɔ́ŋɛtɛ́sí-) v. to heat or
ɨmíɗítsɛ́sa así v. to commit, devote, or warm up (e.g. water for bathing).
plug oneself in. ɨmɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨmɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to hesitate,
ɨmíʝílɛ́s (ɨmíʝílɛ́sí-) v. to wink. pause, stop, take a break. See also
ɨmɨlɛtɛ́s (ɨmɨlɛtɛ́sí-) v. to dribble, drip, mɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀n.
drop. ɨmɔ́mɔ́ɗɛ́s (ɨmɔ́mɔ́ɗɛ́sí-) v. to slather,
ɨmɨlímílɔ̀n (ɨmɨlímílɔ̀nì-) v. to pool, pud- smear, spread.
dle (in small amounts). imóɲíka (<imóɲíkees) v.
ɨmímíʝɛ́s (ɨmímíʝɛ́sí-) 1 v. to convulse, imóɲíkees (imóɲíkeesí-/imóɲíka-) 1
twitch (the face for fun). 2 v. to shrug. v. to dishevel, rumple, tangle. 2 v. to
ɨmɨnímínɛ́s (ɨmɨnímínɛ́sí-) 1 v. to feel, mess up, ruin, spoil.
finger, play with. 2 v. to con- imóɲíkeetés (imóɲíkeetésí-) 1 v. to di-
serve, economize, ration. See also shevel, rumple up, tangle up. 2 v. to
mɨnímínatés. mess up, ruin, spoil.
imíŋá (<imíŋóòn) v. ɨmɔrímɔ́rɛ́s (ɨmɔrímɔ́rɛ́sí-) v. to jumble,
imíŋóòn (imíŋóònì-/imíŋá-) v. to come mix, or scramble up.
uninvitedly, show up unwelcomely. ɨmɔrímɔ́rɔ́s (ɨmɔrímɔ́rɔ́sí-) v. to be jum-
ɨmɨsɛs (ɨmɨsɛsí-) v. to care, mind. See bled, mixed, or scrambled up.
also ɨkatsɛs. ɨmʉɗʉ́mʉ́ɗɔ̀n (ɨmʉɗʉ́mʉ́ɗɔ̀nì-) v. to
ɨmítíŋa (<ɨmítíŋɛɛ́s) v. squint. See also wízɨlɛ́s.
ɨmítíŋɛɛ́s (ɨmítíŋɛɛsí-/ɨmítíŋa-) v. to pur- ɨmʉ́ítɛtɛ́s (ɨmʉ́ítɛtɛ́sí-) v. to bear twins.
sue, seek (e.g. a wife). ɨmʉʝʉ́mʉ́ʝɔ̀n (ɨmʉʝʉ́mʉ́ʝɔ̀nì-) v. to draw
imítíròn (imítírònì-) v. to be hazy, indis- or gather saliva.
tinct, vague. ɨmʉ́ká (<ɨmʉ́kɔ́ɔ̀n) v.
ɨmɔɗɛs (ɨmɔɗɛsí-) 1 v. to deceive, trick. ɨmʉ́káánón (ɨmʉ́káánónì-) v. to be de-
2 v. to cheat, con, rip off, swindle. termined, driven.

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ɨmʉ́káitetés ɨnápɛ́sʉƙɔta

ɨmʉ́káitetés (ɨmʉ́káitetésí-) v. to encour- imutúmútòn (imutúmútònì-) v. to pout,

age, spur on, urge. sulk (often expressed in refusing food).
ɨmʉ́kɔ́ɔ̀n (ɨmʉ́kɔ́ɔ̀nì-/ɨmʉ́ká-) v. to en- See also ɨɓʉ́tʉ́ŋɔ̀n.
dure, persevere, press on. ɨmʉtʉ́mʉ́tɔ́s (ɨmʉtʉ́mʉ́tɔ́sí-) v. to be
ɨmʉ́mʉ́ɨtɛtɛ́s (ɨmʉ́mʉ́ɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to de- pouty, sulky.
light, make smile, please. See also ɨmwaímwá (<ɨmwaímwɛ́ɛ́s) v.
ɨlákásítɛ́sʉƙɔta .
ɨmwaímwɛ́ɛ́s (ɨmwaímwɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨmwaí-
ɨmʉ́mʉ́ʝɛ́s (ɨmʉ́mʉ́ʝɛ́sí-) v. to rinse, mwá-) 1 v. to spit on. 2 v. to bless. See
swish (the mouth). See also íɡʉʝʉɡʉʝɛ́s. also tatiés.
ɨmʉ́mʉ́ɔ̀n (ɨmʉ́mʉ́ɔ̀nì-) v. to grin, smile. imwáŋón (imwáŋónì-) v. to look around
May also be spelled as ɨmʉ́mwɔ́ɔ̀n. cautiously (e.g. so as to avoid enemies
ɨmʉ́mʉ́rɛ́s (ɨmʉ́mʉ́rɛ́sí-) v. to do faster or one’s mother-in-law).
than others (e.g. eating at a feast). ín (ínà) 1 adv. what exactly …? (an ex-
ɨmʉ́mʉ́rɔ̀n (ɨmʉ́mʉ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to be faster pression of uncertainty). 2 adv. wow!
than others (in doing, eating, etc.). (an expression of surprise).
ɨmʉ́mwárés (ɨmʉ́mwárésí-) v. to amuse, ɨnábɛs (ɨnábɛsí-) v. to arrange, order,
entertain, regale, treat (with singing stack. See also ɨɗɔ́bɛ̀s and itíbès.
and dancing, e.g. visitors or one’s in-
ɨnábɛ̀sìàwa (ɨnábɛ̀sì-àwà-) pl. ɨnábɛsɨa-
laws during marriage ceremonies).
wíka . n. parking place.
imúnúkukúón (imúnúkukúónì-) 1 v. to
ball up, clench (e.g. fists or clouds). 2 ɨnábɛ̀sʉ̀ƙɔ̀ta (ɨnábɛ̀sʉ̀ƙɔ̀tì-) v. to arrange,
v. to cramp up (of limbs). put in order, stack up.
ɨmʉ́nʉ́kʉ̀kʉ̀ɔ̀n (ɨmʉ́nʉ́kʉ̀kʉ̀ɔ̀nì-) v. to be ɨnábɛtɛ́s (ɨnábɛtɛ́sí-) v. to arrange, order,
numb (of body parts). set up, stack up.
ɨmʉ́ɲɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨmʉ́ɲɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to finish ɨnaka (ɨnakí-) n. nit(s): lice egg(s).
off, wipe out (e.g. food, enemies, work). ináƙúés (ináƙúésí-) v. to destroy, ruin,
See also iɲóɗésuƙota . wreck. May also be spelled as ináƙwíés.
ɨmʉɲɛtɛ́s (ɨmʉɲɛtɛ́sí-) v. to finish off, ináƙúetés (ináƙúetésí-) v. to destroy,
wipe out (e.g. food, enemies, work). ruin, wreck. May also be spelled as in-
imúɲúmétòn (imúɲúmétònì-) v. to be áƙwíetés.
finished off. ináƙúós (ináƙúósí-) v. to be destroyed,
ɨmʉ́ɔ́n (ɨmʉ́ɔ́nì-) v. to be a twin. ruined, wrecked. May also be spelled
ɨmʉ́ránón (ɨmʉ́ránónì-) v. to be under- as ináƙwóós.
cooked. See also kìtsòn. ináƙúotós (ináƙúotósí-) v. to be de-
ɨmʉ́sá (<ɨmʉ́sɔ́ɔ̀n) v. stroyed, ruined, wrecked. May also be
ɨmʉ́sɛ́ɛ̀tɔ̀n (ɨmʉ́sɛ́ɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) v. to become spelled as ináƙwíotós.
foul, rank, smelly, or stinky. ɨnapɛs (ɨnapɛsí-) v. to put alongside or
ɨmʉ́sɔ́ɔ̀n (ɨmʉ́sɔ́ɔ̀nì-/ɨmʉ́sá-) v. to be beside.
foul, rank, smelly, stinky. See also ɨnápɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨnápɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to leave or
wízɨlílɔ́n. put aside (e.g. in someone’s care).

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ɨnapɛtɛ́s ɨnwa

ɨnapɛtɛ́s (ɨnapɛtɛ́sí-) v. to bring along- ɨnɔɛs (ɨnɔɛsí-) v. to coil, loop, wind (e.g.
side or beside. a snake, or beads around the neck).
ɨnapɛtɛ́sá así v. to come. ɨnɔɛtɛ́s (ɨnɔɛtɛ́sí-) v. to coil, loop around,
ɨnatsínátsɛ́s (ɨnatsínátsɛ́sí-) v. to pat or wind around.
down (e.g. dough, hair, or mud). ɨnɔɨnɔɛ́s (ɨnɔɨnɔɛ́sí-) v. to loosen by
inénéés (inénéésí-) v. to hang or tie up. pulling back and forth.
inénéésuƙota (inénéésuƙotí-) v. to hang ínóƙwàz (ínó-ƙwàzà-) pl. ínóƙwazíka .
or tie up. n. leather clothing. Lit. ‘animal-cloth’.
ɨnɛpínɛ́pɔ̀n (ɨnɛpínɛ́pɔ̀nì-) v. to lick (of ɨnɔmɛs (ɨnɔmɛsí-) v. to beat, cane, whip.
flames). ɨnɔmɛtɛ́s (ɨnɔmɛtɛ́sí-) v. to ‘hit’: exploit,
ínés (ínésì-) v. to inhabit, live or stay in. harvest, take advantage of.
inésá (<inésóòn) v. ínónànès (ínónànèsì-) n. animal-like-
ness, animateness.
inésóòn (inésóònì-/inésá-) v. to parade
about, show off. ínósìtsʼa (ínó-sìtsʼà-) n. fur, pelt.
ínésuƙota (ínésuƙotí-) v. to colonize, in- ɨnɔtsɛs (ɨnɔtsɛsí-) v. to adhere, cling, or
habit, move in, populate, settle. stick to.
iníámésuƙota (iníámésuƙotí-) v. to ac- ɨnʉɛs (ɨnʉɛsí-) 1 v. to burden, encumber,
company, escort. weigh down. 2 v. to make ill.
inietés (inietésí-) v. to pull down (e.g. a ɨnʉ́ítɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (ɨnʉ́ítɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to make
tree branch). heavy.
ɨnɨƙwíníƙwɛ́s (ɨnɨƙwíníƙwɛ́sí-) v. to ɨnʉkʉ́nʉ́kɛ́s (ɨnʉkʉ́nʉ́kɛ́sí-) v. to
wiggle, wriggle, or work in (e.g. a stick mound: heap or pile up in a mound.
to support something). ɨnʉƙʉ́nʉ́ƙwɛ́s (ɨnʉƙʉ́nʉ́ƙwɛ́sí-) v. to dis-
ɨnɨnɛ́s (ɨnɨnɛ́sí-) v. to interrogate, press solve, melt (in the mouth, e.g. soft
for details, probe. foods).
ínínós (ínínósí-) v. to coinhabit, live or ɨnʉmʉ́nʉ́mɛ́s (ɨnʉmʉ́nʉ́mɛ́sí-) v. to cel-
stay together. ebrate, observe.
iniŋes (iniŋesí-) 1 v. to assess, evaluate, ɨnʉ́nʉ́mɛ́s (ɨnʉ́nʉ́mɛ́sí-) v. to celebrate,
test. 2 v. to try in court. observe.
iniŋíníŋés (iniŋíníŋésí-) v. to make inunúmétòn (inunúmétònì-) v. to ap-
flinch, startle (e.g. by pretending to proach death or near death, be dying.
hit). inunúmónuƙota (inunúmónuƙotí-) v. to
inipes (inipesí-) v. to bash, wallop, be almost dead or dying.
whack. ínwa (ínó-) n. animal(s), beast(s),
a brute(s).
inípónítésúƙot (inípónítésúƙotí-) v. to
delay, retard, slow down. ɨnwa (ɨnɔ́-) pl. ɨnɨtín. 1 n. arboreal vine
inípónòn (inípónònì-) v. to be slow, species with square stems and milky
move slowly. sap. 2 n. milk bush: a euphorbia

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ínwá na awáe iɲóɗésuƙota

species with narrow round stems con- iɲéráánón (iɲéráánónì-) v. to be girl-

taining milky sap toxic to the eyes; it crazy, obsessed with girls.
is used widely as a protective hedge íɲɛ́s (íɲɛ́sì-) 1 v. to pound (with a pestle,
around homes. Euphorbia tirucalli. e.g. termites or tobacco). 2 v. to pump
ínwá na awáe n. domestic animal. (e.g. water from a borehole).
ínwá na riʝááƙɔ̀ɛ n. wild animal. iɲétsé (<iɲétsóòn) v.
inwakes (inwakesí-) 1 v. to light up iɲétséetés (iɲétséetésí-) v. to abort, mis-
(e.g. with fire or a torch). 2 v. to carry, terminate. See also iyétséetés.
view (e.g. through binoculars or micro- iɲétsóòn (iɲétsóònì-/iɲétsé-) 1 v. to act,
scope). See also iléúrés. feign, pretend. 2 v. to abort, fail (e.g. of
ɨɲáɗʉ́tɛ́s (ɨɲáɗʉ́tɛ́sí-) v. to chew, masti- weather, being drier than normal). See
cate, ruminate. also iyétsóòn.
iɲaƙes (iɲaƙesí-) v. to do again, redo, re- ɨɲɨbɛs (ɨɲɨbɛsí-) v. to nibble. See also
peat. Also pronounced as iɲoƙes. tɔʝɨpɛs.
iɲales (iɲalesí-) v. to blend, combine, ɨɲɨɨɲíɔ̀n (ɨɲɨɨɲíɔ̀nì-) v. to mewl, whim-
fuse, mix. See also iɗyates. per. See also ɨɲíɲíɔ̀n.
iɲíkáiƙota (<iɲíkéésuƙota ) v.
ɨɲatɛs (ɨɲatɛsí-) v. to knock, thump,
whack (e.g. with a gunstock or stick). iɲíkéésuƙota (iɲíkéésuƙotí-/ iɲíkáiƙot-)
v. to flatten, stamp down, trample.
ɨɲatiés (ɨɲatiesí-) v. to knock, thump, or
whack repeatedly. iɲíkétòn (iɲíkétònì-) 1 v. to change, fluc-
tuate. 2 v. to begin frowning or scowl-
iɲatiesá kíʝáe v. to stumble or trip repeat- ing.
edly.
iɲikiétòn (iɲikiétònì-) v. to fluctuate,
ɨɲɛ́ɓɛ́rɛ́s (ɨɲɛ́ɓɛ́rɛ́sí-) v. to grimace: con- vacillate.
tort the face to show emotion.
iɲikíɲíkòn (iɲikíɲíkònì-) v. to fluctuate,
ɨɲɛ́ɛ́mɔ̀n (ɨɲɛ́ɛ́mɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to cry easily vacillate.
when threatened. 2 v. to snarl, snap.
iɲíkón (iɲíkónì-) 1 v. to be in flux, fluc-
3 v. to be fierce, savage, vicious. See
tuate. 2 v. to frown, scowl.
also dzálón.
ɨɲɨlíɲílánón (ɨɲɨlíɲílánónì-) v. to be dis-
ɨɲɛɛs (ɨɲɛɛsí-) 1 v. to enlarge, expand. 2
integrating, falling apart.
v. to elaborate or expound on. See also
taɲɛɛs. iɲíɲíés (iɲíɲíésí-) v. to erase, rub off.
iɲekes (iɲekesí-) 1 v. to blow, squander, ɨɲíɲínɛ́s (ɨɲíɲínɛ́sí-) v. to dole, mete, or
waste. 2 v. to lose (something valu- parcel out (e.g. food or money).
able). ɨɲíɲíɔ̀n (ɨɲíɲíɔ̀nì-) v. to mewl, whimper.
See also ɨɲɨɨníɔ̀n.
iɲékésuƙota (iɲékésuƙotí-) 1 v. to blow,
squander, waste. 2 v. to lose (some- iɲipes (iɲipesí-) v. to snip, tip.
thing valuable). See also eletiésuƙota . iɲipíɲípòn (iɲipíɲípònì-) v. to smolder.
iɲekíɲékés (iɲekíɲékésí-) v. to blow, iɲóɗésuƙota (iɲóɗésuƙotí-) v. to finish
squander, waste. off. See also ɨmʉ́ɲɛ́sʉƙɔta .

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iɲoƙes iŋáyá

iɲoƙes (iɲoƙesí-) v. to do again, redo, ɨŋáɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨŋáɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔtí-/ɨŋáɗáɨƙɔt-)

repeat. Also pronounced as iɲaƙes. v. to put or set aside.
iɲóƙésuƙota (iɲóƙésuƙotí-) v. to do ɨŋaíŋá (<ɨŋaíŋɛ́ɛ́s) v.
again, redo, repeat. ɨŋaíŋɛ́ɛ́s (ɨŋaíŋɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨŋaíŋá-) 1 v. to grind
iɲóɲóés (iɲóɲóésí-) v. to anoint, be- coarsely. 2 v. to chew roughly (e.g. un-
smear. cooked maize). See also ɨkaŋíkáŋɛ́s and
íɲɔ́s (íɲɔ́sì-) v. to be pounded (with a ɨŋáŋɛ́ɛ́s.
pestle). ɨŋaɨŋɛ́ɛ́sa tódae v. to speak vaguely. Lit.
ɨɲɔ́táánón (ɨɲɔ́táánónì-) v. to be men- ‘to grind speech coarsely’.
crazy, obsessed with men. iŋáʝápánón (iŋáʝápánónì-) v. to slur,
ɨɲʉ́ɲʉ́ánón (ɨɲʉ́ɲʉ́ánónì-) 1 v. to be speak indistinctly. See also ɗáƙón.
faint, obscure, vague (e.g. in a fog). iŋáléètòn (iŋáléètònì-) v. to ease up, get
2 v. to be jinxed: bring bad luck in better, get well, heal up, improve.
food-gathering activities like hunting
and gathering. iŋáléòn (iŋáléònì-) v. to be healthy, in
good condition, well.
ɨɲʉ́ɲʉ́rɔ̀n (ɨɲʉ́ɲʉ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to bicker, quib-
ble, squabble. See also ŋʉ́zʉmánón. ɨŋáŋá (<ɨŋáŋɛ́ɛ́s) v.
ɨŋaalɛ́s (ɨŋaalɛ́sí-) 1 v. to poison. 2 v. to ɨŋáŋárɛtɛ́s (ɨŋáŋárɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to collabo-
blackmail, threaten. rate or cooperate on. 2 v. to gang up
on (e.g. in a fight).
ɨŋaalɛ́síàm (ɨŋaalɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. ɨŋaalɛ́-
síika . n. poisoner. ɨŋáŋɛ́ɛ́s (ɨŋáŋɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨŋáŋá-) 1 v. to grind
ɨŋáámɛ́s (ɨŋáámɛ́sí-) v. to grind coarsely coarsely. 2 v. to chew roughly (e.g. un-
(into large particles). cooked maize). See also ɨkaŋíkáŋɛ́s and
ɨŋaíŋɛ́ɛ́s.
ɨŋaarɛ́s (ɨŋaarɛ́sí-) v. to aid, assist, help.
iŋárúrètòn (iŋárúrètònì-) 1 v. to form
ɨŋaarɛ́síàm (ɨŋaarɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. ɨŋaarɛ́- seeds, seed (esp. grains). 2 v. to
síika . n. assistant, helper. break out, flare up (e.g. skin bumps or
ɨŋaarímétòn (ɨŋaarímétònì-) v. to be rashes).
aided, assisted, helped.
iŋárúròn (iŋárúrònì-) 1 v. to be seeded,
ɨŋáárínɔ́s (ɨŋáárínɔ́sí-) v. to help each have seeds (esp. grains). 2 v. to be
other. broken out, flared up (of skin bumps
ɨŋaarínɔ́sá ƙwaatéo v. to help give birth. due to feeling cold, shaving the head,
iŋáɓólés (iŋáɓólésí-) v. to leave open. or getting a rash).
iŋáɓúkés (iŋáɓúkésí-) v. to grind a sec- iŋátsátsá (<iŋátsátsóòn) v.
ond time, regrind (e.g. after first pound- iŋátsátsóòn (iŋátsátsóònì- /iŋátsátsá-)
ing the grain). v. to sit with one’s legs apread apart.
ɨŋáɗá (<ɨŋáɗɛ́ɛ́s) v. iŋáúánón (iŋáúánónì-) v. to sit inde-
ɨŋáɗáɨƙɔta (<ɨŋáɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta ) v. cently (e.g. a woman with an open
ɨŋáɗɛ́ɛ́s (ɨŋáɗɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨŋáɗá-) v. to put or skirt).
set aside. iŋáyá (<iŋáyéés) v.

96
iŋáyéés ɨpáláƙɔ̀n

iŋáyéés (iŋáyéésí-/iŋáyá-) v. to doubt, ɨŋʉrʉ́ŋʉ́rɔ̀n (ɨŋʉrʉ́ŋʉ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to com-

question. plain, grumble, murmur.
ɨŋɨlíŋílánón (ɨŋɨlíŋílánónì-) v. to be cut ɨɔ́ɓɔ́rɛ́s (ɨɔ́ɓɔ́rɛ́sí-) 1 v. to lightly roast,
up in pieces. toast. 2 v. to intimidate.
ɨŋɨlíŋílɛ́s (ɨŋɨlíŋílɛ́sí-) v. to cut up into ɨɔka (ɨɔkɔ́-) n. nectar, pollen.
pieces. ɨɔ́kɔ́n (ɨɔ́kɔ́nì-) 1 v. to bloom, blossom,
ɨŋɨníŋínɔ̀n (ɨŋɨníŋínɔ̀nì-) v. to coo (of flower. 2 v. to be fertile, flourish.
infants). ɨɔ́lɔ́lɔ̀n (ɨɔ́lɔ́lɔ̀nì-) v. to be steep.
ɨŋísímɔ̀n (ɨŋísímɔ̀nì-) v. to be buck- ìòn (ìònì-) 1 v. to be (somewhere). May
toothed, toothy. also be spelled as ìyòn.
ɨŋɨtɛs (ɨŋɨtɛsí-) v. to reenact, retell. iona aráɡwaníkɛ v. to flow, menstruate.
iŋitiés (iŋitiesí-) v. to copy, emulate, im- Lit. ‘to be in the month’.
itate. ìònà ɗòku v. to be alone, solitary, the
ɨŋɔ́ɓɛ́lɛ́s (ɨŋɔ́ɓɛ́lɛ́sí-) v. to glance side- only/sole.
long at. iona ɛɗá v. to be alone, solitary.
iŋóɗyáìmètòn (iŋóɗyáìmètònì-) v. to iona muceéke v. to be en route, on the
become chaotic, descend into chaos. way.
iŋókíánón (iŋókíánónì-) v. to be as poor iona ńdà v. to be with, have.
or wretched as a dog. iona ńda sea ni itsúr v. to be active, en-
iŋolíŋólés (iŋolíŋólésí-) v. to oscillate, ergetic. Lit. ‘to have blood that boils’.
swing side to side. iona ŋítsaníkɛ v. to be in trouble, have
e problems.
iŋolíŋólésa tódà v. to garble one’s
speech. ɨɔ́ɔ́rɛ́s (ɨɔ́ɔ́rɛ́sí-) v. to glide, send soaring,
iŋolíŋólós (iŋolíŋólósí-) v. to be wary: sail.
looking this way and that. ɨɔ́ɔ́rɔ̀n (ɨɔ́ɔ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to glide, sail, soar.
ɨŋɔ́lɔ́ɓɔ́ɲɛ́s (ɨŋɔ́lɔ́ɓɔ́ɲɛ́sí-) v. to roll íɔ́s (íɔ́sì-) v. to be cleared, hoed up (e.g.
around (in one’s mouth). patch of ground).
iŋomes (iŋomesí-) v. to chomp. ɨpáɗáɲɔ̀n (ɨpáɗáɲɔ̀nì-) v. to be flat, level.
ɨŋɔ́písà (<ɨŋɔ́písɔ̀ɔ̀n) v. ɨpáʝɔ́n (ɨpáʝɔ́nì-) v. to sit on the ground.
ɨŋɔ́písɔ̀ɔ̀n (ɨŋɔ́písɔ̀ɔ̀nì-/ɨŋɔ́písa-) v. to ɨpakɛs (ɨpakɛsí-) v. to swipe: make a
bounce along, walk with springy steps. sweeping motion with one’s hand.
iŋóyáánón (iŋóyáánónì-) v. to be angry, ɨpakɛsa cué v. to fling water.
annoyed, upset. ɨpákɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨpákɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to fling,
iŋulúŋúlés (iŋulúŋúlésí-) 1 v. to cut swipe away/off.
with a dull knife. 2 v. to spear with ɨpáláƙɔ̀n (ɨpáláƙɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be feeble,
a blunt tip. 3 v. to gum, mumble: chew frail, weak. 2 v. to be fickle at work,
without teeth. reliable only when the boss is around.
ɨŋʉ́ŋʉ́nɔ̀n (ɨŋʉ́ŋʉ́nɔ̀nì-) v. to whine. See also ʝuódòn.

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ɨpalípálɛ́s ɨpííríánón

ɨpalípálɛ́s (ɨpalípálɛ́sí-) v. to brush or ɨpɛípɛ́ɛ́sá kíʝáe v. to wander aimlessly.

sweep aside (e.g. the layer of slime ɨpɛípɛ́ɛ́sá tódàe v. to speak pointlessly.
on top of stagnant water so one can
drink). ɨpɛlɛs (ɨpɛlɛsí-) v. to pare, peel, shave.
See also ɨlɨmɛs.
ipáŋƙa (<ipáŋƙeés) v.
ɨpɛlɛtam (ɨpɛlɛtamá-) n. peeling, shav-
ipáŋƙeés (ipáŋƙeesí-/ipáŋƙa-) 1 v. to
ing.
hire, lease, rent. 2 v. to organize, make
plans, plan. ɨpɛlípɛ́lɔ̀n (ɨpɛlípɛ́lɔ̀nì-) v. to be sleek,
slick. See also pɨɗídɔ̀n.
ipáŋwá (<ipáŋwéés) v.
ɨpɛ́pɛ́tánón (ɨpɛ́pɛ́tánónì-) v. to sprawl.
ipáŋwéés (ipáŋwéésí-/ipáŋwá-) v. to
conceal, hide, hold in (e.g. food or emo- ɨpɛ́pɛ́tánónuƙota (ɨpɛ́pɛ́tánónuƙotí-)
tions). v. to sprawl out.
ɨpápá (<ɨpápɛ́ɛ́s) v. ɨpɛ́pɛ́tɛ́s (ɨpɛ́pɛ́tɛ́sí-) v. to lay out, spread
ɨpápɛ́ɛ́s (ɨpápɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨpápá-) v. to moisten. about.
ipáríés (ipáríésí-) v. to demolish, de- ɨpɛrípɛ́rɔ̀n (ɨpɛrípɛ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to flit
stroy, wreck (e.g. a house during a rob- around, flitter (e.g. in fighting, speak-
bery or vandalism). See also ɨtɔ́tɔ́ɛ́s. ing).
ɨpáríŋánón (ɨpáríŋánónì-) v. to be per- ipés (ipésí-) 1 v. to thresh. 2 v. to thrash,
ilous, precarious. trounce. 3 v. to cast, toss (for divina-
tion).
ìpàs (ìpàsɔ̀-) n. dance involving walking
and the stomping of feet. ipésá ɡwàsìkàe v. to cast or toss stones
(to divine the future).
ɨpásɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨpásɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to dance by
singing, stomping, and walking. ipésá taƙáíkàɛ v. to cast or toss sandals
ipásóòn (ipásóònì-) 1 v. to be unoccu- (to divine the future).
pied, have free time, kill time. 2 v. to ɨpɛ́tá (<ɨpɛ́tɛ́ɛ́s) v.
go for a visit. See also ɨlɔ́ɔ́n. ɨpɛ́tɛ́ɛ́s (ɨpɛ́tɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨpɛ́tá-) v. to make a
ɨpátsɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨpátsɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to isolate, platform or scaffolding.
seclude, sequester (often in anger). ipéyéés (ipéyéésí-) v. to kill (an animal)
ɨpátsɛ́sʉƙɔta así v. to isolate, seclude, or and serve (to one’s friends or relatives
sequester oneself (often in anger). as a part of initiation to an age-group).
ìpèɗààm (ìpèɗà-àmà-) pl. ipeɗaika . See also topues.
n. bewitcher, hexer, jinxer. ipéyéitésúƙota (ipéyéitésúƙotí-) v. to
ipeɗes (ipeɗesí-) v. to bewitch, hex, jinx. make (an initiate) kill and serve (a rit-
See also sʉɓɛ́s. ual animal).
ɨpɛ́ɛ́ɲɛ́sá así v. to amble, saunter (esp. ipiipíòn (ipiipíònì-) v. to blow (of a
with flat, thin buttocks). chilly breeze).
ɨpɛ́ɛ́rɔ̀n (ɨpɛ́ɛ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to get away, re- ipiipíyeés (ipiipíyeesí-) v. to smoothen.
treat, withdraw (e.g. from home). ɨpííríánón (ɨpííríánónì-) v. to have a
ɨpɛípɛ́ɛ́s (ɨpɛípɛ́ɛ́sí-) v. to do aimlessly. great memory, remember clearly.

98
ipííròn ɨpʉ́pʉ́ŋɛtɛ́s

ipííròn (ipíírònì-) 1 v. jump down/off. 2 ɨpɔ́pírɛ́s (ɨpɔ́pírɛ́sí-) v. to roll or twist up

v. to jump to it, leap into action. See (e.g. cigarette or mat).
also apííròn. ipúká (<ipúkéés) v.
ɨpíʝíkɛ́s (ɨpíʝíkɛ́sí-) v. to inspect, investi- ɨpʉ́kákòn (ɨpʉ́kákònì-) v. to congeal
gate, scrutinize (e.g. someone on trial, when cooled (of hot foods). See also
or an animal’s footprints). tɔsɔ́ɗɔ́kɔ̀n.
ɨpíʝíkɨmɔ́s (ɨpíʝíkɨmɔ́sí-) v. to suspect ipúkéés (ipúkéésí-/ipúká-) v. to govern,
each other. reign over, rule.
ipíká (<ipíkéés) v. ipúkéésíàm (ipúkéésí-àmà-) pl. ipúkéé-
ipíkéés (ipíkéésí-/ipíká-) v. to paddle, síika . n. governor, ruler, sovereign. See
spank. also tòtwàrààm.
ɨpɨmɛs (ɨpɨmɛsí-) 1 v. to measure, weigh. ipukes (ipukesí-) 1 v. to fan. 2 v. to
2 v. to diagnose, test. 3 v. to aim for, wave (e.g. objects for wishes and bless-
target. ings).
ɨpɨnípínɔ̀n (ɨpɨnípínɔ̀nì-) v. to dribble, ipukúpúkés (ipukúpúkésí-) 1 v. to flap,
leak. See also tɔlɛ́lɛ́ɔ̀n. flutter. 2 v. to batter, clobber.
ipíríntiŋeetés (ipíríntiŋeetésí-) v. to ipúkútsésuƙota (ipúkútsésuƙotí-) v. to
print. jam, push, or ram into.
ɨpɨrípírɛ́s (ɨpɨrípírɛ́sí-) v. to bore, drill. ɨpʉ́mɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨpʉ́mɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to dart or dash
See also pulutiés. out.
ɨpɨrípírɛ̀tɔ̀n (ɨpɨrípírɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) v. to dawn ɨpʉ́mɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨpʉ́mɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to dart
red (before the orb of the sun is visible). or dash away/off.
ɨpírísɛtɛ́s (ɨpírísɛtɛ́sí-) v. to pop or ɨpʉnɛs (ɨpʉnɛsí-) 1 v. to push (e.g. some-
squeeze out (e.g. pus from a wound). one on a swing). 2 v. to grind
ɨpɨtɛs (ɨpɨtɛsí-) v. to tighten hard (e.g. a quickly (by pushing one stone against
cap or rope). another).
ɨpɨtɔs (ɨpɨtɔsí-) v. to be tight, tightened ipúɲá (<ipúɲéés) v.
hard. ipúɲéés (ipúɲéésí-/ipúɲá-) v. to make a
ipíyáiƙota (<ipíyéésuƙota ) v. funeral goat sacrifice to prevent the de-
ipíyéésuƙota (ipíyéésuƙotí- /ipíyáiƙot-) ceased’s ghost from disturbing the rela-
v. to defeat, outdo, overcome. tives (by stunting their growth and the
ɨpɔkɛs (ɨpɔkɛsí-) v. to slosh, splosh (a yield of their crops). See also sɛ́ɛ́s.
liquid in a container). ipuŋes (ipuŋesí-) 1 v. to tilt. 2 v. to tuck
ɨpɔ́kɔ́n (ɨpɔ́kɔ́nì-) v. to be stuck (e.g. (into one’s clothing).
from sloshing back and forth). ipuŋetés (ipuŋetésí-) v. to tilt over.
ipoles (ipolesí-) v. to jerk, pull, yank. ɨpʉ́pʉ́ŋɛ́s (ɨpʉ́pʉ́ŋɛ́sí-) v. to enclose,
See also iɓwates. wrap (e.g. in clothing or leaves).
ipoletés (ipoletésí-) v. to jerk, pull, or ɨpʉ́pʉ́ŋɛtɛ́s (ɨpʉ́pʉ́ŋɛtɛ́sí-) v. to enclose,
yank out/up. wrap up (e.g. in clothing or leaves).

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ipúrá ɨrɛɓɛs

ipúrá (<ipúréés) v. ɨrakiesúƙota así v. to have seizures,

ipúrá (<ipúróòn) v. seize.
ipúréés (ipúréésí-/ipúrá-) 1 v. to fumi- ɨrákímétòn (ɨrákímétònì-) 1 v. to have a
gate, smoke out. 2 v. to ritually cover seizure, seize. 2 v. to feel sexual after-
in smoke (by sacrificing a chicken). See glow. Lit. ‘to be stunned’.
also iwaŋíwáŋés and tsʼudités. iram (iramá-) pl. irámíka . n. thinly-
ipúréètòn (ipúréètònì-) v. to begin to sliced dehydrated food (e.g. meat and
smoke, billow up, evaporate. pumpkin). Lit. ‘sliceable’.
ipúróòn (ipúróònì-/ipúrá-) v. to billow, ɨramírámɛ́s (ɨramírámɛ́sí-) v. to hit re-
fume, smoke, waft. peatedly.
ɨpʉtɛs (ɨpʉtɛsí-) v. to beat or knock ɨraɲ (ɨraɲí-) n. small corncobs and
down/off (e.g. dew from grass). pieces of cobs left over after the larger
cobs have been tied together by the
ɨpʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta así v. to rush or take off. husks.
ɨpʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta muceé v. to blaze a trail. ɨraŋɛs (ɨraŋɛsí-) v. to ruin, spoil.
ɨpʉtsɛs (ɨpʉtsɛsí-) v. to plaster. ɨraŋɛtɛ́s (ɨraŋɛtɛ́sí-) v. to ruin, spoil.
ipwáákés (ipwáákésí-) v. to accuse or ɨraŋímétòn (ɨraŋímétònì-) 1 v. to be-
act falsely. come ruined or spoiled. 2 v. to become
ɨrá (<ɨrɛɛs) v. upset.
ɨrábɛs (ɨrábɛsí-) v. to harvest finger mil- ɨraŋɔs (ɨraŋɔsí-) v. to be ruined, spoiled.
let. ɨráŋʉ́nánón (ɨráŋʉ́nánónì-) 1 v. to be
Iraf (Irafá-) n. name of a river that flows ruined, spoiled. 2 v. to be corrupt, de-
down from Kamion. praved. 3 v. to be dirty, soiled.
ɨraírá (<ɨraírɔ́ɔ̀n) v. ɨrapɛs (ɨrapɛsí-) v. to reclaim, recover.
ɨraírɔ́ɔ̀n (ɨraírɔ́ɔ̀nì-/ɨraírá-) v. to glare, ɨrápɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨrápɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to reclaim,
shine brightly. recover.
ɨrákáánás (ɨrákáánásì-) n. envy, jeal- ɨrapɛtɛ́s (ɨrapɛtɛ́sí-) v. to reclaim, re-
ousy. cover.
ɨrákáánón (ɨrákáánónì-) v. to be envi- ɨráráƙɛ́s (ɨráráƙɛ́sí-) v. to crack into
ous, jealous. pieces .
ɨrakɛs (ɨrakɛsí-) v. to daze, stun (e.g. by ɨrárátés (ɨrárátésí-) v. to gather, glean,
slapping very hard). harvest, reap (from the ground).
ɨrakɛsa así v. to make oneself envious or ɨrarɛs (ɨrarɛsí-) v. to gather, glean, har-
jealous. vest, reap (from the ground). See also
ɨrákɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨrákɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to daze, ɨrárátés and tarares.
stun. ɨratírátɛ́s (ɨratírátɛ́sí-) v. to spatter,
ɨrákɛ́sʉƙɔta así 1 v. to get oneself high splatter (e.g. heavy rain on the ground).
(on drugs). 2 v. to be in ecstasy, have See also irwates and irwaírwéés.
an orgasm. ɨrɛɓɛs (ɨrɛɓɛsí-) v. to clip, snip.

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ɨrɛ́ɓɛ́sʉƙɔta ɨrɨʝɔs

ɨrɛ́ɓɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨrɛ́ɓɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to clip or iríáiƙota (<iríóonuƙota ) v.

snip off. iríánitetés (iríánitetésí-) 1 v. to equal-
ɨrɛɓírɛ́ɓɛ́s (ɨrɛɓírɛ́ɓɛ́sí-) v. to cause sharp ize, make equal (amounts, portions). 2
pain in. v. to compare, equate. 3 v. to bal-
ɨrɛɗɛs (ɨrɛɗɛsí-) v. to grab, seize, snatch. ance (figures, the books). See also ik-
wáánitetés.
ɨrɛɛs (ɨrɛɛsí-/ɨrá-) v. to beat, trounce,
vanquish (in a game). iríánòn (iríánònì-) v. to be equal, the
same.
ɨrɛɛsa dikwáe v. to keep the beat (of a
dance by clapping). iríánònà dɛ̀ìkàɛ v. to march. Lit. ‘the
being equal of legs’.
ɨrɛʝɛs (ɨrɛʝɛsí-) v. to cut, mow, slash (veg-
etation). iríánonuƙota (iríánonuƙotí-) v. to be-
come equal, equate.
ɨrɛ́kɔ́ɗɨŋa (<ɨrɛ́kɔ́ɗɨŋeés) v.
iríɓá (<iríɓéés) v.
ɨrɛ́kɔ́ɗɨŋeés (ɨrɛ́kɔ́ɗɨŋeesí- /ɨrɛ́kɔ́ɗɨŋa-)
iríɓéés (iríɓéésí-/iríɓá-) v. to assault,
v. to record (music, voice, etc.).
attack, conduct an operation against,
ɨrɛmɛs (ɨrɛmɛsí-) v. to frighten or scare mount an offensive against.
off/away.
irídòn (irídònì-) v. to gravitate, move to
irémóòn (irémóònì-) v. to cause conflict, a point.
create insecurity.
ɨrɨɗɛs (ɨrɨɗɛsí-) 1 v. to bind, constrict,
ireɲes (ireɲesí-) v. to clear, hoe up squeeze. 2 v. to confine, limit, restrict.
(grass, leaving only soil). See also íɛ́s.
ɨrɨɗɛsá bùbùàe v. to bind the stomach (to
a
iréɲésuƙot (iréɲésuƙotí-) v. to clear relieve hunger pangs).
away (grass, leaving only soil).
ɨrɨɗɛtɛ́s (ɨrɨɗɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to bind, com-
iréɲíánón (iréɲíánónì-) v. to be violent. press, constrict, squeeze. 2 v. to con-
See also ifulúfúlòn. fine, limit, restrict.
irés (irésí-) v. to medicate, treat. ɨríɗɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨríɗɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to decease, expire,
írés (írésì-) 1 v. to cut in slices, slice. 2 perish.
n. to conduct a ceremony, do a ritual. ɨríɗɔ́n (ɨríɗɔ́nì-) v. to hurt, suffer.
See also irikíríkés. ɨrɨɗɔs (ɨrɨɗɔsí-) 1 v. to be bound, com-
irésíàm (irésí-àmà-) pl. irésíika . n. tradi- pressed, constricted, narrow, tight. 2
tional healer. See also ŋƙwa. v. to be constrained, limited, restricted.
írésiŋƙáƙa (írési-ŋƙáƙá-) n. banquet, iríétòn (iríétònì-) v. to come of age,
ceremonial meal, feast. grow, mature.
iretes (iretesí-) v. to do like, make like. ɨríítánón (ɨríítánónì-) v. to be gluey,
ɨrɛtɛs (ɨrɛtɛsí-) v. to prevent, resist (e.g. sticky (e.g. gum, honey, okra).
diseases). iríítés (iríítésí-) v. to ferry, transfer,
irex (irexí-) pl. iréxíka . n. shell of a small transport.
white water-snail. ɨrɨʝɛs (ɨrɨʝɛsí-) v. to tie tightly.
iríá (<iríóòn) v. ɨrɨʝɔs (ɨrɨʝɔsí-) v. to be tied tightly.

101
Irikakokor iríríʝés

Irikakokor (Irika-kokoró-) n. name of a ɨrɨnɛs (ɨrɨnɛsí-) v. to peer over the side

ridge where there used to be several Ik at (e.g. of a cliff or container).
villages. Lit. ‘surround-the-ridge’. ɨríŋɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨríŋɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to turn this way.
ɨrɨkɛs (ɨrɨkɛsí-) v. to encircle, surround. ɨríŋítɛ́s (ɨríŋítɛ́sí-) v. to spin, turn.
ɨríkɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨríkɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to encircle, ɨríŋítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨríŋítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to turn
surround. 2 v. to finish, fulfill (e.g. a around/away.
work contract). 3 v. to finish off. ɨríŋɔ́n (ɨríŋɔ́nì-) 1 v. to spin, turn. 2 v. to
ɨrɨkɛtɛ́s (ɨrɨkɛtɛ́sí-) v. to encircle, sur- orbit, revolve.
round. ɨríŋɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨríŋɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to turn
irikíríkés (irikíríkésí-) v. to cut in slices, around/away (that way).
slice up. See also írés. iríóòn (iríóònì-/iríá-) v. to spend or take
irikíríkòn (irikíríkònì-) 1 v. to twitch, time (during the day).
vellicate (e.g. an eyelid or muscle). iríóonuƙota (iríóonuƙotí-/iríáiƙot-) v. to
2 v. to quake, tremor. See also spend the day, spend time.
kwalíkwálɔ̀n. iripetés (iripetésí-) v. to skim off (the
iríƙá (<iríƙéés) v. top layer, e.g. cream from milk or
iríƙéés (iríƙéésí-/iríƙá-) v. to polish, rub leaves from the surface of water. See
(e.g. wax in a beehive, mud on a sculp- also ɨƙáálɛ́s.
ture, or sand to clean pots). irípétòn (irípétònì-) v. to come late
in the afternoon or evening. See also
iríƙímánón (iríƙímánónì-) v. to lounge,
íbànètòn.
sit around (as a group, e.g. while taking
a break from work). irípón (irípónì-) v. to go late in the af-
ternoon or evening. See also íbànòn.
iriƙíríƙés (iriƙíríƙésí-) v. to saw.
irírá (<iríréés) v.
irímá (<iríméés) v.
ɨrírá (<ɨrírɛ́ɛ́s) v.
iríméés (iríméésí-/irímá-) v. to treat re-
ɨríráɨƙɔta (<ɨrírɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta ) v.
spectfully.
iríréés (iríréésí-/irírá-) v. to feed or fuel
irimes (irimesí-) v. to circulate, go
(fire).
around, or rotate around in.
ɨrírɛ́ɛ́s (ɨrírɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨrírá-) v. to collect,
irimesíám (irimesí-ámà-) pl. irimesííka . gather. See also ɨtsʉnɛtɛ́s.
1 n. scout, spy. 2 n. roamer, rover.
ɨrírɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨrírɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔtí-/ɨríráɨƙɔt-)
irímétòn (irímétònì-) v. to circulate, v. to assemble, collect, gather up.
come around, rotate.
iríréetés (iríréetésí-) 1 v. to feed or fuel
irimírímés (irimírímésí-) v. to recce, re- (fire). 2 v. to mobilize, muster, rally,
connoiter, scout out. summon.
irímítetés (irímítetésí-) v. to circulate, ɨrírɛ́ɛtɛ́sá así v. to assemble, congregate,
rotate, spin. gather oneselves .
irímón (irímónì-) v. to circulate, move iríríʝés (iríríʝésí-) v. to spread around
around, rotate, spin. (coals in a fire, to reduce heat).

102
iríríƙòn irúpá

iríríƙòn (iríríƙònì-) v. to be ready to iróróbes (iróróbesí-) v. to burn off

fight, in a fighting posture. (land).
ɨrɨtsɛ́s (ɨrɨtsɛ́sí-) 1 v. to guard, hang on ɨrɔ́rɔ́kánón (ɨrɔ́rɔ́kánónì-) v. to have an
to, keep. 2 v. to care for, take care of. appetite, craving, hankering.
3 v. to manage, oversee, supervise. 4 iróróƙés (iróróƙésí-) v. to hollow out.
v. to contain. iróróòn (iróróònì-) v. to corrode, rust.
ɨrɨtsɛ́sá así 1 v. to care for oneself. 2 See also sɨmírɔ́n.
v. to be self-controlled. iroroya (iroroí-) n. tree species used
ɨrɨtsɛ́sá ɲeɗekéícíkáo v. to keep healthy for fencing and whose root decoc-
(from illnesses). tion is mixed with the contents of
ɨrɨtsɛ́síàm (ɨrɨtsɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. ɨrɨtsɛ́síika . the third stomach and stomach fat of
1 n. caretaker, keeper, manager. 2 goats or sheep and drunk as a cure for
n. heir, inheritor. 3 n. deacon. headaches and a head disease called
iriwes (iriwesí-) v. to fence (the outer lokóú. Maerua triphylla.
fence). irotes (irotesí-) 1 v. to shift, ship, trans-
fer, transport. 2 v. to transplant. 3
ɨrɔɗírɔ́ɗɛ́s (ɨrɔɗírɔ́ɗɛ́sí-) v. to burn a lit-
v. to delegate.
tle in a controlled manner (e.g. some
grass around the village, still a bit irotírótés (irotírótésí-) 1 v. to shift, ship,
green). or transfer repeatedly. 2 v. to post-
pone or put off repeatedly.
iróʝíés (iróʝíésí-) v. to search for in vain.
iruɓes (iruɓesí-) v. to crunch, munch.
ɨrɔʝírɔ́ʝɛ́s (ɨrɔʝírɔ́ʝɛ́sí-) v. to clack, crack,
crunch (to evoke such sounds, e.g. ìrùka (ìrùkà-) n. singing, song, vocals.
cracking knuckles or a plastic bottle, or ìrùkààm (ìrùkà-àmà-) pl. irukaika .
cocking a gun). n. singer, vocalist. See also irukósíàm.
ɨrɔʝírɔ́ʝɛ́sá kɔrɔ́kíkàɛ v. to crack the ìrùkàhò (ìrùkà-hòò-) pl. irukahoíka .
knuckles. n. singing hall.
iroketés (iroketésí-) 1 v. to create, de- irukes (irukesí-) v. to chase or run after.
vise, invent, make up. 2 v. to compose See also ɨlɔŋɛs.
(music). See also ɨɗɨmɛtɛ́s and tɔsʉɓɛs. irúkésuƙota (irúkésuƙotí-) v. to chase or
iróƙóòn (iróƙóònì-) v. to be bony, ca- run after.
daverous, emaciated, skeletal. See also iruketés (iruketésí-) v. to heap or pile
itóƙóƙòòn and kwédekwedánón. up. See also kitsetés.
ɨrɔmɛs (ɨrɔmɛsí-) v. to cycle, recycle. irúkón (irúkónì-) v. to sing.
ìròn (ìrònì-) v. to be (somehow). irukósíàm (irukósí-àmà-) pl. irukósíika .
ironuƙota (ironuƙotí-) v. to become n. singer, vocalist. See also ìrùkààm.
(somehow). ɨrʉmɛs (ɨrʉmɛsí-) v. to cling to, embrace,
iróríkés (iróríkésí-) n. to ceremonially hug.
finish off (the crops by harvesting last ɨrʉ́mʉ́nɔ́s (ɨrʉ́mʉ́nɔ́sí-) v. to embrace or
seedheads and cutting and chewing the hug each another.
stalks). irúpá (<irúpóòn) v.

103
irúpéètòn isálílòn

irúpéètòn (irúpéètònì-) v. to be the final Irwátà (Irwátàà-) n. a personal name.

one to come, last to show up (e.g. a per- irwates (irwatesí-) v. to spatter, sprin-
son to a meeting or the last rain of the kle. See also ɨratírátɛ́s and irwaírwéés.
season).
irwatesa kíxo v. to whip lightly. Lit. ‘to
irúpóòn (irúpóònì-/irúpá-) v. to be the spatter with a switch’.
final one to arrive, last to show up (e.g.
iryámétòn (iryámétònì-) v. to acquire,
a person to a meeting or the last rain
get, meet with. The object acquired
of the season).
takes the dative case.
ɨrʉ́rʉ́ɓɛ́s (ɨrʉ́rʉ́ɓɛ́sí-) n. to brace, stabi- iryámétona ŋiléétsìke v. to become
lize (e.g. a beehive’s grass cover by in- ashamed, disgraced, or embarrassed.
serting several small sticks to hold it in
place). iryámíryámètòn (iryámíryámètònì-)
v. to assemble, congregate, meet to-
irúrúƙés (irúrúƙésí-) v. to push in and gether.
out (back and forth, like a stick in a
fire). iryámítetésá ŋiléétsìke v. to disgrace,
embarrass, shame.
irúrúmà (<irúrúmòòn) v.
Iryɔ́kɔ́ (Iryɔ́kɔ́ɔ̀-) n. name of a river and
irúrúmòòn (irúrúmòònì-/irúrúma-) ravine near Lopokóka .
v. to howl, roar, thunder (e.g. a woman
ìs (ìsì-) pro. what?
in labor, a swarm of bees, or a jet plane
taking off). isá (<isóón) v.
ɨrʉtsɛs (ɨrʉtsɛsí-) v. to fling, hurl, ɨsá (<ɨsɛɛs) v.
project (e.g. food in the mouth, or bul- ɨsáánɨŋa (<ɨsáánɨŋeés) v.
lets). ɨsáánɨŋeés (ɨsáánɨŋeesí-/ɨsáánɨŋa-) v. to
ɨrʉtsɛsa así v. to dart, race, speed. sign.
irutumén (irutuméní-) n. half of a ɨsáɓísɨŋa (<ɨsáɓísɨŋɛɛ́s) v.
butchered hyrax, including the front ɨsáɓísɨŋɛɛ́s (ɨsáɓísɨŋɛɛsí-/ɨsáɓísɨŋa-)
leg, ribs, and the back leg on one side. v. to maintain, service (a vehicle).
irúútés (irúútésí-) v. to ream out: clear ɨsaɨsáyá (<ɨsaɨsáyées) v.
out with a back and forth motion. ɨsaɨsáyées (ɨsaɨsáyéesí-/ɨsaɨsáyá-) v. to
irwaírwá (<irwaírwéés) v. miss repeatedly.
irwaírwéés (irwaírwéésí-/irwaírwá-) ɨsalɛs (ɨsalɛsí-) 1 v. to sieve, sift, sort. 2
v. to spatter, sprinkle. See also ɨratí- v. to disprove, refute. See also rɔrɛ́s.
rátɛ́s and irwates. ɨsalɛtɛ́s (ɨsalɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to sieve, sift, sort.
irwanes (irwanesí-) v. to cache, hoard, 2 v. to disprove, refute.
stash. isálílètòn (isálílètònì-) v. to go asleep,
irwapírwápòn (irwapírwápònì-) v. to go into paresthesia (of limbs).
blink, nictate, wink. See also isálílòn (isálílònì-) 1 v. to ache, hurt (of
íbɛ̀ɗìbɛ̀ɗɔ̀n. teeth, e.g. when exposed to sourness).
irwápón (irwápónì-) v. to droop, sag (of 2 v. to be asleep or in paresthesia (of
eyelids). limbs).

104
ɨsálímétòn ɨsɨkɛs

ɨsálímétòn (ɨsálímétònì-) v. to be dis- isémúreés (isémúreesí-/isémúra-) v. to

proven, refuted. fall for, fall in love with.
ɨsalɨtɛ́s (ɨsalɨtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to make sieve, sift, isépón (isépónì-) v. to course, flow.
or sort. 2 v. to disprove, refute, show ɨsɛ́pɔ́n (ɨsɛ́pɔ́nì-) v. to gimp, hobble. See
to be wrong. also ɨtɔ́ƙɔ́ɔ̀n and itsúkúkòn.
ísánòn (ísánònì-) v. to be apprehensive, isépónuƙota (isépónuƙotí-) v. to flow
concerned, worried. away.
ísánonuƙota (ísánonuƙotí-) v. to be- isér (isérá-) n. jackal (black-backed
come apprehensive, concerned or wor- and/or side-striped). Canis sp.
ried. isérérèòn (isérérèònì-) 1 v. to be hori-
Ísɛ́ (Ísɛ́ɛ̀-) n. name of a river. zontally straight. 2 v. to go straight
ɨsɛɓɛs (ɨsɛɓɛsí-) 1 v. to notch, mark, ahead.
score. 2 v. to scarify: make cosmetic iséréròn (isérérònì-) v. to be vertically
cuts or marks on the skin. straight, upright.
ɨsɛɓísɛ́ɓɛ́s (ɨsɛɓísɛ́ɓɛ́sí-) v. to scarify: ɨsɛ́sɛ́kɛ́s (ɨsɛ́sɛ́kɛ́sí-) v. to sample from
make cosmetic cuts or marks on the (e.g. different grains during a famine,
skin. so as to not eat all of one kind, leaving
some for planting).
ɨsɛɓɔs (ɨsɛɓɔsí-) 1 v. to be notched,
marked, scored. 2 v. to be scarified: isésélés (isésélésí-) v. to crop, lop, prune,
have cosmetic cuts or mark on the skin. trim back.
isíɗá (<isíɗóòn) v.
ɨsɛɛs (ɨsɛɛsí-/ɨsá-) 1 v. to miss (a shot). 2
v. to survive (a mishap). isíɗéètòn (isíɗéètònì-) v. to fall
back/behind, lag. See also maɗámón.
ɨsɛɛsa mɛnáɛ v. to miss the point.
isíɗóòn (isíɗóònì-/isíɗá-) v. to hang
iséétòn (iséétònì-) v. to begin, com- back, lag, stay behind.
mence, start. See also itsyákétòn.
isiɛníkɛ n. for what? why?
ɨsɛ́ísɛ́ɔ̀n (ɨsɛ́ísɛ́ɔ̀nì-) v. to drizzle.
ɨsíílɛ́s (ɨsíílɛ́sí-) v. to assort, categorize,
ɨsɛkísɛ́kɛ́s (ɨsɛkísɛ́kɛ́sí-) v. to sample classify.
from (e.g. different grains during a ɨsíílɛtɛ́s (ɨsíílɛtɛ́sí-) v. to pick or select
famine, so as to not eat all of one kind, according to categories.
leaving some for planting).
ɨsíítɛ́s (ɨsíítɛ́sí-) v. to accuse, charge.
ɨsɛ́ƙɔ́ánón (ɨsɛ́ƙɔ́ánónì-) v. to be disobe-
ɨsíítɛ́sìàm (ɨsíítɛ́sì-àmà-) pl. ɨsíítɛ́siika .
dient, insubordinate.
n. accuser, prosecutor.
ɨsɛ́lɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta así v. to glide, slide, or slip
ìsìka (ìsìkà-) n. bullrush, cat’s-tail, nail-
through (e.g. the air).
rod, reedmace.
iséméés (iséméésí-) v. to admire, check ɨsɨkares (ɨsɨkaresí-) v. to press, pressure,
out, eye, inspect, look over. pressurize.
iséméetés (iséméetésí-) v. to admire, ɨsɨkɛs (ɨsɨkɛsí-) 1 v. to cram, pack, stuff.
check out, eye, inspect, look over. 2 v. to inflate, pump up (e.g. a ball). See
isémúra (<isémúreés) v. also rʉtsɛ́s.

105
isíƙá isólólòètòn

isíƙá (<isíƙéés) v. isísá (<isíséés) v.

isíƙá (<isíƙóòn) v. isíséés (isíséésí-/isísá-) v. to narrate, re-
isíƙéés (isíƙéésí-/isíƙá-) v. to hold back, count, tell.
prevent, restrain (some intended ac- isíséésíàm (isíséésí-àmà-) pl. isíséé-
tion). síika . n. narrator, storyteller. See also
isíƙóòn (isíƙóònì-/isíƙá-) v. to hesitate, emútíkààm.
pause, waver. isites (isitesí-) v. to burden, encumber,
ɨsílíánɨtɛtɛ́s (ɨsílíánɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to devas- make heavy, weigh down.
tate, lay waste to, ravage (e.g. what isítíya (<isítíyeés) v.
bushpigs do to a garden, or sexual vi-
isítíyeés (isítíyeesí-/isítíya-) v. to ex-
olence against women).
pend, use, utilize.
ɨsílíánón (ɨsílíánónì-) v. to be brutal,
ɨsɔ́ɓɔ́lɛ́s (ɨsɔ́ɓɔ́lɛ́sí-) v. to maintain
feral, savage, vicious.
poorly, neglect (e.g. home or garden).
ɨsílítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨsílítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to concili-
ɨsɔɛs (ɨsɔɛsí-) v. to slide, slip (e.g. when
ate, harmonize, make peace, reconcile.
swallowing food without chewing).
ɨsílɔ́n (ɨsílɔ́nì-) v. to be harmonious,
ɨsɔɛtɛ́s (ɨsɔɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to slide, slip (e.g.
peaceful.
when swallowing without chewing). 2
ɨsílɔ́nìàm (ɨsílɔ́nì-àmà-) pl. ɨsílɔ́niika . v. to give birth to prematurely.
n. peaceful person.
ɨsɔɛtɛ́sá así v. to slide or slip oneself
ɨsílɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨsílɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to become through.
peaceful, stabilize.
isókétòn (isókétònì-) v. to get up and
ɨsɨmam (ɨsɨmamá-) n. food peelable
come early.
with the teeth (e.g. the sweet canes of
maize and sorghum). isókítésuƙota (isókítésuƙotí-) v. to get
up and send away early.
ɨsɨmɛs (ɨsɨmɛsí-) v. to peel with the
teeth (e.g. the sweet canes of maize and Isókóìàƙwa (Isókóì-àƙɔ̀-) n. name of a
sorghum). place. Lit. ‘among euphorbias’.
ɨsínákòn (ɨsínákònì-) v. to sprout (of isókón (isókónì-) v. to get up and go
maize cobs). early.
isipísípòn (isipísípònì-) v. to jog, ɨsɔ́kɔ́ta (<ɨsɔ́kɔ́teés) v.
lope, trot. See also ɨsɔƙísɔ́ƙɔ̀n and ɨsɔ́kɔ́teés (ɨsɔ́kɔ́teesí-/ɨsɔ́kɔ́ta-) v. to
ɨsʉmʉ́sʉ́mɔ̀n. smoke (a cigarette).
isires (isiresí-) v. to decorate, embellish, isókóya (isókóì-) pl. isókóìka . n. tall eu-
embroider. phorbia tree species from which bees
isiresa akáe v. to speak eloquently, wax makes bitter honey. Euphorbia bussei.
eloquent. Lit. ‘to embellish the mouth’. ɨsɔƙísɔ́ƙɔ̀n (ɨsɔƙísɔ́ƙɔ̀nì-) v. to jog,
ɨsɨrísírɔ́n (ɨsɨrísírɔ́nì-) v. to have a lope, trot. See also isipísípòn and
squeaky voice. ɨsʉmʉ́sʉ́mɔ̀n.
isiros (isirosí-) v. to be decorated, em- isólólòètòn (isólólòètònì-) v. to clear
bellished, embroidered. off/up visually (eyes, skies).

106
isólólòòn ɨsʉ́wɔ́ɔ̀n

isólólòòn (isólólòònì-) v. to be visually isuɗesa mɛnáɛ v. to be ‘full of it’, lie, pre-

clear (eyes, sky). varicate. Lit. ‘to distort matters’.
isómá (<isóméés) v. isuɗetés (isuɗetésí-) v. to distort, falsify,
isómáìmètòn (isómáìmètònì-) v. to be make up, perjure.
legible, readable. ɨsʉkɛs (ɨsʉkɛsí-) 1 v. to bypass, go
around, overtake. 2 v. to exceed, sur-
isómáitetés (isómáitetésí-) v. to educate,
pass, top . 3 v. to win. See also sʉ́kɛ́s.
teach to read.
ɨsʉ́mɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨsʉ́mɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to sneak up:
isóméés (isóméésí-/isómá-) 1 v. to read.
come without informing anyone.
2 v. to study.
ɨsʉ́mɔ́n (ɨsʉ́mɔ́nì-) v. to sneak: come or
isóméésíàm (isóméésí-àmà-) pl. isóméé-
go without informing anyone.
síika . 1 n. reader. 2 n. pupil, student.
ɨsʉ́mɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨsʉ́mɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to sneak
ɨsɔmɛs (ɨsɔmɛsí-) v. to toss out of sight off: go without informing anyone.
(e.g. into tall grass or brush).
ɨsʉmʉ́sʉ́mɔ̀n (ɨsʉmʉ́sʉ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to
ìsòn (ìsònì-) v. to be burdensome, heavy, jog, lope, trot. See also isipísípòn and
weighty. ɨsɔƙísɔ́ƙɔ̀n.
ɨsɔ́nɛ́sɔ̀n (ɨsɔ́nɛ́sɔ̀nì-) v. to be dejected, ɨsʉɲɛs (ɨsʉɲɛsí-) v. to take all of.
depressed, downcast.
ɨsʉ́ɲɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨsʉ́ɲɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to give or
isóón (isóónì-/isá-) 1 v. to begin, com- take away all of.
mence, start. 2 n. taboo of eating be-
ɨsʉɲɛtɛ́s (ɨsʉɲɛtɛ́sí-) v. to bring all of.
fore the elders eat.
ɨsʉ́ŋʉ́rɛ́s (ɨsʉ́ŋʉ́rɛ́sí-) v. to entice, get to
Isópìà (Isópìà-) n. Abyssinia, Ethiopia.
come, lure (e.g. by pinching, poking, or
See also Sópìà.
winking, esp. to do something like eat
ɨsɔrɔɓam (ɨsɔrɔɓamá-) n. slurpable food or have sex).
(e.g. thick porridge). ɨsʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n (ɨsʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to back out,
ɨsɔ́rɔ́ɓɛ́s (ɨsɔ́rɔ́ɓɛ́sí-) v. to slurp. See also draw back, withdraw (e.g. an animal
xáɓútés. from a trap).
ɨsɔ́rɔ́kánón (ɨsɔ́rɔ́kánónì-) v. to be a ɨsʉ́sʉ́ɛ́s (ɨsʉ́sʉ́ɛ́sí-) v. to egg on, incite,
youth. provoke, urge on. See also itsótsóés.
ɨsɔ́sɔ́ŋɔ́s (ɨsɔ́sɔ́ŋɔ́sí-) v. to shift, stir ɨsʉtɛs (ɨsʉtɛsí-) v. to move (an object).
(while sitting or sleeping). ɨsʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨsʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to move (an
ɨsɔ́wá (<ɨsɔ́wɔ́ɔ̀n) v. object) away/off.
ɨsɔ́wɔ́ɔ̀n (ɨsɔ́wɔ́ɔ̀nì-/ɨsɔ́wá-) v. to walk ɨsʉtɛtɛ́s (ɨsʉtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to move (an obect)
feebly (e.g. from sickness or thirst). See this way.
also ɨɛ́mɔ́n. ɨsʉ́tɔ́n (ɨsʉ́tɔ́nì-) v. to change position,
isuɗam (isuɗamá-) pl. isúɗámìka . move, shift.
n. false information, lie. ɨsʉ́wá (<ɨsʉ́wɔ́ɔ̀n) v.
isuɗes (isuɗesí-) v. to distort, falsify, ɨsʉ́wɔ́ɔ̀n (ɨsʉ́wɔ́ɔ̀nì-/ɨsʉ́wá-) 1 v. to be
make up, perjure. sterile, unproductive (e.g. of grains

107
íswa ɨtɛɓɛs

which are overcrowded, thereby no ɨtalɔs (ɨtalɔsí-) v. to be accustomed, ha-

producing heads). 2 v. to be overfull to bituated, used to.
the bursting point of the container (e.g. itam (itamá-) n. carrion. Lit. ‘findable’.
a granary or a sack).
ɨtámáánón (ɨtámáánónì-) v. to be nec-
íswa (ísó-) n. flood, torrent. essary: must, ought, should. Must be
isyá (<isyees) v. followed by another verb.
isyees (isyeesí-/isyá-) v. to harass, ítánésuƙota (ítánésuƙotí-) v. to hope,
harry. long, or yearn for.
isyones (isyonesí-) v. to have mercy or ítánòn (ítánònì-) v. to hope, long, yearn.
take pity on. ɨtáŋátɔ̀n (ɨtáŋátɔ̀nì-) v. to like or tend (to
isyónón (isyónónì-) v. to be merciful, do). Must be followed by another verb
have pity. in the infinitive.
isyónónuƙota (isyónónuƙotí-) v. to be- itáósés (itáósésí-) v. to slight, snub (by
come merciful, soften (emotionally). giving a lesser portion to).
ɨtá (<ɨtɔ́ɔ́n) v. ɨtapítápɔ̀n (ɨtapítápɔ̀nì-) v. to feel or
itáɓóòn (itáɓóònì-) v. to drip, drizzle. fumble around (e.g. on the ground like
a small child or elderly person).
ɨtaɨtɛ́s (ɨtaɨtɛ́sí-) v. to get there, make
reach. itárákáɲés (itárákáɲésí-) v. to hide
where easily found.
ɨtaɨtɛtɛ́s (ɨtaɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to get here, make
reach here. itásónòn (itásónònì-) v. to be sad, sor-
rowful. See also tasónón.
ɨtakɛs (ɨtakɛsí-) v. to strip, unstick (e.g.
an adhesive bandage). ɨtátá (<ɨtátɛ́ɛ́s) v.
a
ɨtákɛ́sʉƙɔt (ɨtákɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to strip off, ɨtátámɛ́s (ɨtátámɛ́sí-) 1 v. to instruct,
unstick (e.g. a bandage). teach, train. 2 v. to evangelize, preach.
See also nɔɔsanitetés.
ɨtáƙálɛ́s (ɨtáƙálɛ́sí-) 1 v. to mislay, mis-
place. 2 v. to do/make poorly . ɨtátámɛ́síàm (ɨtátámɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. ɨtátá-
mɛ́síika . 1 n. instructor, teacher,
ɨtáƙálɛ́sá así v. to hibernate, hole up.
trainer. 2 n. evangelist, preacher. See
itáƙúòn (itáƙúònì-) v. to go on, follow, also ŋímaalímùàm.
proceed.
ɨtátɛ́ɛ́s (ɨtátɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨtátá-) 1 v. to take for
itáléánón (itáléánónì-) v. to be forbid- a walk, walk. 2 v. to balance (e.g. on
den, off limits, prohibited, taboo. one’s head).
itáléés (itáléésí-) 1 v. to forbid, prohibit, ɨtátsámánón (ɨtátsámánónì-) v. to
make taboo. 2 v. to menstruate. See be lazy, negligent, slack. See also
also dimités. wéésánón.
ɨtalɛs (ɨtalɛsí-) v. to accustom, habituate, ɨtɛɓɛs (ɨtɛɓɛsí-) 1 v. to nick (e.g. the
make used to. branch stubs off of the reeds used for
itálóós (itálóósí-) v. to be forbidden, off building granaries and houses). 2 v. to
limits, prohibited, taboo. notch (the ears of oxen for decoration).

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itéɓúkòn ɨtɛ́tɔ́n

itéɓúkòn (itéɓúkònì-) 1 v. to swell, be itélínós (itélínósí-) v. to watch each

swollen (body part or whole body). 2 other.
v. to be gorged, stuffed (from eating). ɨtɛ́má (<ɨtɛ́mɔ́ɔ̀n) v.
iteɗes (iteɗesí-) v. to cut or lop off (e.g. itemes (itemesí-) v. to continue, keep
branches from a trunk). on.
ɨtɛ́ɛ́lɔ̀n (ɨtɛ́ɛ́lɔ̀nì-) v. to lie or sit with legs itemetés (itemetésí-) v. to continue,
straight. keep on.
ɨtɛ́ɛ́rɨtɛtɛ́s (ɨtɛ́ɛ́rɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to face in one itemités (itemitésí-) 1 v. to make ready,
direction. prepare, ready. 2 v. to resolve, solve.
ɨtɛ́ɛ́rɔ̀n (ɨtɛ́ɛ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to face in one direc- itémítuƙotam (itémítuƙotamá-) n. solv-
tion. able problem.
ɨtɛítɛ́ɛ́s (ɨtɛítɛ́ɛ́sí-) v. to break up into itémón (itémónì-) v. to be appropriate,
pieces (e.g. when making aggregate). enough, fitting, proper, suitable.
itéƙélés (itéƙélésí-) v. to dam up (i.e. us- ɨtɛ́mɔ́ɔ̀n (ɨtɛ́mɔ́ɔ̀nì-/ɨtɛ́má-) 1 v. to be at
ing logs or rocks). leisure, hang out, pass time. 2 v. to
itéƙítéƙés (itéƙítéƙésí-) v. to nod, shake stroll, walk leisurely.
up and down (as when saying ‘yes’). ɨtɛ́nɨtɛtɛ́s (ɨtɛ́nɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to set straight,
iteles (itelesí-) v. to watch. straighten.
itelesa bàrìrrr v. to gaze or stare at emp- ɨtɛ́nɨtɛtɛ́sá tódàe v. to set the record
tily (e.g. when angry, pregnant, or in straight, talk straight to the issue. Lit.
pain). ‘to straighten speech out’.
itelesa ceŋetíámàe n. taboo of watching ɨtɛ́nɔ́n (ɨtɛ́nɔ́nì-) v. to be straight.
one’s mother-in-law. itéón (itéónì-) v. to go back, return
itelesa fetí 1 v. to watch the sun (to pre- there.
dict the seasons). 2 v. to tell the time. ɨtɛpɛs (ɨtɛpɛsí-) 1 v. to inseminate (of an-
itelesíám (itelesí-ámà-) pl. itelesííka . 1 imals). 2 v. to fuck.
n. sentry, watchman. 2 n. caretaker. 3 ɨtɛrítɛ́rɔ̀n (ɨtɛrítɛ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to reel, stag-
n. witness. See also ŋítsaɗénìàm. ger.
itelesíáma fetí n. sun watcher: an elder ítés (ítésì-) 1 v. to find missing. 2 v. to
who is an expert in observing the sea- find the remains of (left by thieves or
sonal cycle of the sunrise and sunset. predators).
itelesíáma kíʝáe pl. itelesííka kíʝáe . itétémés (itétémésí-) 1 v. to demon-
n. sentry, watchman. strate, illustrate, show. 2 v. to exercise,
itelesíáwa fetí n. point from which an practice.
elder observes solar cycles. itétón (itétónì-) v. to come back, return
itélésuƙota (itélésuƙotí-) v. to watch here. See also iɓóɓóŋètòn.
(there). ɨtɛ́tɔ́n (ɨtɛ́tɔ́nì-) 1 v. to arrive (here). 2
iteletés (iteletésí-) v. to watch (here). v. to get, find.

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itíbès Itírá

itíbès (itíbèsì-) v. to arrange, order, put ɨtɨlɛtɛ́s (ɨtɨlɛtɛ́sí-) v. to pull over.

in order. See also ɨɗɔ́bɛ̀s and ɨnábɛ̀s. ɨtílɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨtílɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to come in a con-
itíbesúƙota (itíbesúƙotí-) v. to arrange, voy or procession.
order, put in order. ɨtɨlítílɔ̀n (ɨtɨlítílɔ̀nì-) v. to ache (of
itiɓes (itiɓesí-) v. to section, segment joints).
(e.g. a felled tree). ɨtílɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨtílɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to go in con-
itiɓítíɓés (itiɓítíɓésí-) v. to section, seg- voy or procession.
ment (e.g. a felled tree). ɨtɨnítínɛ́s (ɨtɨnítínɛ́sí-) v. to move rhyth-
ɨtɨɓítíɓɔ̀n (ɨtɨɓítíɓɔ̀nì-) v. to contract, mically (e.g. a body part while danc-
cramp (during childbirth or defeca- ing).
tion). ɨtɨnítínɛ́sá así v. to move oneself rhyth-
ɨtíɗíɗɛ́s (ɨtíɗíɗɛ́sí-) v. to filch, lift, pilfer, mically (as in dancing).
sneak. ítínós (ítínósí-) v. to find each other
ɨtíɗíɗɛ́sá así v. to slink,sneak, tiptoe. missing.
ɨtíílɛ́s (ɨtíílɛ́sí-) v. to repel, repulse, turn ɨtíŋá (<ɨtíŋɛ́ɛ́s) v.
away. ɨtíŋɛ́ɛ́s (ɨtíŋɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨtíŋá-) v. to compel,
itíírà (<itííròòn) v. force. See also ɨtɨŋɛs.
itííròòn (itííròònì-/itííra-) v. to hold fast, itiŋés (itiŋésí-) v. to cook, prepare
stand firm. (food). Compare with kɔŋɛ́s.
itikes (itikesí-) 1 v. to hold down, over- ɨtɨŋɛs (ɨtɨŋɛsí-) v. to compel, force. See
power, subdue, suppress. 2 v. to chase also ɨtíŋɛ́ɛ́s.
down (food or drink by eating or drink- ɨtɨŋɛsa así v. to force oneself.
ing something else).
itiŋésíàwa (itiŋésí-àwà-) pl. itiŋésía-
itiketésá ɡúróe kíʝáke v. to calm down. wíka . n. cooking place, kitchen.
Lit. ‘to suppress the heart’.
itíón (itíónì-) v. to go back, return there.
itikiesúƙota (itikiesúƙotí-) v. to rape, as- See also itéón.
sault or violate (sexually). Lit. ‘to sup-
press repeatedly’. ɨtíɔ́n (ɨtíɔ́nì-) v. to delay. See also asínón.
itikítíkòn (itikítíkònì-) v. to feel queasy, itíónàs (itíónàsì-) n. miracles, wonders.
sick, woozy (as when oil or sugar en- itíónòn (itíónònì-) 1 v. to be difficult,
ters one’s bloodstream). The experi- hard. 2 v. to do miracles, wonders. 3
encer of this feeling is marked with the v. to be important, significant. 4 v. to
dative case. be expensive, exorbitant, high.
itíƙírà (<itíƙíròòn) v. itípá (<itípéés) v.
itíƙíròòn (itíƙíròònì-/itíƙíra-) v. to rum- itípéés (itípéésí-/itípá-) v. to deviate,
ble or thunder off (e.g. a vehicle taking divert (e.g. enemies by making a pre-
off quickly or a herd of animals stam- ventative sacrifice or by talking them
peding). Also pronounced as itíríƙòòn. down from their plan).
ɨtílɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨtílɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to push over. Itírá (Itíráà-) n. a personal name.

110
itírákés itóŋílés

itírákés (itírákésí-) v. to recoil from, itoɓítóɓés (itoɓítóɓésí-) v. to hole or

shrink back from (i.e. something dan- make holes in repeatedly.
gerous or embarrassing). itoɓítóɓésa tódàe v. to cut in or interrupt
itíríƙà (<itíríƙòòn) v. a conversation or discussion. Lit. ‘to
itíríƙòòn (itíríƙòònì-/itíríƙa-) v. to rum- make holes in speech’.
ble or thunder off (e.g. a vehicle taking itoɗítóɗés (itoɗítóɗésí-) v. to peck, pick
off quickly or a herd of animals stam- at.
peding). Also pronounced as itíƙíròòn. ɨtɔ́ɗɔ́n (ɨtɔ́ɗɔ́nì-) v. to wilt, wither.
itirítírés (itirítírésí-) v. to stamp, stomp, itoʝiés (itoʝiesí-) v. to pick a fight with,
tamp. start a fight with.
itírónòn (itírónònì-) v. to be fast, quick, ɨtɔ́kɔ́ánòn (ɨtɔ́kɔ́ánònì-) v. to be grabby,
speedy. See also wɛ́ɛ́nɔ̀n. grasping (e.g. of food from others).
ɨtítí (ɨtítíì-) pl. ɨtítíìka . n. flame tree: em- ɨtɔkɔɗɛs (ɨtɔkɔɗɛsí-) v. to clench, grip
blematic East African tree species with (e.g. one’s side while running).
brilliant red flowers; its seeds are used itóƙóƙòòn (itóƙóƙòònì-) v. to be bony,
as necklace beads; its wood is used to cadaverous, emaciated, skeletal. See
make door planks, bowls, and contain- also iróƙóòn and kwédekwedánón.
ers, and a decoction of its bark or flow- ɨtɔ́ƙɔ́ɔ̀n (ɨtɔ́ƙɔ́ɔ̀nì-) v. to gimp, hobble.
ers is used as a treatment for chicken See also ɨsɛ́pɔ́n and itsúkúkòn.
and dog diseases. Erythrina abyssinica.
ɨtɔlɛs (ɨtɔlɛsí-) v. to barbeque, grill.
itítíkés (itítíkésí-) v. to hold back, re-
ɨtɔlɔs (ɨtɔlɔsí-) v. to be barbequed,
strain, retain.
grilled.
itítíketés (itítíketésí-) v. to hold back, re- ɨtɔ́mɔ́n (ɨtɔ́mɔ́nì-) v. to be near, next to.
strain, retain.
ɨtɔ́mɔ́nìàm (ɨtɔ́mɔ́nì-àmà-) pl. ɨtɔ́mɔ́-
itítíŋòn (itítíŋònì-) v. to be brave, coura- niika . n. neighbor.
geous, dauntless, fearless, intrepid.
ɨtɔ́mʉ́nɔ́s (ɨtɔ́mʉ́nɔ́sí-) v. to be neigh-
itítírés (itítírésí-) v. to hinder, obstruct, bors, next to each other.
prevent.
ítón (ítónì-) v. to be (some size or
ɨtɨwɛs (ɨtɨwɛsí-) v. to filter, strain. See amount).
also ɨʝɨwɛs.
ítónà dìdìke v. to become big or many.
itíyá (<itíyéés) v. Lit. ‘to reach high’.
itíyáìmètòn (itíyáìmètònì-) v. to be ítóna kíʝée tsʼɛɛ v. to dawn, get light.
done, happen, occur, take place, tran- ítónuƙota (ítónuƙotí-) v. to become
spire. See also ikásíìmètòn. (some size or amount).
itíyéés (itíyéésí-/itíyá-) v. to do. itoŋes (itoŋesí-) v. to twine, twist.
itíyéetam (itíyéetamá-) n. actionable, itoŋetésá tódàe v. to lie, prevaricate,
doable, feasible, possible. twist the truth. Lit. ‘to twist up
itíyéetés (itíyéetésí-) v. to do, get done. speech’.
itoɓes (itoɓesí-) 1 v. to hole, make a hole itóŋílés (itóŋílésí-) v. to hurt (of teeth,
in. 2 v. to cut in, interrupt. from coldness or sourness).

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ɨtɔŋítɔ́ŋɛ́s itséƙóòn

ɨtɔŋítɔ́ŋɛ́s (ɨtɔŋítɔ́ŋɛ́sí-) v. to tap out (e.g. itóyéésa así v. to assemble, congregate,

salt or tobacco from a container). converge, meet.
ɨtɔ́ŋɔ́ɛ́s (ɨtɔ́ŋɔ́ɛ́sí-) v. to get a rise out of, itsáɗénés (itsáɗénésí-) v. to attest, bear
incite or provoke verbally. witness, or testify to.
itóŋóiesá mɛnáɛ v. to doubt matters, ɨtsakɛs (ɨtsakɛsí-) v. to crush, smash
question things. (e.g. melon, pumpkin, squash). See also
itóŋóòn (itóŋóònì-) v. to doubt, hesitate, ɨlɛɗɛs.
waver. ɨtsakítsákɛ́s (ɨtsakítsákɛ́sí-) v. to crush
ɨtɔ́ɔ́n (ɨtɔ́ɔ́nì-/ɨtá-) 1 v. to reach (a desti- or smash up (e.g. bark or roots as
nation). 2 v. to find, get. medicine).
itópénòn (itópénònì-) 1 v. to be hideous, ɨtsánánòn (ɨtsánánònì-) v. to be annoy-
ugly, unattractive. 2 v. to be boring, ing, bothersome, irritating. See also
dull, monotonous, uninteresting. See fìfòn.
also làlòn. ɨtsanɛs (ɨtsanɛsí-) v. to annoy, disturb,
itóróɲés (itóróɲésí-) v. to make ridges irritate.
in, ridge (e.g. for planting potatoes).
ɨtsánítɛtɛ́s (ɨtsánítɛtɛ́sí-) v. to cause
itórópés (itórópésí-) v. to cut out the problems or make trouble for.
meat and organs of the respiratory
ɨtsanítsánɛ́s (ɨtsanítsánɛ́sí-) v. to an-
and upper digestive systems (i.e. the
guish, torment, torture.
tongue, throat, lungs, and heart).
ɨtɔ́tɔ́ɛ́s (ɨtɔ́tɔ́ɛ́sí-) v. to demolish, destroy ɨtsanítsánɨtɛtɛ́s (ɨtsanítsánɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to
(sth. hard). See also ipáríés. cause anguish or torment for.
itotoles (itotolesí-) v. to crack or split ɨtsárʉ́ánón (ɨtsárʉ́ánónì-) 1 v. to be fake,
apart (e.g. hard roots or seeds). hypocritical, insincere, phony. 2 v. to
be unwanted, useless.
ɨtɔ́tɔ́ŋɛ́s (ɨtɔ́tɔ́ŋɛ́sí-) v. to peck, rap or tap
on (e.g. wood, like a woodpecker). ɨtsɛɗítsɛ́ɗɛ́s (ɨtsɛɗítsɛ́ɗɛ́sí-) v. to dig ran-
domly (e.g. holes for seeds).
ɨtɔ́tɔ́rɔ̀n (ɨtɔ́tɔ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to wipe after defe-
cating. itseɗítséɗòn (itseɗítséɗònì-) 1 v. to tip-
itówá (<itówéés) v. toe, walk on tippytoes. 2 v. to get a
running jump, take off hopping (like a
itówá (<itówóòn) v. vulture).
itówéés (itówéésí-/itówá-) n. to kick
ɨtsɛ́ɛ́rà (<ɨtsɛ́ɛ́rɔ̀ɔ̀n) v.
off, inaugurate, launch, or usher in (the
new year of agriculture by conducting ɨtsɛ́ɛ́rɔ̀ɔ̀n (ɨtsɛ́ɛ́rɔ̀ɔ̀nì-/ɨtsɛ́ɛ́rɛ-) v. to
a ceremony). cloud up but only rain elsewhere.
itówóòn (itówóònì-/itówá-) v. to be en- itséƙé (<itséƙóòn) v.
haloed, ringed (e.g. the moon, sun, or a itséƙéés (itséƙéésí-) v. to climb with
saint). gear (e.g. a honey-tree or mountain).
itóyá (<itóyéés) v. itséƙóòn (itséƙóònì-/itséƙé-) 1 v. to
itóyéés (itóyéésí-/itóyá-) v. to assemble, climb with gear (e.g. a honey-tree or
bring or put together. mountain). 2 v. to walk with a cane.

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itsélélèòn itsomítsómés

itsélélèòn (itsélélèònì-) v. to perch, ɨtsírɔ́na tódàke v. to tell the truth. Lit.

roost. ‘to go directly to truth’.
itsemes (itsemesí-) 1 v. to poke, prod. 2 ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɛ́s (ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɛ́sí-) 1 v. to blend,
v. to provoke, push buttons. commingle, conflate, mix. 2 v. to dap-
itsemítsémés (itsemítsémésí-) v. to poke ple, mottle, spot. See also iɲales and it-
around in/on (e.g. a patch of ground be- sulútsúlés.
ing prospected for minerals or tapped ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ̀n (ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be
on with a cane). blended, commingled;conflated, mixed.
itsenes (itsenesí-) 1 v. to beg. 2 v. to 2 v. to be dappled, mottled, spotty.
curse. ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ́s (ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ́sí-) 1 v. to
itseniés (itseniesí-) 1 v. to beg relent- be blended, commingled, conflated,
lessly. 2 v. to lament, wail for. mixed. 2 v. to be dappled, mottled,
spotted.
itsenietés (itsenietésí-) v. to begin beg-
ging relentlessly. itsoɗiétòn (itsoɗiétònì-) v. to come edg-
ing or inching one’s way (e.g. to get
ɨtsɛ́tsɛ́ɛ́s (ɨtsɛ́tsɛ́ɛ́sí-) 1 v. to clamber or
food where one is not invited).
scamper up (e.g. a mountain or tree). 2
v. to spear from a distance. ɨtsɔ́ɗɔ́kɔ̀n (ɨtsɔ́ɗɔ́kɔ̀nì-) v. to hop on one
leg.
ɨtsɨɗɛs (ɨtsɨɗɛsí-) v. to wipe clean (e.g.
with a finger). See also ɨƙʉ́ʉ́lɛ́s. itsóɗón (itsóɗónì-) 1 v. to edge, inch. 2
v. to limp. 3 v. to hedge, skirt, sur-
ɨtsɨkɛs (ɨtsɨkɛsí-) 1 v. to charge, instruct,
round.
order. 2 n. law, rule.
itsóɗónìàwa (itsóɗónì-àwà-) pl. itsóɗó-
ɨtsɨkɛsa Ɲákuʝí v. divine commandment,
niawíka . n. hunting ground: where
law of God.
hunters split up, edge forward, and
ɨtsɨkɛsíám (ɨtsɨkɛsí-ámá-) pl. ɨtsɨkɛsííka . hedge animals in between two pha-
n. commander. lanxes.
ɨtsɨkɛsíícíká kíʝáe v. laws of the land, lo- ɨtsɔ́ítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨtsɔ́ítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to satisfy
cal laws. (someone’s) hunger for meat.
ɨtsɨpítsípɛ́s (ɨtsɨpítsípɛ́sí-) 1 v. to tattoo: itsóka (itsókó-) n. sunbird.
mark skin with a piece of grass used in
ɨtsɔkítsɔ́kɛ́s (ɨtsɔkítsɔ́kɛ́sí-) v. to whip
a twirling motion to leave pock-marks
back and forth.
that scar. 2 v. to immunize, vaccinate
(by injection). itsól (itsólá-) n. bird species.
ɨtsírítɛtɛ́s (ɨtsírítɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to erect, put itsólóŋòn (itsólóŋònì-) 1 v. to lie down,
or set upright. 2 v. to aim, direct, guide. recline. 2 v. to go down, set (of sun).
3 v. to correct, make right, rectify. See See also eponuƙota .
also tɔɓɛɨtɛtɛ́s and tsírítɛtɛ́s. itsomes (itsomesí-) v. to crush into pow-
ɨtsírɔ́n (ɨtsírɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be erect, upright. der, pulverize.
2 v. to go directly, hit the target. 3 v. to itsomítsómés (itsomítsómésí-) v. to
be correct, right, true. See also tɔɓɛ́ɔ́n pound repeatedly (e.g. grain, edible ter-
and tsírɔ́n. mites).

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ɨtsɔŋɛtɛ́s itsútúmétòn

ɨtsɔŋɛtɛ́s (ɨtsɔŋɛtɛ́sí-) v. to chance, come ɨtsʉ́lítɛtɛ́s (ɨtsʉ́lítɛtɛ́sí-) v. to fine for un-

across, happen upon. See also ŋawɨlɛs. lawful impregnation.
ɨtsɔ́ɔ́n (ɨtsɔ́ɔ́nì-) v. to satisfy hunger for itsulútsúlés (itsulútsúlésí-) v. to blend,
meat. commingle, conflate, mix. See also
ɨtsɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨtsɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to satisfy iɲales and ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɛ́s.
hunger for meat. itsumés (itsumésí-) v. to pierce, punc-
itsópé (<itsópóòn) v. ture.
itsópóòn (itsópóònì-/itsópé-) v. to be ɨtsʉnɛs (ɨtsʉnɛsí-) v. to collect, gather.
alert, attentive, watchful. ɨtsʉnɛtɛ́s (ɨtsʉnɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to collect,
ɨtsɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨtsɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to heave gather. 2 v. to summarize. See also
or shove away. bɔsɛtɛ́s and ɨrírɛ́ɛ́s.
ɨtsɔrɛtɛ́s (ɨtsɔrɛtɛ́sí-) v. to pull or yank ɨtsʉnɛtɛ́sá así v. to gather socially, get
this way. together, meet.
ɨtsɔrɛtɛ́sá así v. to clamber down . ɨtsʉ́nɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨtsʉ́nɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to assemble,
ɨtsɔ́rɔ́nʉƙɔta (ɨtsɔ́rɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to clam- congregate, gather, meet.
ber down (e.g. a steep slope). ɨtsʉŋɛs (ɨtsʉŋɛsí-) 1 v. to burn. 2 v. to
itsótsóés (itsótsóésí-) v. to egg on, incite, fire. 3 v. to brand. 4 v. to mend with
provoke, urge on. See also ɨsʉ́sʉ́ɛ́s. fire.
ɨtsʉ́bʉ̀ɗɔ̀n (ɨtsʉ́bʉ̀ɗɔ̀nì-) v. to be herni- ɨtsʉ́ŋɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨtsʉ́ŋɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to burn
ate, invert, prolapse. up.
ɨtsʉ́bʉ̀ɗʉ̀mɔ̀n (ɨtsʉ́bʉ̀ɗʉ̀mɔ̀nì-) v. to be itsúrítetés (itsúrítetésí-) v. to boil, bring
herniated, inverted, prolapsed. to a boil.
itsuɗútsúɗés (itsuɗútsúɗésí-) v. to itsúrón (itsúrónì-) v. to boil.
crowd, space too closely (e.g. hair itsúrúés (itsúrúésí-) v. to do away with,
when braiding, grass when thatching, get rid of, rid oneself of.
or seeds when planting). See also
itsúrútsa (<itsúrútseés) v.
ituɗútúɗés.
itsúrútseés (itsúrútseesí-itsúrútsa-)
itsues (itsuesí-) 1 v. to emit, give off, let
v. to do business, make money.
out (e.g. a gas). 2 v. to let or set loose,
release (e.g. an animal). 3 v. to cauter- ɨtsʉ́rʉ́tsʉ́rɛ́s (ɨtsʉ́rʉ́tsʉ́rɛ́sí-) v. to spill
ize. all over.
itsuetés (itsuetésí-) 1 v. to emit, give off, ɨtsʉ́rʉ́tsʉ́rɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (ɨtsʉ́rʉ́tsʉ́rɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-)
let out (e.g. a gas). 2 v. to let or set v. to spill all over.
loose, release (e.g. an animal). ɨtsʉtɛs (ɨtsʉtɛsí-) v. to finish off, wipe
itsúkúkòn (itsúkúkònì-) v. to gimp, hob- out (e.g. food, people, etc.).
ble. See also ɨsɛ́pɔ́n and ɨtɔ́ƙɔ́ɔ̀n. ɨtsʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨtsʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to do in,
itsúkúku (itsúkúkù) ideo. gimpily, hob- finish off, wipe out.
blingly. itsútúmétòn (itsútúmétònì-) v. to be fin-
ɨtsʉlɛs (ɨtsʉlɛsí-) v. to pay a fine for (im- ished off (of what had remained from
pregnating a girl out of wedlock). earlier).

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ɨtswɛtítswɛ́tɔ̀n itúrútésá así

ɨtswɛtítswɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨtswɛtítswɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to itúkúɗètòn (itúkúɗètònì-) v. to bend,

click or cluck with disapproval. crook, flex.
itsyákétòn (itsyákétònì-) 1 v. to begin, itúkúɗòn (itúkúɗònì-) v. to bend, crook,
commence, start. 2 v. to take office. flex.
See also iséétòn. itúlákáɲés (itúlákáɲésí-) v. to down,
itsyákétònìàwa (itsyákétònì-àwà-) pl. gulp, quaff. See also lakatiés.
itsyákétoniawíka . n. beginning point, ɨtʉ́lɛ́ɛtɛ́s (ɨtʉ́lɛ́ɛtɛ́sí-) v. to attract, catch
origin, source. the attention of.
itsyátón (itsyátónì-) 1 v. to be impervi- itúléròn (itúlérònì-) v. to be doddery, se-
ous, resilient, resistant, tough. 2 v. to nile.
be ‘in shape’, physically fit. itúléronuƙota (itúléronuƙotí-) v. to be-
ɨtsʼíɗɛ́ɛ̀tɔ̀n (ɨtsʼíɗɛ́ɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) v. to be the come doddery or senile.
very last (in class, in line, etc.). ɨtʉ́lɛ́sʉƙɔta así v. to die suddenly (of un-
ɨtsʼɔ́ƙɔ́n (ɨtsʼɔ́ƙɔ́nì-) v. to be nearly ripe known reasons).
(of grains). itúlúmà (<itúlúmòòn) v.
itúɓa (itúɓá-) pl. itúɓíka . 1 n. manger, itúlúmòòn (itúlúmòònì-/itúlúma-) v. to
trough. 2 n. bathtub, tub. 3 n. boat, hurdle, vault.
vessel, watercraft.
itúmésuƙota (itúmésuƙotí-) v. to delay,
ituɗútúɗés (ituɗútúɗésí-) v. to crowd, detain, hold up, keep back.
space too closely (e.g. hair when braid- itumetésíàm (itumetésí-àmà-) pl. itume-
ing, grass when thatching, or seeds tésíika . n. companion, company. Lit.
when planting). See also itsuɗútsúɗés. ‘detainer’.
itues (ituesí-) v. to form, make, shape. itúmétòn (itúmétònì-) v. to company,
ituetés (ituetésí-) v. to form, make, hang out, keep company.
shape. itúmúránitésúƙota (itúmúránitésúƙotí-)
ituetésá así v. to form, take form, take v. to absorb, distract, preoccupy.
shape (like a raincloud). itúmúránón (itúmúránónì-) v. to be ab-
ituetésá tódàe v. to discuss all points in sorbed, distracted, preoccupied.
detail, from all angles. Lit. ‘to form ɨtʉrɛs (ɨtʉrɛsí-) 1 v. to pour into. 2 v. to
speech’. give rectally. See also otés.
itukanetésá mɛnáɛ v. to discuss matters itúrón (itúrónì-) v. to be arrogant, con-
(as a group). ceited, proud, vain.
itukanitetés (itukanitetésí-) v. to orches- itúrónìtòda (itúrónì-tòdà-) n. boasting,
trate, organize (a meeting). bragging. Lit. ‘pride-speech’.
itukánón (itukánónì-) v. to congregate, itúrúmés (itúrúmésí-) v. to defame, den-
convene, gather, meet. igrate, slander, smear.
itukes (itukesí-) v. to gather, heap, pile. itúrútés (itúrútésí-) 1 v. to exalt, extol,
ituketés (ituketésí-) v. to gather, heap, praise. 2 v. to revere, worship.
or pile up. itúrútésá así v. to praise oneself.

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itúrútésìàm iúpétòn

itúrútésìàm (itúrútésì-àmà-) pl. itúrú- itwelítwélós (itwelítwélósí-) v. to be

tésiika . n. worshipper. marked, pocked, speckled.
itúrútésiho (itúrútési-hoó-) pl. itúrú- itweɲítwéɲòn (itweɲítwéɲònì-) 1 v. to
tésihoíka . n. house of worship. flicker, twinkle (e.g. fire or the stars). 2
iturútúrés (iturútúrésí-) v. to pat (e.g. a v. to flash (e.g. headlights or a gunshot
baby to burp or a mat to remove dust). at night).
ìtyàkààm (ìtyàkà-àmà-) pl. ityakaika .
ɨtʉsɛtɛ́s (ɨtʉsɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to scrunch up. 2
n. blacksmith, forger, metalworker.
v. to hog-tie.
ityakes (ityakesí-) v. to forge, hammer.
itútsón (itútsónì-) v. to be cruddy, filthy,
nasty (e.g. one who never bathes or a ityakesíɡwàs (ityakesí-ɡwàsà-) pl. i-
smelly billy goat). See also tsʼáɡòn. tyakesíɡwasíka . n. forging stone,
stone anvil.
itútúés (itútúésí-) v. to brush or dust
off (e.g. charcoal from roasted meat, Ìʉ̀ɗà (Ìʉ̀ɗàà-) n. a personal name.
crumbs from clothing, dirt from roots, ìʉ̀ɗààm (ìʉ̀ɗà-àmà-) pl. ɨʉɗaika . n. mo-
etc.). bilizer, organizer.
itútúésuƙota (itútúésuƙotí-) v. to brush ɨʉɗɛs (ɨʉɗɛsí-) v. to assemble, collect,
or dust off (e.g. charcoal from roasted gather.
meat, crumbs from clothing, dirt from ɨʉɗɛtɛ́s (ɨʉɗɛtɛ́sí-) v. to assemble, col-
roots, etc.). lect, gather.
ɨtʉ́tʉ́rɛ́s (ɨtʉ́tʉ́rɛ́sí-) v. to twist round iúʝietés (iúʝietésí-) v. to make into por-
(like cloth into a head-pad). ridge.
ɨtʉ́tʉ́rɔ́s (ɨtʉ́tʉ́rɔ́sí-) v. to be twisted iukúúkés (iukúúkésí-) v. to rock back
round (e.g. a head-pad). and forth (like a tree loose in its hole,
a rock rooted in the soil, or one’s body
itúúmés (itúúmésí-) v. to catch off
in dancing). See also iikííkés.
guard, storm, surprise, take by surprise.
See also bóɡès. ɨʉ́ƙɔ́n (ɨʉ́ƙɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be heavy-laden,
loaded or weighed down. 2 v. to be
itúwá (<itúwéés) v. uncertain, unsure.
itúwéés (itúwéésí-/itúwá-) v. to break ìʉ̀m (ìʉ̀mà-) n. marital engagement.
into.
ɨʉmɛs (ɨʉmɛsí-) v. to marry (by taking
itwáŋítésúƙota (itwáŋítésúƙotí-) v. to a girl away from her parents’ home,
lead astray, mislead, trick. See also sometimes forcibly).
hakítésuƙota .
ɨʉ́mɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨʉ́mɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to marry
itwáŋón (itwáŋónì-) 1 v. to get lost, go by taking away (a girl from her home,
astray, lose the way. 2 v. to go grazy, sometimes forcibly).
lose one’s mind. ɨʉmʉ́íʉ́mɛ́s (ɨʉmʉ́íʉ́mɛ́sí-) v. to crunch,
itwares (itwaresí-) v. to dispel, disperse, scrunch (e.g. broken glass or dry
scatter (e.g. birds or children). leaves).
itwelítwélés (itwelítwélésí-) v. to mark, iúpétòn (iúpétònì-) v. to dip or duck
pock, speckle. down.

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iúpón ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛtɛ́s

iúpón (iúpóni-) v. to dip, duck. May also ìwàŋ (ìwàŋà-) n. warming by radiated
be spelled as iwúpón. heat (i.e. fire or sunshine).
iúpónuƙota (iúpónuƙotí-) v. to dip or iwaŋíwáŋés (iwaŋíwáŋésí-) v. to fumi-
duck away. gate, smoke. See also ipúréés and tsʼu-
iupúúpòn (iupúúpònì-) v. to bob, duck dités.
up and down. iwáŋón (iwáŋónì-) v. to warm up by ra-
iúrá (<iúréés) v. diated heat (i.e. fire or sunshine).
Iwar (Iwarí-) n. name of a hill or moun-
iúréés (iúréésí-/iúrá-) v. to pick clean,
tain.
scavenge.
ɨwarɛs (ɨwarɛsí-) v. to daub, plaster
iwá (<iwees) v.
(with a swirling motion).
Íwá (Íwáà-) n. name of an original Ik
ɨwaríwárɛ́s (ɨwaríwárɛ́sí-) v. to move
settlement.
around, swirl (e.g. one’s hand as when
iwáákós (iwáákósí-) 1 v. to be sounding plastering).
an alarm. 2 v. to be wailing. ɨwarɔs (ɨwarɔsí-) v. to be daubed, plas-
ɨwáíƙɔta (<ɨwɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta ) v. tered.
iwákón (iwákónì-) 1 v. to sound an ɨwasɛs (ɨwasɛsí-) v. to moisturize (e.g.
alarm (e.g. when enemies are coming skin by applying lotion).
or when a hunted animal is headed in iwásíòn (iwásíònì-) v. to stand apart
a certain direction). 2 v. to wail. 3 (e.g. being the first or last in a line).
v. to ring (of ears).
iwatíwátés (iwatíwátésí-) v. to shake off
iwakúwákòn (iwakúwákònì-) v. to flap (e.g. water from hands or one’s hand
(e.g. wings or one’s arms while danc- when burnt by fire).
ing). ɨwáwá (<ɨwáwɛ́ɛ́s) v.
iwales (iwalesí-) v. to put on, wear (non- ɨwáwáɗɛ́s (ɨwáwáɗɛ́sí-) v. to bisect, cut
clothing accessories). in two (meat only). See also pakés.
iwalesa túkàe v. to put on a feather (of- ɨwáwɛ́ɛ́s (ɨwáwɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨwáwá-) v. to ca-
ten from an ostrich). ress, fondle, stroke.
ɨwalɛtɛ́s (ɨwalɛtɛ́sí-) v. to peel or scrape ɨwɛ́ɛ́lánón (ɨwɛ́ɛ́lánónì-) 1 v. to disperse,
off (e.g. meat from a bone, pumpkin dissipate, scatter, spread out. 2 v. to
from its peel). spatter, splatter. See also ɓʉnʉ́mɔ́n.
iwálílòn (iwálílònì-) v. to escape, get ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́s (ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́sí-) v. to break up,
away, fly (e.g. an animal with a spear disperse, scatter, spread. See also
or a hawk with a chick). toɓwaŋes.
Iwam (Iwamá-) n. name of a river. ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́sá ʝʉmwí v. to spread soil (as part
iwanetés (iwanetésí-) v. to enlarge, ex- of cursing or making threats).
pand, make bigger. See also zeites. ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to dis-
iwánétòn (iwánétònì-) v. to become perse, dissipate, scatter, spread out.
bigger, enlarge, expand. See also ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛtɛ́s (ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛtɛ́sí-) v. to disperse, dis-
zoonuƙota . sipate, scatter, spread out.

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ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɔ́s Íwɔlɔ́

ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɔ́s (ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɔ́sí-) v. to be dispersed, dis- iwies (iwiesí-) v. to spread around (e.g.

sipated, scattered, spread out. food in order to cool it). See also ɓátsɛ́s.
iwees (iweesí-/iwá-) v. to kick off, initi- iwííɲés (iwííɲésí-) v. to singe.
ate, or start off (a group dance). ɨwírɛ́tɔ̀n (ɨwírɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to begin shining.
ɨwɛlɛ́wɛ́lánón (ɨwɛlɛ́wɛ́lánónì-) v. to be ɨwírɔ́n (ɨwírɔ́nì-) v. to shine.
brittle, crumbly.
iwítésuƙota (iwítésuƙotí-) v. to hide
iwés (iwésí-) 1 v. to hit, strike. 2 v. to
away, make disappear.
ring (a bell).
iwitités (iwititésí-) v. to deviate, divert.
iwésá dakwí v. to thump a tree (to call a
honey-guide bird). iwitíwítòn (iwitíwítònì-) 1 v. to swerve
iwésá ɲéɓulókìkàe v. to make blocks or
or veer repeatedly. 2 v. to avoid,
dodge, or evade repeatedly.
bricks.
iwésá ɲémusaláɓàe v. to make the sign iwítón (iwítónì-) v. to swerve, veer.
of the cross. iwitses (iwitsesí-) v. to miss narrowly
iwésúƙota (iwésúƙotí-) 1 v. to hit, strike. (e.g. a bullet or a flame).
2 v. to call on the phone, phone out (in iwítsíwítsés (iwítsíwítsésí-) v. to wag,
that direction). waggle, wave around.
iwetés (iwetésí-) 1 v. to depict, draw. 2 iwitsíwítsésá ekwitíní v. to wave
v. to photograph, snap a photo of, take around in front of the eyes.
a picture of. 3 v. to mark, sign. 4 v. to ɨwítsɔ́n (ɨwítsɔ́nì-) v. to be pointed,
call on the phone, phone in. 5 v. to tipped (e.g. a needle or thorn).
fasten, lock.
ɨwíwínɛ́s (ɨwíwínɛ́sí-) v. to aggravate,
ɨwɛtɛs (ɨwɛtɛsí-) v. to drink slowly, sip exasperate.
(e.g. hot drinks).
iwoɗíwóɗés (iwoɗíwóɗésí-) v. to insert,
iwetésá ɲáɓúkwì v. to print or publish a work into (e.g. a finger into a hole).
book.
ɨwɔkɛs (ɨwɔkɛsí-) v. to empty by shak-
iwetésá ɲɛ́pítsaáɛ v. to snap a photo,
ing (e.g. a gourd with pulp inside).
take a picture.
ɨwɔ́ƙɔ́n (ɨwɔ́ƙɔ́nì-) v. to be arrogant,
ɨwɛtsʼíwɛ́tsʼɛ́s (ɨwɛtsʼíwɛ́tsʼɛ́sí-) v. to
cocky, self-important.
break, chip, or knap off pieces repeat-
edly. See also wɛtsʼɛ́s. ɨwɔ́ƙɔ́nìàm (ɨwɔ́ƙɔ́nì-àmà-) pl. ɨwɔ́ƙɔ́-
niika . n. arrogant or cocky person.
iwéwérés (iwéwérésí-) 1 v. to summon
by whistling, whistle for. 2 v. to iwoles (iwolesí-) v. to fold, turn (e.g. a
flavor, season. See also íbutsurés and page).
iwówórés. iwoletés (iwoletésí-) v. to fold or turn
ɨwɨɗɛs (ɨwɨɗɛsí-) v. to grind finely. over (e.g. a page).
ɨwɨɗíwíɗɛ́s (ɨwɨɗíwíɗɛ́sí-) v. to wag, iwolíwólòn (iwolíwólònì-) v. to flitter,
waggle (tail only). flutter (e.g. in the wind).
ɨwɨɗɔs (ɨwɨɗɔsí-) v. to be finely ground, Íwɔlɔ́ (Íwɔlɔ́ɔ̀-) n. name of a dance-
powdery. ground at the foot of a fig tree.

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iwóŋón ɨyáyɛ́ɛ́s

iwóŋón (iwóŋónì-) v. to exult, shout tri- iwówórés (iwówórésí-) v. to summon

umphantly (e.g. having won a contest by whistling, whistle for. See also
or killed a wild animal). iwéwérés.
ɨwɔ́ŋɔ́n (ɨwɔ́ŋɔ́nì-) v. to intend or mean ɨwɔxíwɔ́xɛ́s (ɨwɔxíwɔ́xɛ́sí-) v. to cut
(to do), premeditate. Must be followed noisily (making a shw-shw sound).
by an infinitive in the dative case. iwúlákés (iwúlákésí-) v. to aerate,
ɨwɔ́ɔ́n (ɨwɔ́ɔ́nì-) v. to be flagging, slack- loosen or turn over (soil).
ing, slowing. ɨwʉ́lɔ́n (ɨwʉ́lɔ́nì-) v. to boast, brag.
a
ɨwɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔt (ɨwɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔtí-/ɨwáíƙɔt-) v. to iwulúwúlés (iwulúwúlésí-) v. to rub
ease up, flag, slack off, slow down. around (e.g. on the ground to make
iwórón (iwórónì-) v. to roam, stray, dirty).
wander. ɨxáxá (<ɨxaxɛɛs) v.
iwórónìàm (iwórónì-àmà-) pl. iwóró- ɨxaxɛɛs (ɨxaxɛɛsí-/ɨxáxá-) v. to shake out
niika . n. roamer, stray, wanderer. noisily (making a sha-sha sound).
iworós (iworósí-) v. to be crazy, de- ɨxɔtsɛs (ɨxɔtsɛsí-) v. to exchange, swap,
ranged. trade. See also ilókótsés and xɔ́tsɛ́s.
iwósétòn (iwósétònì-) v. to be danger- ixóxóƙés (ixóxóƙésí-) v. to dump or
ously steep, preciptious. shake out (e.g. honey from a con-
tainer or seeds from a gourd). See also
iwótsa (iwótsí-) pl. iwótsíka . 1 n. mortar.
ixúxúƙés.
2 n. drum.
ixuƙúxúƙés (ixuƙúxúƙésí-) v. to dump
iwotses (iwotsesí-) v. to pound (with
or shake out (e.g. honey from a con-
mortar and pestle).
tainer or seeds from a gourd).
iwótsíàka (iwótsí-àkà-) n. mouth of a ixúxúƙés (ixúxúƙésí-) v. to dump or
mortar. shake out (e.g. honey from a con-
iwótsídàkwa (iwótsí-dàkù-) pl. iwótsí- tainer or seeds from a gourd). See also
dakwitín. n. pestle. Lit. ‘mortar-stick’. ixóxóƙés.
See also àʝa and kuɲuka . iyalíyálòn (iyalíyálònì-) v. to be drowsy,
iwótsíɡwà (iwótsí-ɡwàà-) n. chin-spot sleepy.
batis. Lit. ‘mortar-bird’. Batis molitor. iyaŋes (iyaŋesí-) v. to abuse verbally, in-
See also nàŋʉ̀ràmɓɔ̀. sult.
iwótsíɔ̀z (iwótsí-ɔ̀zà-) 1 n. bottom of iyaŋíyáŋés (iyaŋíyáŋésí-) v. to shuffle
mortar. 2 n. pounded edible termites (like peanuts in a frying pan).
at the bottom of a mortar.
iyaŋíyáŋòn (iyaŋíyáŋònì-) v. to feel
iwótsóòn (iwótsóònì-) v. to binge, glut, flushed or flustered.
overeat, pig out. ɨyáyá (<ɨyáyɛ́ɛ́s) v.
iwówá (<iwówéés) v. ɨyáyɛ́ɛ́s (ɨyáyɛ́ɛ́sí-/ɨyáyá-) v. to shout or
iwówéés (iwówéésí-/iwówá-) v. to yell ‘ya yaǃ’ at (e.g. to drive animals or
swarm over, teem around. control a crowd).

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íyeés ízuzués

íyeés (íyeesí-) v. to know. A form of the iyomes (iyomesí-) v. to do properly,

word ‘know’ used by younger genera- make excellently.
tions of Ik speakers; see words begin- ɨyɔŋíyɔ́ŋɛ́s (ɨyɔŋíyɔ́ŋɛ́sí-) v. to jiggle.
ning with ɦye- for the older and more
standard form. iyóómètòn (iyóómètònì-) v. to cele-
brate, enjoy, have fun, party.
iyééseetés (iyééseetésí-) v. to pour
down/out. iyóón (iyóónì-) v. to be correct, right.
iyééseetésá así v. to lower oneself. iyopíyópòn (iyopíyópònì-) v. to move
iyérón (iyérónì-) 1 v. to be coiled, spi- up and down alternately, seesaw (e.g.
raled, whorled (e.g. a horn or a tree). 2 the way women jump alternately dur-
v. to be rifled. ing group dances).
iyérónuƙota (iyérónuƙotí-) v. to spiral, iyópón (iyópónì-) v. to vary in height.
whorl. iyótsóós (iyótsóósí-) v. to be deliberate,
iyétsé (<iyétsóòn) v. intentional.
iyétséetés (iyétséetésí-) v. to abort, mis- ízaɓɨzaɓɛ́s (ízaɓɨzaɓɛ́sí-) v. to switch or
carry, terminate. See also iɲétséetés. whip lightly. See also zaɓatiés.
iyétséyeés (iyétséyeesí-) v. to abort or íziɗesa tódae v. to measure or weigh
miscarry repeatedly. one’s words (e.g. when talking during
iyétsóòn (iyétsóònì-/iyétsé-) 1 v. to act, a sad or serious time).
feign, pretend. 2 v. to abort, fail (e.g. ízìɗòn (ízìɗònì-) v. to speak slowly, in-
the weather, being drier than normal). termittently, or thoughtfully (e.g. an el-
See also iɲétsóòn. der giving his last advice to his family
iyikes (iyikesí-) v. to sprinkle, spritz. before death).
iyíyá (<iyíyéés) v. ízokomés (ízokomésí-) v. to strap across
iyíyéés (iyíyéésí-/iyíyá-) 1 v. to screech, or wear across (e.g. the chest or shoul-
shriek (of raptors). 2 v. to ululate. der).
iyoes (iyoesí-) v. to aim, direct, train. ízotam (ízotamá-) n. food with a consis-
iyoesa así v. to aim for, go directly. tency between thick porridge and wa-
iyolíyólés (iyolíyólésí-) v. to let down, tery mush.
lower (e.g. by rope or vine). ízuzués (ízuzuesí-) v. to dust, sprinkle
iyomam (iyomamá-) pl. iyómíka . (e.g. flour on water, salt on food). See
n. masterpiece, work of art. also xɛɛ́s.

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jèjè jíjè

j
jèjè (jèjèì-) pl. jéjèìka . 1 n. leather. 2 jíjè (jíjèì-) pl. jíjèìka . n. opposite side of
n. leather mat, sleeping skin. a ravine, river, or valley.

121
ʝá ʝíìkⁱ

ʝ
ʝá (=ʝá) adv. just, then. ʝàm (ʝàmù) ideo. silkily, smoothly.
o ʝamúdòn (ʝamúdònì-) v. to be silky-
ʝâb (ʝábò) adv. after all (an expression
of counter-expectation). smooth, velvety.
ʝáɓúɡwà (ʝáɓú-ɡwàà-) n. helmeted ʝan (ʝaní-) pl. ʝanɨtín. 1 n. broomgrass:
guineafowl. Numida meleagris. grass species used to make brooms and
to cover beehives and granaries. Andro-
ʝàɡwa (ʝàɡò-) pl. ʝáɡwitín. n. daughter.
pogon chinensis. 2 n. broom. See also
ʝáɡwèda (ʝáɡwèdè-) n. his/her daughter. ʝɛn.
ʝáka (ʝáká-) n. elders, old men. Jʼàòàwa (Jʼàò-àwà-) n. name of a de-
ʝàkàlʉ̀kà (ʝàkàlʉ̀kàà-) n. ecstatic spir- serted village in the east where ʝàwa
itual dance during which drums are shrubs used to grow.
beated, songs are sung, and a men- ʝaobɔɗɔ́ka (ʝao-bɔɗɔ́ká-) n. bark of the
tally/spiritually disturbed person goes ʝàwa shrub used as soap.
into a trance and dances in order for ʝarámétòn (ʝarámétònì-) v. to be dazed,
the spirit to leave him/her. in shock, stunned. See also ɨʝárɔ́n.
ʝákám (ʝákámà-) pl. ʝáka . n. elder, old ʝaulímòn (ʝaulímònì-) v. to be soft, sup-
man. ple (like Caucasian hair).
ʝákámànànès (ʝákámànànèsì-) n. elder- ʝàwa (ʝàò-) pl. ʝáwítín. n. shrub
liness, eldership (of men). species whose yellow fruits are eaten
ʝaƙátós (ʝaƙátósí-) v. to gag, heave, raw, whose interior bark is used as
retch. See also xáƙátòn. soap and treatment against head-lice,
ʝàƙwa (ʝàƙwà) ideo. cowardly, fearfully. and whose wood and stem are used
for flutes, switches, sticks, tool handles,
ʝaƙwádòn (ʝaƙwádònì-) v. to be cow- and roof rafters. Grewia bicolor.
ardly, faint-hearted, fearful.
ʝaya (ʝaí-) pl. ʝaɨtín. n. grass species
ʝaláʝálánón (ʝaláʝálánónì-) v. to be dif- used for thatching huts and for hold-
ferent, diverse, several, various. ing a woman’s placenta when it is col-
ʝalanites (ʝalanitesí-) v. to differentiate, lected and thrown out. Gramineae sp.
distinguish. ʝɛʝɛ́tɔ́n (ʝɛʝɛ́tɔ́nì-) 1 v. to remain, stay on.
ʝalánón (ʝalánónì-) 1 v. to be different, 2 v. to be extra, leftover.
dissimilar. 2 v. to be alien, foreign, ʝɛ̀ʝɔ̀n (ʝɛ̀ʝɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to remain, stay. 2
unrelated. v. to live on, survive.
ʝalánónuƙota (ʝalánónuƙotí-) v. to be- ʝɛn (ʝɛní-) pl. ʝɛnɨtín. 1 n. broomgrass:
come different, differ. grass species used to make brooms and
ʝálátsa (ʝálátsì-) pl. ʝálátsìka . n. plant to cover beehives and granaries. Andro-
species found on the Turkana plains pogon chinensis. 2 n. broom. See also
and whose large tubers are dug up, ʝan.
roasted, and eaten. ʝíìkⁱ (ʝíìkì) adv. all the time, always.

122
ʝɨʝɨd̂ a ʝulamáím

ʝɨʝɨ̂da (ʝɨʝídɔ̀-) pl. ʝiʝídikwa . n. plant ʝɔ̀ƙɔ̀n (ʝɔ̀ƙɔ̀nì-) v. to be medium-sized.

species whose whitish reeds are used See also ɓarɨɓárɔ́n and lerúkúmòn.
to make granaries, houses, and termite ʝolíl (ʝolílé-) n. black kite. Milvus mi-
traps. Acalypha fruticosa. grans.
ʝìkɛ (=ʝìì) adv. also, as well, in addition, ʝɔ̀lɔ̀n (ʝɔ̀lɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be bland, flavor-
too. less, tasteless, vapid. 2 v. to be boring,
ʝikiʝíkón (ʝikiʝíkónì-) v. to sway gently. dull, lackluster, uninteresting. See also
ʝílífɨfí (ʝílífɨfíì-) n. bird species (possibly ɗɛ̀ƙwɔ̀n.
a red-winged starling). ʝooʝo (ʝooʝoó-) n. vine species whose
potato-like roots are edible.
ʝɨlíwa (ʝɨlíʉ́-) n. yellow-rumped
seedeater. Serinus reichenowi. ʝòrìʝòr (ʝòrìʝòrì-) pl. ʝoríʝórìka .
n. cricket.
ʝìr (ʝìrì-) n. back, behind, rear.
ʝɔrɔr (ʝɔrɔrɔ́-) pl. ʝɔrɔ́ríka . 1 n. singing
ʝìr (ʝìrì) ideo. hushedly, quietly, silently. ants: large black ants that can be heard
ʝírɛ̂da (ʝírɛ́dɛ̀-) pl. ʝírín. 1 n. leftover, re- as they march to and from raids on ter-
mainder. 2 n. back part, rear end. mite mounds. Pachycondyla spp. 2
ʝìrìàm (ʝìrì-àmà-) pl. ʝɨriika . 1 n. soldiers.
n. last/latest person. 2 n. lastborn. See ʝɔrɔrɔ́ám (ʝɔrɔrɔ́-ámà-) pl. ʝɔrɔr. n. sol-
also eŋún. 3 n. last wife who follows dier. Lit. ‘singing-ant person’. See also
one around, attending to every need. kéààm.
See also kárátsìkààm. ʝɔta (ʝɔtɛ́-) n. desert rose: flowering
ʝɨríʝírɛ̀tɔ̀n (ʝɨríʝírɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) v. to fill, swell, plant species with a big base, long thin
or well up (e.g. tears, tide, water). branches, and pink flowers that attract
ʝɨríʝírɔ̀n (ʝɨríʝírɔ̀nì-) v. to fill, swell, or bees and wasps; its oblong root is dug
well up (e.g. tears, tide, water). and rolled by children who pretend it
is prey in their spearing practice. Ade-
ʝìrìkɛ n. back, backward, behind, to the nium obesum. Not to be confused with
rear. ʝɔ̂da . See also dɛrɛ́ƙa .
ʝírín (ʝírínì-) n. leftovers, remainders. ʝɔ̂da (ʝɔ́dɛ̀-) n. sisal plant whose fibers
ʝìrɔ̀ka (ʝìrɔ̀kʉ̀-) pl. ʝírɔ́kìka . n. sharpened are used to make hunting nets. Sanse-
stick-spear used in spear-throwing vieria sp. Not to be confused with ʝɔta .
practice. ʝʉɛ́s (ʝʉɛsí-) 1 v. to roast. 2 v. to bake.
ʝìrʉ̀ 1 n. after, later. 2 n. behind, in the ʝʉ́ɛ́tɔ̀n (ʝʉ́ɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to come out, shine
back/rear. forth (of heavenly bodies).
ʝɨkî (ʝíkì) 1 adv. completely, totally, very. ʝʉ̀ʝʉ̀ (ʝʉ̀ʝʉ̀ʉ̀-) n. small plant species with
2 adv. forever. 3 adv. never. See also edible cucumber-like roots.
mʉ̀kà. ʝulam (ʝulamá-) pl. ʝulámíka . n. chunk,
ʝɔɓɛ́tɔ́n (ʝɔɓɛ́tɔ́nì-) v. to grow back, re- piece, segment.
grow, resprout. ʝulamáím (ʝulamá-ímà-) pl. ʝulámí-
ʝɔ̀ɓɔ̀n (ʝɔ̀ɓɔ̀nì-) v. to be regrowing, re- kawika . n. small chunk, piece, or seg-
sprouting. ment .

123
ʝulés ʝʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta

ʝulés (ʝulésí-) v. to section, segment, cut ʝʉ́rɛ́s (ʝʉ́rɛ́sì-) 1 v. to massage, press on,
in chunks. rub, work. 2 v. to sniff, snuff (tobacco
ʝʉm (ʝʉmʉ́-) 1 n. dirt, earth, soil. 2 through the nose).
n. ground. ʝʉ́rɛ́sìàm (ʝʉ́rɛ́sì-àmà-) pl. ʝʉ́rɛ́siika . 1
n. midwife (who massages the womb).
ʝʉma na zîz n. fertile soil. Lit. ‘soil that
is plump’.
2 n. massager, masseuse, physical ther-
apist.
ʝʉmááƙwa (ʝʉmá-áƙɔ̀-) n. underground.
ʝʉ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta (ʝʉ́rɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to massage
ʝʉmʉ́cúé (ʝʉmʉ́-cúè-) n. groundwater, out, press out, rub down/out. 2 v. to
water table. snuff (tobacco).
ʝʉmʉʝʉmás (ʝʉmʉʝʉmásí-) n. sand. ʝʉrɛtɛ́s (ʝʉrɛtɛ́sí-) v. to massage out,
a
ʝʉmʉ́kábaɗ (ʝʉmʉ́-kábaɗá-) pl. ʝʉmʉ́- press out, rub down/out.
kábàɗìka . n. land deed or title. ʝʉrʉm (ʝʉrʉmʉ́-) pl. ʝʉrʉ́míka . n. crook,
rod, staff, stick.
ʝùo (ʝùò) ideo. feebly, frailly, weakly.
ʝʉ́rʉ́t ᶶ (ʝʉ́rʉ́tʉ̀) ideo. schlip! (sound of
ʝuódòn (ʝuódònì-) v. to be feeble, frail,
slipping). See also sɛ̀lɛ̀tɛ .
weak. See also ɨpáláƙɔ̀n.
ʝʉrʉ́tʉ́mɔ̀n (ʝʉrʉ́tʉ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be slick,
ʝʉ̀ɔ̀n (ʝʉ̀ɔ̀nì-) v. to be out: visible and slippery. See also ʝʉrʉtʉ́tɔ́n.
shining (of heavenly bodies).
ʝʉrʉtʉ́tɔ́n (ʝʉrʉtʉ́tɔ́nì-) v. to be slick,
ʝʉɔ́s (ʝʉɔsí-) 1 v. to be roasted. 2 v. to slippery. See also ʝʉrʉ́tʉ́mɔ̀n.
be baked.
ʝʉ́tɛ́s (ʝʉ́tɛ́sì-) 1 v. to squeeze, wring (e.g.
ʝʉ́ránànès (ʝʉ́ránànèsì-) n. provocative- chyme from intestines). 2 v. to milk.
ness. See also ʝʉ́tɛ́s.
ʝʉ́ránòn (ʝʉ́ránònì-) v. to be provoking, ʝʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta (ʝʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to squeeze or
pushing. wring out (e.g. chyme from intestines).

124
Kaaɓɔ́ŋ kaiɗeíáƙáta

k
Kaaɓɔ́ŋ (Kaaɓɔ́ŋì-) n. Kaabong town. kàɓàɲ (kàɓàɲà-) pl. káɓáɲìka . n. big
Kaaɓɔ́ŋɨmucé (Kaaɓɔ́ŋɨ-mucéè-) n. Kaa- bowl made from half a gourd.
bong Road. kaɓéléɓelánón (kaɓéléɓelánónì-) v. to
Kaacikóya (Kaacikóì-) n. name of a hill bank, roll (e.g. when flying or sleep-
or mountain. ing).
Kaakámár (Kaakámárì-) n. name of a kaɓúrútsánón (kaɓúrútsánónì-) v. to be
rocky hill near Kaabong. dirty, murky, turbid.
Káákuma (Káákumaá-) n. Kaakuma Kaɓʉ́tákurí (Kaɓʉ́tákuríì-) n. name of a
town. hill or mountain.
Kaaláɓè (Kaaláɓèè-) n. name of a place. kadɨx (kadɨxá-) pl. kádìxìka . n. sorghum
flowers.
Kaatíríám (Kaatíríámù-) n. name of a
hill or mountain. Kádzàn (Kádzànì-) n. name of a moun-
tain.
kàbàɗa (kàbàɗà-) pl. kábàɗìka . 1 n. rag,
shred. 2 n. document, paper, sheet of káɗìò (káɗìò) subordconn. while (not
paper. 3 n. ballot. yet).
kabaɗa na ɓɛƙɛ́sí n. passport. Lit. ‘pa- kaɗokóya (kaɗokóì-) n. vervet monkey.
per for traveling’. Ceropithecus aethiops.
kabaɗa na hɔnɛ́síɛ̀ kàèè n. driver’s li- kaɗótso (kaɗótsó) ideo. slenderly,
cense, driving permit. Lit. ‘paper for slimly.
driving of a vehicle’. kaɗótsómòn (kaɗótsómònì-) v. to be
kabaɗa na teréɡì n. work contract. Lit. slender, slim. See also sídɔ̀rɔ̀mɔ̀n and
‘paper for work’. tɔ̀kɔ̀n.
kabas (kabasá-) pl. kábàsìka . 1 n. flour, kàè (kàèè-) 1 n. tortoise. Kinixys bel-
grist. 2 n. dust, powder. liana. 2 n. small truck, vehicle.
kábàsìn (kábàsìnì-) n. dust, powder. Lit. Kaehíƙɔ́ (Kae-híƙɔ́ɔ̀-) n. name of a place.
‘its powders’. Lit. ‘tortoise-chameleon’.
kábìlànètòn (kábìlànètònì-) 1 v. to be kàèìm (kàè-ìmà-) pl. kaewika . 1 n. tor-
black with white patches. 2 v. to be toise hatchling, young tortoise. 2
flecked or mixed with fat. n. car, small vehicle.
kábùn (kábùnù-) pl. kábùnìka . n. clique, kàèƙwàz (kàè-ƙwàzà-) pl. kaeƙwazíka .
coterie, social group. n. tortoise shell. Lit. ‘tortoise-
clothing’.
kábusubusánón (kábusubusánónì-)
v. to be blue-gray (e.g. haze over the kaetaƙáya (kae-taƙáí-) pl. kaetaƙáíka .
land, or the color of tobacco mixed n. tire shoe. Lit. ‘car (tortoise)-shoe’.
with soda ash). See also bósánòn. kàf (kàfʉ̀-) n. sticker, thorn.
kàɓa (kàɓà-) pl. káɓítín. n. diaphragm, kaiɗeíáƙáta (kaiɗeí-áƙátí-) n. pumpkin
midriff. stem base. Lit. ‘pumpkin-nose’.

125
kaiɗeíbɔrɔƙɔ́ƙa Kaloturum

kaiɗeíbɔrɔƙɔ́ƙa (kaiɗeí-bɔrɔƙɔ́ƙɔ́-) pl. kakáánón (kakáánónì-) v. to be antsy,

kaiɗeíbɔrɔƙɔ́ƙíka . n. piece of a cut up fidgety, moving restlessly.
pumpkin. Lit. ‘pumpkin-cone’. Kakaɗa (Kakaɗí-) n. name of a hill or
kaiɗeícúé (kaiɗeí-cúè-) n. pumpkin mountain.
juice. Lit. ‘pumpkin-water’. kakɨrɛ́s (kakɨrɛ́sí-) v. to roll or twist up
kaiɗeíékwa (kaiɗeí-ékù-) pl. kaiɗeíék- (e.g. grass for a head-pad, or clothing
wítín. n. pumpkin seed. at the waist).
kaiɗeya (kaiɗeí-) n. pumpkin. Kàkʉ̀tà (Kàkʉ̀tàà-) n. name of a moun-
kaiká (<kaikóón) v. tain.
Kaɨkɛm (Kaɨkɛmɛ́-) n. name of a camp- Kàƙòlò (Kàƙòlòò-) n. name of a river.
ground near Lowákuʝ which was used kál (kálé-) pl. kálítín. n. credit, debt,
during the era of British road construc- loan.
tion in Karamoja. kalápátánitetés (kalápátánitetésí-) v. to
Kaɨkɔ́ɓà (Kaɨkɔ́ɓàà-) n. name of a place flatten or level out.
in Tímù and associated human habita- kalápátánón (kalápátánónì-) v. to be
tions. flat, level (of landscapes).
kaikóón (kaikóónì-/kaiká-) v. to dim, kalápátánónuƙota (kalápátánónuƙotí-)
darken. v. to flatten or level out.
kaɨn (kaɨní-) pl. kaíníka . n. year. Kàlèànàŋìrò (Kàlèànàŋìròò-) n. name of
a
kaíníka ńda kaíník n. forever and ever. a hill or mountain.
Lit. ‘years and years’. kalɛ́ɛ́tsɛránón (kalɛ́ɛ́tsɛránónì-) 1 v. to
o
kaíníkò nùk n. long ago, years ago. Lit. be scrawny, scrubby (e.g. crops or
‘in those years’. trees). 2 v. to be wimpy, wussy. See
also sikwárámòn.
kaɨnɔ na n. this year. See also nakaɨna.
Kàlèwèr (Kàlèwèrì-) n. name of a flat
kaɨnɔ na far n. three years from now.
hilltop where some Ik lived in the mid-
kaɨnɔ na táà n. a year from now, next 1900s.
year.
Kali (Kalií-) n. a personal name.
kaɨnɔ na tso n. two years from now, year Kalɨmapʉ́s (Kalɨmapʉ́sì-) n. a personal
after next. name.
kaɨnɔ nɔkɔ n. three years ago. Kalɔbɛɲɛ́ɲ (Kalɔbɛɲɛ́ɲì-) n. name of a
kaɨnɔ nɔɔ kɛ n. four years ago. hill or mountain.
kaɨnɔ nótso n. two years ago, year be- Kàlɔ̀ʝɔ̀kɛ̀ɛ̀s (Kàlɔ̀ʝɔ̀kɛ̀ɛ̀sɛ̀-) n. name of a
fore last. See also nɔkɛɨna. river.
kaɨnɔ sɨn n. a year ago, last year, Kaloŋoléárɛ́ŋan (Kaloŋoléárɛ́ŋaní-)
yesteryear. n. name of a hill or mountain.
kaites (kaitesí-) 1 v. to taste. 2 v. to Kalɔtʉ́kɔ́ (Kalɔtʉ́kɔ́ɔ̀-) n. name of a river.
sample, test, try. Kaloturum (Kaloturumú-) n. name of a
kaka (kaká-) n. leaf, leaves. river.

126
Kalouwan kàŋɛ̀rèèkwa

Kalouwan (Kalouwaná-) n. name of a Kanatárúka (Kanatárúkù-) n. name of a

river. small hill in Kenya that often has vul-
Kalɔyáŋ (Kalɔyáŋì-) n. a personal name. tures perched on it. The Ik name is
Kɔ̀pàkwàr.
kámáránón (kámáránónì-) 1 v. to be
horizontal, cross, go across. 2 v. to kànàxà (kànàxàà-) pl. kanáxáìka . n. bee-
point backward (of horns). 3 v. to be hive (traditional or modern).
cross-eyed, strabismic. kànàxàdɛ̀ (kànàxà-dɛ̀à-) pl. kanáxáɨ-
kámáránónuƙota (kámáránónuƙotí-) kadɛíka . n. base of a tree containing
v. to cross, go across, go horizontally. a beehive. Lit. ‘beehive-foot’.
kámáriés (kámáriesí-) 1 v. to horizon- kanɛda (kanɛdɛ-) 1 n. back, behind, rear.
talize: to make or mark horizontally. 2 2 n. outer part.
v. to weave the weft or woof. kànɛ̀dɛ̀kɛ 1 n. behind. 2 n. outside. Lit.
kámáriésúƙota (kámáriesúƙotí-) v. to ‘in its back’.
horizontalize: to make or mark hori- kánɛ́s (kánɛ́sì-) 1 v. to lick. 2 v. to wipe
zontally. off/up. 3 v. to annihilate, exterminate,
kámáriós (kámáriosí-) 1 v. to be horizon- wipe out.
talized: made or marked horizontally. kánì (kánì) subordconn. in order that, so
2 v. to be side-striped. that.
Kámíón (Kámíónò-) n. Kamion: the ad- kánɨ mookóo subordconn. in order that
ministrative center of Ikland and its as- … not, so that … not.
sociated human habitations.
kánɨ náa táa subordconn. in order that,
Kámíónòàka (Kámíónò-àkà-) n. name of so that.
a spring and stream near Kamion. Lit.
‘Kámíon-mouth’. kanímétòn (kanímétònì-) v. to go ex-
tinct, be annihilated, wiped out.
Kámíónomucé (Kámíóno-mucéè-)
n. Kamion Road. kanɨtínʉ́ n. behind. Lit. ‘at/from their
backs’.
Kamɔ́rɔ́mɔráta (Kamɔ́rɔ́mɔrátí-)
n. name of a hill or mountain. kánɔ́n (kánɔ́nì-) v. to be clear, cloudless,
unclouded.
kamudurudádòn (kamudurudádònì-)
v. to be doddering, senile. Kaɲíkààl (Kaɲíkààlì-) n. name of a river.
kan (kaná-) pl. kanɨtín. n. upper back. kaɲʉm (kaɲʉmʉ́-) n. sesame, simsim.
Kanaɗápa (Kanaɗápʉ̀-) n. name of a Sesamum indicum.
river. kàŋ (kàŋà) ideo. chewily.
Kanákɛ́rɛta (Kanákɛ́rɛtɛ́-) n. name of a kaŋádòn (kaŋádònì-) 1 v. to be chewy,
river. tough to chew. 2 v. to be stammering,
Kanamútó (Kanamútóò-) n. name of a stuttering. See also kwaídòn.
hill or mountain. kàŋɛ̀r (kàŋɛ̀rà-) pl. kaŋɛ́ríka . n. cal-
Kanarɔ́ (Kanarɔ́ɔ̀-) n. name of a place in abash, gourd.
Tímù and its associated human habita- kàŋɛ̀rèèkwa (kàŋɛ̀rè-èkù-) pl. kaŋɛreek-
tions. witín. n. gourd seed.

127
Kapalú Kátárʉkɔ́ta

Kapalú (Kapalúù-) n. name of a place in kárɨká (kárɨká) 1 adv. most likely, prob-
Tímù between Lokinéne and Tulútúl. ably. 2 adv. actually, certainly, really.
Kàpɛ̀tà (Kàpɛ̀tàà-) n. name of a moun- karimésém (karimésémà-) n. small, red-
tain pass between Lɔɓáláŋɨt and Ɔrɔ́m. dish weed that grows on overturned
Kapɛtapʉ́s (Kapɛtapʉ́sì-) n. name of a soil and chokes out young crops.
hill or mountain. kàròƙa (kàròƙò-) pl. karóƙíka . n. burnt
Kapísima (Kapísimaá-) n. name of a ground, scorched earth.
place in Kenya. karɔŋ (karɔŋɔ́-) pl. karɔ́ŋíka . n. harvest,
kapʉrata (kapʉratá-) n. vine species harvest time . See also watsóya .
whose leaves cause skin itchiness. Ipo- káruɓú (káruɓúù-) pl. káruɓúìka . n. un-
moea wightii. ripe maize. See also íɡùm and ɲaŋárʉ́tɛ̀.
karám (karámʉ́-) pl. karámíka . n. male karuɓúɓón (karuɓúɓónì-) v. to flourish,
eland. Tragelaphus (Taurotragus) oryx. thrive (of plants). See also ɡáruɓúɓón.
karámá (<karámóòn) v. Karʉmɛmɛ́ (Karʉmɛmɛ́ɛ̀-) n. name of a
hill or mountain.
karámóòn (karámóònì-/karámá-) v. to
be irresponsible, lax, lazy. kárʉ̀tsʼa (kárʉ̀tsʼʉ̀-) pl. karʉ́tsʼíka . n. car-
rot.
karan (karaní-) pl. karáníka . n. assis-
tant, secretary. karʉ́tsʼʉ́mɔ̀n (karʉ́tsʼʉ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be
crunchy (like a carrot).
kàràtsa (kàràtsì-) pl. kárátsìka . 1
n. headrest, neckrest that doubles as a Kàsìlè (Kàsìlèè-) n. Kathile town and
stool. 2 n. chair, seat, stool. surrounding area.
kárátsìka (kárátsìkà-) n. court fee: fine kasír (kasírá-) n. cane, stalk (esp.
a defendent must pay. Lit. ‘seats’. the ones with sweet pith, like maize,
sorghum, and sugarcane).
kárátsìkààm (kárátsìkà-àmà-) pl. ká-
kásíta (kásítà-) pl. kásítìka . n. hook-
rátsɨkaika . 1 n. stool carver. 2 n. jury
thorn acacia: tree species with white
member. 3 n. last wife who attends to
flowers and whose branches are used
every need. Lit. ‘chairs-person’.
in fencing and whose twigs are used to
karatsʉ́na (karatsʉ́naá-) n. young men. make the lower (female) firesticks. Aca-
See also ŋímɔ́kɔ́ka. cia mellifera.
karatsʉ́náám (karatsʉ́na-ámà-) pl. ka- kasurúɓé (kasurúɓéè-) n. fine for sexual
ratsʉ́na. n. young man. misconduct: adultery or illegitimate
kàrɛ̀ (kàrɛ̀ɛ̀-) pl. karɛ́íka . n. tree species impregnation.
whose wood is used to carve stools. kàswa (kàsò-) pl. kásítín. n. stick bent
Canthium sp. over as the spring mechanism for a
Karéɲaŋ (Karéɲaŋá-) n. name of a snare.
mountain spring with yellow soil. katálámòn (katálámònì-) v. to be large
Kàrɛ̀ŋà (Kàrɛ̀ŋàà-) n. name of a river and leaflike (e.g. elephant ears or fig-
with reddish soil. tree leaves).
Kàrɛ̀ŋààm (Kàrɛ̀ŋà-àmà-) pl. Karɛŋaika . Kátárʉkɔ́ta (Kátárʉkɔ́tɔ́-) n. name of a
n. Napore person. hill or mountain.

128
Katólìkà kéda zikîba

Katólìkà (Katólìkàà-) 1 n. Catholic money). 2 n. bank check, check. Lit.

church. 2 n. Catholicism. ‘money-tree paper’.
katólìkà (katólìkàà-) n. maize variety kaúdzòmɛ̀n (kaúdzò-mɛ̀nà-) n. finance,
with multicolored kernels. financial matters.
Katólìkààm (Katólìkà-àmà-) pl. Katóli- káwa (káú-) pl. káwítín. n. ash(es).
kaika . n. Catholic person. Kawalakɔ́l (Kawalakɔ́lì-) n. name of a
Katoposiɲaŋ (Katoposiɲaŋá-) n. name place.
of a river in Turkanaland. Kàwàlɛ̀ɛ̀s (Kàwàlɛ̀ɛ̀sɛ̀-) n. name of a
Kátɔ́rɔ̀sà (Kátɔ́rɔ̀sàà-) n. name of a river. river near Lóɗwàr.
kàtsa (kàtsì-) pl. kátsín. n. tip, top. kawam (kawamá-) n. area clearable by
Katsakól (Katsakólí-) n. name of a hill cutting (e.g. to make a new garden).
and an associated river. Kawes (Kawesí-) n. a personal name.
Kátsápeto (Kátsápetoó-) n. name of a Kawés (Kawésí-) n. November: month
river. of clearing woodland. See also Loipo.
katsés (katsésí-) v. to gaze or squint at kawés (kawésí-) v. to cut with a bladed
while shielding the eyes. tool (e.g. an axe or machete).
kátsɛ̂da (kátsɛ́dɛ̀-) n. tip, top. Kàxìɛ̀rà (Kàxìɛ̀ràà-) n. name of a hill or
Katsolé (Katsoléè-) n. name of a hill or mountain.
mountain. kaxɨta (kaxɨtí-) n. grass species whose
katʉmán (katʉmání-) n. maize vari- fruits are a staple food.
ety with white kernels that matures kazaanón (kazaanónì-) v. to be scat-
quickly and has short stems and short tered, strewn. See also ɨɗɛrɔs.
cobs. kazɨta (kazɨtí-) pl. kázìtìka . n. anus.
katúrúturánón (katúrúturánónì-) v. to kâʒwa (káʒò-) pl. káʒitín. 1 n. torch
be broken out, bumpy, rashy (of skin). made of a bundle of small sticks. 2
kaûdza (kaúdzò-) 1 n. money tree: tree n. maize tassel.
species whose flat, round, brown, and ke (=ke) dem. that (over there).
sweet oily fruits are boiled many times kéà (kéàà-) n. army, military, soldiers.
and eaten, and whose wood is used for From the British King’s African Rifles
building houses and fencing. Craibia (KAR).
laurentii. 2 n. money. For some speak-
kéààm (kéà-àmà-) pl. kéà. n. soldier. See
ers, the root has the form of kaúdzè-
also ʝɔrɔrɔ́ám.
See also ŋárɔpɨyá.
kéám (kéámà-) n. every person.
kaúdzà nì ɓètsʼa n. cash, hard currency.
Lit. ‘money that is white’. kébàdà (kébàdì-) n. colossus, giant,
monster of a, whale of a. Referring to
kaúdzèèkwa (kaúdzè-èkù-) pl. kaú-
an entity some distance away.
dzeekwitín. 1 n. coin. 2 n. shilling.
Lit. ‘money-tree eye’. kêda (kédì-) n. degree, measure.
kaúdzokabáɗa (kaúdzo-kabáɗá-) pl. kéda ke dem. over there, there (far).
kaúdzokabáɗíka . 1 n. bill, note (of kéda zikîba n. a long time or while.

129
kedíánètòn kɛ́xɛ́s

kedíánètòn (kedíánètònì-) v. to be black kémúsánón (kémúsánónì-) v. to be

with a white rump. felted, matted.
kédìè kɔ̀n n. at one time, together. Lit. kɛ̀ɲ (kɛ̀ɲɛ̀) ideo. killing one-by-one.
‘in one measure’. Kéɲà (Kéɲàà-) n. Kenya.
kédie kwátsa n. slowly. kéŋán (kéŋánà-) n. each one.
kédììm (kédì-ìmà-) 1 n. a bit. 2 n. a time, kerêba (kerébè-) pl. kerébìka . n. layer of
a while. a grass-thatched roof.
kédiima kwátsa 1 n. a little bit. 2 n. a kèrèmìdza (kèrèmìdzà-) n. an inedibly
little while, a short time. bitter thing (e.g. some kinds of gourd).
kédò kɔ̀n n. at one time, together. Lit. kɛrɛ́s (kɛrɛ́sí-) v. to falsely accuse.
‘by one measure’. keretsʼa (keretsʼú-) pl. kerétsʼíka . n. ter-
kɛɗa (kɛ-ɗɨ-) pro. that one (over there). mite soil: soil dampened by fresh ter-
kɛɗá (kɛ-ɗí-) pro. that one (just there). mite dung and saliva.
kɛ̀ɗa (kɛ̀ɗà-) pl. kɛ́ɗítín. n. reed. kɛ́rínɔ́s (kɛ́rínɔ́sí-) v. to falsely accuse
each other.
kèɗè (kèɗè) 1 coordconn. or. 2 adv. in-
correctly, mistakenly. kɛ́rínɔ́síàm (kɛ́rínɔ́sí-àmà-) pl. kɛ́rínɔ́-
síika . n. false accuser or witness. See
Kéékoŋa (Kéékoŋaí-) n. name of a river
also lóliita .
east of Lopokóka .
Kerûba (Kerúbè-) n. name of a river.
Keepáka (Keepákà-) n. name of a rocky
hill with two peaks near Kaabong. kɛ̀s (kɛ̀sà-) pl. kɛ́sítín. n. cataract.
keîdza (keídzò-) n. wild potato: plant kesen (kesení-) pl. késénìka . n. shield.
species with edible tubers. keseníɡwà (kesení-ɡwàà-) n. bee eater.
kɛɨnatsa n. next year, the coming year. Lit. ‘shield-bird’. Merops sp. See also
A contraction of kaɨna na atsa ‘the year cooríɡwà.
that is coming’. Kɛ́tɛ́l (Kɛ́tɛ́là-) n. name of a hill or moun-
kéíta ke dem. over there, there (far). tain.
kɛtɛ́lɨtɛtɛ́s (kɛtɛ́lɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to make seen
kɛkɛrɛs (kɛkɛrɛsí-) v. to tie or wind
or visible.
around.
kɛtɛ́lɔ́n (kɛtɛ́lɔ́nì-) v. to be clearly seen,
kɛ́láya (kɛ́láì-) pl. kɛ́láìka . n. small
visible, stand out.
fruited teclea: hardwood tree species
growing near rivers and whose wood kɛtɛ́rɛ́mɔ̀n (kɛtɛ́rɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be inflexi-
is used for building. Teclea nobilis. See ble, rigid, stiff, unbending. See also ɓot-
also ɲɛmaɨlɔŋ. sódòn.
kèlèrwa (kèlèrò-) pl. keléríka . n. thorny kétsóibarátsa (kétsói-barátsó-) n. day af-
plant species whose root decoction is ter tomorrow, tomorrow next.
drunk hot as a remedy for stomach kétsóita ke n. three days from now.
acidity. Harrisonia abyssinica. kɛ́xána kɛ dem. that direction/way.
kémús (kémúsì-) pl. kémúsìka . 1 n. old, kɛ́xɛ́s (kɛ́xɛ́sì-) 1 v. to fry (with or with-
dry, matted grass. 2 n. long, matted out oil). 2 v. to dry by cooking (when
hair. no oil is used).

130
kɛ́xɛ́sìàm kílíŋìta

kɛ́xɛ́sìàm (kɛ́xɛ́sì-àmà-) pl. kɛ́xɛ́siika . kíɗɔ̀ (kíɗɔ̀ɔ̀-) n. tchagra (black-

1 n. fryer: one who fries food. 2 and brown-crowned). Tchagra aus-
n. Didinga man. tralis/senegala.
ki (=ki) dem. those (over there). kiɗoɗotsa (kiɗoɗotsí-) pl. kiɗóɗótsìka .
kíbàdà (kíbàdì-) n. overabundance, plen- n. atom, molecule, particle, speck.
titude (over there). kíɗɔlɛ́ (kíɗɔlɛ́ɛ̀-) pl. kíɗɔlɛ́ìka . n. baby
kìɓèɓè (kìɓèɓèì-) pl. kiɓéɓéìka . n. pro- primate, primate infant.
lapsed uterus. See also kìtʉ̀lɛ̀. kɨɗɔnʉƙɔta (kɨɗɔnʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to shrink,
kìɓèɓèàm (kìɓèɓè-àmà-) pl. kiɓeɓeika . shrivel (e.g. one’s stomach when inhal-
n. greedy, selfish person. Lit. ‘one like ing). 2 v. to dodge, sidestep. See also
a prolapsed uterus’. hɛ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔta .
Kiɗorinamóta (Kiɗorinamótí-) n. name
kíɓɛ́zam (kíɓɛ́zamá-) n. chip, flake (of
of a river.
wood).
kíʝa (kíʝá-) pl. kíʝíka . 1 n. earth, globe,
kíɓíɓìta (kíɓíɓìtà-) n. dwarf gecko. Lygo-
world. 2 n. cosmos, universe. 3 n. en-
dactylus sp.
vironment, nature. 4 n. land, property,
Kiɓíca (Kiɓícì-) n. name of a place in real estate. 5 n. location, place. 6
Kenya. Also pronounced as Gɨbíʝa . n. country, nation, state. 7 n. floor.
kíɓɔ́ɔ̀z (kíɓɔ́ɔ̀zà-) 1 n. heartburn, pyrosis. kíʝá na ɨɗɨmɔtɔ́s n. creation.
2 n. phlegm in the mouth of a newborn kíʝáìm (kíʝá-ìmà-) pl. kíʝáwika . n. fairy,
baby.
imp, sprite: small humanoid that inhab-
kídzìmètòn (kídzìmètònì-) v. to climb its the wild places, has magical pow-
down this way, come down, de- ers, and interacts with humans in mis-
scend this way. Also pronounced as chievous and mysterious ways. Lit.
tsíɡìmètòn. ‘earth-child’.
kídzìmòn (kídzìmònì-) v. to descend, kíʝáke n. down.
move down.
kíʝámɛ̀n (kíʝá-mɛ̀nà-) n. current issues,
kídzimonuƙota (kídzimonuƙotí-) v. to recent news. Lit. ‘land-matters’.
climb down, descend, or go down that
kíʝíkààm (kíʝíkà-àmà-) pl. kíʝíkaika .
way.
n. alien, foreigner, outsider.
kiɗa (ki-ɗi-) pro. those ones (over there). kikímón (kikímónì-) v. to be stocky,
kiɗá (ki-ɗí-) pro. those ones (just there). thickset.
kɨɗapánɛ́tɔ̀n (kɨɗapánɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to be kileleɓú (kileleɓúù-) pl. kileleɓúìka .
black with white cheeks. n. intercostal muscle: meat between
kiɗíása (ki-ɗíá-saí-) pro. other(s), the two ribs.
others. kílíkɨlɨká (kílíkɨlɨkáà-) n. long-crested
kiɗíwítsánón (kiɗíwítsánónì-) v. to be eagle. Lophaetus occipitalis.
slender, slim, slight (like a needle or a kílíŋìta (kílíŋìtà-) n. bull (male) elephant.
thin person). Loxodonta africana.

131
kɨlíwítánón kitétón

kɨlíwítánón (kɨlíwítánónì-) v. to be kíníŋàn (kíníŋànì-) pl. kíníŋanín.

clean, clear (e.g. area, sky, water). n. each one.
kìlòlòɓa (kìlòlòɓà-) n. bird species. kínítòda (kíní-tòdà-) n. incomprehensi-
kílootór (kílootóró-) n. kingfisher ble speech, strange talk.
(African pygmy or malachite). Alcedo kìnòròta (kìnòròtì-) pl. kinórótìka .
cristata/Ispidina picta. n. peg, stake (e.g. used to tack down
kɨlɔ́ríta (kɨlɔ́rítà-) n. Egyptian thorn or animal skins).
scented-pod acacia: tree species whose kiɲom (kiɲomú-) pl. kiɲómíka .
inner bark is chewed as cough remedy n. seed(s).
and whose seed-juice is used as a disin-
fectant. Acacia nilotica. kìŋ (kìŋì) ideo. for good, permanently.
Kilóróŋ (Kilóróŋò-) n. name of a moun- kíón (kíónì-) v. to be less-than-full, not
tain pass. full.
kímátsa (kímátsa) ideo. thump thump kɨpʉ́ránètòn (kɨpʉ́ránètònì-) v. to be
(sound of feet stepping). maroon: dark-brownish to purplish-
kímátsa (kímátsì-) pl. kímátsìka . n. foot- red.
fall, footstep, step. kɨrarapa (kɨrarapá-) 1 n. green scum or
kimír (kimírá-) n. red-billed quelea. slime found on top of stagnant water.
Quelea quelea. 2 n. skin on boiled milk. 3 n. soft outer
kìmɔ̀ɗɔ̀rɔ̀tsa (kìmɔ̀ɗɔ̀rɔ̀tsà-) n. flowering layer of stomach.
plant species whose sap, when heated kírérebú (kírérebúù-) n. millet left in the
up, is used as glue to fix metal imple- field to sprout the next year.
ments or to mend gourds. Kleinia sp. kirota (kirotí-) n. perspiration, sweat.
kímʉ́r (kímʉ́rà-) n. mosquito.
kirotánón (kirotánónì-) v. to perspire,
kíná (kíná) coordconn. so then, then. sweat.
Kɨnám (Kɨnámá-) n. May: month of kís (kísá-) n. dispersion, distribution.
mushrooms. See also Titímá.
kísáàm (kísá-àmà-) pl. kísáika . n. dis-
kɨnám (kɨnámá-) pl. kɨnámíka . n. mush-
tributor.
room.
kɨnata (kɨnataá-) pl. kɨnátáìka . n. hand- kisanes (kisanesí-) v. to dispense, dis-
held grinding stone. perse, distribute, divide out/up. See
also tɔkɔrɛs.
kíníám (kíní-ámá-) n. strangers, unrec-
ognized people (e.g. those seen from kisanesíám (kisanesí-ámà-) pl. kisane-
afar without being recognized). Plural sííka . n. distributor.
form of kɔ́nɔ́m. kísés (kísésì-) v. to dispense, disperse,
kíníɛ́n (kíní-ɛ́ní-) pro. a few, some (plu- distribute, divide out/up. See also
ral). tɔkɔrɛs.
Kinimé (Kiniméè-) n. a personal name. kitétón (kitétónì-) v. to begin quivering,
Also pronounced as Kunumé. shaking, shivering, or trembling.

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kitítésuƙota kɔín

kitítésuƙota (kitítésuƙotí-) 1 v. to Kocí (Kocíì-) n. a personal name.

make quiver, shake, shiver, or trem- Kɔ́cɔ́kɨɔ (Kɔ́cɔ́kɨɔ́-) n. name of a moun-
ble. 2 v. to frighten, intimidate, scare, tain slope, associated river, and associ-
threaten. See also xɛɓɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta . ated human habitation.
kìtòn (kìtònì-) 1 v. to shake, quiver, Kocom (Kocomó-) n. name of a moun-
shiver, tremble. 2 v. to be aflutter, jit- tainous area with a huge cavern that
tery, nervous. used to be frequented by baboons.
kɨtɔ́ɔ́sɔ̀n (kɨtɔ́ɔ́sɔ̀nì-) v. to be what color? kodowa (kodoú-) pl. kódòwìka . 1
what shape? what texture? n. gazelle (possibly Grant’s). Gazella
kìtsa (kìtsà-) pl. kítsín. 1 n. heap, mound, granti. 2 n. yellowish color (like that
pile. 2 n. tall anthill. See also ɲatúkíta . of a gazelle).
kìtsàɗɔ̀s (kìtsàɗɔ̀sì-) n. vine species Kodowííka (Kodowí-ícé-) n. traditional
whose roots are eaten raw or roasted. men’s age-group with a gazelle as its
Vigna oblongifolia. totem (11th and final Ik age-group). Lit.
‘Gazelle-Folk’.
kitsetés (kitsetésí-) v. to heap or pile up.
See also iruketés. kɔ̀dza (kɔ̀dzà-) n. yellow-necked spur-
fowl. Francolinus leucoscepus.
kìtsòn (kìtsònì-) 1 v. to be undercooked.
2 v. to be unclear, vague (of informa- koɗó (koɗóò-) n. pestilence, plague (par-
tion). See also ɨmʉ́ránón. tially manifested in skin boils).
kitsonuƙota (kitsonuƙotí-) 1 v. to under- koɗósón (koɗósónì-) v. to be bent for-
cook (due to waning fire). 2 v. to lose ward (of horns).
interest. 3 v. to fade (of color). See also Kɔɛ́s (Kɔɛ́sí-) n. a personal name. May
sɛkɔnʉƙɔta . also be spelled as Kwɛɛ́s.
kìtʉ̀lɛ̀ (kìtʉ̀lɛ̀ì-) pl. kɨtʉ́lɛ́ìka . n. pro- kɔɛ́s (kɔɛsí-) 1 v. to await, expect, wait
lapsed uterus. See also kìɓèɓè. (for/on). 2 v. to attend to, tend (e.g. a
garden, keeping watch for animal and
kɨwíl (kɨwílá-) pl. kɨwílíka . n. area
human crop thieves).
newly cleared and burnt off for cultiva-
tion. kɔ́ɛ́s (kɔ́ɛ́sì-) v. to bleed for healing,
leech, phlebotomize.
kíxána ke n. over there, that way.
kɔɛsíàm (kɔɛsí-àmà-) pl. kɔɛsíika .
kíxwa (kíxó-) pl. kíxítín. n. freshly cut
n. bird-scarer, garden attendant.
switch.
kɔɛtɛ́s (kɔɛtɛ́sí-) v. to await, expect, wait
kiyá ki dem. those areas or places.
(for/on).
kiyér (kiyérí-) n. bird species. koferemáásìò (koferemáásìò-) n. Con-
kíyɔɔrɔ́ (kíyɔɔrɔ́ɔ̀-) n. white-crested hel- firmation: Catholic sacrament allow-
met shrike. Prionops plumatus. ing a baptized person to fully partici-
kó (kó) nurs. wa-wa! (a nursery word pate in the church.
for drinking or water). Kòfòè (Kòfòèò-) n. name of a hill or
kɔ̀ɓɔ̀n (kɔ̀ɓɔ̀nì-) v. to be ripening (e.g. mountain.
maize when its kernels are still hard). kɔín (kɔíná-) pl. kɔíníka . n. scent, whiff.

133
koisiés komítésuƙota

koisiés (koisiesí-) v. to wait in vain. kɔl (kɔlá-) pl. kólíkwa . n. young goat
kóʝa (kóʝà) adv. may …, please. ram (uncastrated).
kɔ̀ka (kɔ̀kà-) n. small reeds woven to- kɔlánétòn (kɔlánétònì-) 1 v. to have a
gether to make granaries. stripe down the spine. 2 v. to be clear
(of a path).
kɔkɛ́s (kɔkɛ́sí-) 1 v. to close, shut. 2 v. to
cover. See also mʉtsʼʉtɛs. kɔlɛ́rà (kɔlɛ́ràà-) n. cholera.
kɔkɛ́sá así 1 v. to shut oneself in. 2 v. to kɔlɨl (kɔlɨlí-) n. cucumber.
cover oneself (e.g. in clothing). kɔlɨlícúé (kɔlɨlí-cúè-) n. cucumber juice.
ɛ
kɔkɛ́sá mɛná v. to conceal matters, kɔlɨlíékwa (kɔlɨlí-ékù-) pl. kɔlɨlíékwítín.
cover up issues. n. cucumber seed.
kɔkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (kɔkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to shut out. kɔlɨlíkú (kɔlɨlí-kúà-) n. cucumber grass:
kɔkɛtɛ́s (kɔkɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to close, shut. 2 short grass species used for picking up
v. to cover. 3 v. to shut down, turn off. slippery things (like cucumber seeds)
and wiping the rear ends of infants.
kɔkɛtɛ́sá mɛnáɛ v. to bring to a close,
Gramineae sp.
conclude, wrap up (matters).
koliméwa (koliméù-) n. patas monkey.
kokímétòn (kokímétònì-) v. to close,
Erythrocebus patas.
shut.
kɔlɔlánón (kɔlɔlánónì-) 1 v. to be
kɔkíríkɔka (kɔkíríkɔkɔ́-) n. bush bar-
derelict, dilapidated, ramshackle, run-
bet, tinkerbird (red-fronted). Pogoniu-
down. 2 v. to be dried up, wasted away
lus sp./Tricholaema sp.
(crops or cadavers).
kɔkɨtɛtɛ́s (kɔkɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to make to
kólór (kólórò-) n. bird species.
close/shut.
kɔ́lɔ́tsa (kɔ́lɔ́tsì-) pl. kɔ́lɔ́tsìka . n. men’s
Kɔkɔ́ (Kɔkɔ́ɔ̀-) n. a personal name.
coverall, overall, or smock made of an-
kɔkɔ́ (kɔkɔ́) nurs. no-no! (a nursery imal skin.
word for ‘Don’t touchǃ’).
kom (komá-) n. lots, many, multitude.
kokoes (kokoesí-) v. to entrap, trap (ter-
mites by digging a hole and lining it kòm (kòmà) quant. many.
with sisal leaves). komás (komásí-) n. manyness, multi-
a
kokór (kokóró-) pl. kokóríkw . n. ridge. plicity, plurality.

kòkòròtsa (kòkòròtsì-) n. small plant kombóta (kombótì-) n. liquor, strong

species with nasty hooked thorns and drink. See also tule.
which is burned in fields to kill pests or kómétsʼàɗa (kómé-tsʼàɗì-) n. conflagra-
to stop rain. Asparagus flagellaris. tion, inferno, wildfire.
kɔkɔsánón (kɔkɔsánónì-) v. to be ma- komikómón (komikómónì-) v. to be
ture (of plants or people). slightly numerous, not few-not many.
Kókósowa (Kókósowaá-) n. name of a komitésá así v. to multiply oneselves.
hill or mountain. komítésuƙota (komítésuƙotí-) v. to in-
a
Kokóy (kokóí-) n. a personal name. crease, multiply.

134
Kòmòkùà kɔŋɛ́s

Kòmòkùà (Kòmòkùàà-) n. Komokua (I kɔ́náya (kɔ́n-áí-) pro. somewhere else.

& II): two of the Ik’s twelve clans. kɔ́nɛ́ɛ́ná ámáe n. somebody, someone.
Kòmòkùààm (Kòmòkùà-àmà-) pl. Ko- kɔ́nɛ́ɛ́ná kɔ́rɔ́ɓádì n. something.
mokuaika . n. Komokua clan member. kɔníám (kɔní-ámà-) pro. someone.
komolánón (komolánónì-) v. to be kóníátìke v. one at a time, one-by-one.
patched, spotted (in color). See also ko-
kɔ́níɛ́n (kɔ́ní-ɛ́ní-) pro. a/an, some (sin-
ríánètòn and tábàsànètòn.
gular).
kómoló (kómolóò-) pl. kómolóìka .
kóníón (kóníónì-) v. to be one at a time,
n. tree species whose large fruits
one-by-one.
are sucked like an orange and from
whose wood branched mingling sticks kónionúƙota (kónionúƙotí-) v. to go off
are made and whose strong wood is one-by-one.
used for building. Canthium lactescens. kɔ́nís (kɔ́nísì-) n. inbreeding, incest.
kɔmɔ́m (kɔmɔ́má-) pl. kɔmɔ́míka . 1 kɔ́nísìàm (kɔ́nísì-àmà-) pl. kɔ́nísiika .
n. scale, scurf. 2 n. cracked skin on n. inbreeder, incestuous person.
the foot. 3 n. small plant species with kɔnítɛ́sʉƙɔta (kɔnítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to make
painful, paper-thin thorns that stick in into one, unite.
the feet of baboons and humans. kɔnɨtɛtɛ́s (kɔnɨtɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to take nearly
kòmòn (kòmònì-) v. to be many, multi- everything (e.g. food or things). 2 v. to
tudinous, plural. hit from behind.
komos (komosí-) pl. kómósìka . n. butt kɔ́nítɨáke 1 pro. once and for all. 2
cheek, buttock. pro. completely, totally.
kómósikaa ɓetsʼaakátìke n. young chil- kónító ódòwì n. another day, one day,
dren. Lit. ‘buttocks being white’. So- once upon a time. Often shortened to
called from their scooting around in kóntódòwì.
the dust. kɔnɔ num. once, one time. Lit. ‘by one’.
komótsa (komótsá-) pl. komótsíka . 1 kɔ́nɔ́m (kɔ́nɔ́mà-) pl. kíníám.
n. elephant trunk. 2 n. plant species n. stranger.
whose hollow bamboo-like stems are kɔ̀nɔ̀n (kɔ̀nɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be one. 2 v. to
used to blow spirits out of any bodily be alone.
orifice and whose root decoction is fed kɔnɔna áɗònù v. to be a third (fraction).
to dogs to make them fierce.
kɔnɔna leɓétsónù v. to be a half.
komótsɛ́ɛ̀ba (komótsɛ́-ɛ̀bà-) pl. ko-
kɔnɔna toomínú v. to be a tenth (frac-
mótsɛ́ɛbɨtín. n. artillery gun, cannon.
tion).
Lit. ‘elephant-trunk gun’.
kɔnɔna tsʼaɡúsónù v. to be a fourth (frac-
kon (koní-) pl. konitín. n. ligament,
tion).
sinew, tendon.
kɔnɔna túdònù v. to be a fifth (fraction).
kɔn (kɔní-) pro. another, some other.
kɔŋɛ́s (kɔŋɛ́sí-) v. to cook (by heat-
kɔ̀n (kɔ̀nà) num. one. ing water and stirring). Compare with
kɔ́náxàn (kɔ́ná-xànà-) n. unusual way. itiŋés.

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kɔŋɛ́síàm Kɔrɔmɔtátôda

kɔŋɛ́síàm (kɔŋɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. kɔŋɛ́síika . kóríètòn (kóríètònì-) v. to contend,

n. chef, cook. struggle, wrestle.
kɔŋɛ́sídàkwa (kɔŋɛ́sí-dàkù-) pl. kɔŋɛ́sí- koríón (koríónì-) v. to be in labor, par-
dakwitín. n. cooking stick (for stirring turiency.
food). kɔrɨtɛtɛ́s (kɔrɨtɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to blacken,
Kóŋɡò (Kóŋɡòò-) n. Congo, Democratic char, scorch. 2 v. to beat, crush, or
Republic of Congo (DRC). destroy (slang for defeating someone).
kɔ́ɔ́ (kɔ́ɔ́) dem. there. A noun following Koríye (Koríyeé-) n. a personal name.
this word takes the genitive case. kɔrɔanón (kɔrɔanónì-) v. to struggle,
kɔ́ɔ́ kɛ dem. in that direction, over there, wrestle. See also koríón.
there. kɔ́rɔ́ɓâda (kɔ́rɔ́ɓádì-) pl. kúrúɓâda . n. en-
kɔ́ɔ́ kíʝ 1 n. down, downward. 2 n. be-
o tity, item, object, thing.
low. 3 n. south, southward. Lit. ‘there kɔ́rɔ́ɓáìdàkwa (kɔ́rɔ́ɓáì-dàkù-) n. uniden-
by the land’. tified or unknown plant or tree.
kɔ́ɔ́ kwarɔ 1 n. up, upward. 2 n. north, Koroɓé (Koroɓéè-) n. a personal name.
northward. Lit. ‘there by the moun-
kɔrɔ́ɗɔ́mɔ̀n (kɔrɔ́ɗɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be gaunt,
tain’.
haggard, ragged, thin. See also ɨkárɔ́n.
kɔ́ɔ́kíʝóàm (kɔ́ɔ́kíʝó-àmà-) pl. kɔ́ɔ́kíʝóika .
kɔrɔ́ka (kɔrɔ́kʉ́-) pl. kɔrɔ́kíka . n. digit,
n. southerner.
finger, toe.
kɔ́ɔ́kwarɔ́ám (kɔ́ɔ́kwarɔ́-ámà-) pl. kɔ́ɔ́k- kɔrɔ́ká ná zè 1 n. thumb. 2 n. big toe.
waróíka . n. northerner. Lit. ‘digit that is big’.
kɔ̀pa (kɔ̀pà-) 1 n. vulture. 2 n. funerary kɔrɔ́kíkààm (kɔrɔ́kíkà-àmà-) pl. kɔrɔ́kí-
goat killed to appease the spirit of the kaika . n. kleptomaniac. Lit. ‘fingers-
deceased. See also ɲépúɲa. person’.
Kɔ̀pàkwàr (Kɔ̀pà-kwàrà-) n. name of a kɔrɔ́kíkànànès (kɔrɔ́kíkànànèsì-)
small hill in Kenya that often has vul- n. kleptomania.
tures perched on it. Lit. ‘vulture-
mountain’. Also called Kanatárúka . kɔrɔ́kɔ́ɔ̀ka (kɔrɔ́kɔ́-ɔ̀kà-) pl. kɔrɔ́kíkɔɔ-
kɨtín. n. finger bone, toe bone.
kɔpɨkɔpa (kɔpɨkɔpí-) pl. kɔpíkɔ́pìka .
n. ankle. See also dɛámóróka . Kɔrɔmɔta (Kɔrɔmɔtá-) n. Toposa.
kɔr (kɔrɛ́-) n. charred meat, muchomo. Kɔrɔmɔtáhó (Kɔrɔmɔtá-hóò-) pl. kɔ-
rɔmɔtáhóíka . n. conical hut made in
kɔrɛtɛ́s (kɔrɛtɛ́sí-) v. to blacken, char, the style of the Toposa people.
scorch.
Kɔrɔmɔtáŋám (Kɔrɔmɔtá-ŋámà-)
kɔrɛ́tɔ́n (kɔrɛ́tɔ́nì-) v. to get blackened, n. sorghum variety associated with the
charred, scorched. Toposa tribe, with white stalks, stems,
kòrì (kòrì) coordconn. or. and seeds.
koríánètòn (koríánètònì-) v. to be Kɔrɔmɔtátôda (Kɔrɔmɔtá-tódà-)
patched, spotted (like a giraffe). See n. Toposa dialect of the Ateker (Teso-
also komolánón and tábàsànètòn. Turkana) speech varieties.

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Koror kùɓa

Koror (Kororí-) n. name of a place. kotsetés (kotsetésí-) v. to fetch, get (wa-

a a
kɔrɔ̂b (kɔrɔ́bɛ̀-) pl. kɔrɔ́baikw . n. calf. ter).
kòrrr (kòrrr) ideo. swish swish (sound kotsítésuƙota (kotsítésuƙotí-) v. to en-
of someone moving by). snare, entrap, snare, trap. See also
sáɡwès.
Koryaŋ (Koryaŋí-) n. a personal name.
kòtsòn (kòtsònì-) v. to be ensnared,
Kɔsɔŋ (Kɔsɔŋɔ́-) n. personal name of an entrapped, snared, trapped. See also
Ik man who was shot by the Turkana sáɡoanón.
for beating up a warrior who was steal-
kotsonuƙota (kotsonuƙotí-) v. to be-
ing from his garden.
come ensnared, entrapped, snared, or
kòsòwa (kòsòù-) n. dried out figs (of any trapped.
of the various fig tree species).
kɔ̀wɛ̀ nòko v. long ago.
kóteré (kóteré) 1 prep. because of, due
kɔ̀wɔ̀n (kɔ̀wɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be ancient, old.
to. 2 subordconn. because, due to the
2 v. to be chronic. 3 v. to be old-
fact that, for the reason that. 3 subor-
fashioned, outmoded. 4 v. to have
dconn. in order that, so that. A noun
been around already a while.
following this word takes the oblique
case. See also ikóteré. koxésúƙota (koxésúƙotí-) v. to scratch
vigorously to the point of bleeding.
kɔ́tɛ́s (kɔ́tɛ́sì-) 1 v. to curse, cuss out. 2
v. to exorcize (e.g. evil spirits). kù (kùà-) n. grass.
kɔ́tɛ́sa súɡùrìkàe v. to exorcize spirits. kua mínɛ́sɨɛ kwaɨtíní n. grass toothpick.
Lit. ‘grass of the picking of teeth’.
kɔ́tɛ́sìàm (kɔ́tɛ́sì-àmà-) pl. kɔ́tɛ́siika .
n. exorcist. kua ni ɲeryaŋí n. iron sheets used for
roofing houses. Lit. ‘grasses of moder-
kotím (kotímá-) pl. kotímíka . n. hole or nity’.
hollow in a tree.
kûba (kúbà-) pl. kúbitín. n. unseen hill-
kotímácùè (kotímá-cùè-) 1 n. water side.
found in a tree hollow. 2 n. black tea.
kúbam (kúbamá-) n. more. Lit. ‘unsee-
kòto (kòtò) 1 coordconn. so, then, there- able’.
fore, thus. 2 coordconn. but.
kʉ́bɛ̀l (kʉ́bɛ̀là-) pl. kʉ́bɛ̀lìka . n. push
a a
kòtòb (kòtòbà-) pl. kotóbaikw . n. fe- hoe.
male greater kudu. Tragelaphus strep-
kʉ́bɛ̀lɛ̀mɔ̀n (kʉ́bɛ̀lɛ̀mɔ̀nì-) v. to be pre-
siceros.
cipitous, steep (on two sides).
kɔtɔl (kɔtɔlí-) n. African white-backed
kúbòn (kúbònì-) v. to be invisible, out
vulture. Gyps africanus.
of sight, unobserved, unseen.
kɔtɔ́r (kɔtɔ́rá-) n. oribi. Ourebia ourebi. kúbonuƙota (kúbonuƙotí-) v. to disap-
Kotorúbé (Kotorúbéè-) n. name of a hill pear, go out of sight, vanish.
or mountain. kúbùr (kúbùrà-) pl. kúburaikwa . n. big
a
kɔ́ts (kɔ́tsá-) n. scabies. container (e.g. gourd, jerrycan, tank).
kotsés (kotsésí-) v. to fetch, get (water). kùɓa (kùɓà-) pl. kúɓítín. n. hill.

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kʉɓá kùr

kʉɓá (kʉɓáà-) pl. kʉɓáátikwa . n. hus- kʉláɓákàka (kʉláɓá-kàkà-) n. bushbuck

band of my wife’s sister. leaf: shrub species that bushbucks like
kùɓààƙwa (kùɓà-àƙɔ̀-) n. flat hilltop. to eat and whose leaves yield a red dye.
Fuerstia africana.
Kùɓààwa (Kùɓà-àwà-) n. name of a hill.
Lit. ‘hill-place’. kùm (kùmù) ideo. flop! wham! (sound
of hitting the ground hard).
kuɓaɡwarí (kuɓa-ɡwaríì-) n. hilltop.
Kumeta (Kumetí-) n. name of a river.
kúca (kúcé-) pl. kúcítín. n. outcropping,
kumutsánón (kumutsánónì-) v. to be
rocky outcrop. May also be spelled as
joined together. See also ɗɔtsánón.
kwíca .
kunéta (kunétá-) n. tree species whose
kúɗaakón (kúɗaakónì-) v. to be low, yellow fruits are eaten raw, whose oily
short (of many). seeds are fried, mashed, and used as
kuɗás (kuɗásí-) n. lowness, shortness. smearing oil or soap, and whose wood
kuɗítésuƙota (kuɗítésuƙotí-) v. to make is used for fencing. Ximenia americana.
short, shorten. kuɲuka (kuɲukú-) pl. kúɲúkìka . n. pes-
kúɗón (kúɗónì-) v. to be low, short. tle. See also àʝa and iwótsídàkwa .
kuɲukúdzibér (kuɲukú-dzibérí-) pl.
kʉ́f (kʉ́fá-) pl. kʉ́fítín. n. light rain,
kuɲukúdzibéríka . n. traditional axe
sprinkle (just enough to moisten sur-
or hatchet.
faces).
kùpa (kùpà-) n. cloud cover, cloudiness.
kukáta (kukátí-) pl. kukátíka . n. half-
grown primate. kùpààƙwa (kùpà-àƙɔ̀-) n. cloudiness,
overcast weather.
kukú (kukú) nurs. up-up! (a nursery
word for riding on mother’s back). kʉpɛ́s (kʉpɛ́sí-) 1 v. to burn, scald. 2
v. to affect, move emotionally.
kùku (kùkù) ideo. on an empty stomach,
kʉpɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (kʉpɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to burn,
without eating.
scald.
kùku (kùkù) ideo. thump thump (sound
kupétón (kupétónì-) v. to cloud over/up,
of someone running).
get cloudy.
kukuanón (kukuanónì-) v. to scramble Kùpòn (Kùpònì-) n. January: month of
down. cloudiness. See also Lomuka .
kukuɗetsa (kukuɗetsí-) n. slate-colored kùpòn (kùpònì-) v. to be cloudy, gray
boubou. Laniarius funebris. (of weather), overcast.
kùkùsèn (kùkùsènì-) pl. kukúsénìka . 1 kupukúpón (kupukúpónì-) v. to cloud
n. subterranean hive built by ground over/up, get cloudy.
bees. 2 n. underground hole used for kur (kurí-) pl. kuritín. 1 n. shade. 2
storage. n. shelter. 3 n. assembly, gather-
kʉkʉ́ʉ́k ᶶ (kʉkʉ́ʉ́kʉ̀) ideo. cockle-doodle- ing, meeting (i.e. people sitting in the
doo! (sound of a rooster crowing). shade).
kʉláɓa (kʉlaɓá-) n. bushbuck. Tragela- kùr (kùrì-) pl. kúrítín. n. tree
phus scriptus. species whose bark, leaves, or roots

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kùr kutsúbàè

are pounded and soaked in water yield- kúrúɓáìnòìn (kúrúɓáì-nòìnì-) n. new

ing a decoction that is drunk for chest discovered things.
problems; the residue can also be ap- kurukur (kurukurí-) n. black wingless
plied to alleviate back and chest pain. insect that devours clothing.
Vepris glomerata. kùrùkùr (kùrùkùrù) ideo. sound of a
kùr (kùrù) ideo. klop klop (sound of trot- gourd rolling.
ting footsteps). kúrúkúr (kúrúkúrí-) pl. kúrúkúríka . 1
kʉ́rà (kʉ́ràì-) pl. kʉráíka . n. wait- n. shadow. 2 n. apparition, ghost,
a-bit acacia: small tree species whose shade, specter, wraith. 3 n. reflection.
wood is used for building and fencing, 4 n. photo(graph), picture, snapshot. 5
whose sticks are used to thresh grain, n. idol.
and whose roots are crushed, soaked, kurukúrétòn (kurukúrétònì-) v. to
and drunk to ward off evil spirits. Aca- darken with shade or shadows.
cia brevispica.
kúrúkúríka ni ɓɛƙɛ́s n. film, movie, tele-
Kʉráhò (Kʉrá-hòò-) n. name of a hill or vision, video. Lit. ‘shadows that move’.
mountain. Lit. ‘wait-a-bit acacia hut’. See also ɲévíɗyo.
Kʉ́ràìàƙwa (Kʉ́ràì-àƙɔ̀-) n. name of a kurukúrón (kurukúrónì-) v. to avert the
place. Lit. ‘among wait-a-bit acacias’. eyes, avoid eye contact.
kʉ́ràka (kʉ́ràkì-) 1 n. fan-tailed raven. kʉrʉ́kʉ́rɔ́s (kʉrʉ́kʉ́rɔ́sí-) v. to be active,
Corvus rhipidurus. 2 n. pied crow. energetic. See also kwɨɲídɔ̀n.
Corvus albus.
Kúrúlè (Kúrúlèè-) n. personal name of
kurés (kurésí-) v. to beat, defeat, over- a former Ik chief elder.
whelm. See also ɨlɔɛs.
Kùrùmò (Kùrùmòò-) n. name of a place
kurésúƙota (kurésúƙotí-) v. to beat, de- on Mount Morúŋole.
feat, overwhelm.
Kʉsɛ́m (Kʉsɛ́mʉ̀-) n. a personal name.
kurétón (kurétónì-) v. to jar, jolt. The Also pronounced as Kʉsám.
object of this verb takes the dative case.
kʉ̀tɔ̀n (kʉ̀tɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to say. 2 v. to name.
kuritésúƙota así v. to forfeit, give in/up, 3 v. to go___: make a sound or perform
quit. an action that is expressed with one of
kurósúƙota (kurósúƙotí-) v. to become the language’s many ideophones. 4
difficult, overwhelming. v. to intend to do. 5 v. to arrive in.
kúrúɓáa ni cɛmáɛ n. arms, weapons. kʉtɔnʉƙɔta (kʉtɔnʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to pro-
kúrúɓáa ni epwí n. beddings. nounce, say, utter. 2 v. to ‘do’ or ‘go’:
kúrúɓáà nùù kɔ̀wa n. artifacts. Lit. make a sound or perform an action that
‘things that are old’. is expressed with one of the language’s
kúrúɓâda (kúrúɓádì-) 1 n. entities, many ideophones.
items, objects, things. 2 n. goods, be- kʉtsáƙáàwa (kʉtsáƙá-àwà-) pl. kʉ-
longings. tsáƙáawíka . n. urinating spot.
kúrúɓáicíka (kúrúɓá-icíká-) n. belong- kʉtsáƙón (kʉtsáƙónì-) v. to pee, urinate.
ings, commodities, goods, stuff. Lit. kutsúbàè (kutsúbàè-) n. vine species
‘various things’. which is peeled and whose pith is

139
kʉ́tʉ́ka kwátsón

roasted and eaten; a root decoction is kwanɛda (kwanɛdɛ-) n. tiny stick used
drunk for body pain. as a trigger in a bird snare. Lit. ‘its
kʉ́tʉ́ka (kʉ́tʉ́kʉ̀-) n. first portion of penis’.
edible termites to be eaten. See also kwaníéɗa (kwaní-éɗì-) n. glans penis.
wàxìdòm. Lit. ‘penis-kernel’.
kútúŋ (kútúŋù-) pl. kútúŋìka . n. knee. kwaníékwa (kwaní-ékù-) n. penis hole,
kutúŋétòn (kutúŋétònì-) v. to genuflect, urethral meatus. Lit. ‘penis-eye’.
kneel. kwanítsʼɛ́ (kwaní-tsʼɛ́à-) n. foreskin. Lit.
kutúŋón (kutúŋónì-) v. to be kneeling. ‘penis-skin’.
kútúŋùdàda (kútúŋù-dàdà-) n. small kwaɲɛ́s (kwaɲɛ́sí-) v. to foil, thwart.
red flying ant species that appears at kwaɲɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (kwaɲɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to foil,
evening time. thwart.
kutúta (kutútá-) pl. kutútíka . n. anthill, kwar (kwará-) pl. kwàrìka . n. moun-
termite mound. tain.
Kʉwám (Kʉwámʉ̀-) n. a personal name. kwarádɛ̀ (kwará-dɛ̀à-) pl. kwarɨkadɛíka .
kùx (kùxù) ideo. greasy, oily. n. base or foot of a mountain.
kwàà (kwàà) nurs. pee-pee: a nursery kwaráɡwarí (kwará-ɡwaríì-) n. moun-
word for urine or urinating. taintop, peak, summit.
kwààke n. ago, before, since. May also kwaréékwa (kwaré-ékù-) n. mountain
be spelled as kɔ̀wà kè. saddle. Lit. ‘mountain-eye’.
kwaake náka n. since earlier today. May kwàrìkààm (kwàrìkà-àmà-) pl. kwa-
also be spelled as kɔwa ke náka . rɨkaika . n. mountain dweller.
kwààkè nòko n. long since, since long Kwarikabubúíka (Kwarika-bubúíkà-)
ago. May also be spelled as kɔ̀wà kè n. name of a place. Lit. ‘mountain-
nòko . bellies’.
kwààkè sìn n. since yesterday. May also kwatsa (kwatsí-) 1 n. pee, urine. 2 n. off-
be spelled as kɔ̀wà kè sìn. spring, progeny.
kwaár (kwaárá-) pl. kwaáríka . n. troop kwatsíém (kwatsí-émè-) n. soft flesh be-
of baboons. low the buttock. Lit. ‘urine-meat’.
kwaídòn (kwaídònì-) v. to be chewy, kwátsíkaakón (kwátsíkaakónì-) 1 v. to
tough to chew. See also kaŋádòn. be little, small (of many). 2 v. to be
kwàìn (kwàìnì-) 1 n. edges, sides. 2 young (of many).
n. vulval (genital) labia. kwatsítésuƙota (kwatsítésuƙotí-) v. to
kwalíkwálɔ̀n (kwalíkwálɔ̀nì-) v. to decrease size, make smaller, shrink
quake, quiver, shake, shiver, tremble. down.
See also irikíríkòn. kwatsitésúƙota así v. to humble oneself.
kwan (kwaní-) pl. kwanɨtín. 1 n. penis, kwátsón (kwátsónì-) 1 v. to be little,
phallus. 2 n. stinger. small. 2 v. to be young.

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kwátsónuƙota kwírɛ́s

kwátsónuƙota (kwátsónuƙotí-) v. to be- kwɛtíkínɔ n. empty-handed, unre-

come little or small, decrease in size, warded. Lit. ‘with hands (only)’.
shrink down. kwɛtsʼɛ́mɔ́n (kwɛtsʼɛ́mɔ́nì-) 1 v. to get
kwayɔ́ɔ́ka (kwayɔ́-ɔ́kà-) pl. kwaitíníɔ- damaged or shattered (esp. a gourd). 2
kɨtín. n. root of a tooth. Lit. ‘tooth- v. to be divulged, let out, revealed (a
bone’. secret).
kwaywa (kwayó-) pl. kwaitín. 1 kwɛtsʼɛ́s (kwɛtsʼɛ́sí-) 1 v. to damage,
n. tooth. 2 n. edge, fringe, side. shatter. 2 v. to divulge, let out, reveal
kwàⁱ (kwàì) ideo. chewily. (a secret).
kwédekwedánón (kwédekwedánónì-) kwɛ̀x (kwɛ̀xɛ̀) ideo. thinly.
v. to be bony, cadaverous, skeletal. kwɛxɛ́dɔ̀n (kwɛxɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be thin (of
kwɛ́dɔ̀n (kwɛ́dɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to bend side- flat surfaces, like cloth or leather).
ways. 2 v. to go off course, veer. 3 kwídètòn (kwídètònì-) v. to have a pe-
v. to split open (of bean pods). nile erection.
kweeda (kweede-) n. edge, fringe, side. kwídikwidós (kwídikwidósí-) v. to be
Lit. ‘its tooth’. aroused, horny, turned on (sexually).
kweeda ƙwázàe n. hem. kwídòn (kwídònì-) v. to have a penile
kweelémòn (kweelémònì-) 1 v. to pro- erection.
trude, stick out (of ears). 2 v. to be kwílɨlí (kwílɨlíì-) 1 n. ripe desert dates
ashamed, embarrassed, humiliated. . 2 n. local Ik tobacco variety (possibly
kwɛlɛ́ɗa (kwɛlɛ́ɗá-) n. blackish-brown indigenous?).
edible flying ant species. kwɨnɨƙa (kwɨnɨƙí-) n. dassie, hyrax.
kwɛ́rɛɗɛ́ɗɔ́n (kwɛ́rɛɗɛ́ɗɔ́nì-) v. to balk, kwɨnɨƙíkú (kwɨnɨƙí-kúà-) n. hyrax
refuse to comply, resist. grass: tall grass species eaten by
kwɛ̀rɛ̀tɛ (kwɛ̀rɛ̀tɛ̀) ideo. totally finished. hyraxes and used to store tobacco
kwɛrɛ́xɔ́n (kwɛrɛ́xɔ́nì-) v. to be gray- in and to make beehive plugs.
haired, grizzly, hoary. GRAMINEAE sp.
kwɛta (kwɛtá-) pl. kwɛ̀tìka . 1 n. arm. 2 kwìɲ (kwìɲì) ideo. actively, energeti-
n. hand. 3 n. arm-like appendage or cally.
extremity. 4 n. branch. 5 n. sleeve. kwɨɲídɔ̀n (kwɨɲídɔ̀nì-) v. to be active,
a
kwɛtááƙw (kwɛtá-áƙɔ̀-) n. palm of the energetic. See also kʉrʉ́kʉ́rɔ́s.
hand. Lit. ‘inner hand’. kwíɲíkà (<kwíɲíkɔ̀ɔ̀n) v.
kwɛtákán (kwɛtá-kánà-) n. back of the kwíɲíkɔ̀ɔ̀n (kwíɲíkɔ̀ɔ̀nì-/kwíɲíka-) v. to
hand. Lit. ‘hand-back’. bare the teeth.
kwɛtákɔ́rɔ́ɓáda (kwɛtá-kɔ́rɔ́ɓádì-) pl. kwìr (kwìrì) ideo. slickly, slipperily.
kwɛtákúrúɓâda . n. handmade object. kwírɛ́s (kwírɛ́sì-) v. to anoint, embro-
Lit. ‘hand-thing’. cate, inunct (the victorious, e.g. with
kwɛtámóróka (kwɛtá-mórókú-) n. wrist. soot, marrow, tobacco, or crushed ter-
Lit. ‘hand-throat’. mites). See also tsáŋés.

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kwirídòn kwìtsʼⁱ

kwirídòn (kwirídònì-) v. to be slick, slip- kwitsʼídòn (kwitsʼídònì-) v. to be juicy.

pery, slippy (like a raw tendon). kwitsʼíkwítsʼánón (kwitsʼíkwítsʼánónì-)
kwítsíladidí (kwítsíladidíì-) n. Jackson’s v. to be moody, tempermental.
francolin. Francolinus jacksoni. kwìtsʼⁱ (kwìtsʼì) ideo. juicily.

142
ƙà ƙeɗétón

ƙ
ƙà (<ƙòòn) v. ƙálítsʼìɔ̀ka (ƙálítsʼì-ɔ̀kà-) pl. ƙálítsʼikɔɔ-
ƙádès (ƙádèsì-) v. to shoot. kɨtín. n. jawbone, mandibular bone.
ƙádesuƙota (ƙádesuƙotí-) v. to shoot. ƙámá kiɗíé v. maybe, perhaps. Lit. ‘it’s
like those (words)’.
ƙádetésá kadɨxáɛ v. to flower, go to
ƙámétòn (ƙámétònì-) v. to become like.
flower (of sorghum). Lit. ‘to emit flow-
ers’. ƙámítetés (ƙámítetésí-) v. to compare,
liken.
ƙádiƙádès (ƙádiƙádèsì-) v. to thud,
thump (e.g. a beehive to check its con- ƙámón (ƙámónì-) v. to be like, resemble.
tents). ƙámónà tsʼɛ̀ɛ̀n v. to be like this.
ƙádiƙadiés (ƙádiƙadiesí-) v. to shoot re- ƙámónuƙota (ƙámónuƙotí-) v. to be-
peatedly. come like.
ƙádiƙádòn (ƙádiƙádònì-) v. to beat, pul- ƙánàka (ƙánàà) adv. would have … (ear-
sate, pulse (of blood in veins). See also lier today).
dìkwòn. ƙanés (ƙanésí-) v. to take in hand.
ƙádòn (ƙádònì-) v. to ripen (of tree ƙanésúƙota (ƙanésúƙotí-) 1 v. to remove,
fruit). take away. 2 v. to subtract.
ƙáidetés (ƙáidetésí-) v. to go bring, go ƙanésúƙota ɡwaáe v. to solve a bird
get. problem in the garden by burying a
ƙàƙa (ƙàƙà-) n. hunt, hunting. bird alive as a sacrifice. Lit. ‘to take
away the bird’. See also muɗésá ɡwaáe .
ƙaƙa ŋúnítíno n. hunting with rope
ƙanetés (ƙanetésí-) 1 v. to get, take hold
neck-snares.
of. 2 v. to remove, take out. 3 v. to
ƙàƙààm (ƙàƙà-àmà-) pl. ƙaƙaika . desire, wish for (of one’s heart). 4 v. to
n. hunter. apprehend, sense.
ƙaƙates (ƙaƙatesí-) n. to brace or stabi- ƙanitetés (ƙanitetésí-) v. to cause to get.
lize (a trap, e.g. with several sticks). ƙánòko (ƙánòò) adv. would have …
ƙaƙés (ƙaƙésí-) v. to hunt. (long ago).
ƙaƙótsómòn (ƙaƙótsómònì-) v. to be ƙanotós (ƙanotósí-) v. to be chosen,
wide-legged (in stance and stride). elect, special.
ƙaƙúŋ (ƙaƙúŋù-) pl. ƙaƙúŋìka . n. back ƙáraƙár (ƙáraƙárà-) n. green wood-
corner of the lower jawbone, mandibu- hoopoe. Phoeniculus purpureus.
lar angle. ƙásàm (ƙásàmʉ̀) adv. would have …
ƙalíƙálɛ́s (ƙalíƙálɛ́sí-) v. to corral, round (yesterday).
up. See also ikoŋetés. ƙɛ́daikén (ƙɛ́daikén) dem. there.
ƙálítsʼa (ƙálítsʼì-) pl. ƙálítsʼìka . n. jaw, ƙeɗétón (ƙeɗétónì-) v. to be newly preg-
mandible. nant (showing no sign).

143
ƙɛ̀ƙɛ ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀n

ƙɛ̀ƙɛ (ƙɛ̀ƙɛ̀) ideo. crunch crunch (sound ƙídzɨnɔ́s (ƙídzɨnɔ́sí-) 1 v. to bite each
of feet on hard ground). other. 2 v. to move in single file.
ƙɛƙɛanón (ƙɛƙɛanónì-) v. to walk mak- ƙídzɨtɛtɛ́s (ƙídzɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to join end-to-
ing a crunching sound. end. Lit. ‘to make bite’.
ƙɛƙɛ́r (ƙɛƙɛ́rá-) n. grasshopper. ƙídzɔ̀n (ƙídzɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to adhere, cling,
ƙɛƙɛram (ƙɛƙɛramá-) n. traditional Ik stick. 2 v. to emerge and begin to fly
food made of honey mixed with edible away (of edible termites).
termites. ƙíɛƙíɛƙíɛ (ƙíɛƙíɛƙíɛ) ideo. cheep cheep!
ƙɛ́ƙɛ́rɛ́s (ƙɛ́ƙɛ́rɛ́sí-) v. to mix (specifically chirp chirp! (sound made by young
honey and edible termites). birds).
ƙeƙérón (ƙeƙérónì-) v. to detour, steer ƙíítínísɔ̀ka (ƙíítíní-sɔ̀kà-) pl. ƙíítínísɔkɨ-
clear, take a wide detour (so as to avoid tín. n. leather tassel. Lit. ‘strap-root’.
something dangerous or unpleasant). ƙìròn (ƙìrònì-) v. to thunder.
See also wɛ́dɔ̀n. ƙironuƙota (ƙironuƙotí-) 1 v. to thunder.
ƙɛ́lɛ́s (ƙɛ́lɛ́sì-) v. to pick out, select (one’s 2 v. to thunder off (like an elephant).
portion or property from others, e.g. ƙìròta (ƙìròtì-) pl. ƙirótíka . n. opposite
goats from a herd). riverbank.
ƙɛ́lɛ́sʉƙɔta así v. to set oneself apart. ƙɨtɛ́s (ƙɨtɛ́sí-) v. to pinch off (e.g. tobacco
ƙɛlɛtɛ́sá así v. to pull oneself away. leaves).
ƙélíetés (ƙélíetesí-) v. to select itera- ƙíwa (ƙíɔ́-) pl. ƙíítín. n. strap made of
tively. leather or any other material.
ƙɛ́rɨƙɛ́rɔ́n (ƙɛ́rɨƙɛ́rɔ́nì-) v. to be astrin- ƙó (<ƙòòn) v.
gent. See also tɛrɛrɛ́ɔ́n. ƙɔ̀ɓa (ƙɔ̀ɓà-) pl. ƙɔ́ɓítín. 1 n. belly button,
ƙídɨƙídɔ̀n (ƙídɨƙídɔ̀nì-) v. to pour, navel. 2 n. pistol grip.
stream, teem (e.g. ants, water, enemies, ƙɔɓa na zikîba n. umbilical hernia. Lit.
vehicles in a convoy, etc.). ‘navel that is long’.
ƙídzatiés (ƙídzatiesí-) 1 v. to bite repeat- ƙɔɓasim (ƙɔɓa-simá-) pl. ƙɔ́ɓítínísimi-
edly. 2 v. to interlace, interlock, mesh. tín. n. umbilical cord.
ƙídzɛ̀s (ƙídzɛ̀sì-) 1 v. to bite, chomp. 2 ƙɔ̀ɓàsìtsʼa (ƙɔ̀ɓà-sìtsʼà-) n. navel hair.
v. to sting. 3 v. to overcrowd, overrun. ƙɔ́ɓʉƙɔ́ɓa (ƙɔ́ɓʉƙɔ́ɓʉ̀-) n. large tree
See also átsʼɛ́s. species (possibly fig) with edible yel-
ƙídzɛsa dáŋáe v. to ‘bite’ or eat whole low fruits.
termites alive. ƙɔ́dɔ̀l (ƙɔ́dɔ̀lɛ̀-) pl. ƙɔ́dɔ̀lìka . 1 n. forearm.
ƙídzɛ̀sìkwàywa (ƙídzɛ̀sì-kwàyò-) pl. ƙí- 2 n. section of stalk above a maize cob.
dzɛsɨkwaitín. n. fang, incisor. Lit. See also ɲepíkísita .
‘biting-tooth’. ƙɔ́dɔxɔ́ (ƙɔ́dɔxɔ́ɔ̀-) pl. ƙɔ́doxɔ́ìka . n. cen-
ƙídzìkà (<ƙídzìkɔ̀ɔ̀n) v. tipede.
ƙídzìkɔ̀ɔ̀n (ƙídzìkɔ̀ɔ̀nì-/ƙídzɨka-) v. to ƙɔɗɨtɛs (ƙɔɗɨtɛsí-) v. to make cry.
clench the teeth (visibly). See also ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀n (ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to cry, wail, weep.
wɨɗɨɗánón. 2 v. to call (of animals and birds). 3

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ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀ta ƙúdetés

v. to bemoan, complain, lament. See ƙooná ɡìdààƙɔ̀kɛ v. to go behind the

also topóɗón. clouds.
ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀ta (ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀tà-) pl. ƙɔɗɔ́tíka . n. climb- ƙoona ɡíɡìròke v. to go down.
ing crook: hooked stick used for climb- ƙòònà ʝìr v. to go away forever.
ing trees. ƙoona ʝírìkɛ v. to go back or behind.
ƙɔɛ́s (ƙɔɛsí-) v. to straighten, stretch. See ƙoona ruteto v. to go along the side.
also ƙɔƙatés.
ƙoona wáxìkɛ v. to go ahead or in front.
ƙɔfɔ́ (ƙɔfɔ́ɔ̀-) pl. ƙofóikwa . 1 n. round
ƙòònìàm (ƙòònì-àmà-) pl. ƙooniika .
gourd traditionally cut in half to make
n. goer, traveler.
two bowls. 2 n. bowl made from half
of a round gourd. ƙór (ƙóré-) pl. ƙórítín. n. back of
knee, posterior knee. Not to be con-
ƙɔfɔ́èɗa (ƙɔfɔ́-èɗì-) n. first harvest of
fused with ƙɔ́r.
grain. Lit. ‘gourd-bowl grain’.
ƙɔ́r (ƙɔ́rɛ́-) pl. ƙóríkwa . n. dipper, la-
ƙɔfóìm (ƙɔfó-ìmà-) pl. ƙofóikówíka . dle (made from cutting a small gourd
n. small round gourd. in two). Not to be confused with ƙór.
ƙɔƙatés (ƙɔƙatésí-) 1 v. to straighten, ƙóróèm (ƙóró-èmè-) n. plantaris muscle:
stretch. 2 v. to exercise (the body). See behind the knee.
also ƙɔɛ́s.
ƙɔ́rɔmɔmɔ́n (ƙɔ́rɔmɔmɔ́nì-) v. to be
ƙoƙó (ƙoƙóò-) pl. ƙoƙóikwa . n. big wide- shriveled, withered (like dry leaves or
mouthed gourd. an old corpse).
ƙɔƙɔanón (ƙɔƙɔanónì-) 1 v. to stretch. ƙɔ̀rɔ̀n (ƙɔ̀rɔ̀nì-) v. to strut, swagger. See
2 v. to advertise, flaunt (one’s physical also ɨƙɔ́ɔ́rɛ́sá así.
attributes).
ƙórór (ƙórórò-) n. African scops-owl.
ƙoƙórómòn (ƙoƙórómònì-) v. to Otus senegalensis.
be gruff, hoarse, husky. See also
ƙɔxɛ́s (ƙɔxɛ́sí-) v. to manually maneu-
rɔ́ƙɔ́rɔƙánón.
ver, or manipulate into the right posi-
ƙɔ̀ƙɔ̀ta (ƙɔ̀ƙɔ̀tà-) n. red-billed hornbill. tion (e.g. a midwife guiding a preborn
Tockus erythrorhynchus. infant).
ƙolom (ƙolomú-) pl. ƙólómìka . ƙúdès (ƙúdèsì-) 1 v. to dump, pour, spill.
n. wooden spoon. 2 v. to pay (poll-tax).
Ƙolomúsábá (Ƙolomú-sábáà-) n. name ƙúdesa ɗíróe así v. to be emitted noctur-
of a river and associated human habita- nally (of semen).
tions in Kenya; now called Oropoi. Lit. ƙúdesa káúe mucéíkàke v. to sprinkle
‘spoon-river’. ashes along paths.
ƙòlòn (ƙòlònì-) v. to bleed from the nose, ƙúdèsìàm (ƙúdèsì-àmà-) pl. ƙúdesiika .
have a nosebleed. n. dump truck, tipper.
ƙɔɔlɔ́mɔ̀nà dɛ̀ìkàɛ v. to be clubfooted, ƙúdesuƙota (ƙúdesuƙotí-) v. to dump or
have talipes. pour out, spill.
ƙòòn (ƙòònì-/ƙa-) v. to go, leave. ƙúdetés (ƙúdetésí-) 1 v. to dump out,
ƙooná dìdìke v. to go up. pour out, spill. 2 v. to miscarry.

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ƙúdetésá ɗíróe ƙwár

ƙúdetésá ɗíróe v. to come, ejaculate. Lit. ƙʉtsʼánánès (ƙʉtsʼánánèsì-) 1 n. harm-

‘to spill semen’. fulness, ruinousness. 2 n. sorcery, wiz-
ƙúduƙûda (ƙúduƙúdù-) n. safari ant. Do- ardry. Lit. ‘being wormlike’. See also
rylus spp. badirétínànès.
ƙʉɗɛ́s (ƙʉɗɛ́sí-) v. to suck, suck on. See ƙùtsʼàtsʼa (ƙùtsʼàtsʼì-) pl. ƙutsʼátsʼíka .
also tsʼʉ́ʉ́tɛ́s. n. gland, lymph node, secretor.
ƙʉɗɛtɛ́s (ƙʉɗɛtɛ́sí-) v. to suck out (e.g. ƙutsʼátsʼíka ni tatí n. salivary glands.
bone marrow). ƙútu (ƙútú) ideo. cluck! (the sound a hen
ƙʉ́ɗʉ́nɔ́s (ƙʉ́ɗʉ́nɔ́sí-) v. to suck on each makes).
other (e.g. during foreplay). ƙúzùmòn (ƙúzùmònì-) v. to be bent
ƙʉʝʉ́dɔ̀n (ƙʉʝʉ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to garble. over.
ƙʉ́ƙa (ƙʉ́ƙá-) pl. ƙʉ́ƙítín. n. runt. ƙwáaƙwá (ƙwáaƙwáà-) n. white-bellied
go-away bird. Corythaixoides leuco-
ƙʉ́ƙín (ƙʉ́ƙínì-) n. brood, litter, pack of
gaster.
runts. Also used disparagingly of hu-
man children. ƙwaáta (ƙwaatá-) n. frog, toad.
ƙʉƙʉmanés (ƙʉƙʉmanésí-) v. to turn ƙwaáta (ƙwaaté-) n. birth, birthing, giv-
one’s back to (e.g. one’s mother-in- ing birth.
law). ƙwaata ɓíɓàe n. laying of eggs.
ƙʉƙʉmánítésuƙota (ƙʉƙʉmánítésuƙotí-) ƙwaatá na áwìkàe n. toad. Lit. ‘frog of
v. to turn back to back. homes’.
ƙʉƙʉmánón (ƙʉƙʉmánónì-) v. to face ƙwaata ná ɡààn n. birthing complica-
back to back. tions, difficult labor (breach, miscar-
ƙʉƙʉmánónuƙota (ƙʉƙʉmánónuƙotí-) riage, etc.). Lit. ‘birth that is bad’.
v. to turn back to back. ƙwaatetés (ƙwaatetésí-) v. to bear, de-
liver, give birth to.
ƙúl (ƙúló-) pl. ƙúlítín. n. log.
ƙwaatetésíàm (ƙwaatetésí-àmà-) pl.
ƙʉlɛ́ (ƙʉlɛ́ɛ̀-) pl. ƙʉlɛ́ìka . n. elbow.
ƙwaatetésíika . n. parent (by birth).
ƙʉlɛ́èm (ƙʉlɛ́-èmè-) n. lower tricep. Lit.
ƙwaatítetés (ƙwaatítetésí-) 1 v. to help
‘elbow-flesh’.
give birth, midwife. 2 v. to produce.
ƙumúƙúmánón (ƙumúƙúmánónì-) 1
ƙwaatítetésíàm (ƙwaatítetésí-àmà-) pl.
v. to be bumpy, pot-holed, rough. 2
ƙwaatítetésíika . n. midwife.
v. to be hilly, rough, uneven.
ƙwaatón (ƙwaatónì-) v. to give birth.
ƙʉtsʼa (ƙʉtsʼá) 1 n. grub, worm. 2 n. bug,
insect. 3 n. germ, microbe, parasite. ƙwàɗe (ƙwàɗè) quant. few.
ƙʉtsʼáám (ƙʉtsʼá-ámà-) pl. ƙʉtsʼáíka . ƙwaɗiƙwáɗón (ƙwaɗiƙwáɗónì-) v. to
n. creep, freak, weirdo (e.g. the mem- be fewer.
bers of tribes who practice sorcery). ƙwàɗòn (ƙwàɗònì-) v. to be few, little.
Lit. ‘worm-person’. ƙwaɗonuƙota (ƙwaɗonuƙotí-) v. to be-
ƙʉtsʼácɛ́mɛ́r (ƙʉtsʼá-cɛ́mɛ́rí-) n. insecti- come fewer, decrease in number.
cide (modern or traditional). Lit. ‘bug- ƙwár (ƙwárá-) pl. ƙwárítín. 1 n. cicatrix,
medicine’. scar. 2 n. bruise, contusion.

146
ƙwàz ƙwɨxídɔ̀n

ƙwàz (ƙwàzà-) pl. ƙwázìka . n. cloth, ƙwɛsɛ́ (ƙwɛsɛ́ɛ̀-) pl. ƙwéséikwa . 1 n. bro-
clothes, clothing, garment. ken gourd. 2 n. piece of junk, scrap.
ƙwàzàìm (ƙwàzà-ìmà-) pl. ƙwázika- ƙwɨʝɛ́s (ƙwɨʝɛ́sí-) v. to dislocate (a joint),
wika . n. small cloth. luxate.
ƙwɨʝímɔ́n (ƙwɨʝímɔ́nì-) v. to get dislo-
ƙwɛ̀ʝɛ (ƙwɛ̀ʝɛ̀) ideo. bllgh bllgh (sound of cated, luxated.
water boiling in a pot).
ƙwíl (ƙwílí) ideo. clink! (sound of metal
ƙwɛʝɛ́dɔ̀n (ƙwɛʝɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be boiling, on metal).
boil (with a rattling sound). ƙwìx (ƙwìxì) ideo. greenly.
ƙwɛʝíƙwɛ́ʝɔ̀n (ƙwɛʝíƙwɛ́ʝɔ̀nì-) v. to be ƙwɨxídɔ̀n (ƙwɨxídɔ̀nì-) v. to be verdant,
boiling (with a rattling sound). very green. See also xídɔ̀n.

147
Laatso lɛ̀ɓa

l
Laatso (Laatsoó-) n. name of a hill or láládziránón (láládziránónì-) v. to be
mountain. ripped, shredded, in shreds.
laɓa (laɓá-) pl. láɓíkwa . n. cache, stash lalatíɓón (lalatíɓónì-) pl. lalatíɓónìka .
(whose location may be forgotten). n. flat stone, stone slab (used to grind
laɓáɲámòn (laɓáɲámònì-) v. to be gap- tobacco, carry rubbish, cover granaries,
ing, wide-mouthed, yawning. See also or cover a rock well to protect it from
lafárámòn. the befouling of baboons).
làlòn (làlònì-) v. to be hideous, ugly. See
làf (làfʉ̀-) pl. láfítín. n. breast (of meat),
also itópénòn.
pec, pectoral muscle.
lalʉ́ʝɔ́n (lalʉ́ʝɔ́nì-) v. to be roomy, spa-
lafárámòn (lafárámònì-) v. to be gap-
cious. See also ɨlɔ́lɔ́mɔ̀n.
ing, wide-mouthed, yawning. See also
laɓáɲámòn. láŋ (láŋá-) pl. láŋítín. n. bogus, counter-
feit, fake, phoney, pseudo-.
láɡalaɡetés (láɡalaɡetésí-) v. to check or
spy on/out. laŋádòn (laŋádònì-) v. to be stifling, sul-
a try, unpleasantly warm.
làʝ (làʝà) ideo. loosely.
laŋírímòn (laŋírímònì-) v. to be broad,
laʝádòn (laʝádònì-) v. to be loosely tied stout (e.g. bodies, buildings).
down, unsecured. See also haʝádòn and
yaŋádòn. laŋírón (laŋírónì-) v. to be broad, stout
(e.g. bodies, buildings).
laʝámétòn (laʝámétònì-) 1 v. to collapse,
crumple, fall down. 2 v. to wilt, wither. làr (làrà-) pl. láríkwa . n. tobacco pipe.
3 v. to dissolve, melt (of fat). See also laradakwa (lara-dakú-) pl. lárákó-
ɲalámétòn. dakwitín. n. pipe-stem (often made
laʝetés (laʝetésí-) 1 v. to lay down/over from Carissa stems).
loosely (e.g. the last layer of grass on látsó (látsóò-) pl. látsóìka . n. drop-off,
a thatched roof). 2 v. to take off (e.g. edge of a cliff or rock, precipice.
beads from one’s neck). látsóìka (látsóìkà-) n. falls, waterfall.
lakámétòn (lakámétònì-) v. to descend, Lit. ‘cliff edges’.
go down (out of sight). leata (leatí-) pl. leatíkwa . 1 n. his/her/its
lakámón (lakámónì-) v. to descend, go brother. 2 n. his/her cousin (father’s
down (out of sight). brother’s son).
lakates (lakatesí-) v. to push into/over leatíím (leatí-ímà-) pl. leatíwíka .
the side. n. his/her niece or nephew (brother’s
child).
lakatiés (lakatiesí-) 1 v. to push into/
over the side repeatedly. 2 v. to leatínánès (leatínánèsì-) n. brother-
down, gulp down, inhale (food). See hood, brotherliness.
also itúlákáɲés. lɛ̀ɓa (lɛ̀ɓà-) n. liquid honey.

148
lɛɓɛ́ɲɛ́mɔ̀n Lɛ̀rààƙwa

lɛɓɛ́ɲɛ́mɔ̀n (lɛɓɛ́ɲɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be open- lɛkɛ́síàm (lɛkɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. lɛkɛ́síika .

topped, unlidded. n. food retriever (esp. stored food in
lèɓètse (lèɓètsè) num. two. granaries).
leɓetsíón (leɓetsíónì-) v. to be in twos, lɛlɛmánétòn (lɛlɛmánétònì-) v. to ap-
two-by-two. pear, come into view, emerge.
leɓetsítésuƙota (leɓetsítésuƙotí-) v. to lɛlɛmánón (lɛlɛmánónì-) v. to be appear-
make two, put in twos or two-by-two. ing, coming into view, emerging (e.g. a
snake from a hole, or a vehicle over a
lèɓètso num. twice, two times.
hill).
leɓétsón (leɓétsónì-) v. to be two.
lɛlɛ́tɔ́n (lɛlɛ́tɔ́nì-) v. to appear, come into
lèɓu (lèɓù) ideo. pudgily, puffily. view, emerge. See also pɛlɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀n.
leɓúdòn (leɓúdònì-) v. to be pudgy, lɛ́lɔ́n (lɛ́lɔ́nì-) v. to be fully seen, com-
puffy (like a plump person or swollen pletely visible.
body part). See also dúduránón.
Lemú (Lemúù-) n. a personal name.
lèdèr (lèdèrè) ideo. running naked. lemúánètòn (lemúánètònì-) 1 v. to be
léɗa (léɗá-) n. gecko species? hornless. 2 v. to be bare, naked, nude.
lɛɛmɛ́tɔ̀n (lɛɛmɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to stick out/up lɛŋ (lɛŋá-) n. honey badger, ratel. Mel-
(like a snake from the grass). livora capensis.
leɡé (leɡéè-) 1 n. craziness, insanity, lɛŋɛ́rɛ́mɔ̀n (lɛŋɛ́rɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be circum-
madness, mental illness. 2 n. demon cised.
possession. See also lejé. lɛŋɛ́s (lɛŋɛ́sí-) 1 v. to hunt (for honey).
lejé (lejéè-) 1 n. craziness, insanity, mad- 2 v. to bum, cadge, freeload, mooch,
ness, mental illness. 2 n. demon pos- sponge.
session. Also pronounced as leɡé. lɛŋɛ́síàm (lɛŋɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. lɛŋɛ́síika . 1
lejéàm (lejé-àmà-) pl. lejéika . n. mad n. honey hunter. 2 n. bum, cadger,
person, demon-possessed person. Also freeloader, moocher, sponge.
pronounced as legéàm. leŋúrúmòn (leŋúrúmònì-) v. to be bare,
lejéèda (lejéèdè-) 1 n. craziness, insanity, naked, nude.
madness, mental illness. 2 n. demon léó (léóò-) pl. léóín. 1 n. your brother. 2
possession. n. your cousin (father’s brother’s son).
lejénánès (lejénánèsì-) 1 n. craziness, in- léóím (léó-ímá-) pl. léówíka . n. your
sanity, mental illness. 2 n. demonic niece or nephew (brother’s child).
possession.
lɛ̀r (lɛ̀rà-) pl. lɛ́rítín. n. fever tree, or
lejétòda (lejé-tòdà-) n. insane talk. Naivasha thorn: tall acacia with pow-
lɛ́ʝɛ (lɛ́ʝɛ́) ideo. flash!: sound of bursting dery green-white bark, whose wood
in flames. is used to carve stools. Acacia xan-
lɛ́ʝɛ́tɔ́n (lɛ́ʝɛ́tɔ́nì-) v. to catch fire, erupt thophloea.
in flames, ignite. lɛ̀r (lɛ̀rɛ̀) ideo. hardly, unbreakably.
lɛkɛ́s (lɛkɛ́sí-) v. to retrieve from storage Lɛ̀rààƙwa (Lɛ̀rà-àƙɔ̀-) n. name of a place.
(e.g. grain from a granary). Lit. ‘among fever trees’.

149
lɛrɛ́dɔ̀n loɓáya

lɛrɛ́dɔ̀n (lɛrɛ́dɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be hard, un- lìà (lìà) ideo. bright white, milky white,
breakable (e.g. bone, hardwood, rock). pure white.
2 v. to be frozen still, still, stock-still, líídòn (líídònì-) 1 v. to be blunt, dull.
stone-still (e.g. an eagle’s unblinking 2 v. to be quiet, silent. See also
eyes). 3 v. to be blockheaded, bone- duŋúlúmòn and tufádòn.
headed.
likiɗes (likiɗesí-) v. to reach and pull
lɛrɛ́kɛ́mɔ̀n (lɛrɛ́kɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be down.
gnarled, knobby (like bones or bulging,
dried out eyes). lɨkíɗímɔ̀n (lɨkíɗímɔ̀nì-) v. to be cuneal,
wedge-shaped (e.g. container, upper
lerúkúmòn (lerúkúmònì-) v. to be body).
medium-sized. See also ɓarɨɓárɔ́n and
ʝɔ̀ƙɔ̀n. liƙés (liƙésí-) v. to lean, tilt (e.g. one’s
head backward).
lèta (lètà-) pl. létítín. n. girl’s loincloth
made of beaded strings. lilétón (lilétónì-) v. to appall, astonish,
shock, horrify. The experiencer of this
létsa (létsá-) n. tiny termite species.
feeling is marked with the dative case.
lɛtsɛ́kɛ́ɛda (lɛtsɛ́kɛ́ɛdɛ-) n. purity of food
lìr (lìrì) ideo. heavily.
(e.g. white-ants with no wings or dirt,
honey with no rubbish, or grain with lìtɔ̀n (lìtɔ̀nì-) v. to be new (of plant
no chaff). growth).
lɛ̀tsʼɛ (lɛ̀tsʼɛ̀) ideo. bendily, whippily. líùù (líùù) ideo. zing! (sound of a bullet
passing close by). The vowels of this
lɛtsʼɛ́dɔ̀n (lɛtsʼɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be bendy,
word are pronounced silently.
whippy (like a limber body, or long hair
whipping back and forth). lìw (lìwì) ideo. smoothly.
leûz (leúzò-) n. charcoal. lɨwídɔ̀n (lɨwídɔ̀nì-) v. to be smooth (e.g.
a book, skin, or wood).
leúzìn (leúzìnì-) n. gunpowder. Lit. ‘its
charcoal’. lobá (lobáà-) pl. lóbaatikwa . n. grand-
child.
lèwèɲ (lèwèɲì-) n. common ostrich.
Struthio camelus. Lɔbɛɛ́l (Lɔbɛɛ́lɛ̀-) n. name of a rocky hill
lèwèɲìdɛ̀ (lèwèɲì-dɛ̀à-) pl. leweɲidɛík . a far south of Ikland where Jie warriors
n. tripod. Lit. ‘ostrich-foot’. used to ambush vehicles.

Leweɲiika (Leweɲi-icé-) n. traditional lóburuʝa (lóburuʝí-) n. mildew, mold.

men’s age-group with the ostrich as its See also ɲóróiroya .
totem (#9 in the historical line). Lit. lɔɓaɓal (lɔɓaɓalí-) n. drying rack (on
‘Ostrich-Folk’. which grass is put below and above the
lɛ̂z (lɛ́zà-) pl. lɛ́zɨtín. n. mistle- grain being dried).
toe, parasitic plant (sometimes used for Lɔɓalɛl (Lɔɓalɛlɛ́-) n. month of weeding.
medicine and witchcraft). loɓáya (loɓáí-) n. unknown kind of sick-
lì (lìì) 1 ideo. bluntly, dully. 2 ideo. qui- ness that causes emaciation (said to
etly, silently. originate in Turkanaland).

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lɔɓɛlɛɲ lóɗíkórócɛmɛ́r

lɔɓɛlɛɲ (lɔɓɛlɛɲí-) n. plant disease that Lɔcápa (Lɔcápʉ̀-) n. a personal name.

shrivels grain seed-heads and destroys Lɔcáráƙwata (Lɔcáráƙwatí-) n. name
the seeds. of a hill or mountain and surrounding
lóɓíliwás (lóɓíliwásì-) n. white-tailed area.
mongoose. Ichneumia albicauda. lɔ̀cɛ̀ɡɛ̀r (lɔ̀cɛ̀ɡɛ̀rɛ̀-) pl. lɔcɛ́ɡɛ́rìka .
lɔ́ɓírɨɓír (lɔ́ɓírɨɓírá-) pl. lɔ́ɓírɨɓíríka . n. three-legged stool with a round seat.
n. medulla spinalis, spinal cord. lócén (lócénì-) n. shrub species that, at
lɔɓɨ̂z (lɔɓízì-) pl. lɔɓízìka . n. in- the order of a witchdoctor, may be put
ner rooftop, upper ceiling (where roof on one’s threshold to counteract the
sticks are jammed into a point). curse of dead person; it may also be put
lɔ̀ɓɔ (lɔ̀ɓɔ̀) ideo. thickly. in one’s bathwater to ward off trouble
lɔɓɔ́dɨtɛtɛ́s (lɔɓɔ́dɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to thicken or sprayed on a trap for success. Ascle-
up optimally (e.g. beer, cement, por- piadaceae sp.
ridge). Locíyo (Locíyoó-) n. a personal name.
lɔɓɔ́dɔ̀n (lɔɓɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be optimally Locom (Locomó-) n. name of a hill or
thick (e.g. beer, cement, porridge). mountain.
lòɓòlìà (lòɓòlìà-) n. morning glory: Locóm (Locómò-) n. a personal name.
flowery vine whose leaves are cooked Locómín (Locómínì-) n. a personal
and eaten as a vegetable. Basella alba. name.
loɓóŋiɓóŋ (loɓóŋiɓóŋì-) n. small flow- Lɔcɔ́ríàlɔ̀sìà (Lɔcɔ́ríàlɔ̀sìà-) n. name of a
ering plant species whose bark and/or hill or mountain and associated river.
stems are crushed, cooked, and taken
lòcòrò (lòcòròò-) n. water scorpion.
for stomach ailments. Kleinia sp.
Nepidae.
Lɔɓɔsɔɔŋɔ́r (Lɔɓɔsɔɔŋɔ́rì-) n. name of
Locóto (Locótoó-) n. name of a place.
a river and ravine running northeast
from Looɗóì. lɔ̀da (lɔ̀dà-) pl. lɔ́dɨtín. 1 n. animal-tail
loɓôz (loɓózò-) pl. loɓózìka . n. neb, tassel worn by men as an accessory. 2
snout. n. silky hair at the end of animal tails.
Loɓúɓúwo (Loɓúɓúwoó-) n. a personal loɗeɗa (loɗeɗé-) n. vine species with
name. cucumber-like fruits and leaves that
are rubbed on the inner thighs of a
lɔɓʉ́kɛʝɛ́n (lɔɓʉ́kɛʝɛ́nì-) n. stunted birthing mother and tied to the waist of
growth. the newborn to prevent diarrhea. Cu-
lóɓúlukúɲ (lóɓúlukúɲù-) 1 n. rhinocerus cumis figarei.
beetle grub. Oryctes sp. 2 n. HIV-AIDS.
lóɗíkór (lóɗíkóró-) n. scorpion.
See also sílím.
lóɗíkórócɛmɛ́r (lóɗíkóró-cɛmɛ́rí-)
Lɔɓʉráka (Lɔɓʉráká-) n. name of a small
n. scorpion herb: succulent plant
hill where Ik lived in the mid-1900s.
species whose latex is applied to scor-
loɓúrútùta (loɓúrútùtù-) n. bishop bird pion stings and whose reddish stems
(red or yellow). Euplectes sp. may be worn by girls as a kind of wig.
Lɔcám (Lɔcámʉ̀-) n. a personal name. Euphorbia prostrata.

151
lóɗíwé lɔkabʉ́ás

lóɗíwé (lóɗíwéí-) n. tree species whose Lɔɡyɛ́l (Lɔɡyɛ́lì-) n. a personal name.

bitter leaves are eaten as a vegetable. loiɓóròka (loiɓóròkù-) n. tall grass
Maerua angolensis. species found in the forest which is
Lɔ́ɗɔ́wɔ̀n (Lɔ́ɗɔ́wɔ̀nɔ̀-) n. name of a hill used to rain-proof granaries.
or mountain. Loíkí (Loíkíì-) n. a personal name.
lɔ́ɗʉ́mɛ́l (lɔ́ɗʉ́mɛ́lá-) n. firefly (that
Loipo (Loipoó-) n. November: month of
glows green).
clearing woodland. See also Kawés.
Lɔɗʉ́ŋɛ (Lɔɗʉ́ŋɛɛ́-) n. March: month of
Lɔɨsíká (Lɔɨsíkáà-) n. name of a river.
edible termites. See also Dáŋ.
Lòìtà (Lòìtàà-) n. name of a place in
Lɔɗʉ́r (Lɔɗʉ́rʉ̀-) n. name of a hill or
Tímù and its associated human habita-
mountain and associated river.
tions.
loɗúrú (loɗúrúù-) pl. loɗúrúìka . n. gra-
nary, storehouse. Lɔɨtánɨta (Lɔɨtánɨtí-) n. name of a river
and surrounding area in Lɔkɨtɔ́ì where
loɗúrúdɛ̀ (loɗúrú-dɛ̀à-) pl. loɗúrúdɛíka . the Ik used to initiate age-groups.
n. base of a granary.
lɔʝála (lɔʝálaá-) n. jail. See also ɲáʝála.
loɗúrúkɔ̀ka (loɗúrú-kɔ̀kà-) n. granary
reed: shrub whose stems are used to loʝeméya (loʝeméí-) n. shrub whose
make granaries and whose reddish par- milky white sap is put in sores.
asitic plant is worn as a charm or Lóʝérè (Lóʝérèè-) n. a personal name.
ground and blown into the air to ward Also pronounced as Lóʝórè.
off enemies. lɔ́ʝɔʝɔ́ (lɔ́ʝɔʝɔ́ɔ̀-) n. regrown grain (i.e.
loɗúwa (loɗúwaá-) n. jet, jet plane. when millet or sorghum grow back and
Lóɗwàr (Lóɗwàrì-) 1 n. Lodwar town produce again).
in Turkanaland, Kenya. 2 n. name of a lɔʝɔkɔtáwa (lɔʝɔkɔtáʉ̀-) n. philanthopist:
cave with a lot of edible termites. donor, humanitarian, missionary, non-
lofílitsí (lofílitsíì-) n. Sudan gum arabic governmental organization (NGO).
or gum acacia: tree species with nasty From the Ateker (Teso-Turkana) word
hooked thorns that rip skin and cloth- meaning ‘good-hearted’.
ing; hunters often remove clothing be- lɔ̀ʝʉ̀rʉ̀tà (lɔ̀ʝʉ̀rʉ̀tàà-) n. slipknot.
fore trying to penetrate its brush; this
loʝúulú (loʝúulúù-) n. sorghum variety
tree, found down in the Turkana plains
with drooping seed-heads, red seeds; it
is used for fencing and is eaten by live-
is very bitter and used to make leaven.
stock. Acacia senegal. See also ɗeréta .
Lɔkaaƙɨlɨta (Lɔkaaƙɨlɨtí-) n. name of a
lófúka (lófúkù-) n. Verreaux’s eagle-owl.
hill or mountain.
Bubo lacteus.
lɔɡɛ́m (lɔɡɛ́mʉ̀-) n. game warden, game Lòkààpèlòta (Lòkààpèlòtò-) n. name of
ranger, wildlife authorities. From En- the river draining Nàkòrìtààwa .
glish ‘game’ park. lɔkaapín (lɔkaapíní-) pl. lɔkaapíníka .
loɡeréɲo (loɡeréɲoó-) n. green stink n. shoelace, shoe-strap.
bug. Pentatomidae. lɔkabʉ́ás (lɔkabʉ́ásì-) n. crumbly rock.

152
lɔkáʝʉ́ Lɔkɨtɔ́ya

lɔkáʝʉ́ (lɔkáʝʉ́ʉ̀-) n. water running down rule in northeast Uganda and north-
a flat surface (e.g. over a rock, into a west Kenya.
cave, over a tin roof). Lòkìlè (Lòkìlèè-) n. name of a hill or
lokaliliŋ (lokaliliŋí-) n. lineolate blind mountain and associated river.
snake. Typhlops lineolatus. lokilókón (lokilókónì-) v. to be loose,
Lokapel (Lokapelí-) n. a personal name. wiggly (e.g. a tooth or stump).
lɔkapɛta (lɔkapɛtá-) pl. lɔkápɛ́tìka . 1 lókílóróŋ (lókílóróŋó-) n. queen bee.
n. appendix. 2 n. appendicitis. Also called okílóŋór.
lɔkapʉ́r (lɔkapʉ́rá-) n. steam, vapor. Lokinéne (Lokinéneé-) n. name of a
Lɔkasaŋatɛ́ (Lɔkasaŋatɛ́ɛ̀-) n. name of a ridge in Timu and its associated human
river near Lowákuʝa . habitations.
lɔ̀kàtàta (lɔ̀kàtàtà-) pl. lɔkátátìka . Lɔkíŋɔ́l (Lɔkíŋɔ́lì-) n. an older name for
n. African wild date palm. Phoenix re- Oropoi, Kenya.
clinata. Lokipáka (Lokipákaá-) n. name of a hill
lɔkátɔ́rɔ̀ta (lɔkátɔ́rɔ̀tɔ̀-) n. breakfast beer or mountain and associated river.
drunk early in the morning to warm up lɔkɨram (lɔkɨramá-) n. garden edge (not
the body, e.g. before going to the gar- the same as the boundary between gar-
den to work. dens).
Lɔ̀kàtsa (Lɔ̀kàtsì-) n. a personal name. lɔkíríɗɨɗí (lɔkíríɗɨɗíì-) n. maize variety
lɔkaʉɗa (lɔkaʉɗɛ́-) n. maize weevil. with small cobs and mixed black and
Sitophilus spp. white kernels.
Lokauwa (Lokauwaá-) n. a personal Lókírù (Lókírùù-) n. a personal name.
name. lɔkɨsíná (lɔkɨsínáà-) n. a condition that
lokemú (lokemúù-) pl. lokemúìka . involves a twitching under the skin of
n. mbira, sanza, thumb piano. the left breast/pec, which is believed to
Lokéɲériɓɔ (Lokéɲériɓɔɔ́-) n. a personal be a disease.
name. Lɔkɨtɛlɛ́ɛ́lɔɓa (Lɔkɨtɛlɛ́ɛ́lɔɓá-) n. name of
lɔ́kɛ́rʉ́ (lɔ́kɛ́rʉ́ʉ̀-) n. tree species with a place in the east near Tulútúl.
a distinctive pungent odor and whose lokítoɲí (lokítoɲíì-) n. smooth, black,
berries are eaten by children; its leaves and very hard kind of stone (used as
are pounded, soaked, and the juice a blacksmith’s hammer). Also called
is poured into infected ears. Cassia sàbàɡwàs.
singueana. lòkìtòŋ (lòkìtòŋò-) pl. lokítóŋìka .
loki (lokií-) n. brown parrot. Poicephalus n. doorstep, threshold. See also
meyeri. lòrìòŋòn.
lókíɓoɓó (lókíɓoɓóò-) n. gecko. Lɔkɨtɔ́ya (Lɔkɨtɔ́ì-) n. name of a river and
Lokicókio (Lokicókió-) n. Lokichokio associated human habitations.
town in northwest Kenya. Lɔkɨtɔ́ya (Lɔkɨtɔ́ì-) n. name of a hill, the
Lɔkíʝʉká (Lɔkíʝʉkáà-) n. name of rebel surrounding area, and associated hu-
group who resisted colonial British man habitations.

153
lɔkɨtʉ́r loƙeƙes

lɔkɨtʉ́r (lɔkɨtʉ́rá-) n. pinworms. lòkòsòs (lòkòsòsì-) pl. lokósósìka .

lokiyo (lokiyoó-) n. eye disease that n. anthill or termite mound with large
closes the eyes and causes tears. holes.
lòko (lòkò) ideo. jiggily, loosely. Lɔ̀kʉ̀ɗà (Lɔ̀kʉ̀ɗàà-) n. personal name
lokoɓél (lokoɓélè-) pl. lokoɓélín. of a Dodoth man from Loyoro who ad-
n. grain thief. ministered the Ik during the reign of
the Baganda king Mutesa I.
lokódòn (lokódònì-) v. to be jiggly,
loose (e.g. a car part or tool-head). lɔkʉ́ɗa (lɔkʉ́ɗá-) pl. lɔkʉ́ɗíka . n. small
garden barn or granary with a door on
lɔkɔ́ɗa (lɔkɔ́ɗá-) pl. lɔkɔ́ɗíka . n. hooked
the side.
stick.
lókóɗém (lókóɗémá-) n. thorny vine lókúɗukuɗéta (lókúɗukuɗétí-) n. vine
species used in house-building. Tod- species that is highly poisonous and
dalia asiatica. whose fruits are ground, mixed with
food, and used as rat poison. Capparis
lɔkɔɗɛtɛ́s (lɔkɔɗɛtɛ́sí-) v. to pull down tomentosa.
(with a hooked stick).
Lɔkʉlɨta (Lɔkʉlɨtí-) n. Year of Lɔkʉlɨt, a
lɔkɔɗíkɔ́ɗɔ́n (lɔkɔɗíkɔ́ɗɔ́nì-) v. to have
good year following Lotííra.
a crooked neck.
lɔkɔ́ɗɔ́n (lɔkɔ́ɗɔ́nì-) v. to be hooked, lokum (lokumú-) pl. lokúmíka . n. large,
hook-shaped. See also sokóɗómòn. tall tree species whose yellow fruits are
eaten raw and which vultures like to
lòkòɗòŋìrò (lòkòɗòŋìròò-) n. gluttony, nest in. Mimusops kummel.
gobbling (food to the deprivation of
others). Lɔkʉ́ma (Lɔkʉ́maí-) n. name of a river.
lòkòɗòŋìròàm (lòkòɗòŋìrò-àmà-) pl. lo- Lɔ́kʉ́rʉ́ka (Lɔ́kʉ́rʉ́kʉ́-) n. name of a
kiɗoŋiroika . n. glutton, gobbler, gour- place where ravens used to come to
mand. See also loƙeƙes. bathe in a rock pool.
lokoɗoŋironánés (lokoɗoŋironánésí-) lɔkʉtʉ́r (lɔkʉtʉ́rá-) pl. lɔkʉtʉ́ríka .
n. gluttonousness, rapaciousness. n. gourd with a funnel-like stem.
lokoita (lokoití-) pl. lokóítìka . n. big Lɔkʉwám (Lɔkʉwámʉ̀-) n. a personal
white waist bead. name.
lókóka (lókókò-) n. solider ant or ter- Lɔkwakaramɔ́ya (Lɔkwakaramɔ́ì-)
mite. n. name of a mountainside, the sur-
Lɔkɔl (Lɔkɔlí-) n. a personal name. rounding area, and associated human
Lɔ́kɔ̀l (Lɔ́kɔ̀lì-) n. name of a place. habitations.
lokóoɗo (lokóoɗoó-) pl. lokóòɗòìka . Lokwaŋ (Lokwaŋá-) n. February:
n. large leather sack. month of planting. See also Ɓètsʼòn.
lɔkɔ́r (lɔkɔ́rí-) pl. lɔkɔ́ríka . n. crotch, Lokwaŋ (Lokwaŋá-) n. a personal name.
groin. loƙeƙes (loƙeƙesí-) pl. loƙéƙésìka .
Lòkòrìkìpì (Lòkòrìkìpìì-) n. name of a n. glutton, gobbler, gourmand. See also
place near Loyóro. lòkòɗòŋìròàm.

154
loƙírota Lómìl

loƙírota (loƙírotí-) n. robin-chat (white- lòlòta (lòlòtà-) n. giant Gambian rat.

browed and others?). Cossypha sp. Cricetomys gambianus.
loƙól (loƙólé-) n. eagle. lolotánón (lolotánónì-) v. to be crowded
lóƙólíl (lóƙólílá-) pl. lóƙólílíka . or jammed together.
n. swing. lɔ́lɔwí (lɔ́lɔwíì-) n. tall tree species
lɔ́ƙɔ́ŋ (lɔ́ƙɔ́ŋʉ̀-) pl. lɔ́ƙɔ́ŋìka . n. sacred whose sap is rubbed into wounds as a
tree where ceremonies like itówéés are disinfectant, whose wood is used for
held. Also called ɲɔ́ƙɔ́ŋ. carving wooden containers, and whose
lɔ́ƙɔ́ŋʉ̀dɛ̀ (lɔ́ƙɔ́ŋʉ̀-dɛ̀à-) pl. lɔ́ƙɔ́ŋɨka- trunk is used to support the sacred tree
dɛíka . n. base of the sacred tree. (lɔ́ƙɔ́ŋ). Commiphora campestris.
loƙózòmòn (loƙózòmònì-) v. to be long- Lóloya (Lóloí-) n. name of a river.
necked (of gourd or women who wear Lɔmaaníkɔ (Lɔmaaníkɔɔ́-) n. name of a
neck-beads). river.
loƙú (loƙúù-) pl. loƙúaikwa . n. medium- Lɔmacarɨwárɛta (Lɔmacarɨwárɛtɛ́-)
sized, small-mouthed gourd (used for n. name of a river.
storing water, beer, or grain). Lɔmálɛ́r (Llɔmálɛ́rì-) n. name of a place.
Loƙúm (Loƙúmú-) n. name of a savan- Lomaruka (Lomarukú-) n. April: month
nah area south of Tímù. of mushrooms. See also Lɔmɔ́ya .
lolataɓa (lolataɓá-) n. large, flat floor- Lomataŋaáwa (Lomataŋá-áwà-)
like boulder. n. name of a place where some Ik used
lɔlɛ́ɛʉ́ (lɔlɛ́ɛʉ́ʉ̀-) n. cattle disease that to live.
causes meat to become bitter. Lɔ́mɛ́ʝa (lɔ́mɛ́ʝà-) n. name of a mountain
Lɔlɛ́líà (Lɔlɛ́líà-) n. name of a place. sloping westward off Morúŋole.
Lolém (Lolémù-) n. a personal name. lɔmɛ́ʝɛ́kɛlɛ́ (lɔmɛ́ʝɛ́kɛlɛ́ɛ̀-) n. cockroach,
lolemukán (lolemukání-) pl. lolemu- roach.
káníka . n. tool or weapon without a lóméléwa (lóméléwá-) pl. lóméléwá-
handle. ikwa . n. widow(er). See also ɲepúrósita .
lóliita (lóliití-) n. false accuser or wit- loménio (loménió-) n. swallow, swift.
ness. See also kɛ́rínɔ́síàm. Lɔmɛ́r (Lɔmɛ́rà-) n. a personal name.
lolítsa (lolítsí-) n. dense forest, jungle. Loméríɗoka (Loméríɗokó-) n. name of
Lolítsíàƙwa (Lolítsí-àƙɔ̀-) n. name of a a hill or mountain.
densely forested place. Lit. ‘in the jun- lomerúka (lomerúká-) n. sweet-
gle’. smelling plant species growing under-
lɔlɔanón (lɔlɔanónì-) v. to be discontent, ground, invisible until guinea-fowl un-
dissatisfied. cover it; a decoction from its red roots
Lɔlɔɓáya (Lɔlɔɓáí-) n. October. See also is drunk as a medicine.
Terés. Lɔmíʝa (Lɔmíʝí-) n. name of a mountain
lolómónuƙota (lolómónuƙotí-) 1 v. to and surrounding area that was home to
shrivel up (e.g. seeds in the ground). 2 a fairy who told on wrongdoers.
v. to decay, dry out (e.g. bones, hair). Lómìl (Lómìlà-) n. name of a river.

155
Lɔ́mɨl Lòŋòlè

Lɔ́mɨl (Llɔ́mɨlí-) n. name of a hill or lomuƙe (lomuƙeí-) n. courgette, edible

mountain. gourd, squash, zucchini. Lagenaria sp.
lòmìl (lòmìlà-) n. new honeycomb de- Lɔmʉ́ɲɛ́n (Lɔmʉ́ɲɛ́nì-) n. a personal
posits. name.
lɔ́mɨlí (lɔ́mɨlíì-) n. scincid, skink. Lómúrìà (Lómúrìà-) n. a personal name.
Mabuya margaritifer. Lomutsú (Lomutsúù-) n. a personal
lɔ́mílɨmíl (lɔ́mílɨmílá-) n. glandular name.
swelling. Loɲá (Loɲáà-) n. a personal name.
lɔ́mɔ́ɗaáta (lɔ́mɔ́ɗaátí-) n. short grass Lɔɲákwa (Lɔɲákʉ́-) n. name of a moun-
species with small hooks that catch tain pass.
clothing and itch and which is tied
Loɲáŋálem (Loɲáŋálemú-) n. a personal
to sorghum stalks to discourage birds
name.
from landing. Triumfetta annua.
Lɔ̀ɲàŋàsʉ̀wà (Lɔ̀ɲàŋàsʉ̀wàà-) n. a per-
Lomoɗokoɡéc (Lomoɗokoɡecí-) n. July:
sonal name.
month of gourd harvest. See also
Ilíŋéètsʼa . Lɔŋása (Lɔŋásaí-) n. name of a river.
Lomoɗóɲ (Lomoɗóɲó-) n. name of a loŋazuta (loŋazutú-) n. mixture of seeds
mountain and associated human habi- from the bride and bridegroom’s fam-
tations. ilies that is ceremonially planted as a
symbol of the admixed fertility of bod-
lómoloró (lómoloróò-) n. sharp stick
ies and lands.
forming the pinnacle of a traditional
hut. lòŋìr (lòŋìrò-) n. short tree species
found growing in thick groves and
Lomoŋin (Lomoŋiní-) n. a personal
whose sweet black fruits are eaten.
name.
Meyna tetraphylla.
lomóŋin (lomóŋiní-) pl. lomóŋiníka . lɔŋɨzɛta (lɔŋɨzɛtɛ́-) n. black cleg, biting
n. large gunny sack. See also ɲáwaawá. fly (associated with warthogs).
Lɔmɔ́ya (Lɔmɔ́ì-) n. a personal name. lɔ́ŋízɨŋîz (lɔ́ŋízɨŋízá-) 1 n. burrowing
Lɔmɔ́ya (Lɔmɔ́í-) n. April: month of ground beetle (that can ring trees). 2
mushrooms. See also Lomaruka . n. cut that developes spontaneously
lɔmɔ́ya (lɔmɔ́ì-) n. plant whose parts are under the toes, which the Ik treat with
rubbed on the open wounds of cattle to earwax.
ward off flies and biting insects. Datura lɔŋɔanón (lɔŋɔanónì-) v. to be confused,
stramonium. disorderly, jumbled, topsy-turvy.
lɔmɔ́ya (lɔmɔ́ì-) n. poisonous mushroom lɔŋɔanónuƙota (lɔŋɔanónuƙotí-) 1 v. to
species with a conical top. become confused, disorderly, or jum-
lomucir (lomucirí-) pl. lomúcírika . bled up. 2 v. to go into pandemonium,
n. type of bolt-action rifle. panic.
Lomuka (Lomukú-) n. January: month Loŋóle (Loŋóleé-) n. a personal name.
of grass burning. See also Kùpòn. Lòŋòlè (Lòŋòlèè-) n. a personal name.

156
loŋóléhò Lopúsór

loŋóléhò (loŋólé-hòò-) pl. loŋóléhoíka . Lopeleméri (Lopelemérií-) n. a personal

n. hip joint socket. name.
Loŋólépalɔ́r (Loŋólépalɔ́rɔ́-) n. a per- Lɔpɛlɨpɛl (Lɔpɛlɨpɛlí-) n. name of a place
sonal name. far southwest of Ikland.
Loŋólì (Loŋólìì-) n. a personal name. lopem (lopemú-) pl. lopémíka . 1 n. flat
loŋórómòn (loŋórómònì-) v. to be dom- area. 2 n. plateau, tableland. 3 n. level,
ical, hemispherical (like a round hut). storey.
lɔŋɔ́ta (lɔŋɔ́tá-) n. enemies, foes. lopemúím (lopemú-ímà-) pl. lopémíka-
wika . n. stair, step.
lɔŋɔ́tánànès (lɔŋɔ́tánànèsì-) n. enmity,
hostility. lopéren (lopérení-) n. ghost, ghoul,
a phantom, wraith (associated with
loŋɔ́tásìtsʼ (loŋɔ́tá-sìtsʼà-) n. sacrifice
rivers).
for warding off enemies.
Lɔpɛ́ta (Lɔpɛ́tí-) n. name of a hill or
lɔŋɔ́tɔ́m (lɔŋɔ́tɔ́mà-) pl. lɔŋɔ́ta . n. enemy,
mountain.
foe.
Lɔ́ŋʉ́sʉl (Lɔ́ŋʉ́sʉlʉ́-) n. name of a hill or lópeya (lópeí-) pl. lópèìka . n. pancreas.
mountain. Lopéyóka (Lopéyóko-) n. a personal
Loocíkwa (Loocíkwaá-) n. name of a name.
hill. Lopíar (Lopíarí-) n. Year of Lopíar
Lɔɔɗíŋ (Lɔɔɗíŋì-) n. name of a moun- (1980), a year that brought disease and
tain in Didingaland, South Sudan. Also famine on the Ik, leading to the death
called Lotukéì. and displacement of many.
Lòòɗòs (Lòòɗòsì-) n. name of a hill or Lopíè (Lopíè-) n. a personal name.
mountain. lɔ́pírɨpír (lɔ́pírɨpírá-) n. wood-boring in-
a
Looɗóy (Looɗóì-) n. name of a hill in sect (identified by the piles of sawdust
Timu, the surrounding area, and asso- it leaves below).
ciated human habitations. lɔpɨtá (lɔpɨtáí-) pl. lɔpɨtáíka . 1 n. drying
lɔɔmʉ́yá (lɔɔmʉ́yáà-) n. blue-eared star- rack. 2 n. platform, podium. 3 n. altar.
ling (greater or lesser). Lamprotornis. lɔpɨtáá na ƙófóikóe n. dish-drying rack.
lɔɔrán (lɔɔrání-) n. glow of a fire at Lopokóka (Lopokókò-) n. name of a
night. mountain to the east of Timu. Also
lóórì (lóórìì-) pl. lóórììka . n. lorry, truck. called Soƙoɡwáás.
See also ɲolórì. Loporukɔlɔ́ŋ (Loporukɔlɔ́ŋì-) n. name
a
lɔɔrʉ́k (lɔɔrʉ́kʉ́-) n. whydah (Eastern of a place.
paradise or pin-tailed). Vidua sp. lɔpɔ́tsa (lɔpɔ́tsá-) n. clear fluid found in
Lɔɔsɔ́m (Lɔɔsɔ́mɔ̀-) n. name of a river. an elephant’s stomach.
lɔ́pɛ́ɗɛpɛ́ɗa (lɔ́pɛ́ɗɛpɛ́ɗɛ́-) n. bat. lɔ́pʉ́l (lɔ́pʉ́lì-) pl. lɔ́pʉ́lìka . n. small ob-
Lopéɗó (Lopéɗóò-) n. name of a moun- long edible gourd. Lagenaria sp.
tainous area south of Ikland. Lopúsór (Lopúsórì-) n. a personal name.

157
Lopúwà Lotííra

Lopúwà (Lopúwàà-) n. name of a moun- lɔsaláta (lɔsalátí-) n. plant species

tain where there is a large well. whose root decoction is blown into the
Lópúwà (Lópúwàà) n. a personal name. anus with a pipe to treat diarrhea. Gom-
phocarpus fruticosus.
lɔ̀r (lɔ̀rɔ̀) ideo. bulbously, bulgingly.
Lɔ̀sɛ̀rà (Lɔ̀sɛ̀ràà-) n. name of a hill.
Lɔrɛŋ (Lɔrɛŋɛ́-) n. name of a flat place
in Turkanaland, Kenya. Losíke (Losíkeé-) n. a personal name.
Loriɓóɓó (Loriɓóɓóò-) n. name of an Lósíl (Lósílì-) n. name of a hill or moun-
area at bottom of a ridge along the Ik tain.
escarpment. lósínáka (lósínáká-) n. smut fungus (on
lɔríɗa (lɔríɗá-) n. urinary tract infection maize or sorghum).
(possibly sexually transmitted, mani- Losíroíáwa (Losíroí-áwà-) n. name of an
fested in painful urination). Ik home that was burned down long
lɔ̀rìƙìlà (lɔ̀rìƙìlàà-) n. genet. Genetta tig- ago by a boy named Losíroi. Lit.
rina. ‘Losíroi’s place’.
loríónómor (loríónómorí-) n. long-leaf Losíroya (Losíroí-) n. a personal name.
tobacco (now found growing in the Lòsòlìà (Lòsòlìà-) n. name of a moun-
wild). See also pɛ́lɛ́ɗɛ̀ka . tain northwest of Ikland that the Ik
used to hunt and gather on. Also called
lòrìòŋòn (lòrìòŋònì-) n. doorstep,
Mt. Zulia.
threshold. See also lòkìtòŋ.
Losor (Losoró-) n. name of a place.
loríta (lorítá-) n. shrub species growing
at the base of boulders; its small black lósùàɲ (lósùàɲà-) pl. losúáɲìka .
roots are dug up and crushed during n. sharpening stone, whetstone.
termite harvest to ensure a good har- Lósʉ́ɓán (Lósʉ́ɓáná-) n. August. See
vest; roots may also be ground, dried, also Ɗiwamúce and Iɗátáŋɛ́r.
and applied to sores as a disinfectant, losúka (losúkù-) n. candidiasis, monilia-
or drunk as a remedy for underarm and sis: fungal infection of the mouth and
back pain. throat.
lɔrɔ́dɔ̀n (lɔrɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be bulbous, lòtàbùsèn (lòtàbùsènì-) pl. lotábù-
bulging. See also bulúƙúmòn. sènìka . n. dust devil, whirlwind.
lorokon (lorokoní-) pl. lorókónìka . lotáɗá (lotáɗáà-) n. bandit, robber.
n. adze. lotáɗánànès (lotáɗánànèsì-) n. ban-
Lorokonídàkwa (Lorokoní-dàkù-) ditry, robbery.
n. constellation of seven-stars resem- lɔ̀tàfàr (lɔ̀tàfàrà-) n. grass species whose
bling an adze handle. Lit. ‘adze-wood’. seeds are ground and eaten; children
lorokoníɡwà (lorokoní-ɡwàà-) n. bird also use it in play-fighting. Gramineae
species. Lit. ‘adze-bird’. sp.
Lorukuɗe (Lorukuɗeé-) n. personal Loteteleíta (Loteteleítì-) n. name of a
name of a Jie shopkeeper. river near Ròŋòta . Also called Sɔ́ɡɛsabá.
lorwaneta (lorwanetaá-) pl. lorwáné- Lotííra (Lotííraá-) n. Year of Lotííra that
tàìka . n. Maasai blanket. brought famine to the Ik.

158
lɔ́tílɨtíl lóúpè

lɔ́tílɨtíl (lɔ́tílɨtílì-) n. grass species whose lótórobéta (lótórobétí-) n. vine with

long, sharp seeds stick to clothing and long edible seed-pods. Zehneria scabra.
prick the skin; Ik children pretend they Lotséto (Lotsétoó-) n. month of bad
are spears. honey.
Lotim (Lotimá-) n. name of a small lɔtsɔ́ɡɔ̀m (lɔtsɔ́ɡɔ̀mà-) n. millet-like
mountain, the surrounding area, and grass that is an inedible weed.
associated human habitations. lòtsòr (lòtsòrò-) n. firefinch (red-billed
lotímálèmòn (lotímálèmònì-) v. to be and others?). Lagonosticta senegala.
emaciated, gaunt, skeletal. Lòtsòròɓò (Lòtsòrò-ɓòò-) n. name of a
Lotíɲam (Lotíɲamá-) n. name of a place hill or mountain and associated river.
between Kámíón and Lɔkwakaramɔ́ì Lit. ‘firefinch-escarpment’.
and its villages. lótsótsa (lótsótsò-) n. biting fly, cowfly.
Lotirém (Lotirémò-) n. name of a verti- Lotsul (Lotsulú-) n. a personal name.
cle ridge running up to Gàlàtsa , where lótsúm (lótsúmù-) pl. lótsúmìka .
the Ik used to live in the mid-1900s. n. thatched storehouse.
lotiwúóta (lotiwúótò-) n. bird species lotsʼilotsʼa (lotsʼilotsʼí-) pl. lotsʼílótsʼìka .
(possibly an oriole). n. animal-hoof rattle.
Lotíyá (Lotíyáà-) n. name of a hill or Lɔ̀tʉ̀ɗɔ̀ (Lɔ̀tʉ̀ɗɔ̀ɔ̀-) n. a personal name.
mountain.
lotúɗuzé (lotúɗuzéè-) n. nickname for a
lɔ́tɔ́ɓa (lɔ́tɔ́ɓà-) n. tobacco. hyrax.
lɔ́tɔ́ɓa ná zè n. cannabis, marijuana. Lit. Lotuka (Lotukú-) n. a personal name.
‘tobacco that is big’. Lotukéya (Lotukéì-) n. a personal name.
lɔ́tɔ́ɓààm (lɔ́tɔ́ɓà-àmà-) pl. lɔ́tɔ́ɓaika . 1 lótúrum (lótúrumú-) n. olive pigeon.
n. tobacco user. 2 n. Didinga person. Columba arquatrix.
lɔ́tɔ́ɓabɔrɔƙɔ́ƙa (lɔ́tɔ́ɓa-bɔrɔƙɔ́ƙɔ̀-) pl. lɔ́- Lotyaka (Lotyakí-) n. September. See
tɔ́ɓabɔrɔƙɔ́kíka . n. tobacco cone. also Nakariɓa .
lɔ́tɔ́ɓàɡwàs (lɔ́tɔ́ɓà-ɡwàsà-) pl. lɔ́- Lotyaŋ (Lotyaŋí-) n. a personal name.
tɔ́ɓaɡwasíka . 1 n. tobacco grinding loúka (loukú-) 1 n. carnivore, predator.
stone. 2 n. young monkeys. 2 n. greedyguts.
lɔ́tɔ́ɓàɲɛ̀ƙa (lɔ́tɔ́ɓà-ɲɛ̀ƙɛ̀-) n. hunger for Loukómor (Loukómorú-) n. name of a
tobacco, urge for nicotine. mountain in Turkanaland, Kenya.
lɔ́tɔ́ɓàsèda (lɔ́tɔ́ɓà-sèdà-) pl. lɔ́tɔ́ɓa- loukúétsʼa (loukú-étsʼì-) n. cadaver,
sedíka . n. tobacco garden. corpse. Lit. ‘predator-shit’.
lɔtɔ́ƙa (lɔtɔ́ƙɔ́-) pl. lɔtɔ́ƙíka . n. garden Loúnoya (Loúnoí-) n. World Vision:
rain shelter. NGO that administered relief food dis-
Lɔtɔ́ƙíkààwa (Lɔtɔ́ƙíkà-àwà-) n. name of tributions to the Ik in the 2010s.
a place. Lit. ‘garden shelters place’. loúpal (loúpalí-) n. cobra. Naja sp.
Lɔtɔlɛ́r (Lɔtɔlɛ́rɛ̀-) n. name of a place and lóúpè (lóúpèè-) n. shrub species whose
associated human habitations. bitter roots are chewed or pounded,

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Lourien lyamádòn

soaked in water, and drunk for stom- lùʝu (lùʝù) ideo. flabbily, flaccidly.
achaches. Pachycarpus schweinfurthii. luʝúdòn (luʝúdònì-) v. to be flabby, flac-
Lourien (Louriení-) n. a personal name. cid.
Loúsúnà (Loúsúnàà-) n. name of a lʉʝʉlʉ́ʝɛ́s (lʉʝʉlʉ́ʝɛ́sí-) v. to fill com-
place. pletely.
lɔʉtsʉ́r (lɔʉtsʉ́rá-) n. freshly pounded
lʉʝʉlʉ́ʝɔ́n (lʉʝʉlʉ́ʝɔ́nì-) v. to be com-
tobacco, still green.
pletely full.
Lowákuʝa (Lowákuʝí-) n. name of a
mountain southwest of Ikland. Lúkà (Lúkàà-) 1 n. Luke. 2 n. Luke:
book in the New Testament.
lɔwɨɗa (lɔwɨɗí-) pl. lɔwíɗíka . n. small-
animal trap (e.g. for hyraxes and squir- luka (luká-) n. tree squirrel.
rels). lúkúɗukuɗánón (lúkúɗukuɗánónì-) 1
lɔwɨɲ (lɔwɨɲí-) n. stingless bee, sweat v. to slither. 2 v. to meander, weave,
bee. Hypotrigona sp. wind, zigzag. See also ɨkɔɗíkɔ́ɗɔ̀n and
lɔ́wírɨwír (lɔ́wírɨwírí-) n. optical illu- iƙulúƙúlòn.
sion of having seen something distant lukutiés (lukutiesí-) v. to down, gulp
moving quickly. down, inhale (food). See also lakatiés.
Loyaŋoroka (Loyaŋorokó-) n. a per- luƙáámitésúƙota (luƙáámitésúƙotí-)
sonal name. v. to make inadequate, insufficient, or
loyeté (loyetéè-) n. ground barbet lacking.
(d’Arnaud’s or red-and-yellow). Tra- luƙáámòn (luƙáámònì-) v. to be inade-
chyphonus sp. quate, insufficient, lacking.
Loyóro (Loyóroó-) n. name of a place
luƙés (luƙésí-) v. to down, swallow.
far southeast of Ikland.
lozikineta (lozikinetí-) n. rope stretched lúl (lúlà-) n. heavens, firmament, sky.
horizontally to support neck snares. lùm (lùmù) ideo. malleably, pliably,
See also lozikita . softly.
lozikita (lozikití-) n. rope stretched hor- lumúdòn (lumúdònì-) v. to be malleable,
izontally to support neck snares. See pliable, soft.
also lozikineta .
lúulú (lúulúù-) 1 n. kindling, tinder,
luɗés (luɗésí-) v. to dent, depress, in- touchwood. 2 n. lizard species that
dent. See also rábaɗamitésúƙota . lives in Kenya.
luɗúmón (luɗúmónì-) v. to be dented,
lwàŋ (lwàŋà) ideo. out of sight.
depressed, indented.
lúɡùm (lúɡùmà-) 1 n. solidified meal lyàm (lyàmà) ideo. powderily.
mush (posho). 2 n. tough maize ker- lyamádòn (lyamádònì-) v. to be pow-
nels (past maturation). dery. See also ɲapíɗímòn.

160
mà Máríkò

m
mà (<mòòn) v. mamá (mamá) nurs. yum-yum! (a nurs-
mà (<meés) v. ery word for food or eating). See also
ɓá.
máa (máa) adv. not: do not, did not,
has/have not. Mamʉkíria (Mamʉkíriá-) n. personal
name of a woman from Kamion.
Maarʉka (Maarʉkʉ́-) n. a personal
name. màŋ (màŋà) ideo. thickly.
maɗámón (maɗámónì-) v. to fall back, maŋádòn (maŋádònì-) v. to be unde-
remain behind. See also isíɗéètòn. sirably thick (e.g. an axe, shoes, etc.).
Compare with maŋídòn.
máɗíŋ (máɗíŋì-) pl. máɗíŋìka . 1
maŋídòn (maŋídònì-) v. to be thick (of
n. spleen. 2 n. organ, organization.
flat objects like honeycomb).
maimoos (maimoosí-) v. to be chroni-
Máóika (Máó-icé-) n. traditional men’s
cally ill.
age-group with the lion as its totem
maimoosíám (maimoosí-ámà) pl. mai- (second oldest, #2, in the historical
moosííka . n. chronically ill person. line). Lit. ‘Lion-Folk’.
maímós (maímósí-) 1 v. to give each maráŋ interj. fine! good! okay! Lit. ‘It’s
other. 2 v. to face each other. good!’.
máìrɔ̀ (máìrɔ̀ɔ̀-) pl. máìrɔ̀ìka . n. mile. maráŋaakón (maráŋaakónì-) v. to be
máìrɔ̀ɛ̀da (máìrɔ̀ɛ̀dɛ̀-) n. distance, good (of many).
mileage. maráŋás (maráŋásì-) n. goodness.
maitetés (maitetésí-) v. to care for, màràŋɡwà (màràŋɡwàà-) n. red bean
nurse (the sick). variety (called K20). From the Swahili
makúl (makúlí-) pl. makúlíka . n. round word maharagwe ‘beans’.
grass beehive cover (that goes over the maráŋíke v. nicely, well.
two ends of a beehive). maraŋités (maraŋitesí-) v. to ameliorate,
maƙésúƙota (maƙésúƙotí-) v. to give enhance, improve, make good.
away/out. maraŋítésuƙota (maraŋítésuƙotí-) 1
maƙésúƙota así v. to give oneself away. v. to ameliorate, enhance, improve,
málákʉ́r (málákʉ́rá-) n. vine species make good. 2 v. to cure, heal.
with edible seed-pods. Vigna sp. Pos- maráŋón (maráŋónì-) 1 v. to be good. 2
sibly the same vine as ànɛ̀. v. to be kind.
màlòr (màlòrì-) 1 n. sisal species with maráŋónìàm (maráŋónì-àmà-) pl. ma-
sharp tips and fibers that are used for ráŋóniika . n. good, kind person.
tying; the Turkana thatch with it. San- maráŋónuƙota (maráŋónuƙotí-) 1 v. to
sevieria robusta. 2 n. sisal rope. 3 become good, improve. 2 v. to get bet-
n. corn, maize. ter, heal.
màlòrìèɗa (màlòrì-èɗì-) n. corn, maize . Máríkò (Máríkòò-) 1 n. Mark. 2
Lit. ‘sisal-grain’. n. Mark: New Testament book.

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marɨŋ mɛkɛmɛkán

marɨŋ (marɨŋí-) n. wooden fence (inner mayaakón (mayaakónì-) v. to be ill or

or outer). sick (of many people).
marɨŋídɛ̀ (marɨŋí-dɛ̀à-) n. base or foot mayaakóniicéhò (mayaakóni-icé-hòò-)
of a fence. Lit. ‘fence-foot’. pl. mayaakóniicéhoíka . n. hospital
marɨŋímóríɗa (marɨŋí-móríɗó-) n. vari- ward.
ety of red, white, or pink beans planted mayaakóniika (mayaakóni-icé-) n. pa-
near the wooden fences built around tients.
homesteads. máyákù (máyá-kùà-) n. kob grass:
marʉ́kʉ́cɛmɛ́r (marʉ́kʉ́-cɛmɛ́rí-) species of grass the reddish color of a
n. shrub species that grows down the Ugandan kob, used widely by the Ik for
escarpment and whose root decoction thatching. GRAMINEAE sp.
is drunk for body pain. màywa (màyò-) pl. mayoicíka . n. dis-
másálúka (másálúká-) n. paste made of ease, illness, malady, sickness.
ground, undried edible termites. mázɨmázɔ̀n (mázɨmázɔ̀nì-) v. to be
masánétòn (masánétònì-) v. to de- tangy, tart (like liquid at the onset of
cay, go off, rot, spoil. See also fermentation or some tree bark concoc-
ɗutúɗútánónuƙota and mʉsánétòn. tions).
masánón (masánónì-) v. to be off, rot- mbáyà (mbáyà) adv. a lot, very much. A
ten, spoiled. slang expression based on the Swahili
matáŋ (matáŋí-) pl. matáŋìka . n. temple word mbaya ‘bad’.
(zygomatic) area. médemedánón (médemedánónì-) v. to
mataŋɛs (mataŋɛsí-) v. to chew, masti- be cracked, fissured (floor, soil, walls,
cate (esp. tobacco). Also pronounced etc.). See also takátákánón.
as ɨmátáŋɛ́s. mɛ́ɛ̀ɛ̀ (mɛ́ɛ̀ɛ̀) ideo. baa! (bleating sound
matáŋíɡwarí (matáŋí-ɡwaríì-) n. upper of goats and sheep).
frontal bone, upper temple (zygomatic) meés (meesí-/ma-) v. to give.
area. meesíám (meesí-ámà-) pl. meesííka .
matáŋíɔ̀ka (matáŋí-ɔ̀kà-) n. temple n. giver.
(sphenoid) bone. meetam (meetamá-) n. gift.
matáŋɨtɛtɛ́s (matáŋɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to give meetés (meetésí-) v. to give.
(chewing tobacco). Lit. ‘to make
meetésíicíka (meetésí-icíká-) n. gifts, of-
chew’.
ferings, tribute.
Matéò (Matéòò-) 1 n. Matthew. 2 meetón (meetónì-) v. to fall sick, get
n. Matthew: New Testament book.
sick.
Matsú (Matsúù-) n. a personal name.
mɛkɛlɛ́lɔ́n (mɛkɛlɛ́lɔ́nì-) v. to be un-
máwa (máó-) n. lion. Panthera leo. breakable, unchewable (e.g. bone or
máxìŋ (máxìŋì-) n. epicardium, epicar- metal).
dial (heart) fat. mɛkɛmɛkán (mɛkɛmɛkání-) n. Tem-
máyá (máyáà-) n. kob. Kobus kob minck’s ground pangolin. Manis tem-
(thomasi). mincki.

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meleke míʝés

meleke (melekeí-) n. tree species whose mɛsa ƙwaaté n. beer drunk as part of the
young roots are eaten raw and whose traditional Ik birth ceremony.
fruit is liked by children and birds; its mɛsɛcue (mɛsɛ-cué-) n. watery beer
bark is chewed as medicine for cough- leftover from a ceremony or work-day.
ing, and its wood is used to carve stools Lit. ‘beer-water’.
and wooden containers. Lannea schim-
mɛ̀sɛ̀dòm (mɛ̀sɛ̀-dòmà-) pl. mɛsɛdo-
peri. See also ekoɗita .
mitín. n. beer pot.
mèlèta (mèlètì-) n. grass species resem-
mɛ̀sɛ̀ɲɛ̀ƙa (mɛ̀sɛ̀-ɲɛ̀ƙɛ̀-) n. craving for al-
bling millet, and whose seeds are dried,
cohol, hunger for beer.
ground, and used to make meal mush.
méta (métá-) n. shrub species used for
Meletisabá (Meleti-sabáà-) n. name of a firewood and eaten by livestock; it of-
river. Lit. ‘mèlèt-river’. ten provides shade for tobacco gardens;
mɛn (mɛná-) 1 n. issues, matters. 2 elders use its branches to ceremonially
n. problems, troubles. whip hunters before their departure on
mɛnáám (mɛná-ámà-) pl. mɛnáíka . a hunt. Cadaba farinosa. See also súr.
n. outlaw, rebel, troublemaker. mɛtsɛ́s (mɛtsɛ́sí-) v. to fence with poles
mɛnáícíka (mɛná-ícíká-) n. stuff, things. and sticks.
mɛnéékwa (mɛné-ékù-) pl. mɛn. mɛ̀ʉ̀r (mɛ̀ʉ̀rà-) n. fork-tailed drongo. Di-
n. point, topic, word. Lit. ‘matters-eye’. crurus adsimilis. See also bɛ̀ʉ̀r.
See also tódèèkwa . méya (méyá-) pl. méítín. n. bundle,
mɛnɛ́tɔ́n (mɛnɛ́tɔ́nì-) v. to send in a mes- package, packet (of mira or tobacco
sage (e.g. by phoning or shouting). wrapped in grass or leaves).
mɛnɔnʉƙɔta (mɛnɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to send mɨdɨƙa (mɨdɨƙí-) n. parrot-billed spar-
out a message (by phoning or shout- row. Passer gongonensis.
ing). mídzatés (mídzatésí-) 1 v. to smell, sniff.
mɛ́rɛ́ɗɛɗɛ́ (mɛ́rɛ́ɗɛɗɛ́ɛ̀-) n. short plant 2 v. to smell in order to kill.
species whose roots are decocted and mídzatetés (mídzatetésí-) v. to catch
applied to hurting or diseased eyes. scent of, smell.
Vernonia cinerascens. mídzitésúƙota (mídzitésúƙotí-) v. to
mɛrɨmɛ́ránètòn (mɛrɨmɛ́ránètònì-) v. to make smelly.
have multiple varied patterns. mídzòn (mídzònì-) v. to smell (good or
mérímeritsíò (mérímeritsíò) in- bad), stink.
terj. ready, set, go! (an expression mídzona ɗɛtsɨɗɛ́tsíkɛ v. to reek, smell
issuing a challenge or initiating a com- fetid, stink.
petition of some sort). mídzònà ɗùku v. to reek, smell rotten,
merixánón (merixánónì-) v. to be dot- stink.
ted or spotted (like a leopard). míɡiriɡíránón (míɡiriɡíránónì-) v. to be
mɛ̀s (mɛ̀sɛ̀-) n. beer, brewski. dusky, twilit (at dawn or dusk).
mɛsa édì n. beer drunk at a newborn’s míʝés (míʝésì-) v. to decline, reject,
naming ceremony. scorn, turn down.

163
mɨʝílímɔ̀n misimísón

mɨʝílímɔ̀n (mɨʝílímɔ̀nì-) v. to be slitted mínínɔ́sá na áwìkàe v. love between

(like squinted eyes). community members, neighbors. Lit.
miƙídòn (miƙídònì-) v. to be legion, ‘love of villages’.
very numerous (e.g. trees or people). mínínɔ́sá na ɨɓám v. feigned love.
mìƙⁱ (mìƙì) ideo. numerously. mínínɔ́síàm (mínínɔ́sí-àmà-) pl. mínínɔ́-
mìl (mìlì) ideo. glitterily, sparkely. síika . n. lover.
mìl (mìlɔ̀) ideo. sleekly. mɨníta (mɨnítá-) n. African civet. Civet-
milékwa (milékú-) pl. milékwíka . tictis civetta.
n. shrub species whose brown fruits mìɲɔ̀n (mìɲɔ̀nì-) v. to be deaf, mute.
are eaten raw. Canthium sp. mɨɲɔna íkèdè v. to be dumb, slow or
mɨlíár (mɨlíárì-) n. grass species which ‘thick’ mentally. Lit. ‘deafness of the
is used to tie up a piece of broken head’.
pot to calm strong winds or is put at míɔ̀ka (míɔ̀kɔ̀-) n. mamba (black or
the threshold of a sick person’s door, green).
and when crossed, leads to healing. mɨríɗímɔ̀n (mɨríɗímɔ̀nì-) v. to be tiny
Gramineae sp. (of an opening, like a pin hole).
mɨlídɔ̀n (mɨlídɔ̀nì-) v. to be glittery,
mɨrɨmírɔ́n (mɨrɨmírɔ́nì-) v. to trickle.
sparkly.
mɨsá (mɨsáí-) n. shrub species whose
milílón (milílónì-) v. to be gelatinous,
berries are eaten raw or crushed to fla-
jelly-like (egg yolk, okra).
vor porridge; berries are also chewed
mɨlɔ́dɔ̀n (mɨlɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be sleek, as a treatment for tongue blisters;
streamlined (like a snake). wood is used for fencing, and the
mínɛ́s (mínɛ́sì-) 1 v. to affix, fix on (a tool leaves are used to filter dirty water.
on a handle). 2 v. to pick (the teeth). Rhus natalensis.
mínɛ́s (mínɛ́sì-) 1 v. to adore, cherish, mɨsáícùè (mɨsáí-cùè-) n. wine made
love. 2 v. to cure, heal. from the fermenting juice of the mɨsá
mínɛ́sìàm (mínɛ́sì-àmà-) pl. mínɛ́siika . shrub, obtained by soaking seeds,
n. admirer, devotee, lover. squeezing out the juice, and letting it
mínɛ́sìàwa (mínɛ́sì-àwà-) pl. mínɛ́sɨa- sit in the sun.
wíka . n. fixture of a metal tool to its mɨsáíètsʼa (mɨsáí-ètsʼì-) n. feces contain-
handle. ing mɨsá seeds that cause the fecal mat-
mínɛ́sìèda (mínɛ́sì-èdì-) pl. mínɛ́sɨeditín. ter to disperse loosely.
n. term of endearment. Lit. ‘love- mísì (mísì) subordconn. if, whether.
name’. mísɨ … mísɨ … coordconn. either … or ….
mɨníkímɔ̀n (mɨníkímɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be mɨsíás (mɨsíásì-) n. shrub species. Gni-
gummy, sticky. 2 v. to be stingy. dia subcordata.
mɨnímínatés (mɨnímínatésí-) v. to feel, misimísón (misimísónì-) v. to be seen
finger, play with. See also ɨmɨnímínɛ́s. dimly or faintly (e.g. because of a great
mínínɔ́s (mínínɔ́sí-) v. to love each distance, like the Turkana plains below
other. Ikland).

164
mɨtɨmítɔ́n momota

mɨtɨmítɔ́n (mɨtɨmítɔ́nì-) v. to be sweet- moɡánétòn (moɡánétònì-) v. to become

and-sour. See also taasámòn. dense or thick (of brush).
mɨtírímɔ̀n (mɨtírímɔ̀nì-) v. to be shriv- moɡánón (moɡánónì-) v. to be dense,
eled, withered. thick (of brush).
mɨtɨtɛs (mɨtɨtɛsí-) v. to make be (some- mɔkɛ́s (mɔkɛ́sí-) v. to cover, enclose
one or something). (a termite hole with a dome of sticks,
mìtɔ̀n (mìtɔ̀nì-) v. to be (someone or grass, and soil, leaving one opening out
something). which the ants can be collected).
mɨtɔna ɗíɛ́ áɗònì v. to be the third. mókol (mókoló-) pl. mókòlìka . n. hard-
wood tree species whose wood is used
mɨtɔna ɗíɛ́ ʝìrì v. to be the last. in building and fencing and whose bark
mɨtɔna ɗíɛ́ leɓétsónì v. to be the second. decoction is drunk as a treatment for
mɨtɔna ɗíɛ́ tûba v. to be the next. abdominal pains; pipes and beehives
mɨtɔna ɗíɛ́ wàxì v. to be the first. are carved from its branches and trunk.
Ozoroa insignis (reticulata).
mɨtɔna eas v. to be the truth.
mɔƙɨmɔ́ƙɔ́n (mɔƙɨmɔ́ƙɔ́nì-) v. to cloud
mɨtɔna sírìàs v. to be serious. up, form rainclouds.
mɨtɔnʉƙɔta (mɨtɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to become mɔƙɔr (mɔƙɔrɔ́-) pl. moƙóríkwa . n. well
(someone or something). deeply embedded in a large rock. Com-
mítsʼa (mítsʼá-) pl. mítsʼítín. n. testicle, pare with sáta .
testis. Mɔƙɔ́ríka (Mɔƙɔ́ríkà-) n. name of a river.
míʒìʒ (míʒìʒɔ̀-) pl. míʒìʒìka . n. vine Lit. ‘rock wells’.
species used as for building granaries, mɔƙɔrɔ́ám (mɔƙɔrɔ́-ámà-) pl. mɔƙɔró-
strapping beehives to trees, and lower- íka . n. Bokora person. Lit. ‘rock-pool
ing men or honey from high places; its person’.
seeds are ground, soaked, and then the mɔƙɔrɔ́cúé (mɔƙɔrɔ́-cúè-) n. water from
infusion acts as a treatment for head- a well deep inside a rock.
lice. Hippocratea africana.
Mɔƙɔrɔ́ɡwàs (Mɔƙɔrɔ́-ɡwàsà-) n. name
mɔ́ɗa (mɔ́ɗɛ́-) n. ground bee. of a hill or mountain. Lit. ‘well-rock’.
Moɗiŋ (Moɗiŋí-) n. a personal name. mɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀n (mɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to hesitate,
Moɗó (Moɗóò-) n. a personal name. pause, stop, take a break. See also
mɔɗɔ́ɗa (mɔɗɔ́ɗɔ́-) 1 n. bagworm. Psy- mɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀n.
chididae. 2 n. cocoon. 3 n. sleep, momó (momóò-) pl. momóín. 1 n. un-
slumber. cle (mother’s brother). 2 n. nephew
mɔɗɔ́ɗɔ́èkwa (mɔɗɔ́ɗɔ́-èkù-) 1 n. co- (sister’s son).
coon opening. 2 n. threshold con- momócèka (momó-cèkì-) n. aunt
sciousness: state of being half-asleep (mother’s brother’s wife).
or half-awake. Lit. ‘cocoon-eye’. momóìm (momó-ìmà-) pl. momówika .
môɡa (móɡà-) n. dense thicket, thick n. cousin (mother’s brother’s child).
brush (often found in riverbeds where momota (momotí-) pl. momotíkwa .
it avoids being burned). n. his/her uncle (mother’s brother).

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momotícéka mɔsɔnʉƙɔta

momotícéka (momotí-cékì-) n. his/her moronuƙota (moronuƙotí-) v. to flee,

aunt (mother’s brother’s wife). run away.
momotíím (momotí-ímà-) pl. momotí- Morúaɲáo (Morúaɲáoó-) n. name of a
wíka . n. his/her cousin (mother’s hill or mountain.
brother’s child). Moruaŋákiné (Moruaŋákinéì-) n. name
mɔ́ɲɛ́s (mɔ́ɲɛ́sì-) v. to gossip about, talk of a hillside and associated human
about. habitations.
mɔɲɨmɔɲɔs (mɔɲɨmɔɲɔsí-) v. to be gab- Morúaŋápɨɔn (Morúaŋápɨɔnɔ́-) n. name
by, gossipy. of a hill or mountain.
mòò (mòò) adv. not: and then … do(es) Moruaŋípi (Moruaŋípií-) n. name of a
not. mountain in Toposaland, South Sudan.
mòòn (mòònì-/ma-) v. to be ill, sick. Morúaŋítà (Morúaŋítàà-) n. name of a
hill or mountain.
moona ɡúróe v. to be heartsick (from
anger, guilt, sadness, etc.). Morúápólón (Morúápólóní-) n. name of
a mountain in Turkanaland, Kenya.
moós (moosí-) v. to be given.
Morúárɛ́ŋán (Morúárɛ́ŋánì-) n. name of
morétón (morétónì-) 1 v. to germinate, a hill or mountain.
grow, sprout. 2 v. to come in (of teeth).
Morúatapa (Morúatapá-) n. name of
3 v. to break out (of skin problems).
a hilltop in Kamion where the British
Morícoro (Morícoroó-) n. name of an used to come for picnics and on which
area where the road from Kàlàpàtà the Ik now live.
slopes upward at the border of Ikland.
Morúédikaya (Morúédikaí-) n. name of
mòrìɗa (mòrìɗò-) n. bean(s). a hill or mountain.
mórímós (mórímósí-) v. to respect each Morúéris (Morúérisá-) n. name of a hill
other. or mountain.
Móróɗa (Móróɗò-) n. name of a de- Morukoyan (Morukoyaní-) n. name of
serted village. a hill.
moróka (morókú-) pl. morókíka . 1 Morúlem (Morúlemú-) n. name of a hill
n. throat. 2 n. voice. 3 n. shaft. 4 or mountain.
n. stalk. Morúɲaŋ (Morúɲaŋá-) n. name of a hill
moróká na kwátsa 1 n. esophagus, gul- with yellowish grass.
let. 2 n. soft voice. Lit. ‘throat that is Morúŋole (Morúŋoleé-) n. name of a
small’. tall mountain in the west of Ikland.
moróká ná zè 1 n. trachea, windpipe. 2 mɔsímɔ́sɔ̀n (mɔsímɔ́sɔ̀nì-) v. to be
n. loud voice. Lit. ‘throat that is big’. lightly parched, partially dry.
morókêda (morókédè-) n. gun barrel. mɔ̀sɔ̀n (mɔ̀sɔ̀nì-) v. to be dried out,
Lit. ‘its throat’. parched, withered.
mòròn (mòrònì-) 1 v. to fear. 2 v. to mɔsɔnʉƙɔta (mɔsɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to dry out,
respect, revere, venerate. parch, wither up.

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moxés mukú

moxés (moxésí-) v. to peel or pick off buried as a way to prevent enemies or

(e.g. a scab). sickness).
mɔ̀z (mɔ̀zà-) n. shrub species whose muɗésá ɡwaáe v. to bury a bird alive
reddish-brown fruits are eaten and (as a sacrifice in order to prevent them
whose branches are made into from consuming the crops). See also
weapons. Grewia villosa. ƙanésúƙota ɡwaáe .
mozokoɗa (mozokoɗí-) n. softwood tree muɗésá ɦyekesíé wicé v. to bury the life
species whose wood is used for fencing of one’s children (a metaphor for mak-
and whose branches are used as fight- ing a pronouncement over one’s chil-
ing sticks. Ormocarpum trichocarpum. dren, for example when a father is near-
ing his death).
muce (muceé-) pl. mucéíka . 1 n. path,
road, trail, way. 2 n. method, way (of muɗésá loɡeréɲoé v. to bury a stink-bug
doing). 3 n. fortune, lot, luck. (as a sacrfice to prevent them from eat-
ing up all the grain in one’s garden).
mucea na ɓárɨɓár n. average luck, de-
muɗésíàm (muɗésí-àmà-) pl. muɗé-
cent forture.
síika . n. gravedigger. See also
mucea na ináƙúós n. awful luck, terrible tʉnʉkɛsíám.
fortune. múɗuɗú (múɗuɗúù-) n. white-browed
mucea ná ʝɔ̀l n. bad luck, ill fortune. Lit. coucal (possibly Senegal as well). Cen-
‘way that is bland’. tropus superciliosus.
mucea na títìàn n. good fortune or luck. Múɗùɡùrìtòda (Múɗùɡùrì-tòdà-)
Lit. ‘way that is hot’. n. Arabic language.
mucéáka (mucé-ákà-) pl. mucéíkaakɨtín. múɗúkánón (múɗúkánónì-) 1 v. to be
n. middle of a path. Lit. ‘path-mouth’. blind, unsighted. 2 v. to have poor
See also mucéékwa . eyesight. 3 v. to close the eyes.
mucédɛ̀ (mucé-dɛ̀à-) pl. mucéíkadɛíka . múɗúkánónìtòda (múɗúkánónì-tòdà-)
n. trailhead. Lit. ‘path-foot’. n. careless speech, reckless talk. Lit.
‘blindness-talk’.
mucéékwa (mucé-ékù-) pl. mucéíkeek-
muʝálámòn (muʝálámònì-) 1 v. to be
witín. n. middle of a path. Lit. ‘path-
bland, flavorless, tasteless, vapid. 2
eye’. See also mucéáka .
v. to be lukewarm, tepid.
mʉɗáŋámɔ̀n (mʉɗáŋámɔ̀nì-) v. to be un- mʉ̀kà (mʉ̀kà) 1 adv. really, totally. 2
pierced (of ears, lips). adv. forever. 3 adv. never. See also
múɗèr (múɗèrì-) 1 n. dwarf mongoose. ʝîkɨ .
Helogale parvula. 2 ideo. very black. mukéta (mukétí-) pl. mukétíka . n. my-
muɗés (muɗésí-) v. to bury, inhume, lohyoid muscle: thin muscle that con-
inter, lay to rest. See also búdès and nects to the inner front of the jawbone
tʉnʉkɛs. and pulls it down.
muɗésá cɛmɛ́ríkàɛ v. to bury medicine múkò n. en route, on the way.
(a metaphor for items like a butter flask, mukú (mukúà-) pl. mukúaicíka .
chicken, or shard of broken pottery, n. night, nighttime.

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mukú mʉtsʼʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta

mukú n. at night, by night, during the mùɲ (mùɲù) 1 quant. all, entire, whole.
night. 2 quant. any, whatsoever.
mukúádàŋ (mukúá-dàŋà-) n. noctural mùɲùmùɲ (mùɲùmùɲù) quant. all, en-
edible termite species. tire, whole.
mukúáɡwà (mukúá-ɡwàà-) n. noctur- mʉránón (mʉránónì-) v. to be sour (of
nal bird (in general). malt grains).
mukúásísíka (mukúá-sísíká-) n. mid- mʉrɛ́s (mʉrɛ́sí-) v. to mash, soak (i.e.
night. grist for beer-brewing).
Mukulita (Mukulití-) n. name of a river. mʉrɔn (mʉrɔní-) 1 n. grass species that
grows like a vine and whose leaves are
mʉkʉtam (mʉkʉtamá-) n. fist. Lit.
chewed and applied to wounds to stop
‘clenchable’. See also ɨlʉlʉŋam.
pain; it is prescribed as a charm to ward
mʉkʉtɛs (mʉkʉtɛsí-) v. to clasp, clench. of diseases and spirits; tobacco is often
mʉkʉtɛtɛ́s (mʉkʉtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to clasp, planted where it grows. Cynodon dacty-
clench up. lon. 2 n. grassy tobacco garden.
mʉ́ƙás (mʉ́ƙásì-) n. small honeybee múrotsíò (múrotsíò-) n. shrub species
species that nests in trees. used for making house poles. Maytenus
undata.
Mùƙè (Mùƙèì-) n. name of a hill or
mountain. muruta (murutá-) n. watershed: ridge
separating adjacent river systems.
muƙíánètòn (muƙíánètònì-) v. to be
brown. murutéékwa (muruté-ékù-) n. center-
point of a watershed.
mʉƙʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n (mʉƙʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to
be hunched, stooped. See also mʉ̀s (mʉ̀sà-) pl. mʉ́sítín. n. candelabra
rʉ́ɡʉ̀ɗʉ̀mɔ̀n. tree: cactus-like tree whose sap is used
as a glue to fix tools and whose ashes
mʉ́lʉƙʉ́ƙɔ́n (mʉ́lʉƙʉ́ƙɔ́nì-) v. to salivate are used as fertilizer for pumpkin and
(when gagging or vomiting). tobacco fields. Euphorbia candelabrum.
mulúráŋòn (mulúráŋònì-) v. to lurch, mʉsánétòn (mʉsánétònì-) v. to de-
sink (of one’s heart when hearing or cay, decompose, go off, rot. See also
suspecting bad news). ɗutúɗútánónuƙota and masánétòn.
mumúánón (mumúánónì-) v. to be my- mususánón (mususánónì-) v. to be
opic, shortsighted. groggy, hungover.
múmùta (múmùtà-) n. evergreen moss- mútètsa (mútètsì-) n. Egyptian mon-
like plant species used as livestock fod- goose. Herpestes ichneumon. Also
der and whose bark is pounded, soaked called ‘gray mongoose’ or ‘ichneu-
and drunk as stomach medicine. Se- mon’.
laginella phillipsiana. mʉtsʼʉtɛs (mʉtsʼʉtɛsí-) v. to close, shut.
mʉ́mʉ́tɛ̀tɔ̀n (mʉ́mʉ́tɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) v. to putrefy. See also kɔkɛ́s.
mʉ́mʉ́tɔ̀n (mʉ́mʉ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to be putrid, mʉtsʼʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta (mʉtsʼʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to
rank (e.g. body odor, rotting meat). close or shut up. See also kɔkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta .

168
mutsʼutiesúƙota Mʉtʉ́nan

mutsʼutiesúƙota (mutsʼutiesúƙotí-) v. to needle/pin with a wooden handle (used

keep closing or shutting up (e.g. ter- for mending gourds and leather skins).
mite holes where one doesn’t want 2 n. firing pin.
them exiting). Mʉtʉ́nan (Mʉtʉ́naní-) n. name of a
mʉtʉ (mʉtʉʉ́-) pl. mʉtʉ́íka . 1 n. thick river.

169
na Nàɗù

n
na (na=) subordconn. if, when (hypothet- nábèè (nábèè) subordconn. if … had (yes-
ically). The main verb in the clause that terday). The main verb in the clause
follows this particle takes the sequen- that follows this word takes the sequen-
tial aspect. Note also that for some Ik tial aspect.
speakers, this particle has a ‘floating’ nabêz (nabézà-) n. allergic skin reaction,
high tone after it, making the first sylla- skin allergy.
ble of the next word have a high tone.
nabɨɗɨta (nabɨɗɨtí-) pl. nábìɗìtìka . n. ad-
na (=na) 1 dem. this. 2 rel. that/which joining area, quarter, section.
(singular).
nábɔnʉƙɔta (nábɔnʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to be
nà (<nɛɛ́s) v.
done, completed, finished. 2 v. to
na tsóíta kɔní n. one day. be enough, plenty, sufficient. See also
náà (náà) subordconn. when …(earlier ŋábɔnʉƙɔta .
today). The main verb in the clause that naɓálámorú (naɓálámorúù-) n. mouse
follows this word takes the dummy species.
pronoun.
naɓó (naɓó) 1 adv. again. 2 coord-
náà (náà) subordconn. when. The main conn. furthermore, moreover.
verb that follows this word takes the si-
multaneous aspect. Nacákʉ́nɛ̀ta (Nacákʉ́nɛ̀tì-) n. name of a
place southwest of Ikland where a girl
náa táà 1 subordconn. when. 2 subord-
threw herself to her death to avoid mar-
conn. lest, otherwise.
rying a man she did not want.
náabʉ́s (náabʉ́sì-) n. four-toed hedge-
Nacapíò (Nacapíò-) n. a personal name.
hog. Erinaceus albiventris.
nàdɛ̀kwɛ̀l (nàdɛ̀kwɛ̀là-) n. edible melon
nááƙwa (nááƙɔ̀-) n. even, including.
(desert vine) species whose soft leaves
Náápoŋo (Náápoŋoó-) n. name of a hill- are also eaten; its seeds are dried, fried,
side, the surrounding area, and associ- ground, and mixed with vegetables to
ated human habitations. be eaten. Citrullus sp.
naarákɨlɛ (naarákɨlɛɛ́-) n. large tree nádzàƙa (nádzàƙà-) n. my friend.
species whose reddish berries are eaten
but whose bark is poisonous; wood naɗa na pro. this one.
is used for house-building or making naɗɛ́pa (naɗɛ́pɛ̀-) pl. naɗɛ́pìka . n. flea(s).
tool-handles. Siphonaptera. See also ŋíkaɗɛpíɗɛ́pa .
naaseɲaŋ (naaseɲaŋá-) n. worker bee. nàɗìàka (nàɗìàkà-) pl. naɗíákìka . 1
náàtì (náàtì) coordconn. and then. n. patch of styled, colored hair on the
nábàdà (nábàdì-) n. colossus, giant, back of men’s heads. 2 n. men’s nylon
monster of a, whale of a. This word skullcap in which feathers are stuck.
refers to an entity close by. Naɗóóɲ (Naɗóóɲò-) n. a nickname for
nábàtse (nábèè) adv. must have … (ear- a one-eyed person.
lier today). Nàɗù (Nàɗùù-) n. a personal name.

170
náɡanâɡa nakús

náɡanâɡa (náɡanáɡà-) n. Nile monitor nakaɨna tso n. in two years, two years
lizard. Varanus niloticus. from now, year after next.
Naɡomocóm (Naɡomocómò-) n. name Nakalalé (Nakalaléè-) n. name of a hill
of a hill or mountain. or mountain.
naídòn (naídònì-) v. to be viscous (like Nakalelé (Nakaleléè-) n. name of a
honey or oil). place.
Naiɗíɗa (Naiɗíɗì-) n. name of a hill in Nakamemeota (Nakamemeotó-)
Timu. n. name of a natural well.
naíké dem. here. Nakariɓa (Nakariɓá-) n. September:
naɨƙɔta (<nɛɛsʉ́ƙɔta ) v. month of chaff. See also Lotyaka .
náìlòn (náìlònì-) n. nylon. nakariɓa (nakariɓá-) n. chaffs, husks
(from millet, rice, sorghum).
naínɛ́ɛtɛ́s (naínɛ́ɛtɛ́sí-) v. to accustom,
acquaint, familiarize, habituate. nakatʉmán (nakatʉmání-) n. maize va-
riety with white kernels that matures
náínɛnɛ́ (náínɛnɛ́ɛ-) n. large fig tree quickly and has short stems and short
species whose dark fruits are eaten cobs. See also katʉmán.
raw. Ficus sp.
Nakíŋa (Nakíŋaá-) n. a personal name.
náínɔ́s (náínɔ́sí-) v. to be mutually ac-
Nakíríkɛ̀ta (Nakíríkɛ̀tɛ̀-) n. name of a
quainted, used to each other.
hill or mountain.
Náìtà (Náìtàà-) n. name of a rocky hill.
nakíríkɛ̀ta (nakíríkɛ̀tì-) pl. nakíríkɛtíka .
naítá (naítá) 1 subordconn. how, like, the n. barbeque spot, roasting ground
way (something is or is done). 2 subor- (where men cook and eat some of the
dconn. seeing as how, since. meat taken during a successful hunt).
náíta na dem. here. nakɨrɔ́r (nakɨrɔ́rí-) pl. nakɨrɔ́ríka .
naɨtakípʉ́rata (naɨtakípʉ́ratá-) n. cara- n. sheath. See also ɲaɓʉ́rɛ́ta .
cal. Caracal caracal. Nákírù (Nákírùù-) n. a personal name.
Náɨtáya (Náɨtáì-) n. name of a hill or nakítsòɗa (nakítsòɗì-) n. hedging in or
mountain. surrounding of animals during a hunt.
naítɛ́sʉƙɔta (naítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to accus- Nakoɗíle (Nakoɗíleé-) n. name of a
tom, acquaint, familiarize, habituate. river.
náka (=náà) 1 dem. that (earlier today). nakɔlɨtáka (nakɔlɨtákà-) n. sand snake.
2 rel. that/which (earlier today). 3 Psammophis sp.
adv. earlier today. Nakɔŋ (Nakɔŋʉ́-) n. a personal name.
Nakaɓinín (Nakaɓiníní-) n. month of Nàkòrìtààwa (Nàkòrìtà-àwà-) n. name
honey. of a hill and surrounding area in Timu.
Nakaɗapaláíta (Nakaɗapaláítì-) Nakɔrɔɗɔ́ (Nakɔrɔɗɔ́ɔ̀-) n. name of a
n. name of a hill or mountain. mountain pass in Toposaland, South
nakaɨn n. this year. See also kaɨnɔ na. Sudan.
nakaɨna far n. in three years, three years nakús (nakúsó-) pl. nakúsíka . n. animal
from now. bed. See also ɗípɔ̀.

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nakúta námúí

nakúta (nakútá-) pl. nakútíka . nàƙwɨ (nàƙwì) ideo. looking very good,
n. wooden spade used for planting and very dressed up.
weeding. naƙwídɛtɛ́s (naƙwídɛtɛ́sí-) v. to adorn,
Nàkwàŋà (Nàkwàŋàà-) n. name of a beautify, decorate, dress up.
river. naƙwídɔ̀n (naƙwídɔ̀nì-) v. to be decked
Nakyéɲ (Nakyéɲì-) n. a personal name. out, dressed up, looking great.
naƙaf (naƙafʉ́-) pl. náƙáfìka . 1 naƙwín (naƙwíní-) pl. naƙwíníka .
n. tongue. 2 n. language. 3 n. ar- n. forked stick used to hold up hunting
rowhead. nets.
náƙáfɛ̀da (náƙáfɛ̀dɛ̀-) n. point. Lit. ‘its naƙwɨtɛs (naƙwɨtɛsí-) v. to breastfeed,
tongue-tip’. give suck to, suckle.
naƙánàka (naƙánàà) 1 subordconn. if … nàlèmùdzòɗà (nàlèmùdzòɗàà-) n. com-
would . 2 subordconn. if … would mon rock-thrush. Monticola saxatilis.
have (earlier today). The main verb in
nalíɨlí (nalíɨlíì-) n. sorghum variety with
the clause the follows this conjunction
round seed-heads, whitish-yellowish
takes the sequential aspect.
seeds, and curved stalks.
naƙánòko (naƙánòò) subordconn. if …
nalóʝón (nalóʝónì-) v. to ill-fitting,
would have (a while ago). The main
loose.
verb in the clause the follows this con-
junction takes the sequential aspect. nalɔŋɨzata (nalɔŋɨzatá-) n. desert.
naƙásàm (naƙásàmʉ̀) subordconn. if … Nàmàƙàr (Nàmàƙàrà-) n. June. See also
would have (yesterday). The main verb Yɛlíyɛ́l.
in the clause following this word takes nàmɛ̀ɗɔ̀ (nàmɛ̀ɗɔ̀ɔ̀-) pl. namɛ́ɗɔ́ìka .
the sequential aspect. n. occipital bone (back of skull).
naƙílɨƙíl (naƙílɨƙílì-) pl. naƙílíƙílíka . namɛ́ɗɔ́ɛ̀da (namɛ́ɗɔ́ɛ̀dɛ̀-) n. back side
n. chopper, helicopter, whirlybird. (e.g. of an axehead or human head).
náƙírà (náƙíràà-) n. aardwolf. Proteles Lit. ‘its occipital bone’.
cristatus. Namerí (Nameríì-) n. name of a river
naƙólíta (naƙólítì-) pl. naƙólítìka . n. log flanked with spotted rocks.
or wooden bar used to block a gate or Namétúròn (Namétúrònì-) n. name of a
trap entrance. river in Turkanaland, Kenya.
naƙʉ́lɛ́ (naƙʉ́lɛ́ɛ̀-) pl. naƙʉ́lɛ́ìka . n. divi- Namórú (Namórúù-) n. name of a river.
sion, partition, room, section. Also called Gwasikasabá.
nàƙwa (nàƙwà) ideo. bendily, flexibly. Namɔ́ya (Namɔ́ì-) n. a personal name.
naƙwádòn (naƙwádònì-) v. to be bendy, namʉ́ɗɨta (namʉ́ɗɨtí-) n. large fig tree
flexible. See also naúdòn and nɔƙɔ́dɔ̀n. species whose small yellow berries are
naƙwɛ́s (naƙwɛ́sí-) v. to breastfeed, eaten raw. Ficus ingens.
suckle. námúí (námúíì-) pl. námúatikwa . 1
naƙwɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (naƙwɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to n. sibling-in-law (husband’s sibling). 2
breastfeed, suckle. n. sister-in-law (brother’s wife).

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nanáà nasɛmɛ́

nanáà (nanáà) subordconn. when … had naperorwá (naperorwáà-) pl. naperor-

(earlier today). The main verb in the wáìka . n. oblong purple or yellow
clause that follows this word takes the pumpkin variety.
dummy pronoun. napɛtɛ́s (napɛtɛ́sí-) v. to bring alongside
nanáá (nanáá) subordconn. if … had (ear- or beside. See also ɨnapɛtɛ́s.
lier today). The main verb in the clause Napitiro (Napitiroó-) n. name of a hill
that follows this word takes the sequen- or mountain and associated river.
tial aspect.
Nápíyò (Nápíyòò-) n. a personal name.
nanɨŋɨnɨŋ (nanɨŋɨnɨŋí-) pl. naníŋí-
napóɗè (napóɗèè-) n. bird species.
nìŋìka . n. modern axe or axehead
(with a hole for the handle). See also Napoliso (Napolisoó-) n. a personal
naŋɨnɨŋɨn. name.
nánòko (nánòò) adv. must have … (long nápɔ́n (nápɔ́nì-) v. to come alongside or
ago). beside.
nànòò (nànòò) 1 subordconn. when … Nàpɔ̀rɛ̀ààm (Nàpɔ̀rɛ̀à-àmà-) pl. Na-
had (a while ago). 2 subordconn. if … pɔrɛaika . n. Napore person.
had (a while ago). Napóroto (Napórotoó-) n. name of a hill
a
Naŋetéɓ (Naŋetéɓè-) n. a personal or mountain.
name. narɛ́wa (narɛ́ʉ̀-) n. dwarf adder species
naŋɨnɨŋɨn (naŋɨnɨŋɨní-) pl. naŋíní- that lives in northwest Kenya. Bitis sp.
ŋìnìka . n. modern axe or axehead Naróta (Narótò-) n. a personal name.
(with a hole for the handle). See also narúéta (narúétì-) pl. narúétíka . n. com-
nanɨŋɨnɨŋ. munity, neighborhood.
Naŋóléɓoka (Naŋóléɓokó-) n. name of narúétìàm (narúétì-àmà-) pl. narúétiika .
a boulder and associated river. n. neighbor.
Náŋólì (Náŋólìì-) n. a personal name. narúétinós (narúétinósí-) v. to be neigh-
nàŋʉ̀ràmɓɔ̀ (nàŋʉ̀ràmɓɔ̀ɔ̀-) n. chin-spot bors, neighbor each other.
batis. Batis molitor. See also iwótsíɡwà. Narúkyeɲ (Narúkyeɲí-) n. name of a
Naɔyakíŋɔ́l (Naɔyakíŋɔ́lì-) n. name of a hill or mountain and surrounding area.
place. narwá (narúà-) pl. narúáika . n. long
nápáka na adv. now, presently. A spear shaft (with ɲɛ́ɓílɨ as its head).
phrase borrowed from Ateker (Teso- násàm (násàmʉ̀) adv. must have … (yes-
Turkana) languages. terday).
nàpèì (nàpèì) 1 prep. from. 2 subor- nàsàmʉ̀ (nàsàmʉ̀) subordconn. when …
dconn. from the time when, since. A had (yesterday). The main verb that fol-
noun following this word takes the ab- lows this word takes the dummy pro-
lative case. See also ɲàpèì. noun.
napéríta (napérítì-) pl. napérítíka . nasɛmɛ́ (nasɛmɛ́ɛ̀-) pl. nasɛ́mɛ́ìka . n. ob-
n. bivouac, bushcamp, camp. long gourd with a handle sown onto it.

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nasoroɲ názɛ̀ƙwà

nasoroɲ (nasoroɲí-) pl. nasóróɲìka . nàtsìkwa (nàtsìkò-) pl. natsíkwíka .

n. intestine. n. ring or wreath of twisted reeds.
Nasurukéɲ (Nasurukéɲì-) n. name of a Natsuƙúl (Natsuƙúlù-) n. name of a sea-
hill or mountain. sonal stream west of Lokinéne.
natɛ́ɓa (natɛ́ɓà-) n. sorghum variety natúɗusé (natúɗuséè-) n. woodland
with yellow seeds. crombec (northern or red-faced). Sylvi-
nateɓú (nateɓúù-) pl. nateɓúìka . etta sp.
n. worker termite that cares for the natúka (natúkù-) n. group discussion.
queen. Natʉrʉkan (Natʉrʉkaní-) n. name of a
natélétsìò (natélétsìò-) n. earwig. river.
Dermaptera. naturutur (naturuturú-) pl. natúrútùr-
natélewá (natélewáà-) n. rat species. ìka . n. cracked gourd.
natɨɓa (natɨɓá-) pl. natíɓíka . n. braided nàu (nàù) ideo. bendily, flexibly.
twine (used in snaring). naúdòn (naúdònì-) v. to be bendy, flexi-
natɨŋá (natɨŋáà-) n. spotted hyena. Cro- ble.
cuta crocuta. See also atɔŋ. náʉ́mɔ (náʉ́mɔɔ́-) n. lappet-faced vul-
Natípem (Natípemú-) n. name of a hill ture. Torgos tracheliotus.
or mountain and surrounding area. Naʉrata (Naʉratá-) n. name of a moun-
Natɔkɔ́ɔ́ŋɔr (Natɔkɔ́ɔ́ŋɔrí-) n. name of a tain connected to Morúŋole.
river. Nàwà (Nàwàà-) n. a personal name.
nàtɔ̀lɔ̀kà (nàtɔ̀lɔ̀kàà-) pl. a
natɔ́lɔ́kìk . Nawáɗowa (Nawáɗoú-) n. name of a
n. rainbow. hill and associated human habitations.
Nátɔmɛ́ (Nátɔmɛ́ì-) n. a personal name. Nawólóʝam (Nawólóʝamú-) n. Year of
Nawólóʝam, when many cattle died of
Natɔ́rɔ́kɔkítɔ́ (Natɔ́rɔ́kɔkítɔ́ɔ̀-) n. name
rinderpest.
of a place.
náxána na dem. this direction, this way.
Natsapúó (Natsapúó-) n. a personal
name. nayá (naí-) n. here.
nàtsɛ̀r (nàtsɛ̀rà-) n. striped ground rat. Nayaón (Nayaóní-) n. a personal name.

natsɛ́s (natsɛ́sí-) v. to cook out (bit- Nayapan (Nayapaní-) n. name of a place

terness or poison by boiling, pouring in Dodoth country where the British
the water, and reboiling one or more cleared land to reduce the problem of
times). tsetse flies in mid-1900s.
nayé dem. here.
Natsíámu (Natsíámù-) n. a personal
name. Also pronounced as Nacém. nayé kɔ̀nà dem. right here.
Natsíátà (Natsíátàà-) n. name of a hill nayé na dem. here.
or mountain. nayé ne dem. just there, there.
natsíɓɨlí (natsíɓɨlíì-) n. female bushbuck. názɛ̀ƙwà (názɛ̀ƙwà) 1 n. while. 2
Tragelaphus scriptus. n. now, soon. When used in the sense

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nàⁱ nesíbunós

of ‘while’, this word is followed by néda ne dem. just there, there.

a verb with the dummy pronoun at- nɛ́ɛ́ (nɛ́ɛ́) subordconn. when. The main
tached to it. verb that follows this word takes the si-
nàⁱ (nàì) ideo. viscously. multaneous aspect.
ńdà (ńdà) 1 coordconn. and. 2 prep. with. nɛ́ɛ́ (nɛ́ɛ́) 1 prep. from. 2 prep. through.
In a series of nouns linked by this word, A noun following this word takes the
every noun after the first takes the genitive case.
oblique case. nɛɛ́s (nɛɛsí-/na-) v. to abide, bear, deal
ńda nébèè kɔ̀n n. eleven. with, endure, tolerate.
ndaicé (ndaicé-) n. um, uh, whatca-ma- nɛɛsʉ́ƙɔta (nɛɛsʉ́ƙɔtí-/naɨƙɔt-) v. to
callit. abide, bear, deal with, endure, tolerate.
ndaíke pro. where? néíta ne dem. just there, there.
ndayo n. by what path? which way? nɛpɛ́ƙáàm (nɛpɛ́ƙá-àmà-) pl. nɛpɛ́ƙáika .
ndayúko n. it is where?
1 n. arguer, argumentative person. 2
n. atheist, unbeliever.
ndéé 1 n. from where? 2 interj. what-
nɛpɛƙanitetés (nɛpɛƙanitetésí-) v. to
ever! (an expression of disagreement).
challenge, contradict.
ǹdò pl. ndoín. pro. who?
nɛpɛƙánón (nɛpɛƙánónì-) v. to argue,
ndóó 1 prep. what about …? 2 subord- debate, disagree, protest.
conn. what about (when) …? When nɛ̀rɛ̀ (nɛ̀rɛ̀) ideo. teeteringly.
acting as a preposition, this word is
followed by a noun in the nominative nɛrɛ́dɔ̀n (nɛrɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be teetering,
case. tottering.
nɛ́rɨnɛ́rɔ́n (nɛ́rɨnɛ́rɔ́nì-) 1 v. to quiver,
ndóó ɦyè n. maybe, perhaps, who
shudder. 2 v. to lurch, stagger.
knows?
nés (nésé) adv. oh, I see; oh, you mean.
ndóó mìtìɛ̀ v. what if (it is …).
nɛsɛƙánón (nɛsɛƙánónì-) v. to be
ne (=ne) dem. that (just there).
healthy, hygienic.
ne (ne) interj. here! here you go! (an
nesés (nesésí-) v. to hear. See also
expression of giving).
nesíbès.
nêba (nébù-) pl. nébitín. 1 n. body. 2 nesíbes (nesíbesí-) 1 v. to hear. 2 v. to
n. self. listen. 3 v. to comprehend, understand.
nébàdà (nébàdì-) n. colossus, giant, 4 v. to heed, obey. See also nesés.
monster of a, whale of a. Referring to nesíbesíám (nesíbesí-ámà-) pl. nesíbe-
an entity a slight distance away. sííka . n. listener.
nébèda (nébèdè-) pl. nébìn. n. himself, nesíbiés (nesíbiesí-) v. to obey habitu-
herself, itself: the very person/thing. ally.
nébùnànès (nébùnànèsì-) n. bodiliness, nesíbos (nesíbosí-) v. to be understood.
embodiment.
nesíbunós (nesíbunósí-) 1 v. to under-
nébùsìtsʼa (nébù-sìtsʼà-) n. body hair. stand each other. 2 v. to be under-
nédà (nédì-) dem. there (near). stood.

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ni nótsò

ni (=ni) 1 dem. these. 2 rel. that/which nɔƙɔ́dɔ̀n (nɔƙɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be bendy, flex-

(plural). ible. See also lɛtsʼɛ́dɔ̀n and naƙwádòn.
níám (níámà-) n. every person. nòò (nòò) subordconn. when … (long
níbàdà (níbàdì-) n. overabundance, ago). The main verb in the clause that
plentitude (here). follows this word takes the dummy
pronoun.
niɗa ni pro. these ones.
nɔ́ɔ́ (nɔ́ɔ́) dem. here, in this direction.
nìkwɨ (nìkwì) ideo. resistantly, toughly. If this word is followed by a noun, the
nɨkwídɔ̀n (nɨkwídɔ̀nì-) v. to be resistant, noun takes the genitive case.
tough, unyielding. nɔ́ɔ́ kíʝo 1 n. below, down. 2 n. south.
níkⁱ (=níì) 1 dem. those (earlier). 2 nɔ́ɔ́ kwarɔ 1 n. above, up. 2 n. north.
rel. that/which (earlier; plural).
nɔ́ɔ́ na dem. in this direction, over here.
nìƙwɨ (nìƙwì) ideo. sweetly.
nóódwáá (nóódoú-) n. today.
nɨƙwídɔ̀n (nɨƙwídɔ̀nì-) v. to be slightly
sweet (like porridge with a little sugar). nɔɔ́s (nɔɔsá-) 1 n. cleverness, intel-
ligence, knowledge, shrewdness, wis-
nɨƙwíníƙɔ̀n (nɨƙwíníƙɔ̀nì-) v. to whip dom. 2 n. craftiness, cunning, guile.
back and forth. 3 n. erudition, literacy.
nɨnɛtɛ́s (nɨnɛtɛ́sí-) v. to confirm, corrob- nɔɔsáàm (nɔɔsá-àmà-) pl. nɔɔsáika .
orate. n. clever, intelligent, or wise person.
nìr (nìrì) ideo. doughily, gooily. nɔɔsánétòn (nɔɔsánétònì-) v. to gain ex-
nɨrídɔ̀n (nɨrídɔ̀nì-) v. to be doughy, perience, grow wiser, learn.
gooey. nɔɔsanitetés (nɔɔsanitetésí-) v. to in-
nìtsìnìtsa (nìtsìnìtsì-) pl. nɨtsínítsìka . struct, teach, train. See also ɨtátámɛ́s.
n. fatty nape of neck, fat scruff. nɔɔsánón (nɔɔsánónì-) 1 v. to be clever,
niyá ni dem. these areas or places. intelligent, knowledgeable, shrewd,
Nòf (Nòfò-) n. name of a river and large wise. 2 v. to be crafty, cunning, guile-
ravine separating Kamion from Timu ful, sly. 3 v. to be erudite, literate.
to the south. nɔ̀s (nɔ̀sà-) n. noise, racket, shouting.
nòìn (nòìnì-) n. discovery, find. nɔ̀sààm (nɔ̀sà-àmà-) pl. nɔsaika . n. loud
nɔkɛɨn n. two years ago, year before last. person, shouter, yeller.
See also kaɨnɔ nótso. nɔsátón (nɔsátónì-) v. to make a racket,
nɔkɛɨna ke n. three years ago. shout, yell.

nɔkɛɨna kenóó ke n. four years ago. nótsò (=nótsòò/nɔ́tsɔ̀ɔ̀) 1 dem. that (a

while ago). 2 rel. that/which (a while
nòko (=nòò/nɔ̀ɔ̀) 1 dem. that (long ago). ago). 3 adv. a while ago.
2 rel. that/which (long ago). 3
adv. long ago. nótsò (nótsò) subordconn. when (a while
ago). The main verb in the clause that
nɔƙɨnɔ́ƙɔ́n (nɔƙɨnɔ́ƙɔ́nì-) v. to bend, flex. follows this word takes the dummy
nɔ̀ƙɔ (nɔ̀ƙɔ̀) ideo. bendily, flexibly. pronoun.

176
nɔ̀tsɔ nuélì

nɔ̀tsɔ (nɔ̀tsɔ̀) ideo. adhesively, stickily. ntsíéákwa (ntsí-éákwà-) n. her hus-

nótso kaɨnɔ sɨn n. last year. band.
nɔtsɔ́dɔ̀n (nɔtsɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be adhesive, ntsíémetá (ntsí-émetáà-) pl. ntsíémetá-
sticky. tikwa . n. his parent-in-law.
nɔtsɔ́mɔ́n (nɔtsɔ́mɔ́nì-) v. to adhere, ntsíím (ntsí-ímà-) pl. ntsíwíka . 1
bond, stick. n. his/her/its child. 2 n. his niece or
nephew (brother’s child).
nótsóò nòko n. day before yesterday.
ntsílóbà (ntsí-lóbàà-) n. his/her grand-
ńta (ńtí-) pro. they/them/their. ‘Their’ child.
and ‘them’ are formed by adding the
appropriate case ending to this pro- ntsínámúí (ntsí-námúíì-) pl. ntsíná-
noun. múatikwa . 1 n. her sibling-in-law
(brother’s sibling). 2 n. his sister-in-
ńtá (ńtá) adv. not: do(es) not, will law (brother’s wife).
not. Used to negate statements in the
ntsínámúíìm (ntsí-námúí-ìmà-) pl. n-
present or future tense.
tsínámúíwika . n. her niece or nephew
ńtá (ńtá) pro. where? (husband’s sibling’s child).
ńtɛ́ɛ́n (ńtɛ́-ɛ́ní-) pro. which (one)? ntsínêba (ntsí-nébù-) n. himself, herself,
ńtí (ńtíà) 1 adv. how? 2 adv. like this!. itself. Lit. ‘his/her/its body’.
3 interj. like that! yeah! (an expression ntsíɲóta (ntsí-ɲótà-) 1 n. his/her for-
of approval). eign friend. 2 n. his/her sibling-in-law
ńtíà ʝà adv. like thatǃ (an expression of (child’s spouse’s parent).
approval). ntsíɲótàìm (ntsí-ɲótà-ìmà-) pl. ntsíɲó-
ńtía ʝɨ̂kɨ adv. like that! (an expression of tawika . n. his/her niece or nephew-in-
approval). law (child’s spouse’s sibling).
ńtíɛ̀n (ńtí-ɛ̀nì-) pro. theirs. ntsúɡwám (nts-úɡwámà-) pl. ntsúɡwá-
ńtíɛ́n (ńtí-ɛ́ní-) pro. which (ones)? matikwa . 1 n. his sibling-in-law (wife’s
sibling). 2 n. his sibling-in-law
ńtínebitín (ńtí-nebitíní-) n. themselves.
(brother’s wife’s sibling). 3 n. his/her
Lit. ‘their bodies’.
brother-in-law (sister’s husband). 4
ńtóodó (ńtóodó) interj. nah, no. See also n. his/her sibling-in-law (sister’s hus-
ńtóondó. band’s sibling).
ńtóódò n. when? ntsúó tsʼɔɔ pro. it’s likely, probably.
ńtóondó (ńtóondó) interj. nah, no. See ntsʼáƙáàwa (ntsʼáƙá-àwà-) pl. ntsʼáƙáa-
also ńtóodó. wíka . n. defecation spot, place to defe-
ntsa (ntsí-) pl. ńta . pro. she/her, cate.
he/him/his, it/its. ‘Him’, ‘his’, and ‘her’ ntsʼáƙón (ntsʼáƙónì-) v. to crap, defecate,
are formed by adding on the appropri- poop, take a shit.
ate case ending. ntsʼáƙóna sèrèìke v. to leave a big mess
ntsɛ́n (nts-ɛ́ní-) pro. his, hers, its. behind, muck things up, spoil every-
ntsícéka (ntsí-cékì-) pl. ntsícíkám. n. his thing. Lit. ‘to crap in the basin’.
wife. nuélì (nuélìì-) n. Christmas service.

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nùku nʉʉnʉ́

nùku (=nùkù) 1 dem. those (from a while (#7 in the historical line). Lit. ‘Leopard-
ago). 2 rel. that/which a long time ago Folk’.
(plural). nʉsʉ́dɔ̀n (nʉsʉ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be deep
nʉ́nʉ́tɔ̀n (nʉ́nʉ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to slink asleep, sleeping deeply.
away/off (in a crouched posture). nutsés (nutsésí-) v. to mend with mud.
nʉs (nʉsá-) n. male leopard. Panthera nútsù (=nútsùù) 1 dem. those (a while
pardus. ago). 2 rel. that/which (a while ago,
nʉ̀s (nʉ̀sʉ̀) ideo. sleeping deeply. plural).
Nʉsííka (Nʉsí-ícé-) n. traditional men’s nʉʉnʉ́ (nʉʉnʉ́) nurs. yum-yum! (a nurs-
age-group with the leopard as its totem ery word for breastfeeding!.

178
ɲáaɲún ɲaɓʉraídàkwa

ɲ
ɲáaɲún (ɲáaɲúnì-) n. dormouse. ɲáɓáràkìs (ɲáɓáràkìsì-) pl. ɲáɓárakɨsíka .
Graphiurus sp. n. army barrack.
ɲábaŋɡí (ɲábaŋɡíì-) n. bhang, hemp. Ɲáɓarásà (Ɲáɓarásàà-) pl. ɲáɓarásàìka .
ɲábʉlán (ɲábʉlánì-) pl. ɲábʉlánìka . n. Monday. See also Ɲákásíá kɔ̀nìkɛ .
n. vest. Also pronounced as ɲɛ́bʉlán. ɲáɓarasán (ɲáɓarasánì-) pl. ɲáɓarasá-
ɲáɓá (ɲáɓáà-) pl. ɲáɓáìka . n. bar, saloon. nìka . n. first and thickest layer of
thatched grass.
ɲáɓaaráta (ɲáɓaarátí-) pl. ɲáɓaarátíka .
ɲáɓarúta (ɲáɓarútù-) pl. ɲáɓarútìka .
n. wrist knife. See also ɨbɔta .
n. dynamite.
ɲáɓaasá (ɲáɓaasáà-) pl. ɲáɓaasáìka .
ɲáɓáruwa (ɲáɓáruwaá-) pl. ɲáɓá-
n. envelope.
rùwàìka . n. epistle, letter, missive.
ɲaɓááta (ɲaɓáátì-) pl. ɲaɓáátíka . n. for- ɲáɓás (ɲáɓásì-) pl. ɲáɓásìka . 1 n. bus. 2
tune, lot, luck. n. campaign advertisements.
ɲaɓaɓa (ɲaɓaɓaá-) n. crack skin on the ɲáɓata (ɲáɓataá-) 1 n. duck, goose. 2
feet (especially the heels). n. tree whose roots are dug up, crushed,
ɲáɓáɓú (ɲáɓáɓúù-) n. small plant spe- and decocted for stomach ailments and
cies with reddish stems and edible eye problems; its roots are also stuck
leaves. in paths thwart enemies; if left there, it
ɲáɓáf (ɲáɓáfʉ̀-) pl. ɲáɓáfìka . n. basin. prevents rain and causes problems.
Ɲáɓáíɓɔ̀l (Ɲáɓáíɓɔ̀lɔ̀-) pl. ɲáɓáíɓɔlíka . Ɲáɓátsa (Ɲáɓátsì-) n. personal name of a
n. Bible, Christian scripture. rebel leader who wanted to take power
from the colonial British in northeast-
ɲaɓáíta (ɲaɓáítì-) n. predawn.
ern Uganda.
ɲaɓáítɔ n. at dawn, before dawn. ɲáɓol (ɲáɓolí-) pl. ɲáɓòlìka . n. dec-
ɲáɓákɛ̀ta (ɲáɓákɛ̀tɛ̀-) pl. ɲáɓákɛtíka . orative garment consisting of circu-
n. bucket, pail. lar plates of patterned beads covering
ɲaɓáláŋɨta (ɲaɓáláŋɨtí-) n. soda ash, the chest and upper back, connect by
sodium carbonate. See also ɲámakaɗí. straps going over the shoulders; worn
by girls and women only.
ɲáɓáŋka (ɲáɓáŋkì-) pl. ɲáɓáŋkíka .
n. bank. Ɲáɓoliɡúr (Ɲáɓoliɡúró-) n. a personal
name.
ɲáɓáo (ɲáɓáoó-) pl. ɲáɓáòìka . 1 n. board,
plank. 2 n. blackboard, chalkboard. 3 ɲaɓolya (ɲaɓolyaá-) 1 n. game, play,
n. cage trap. sport. 2 n. dancing. See also wááka .
ɲáɓáòìkààm (ɲáɓáòìkà-àmà-) pl. ɲáɓúka (ɲáɓúkù-) pl. ɲáɓúkìka . n. book.
ɲáɓáoikaika . n. carpenter, wood- ɲáɓúka wáánàe n. prayer book.
worker. ɲaɓʉra (ɲaɓʉraí-) n. corn, maize.
ɲáɓaraɓín (ɲáɓaraɓínì-) pl. ɲáɓaraɓí- ɲaɓʉraídàkwa (ɲaɓʉraí-dàkù-) pl. ɲaɓʉ-
nìka . n. binoculars, field glasses. raídakwitín. n. corncob, maize cob.

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ɲáɓʉrás ɲákaɓɔɓwááta

ɲáɓʉrás (ɲáɓʉrásì-) pl. ɲáɓʉrásìka . ɲáɡaaɗi (ɲáɡaaɗií-) pl. ɲáɡaaɗíìka .

n. toothbrush. See also sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sídàkwa n. balefire, bonfire.
and tsɨtsín. ɲáɡaɗiɡáɗa (ɲáɡaɗiɡáɗì-) pl.
ɲaɓʉ́rɛ́ta (ɲaɓʉ́rɛ́tì-) pl. ɲaɓʉ́rɛ́tíka . ɲáɡaɗiɡáɗìka . n. wheelbarrow. See
n. sheath. See also nakɨrɔ́r. also ɲaƙaari.
ɲáɓús (ɲáɓúsì-) pl. ɲáɓúsìka . 1 n. para- ɲáɡám (ɲáɡámʉ̀-) n. glue, gum.
sitic plant species with red berries and ɲáɡás (ɲáɡásì-) n. propane gas.
that is used to treat aching knees. 2 ɲájarán (ɲájaránì-) pl. ɲájaránìka .
n. large boil. n. sewing machine.
ɲáɓwa (ɲáɓwaá-) n. scrubland. ɲáʝaará (ɲáʝaaráà-) pl. ɲájaaráìka .
ɲácáɗa (ɲácáɗaá-) pl. ɲácáɗáìka . n. button.
n. men’s white leather anklet/bracelet ɲáʝála (ɲáʝálaá-) pl. ɲáʝálàìka . n. jail.
made from the pelts of rabbits, reed- See also lɔʝála.
buck bellies, etc. ɲáʝore (ɲáʝoreé-) pl. ɲáʝòrèìka . n. crew,
ɲácaƙwaráta (ɲácaƙwarátí-) pl. ɲá- gang, group (organized for dancing,
caƙwarátíka . n. fork. See also ɲɔ́fɔ́ka . fighting, or hunting).
ɲaɗaɗés (ɲaɗaɗésí-) v. to collect rub- ɲáka (ɲáà) 1 adv. just. 2 adv. why …
bish (like uprooted weeds). of course!. 3 adv. in the hell, in the
world.
ɲáɗasɨtá (ɲáɗasɨtáà-) pl. ɲáɗasɨtáɨka .
n. chalkboard eraser, duster. ɲákááɗoŋota (ɲákááɗoŋotí-) pl. ɲá-
kááɗoŋotíka . n. cowbell.
ɲaɗés (ɲaɗésí-) v. to flatten, level.
ɲákáal (ɲákáalɛ́-) pl. ɲákáalíka .
ɲaɗésá ŋƙáƙáe v. to overeat, pig out. Lit. n. camel.
‘to flatten food’. ɲákaasó (ɲákaasóò-) pl. ɲákaasóìka .
ɲaɗésúƙota (ɲaɗésúƙotí-) v. to flatten n. robe.
out, level out, raze. ɲákábàta (ɲákábàtì-) pl. ɲákábatíka .
ɲaɗiés (ɲaɗiesí-) v. to flatten or level re- n. cabinet, cupboard.
peatedly. ɲakáɓɛ́ta (ɲakáɓɛ́tɛ̀-) pl. ɲakáɓɛ́tìka .
ɲáɗís (ɲáɗísì-) pl. ɲáɗísìka . n. cloud. n. spade.
ɲáɗís (ɲáɗísì-) pl. ɲáɗísìka . n. account, ɲákáɓìc (ɲákáɓìcì-) n. cabbage.
narrative, story. ɲákaɓɨlá (ɲákaɓɨláà-) pl. ɲákaɓɨláìka .
ɲáɗʉkán (ɲáɗʉkánì-) pl. ɲáɗʉkánìka .
1 n. ethnic group, people, tribe. 2
n. kind, species, type, variety. See also
n. kiosk, shop, store. See also ɗʉkán.
dìywa .
ɲáɗúle (ɲáɗúleé-) pl. ɲáɗúlèìka . n. type
ɲákaɓír (ɲákaɓírì-) n. sorghum vari-
of gun.
ety with red or white seeds and coarse
ɲáɗúya (ɲáɗúì-) pl. ɲáɗúìka . n. vertical hairs on the seed-heads like those of
cave or cavern, volcano, volcanic vent. bullrush.
ɲáfaín (ɲáfaínì-) pl. ɲáfaínìka . n. fine, ɲákaɓɔɓwááta (ɲákaɓɔɓwáátá-) pl. ɲá-
penalty. kaɓɔɓwáátíka . n. finger ring.

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ɲákaɓurúr Ɲákásíá àɗìke

ɲákaɓurúr (ɲákaɓurúrù-) pl. ɲákaɓurú- ɲákamɔ́ŋɔ (ɲákamɔ́ŋɔɔ́-) n. pumpkin-

rùìka . 1 n. large tree species in whose like vine species with white milk-
branches beehives are put. 2 n. large sap and that grows in ravines and
tin can. riverbeds down the escarpment and
ɲákáɗa (ɲákáɗì-) pl. ɲákáɗìka . 1 n. iden- whose fruits and leaves are eaten raw.
tity card. 2 n. playing card. Cynachium sp.
ɲákáɗeŋo (ɲákáɗeŋoó-) pl. ɲákáɗèŋò- Ɲákamʉ (Ɲákamʉʉ́-) n. personal name
ìka . n. women’s loincloth deco- of the Ik Catholic priest of the Sìƙètìà
rated with metal ringlets all around the clan who first brought Christianity to
edges. the Ik.
ɲákamʉ́ka (ɲákamʉ́kaá-) n. vine whose
ɲákáɗìka (ɲákáɗìkà-) n. playing cards.
yellow roots are decocted and drunk or
ɲakaíta (ɲakaítaá-) n. sweet potato. given rectally as a treatment for stom-
ɲakaítákáka (ɲakaítá-kákà-) n. edible ach ailments.
sweet potato leaves. ɲákamʉlára (ɲákamʉláraá-) pl. ɲá-
ɲákakar (ɲákakará-) pl. ɲákàkàrìka . kamʉláràìka . n. red pepper.
n. chapeau, wide-brim hat. ɲákámus (ɲákámusí-) n. pitch darkness
ɲákakurá (ɲákakuráà-) pl. ɲákakuráìka . (i.e. no moon, thick clouds).
n. hoe. Also called ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́. ɲákáńsɔ̀là (ɲákáńsɔ̀làà-) pl. ɲákáńsɔ̀là-
ɲákalááta (ɲákaláátà-) pl. ɲákaláátíka . ìka . n. councillor.
n. pan (for cooking, mining, etc.). ɲákáparata (ɲákáparatá-) pl. ɲákápa-
ɲákalám (ɲákalámʉ̀-) pl. ɲákalámìka . ratíka . n. metal nose-ring and mouth
n. pen. cover.
ɲákápɨrɨta (ɲákápɨrɨtí-) pl. ɲákápɨrɨtíka .
Ɲakalees (Ɲakaleesí-) n. a personal
n. modern metallic whistle.
name.
ɲákarám (ɲákarámʉ̀-) n. holiday, time
ɲákalɛ́nɗà (ɲákalɛ́nɗàà-) pl. ɲákalɛ́nɗà-
off, vacation.
ìka . n. calendar.
ɲakárámɨta (ɲakárámɨtí-) pl. ŋɨkárám.
ɲákálɨrɨkɨta (ɲákálɨrɨkɨtí-) pl. ɲá- n. do-nothing, idler, lazy bum, loafer,
kálìrìkìtìka . n. stick with a metal nut slacker.
affixed on the end.
ɲákárata (ɲákáratí-) n. fig tree whose
ɲakalo (ɲakaloó-) pl. ɲakalóìka . fruits are eaten raw and whose wood
n. alarm, alert. is carved into stools and other items;
ɲákamariɗúka (ɲákamariɗúkù-) pl. ɲá- also a favorite place to put beehives. Fi-
kamariɗúkùìka . n. heavy cotton blan- cus sp.
ket worn as clothing. ɲákaratás (ɲákaratásì-) pl. ɲákara-
ɲákamarɨkán (ɲákamarɨkánì-) pl. ɲá- tásìka . 1 n. paper. 2 n. document.
kamarɨkánìka . n. women’s lightweight ɲákási (ɲákásií-) pl. ɲákásíicíka . n. em-
cotton shawl. ployment, job, task, work.
ɲákamɓí (ɲákamɓíì-) pl. ɲákamɓíìka . Ɲákásíá àɗìke n. Wednesday. Lit.
n. bivouac, camp, encampment. ‘work(day) being three’.

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Ɲákásíá kɔ̀nìkɛ ɲaƙóƙóŋ

Ɲákásíá kɔ̀nìkɛ n. Monday. Lit. ‘work- ɲákopiyá (ɲákopiyáà-) pl. ɲákopiyáìka .

(day) being one’. See also Ɲáɓarásà. n. cap, hat.
Ɲákásíá lèɓètsìke n. Tuesday. Lit. Ɲakuʝa (Ɲakuʝí-) pl. ɲakuʝíka . 1 n. god,
‘work(day) being two’. God. The Christian word for ‘God’; see
didiɡwarí for the traditional name of
Ɲákásíá tsʼaɡúsíke n. Thursday. Lit.
the Creator. 2 interj. oh my God! (an
‘work(day) being four’.
expression of strong emotion).
Ɲákásíá tùdìke n. Friday. Lit. ‘work-
ɲakúʝá (ɲakúʝáà-) pl. ɲakúʝáìka .
(day) being five’.
n. spring where water seeps out of
ɲákásìàm (ɲákásì-àmà-) pl. ɲákásiika . sand (e.g. in a riverbed).
n. employee, worker. ɲakuʝíám (ɲakuʝí-ámà-) pl. ɲakuʝííka .
ɲákásìèda (ɲákásìèdè-) n. function, pur- n. devout, godly person.
pose, use. ɲakuʝíhò (ɲakuʝí-hòò-) pl. ɲakuʝíhoíka .
ɲákatékísìmù (ɲákatékísìmùù-) n. cate- n. church, house of worship. Lit. ‘God-
chism. house’.
ɲákátɨríɓa (ɲákátɨríɓaá-) n. tree species ɲakuʝíícíka (ɲakuʝí-ícíká-) 1 n. gods. 2
whose sweet fruits are eaten raw and n. animism.
whose wood is used to make planks for ɲakuʝíícíkáàm (ɲakuʝí-ícíká-àmà-) pl.
doors. ɲakuʝíícíkáika . 1 n. animist. 2 n. or-
ɲákáúńtì (ɲákáúńtìì-) pl. ɲákáúńtììka . acle, prophet, seer.
n. county: governmental administra- ɲakuʝímɛ́n (ɲakuʝí-mɛ́nà-) n. religious
tive unit below district and above sub- matters, theology.
county. The Ik were granted their own ɲakuʝínánès (ɲakuʝínánèsì-) n. divinity,
county in 2015, which meant they also godhood.
received their first Member of Parlia- Ɲakuʝíwáán (Ɲakuʝí-wáánà-) n. Lord’s
ment. Lokwang Hillary was elected the Prayer: Matthew 6:9-13.
first Ik MP in February 2016. This was
a major step toward counteracting po- ɲakwaanʝa (ɲakwaanʝaá-) pl. ɲakwáá-
litical marginalization. nʝàìka . 1 n. ball field, field, soccer pitch.
2 n. airfield, airport, airstrip.
ɲakawa (ɲakaʉ́-) 1 n. bow (weapon). 2
ɲákwác (ɲákwácì-) pl. ɲákwácìka .
n. fiddle, violin.
n. safety pin.
ɲákáwa (ɲákáwaá-) n. coffee. Ɲakwáca (Ɲakwácì-) n. name of a rock
Ɲákáya (Ɲákáì-) n. a personal name. hill.
ɲákɨláƙa (ɲákɨláƙà-) pl. ɲákɨláƙìka . 1 ɲákwálɨkwal (ɲákwálɨkwalí-) pl. ɲák-
n. bra, brassiere. 2 n. traditional wálìkwàlìka . n. abdominal muscle, ab.
leather brassiere worn for dancing. ɲákwáya (ɲákwáyaá-) pl. ɲákwáyàìka .
ɲákitamɓára (ɲákitamɓáraá-) pl. ɲá- n. choir, chorus.
kitamɓáràìka . n. handkerchief. ɲaƙaari (ɲaƙaarií-) pl. ɲaƙáárììka .
ɲákol (ɲákolí-) pl. ɲákòlìka . 1 n. twisted n. wheelbarrow. See also ɲáɡaɗiɡáɗa .
nylon string. 2 n. nylon neck snare. ɲaƙóƙóŋ (ɲaƙóƙóŋù-) n. strength.

182
ɲaƙwárɛ́ta ɲámakáya

ɲaƙwárɛ́ta (ɲaƙwárɛ́tɛ̀-) pl. ɲaƙwárɛ́- Ɲálámʉɲɛna (Ɲálámʉɲɛnaá-) n. name

tíka . n. rake. of a place with colored soil.
ɲàl (ɲàlì) ideo. squashily, squishily. ɲálámʉɲɛna (ɲálámʉɲɛnaá-) n. colored
ɲálaaʝáíta (ɲálaaʝáítì-) n. tall grass soil (black, red, yellow, etc.).
species used for thatching houses. ɲálán (ɲálánì-) pl. ɲálánìka . n. right
Gramineae sp. hindleg: portion of meat reserved for
elders consisting of the whole right leg
ɲáláɗa (ɲáláɗaá-) pl. ɲáláɗàìka . n. lad-
including the gluteus medius.
der.
Ɲálem (Ɲálemú-) n. a personal name.
ɲálaín (ɲálaínì-) pl. ɲálaínìka . 1 n. line.
2 n. town, trading center. See also táùn. ɲálem (ɲálemú-) pl. ɲálèmìka . n. crest,
crown (e.g. of a rooster).
ɲáláínìkààm (ɲáláínìkà-àmà-) pl. ɲáláí-
nikaika . n. town-dweller, urbanite. ɲáléso (ɲálésoó-) pl. ɲálésòìka . n. light
cloak or shawl.
ɲalakas (ɲalakasí-) n. happiness.
ɲalídòn (ɲalídònì-) v. to be squashy,
ɲalakas (ɲalakasí-) n. vine species that squishy (easily compressible).
is wrapped around other tree species
ɲalíɲalí (ɲalíɲalíì-) n. assortment,
in the sacred tree monument of agricul-
melange, mixture, variety.
tural ceremonies. Securinega virosa.
ɲalʉ́kɛ́ta (ɲalʉ́kɛ́tɛ̀-) pl. ɲalʉ́kɛ́tíka .
ɲalakʉtsa (ɲalakʉtsí-) n. ceremonial n. round coppice or thicket.
beer prepared by a newly married
woman for the elders of her husband’s ɲálukutúʝu (ɲálukutúʝuú-) n. serval. Fe-
clan. lis serval.
ɲálaƙamááìtìɔ̀ka (ɲálaƙamááìtì-ɔ̀kà-) pl. ɲámá (ɲámáà-) n. grass species used for
ɲálaƙamááitiɔkɨtín. n. clavicle, collar- thatching. Gramineae sp.
bone. ɲámaamɓáta (ɲámaamɓátì-) pl. ɲámaa-
mɓátìka . n. metal roofing sheet.
ɲálaƙamáíta (ɲálaƙamáítì-) pl. ɲálaƙa-
máítíka . n. cowl muscle, trapezius. ɲamaɗaŋ (ɲamaɗaŋí-) n. tick.
ɲalamatsar (ɲalamatsarí-) pl. ɲalámá- ɲamaɗaŋíkú (ɲamaɗaŋí-kúà-) n. tick
tsàrìka . n. perineal muscle: be- grass: grass species used to cover ter-
tween the anus and genitalia. See also mite traps. Eragrostis superba.
ɲekiɗoŋita . ɲámakaɗá (ɲámakaɗáà-) pl. ɲá-
ɲalámétòn (ɲalámétònì-) v. to collapse, makaɗáìka . n. AK-47 assault rifle.
crumble, fall down (e.g. plaster from a ɲámakaɗí (ɲámakaɗíì-) n. soda ash,
wall). See also laʝámétòn and taɲálóòn. sodium carbonate. See also ɲaɓáláŋɨta .
ɲalámónuƙota (ɲalámónuƙotí-) v. to ɲamakaʝe (ɲamakaʝeé-) n. sexually-
collapse, crumble, fall down (e.g. plas- transmitted disease (possibly gonor-
ter from a wall). rhea or syphills).
ɲálamorú (ɲálamorúù-) pl. ɲálamo- ɲámakás (ɲámakásì-) pl. ɲámakásìka .
rúìka . 1 n. plant species. 2 n. flute. n. scissors.
3 n. drinking straw. ɲámakáya (ɲámakáì-) n. charcoal.

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ɲámákɛ̀ta ɲaŋés

ɲámákɛ̀ta (ɲámákɛ̀tɛ̀-) pl. ɲámákɛtíka . ɲamɨɨlɨa ŋwáxɔ̀nìàmàe n. wheelchair.

n. market. See dzíɡwààwa . Lit. ‘bicycle of a lame person’.
ɲámakuka (ɲámakukú-) pl. ɲámàkù- ɲámɨlɨɔŋɔ́r (ɲámɨlɨɔŋɔ́rì-) n. gecko
kìka . n. two-legged stool. species?
ɲámáƙa (ɲámáƙì-) pl. ɲámáƙìka . n. mug, ɲámisípa (ɲámisípù-) pl. ɲámisípìka .
mugful. n. belt.
ɲámal (ɲámalí-) pl. ɲámàlìka . 1 n. arrow ɲámoɗa (ɲámoɗó-) pl. ɲámòɗìka .
or bullet. 2 n. boy. n. thigh meat.
ɲamáláɨta (ɲamáláɨtí-) pl. ŋɨmálá. ɲámucúŋ́ƙà (ɲámucúŋ́ƙàà-) pl. ɲámucú-
n. prostitute. ŋ́ƙàìka . n. citrus fruit: lemon or orange.
ɲámáli (ɲámálií-) n. possessions, prop- ɲanákɛ́ta (ɲanákɛ́tì-) pl. ɲanákɛ́tíka .
erty, wealth. n. age-group, age-set: traditional
ɲámalíáka (ɲámalí-ákà-) pl. ɲámalɨkaa- grouping of men according to genera-
kɨtín. n. arrow hole, bullet hole. tion and initiation.
ɲámalídàkwa (ɲámalí-dàkù-) pl. ɲá- ɲánam (ɲánamʉ́-) pl. ɲánàmìka . n. lake,
malɨkadakwitín. n. arrow shaft. ocean, sea.
ɲamalil (ɲamalilí-) n. small riverside ɲánamɓá (ɲánamɓáà-) pl. ɲánamɓáìka .
tree with blackish bark and leaves and n. digit, number.
whose stems are used to build gra- ɲáníɓàka (ɲáníɓàkì-) pl. ɲáníɓakíka .
naries. Saba comorensis. n. handbag, purse.
ɲámanikór (ɲámanikórì-) pl. ɲámani- ɲánɨnɔ́ (ɲánɨnɔ́ɔ̀-) pl. ɲánɨnɔ́ìka .
kórìka . n. farmland, large field includ- n. leather whip. Traditionally made
ing many gardens. from twisted buffalo or rhino hide.
ɲámápa (ɲámápʉ̀-) pl. ɲámápìka . ɲanʉ́píta (ɲanʉ́pítì-) n. belief, faith.
n. map. ɲaɲɛnɨʝɛ́n (ɲaɲɛnɨ-ʝɛ́nì-) n. grass species
ɲámára (ɲámáraá-) n. arithmetic, math, with little round seed-pods that is
mathematics. picked from rocky outcroppings and
ɲámaritóíta (ɲámaritóítì-) pl. ɲámari- used to make brooms.
tóítìka . 1 n. gold anklet or bracelet. 2 ɲaŋáánètòn (ɲaŋáánètònì-) 1 v. to be
n. golden earring. yellow. 2 v. to be jaundice.
ɲámasín (ɲámasínì-) pl. ɲámasínìka . 1 ɲaŋálómòn (ɲaŋálómònì-) v. to be
n. machine. 2 n. grinding mill. gappy (in teeth), have a tooth gap.
ɲámáta (ɲámátì-) pl. ɲámátìka . n. mat. ɲaŋalúr (ɲaŋalúrá-) pl. ɲaŋalúríka .
ɲamatiɗa (ɲamatiɗaá-) pl. ɲamátíɗàìka . n. kidney.
n. homemade gun. ɲaŋárʉ́tɛ̀ (ɲaŋárʉ́tɛ̀ɛ̀-) pl. ɲaŋárʉ́tɛ̀ìka .
ɲámátsar (ɲámátsarí-) pl. ɲámátsaríka . n. unripe maize (with small kernels).
n. brand, mark, sign (e.g. cattle brands See also íɡùm and káruɓú.
or clan emblems). Ɲaŋasir (Ɲaŋasirí-) n. a personal name.
ɲamɨɨlɨ (ɲamɨɨlɨí-) pl. ɲamíílììka . n. bi- ɲaŋés (ɲaŋésí-) v. to avenge, get pay-
cycle, bike. back, retaliate, revenge.

184
ɲaŋésúƙota ɲarama na tílɨwa

ɲaŋésúƙota (ɲaŋésúƙotí-) v. to avenge, ɲápáti (ɲápátií-) pl. ɲápátììka . n. cele-

get payback, retaliate, revenge. bration, party, shindig.
ɲaŋólé (ɲaŋóléè-) pl. ɲaŋóléìka . ɲapatsole (ɲapatsoleé-) pl. ɲapátsólèìka .
n. horse. n. bare patch or spot (e.g. where no
Ɲaŋoroka (Ɲaŋorokú-) n. a personal grass or hair is growing).
name. ɲapáyál (ɲapáyálì-) pl. ɲapáyálìka .
ɲaŋu (ɲaŋuú-) pl. ɲaŋúíka . n. monster, n. hard, bare patch of ground where no
mythical beast. grass grows.
ɲápaalí (ɲápaalíì-) pl. ɲápaalíìka . ɲapéɗór (ɲapéɗórì-) n. ability, capabil-
n. small plastic bag or sack. ity, power.
ɲapaaru (ɲapaaruú-) pl. ɲapáárùìka . ɲàpèì (ɲàpèì) 1 prep. from. 2 subor-
n. catapult, sling, slingshot (made of dconn. from the time when, since. A
a leather patch with string attached to noun following this word takes the ab-
each side). lative case. See also nàpèì.
ɲápaɗɛr (ɲápaɗɛrí-) pl. ɲápàɗɛ̀rìka . ɲapéryɛ́ta (ɲapéryɛ́tì-) pl. ɲapéryɛ́tíka .
n. big, round, inedible gourd used as n. uterus, womb. See also epúáwa .
a basin or bottle. ɲapíɗímòm (ɲapíɗímònì-) v. to be pow-
a
ɲápaín (ɲápaínì-) pl. ɲápaínìk . n. fine dery soft. See also lyamádòn.
for an illegal marriage. ɲápís (ɲápísì-) pl. ɲápísìka . n. office.
ɲápaɨpáya (ɲápaɨpáì-) pl. ɲápaɨpáìka . ɲápukán (ɲápukání-) pl. ɲápukán-
n. papaya, pawpaw. Carica papaya. íka . n. administration, government,
ɲapala (ɲapalaá-) n. bright red soil. regime.
ɲápalís (ɲápalísì-) pl. ɲápalísìka . 1 ɲápukáníàm (ɲápukání-àmà-) pl. ɲá-
n. cushion, mattress. 2 n. cushion. pukáníika . n. government employee.
ɲápáma (ɲápámaá-) n. cotton. ɲapʉɔ́ta (ɲapʉɔ́tí-) pl. ɲapʉɔ́tíka . n. of-
fering of a slaughtered animal.
ɲápaŋká (ɲápaŋkáà-) pl. ɲápaŋkáìka .
n. machete, panga. ɲáráɓa (ɲáráɓaá-) pl. ɲáráɓàìka . n. eras-
er, rubber.
ɲápaŋƙaláíta (ɲápaŋƙaláítì-) pl. ɲá-
paŋƙaláítìka . n. type of short bolt- ɲáraƙɔ́áƙwa (ɲáraƙɔ́-áƙɔ̀-) n. wild, wild-
action rifle. erness.
ɲápár (ɲápárì-) pl. ɲápárìka . n. flat ɲáraƙwa (ɲáraƙɔ́-) n. wild, wilderness.
cover or lid (made from metal, reeds, or See also ɲɛ́kítɛla.
anything). ɲàràm (ɲàràmà-) pl. ɲèr. 1 n. daugh-
ɲápárìx (ɲápárìxì-) pl. ɲápárixík . a ter, girl, maiden, young woman (un-
n. parish: governmental administrative married). 2 n. girlfriend.
unit below the subcounty and above ɲarama na ɓétsʼa n. virgin. Lit. ‘girl who
the ward. is white’.
ɲápata (ɲápatí-) n. plant species with no ɲarama na tílɨwa n. virgin. Lit. ‘girl
known uses. Thunbergia alata. who is pure’.

185
ɲàràmàìm ɲásakaraméntù

ɲàràmàìm (ɲàràmà-ìmà-) pl. ɲerawika . ɲásáatɨkaa mɨtátie toomíní ńdà kɛ̀ɗì

n. little girl. kɔ̀n n. five o’clock (5:00). Lit. ‘the
Ɲárámɨram (Ɲárámɨramʉ́-) n. Satur- hours being ten and one’.
day. ɲásáatɨkaa mɨtátie toomíní ńda kiɗi
ɲáraŋɡí (ɲáraŋɡíì-) n. paint, pigment. léɓètse n. six o’clock (6:00). Lit. ‘the
hours being ten and two’.
ɲárará (ɲáraráà-) pl. ɲáraráìka . n. chee-
tah. Acinonyx jubatus. ɲásáatɨkaa tsʼaɡúsátìke n. ten o’clock
(10:00). Lit. ‘the hours being four’.
ɲárásíám (ɲárásí-ámà-) pl. ɲárásíika .
n. miscreant, pervert, reprobate. ɲásáatɨkaa tudátie ńdà kɛ̀ɗì kɔ̀n
n. twelve o’clock (12:00). Lit. ‘the
ɲarátáta (ɲarátátà-) pl. ɲarátátíka .
hours being five and one’.
n. wall of a building.
ɲásáatɨkaa tudátie ńdà kìɗì àɗe n. two
ɲárém (ɲárémò-) n. danger, insecurity,
o’clock (2:00). Lit. ‘the hours being
unrest.
five and three’.
ɲaréréŋ (ɲaréréŋì-) n. good fortune or ɲásáatɨkaa tudátie ńda kiɗi léɓètse
luck. n. one o’clock (1:00) . Lit. ‘the hours
ɲarʉ́kʉ́m (ɲarʉ́kʉ́mʉ̀-) 1 n. mucus, being five and two’.
phlegm, snot; sputum. 2 n. cold, flu. ɲásáatɨkaa tudátie ńda kiɗi tsʼaɡús
See also ɗɔ̀ƙɔ̀n. n. three o’clock (3:00). Lit. ‘the hours
ɲárʉ́má (ɲárʉ́máà-) pl. ɲárʉ́máìka . being five and four’.
n. injury. ɲásáatɨkaa tudátìke n. eleven o’clock
ɲárʉpɛpɛ́ (ɲárʉpɛpɛ́ɛ̀-) pl. ɲárʉpɛpɛ́ìka . (11:00). Lit. ‘the hours being five’.
n. wooden voice-amplifying horn (3- ɲásáàtɔ̀ kɔ̀n n. at once, at the same time.
4 ft. long, open on each end, mouth- Lit. ‘by one time’.
piece in the middle, crack between two
Ɲásaɓéta (Ɲásaɓétì-) n. Sunday.
halves sealed by a leather wrap).
ɲásaɓéta (ɲásaɓétì-) pl. ɲásaɓétìka .
ɲásaaʝa (ɲásaaʝí-) pl. ɲásààʝìka . n. don- n. week.
key saddle.
ɲásáɓúkáúntì (ɲásáɓúkáúntìì-) pl. ɲá-
ɲásaaní (ɲásaaníì-) pl. ɲásaaníìka . sáɓúkáúntììka . n. subcounty: gov-
n. plate, saucer. ernmental administrative unit below
ɲásáata (ɲásáatí-) pl. ɲásáàtìka . 1 county and above parish.
n. hour. 2 n. time. 3 n. wristwatch. ɲásaɓuní (ɲásaɓuníì-) n. detergent,
ɲásáatíá kɔ̀nìkɛ n. seven o’clock (7:00). soap.
Lit. ‘the hour being one’. ɲásáɓúpárìx (ɲásáɓúpárìxì-) pl. ɲásáɓú-
ɲásáatɨkaa aɗátìke n. nine o’clock (9:00). párixíka . n. subparish: governmental
Lit. ‘the hours being three’. administrative unit below the parish
ɲásáatɨkaa leɓetsátìke n. eight o’clock and above the ward.
(8:00). Lit. ‘the hours being two’. ɲásaɗukú (ɲásaɗukúì-) pl. ɲásaɗu-
ɲásáatɨkaa mɨtátie toomín n. four kúìka . n. box, storage chest.
o’clock (4:00). Lit. ‘the hours being ɲásakaraméntù (ɲásakaraméntùù-)
ten’. n. Catholic sacrament.

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ɲasal ɲaʉ́dɔnʉƙɔta

ɲasal (ɲasalí-) n. small plant species ɲátáya (ɲátáì-) pl. ɲátáìka . n. necktie,
with bluish leaves which when ground tie.
and mixed with oil are applied to heads ɲátóè (ɲátóè-) pl. ɲátóìka . n. beaded belt
to counteract lice. Cassia hildebrandtii. worn by females.
ɲásalátà (ɲásalátàà-) n. spinach. ɲatsʉʉma (ɲatsʉʉmaá-) pl. ɲatsʉ́ʉ́-
ɲásánɗɔ̀l (ɲásánɗɔ̀lɔ̀-) pl. ɲásánɗɔlíka . màìka . n. borehole.
n. rubber sandal. ɲatsʉʉmáárí (ɲatsʉʉmá-áríɛ́-) pl. ɲa-
ɲásáníjìn (ɲásáníjìnì-) n. Sunny Gin: a tsʉʉmáárííka . n. borehole pipe. Lit.
Ugandan brand of cheap gin. ‘borehole-intestine’.
ɲásaŋáɲo (ɲásaŋáɲoó-) n. bee species ɲatsʉʉmácúé (ɲatsʉʉmá-cúè-) n. bore-
that builds nests in flat ground. hole water.
ɲásápari (ɲásáparií-) pl. ɲásápàrììka . 1 ɲatsʉʉmádɛ̀ (ɲatsʉʉmá-dɛ̀à-) n. bore-
n. round, time. 2 n. expedition, jour- hole footing. Lit. ‘borehole-foot’.
ney, trip. ɲatsʉʉmáhò (ɲatsʉʉmá-hòò-) pl. ɲa-
ɲásáti (ɲásátií-) pl. ɲásátììka . n. shirt. tsʉ́ʉ́maɨkahoíka . n. borehole housing
ɲasécón (ɲasécónì-) pl. ɲasécónìka . or shaft.
n. error, mistake, sin. See also ɲatsʉʉmákwɛ́ta (ɲatsʉʉmá-kwɛ́tà-) pl.
ɲɔ́mɔkɔsá. ɲatsʉ́ʉ́maɨkakwɛtíka . n. borehole han-
ɲásím (ɲásímù-) pl. ɲásímìka . n. mobile dle. Lit. ‘borehole-arm’.
phone. ɲatsʉʉmánêba (ɲatsʉʉmá-nébù-) pl. ɲa-
ɲásipiryá (ɲásipiryáà-) pl. ɲásipiryáìk . a tsʉ́ʉ́maɨkanébitín. n. borehole casing.
n. metal cooking pan or pot, saucepan. Lit. ‘borehole-body’.
See also ɲésipiryá. ɲátúɗu (ɲátúɗuú-) pl. ɲátúɗùìka . n. big
ɲásírìàm (ɲásírì-àmà-) pl. ɲásíriika . oblong gourd used as a general con-
n. fine dresser, fashionista. tainer.
ɲátaayá (ɲátaayáà-) pl. ɲátaayáìka . ɲatúkíta (ɲatúkítì-) pl. ɲatúkítíka .
n. kerosene lantern. n. heap, mound, pile. See also kìtsa .
ɲatal (ɲatalí-) pl. ɲatálíka . 1 n. custom, ɲatʉ́kɔ́ta (ɲatʉ́kɔ́tɔ̀-) pl. ɲatʉ́kɔ́tíka .
tradition. 2 n. taboo, prohibition. n. assembly, congregation, gathering.
ɲátám (ɲátámʉ̀-) pl. ɲátámìka . n. school ɲátúm (ɲátúmù-) pl. ɲátúmìka . n. spear
term, semester. with long, flat head (18-24 inches long).
ɲátamɨtám (ɲátamɨtámʉ̀-) pl. ɲátamɨ- ɲáturuɡéya (ɲáturuɡéì-) pl. ɲáturuɡé-
támìka . n. candy, sweet. ìka . n. type of large-bore, five-round
ɲátamóómìtà (ɲátamóómìtàà-) pl. ɲá- elephant gun.
tamóómìtàìka . n. thermometer. ɲà ᶶ (ɲàʉ̀) ideo. crystallizedly.
a a ɲaʉ́dɔ̀n (ɲaʉ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be crystallized,
ɲátats (ɲátatsí-) pl. ɲátátsìk . n. spike
trap. effloresced.
ɲátauló (ɲátaulóò-) pl. ɲátaulóìka . ɲaʉ́dɔnʉƙɔta (ɲaʉ́dɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to crys-
n. towel. tallize, effloresce.

187
ɲáwaawá ɲɛ́ɓɨsár

ɲáwaawá (ɲáwaawáà-) pl. ɲáwaawáìka . wife’s sibling, my brother’s wife’s sib-

n. large gunny sack. See also lomóŋin. ling, my sister’s husband). 2 n. my
ɲáwáɗa (ɲáwáɗì-) pl. ɲáwáɗìka . sister’s husband’s sibling).
n. ward: governmental administrative ɲébenɗéra (ɲébenɗéraá-) pl. ɲébenɗé-
unit above the village and below the ràìka . n. flag.
subparish. ɲébeŋɡí (ɲébeŋɡíì-) pl. ɲébeŋɡíìka .
ɲáwáro (ɲáwároó-) pl. ɲáwáròìka . n. safe, safe-box.
n. cloak, shawl. Called a ‘sheet’ in ɲɛ́bʉlán (ɲɛ́bʉlánì-) pl. ɲɛ́bʉlánìka .
Karamojan English. n. vest. Also pronounced as ɲábʉlán.
ɲáwáróófúr (ɲáwáró-ófúrí-) n. bag ɲɛ́ɓákɛ̀ta (ɲɛ́ɓákɛ̀tɛ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́ɓákɛtíka .
made from the fabric of a cloak. n. bucket, pail. See also ɲáɓákɛ̀ta .
ɲáwáya (ɲáwáyaá-) pl. ɲáwáyàìka . 1 ɲéɓatál (ɲéɓatálì-) pl. ɲéɓatálìka . n. bat-
n. wire. 2 n. wire neck snare. talion.
ɲ́cìcèka (ɲ́cì-cèkì-) n. my wife. ɲéɓéɓuta (ɲéɓéɓutí-) n. Defassa’s water-
ɲ́cìèàkwa (ɲ́cì-èàkwà-) n. my husband. buck. Kobus ellipsiprymnus defassa.
ɲ́ciemetá (ɲ́ci-emetáà-) pl. ɲ́ciemetá- ɲɛ́ɓɛ́ka (ɲɛ́ɓɛ́kì-) pl. ɲɛ́ɓɛ́kìka . n. bag.
tíkwa . n. my parent-in-law (of men). ɲɛ́ɓɛ́ɲc (ɲɛ́ɓɛ́ɲcì-) pl. ɲɛ́ɓɛɲcíka .
ɲ́cììm (ɲ́cì-ìmà-) pl. ɲ́ciwika . 1 n. my n. bench.
child. 2 n. my niece of nephew ɲɛɓɛ́s (ɲɛɓɛ́sí-) 1 v. to chew on, rumi-
(brother’s child). nate. 2 v. to contemplate, mull over,
ɲ́cilobá (ɲ́ci-lobáà-) n. my grandchild. ponder, think on.
ɲ́cinamúí (ɲ́ci-namúíì-) pl. ɲ́cinamúá- ɲɛɓɛ́sá tódàe v. to grumble to oneself.
tikwa . 1 n. my sibling-in-law (hus- Lit. ‘to chew on speech’.
band’s sibling). 2 n. my sister-in-law ɲéɓésèn (ɲéɓésènì-) pl. ɲéɓéseníka .
(brother’s wife). n. basin.
ɲ́cinamúíìm (ɲ́ci-namúí-ìmà-) pl. ɲ́cina- ɲéɓeterí (ɲéɓeteríì-) pl. ɲéɓètèrìka .
múíwika . n. my niece or nephew (hus- n. battery.
band’s sibling’s child). ɲéɓéya (ɲéɓéì-) pl. ɲéɓéìka . n. cost, ex-
ɲ́cìnèba (ɲ́cì-nèbù-) n. myself. Lit. ‘my pense, price.
body’. ɲéɓía (ɲéɓíaá-) pl. ɲéɓíàìka . n. bottled
ɲ́cìɲòta (ɲ́cì-ɲòtà-) pl. ɲ́ciɲotikwa . 1 beer.
n. my foreign friend. 2 n. my in-law ɲɛ́ɓɨás (ɲɛ́ɓɨásì-) n. Irish or white
(my child’s spouse’s parent). potato(es), spud.
ɲ́cìɲòtàìm (ɲ́cì-ɲòtà-ìmà-) pl. ɲ́ciɲo- ɲéɓílìòn (ɲéɓílìònì-) pl. ɲéɓílioníka .
tawika . n. my niece or nephew-in-law n. billion.
(child’s spouse’s sibling). ɲéɓiró (ɲéɓiróò-) pl. ɲéɓiróìka . n. stick
ɲ́citaŋá (ɲ́ci-taŋáí-) pl. ɲ́citaŋáíkìn. with a round head. Well-known as a
n. my co-: cohort, colleague, etc. ‘rungu’ in Swahili.
ɲ́cuɡwám (ɲ́c-uɡwámá-) pl. ɲ́cuɡwá- ɲɛ́ɓɨsár (ɲɛ́ɓɨsárì-) n. flavoring, season-
mátikwa . 1 n. my sibling-in-law (my ing (e.g. local Royco brand).

188
ɲéɓisikóta ɲeɗekéím

ɲéɓisikóta (ɲéɓisikótì-) pl. ɲéɓisikótìka . ɲɛ́caal (ɲɛ́caalí-) n. tree species whose

n. cookie, cracker, sweet biscuit. fruits are eaten raw and whose wood
ɲɛ́ɓítɨ (ɲɛ́ɓítɨí-) pl. ɲɛ́ɓítììka . n. short- is used to carve stools. Cyphostemma
necked, oval spearhead. junceum.
ɲɛɓɔŋ (ɲɛɓɔŋí-) n. egret. ɲɛcááta (ɲɛcáátì-) pl. ɲɛcáátìka . n. men’s
colored handband.
ɲéɓúku (ɲéɓúkuú-) pl. ɲéɓúkùìka .
n. crowd, mob, throng. ɲɛcaɓoya (ɲɛcaɓoí-) n. small plant
ɲéɓukuɓúka (ɲéɓukuɓúkù-) pl. ɲéɓu- species whose leaves are boiled as
kuɓúkìka . n. jerrycan cut in half to be greens and whose small fruits are
an open container. ground and applied to skin cuts.
ɲeɓúkúita (ɲeɓúkúití-) pl. ŋíɓúkúya . ɲécapatí (ɲécapatíì-) pl. ɲécapatíìka .
n. foreigner, outsider. See also ɦyɔ̀àm. n. chapati, fried flatbread (of Indian ori-
gin).
ɲéɓulóka (ɲéɓulókì-) pl. ɲéɓulókìka .
n. block, brick. ɲɛ́cápɔ̀l (ɲɛ́cápɔ̀lɔ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́cápɔlíka .
ɲeɓune (ɲeɓuneé-) pl. ɲeɓúnéìka . n. chapel.
n. drinking straw (esp. for beer). ɲécáya (ɲécáì-) n. tea.
ɲéɓur (ɲéɓurí-) pl. ɲéɓùrìka . 1 n. but- ɲɛ́cɨpɨtá (ɲɛ́cɨpɨtáà-) pl. ɲɛ́cɨpɨtáìka .
ter flask made of leather and wood. 2 n. arrow.
n. drum.
ɲɛ́cɔ́ka (ɲɛ́cɔ́kaá-) pl. ɲɛ́cɔ́kàìka .
a
ɲéɓurankít (ɲéɓurankítì-) pl. ɲéɓuran- n. chalk.
kítìka . n. blanket.
ɲɛ́cʉma (ɲɛ́cʉmaá-) n. black-and-white
ɲeɓuri (ɲeɓurií-) n. Bohor reedbuck. Re- colobus monkey. Colobus guereza
dunca redunca. polykomos.
ɲéɓurocó (ɲéɓurocóò-) pl. ɲéɓurocóìka . ɲɛ̀ɗɛ (ɲɛ̀ɗɛ̀) ideo. chafedly, frayedly.
n. cartridge, shell, shell casing.
ɲɛɗɛ́dɔ̀n (ɲɛɗɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be chafed,
ɲéɓúruɓur (ɲéɓúruɓurí-) pl. ɲéɓúrùɓù-
frayed (e.g. a rope or vine).
rìka . n. floodplain, wide flat valley.
ɲeɓuryaŋ (ɲeɓuryaŋí-) pl. ɲeɓúryáŋìka . ɲeɗeke (ɲeɗekeé-) pl. ɲeɗekéícíka .
n. snuff container, tobacco horn. n. disease, illness, sickness.

ɲéɓusitá (ɲéɓusitáà-) pl. ɲéɓusitáìka . ɲeɗekea bákútsìkàe n. chest disease (e.g.

n. booster or relay tower for cellular pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc.).
networks or radio. ɲeɗekea na ɨtɛnítʉ́ƙɔta ámáka n. lock-
ɲéɓwál (ɲéɓwálì-) pl. ɲéɓwálìka . jaw, tetanus. Lit. ‘disease that straight-
n. riverbed pool of standing water ens a person’.
(found in large rivers). ɲeɗekea sakámáe n. liver disease.
a
ɲecaaƙo (ɲecaaƙoó-) pl. ɲecááƙòìk . ɲeɗekéím (ɲeɗeké-ímà-) pl. ɲeɗe-
n. scrub brush, washing brush. kéwíka . 1 n. spirit that causes sickness.
ɲécaal (ɲécaalá-) n. tree species whose 2 n. mild disease, illness, or sickness.
wood is carved into spoons and stools. Lit. ‘sickness-child’.

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ɲéɗépe ɲéɡurúf

ɲéɗépe (ɲéɗépeé-) pl. ɲéɗépèìka . ɲɛ́ɗʉrípa (ɲɛ́ɗʉrípì-) n. intravenous

n. large can: unit of measurement of drip.
20 liters. ɲéɗúruɗur (ɲéɗúruɗurí-) n. food that is
ɲɛ́ɗɛpɨɗɛ́pa (ɲɛ́ɗɛpɨɗɛ́pɛ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́ɗɛpɨɗɛ́- burnt or stuck on the bottom of a pot.
pìka . n. gunny sack. ɲɛ́ɛkɨmá (ɲɛ́ɛkɨmáà-) n. small plant
ɲɛɗɛ́sɛ̂da (ɲɛɗɛ́sɛ́dɛ̀-) n. trigger. See also species whose leaves are crushed,
ɲétíƙa. mixed with oil, and applied as a per-
ɲɛ́ɗíɨta (ɲɛ́ɗíɨtí-) 1 n. tsetse fly. fumed lotion for men and women; its
Glossinidae. 2 n. talking drum. leaves are also mixed with those of the
ɓólìs tree and burnt green to fumigate
ɲéɗíkìxònàrì (ɲéɗíkìxònàrìì-) n. dictio-
gardens for insect pests.
nary, lexicon.
ɲɛ́ɛ́ƙɨɛ́ƙa (ɲɛ́ɛ́ƙɨɛ́ƙì-) pl. ɲɛ́ɛ́ƙɨɛ́ƙìka .
ɲéɗíni (ɲéɗínií-) pl. ɲéɗínììka . 1 n. faith,
n. small gourd rattle (with small stones
religion. 2 n. religious denomination.
inside).
ɲéɗiŋ (ɲéɗiŋí-) pl. ɲéɗìŋìka . n. long dig-
ɲéema (ɲéemaá-) pl. ɲéèmàìka . 1 n. tent.
ging stick.
2 n. tarp, tarpaulin.
ɲéɗíol (ɲéɗíolí-) 1 n. tallow: fat of cattle,
ɲɛ́ɛ́s (ɲɛ́ɛ́sɛ̀-) n. bozo, dude, guy.
goats, or sheep. 2 n. cheese.
ɲɛ́ɛ́sɛ (ɲɛ́ɛ́sɛɛ́-) pl. ɲɛ́ɛ́sɛ̀ìka . n. crag: tall
ɲéɗípor (ɲéɗíporí-) 1 n. tobacco soot
cliff or rock with unscalable sides.
(found in pipes). 2 n. earwax.
ɲɛ́fíl (ɲɛ́fílì-) n. market in Kenya held
ɲéɗísítùrìka (ɲéɗísítùrìkì-) pl. ɲéɗísítù-
during British colonial rule.
rìkìka . n. district: governmental admin-
istrative unit above the county and be- ɲɛ́fɨrɛ́m (ɲɛ́fɨrɛ́mʉ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́fɨrɛ́mìka .
low the region. n. door-frame.
ɲɛ́ɗɨtác (ɲɛ́ɗɨtácì-) pl. ɲɛ́ɗɨtácìka . n. mil- ɲéɡelesíà (ɲéɡelesíàà-) pl. ɲéɡelesíàìka .
itary detachment. n. church.
ɲéɗivíxìòn (ɲéɗivíxìònì-) pl. ɲéɗivíxìò- ɲéɡetsa (ɲéɡetsí-) pl. ɲéɡètsìka . 1
nìka . n. military division. n. spur. 2 n. stiff leg hair (of insects).
3 n. stiff tail-tip of a python.
ɲɛ́ɗɔ́nɨɗɔn (ɲɛ́ɗɔ́nɨɗɔní-) n. polydactyly:
extra fingers or toes. ɲɛ́ɡɨlás (ɲɛ́ɡɨlásì-) pl. ɲɛ́ɡɨlásìka . n. mir-
ror. See also ɲɛ́rʉ́ɛ́ta .
ɲeɗuar (ɲeɗuarí-) n. grass species
which is tied with míʒɨʒ fibers to block ɲɛ́ɡɨrasíà (ɲɛ́ɡɨrasíàà-) n. divine grace
wind and to ward off evil spirits from in Catholicism.
one’s home. Aristida adoensis. ɲéɡiróya (ɲéɡiróì-) n. mountain bam-
ɲeɗúkór (ɲeɗúkórì-) pl. ɲeɗúkórìka . boo. Arundinaria alpinia.
n. claimed spot, owned plot (e.g. a ɲéɡitá (ɲéɡitáà-) pl. ɲéɡitáìka . n. guitar.
home or place of harvesting termites). ɲéɡuniyá (ɲéɡuniyáà-) pl. ɲéɡuniyáìka .
ɲɛɗʉpɛ (ɲɛɗʉpɛɛ́-) n. procession, suc- n. burlap bag, gunny sack.
cession. ɲéɡurúf (ɲéɡurúfù-) pl. ɲéɡurúfìka .
a
ɲɛ́ɗʉráp (ɲɛ́ɗʉrápʉ̀-) n. checkers. n. club, co-op, group, organization.

190
ɲéɡuruwé ɲékiɲés

ɲéɡuruwé (ɲéɡuruwéè-) pl. ŋ́ɡuruwóya . ɲékiɓiríta (ɲékiɓirítì-) pl. ɲékiɓirítìka .

n. hog, pig, swine. n. match, matchstick.
ɲéɡutá (ɲéɡutáà-) pl. ɲéɡutáìka . n. al- ɲɛ́kɨɗɛkɨɗɛ́ (ɲɛ́kɨɗɛkɨɗɛ́ɛ̀-) n. sunflower
phabetical letter. See also ɲéɲuɡutá. (plant and seeds). Helianthus sp. See
ɲɛɨtánɨta (ɲɛɨtánɨtí-) pl. ɲɛɨtánìtìka . also ɲɛ́tɔɔkíɗɛ́.
n. fountain, spring. ɲekiɗoŋita (ɲekiɗoŋití-) pl. ɲekíɗó-
a
ɲéʝá (ɲéʝáà-) pl. ɲéʝáìk . n. jug. ŋìtìka . n. perineal muscle: between the
anus and genitalia. See also ɲalama-
ɲɛʝákáɨta (ɲɛʝákáɨtí-) pl. ŋíʝákáɛ̀. n. sub-
tsar.
county chief.
ɲékifúl (ɲékifúlù-) pl. ɲékifúlìka .
ɲɛ́ʝákɛ̀ta (ɲɛ́ʝákɛ̀tɛ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́ʝákɛtíka .
n. lock, padlock.
n. jacket.
ɲékíìkò (ɲékíìkòò-) pl. ɲékíìkòìka . n. as-
ɲéʝem (ɲéʝemú-) n. marsh, swamp.
sembly, meeting.
ɲéʝiɡón (ɲéʝiɡónì-) pl. ɲéʝiɡónìka .
ɲékiʝikó (ɲékiʝikóò-) pl. ɲékiʝikóìka .
n. cooking hut, kitchen.
n. metal spoon.
ɲɛ́ʝípa (ɲɛ́ʝípì-) pl. ɲɛ́ʝípìka . n. zipper.
ɲɛ́kílama (ɲɛ́kílamaá-) pl. ɲɛ́kílàmàìka .
a
ɲɛ́ʝɨrɨkán (ɲɛ́ʝɨrɨkánì-) pl. ɲɛ́ʝɨrɨkánìk . n. sacrificial goat or ox killed by a
n. jerrycan. groom for his new bride. See also
ɲéʝúùs (ɲéʝúùsì-) n. juice. ɲɛkʉma.
ɲékakúŋ́ɡù (ɲékakúŋ́ɡùù-) pl. ɲékakú- ɲɛ́kɨlás (ɲɛ́kɨlásì-) pl. ɲɛ́kɨlásìka . n. class,
ŋ́ɡùìka . n. small plastic barrel or drum. classroom.
ɲékeikéya (ɲékeikéì-) pl. ɲékeikéìka . ɲékilelés (ɲékilelésì-) n. mancala: game
n. sieve, strainer. with many names in different coun-
ɲékel (ɲékelí-) pl. ɲékèlìka . 1 n. artic- tries that involves counting and mov-
ulation, joint. 2 n. plant section or ing objects from hole to hole.
segment (e.g. of grass or sugarcane). ɲekiliriŋ (ɲekiliriŋí-) n. golden jackal.
a
ɲɛ́kɛ́n (ɲɛ́kɛ́nì-) pl. ɲɛ́kɛ́nìk . n. 4-liter Canis aureus.
metal can (based on USAID vegetable ɲékilitón (ɲékilitónì-) n. plant species
oil cans). with edible leaves.
ɲeker (ɲekerí-) pl. ɲekéríka . n. custom, ɲɛ́kílɔɗa (ɲɛ́kílɔɗaá-) pl. ɲɛ́kílɔ̀ɗàìka .
tradition. n. coiled metal anklet or bracelet.
ɲékerum (ɲékerumú-) n. fig tree species ɲɛkɨmar (ɲɛkɨmarí-) n. census, popula-
whose fruits are eaten raw. Ficus sp. tion.
ɲékés (ɲékésì-) pl. ɲékésìka . n. case, ɲékimyéta (ɲékimyétí-) n. sorghum va-
suit, trial. riety grown by the Turkana.
ɲɛkɛ́sɛ́ta (ɲɛkɛ́sɛ́tɛ̀-) pl. ɲɛkɛ́sɛ́tíka . ɲekiner (ɲekinerí-) pl. ɲekínérika .
n. comb. n. body part, meat or portion.
ɲɛkɛsʉpan (ɲɛkɛsʉpaní-) n. rebel, sub- ɲékiɲés (ɲékiɲésí-) n. hairstyle in which
verter, underminer. sides are short and the top is longer.

191
ɲɛkɨpanɗɛ ɲekúrúm

ɲɛkɨpanɗɛ (ɲɛkɨpanɗɛɛ́-) pl. ɲɛkí- ɲékiteitéya (ɲékiteitéì-) pl. ɲékiteitéìka .

pánɗɛ̀ìka . n. Kenyan identification n. dress, gown.
card. ɲɛ́kítɛla (ɲɛ́kítɛlaá-) pl. ɲɛ́kítɛ̀làìka .
ɲɛ́kɨpɛtɛ́ta (ɲɛ́kɨpɛtɛ́tì-) pl. ɲɛ́kɨpɛtɛ́tìka . n. wilderness. See also ɲáraƙwa .
n. lower back. ɲékitiyó (ɲékitiyóò-) pl. ɲékitiyóìka .
ɲékipeyés (ɲékipeyésì-) 1 n. initia- n. shovel, spade.
tion into a higher age-group (done by
ɲɛ́kítɔ́wɔ́ (ɲɛ́kítɔ́wɔ́ɔ̀-) n. exhaustion, ex-
killing a goat for the next age-group).
treme fatigue.
2 n. religious confirmation.
ɲɛkɨtsʉl (ɲɛkɨtsʉlí-) pl. ɲɛkítsʉ́lìka .
ɲɛkípɔ́r (ɲɛkípɔ́rɔ̀-) pl. ɲɛkípɔ́ríka .
n. fine for unlawful impregnation (in-
n. seasonal marsh or swamp. See also
cestuous or out of wedlock).
ɲotóbòr.
ɲɛkíwɔ́rìta (ɲɛkíwɔ́rìtì-) pl. ɲɛkíwɔ́-
ɲɛkípyɛ́ (ɲɛkípyɛ́ɛ̀-) pl. ɲɛkípyɛ́ìka /ŋí-
rɨtíka . n. holy ground, sacred place.
pyɛn. n. demon, earth spirit, evil spirit.
See also ŋípyɛn. ɲékiyóìka (ɲékiyóìkà-) n. eyeglasses,
glasses, spectacles.
ɲɛ́kɨráɓa (ɲɛ́kɨráɓʉ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́kɨráɓìka .
n. beer brewed for sale. ɲékiyóika ni fetí n. shades, sunglasses.
a ɲɛ́kɔ́kɔ́tɛ́ (ɲɛ́kɔ́kɔ́tɛ́ɛ̀-) n. aggregate rock.
ɲɛ́kɨsakát (ɲɛ́kɨsakátɛ́-) pl. ɲɛ́kɨsa-
kátíka . n. grass shelter (used as a ɲékuduŋƙúru (ɲékuduŋƙúruú-) pl. ɲé-
shower or toilet). kuduŋƙúrùìka . n. onion.
ɲɛ́kɨsɛsɛ́ (ɲɛ́kɨsɛsɛ́ɛ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́kɨsɛsɛ́ìka . Ɲékuɗuɗa (Ɲékuɗuɗú-) n. nickname of
n. nylon sack used for wringing beer the late Luka of Looɗói.
from beer mash.
ɲékúkuse (ɲékúkuseé-) n. soft rock.
ɲɛ́kɨsí (ɲɛ́kɨsíì-) n. large hardwood tree
species in which beehives are placed ɲékukwá (ɲékukwáà-) n. conversation,
and whose wood is used to carve discussion.
stools. ɲékulukúl (ɲékulukúlù-) n. turkey.
ɲekísíɓìta (ɲekísíɓìtì-) pl. ɲekísíɓìtìka . ɲɛkʉlʉmɛ (ɲɛkʉlʉmɛɛ́-) pl. ɲɛkʉ́lʉ́mɛ̀-
n. evidence, exhibit. ìka . n. wooden jug or pitcher.
ɲɛkɨsɨl (ɲɛkɨsɨlí-) n. lawful order, peace, ɲɛkʉma (ɲɛkʉmaá-) pl. ɲɛkʉ́máìka .
security, stability. See also ŋíkísila. n. sacrificial goat or ox killed by a
ɲɛ́kɨsɨrán (ɲɛ́kɨsɨránì-) n. maliciousness, groom for his new bride. See also
spitefulness. ɲɛ́kílama.
ɲɛ́kɨsɨránìàm (ɲɛ́kɨsɨránì-àmà-) pl. ɲɛ́- ɲékúŋuta (ɲékúŋutú-) pl. ŋikúŋúí.
kɨsɨrániika . n. malicious or spiteful per- n. parish chief.
son. ɲɛ́kʉ́rara (ɲɛ́kʉ́raraá-) n. mange.
ɲekísórìta (ɲekísórìtì-) n. poison, toxin, ɲekúrúm (ɲekúrúmù-) pl. ɲekúrúmíka .
venom. 1 n. gourd used as a milk flask by the
ɲɛ́kítaɗa (ɲɛ́kítaɗaá-) pl. ɲɛ́kítàɗàìka . Turkana. 2 n. pair of panties, under-
n. bed, cot. clothes, underwear.

192
ɲékútàm ɲéméle

ɲékútàm (ɲékútàmà-) pl. ɲékútàmìka . ɲɛ́lɛl (ɲɛ́lɛlí-) pl. ɲɛ́lɛ̀lìka . n. cadaver,

n. small gourd used as a flask to hold corpse.
butter or oil. Ɲéléle (Ɲéléleé-) n. a personal name.
ɲékwaŋa (ɲékwaŋaá-) n. large shrub ɲɛlɛ́lyá (ɲɛlɛ́lyáà-) pl. ɲɛlɛ́lyáìka . n. nat-
or tree species with whitish bark and ural well, spring.
whose wood is used to carve stools. Pit-
tosporum viridiflorum. ɲɛ́lɛmá (ɲɛ́lɛmáà-) n. style of dance in
which two or three dancers (male or fe-
ɲɛkwɨ (ɲɛkwɨɛ́-) n. huge scrotal male) stand together with arms around
swelling (probably filiariasis). May each other’s waists.
also be spelled as ɲɛkʉya .
ɲelépíta (ɲelépítì-) pl. ɲelépítíka .
ɲɛ́kwɨɲcá (ɲɛ́kwɨɲcáà-) n. orange- n. milking gourd.
flavored drink.
ɲelerum (ɲelerumú-) n. argument, dis-
ɲɛ̀ƙa (ɲɛ̀ƙɛ̀-) n. hunger, hungriness. putation, quarreling.
ɲɛƙánón (ɲɛƙánónì-) v. to be famished, Ɲɛlɛtsa (Ɲɛlɛtsaá-) n. a personal name.
starving.
ɲɛlɨl (ɲɛlɨlí-) n. anger, annoyance, fury,
ɲɛƙɨl (ɲɛƙɨlí-) pl. ɲɛ́ƙílìka . n. necktie rage. See also ɡaánàs.
with a pouch for keeping money.
ɲɛ́límɨlɨm (ɲɛ́límɨlɨmí-) n. drizzle, driz-
ɲɛ́ƙínɔ n. with hunger, while hungry. zling rain.
ɲɛ́ƙɨrɨƙír (ɲɛ́ƙɨrɨƙírì-) pl. ɲɛ́ƙɨrɨƙírìka . ɲɛ́lɨmɨrá (ɲɛ́lɨmɨráà-) pl. ɲɛ́lɨmɨráìka .
n. handsaw, saw. n. gun sight.
ɲeƙulu (ɲeƙuluú-) pl. ɲeƙúlúìka . ɲɛlɨráta (ɲɛlɨrátí-) pl. ɲɛ́lɨrátíkwa .
n. small clay pot (for side dishes). n. long-necked spearhead.
ɲéƙúruƙur (ɲéƙúruƙurú-) 1 n. corrup- ɲéliwolíwo (ɲéliwolíwoó-) n. transgen-
tion, subversion. 2 n. conflict, discord, der, transvestite (male or female).
strife.
ɲɛ́lɔ́kɨlɔka (ɲɛ́lɔ́kɨlɔkí-) n. creeper, vine.
ɲéƙúrumota (ɲéƙúrumotí-) pl. ɲéƙú-
rùmòtìka . n. gully or trench formed by ɲélúɗo (ɲélúɗoó-) n. Ludo game.
running water. See also urúr. ɲélúru (ɲélúruú-) n. quail.
ɲéleɓuléɓu (ɲéleɓuléɓuú-) 1 n. tree ɲɛmaɨlɔŋ (ɲɛmaɨlɔŋɔ́-) n. small fruited
species whose berries are eaten raw teclea: hardwood tree growing near
and whose wood is used as poles for rivers and whose wood is used for
building; a decoction of its bark is building houses. Teclea nobilis. See also
drunk to induce vomiting. Ochna sp. 2 kɛ́láya .
n. blistered burn. ɲémékweɲ (ɲémékweɲí-) pl. ɲé-
ɲɛ́lɛ́ʝɨlɛʝa (ɲɛ́lɛ́ʝɨlɛʝí-) n. odd jobs, tempo- mékwèɲìka . n. omasum: third stomach
rary work. of ruminants.
ɲéleƙeré (ɲéleƙeréì-) pl. ɲéleƙeréìka . ɲéméle (ɲéméleé-) pl. ɲémélèìka .
n. horizontal ring of reeds in a series n. metal jewelry woven into women’s
that supports thatching. hair.

193
ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́ ɲɛ́ɲam

ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́ (ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́ʉ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́ìka . ɲémúkùɲ (ɲémúkùɲì-) n. small biting

n. hoe. black ant species.
ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́à nà ɦyɔ̀ɔ̀ɛ n. ox plow. Ɲémuƙa (Ɲémuƙé-) n. a personal name.
ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́dàkwa (ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́-dàkù-) pl. ɲémúƙeta (ɲémúƙetí-) n. topi. Damalis-
ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́ɨkadakwitín. n. hoe handle. cus lunatus (tiang?).
ɲɛmɛraya (ɲɛmɛraí-) n. sorghum vari- ɲɛmʉna (ɲɛmʉnaá-) pl. ɲɛmʉ́náìka .
ety with tall, red seed-heads and sweet n. delicacy, specialty, treat.
canes.
ɲɛ́mʉnʉkʉ́ (ɲɛ́mʉnʉkʉ́ʉ̀-) n. body
ɲéméza (ɲémézaá-) pl. ɲémézàìka . n. ta- numbness.
ble.
ɲémurúŋ́ɡù (ɲémurúŋ́ɡùù-) n. khat,
ɲéméza na íƙìràɛ n. desk, writing desk.
mira. Catha edulis.
ɲémézaɡwarí (ɲéméza-ɡwaríì-) n. table-
ɲémurúŋ́ɡùàm (ɲémurúŋ́ɡù-àmà-) pl.
top.
ɲémurúŋ́ɡuika . 1 n. khat-chewer. 2
ɲɛ́míɗɨmɨɗa (ɲɛ́míɗɨmɨɗí-) n. ear infec- n. Didinga person.
tion.
Ɲémusaláɓà (Ɲémusaláɓàà-) n. South-
ɲɛ́mɨɛ́ḿɓɛ̀ (ɲɛ́mɨɛ́ḿɓɛ̀ɛ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́mɨɛ́- ern Cross constellation.
ḿɓɛ̀ìka . n. mango (tree and fruit).
Mangifera indica. ɲémusaláɓà (ɲémusaláɓàà-) pl. ɲé-
musaláɓàìka . n. cross.
ɲémiikó (ɲémiikóò-) pl. ɲémiikóika .
n. wooden spatula. Also called cɛbɛn. ɲémúsukita (ɲémúsukití-) pl. ŋímúsúk-
wí. n. white person: American, Euro-
ɲémíli (ɲémílií-) n. salt.
pean, or any Caucasian. See also ɓètsʼ-
ɲémílìòn (ɲémílìònì-) pl. ɲémílioníka . ònìàm.
n. million.
ɲɛ́mʉsʉmɛ́n (ɲɛ́mʉsʉmɛ́nì-) pl. ɲɛ́-
ɲɛ́mɨríńɗà (ɲɛ́mɨríńɗàà-) pl. ɲɛ́mɨríń- mʉsʉmɛ́níka . n. hacksaw.
ɗàìka . n. skirt.
ɲénéne (ɲénéneé-) pl. ɲénéneika . 1
ɲémisípa (ɲémisípù-) pl. ɲémisípìka .
n. bundle or sheaf of harvested crops.
n. belt.
2 n. bunch of bees (e.g. a swarm
ɲémíso (ɲémísoó-) pl. ɲémísòìka . clumped up in a tree).
n. conclusion, end, ending.
ɲénétìwàka (ɲénétìwàkà-) pl. ɲénéti-
ɲémíta (ɲémítaá-) pl. ɲémítàìka . n. me- wakíka . n. cellular network.
ter. See also ɔkɔ́tsa .
ɲɛ́nɨs (ɲɛ́nɨsí-) n. fine attire, regalia.
ɲémítìŋ (ɲémítìŋì-) pl. ɲémítiŋíka . n. as-
sembly, meeting. ɲɛ́nʉkʉnʉ́kʉ (ɲɛ́nʉkʉnʉ́kʉʉ́-) n. mole.
ɲémíxòn (ɲémíxònì-) pl. ɲémíxoníka . ɲɛ́nʉ́s (ɲɛ́nʉ́sì-) pl. ɲɛ́nʉ́sìka . n. half.
n. mission, station. ɲɛ́ɲaaɲá (ɲɛ́ɲaaɲáà-) pl. ɲɛ́ɲaaɲáìka .
ɲémúɗetsa (ɲémúɗetsí-) n. carbon n. tomato (plant and fruit). Lycopersi-
black, crock, soot. See also ɲémúɗuɗu. con esculentum.
ɲémúɗuɗu (ɲémúɗuɗuú-) n. carbon ɲɛ́ɲam (ɲɛ́ɲamá-) n. cancellous bone,
black, crock, soot. See also ɲémúɗetsa . spongy bone. Lit. ‘nibblable’.

194
ɲɛɲɛrɛs ɲɛ́písítɔ̀l

ɲɛɲɛrɛs (ɲɛɲɛrɛsí-) v. to heave, heft, ɲɛpɛlɛrɛŋ (ɲɛpɛlɛrɛŋí-) pl. ɲɛpɛ́lɛ́rɛ̀ŋìka .

shove (e.g. a heavy object along the n. piece of scrap metal used as a frying
ground). See also toremes. pan.
ɲɛ́ɲɛ́s (ɲɛ́ɲɛ́sì-) v. to nibble, pick (e.g. ɲɛ́pɛ́lʉ (ɲɛ́pɛ́lʉʉ́-) pl. ɲɛ́pɛ́lʉ̀ìka . n. fur-
meat from a bone). row, line.
ɲɛ́ɲɛwán (ɲɛ́ɲɛwánì-) n. succulent ɲɛ́pɛn (ɲɛ́pɛní-) pl. ɲɛ́pɛ̀nìka . n. long-
plant species with sweet, yellow, edi- barreled gun with a vented muzzle.
ble fruits. ɲɛ́pɛ́nɛka (ɲɛ́pɛ́nɛkɛ́-) pl. ɲɛ́pɛ́nɛkíka .
ɲɛ́ɲɨɲí (ɲɛ́ɲɨɲíì-) n. gold dust. n. beard, goatee. See also tɛ̀mʉ̀r.
ɲɛ́ɲɔnɗɔ́ (ɲɛ́ɲɔnɗɔ́ɔ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́ɲɔnɗɔ́ìka . ɲéperéta (ɲéperétì-) pl. ɲéperétìka .
n. hammer. n. march, parade.
ɲéɲuɡutá (ɲéɲuɡutáà-) pl. ɲéɲuɡutáìka . ɲɛ́pɛtá (ɲɛ́pɛtáà-) pl. ɲɛ́pɛtáìka . n. hinge.
n. alphabetical letter. See also ɲéɡutá.
ɲépetorón (ɲépetorónì-) n. gasoline,
ɲéŋeɗo (ɲéŋeɗoó-) n. vine species petrol.
whose root decoction is drunk as
ɲɛ́píɗɨpɨɗa (ɲɛ́píɗɨpɨɗí-) n. conflict, dis-
a treatment for coughing, especially
cord, strife.
coughing up blood.
ɲɛ́pɨɨrá (ɲɛ́pɨɨráà-) pl. ɲɛ́pɨɨráìka . 1
ɲɛ́ŋɛ́s (ɲɛ́ŋɛ́sì-) v. to spear all the way
n. ball, football, soccer. 2 n. rubber
through.
Y-handled slingshot.
ɲéŋéso (ɲéŋésoó-) n. tree whose root
ɲépilipíli (ɲépilipílií-) n. pepper.
decoction is drunk by women to stop
postnatal bleeding and whose seeds are ɲɛ́pínísìl (ɲɛ́pínísìlì-) pl. ɲɛ́pínísɨlíka .
used as beads in girls’ necklaces; its n. pencil.
roots and leaves are crushed, mixed, ɲépípa (ɲépípaá-) pl. ɲépípàìka . n. large
and flung on crops to make them better barrel or drum.
than the neighbors’. Rhynchosia hirta. ɲépípa (ɲépípaá-) 1 n. tree species
ɲéómò (ɲéómòò-) n. laundry detergent whose roots are tied as charms on
or soap. From the detergent brand gates/doors to make any enemies for-
called OMO; see also hómò. get their evil intentions. 2 n. diver-
ɲéótèl (ɲéótèlì-) pl. ɲéótelíka . n. café, sionary tactic (e.g. against enemies, in
eatery, restaurant. the form of persuasion or a sacrifice).
ɲɛ́páìl (ɲɛ́páìlì-) n. file paper, thin card- ɲépírìà (ɲépírìàà-) n. hippo, hippopota-
board. mus, river horse. Hippopotamus am-
ɲépalatún (ɲépalatúnì-) pl. ɲépala- phibius.
túnìka . n. platoon. ɲepísíkita (ɲepísíkití-) pl. ɲepísíkìtìka . 1
ɲépéɗe (ɲépéɗeé-) pl. ɲépéɗèìka . n. forearm. 2 n. foreleg. See also ƙɔ́dɔ̀l.
n. small aluminum disc worn with ɲépísikitíém (ɲépísikití-émè-) n. muscle
beads over women’s chests. (meat) of the forearm or foreleg.
ɲépeelí (ɲépeelíì-) n. metal bucket or ɲɛ́písítɔ̀l (ɲɛ́písítɔ̀lɔ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́písítɔlíka .
pail. n. handgun, pistol, sidearm.

195
ɲépiskóópì ɲéripipí

ɲépiskóópì (ɲépiskóópìì-) pl. ɲépiskóó- berries for dying their hair. Lit. ‘girls-
pììka . n. bishop. dzôɡ’.
ɲɛpɨtɛ (ɲɛpɨtɛɛ́-) pl. ɲɛpɨteicíka . 1 n. be- ɲèràkù (ɲèrà-kùà-) n. girls’ grass: grass
havior, habit, manner. 2 n. method, species which resembles sorghum dur-
procedure, way. ing rainy season and which girls wear
ɲɛpɨtɛa ámáe n. personal attribute, per- on their heads as decoration; said to be
sonality trait. harmful to the eyes. Gramineae sp.
ɲɛ́pítsa (ɲɛ́pítsaá-) pl. ɲɛ́pítsàìka . Ɲerasabá (Ɲera-sabáà-) n. name of a
n. photo(graph), picture, snapshot. river. Lit. ‘girls-river’.
Ɲèràtàɓa (Ɲèrà-tàɓà-) n. name of a
ɲɛ́pɔrɛ́sìtà (ɲɛ́pɔrɛ́sìtàà-) 1 n. eucaly-
mountainside where a huge boulder
tus tree species. Eucalyptus sp. 2
once broke apart and crushed some Ik
n. planted forest (typically of eucalyp-
girls. Lit. ‘girls-rock’.
tus).
ɲératíl (ɲératílì-) pl. ɲératílìka . n. scale
ɲépóros (ɲépórosí-) pl. ɲépóròsìka .
for weighing.
n. big scar, keloid scar.
Ɲerawika (Ɲera-wicé-) n. constellation
ɲɛ́pɔ́sìta (ɲɛ́pɔ́sìtì-) pl. ɲɛ́pɔ́sɨtíka . n. po- of five stars resembling a group of little
lice post. girls.
ɲɛ́prɔ́ʝɛ̀kìta (ɲɛ́prɔ́ʝɛ̀kìtì-) pl. ɲɛ́prɔ́ʝɛ- ɲerawika (ɲera-wicé-) n. little girls.
kɨtíka . n. work project (especially of
ɲéréɗi (ɲéréɗií-) pl. ɲéréɗììka . n. radio,
NGOs).
tuner.
ɲépulé (ɲépuléè-) n. groundnut(s),
ɲɛrɛ́ta (ɲɛrɛ́tí-) pl. ɲerétíkwa . n. drain-
peanut(s). See also taráɗá.
age area, river basin, watershed.
Ɲɛpʉlɔ (Ɲɛpʉlɔɔ́-) n. a personal name.
ɲériɓá (ɲériɓáà-) pl. ɲériɓáìka .
ɲɛ́pʉnʉka (ɲɛ́pʉnʉkʉ́-) pl. ɲɛ́pʉ̀nʉ̀kìka . n. cordonsearch military operation.
n. rumen: first stomach of ruminants. ɲéríɓiriɓa (ɲéríɓiriɓí-) pl. ɲéríɓiriɓíka .
ɲépúɲa (ɲépúɲaá-) pl. ɲépúɲàìka . n. fu- n. mirage.
nerary goat killed to appease the spirit ɲéríkirika (ɲéríkirikí-) pl. ɲéríkirikíka .
of the dead. See also kɔ̀pa . n. earthquake, quake, seism.
ɲépúɲáám (ɲépúɲá-ámà-) pl. ɲé- ɲɛ́rɨkɨríka (ɲɛ́rɨkɨríkì-) n. shrub whose
púɲáíka . n. one who acquires and kills red berries are eaten by people and
a funerary goat. snakes. Hoslundia opposita.
ɲepúrósita (ɲepúrósití-) pl. ɲepúró- ɲérímama (ɲérímamaá-) n. rubbish or
sitíka . n. widow(er). See also lóméléwa . trash carried by a flashflood.
ɲèr (ɲèrà-) n. daughters, girls, maidens, ɲériŋƙís (ɲériŋƙísì-) pl. ɲériŋƙísìka .
young unmarried women. n. line.
ɲèrààƙwa (ɲèrà-àƙɔ̀-) n. company of ɲéríósita (ɲéríósití-) pl. ɲéríósitíka .
girls. Lit. ‘among girls’. n. chief, king.
Ɲèràdzòɡa (Ɲèrà-dzòɡà-) n. name of a ɲéripipí (ɲéripipíì-) pl. ɲéripipíìka .
hillside where girls used to pick dzôɡ n. brick furnace, kiln.

196
ɲerípírìpa ɲésitó

ɲerípírìpa (ɲerípírìpì-) pl. ɲerípíripíka . ɲɛ́sɛ́ànìs (ɲɛ́sɛ́ànìsì-) n. science.

n. crowd, multitude, throng. ɲɛ́sɛɛɓɔ́ (ɲɛ́sɛɛɓɔ́ɔ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́sɛɛɓɔ́ìka . 1
ɲéripóta (ɲéripótì-) pl. ɲéripótìka . n. crook, hooked staff. 2 n. penile shaft.
n. message, news, report. 3 n. gearshift, gearstick.
ɲéritá (ɲéritáà-) pl. ɲéritáìka . n. house ɲésékíxìòn (ɲésékíxìònì-) pl. ɲésékíxio-
trap used to catch larger animals. níka . n. military section.
ɲéríwi (ɲéríwií-) pl. ɲéríwììka . n. outer ɲɛ́sɛ́ƙɔ (ɲɛ́sɛ́ƙɔɔ́-) n. disobedience, insub-
barrier or fence made of branches and ordination.
thorns. ɲɛ́sɛ́ƙɔ́ám (ɲɛ́sɛ́ƙɔ́-ámà-) pl. ɲɛ́sɛ́ƙóíka .
ɲɛ́rɔɓɨrɔ́ɓa (ɲɛ́rɔɓɨrɔ́ɓʉ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́rɔɓɨ- n. disobedient person.
rɔ́ɓìka . n. plastic bottle. ɲésémìnà (ɲésémìnàà-) pl. ɲésémìnàìka .
ɲɛ́rʉ́ɛ́ta (ɲɛ́rʉ́ɛ́tɛ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́rʉ́ɛ́tìka . n. mir- n. colloquium, seminar.
ror. See also ɲɛ́ɡɨlás. ɲɛsɛpɛɗɛ (ɲɛsɛpɛɗɛɛ́-) pl. ɲɛsɛ́pɛ́ɗɛ̀ìka .
ɲerukuɗe (ɲerukuɗeé-) pl. ɲerúkúɗè- n. cartridge, shell, shell casing.
ìka . n. highway, road. ɲésiɓalitútu (ɲésiɓalitútuú-) n. fool’s
ɲɛ́rʉ́matsa (ɲɛ́rʉ́matsí-) pl. ɲɛ́rʉ́màtsìka . gold, pyrite: small, smooth, gold-
n. rear speartip. colored stones. Iron disulfide.
ɲerupe (ɲerupeé-) pl. ɲerúpéìka . n. lin- ɲésíìta (ɲésíití-) n. ground bee species
gering, intermittent rains between wet that builds nests in anthills.
and dry seasons. ɲɛ́sɨláx (ɲɛ́sɨláxì-) pl. ɲɛ́sɨláxìka .
n. slasher. Also called ɲásɨláx.
ɲɛ́rʉpɛpɛ́ (ɲɛ́rʉpɛpɛ́ɛ̀-) pl. ɲɛ́rʉpɛpɛ́ìka .
1 n. musical horn traditionally made ɲɛ́sɨlɨɓá (ɲɛ́sɨlɨɓáà-) pl. ɲɛ́sɨlɨɓáìka .
from an animal horn (often oryx). 2 n. aluminum knitting needle.
n. trumpet. ɲɛ́sílɨsɨl (ɲɛ́sílɨsɨlí-) n. rhomboid muscle.
ɲérwám (ɲérwámù-) pl. ɲérwámìka . ɲésímìta (ɲésímìtì-) n. cement.
n. traditional style grass hut. Similar ɲésimón (ɲésimónì-) pl. ɲésimónìka .
to the Icéhò. n. coin.
ɲeryaŋ (ɲeryaŋí-) 1 n. administration, ɲɛ́sɨnɗán (ɲɛ́sɨnɗánì-) pl. ɲɛ́sɨnɗánìka .
government, regime. 2 n. modernity, n. needle.
modern society. ɲɛsɨŋƙɨrɨ (ɲɛsɨŋƙɨrɨí-) pl. ɲɛsíŋƙírììka .
ɲeryaŋíɓór (ɲeryaŋí-ɓórè-) pl. ɲe- n. cooker, stove.
ryaŋíɓórítín. n. army barrack. Lit. ɲésipíɗa (ɲésipíɗì-) n. speed, velocity.
‘government-corral’. ɲésipiriyá (ɲésipiriyáà-) pl. ɲésipi-
ɲeryaŋíhò (ɲeryaŋí-hòò-) pl. ɲeryaŋí- ríyáìka . n. metal cooking pan or pot,
hoíka . n. modern building. saucepan. See also ɲásipiryá.
ɲeryaŋínánès (ɲeryaŋínánèsì-) n. work- ɲésiriwáli (ɲésiriwálií-) pl. ɲésiri-
ing for the government. wálììka . n. pair of short pants, shorts,
ɲeryaŋíŋóka (ɲeryaŋí-ŋókì-) n. alsatian, or trunks.
German shepherd. Lit. ‘modernity- ɲésitó (ɲésitóò-) pl. ɲésitóìka . n. out-
dog’. building, shed, storeroom, store.

197
ɲésóto ɲɛtsɨríɔ́ka

ɲésóto (ɲésótoó-) pl. ɲésótòìka . ɲétépes (ɲétépesí-) pl. ɲétépèsìka .

n. pointed granary cover. Also called n. combination of a lip plug and a chin
ɲósóto. cover made of woven wires.
ɲésukukú (ɲésukukúù-) pl. ɲésuku- ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɛ́ƙɛ (ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɛ́ƙɛɛ́-) n. meningitis.
kúìka . n. national holiday. See also tɛ́rɛƙɛ́ƙɛ.
ɲésukúl (ɲésukúlù-) pl. ɲésukúlùìka . ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɨta (ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɨtaá-) pl. ɲɛ́-
n. college, institute, school. tɛ̀rɛ̀ƙìtàìka . n. tractor.
ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɨtaa na kwɛtáɛ n. digger, excava-
ɲesuƙuru (ɲesuƙuruú-) n. small plant
tor, power shovel. Lit. ‘tractor of an
species with painful thorns that grows
arm’.
along the ground and is said to be eaten
by all types of livestock. Tribulus cis- ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɨtaa na kwɛ́tìkàɛ n. hand tiller,
toides. hand tractor. Lit. ‘tractor of arms’.
ɲɛ́tɛ́sìta (ɲɛ́tɛ́sìtì-) pl. ɲɛ́tɛ́sìtìka . n. exam,
ɲɛsʉpa (ɲɛsʉpá-) n. influence, sway.
examination, test.
ɲésurúr (ɲésurúrù-) pl. ɲésurúrìka . ɲétíƙa (ɲétíƙaá-) pl. ɲétíƙàìka . n. trigger.
n. pick, pickaxe. See also ɲɛɗɛ́sɛ̂da .
ɲɛ́sʉ́tɛ̀ (ɲɛ́sʉ́tɛ̀ɛ̀-) n. leafy plant species ɲétíli (ɲétílií-) n. antelope whose horns
whose roots are eaten raw or roasted. whistle in the wind (possibly the Ugan-
Hypoxis obtusa. dan or South Sudan kob).
Ɲétayoŋ (Ɲétayoŋó-) n. a personal ɲɛ́tílɨtɨl (ɲɛ́tílɨtɨlí-) pl. ɲɛ́tílìtìlìka . n. ear-
name. ring.
ɲeteeɗe (ɲeteeɗeé-) pl. ɲetééɗèìka . 1 ɲétím (ɲétímù-) pl. ɲétímìka . n. team.
n. spring for holding decorative feath- ɲetíɲáŋ (ɲetíɲáŋà-) n. Nile crocodile.
ers on the head. 2 n. front sight of a Crocodylus niloticus.
weapon. ɲétípa (ɲétípaá-) pl. ɲétípàìka . n. dump
ɲɛ́tɛɛr (ɲɛ́tɛɛrí-) pl. ɲɛ́tɛ̀ɛ̀rìka . n. area, truck, tipper.
locality, region, zone. ɲétiriƙá (ɲétiriƙáà-) pl. ɲétiriƙáìka .
ɲétéƙe (ɲétéƙeé-) pl. ɲétéƙèìka . n. metal n. woven doorway curtain for tradi-
leg trap. tional grass huts. Made from míʒìʒ.
ɲɛ́tɛ́lɨtɛl (ɲɛ́tɛ́lɨtɛlí-) 1 n. lappet, wattle. ɲetitsa (ɲetitsí-) n. duty, job, task, work.
2 n. earlobe scar. ɲɛ́tɔɔkíɗɛ́ (ɲɛ́tɔɔkíɗɛ́ɛ̀-) n. sunflower
(plant and seeds). Helianthus sp. See
ɲɛ́tɛmá (ɲɛ́tɛmáà-) n. leisure, leisure
also ɲɛ́kɨɗɛkɨɗé.
time, leisurely walk.
ɲétorós (ɲétorósì-) pl. ɲétorósìka .
ɲétémetsa (ɲétémetsí-) pl. ɲétémètsìka . n. pair of pants or trousers. Also called
n. vertical granary reed. ɲótorós.
ɲétenɗé (ɲétenɗéè-) n. palm tree ɲɛtsɨr (ɲɛtsɨrí-) n. sacral muscle: muscle
species. attached to the sacrum.
ɲétenús (ɲétenúsí-) pl. ɲeténúsìka . ɲɛtsɨríɔ́ka (ɲɛtsɨrí-ɔ́kà-) n. sacrum: tri-
n. large intestine. angular bone above the tailbone.

198
ɲétsúpa ɲéyúnìfòm

ɲétsúpa (ɲétsúpaá-) pl. ɲétsúpàìka . are ground, cooked, and drunk for
n. glass bottle. stomachache. Indigofera arrecta.
ɲétsúur (ɲétsúurí-) pl. ɲétsúùrìka . ɲɛ́ʉrʉmɛmɛ́ (ɲɛ́ʉrʉmɛmɛ́ɛ̀-) n. plant
n. hole in a riverbed hollowed out by species whose roots are pounded or
churning water. chewed to treat stomach ailments.
ɲétúle (ɲétúleé-) pl. ɲétúlèìka . n. tradi- Conyza sp.
tional wooden whistle. ɲéúsi (ɲéúsií-) pl. ɲéúsììka . n. thread.
ɲétúlerú (ɲétúlerúu-) n. plant species ɲéutsúr (ɲéutsúrù-) pl. ɲéutsúrìka .
whose nectar children like to suck out. n. levy, tax.
Leonotis sp. ɲéútsuríám (ɲéútsurí-ámà-) pl. ɲéú-
ɲɛtʉnɛ (ɲɛtʉnɛɛ́-) n. chickenpox, vari- tsurííka . n. tax collector.
cella. See also puurú. ɲévíɗyo (ɲévíɗyoó-) pl. ɲévíɗyòìka .
ɲɛ́tʉráwɛ̀l (ɲɛ́tʉráwɛ̀lì-) pl. ɲɛ́tʉrá- n. film, movie, television, video.
wɛ̀lìka . n. trowel. ɲévíɗyòhò (ɲévíɗyò-hòò-) pl. ɲévíɗyo-
ɲɛtʉrɛ́ɛ́là (ɲɛtʉrɛ́ɛ́làà-) pl. ɲɛtʉrɛ́ɛ́làìka . hoíka . n. cinema, movie theater.
n. trailer. ɲéviiní (ɲéviiníì-) 1 n. wine. 2 n. grapes.
ɲéturuƙúƙu (ɲéturuƙúƙuú-) pl. ɲé- ɲéviinísèda (ɲéviiní-sèdà-) pl. ɲévii-
turuƙúƙùìka . n. chicken backbone. nísedíka . n. vinery, vineyard.
ɲetutu (ɲetutuú-) n. striped hyena. ɲɛ́wakɔ́l (ɲɛ́wakɔ́lì-) pl. ɲɛ́wakɔ́lìka .
Hyaena hyaena. n. headband heavily beaded with small
beads in decorative colored patterns.
ɲéúɗe (ɲéúɗeé-) n. plant whose carrot-
like roots are eaten raw. ɲewale (ɲewaleé-) pl. ɲewáléìka .
n. adornment, decoration (e.g. putting
ɲéuɗuúɗu (ɲéuɗuúɗuú-) n. grass spe- on an ostrich feather).
cies similar to bullrush.
ɲewataʝá (ɲewataʝáà-) pl. ɲewataʝáìka .
ɲéúʝi (ɲéúʝií-) n. gruel, porridge. See n. pitcher, pitcherful.
also ŋáítɔ̀.
ɲéwiinó (ɲéwiinóò-) n. ink.
ɲéúlam (ɲéúlamá-) n. plant species with
ɲɛ́wíɲɨwɨɲ (ɲɛ́wíɲɨwɨɲí-) n. sweet fer-
no reported uses. Helichrysum odoratis-
menting wort (mixture of malt and
simum.
yeast).
ɲɛ́ʉrɛrɛ́ (ɲɛ́ʉrɛrɛ́ɛ̀-) n. sweet-smelling, ɲewuruŋoroka (ɲewuruŋorokó-)
yellow-flowered weed species whose n. striped polecat, zorilla. Ictonyx stria-
leaves resemble marijuana. tus.
ɲèùrìà (ɲèùrìà-) n. duel or sparring held ɲéyoroeté (ɲéyoroetée-) n. medium-
for friendly competition or to settle dis- sized tree species found in Timu
putes in the community. Forest whose branches are used to
ɲeuríétòn (ɲeuríétònì-) v. to duel, spar. make wooden flutes and hunting horns.
ɲɛʉrʉlatsa (ɲɛʉrʉlatsí-) n. small plant Crataeva adansonii.
species whose leaves are ground up ɲéyúnìfòm (ɲéyúnìfòmò-) pl. ɲéyúnifo-
and used as a perfume and whose roots míka . n. outfit, uniform.

199
ɲezeí ɲɔ́kɔɗɔɔŋɔ́r

ɲezeí (ɲezeíì-) pl. ɲézeíìka . n. inkpad, ɲɔ́ɓɔɔ́ (ɲɔ́ɓɔɔ́ɔ̀-) n. lentils.

stamp pad. ɲóɓóota (ɲóɓóotí-) pl. ɲóɓóòtìka . 1
ɲícwéɲé (ɲícwéɲéè-) n. sugar bush: n. garden camp where people stay dur-
hardwoood tree species whose wood is ing harvest. 2 n. abandoned home-
used for building but which nails can- stead.
not pierce. Protea gaguedi. ɲoɗôda (ɲoɗódè-) n. aardvark, antbear,
ɲíkwaamwíyá (ɲíkwaamwíyáà-) n. bird anteater. Orycteropus afer.
species.
ɲɔɗɔ́kɛ́ta (ɲɔɗɔ́kɛ́tɛ̀-) pl. ɲɔɗɔ́kɛ́tìka .
ɲimánétòn (ɲimánétònì-) v. to en- n. ridge running vertically. See also
counter, meet, run into. Also pro- fátár.
nounced as ŋimánétòn.
ɲoɗokole (ɲoɗokoleé-) pl. ɲoɗókólèìka .
ɲimanites (ɲimanitesí-) v. to join, mend, 1 n. uvula. 2 n. plant species.
repair.
ɲɔɗɔ́la (ɲɔɗɔ́laá-) pl. ɲɔɗɔ́làìka . n. buck,
ɲimanitésíàwa (ɲimanitésí-àwà-) pl. ɲi- dollar.
manitésíawíka . n. edge, joint.
ɲóɗomé (ɲóɗoméè-) n. tree species
ɲimánón (ɲimánónì-) v. to encounter,
whose gummy yellow fruits are eaten
meet.
raw and found mostly in Turkana coun-
ɲimíɲímàtòn (ɲimíɲímàtònì-) v. to try; its leaves are used for polishing
cause sharp abdominal pain. The expe- stools, and its wood is used for house
riencer of the pain is marked grammat- poles and carving sticks and hoe han-
ically with the dative case. dles. Cordia sinensis.
ɲimirés (ɲimirésí-) v. to wipe off with a ɲóɗòmòŋòlè (ɲóɗòmòŋòlèè-) n. sweet
hand or finger (e.g. food from a plate, yellow maize variety that matures
sweat from one’s forehead). quickly.
ɲipídòn (ɲipídònì-) v. to be soft (e.g. fur,
ɲɔɗɔrɔcá (ɲɔɗɔrɔcáà-) pl. ɲɔɗɔrɔcáìka .
grass, mattress).
n. bridge.
ɲìpⁱ (ɲìpì) ideo. softly.
ɲóɗós (ɲóɗósì-) n. colostrum, foremilk.
ɲjɛ́n (ɲj-ɛ́ní-) pro. mine.
ɲɔ́fɔ́ka (ɲɔ́fɔ́kɔ̀-) pl. ɲɔ́fɔ́kìka . n. fork.
ɲjín (ɲjíní-) pro. we/our/us (inclusive of See also ɲácaƙwaráta .
addressee). This pronoun includes the
addressee. Contrast with ŋɡwa . ɲófóm (ɲófómù-) pl. ɲófómìka .
n. bench. See also ɲɛ́ɓɛ́ɲc.
ɲjíníɛ̀n (ɲjíní-ɛ̀nì-) pro. ours (including
the addressee). ɲófuŋƙúwo (ɲófuŋƙúwoó-) pl. ɲó-
fuŋƙúwòìka . n. key.
ɲjínínebitín (ɲjíní-nebitíní-) n. our-
selves (including the addressee). Lit. ɲóɡóva (ɲóɡóvaá-) n. guava (tree and
‘our bodies’. fruit). Psidium guajava.
ɲɔ́ɓɔ́ka (ɲɔ́ɓɔ́kaá-) n. broth, gravy. ɲɔkɔ́ɗɛ́ta (ɲɔkɔ́ɗɛ́tì-) pl. ɲɔkɔ́ɗɛ́tìka .
ɲóɓókota (ɲóɓókotó-) pl. ɲóɓókòtìka . n. handle, handgrip.
n. bowl-shaped cap made of human ɲɔ́kɔɗɔɔŋɔ́r (ɲɔ́kɔɗɔɔŋɔ́rì-) n. bird spe-
hair. cies.

200
ɲokoɗopeya ɲolókér

ɲokoɗopeya (ɲokoɗopeí-) n. grass ɲókós (ɲókósì-) pl. ɲókósìka . n. class,

species that grows as a weed and has course, training, workshop.
many roots. Gramineae sp. ɲókóta (ɲókótì-) pl. ɲókótìka . n. court,
Ɲókoɗós (Ɲókoɗósí-) n. a personal courthouse, tribunal.
name. ɲókóti (ɲókótií-) pl. ɲókótììka . n. coat.
ɲókóìn (ɲókóìnì-) pl. ɲókóìnìka . n. coin. ɲókotita (ɲókotití-) n. tree species
ɲókokor (ɲókokorí-) pl. ɲókòkòrìka . 1 whose fruits are eaten by children and
n. stick ring rolled as a target for spear- whose wood is carved into stools and
ing practice. 2 n. steering wheel. See wooden containers. Pseudocedrela sp.
also ɲɔkɔlɔɓɛr. ɲɔ́kʉɗɔmʉ́tʉ̀ (ɲɔ́kʉɗɔmʉ́tʉ̀ʉ̀-) n. skunk-
ɲɔ́kɔkɔr (ɲɔ́kɔkɔrɔ́-) n. chicken, poultry. like animal that catches its prey with
Gallus gallus. an anorectal protrusion.
ɲɔ́kɔkɔrɔ́hò (ɲɔ́kɔkɔrɔ́-hòò-) pl. ɲɔ́kɔkɔ- ɲóƙoloƙoléta (ɲóƙoloƙolétí-) n. tree
rɔ́hoíka . n. chicken coop, henhouse. whose large yellow fruits are eaten raw
and from whose wood three-legged
ɲɔ́kɔkɔróím (ɲɔ́kɔkɔró-ímà-) pl. ɲɔ́kɔkɔ-
stools are carved.
rɔ́wíka . n. biddy, chick.
ɲɔ́ƙɔ́ŋ (ɲɔ́ƙɔ́ŋʉ̀-) pl. ɲɔ́ƙɔ́ŋìka . n. sacred
ɲókólíƙèta (ɲókólíƙètì-) n. dentifrice,
tree where ceremonies like itówéés are
toothpaste.
held. Also called lɔ́ƙɔ́ŋ.
ɲokólípa (ɲokólípì-) n. barren, child- ɲól (ɲólí-) n. Gunther’s dik-dik. Mado-
less, infertile, or sterile animal or per- qua guentheri.
son. See also òsòròs.
ɲólídɛrɛ́ƙa (ɲólí-dɛrɛ́ƙì-) n. small black
ɲɔkɔlɔɓɛr (ɲɔkɔlɔɓɛrɛ́-) pl. ɲɔkɔ́lɔ́ɓɛ̀rìka . and yellow wasp. Lit. ‘dik-dik wasp’.
n. stick ring rolled as a target for spear-
ɲólíkàf (ɲólí-kàfʉ̀-) n. dik-dik thorn-
ing practice. See also ɲókokor.
bush: nettle-like plant species whose
ɲókompyútà (ɲókompyútàà-) pl. ɲó- thorns cause itching and which is
kompyútàìka . n. computer. eaten by livestock. Barleria acan-
ɲɔkɔ́ɲɛ́ta (ɲɔkɔ́ɲɛ́tì-) pl. ɲɔkɔ́ɲɛ́tìka . thoides.
n. pair of forceps, pliers, or tongs. ɲólíkɨnám (ɲólí-kɨnámá-) n. cone-
ɲɔkɔɔna (ɲɔkɔɔnaá-) pl. ɲɔkɔ́ɔ́nàìka . shaped ‘dik-dik’ mushroom.
n. corner. ɲoloɗiŋ (ɲoloɗiŋí-) n. discrimination,
ɲɔ́kɔ́pɛ̀ (ɲɔ́kɔ́pɛɛ́-) pl. ɲɔ́kɔ́pɛ̀ìka . marginalization, segregation.
n. gorge, ravine. See also fòtsa . ɲolóɗo (ɲolóɗoó-) pl. ɲolóɗòìka . n. hor-
ɲókópo (ɲókópoó-) 1 n. cup. 2 n. clip, izontal ring-beam of flexible sticks that
magazine (of a gun). support a hut roof.
ɲókorimíta (ɲókorimítì-) pl. ɲókori- ɲólóita (ɲólóití-) pl. ɲólóìtìka . n. anchor,
mítìka . n. garden boundary (often ground (like a log or rock).
made of grass and other rubbish piled ɲólóʝa (ɲólóʝì-) pl. ɲólóʝìka . n. hostel,
into rows). hotel, inn, lodge, motel.
ɲókorota (ɲókorotó-) n. dance involving ɲolókér (ɲolókérè-) pl. ɲolókérìka .
clapping and singing. n. level, line.

201
ɲɔlɔlɔta ɲorópúò

ɲɔlɔlɔta (ɲɔlɔlɔtí-) n. okra (plant and ɲɔŋɔ́rɔ́mɔ̀n (ɲɔŋɔ́rɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be dirty,

fruit). Hibiscus esculentus. soiled, unclean (from dirt or food). See
ɲolórì (ɲolórìì-) pl. ɲolórììka . n. lorry, also ŋɔrɔ́ɲɔ́mòn.
truck. See also lóórì. ɲɔ́ŋɔtsán (ɲɔ́ŋɔtsání-) n. bedlam, pande-
ɲomokoʝo (ɲomokoʝoó-) n. leftovers, re- monium, panic.
mainder. See also óɡoɗesam. ɲɔ́pɔ́c (ɲɔ́pɔ́cì-) pl. ɲɔ́pɔ́cìka . n. billfold,
ɲɔ́mɔkɔsá (ɲɔ́mɔkɔsáà-) n. error, fault, wallet.
mistake. See also ɲasécón. ɲɔpɔɗɛ (ɲɔpɔɗɛɛ́-) n. flesh left on a
ɲɔ́mɔkɔsáàm (ɲɔ́mɔkɔsá-àmà-) pl. ɲɔ́- freshly skinned hide. Compare with
mɔkɔsáika . n. criminal, offender, xáƙwa .
wrongdoer. ɲɔ́pɔɗɔkʉ́ (ɲɔ́pɔɗɔkʉ́ʉ̀-) n. biting fly,
ɲómoŋɡó (ɲómoŋɡóò-) n. cassava, man- cleg. Haematopota sp.
ioc (plant and roots). Manihot sp. ɲɔ́pɔkɔca (ɲɔ́pɔkɔcaá-) n. false testi-
ɲɔmɔránón (ɲɔmɔránónì-) v. to be im- mony, perjury.
pudent, insolent. ɲopol (ɲopolí-) n. best and/or first por-
ɲomórótòta (ɲomórótòtò-) n. African tion of beer or meat.
rock python. Python sebae. ɲɔpɔl (ɲɔpɔlí-) n. external oblique: mus-
ɲómóta (ɲómótaá-) pl. ɲómótàìka . cle from the upper thigh to the lower
n. howitzer, mortar. ribs.
ɲómotoká (ɲómotokáà-) pl. ɲómoto- ɲɔpɔ́táya (ɲɔpɔ́táì-) pl. ŋɨpɔ́táya . n. slave.
káìka . n. automobile, car, vehicle. See also ŋɨpɔ́táìàm.
ɲómotokátáƙáya (ɲómotoká-táƙáí-) pl. ɲópoté (ɲópotéè-) n. grain regrown the
ɲómotokátáƙáíka . n. shoe made of tire second time.
rubber.
Ɲɔrɔbata (Ɲɔrɔbatí-) n. name of a river.
ɲómotokéèkwa (ɲómotoké-èkù-) pl. ɲó-
Ɲɔrɔbata (Ɲɔrɔbatí-) n. Ɲorobat: one of
motokéekwitín. n. headlight. Lit.
the Ik’s twelve clans.
‘vehicle-eye’.
Ɲɔrɔbatíám (Ɲɔrɔbatí-ámà-) pl. Ɲɔrɔba-
ɲómototó (ɲómototóò-) n. banana, plan-
tííka . n. Ɲorobat clan member.
tain (plant and fruit). Musa sp.
ɲónomokére (ɲónomokéreé-) n. shrub Ɲɔ́rɔ́cɔm (Ɲɔ́rɔ́cɔmɔ́-) n. a personal
species whose roots are crushed, name.
soaked in water, and drunk as a rem- ɲóróiroya (ɲóróiroí-) n. mildew, mold.
edy for headaches. Withania somnifera. See also lóburuʝa .
See also ikitínícɛmɛ́r. ɲɔrɔƙɔ (ɲɔrɔƙɔɔ́-) pl. ɲɔrɔ́ƙɔ́ìka . n. fam-
ɲónóta (ɲónótì-) pl. ɲónótìka . n. mone- ine, starvation.
tary bill or note. ɲɔrɔn (ɲɔrɔní-) n. drought.
Ɲoŋoleɓóka (Ɲoŋoleɓókó-) n. a per- ɲorópúò (ɲorópúò-) n. ritual organs
sonal name. from the tongue downward (desig-
ɲɔ́ŋɔmɓɛ́ (ɲɔ́ŋɔmɓɛ́ɛ̀-) pl. ɲɔ́ŋɔmɓɛ́ìka . nated for the elders; not including the
n. razorblade. liver, stomach, or intestines).

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ɲorótónita ɲʉmɛ́s

ɲorótónita (ɲorótónití-) pl. ɲorótó- ɲotánónuƙota (ɲotánónuƙotí-) v. to

nìtìka . n. upper arm. make friends (with non-Ik).
ɲorótónitíém (ɲorótónití-émè-) n. bicep ɲótíkónánès (ɲótíkónánèsì-) n. friend-
and/or tricep. liness, friendship (with non-Ik foreign-
ɲorótónitíɔ́ka (ɲorótónití-ɔ́kà-) pl. ɲo- ers).
rótónitikɔɔkɨtín. n. humerus: bone of ɲɔto ni interj. these guys, I tell you! (an
the upper arm. expression of any positive or negative
ɲɔ́sɔ́ɗa (ɲɔ́sɔ́ɗaá-) pl. ɲɔ́sɔ́ɗàìka . n. car- opinion about men or multiple objects).
bonated drink, pop, soda. Lit. ‘these men’.
ɲɔsɔkatá (ɲɔsɔkatáà-) pl. ɲɔsɔkatáìka . ɲotóbòr (ɲotóbòrì-) pl. ɲotóbòrìka .
n. cigarette. n. seasonal marsh or swamp. See also
ɲósóƙis (ɲósóƙisí-) pl. ɲósóƙisíka . ɲɛkípɔ́r.
n. sock. ɲɔ́tɔɗɔpá (ɲɔ́tɔɗɔpáà-) pl. ɲɔ́tɔɗɔpáìka .
ɲosoƙoloké (ɲosoƙolokéè-) pl. ɲosoƙo- n. small oil lamp.
lokéìka . n. shorts, pair of trunks. ɲotókósita (ɲotókósití-) pl. ɲotókó-
ɲɔ́sɔ́la (ɲɔ́sɔ́laá-) pl. ɲɔ́sɔ́làìka . n. solar sìtìka . n. tall column of hair colored
panel. with red clay.
ɲósomá (ɲósomáà-) n. education, ɲotolim (ɲotolimí-) pl. ɲotólímìka .
schooling, studies. n. large metal crowbar or pry bar (used
to break and move rocks).
ɲósomáám (ɲósomá-ámà-) pl. ɲó-
somáíka . n. pupil, student. ɲótooɗó (ɲótooɗóò-) pl. ɲótooɗóìka .
n. crook, curve-necked cane (preferred
ɲósomáicíka (ɲósomá-icíká-) n. read-
by Turkana women).
ings.
ɲɔ́sɔ́ɔ́ƙata (ɲɔ́sɔ́ɔ́ƙatá-) pl. ɲɔ́sɔ́ɔ́ƙàtìka . ɲótorós (ɲótorósì-) pl. ɲótorósìka .
n. large pitfall trap for big game. n. pair of pants or trousers. Also called
ɲétorós.
ɲósóto (ɲósótoó-) pl. ɲósótòìka .
n. pointed granary cover. Also called ɲótótsa (ɲótótsì-) pl. ɲótótsìka . 1
ɲésóto. n. flashlight, torch. 2 n. lip herpes.
ɲósukarí (ɲósukaríì-) n. sugar. ɲɔ́tsɔ́ɓɛ (ɲɔ́tsɔ́ɓɛɛ́-) pl. ɲɔ́tsɔ́ɓɛ̀ìka . n. cap
made of giraffe-tail hairs.
ɲɔ́sʉmár (ɲɔ́sʉmárì-) pl. ɲɔ́sʉmárìka .
n. nail. ɲɔ́tsɔ́ɓɨtsɔɓa (ɲɔ́tsɔ́ɓɨtsɔɓí-) n. hodge-
podge, melange, mishmash.
ɲòta (ɲòtà-) pl. ɲótíkwa . 1 n. foreign
friend (out-group). 2 n. in-law (distant ɲótsorón (ɲótsorónì- ) pl. ɲótsorónìka .
or removed). n. latrine, outhouse, toilet. See also etsʼ-
íhò.
ɲɔta (ɲɔtɔ́-) 1 n. men. 2 n. husbands.
ɲóvakáɗò (ɲóvakáɗòò-) n. avocado
ɲotánánès (ɲotánánèsì-) 1 n. friendli-
(tree and fruit). Persea americana.
ness, friendship (with non-Ik). 2 n. to
be related indirectly by marriage (e.g. ɲówoɗí (ɲówoɗíì-) n. seed butter, tahini
to the parents of a child’s or sibling’s (miture of peanut and sesame pastes).
spouse). ɲʉmɛ́s (ɲʉmɛ́sí-) v. to want, wish for.

203
ɲʉmɛtɛ́s ɲʉɲɛtɛ́s

ɲʉmɛtɛ́s (ɲʉmɛtɛ́sí-) v. to choose, de- ɲʉ́ɲɛ́sʉƙɔta (ɲʉ́ɲɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to gather up

cide on, settle on. See also tɔsɛɛtɛ́s and and remove (e.g. grain, rubbish, soil).
xɔ́bɛtɛ́s.
ɲʉ́ɲɛ́s (ɲʉ́ɲɛ́sì-) v. to gather and move ɲʉɲɛtɛ́s (ɲʉɲɛtɛ́sí-) v. to gather up and
(e.g. grain, rubbish, soil). move (e.g. grain, rubbish, soil).

204
ŋabér ŋamɨŋámɔ́n

ŋ
ŋabér (ŋabérí-) pl. ŋábèrìka . n. rib. ŋáɓʉʉrá (ŋáɓʉʉráà-) pl. ŋáɓʉʉráìka .
ŋabérá ƙwàzàɛ n. side part of clothing. n. modern leather shoe.
Lit. ‘rib of clothing’. ŋaɗɛ́tá (ŋaɗɛ́táì-) pl. ŋaɗɛ́táìka . n. san-
ŋábèrèda (ŋábèrèdè-) pl. ŋabéríkìn. dal, slipper.
n. flank, side part. Lit. ‘its rib’. ŋáítɔ̀ (ŋáítɔ̀ɔ̀-) n. gruel, porridge. See
ŋábèrìkàdɛ̀ (ŋábèrìkà-dɛ̀à-) pl. ŋáberi- also ɲéúʝi.
kadɛíka . n. costovertebral joint: where ŋakɨɓʉka (ŋakɨɓʉkʉ́-) n. yogurt.
ribs join the backbone. Ŋákiswahílìtòda (Ŋákiswahílì-tòdà-)
ŋábèrìkèèm (ŋábèrìkè-èmè-) n. rib n. Swahili language.
meat. ŋáƙɨran (ŋáƙɨraní-) n. designs, emblems,
ŋabéríɔ̀ka (ŋabérí-ɔ̀kà-) pl. ŋáberikɔɔ- etchings (e.g. on gourds according to Ik
kɨtín. n. costal bone, rib bone. clan).
ŋabéro n. beside, obliquely, sideways. ŋálàka (ŋálàkà) ideo. for nothing, in
Lit. ‘by rib’. vain.
ŋábès (ŋábèsì-) v. to dress, put on, wear. ŋalɛ́pán (ŋalɛ́pánà-) n. fresh milk.
ŋábɛsʉƙɔta (ŋábɛsʉƙɔtí-) v. to complete, ŋalólómòn (ŋalólómònì-) v. to be tooth-
finish. less.
ŋabita (ŋabití-) n. beads, beadwork. ŋálómóyá (ŋálómóyáà-) n. small plant
ŋábitetés (ŋábitetésí-) v. to dress up, get whose roots are eaten (baboons also
dressed. like them) and whose leaves are sour
like tamarind. Oenanthe palustris.
ŋabɔ́bɔ̀ (ŋabɔ́bɔ̀ɔ̀-) n. danceground.
ŋalúɓa (ŋalúɓá-) 1 n. soft fruit of the
ŋabɔ́bòìm (ŋabɔ́bò-ìmà-) pl. ŋabɔ́- tsʼɔƙɔm tree. 2 n. toothless gums.
bowika . n. bastard, illegitimate child,
love child. Lit. ‘danceground-child’. ŋàm (ŋàmà) ideo. abruptly, suddenly.
ŋábɔnʉƙɔta (ŋábɔnʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to be ŋám (ŋámá-) n. sorghum.
completed, done, finished. 2 v. to ŋámá na buɗám n. sorghum variety
be enough, plenty, sufficient. See also with black seeds.
nábɔnʉƙɔta . ŋámá nà ɓètsʼa n. sorghum variety with
ŋaɓɨŋáɓɔ́n (ŋaɓɨŋáɓɔ́nì-) v. to burn (of white seeds.
the eyes when something foreign en- ŋámá nà ɗìwa n. sorghum variety with
ters them). red seeds.
ŋàɓɔ̀n (ŋàɓɔ̀nì-) v. to burn (of eyes when ŋamarʉwáya (ŋamarʉwáì-) n. millet
something foreign enters them). beer. See also rébèmɛ̀s.
ŋáɓɔ́ɔla (ŋáɓɔ́ɔlaá-) pl. ŋáɓɔ́ɔ̀làìka . ŋamíá (ŋamíáì-) n. hundred (100). No
n. cent, penny. plural form.
ŋáɓutús (ŋáɓutúsù-) pl. ŋáɓutúsìka . ŋamɨŋámɔ́n (ŋamɨŋámɔ́nì-) v. to rush
n. boot. into things (eating, talking, etc.).

205
ŋámírɔ̀ ŋɛlɛ́s

ŋámírɔ̀ (ŋámírɔ̀ɔ̀-) n. beer grist: moist Ŋasɛpa (Ŋasɛpɛ́-) n. name of a hill or

fermented flour used to make beer. mountain.
ŋamɔ́lɔ́l (ŋamɔ́lɔ́lɔ̀-) n. leather strips ŋasíƙáárìàm (ŋasíƙáárì-àmà-) pl. ŋa-
worn by a killer from the animal he síƙáár. n. guard.
slew as an atoning sacrifice for taking ŋásír (ŋásírì-) n. decoration.
the life of a human being.
ŋátámɛta (ŋátámɛtaá-) n. mind,
ŋamur (ŋamurí-) n. common duiker. thoughts.
Cephalophus grimmia.
ŋatɛ́tɔ́n (ŋatɛ́tɔ́nì-) v. to run this way.
ŋàn (ŋànà-) pro. each one.
ŋatíón (ŋatíónì-) v. to run multiply.
ŋáɲámòn (ŋáɲámònì-) v. to open.
ŋátíónis (ŋátíónisí-) n. difficulty.
ŋáɲɛ́s (ŋáɲɛ́sì-) v. to open.
ŋatítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ŋatítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to send off
ŋáɲɛ́sìàwa (ŋáɲɛ́sì-àwà-) pl. ŋáɲɛ́sɨa- running.
wíka . n. gun safety lever.
ŋàtɔ̀n (ŋàtɔ̀nì-) v. to run (a certain direc-
ŋáɲɛ́sʉƙɔta (ŋáɲɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to open up. tion).
2 v. to uncover. ŋatɔnʉƙɔta (ŋatɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to run off/
ŋaɲɛtɛ́s (ŋaɲɛtɛ́sí-) v. to open up. away, take off running.
ŋáɲɔ́s (ŋáɲɔ́sì-) 1 v. to be open. 2 v. to ŋátɔɔsa (ŋátɔɔsaá-) n. biltong, dried
be public. meat, jerky.
ŋapokóya (ŋapokóì-) n. white leather ŋátuɓe (ŋátuɓeé-) n. edible gourd
leggings (from knee to ankle). leaves.
ŋápʉpa (ŋápʉpʉ́-) n. beer grist: dry fer- ŋátur (ŋáturú-) n. blossom, flower.
mented flour used to make beer. ŋawíl (ŋawílá-) n. chaff dust.
ŋàr (ŋàrʉ̀) ideo. gravelly, rockily. ŋawɨlɛs (ŋawɨlɛsí-) v. to chance, come
ŋaráɓámòn (ŋaráɓámònì-) v. to be across, happen upon. See also ɨtsɔŋɛtɛ́s.
rough (e.g. landscape, sandpaper, or ŋawíɔ́n (ŋawíɔ́nì-) v. to be ajar, open
any surface). (e.g. a door, jerrycan, or window). See
ŋaríám (ŋaríámʉ̀-) n. ironstone. also bɔrɔ́ɔ́n.
ŋárɔpɨyá (ŋárɔpɨyáì-) n. money. See ŋaxɛ́tɔ́n (ŋaxɛ́tɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be frightened,
also kaûdza . startled. 2 v. to cringe, flinch.
ŋárɔpɨyéékwa (ŋárɔpɨyé-ékù-) n. coin. ŋaxɨtɛtɛ́s (ŋaxɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to frighten,
Lit. ‘money-eye’. startle.
ŋarʉ́dɔ̀n (ŋarʉ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be gravelly, ŋaxɔ̂ba (ŋaxɔ́bʉ̀-) pl. ŋaxɔ́bìka . n. pla-
rocky. See also rakákámòn. centa.
ŋarúxánòn (ŋarúxánònì-) v. to be coiled ŋazul (ŋazulú-) n. grume: coagulated
loosely (like feces or a snake). blood.
ŋásɛntáìèkwa (ŋásɛntáì-èkù-) n. cent, ŋɛlɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀n (ŋɛlɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to chip off
shilling. Lit. ‘shillings-eye’. (e.g. the edge of a pot).
ŋásɛntáya (ŋásɛntáì-) n. cents, shillings. ŋɛlɛ́s (ŋɛlɛ́sí-) v. to chip. See also tɛŋɛlɛs.

206
ŋɛ́r ŋíkaɗɛpíɗɛ́pa

ŋɛ́r (ŋɛ́rá-) pl. ŋéríkwa . n. five-pronged ŋíɗʉkan (ŋíɗʉkaná-) n. African fan

mingling stick. Often made from the palm or Borassus palm: palm species
rukûdz tree. with a deep taproot and whose fruits
ŋɡóɛ́n (ŋɡó-ɛ́ní-) pro. ours (excluding are eaten; its branches are used as
the addresse). sleeping mats and for house building.
ŋɡóím (ŋɡó-ímà-) pl. ŋɡóímín. 1 n. sib- Ŋíeɓuráiika (Ŋíeɓurái-icé-) n. Hebrews:
ling. 2 n. my cousin (father’s brother’s book in the New Testament.
child). Ŋíepesóíka (Ŋíepesó-ícé-) n. Ephesians:
book in the New Testament.
ŋɡónébitín (ŋɡó-nébitíní-) n. ourselves
(excluding the addressee). Lit. ‘our ŋífunɗíàm (ŋífunɗí-àmà-) pl. ŋífunɗí-
bodies’. ika . n. builder, mechanic, handyman of
any kind.
ŋɡúf (ŋɡúfù-) n. power, strength. See
also ŋɨxás. Ŋíɡalatíaika (Ŋíɡalatía-icé-) n. Gala-
tians: book in the New Testament.
ŋɡwa (ŋɡó-) pro. we/our/us (exclusive
of addressee). This pronoun excludes Ŋíɡɨríkìàm (Ŋíɡɨríkì-àmà-) pl. Ŋíɡɨríka .
the addressee. Contrast with ɲjín. n. Greek person.
Ŋíɡɨríkìtòda (Ŋíɡɨríkì-tòdà-) n. Greek
ŋíɓalɛl (ŋíɓalɛlɛ́-) n. brown edible mush-
language.
room species.
ŋííɗɛ́s (ŋííɗɛ́sí-) v. to clean, rub, wipe.
ŋíɓarɛn (ŋíɓarɛní-) n. flocks, herds, live-
stock. ŋííɗɛ́sìƙwàz (ŋííɗɛ́sì-ƙwàzà-) pl. ŋííɗɛ́-
sɨƙwazíka . n. baby wipe, wipe (cloth
Ŋíɓɔ́kɔráám (Ŋíɓɔ́kɔrá-ámà-) pl. Ŋíɓɔ́- for cleaning a soiled baby).
kɔra. n. Bokora person.
ŋííɗɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (ŋííɗɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) 1 v. to clean,
Ŋíɓɔ́ŋɔrɔna (Ŋíɓɔ́ŋɔrɔnaá-) n. Ŋiɓoŋo- rub, or wipe off. 2 v. to call off, cancel.
rona: one of the Ik’s twelve clans.
ŋííɗɛtɛ́s (ŋííɗɛtɛ́sí-) v. to clean up, wipe
Ŋíɓɔ́ŋɔrɔnáám (Ŋíɓɔ́ŋɔrɔná-ámà-) pl. up.
Ŋíɓɔ́ŋɔrɔnáíka . n. Ŋiɓoŋorona clan
Ŋííɗɨŋáám (Ŋííɗɨŋá-ámà-) pl. Ŋííɗɨŋa.
member.
n. Didinga person.
ŋiɓóóìàm (ŋiɓóóì-àmà-) pl. ŋiɓóóiika . Ŋííɗɨŋátôda (Ŋííɗɨŋá-tódà-) n. Didinga
n. loader. language.
ŋíɓúkúìàm (ŋíɓúkúì-àmà-) pl. ŋíɓú- ŋííɗítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ŋííɗítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to can-
kúya . n. foreigner, outsider. cel.
ŋíɗɛrɛpáìàm (ŋíɗɛrɛpáì-àmà-) pl. ŋíɗɛ- ŋiites (ŋiitesí-) v. to grease, lubricate
rɛpáì. n. driver, operator. (with lotion or oil).
Ŋíɗóŋiro (Ŋíɗóŋiroó-) n. Dhaasanac ŋiitésúƙota (ŋiitésúƙotí-) v. to grease up,
people. lubricate (with lotion or oil).
Ŋíɗɔ́tsa (Ŋíɗɔ́tsaá-) n. Ŋiɗotsa: one of ŋíjokopí (ŋíjokopíà-) n. topographag-
the Ik’s twelve clans. nosia: navigational disorientation.
Ŋíɗɔ́tsáám (Ŋíɗɔ́tsá-ámà-) pl. Ŋíɗɔ́- ŋíkaɗɛpíɗɛ́pa (ŋíkaɗɛpíɗɛ́pʉ̀-) n. fleas.
tsáíka . n. Ŋiɗotsa clan member. See also naɗɛ́pa .

207
ŋíkaɗiiɗí ŋímɔ́kɔkáám

ŋíkaɗiiɗí (ŋíkaɗiiɗíì-) n. red-cheeked ŋiléétsìàm (ŋiléétsì-àmà-) pl. ŋiléé-

cordon-bleu. Uraeginthus bengalus. tsiika . n. disgraceful, shameful person.
ŋíkafírìàm (ŋíkafírì-àmà-) pl. ŋíkafír. ŋiléétsìnànès (ŋiléétsìnànèsì-) n. dis-
n. heathen, pagan. gracefulness, shamefulness.
ŋíkalʉtʉ́rɔ (ŋíkalʉtʉ́rɔɔ́-) n. small un- ŋɨlíŋílánón (ŋɨlíŋílánónì-) 1 v. to break
ripe pumpkin. See also ɗɔ̀l. into pieces. 2 v. to break off in groups.
Ŋíkátapʉ́ám (Ŋíkátapʉ́-ámà-) pl. Ŋí- ŋímaalímùàm (ŋímaalímù-àmà-) pl. ŋí-
kátapa . n. Napore person. See also maalím. n. instructor, teacher, trainer.
Tɔbɔŋɔ́ám. See also ɨtátámɛ́síàm.
ŋíkatikisítààm (ŋíkatikisítà-àmà-) pl. ŋímáarɔya (ŋímáarɔí-) n. small plant
ŋíkatikisítà. n. catechist. whose roots are dug up and eaten raw.
Ŋíkátsolíám (Ŋíkátsolí-ámà-) pl. Ŋí- Stathmostelma peduncalatum.
kátsol. n. Acholi person. ŋímaláíkàn (ŋímaláíkànì-) n. angel.
Ŋíkátsolítôda (Ŋíkátsolí-tódà-) n. Acho-
ŋímamɓʉ́sìàm (ŋímamɓʉ́sì-àmà-) pl. ŋí-
li language.
mamɓʉ́s. n. prisoner.
Ŋíkiristóìàm (Ŋíkiristóì-àmà-) pl. Ŋí-
ŋimánétòn (ŋimánétònì-) v. to en-
kiristóì. n. Christian.
counter, meet. Also pronounced as
ŋíkiristóìnànès (ŋíkiristóìnànèsì-) ɲimánétòn.
n. Christianity, Christlikeness.
Ŋímaraɓúìàm (Ŋímaraɓúì-àmà-) pl. Ŋí-
ŋíkísila (ŋíkísilaá-) n. lawful order,
maraɓúya . n. Arab.
peace, security, stability. See also
ɲɛkɨsɨl. Ŋímarɨɔkɔ́ta (Ŋímarɨɔkɔ́tɔ̀-) n. Ateker
name for the traditional Ik men’s age-
Ŋíkolosáika (Ŋíkolosá-icé-) n. Colos-
group known for struggling for blood
sians: book in the New Testament.
(the oldest, #1). The Ik name is Ŋuesííka
Ŋíkoríntoika (Ŋíkorínto-icé-) n. Corin- Sèàe .
thians: books in the New Testament.
Ŋímeniŋíám (Ŋímeniŋí-ámà-) pl. Ŋí-
Ŋíkósowa (Ŋíkósowaá-) n. Ateker meniŋ. n. Mening person.
name for the traditional Ik men’s age-
group with the buffalo as its totem (#10 Ŋímeniŋítôda (Ŋímeniŋí-tódà-)
in the historical line). n. Mening language.
ŋìl (ŋìlà-) pl. ŋílítín. n. gastric mill, giz- Ŋímérimoŋ (Ŋímérimoŋá-) n. Ateker
zard, ventriculus. name for the traditional Ik men’s age-
group with the ostrich as its totem (#9
ŋiléɓúìàm (ŋiléɓúì-àmà-) pl. ŋiléɓúya .
in the historical line).
n. servant indentured to pay off a tax
debt. Ŋímiiɗíàm (Ŋímiiɗí-àmà-) pl. Ŋímiiɗí.
ŋiléɓúìnànès (ŋiléɓúìnànèsì-) 1 n. in- n. Indian.
dentureship (to pay off tax debt). 2 ŋímɔ́kɔka (ŋímɔ́kɔkaá-) n. young men.
n. enslavement, slavery. See also See also karatsʉ́na.
ŋɨpɔ́táìnànès. ŋímɔ́kɔkáám (ŋímɔ́kɔkáámà-) n. male
ŋiléétsa (ŋiléétsì-) n. disgrace, shame. youth, young man.

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Ŋímorokóléìàm Ŋísʉmálìàm

Ŋímorokóléìàm (Ŋímorokóléì-àmà-) pl. Ŋíóyatom (Ŋŋíóyatomé-) n. Nyanga-

Ŋímorokólé. n. Charismatic or Pente- tom people.
costal Christian. Based on a Luganda ŋípáƙásíàm (ŋípáƙásí-àmà-) pl. ŋípáƙá-
word meaning ‘Are you born again?’ sí. n. servant, slave.
Ŋímúɡanɗáéàm (Ŋímúɡanɗáé-àmà-) ŋɨpɔ́táìàm (ŋɨpɔ́táì-àmà-) pl. ŋɨpɔ́táya .
pl. Ŋímúɡanɗáe . n. Muganda. n. slave. See also ɲɔpɔ́táya .
Ŋímúɡanɗáétòda (Ŋímúɡanɗáé-tòdà-) ŋɨpɔ́táìnànès (ŋɨpɔ́táìnànèsì-) n. en-
n. Luganda . slavement, slavery. See also ŋiléɓúìnà-
ŋímúí (ŋímúíì-) n. twins. nès.
Ŋímusukúìtòda (Ŋímusukúì-tòdà-) ŋípyà (ŋípyà) n. new thing, novelty.
n. English or any European language. ŋípyɛn (ŋípyɛní-) n. demon, earth spirit,
See also Ɓetsʼoniicétôda . evil spirit. See also ɲɛkípyɛ́.
ŋímutsurúsìàm (ŋímutsurúsì-àmà-) pl. ŋírés (ŋírésì-) v. to rake. See also
ŋímutsurús. n. hawker, peddler, ɨƙwɛrɛs.
trader. ŋɨríɓímɔ̀n (ŋɨríɓímɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be stubby
ŋímutsurúsìnànès (ŋímutsurúsìnànèsì-) (e.g. of maize kernels or teeth). 2 v. to
n. being a hawker, peddler, or trader. be stubby-toothed, have stubby teeth.
ŋíɲampáràyàm (ŋíɲampárày-àmà-) pl. Ŋiriko (Ŋirikoó-) n. a personal name.
ŋíɲampáraya . n. guard of the local Ŋírɔmánɔ́niika (Ŋírɔmánɔ́ni-icé-) n. Ro-
council official who used to assist in mans: New Testament book.
the collection of taxes. ŋirotsánón (ŋirotsánónì-) v. to be tan,
Ŋíɲaŋíyáàm (Ŋíɲaŋíyá-àmà-) pl. Ŋíɲa- tawny.
ŋíya . n. Nyangʼia person. ŋirúkóìnànès (ŋirúkóìnànèsì-) n. ban-
Ŋíɲaŋíyátòda (Ŋíɲaŋíyá-tòdà-) n. Nya- ditry, brigandry.
ngʼia language. Ŋísaakɔ́lìàm (Ŋísaakɔ́lì-àmà-) pl. Ŋísaa-
Ŋíɲaŋkóléɦyɔ́ (Ŋíɲaŋkólé-ɦyɔ́ɔ̀-) n. An- kɔ́l. n. Nyangatom person. Also called
kole cow. Ŋísɔɔkɔ́lìàm.
Ŋɨɲɛ́ɲɛ́ya (Ŋɨɲɛ́ɲɛ́ì-) n. Sudanese rebels ŋísɨl (ŋísɨlí-) 1 n. fiber, silk (of hair or
that used to live on mountains Lomil any other substance). 2 n. nerve.
and Zulia in the late 20th century. Ŋísɨlám (Ŋísɨlámʉ-) n. Islam.
Ŋíŋátuɲo (Ŋíŋátuɲoó-) n. Ateker name Ŋisíráya (Ŋisíráì-) n. Ateker name for
for the traditional Ik men’s age-group the traditional Ik men’s age-group with
with the lion as its totem (#2 in the his- the leopard as its totem (#7 in the his-
torical line). The Ik name is Máóika . torical line). The Ik name is Nʉsííka .
Ŋíŋóleɲaŋ (Ŋíŋóleɲaŋá-) n. Ateker ŋísɔ́rɔka (ŋísɔ́rɔkɔ́-) n. teenage boys,
name for the traditional Ik men’s age- young men. See also pànɛ̀ɛ̀s.
group with the gazelle as its totem (#11 ŋísɔ́rɔkɔ́ám (ŋísɔ́rɔkɔ́-ámà-) pl. ŋísɔ́rɔka .
in the historical line). n. teenage boy, young men.
ŋìòn (ŋìònì-) v. to be slick (e.g of skin, Ŋísʉmálìàm (Ŋísʉmálì-àmà-) pl. Ŋí-
from oil or sweat). sʉmál. n. Somali person.

209
Ŋísʉmálìtòda ŋkéétòn

Ŋísʉmálìtòda (Ŋísʉmálì-tòdà-) n. So- the zebra as its totem (#4 in the histor-
mali language. ical line). The Ik name is Zɨnáíka .
Ŋítéɓuríám (Ŋítéɓurí-ámà-) pl. Ŋítéɓur. ŋítʉ́mìka (ŋítʉ́mìkà-) n. bedbugs,
n. Labworian, Thur person. chinces.
Ŋítéɓurítôda (Ŋítéɓurí-tódà-) n. Ethur ŋítúrumúám (ŋítúrumú-ámà-) pl. ŋí-
language (of Abim). túrum. n. betrayer, slanderer, sower
of dissension.
Ŋítépes (Ŋítépesí-) n. Soo/Tepeth peo-
ple. Ŋíwápɛtɔ (Ŋíwápɛtɔɔ́-) n. Ateker name
for the traditional Ik men’s age-group
Ŋítépesítôda (Ŋítépesí-tódà-) n. Soo/Tepeth with the eland as its totem (#6 in the
language. historical line).
Ŋítesalóníkaika (Ŋítesalóníka-icé-) ŋɨxás (ŋɨxásí-) n. power, strength. See
n. Thessalonians: books in the New also ŋɡúf.
Testament.
ŋɨxítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ŋɨxítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to
Ŋítésóàm (Ŋítésó-àmà-) pl. Ŋítésó. harden, make hard. 2 v. to fortify,
n. Teso person. strengthen, toughen.
Ŋítésótôda (Ŋítésó-tódà-) n. Ateso lan- ŋìxɔ̀n (ŋìxɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be hard. 2 v. to be
guage. powerful, strong. 3 v. to be expensive.
ŋítɛ́sʉrɔ (ŋítɛ́sʉrɔɔ́-) n. plant species ŋɨxɔna ikáe v. hardheadedness.
that resembles a banana but is inedible; ŋɨxɔnʉƙɔta (ŋɨxɔnʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to be-
its small black seeds are used as beads. come harder, harden. 2 v. to become
Ŋítíɨra (Ŋítíɨraá-) n. Ateker name for stronger, strengthen.
the traditional Ik men’s age-group with Ŋíyuɗáíàm (Ŋíyuɗáí-àmà-) pl. Ŋíyu-
the Umbrella Thorn tree as its totem (#3 ɗáya . n. Hebrew, Jew.
in the historical line). Ŋíyuɗáítòda (Ŋíyuɗáí-tòdà-) n. Hebrew
Ŋɨtɔ́mɛ́ (Ŋɨtɔ́mɛ́ì-) n. Ateker name for language.
the traditional Ik men’s age-group with ŋízɛ̀s (ŋízɛ̀sì-) v. to alert, signal (e.g. by
the elephant as its totem (#5 in the his- coughing or clearing one’s throat).
torical line). The Ik name is Oŋoriika . ŋízìmà (<ŋízìmɔ̀ɔ̀n) v.
ŋítsaɗénìàm (ŋítsaɗénìàmà-) pl. ŋí- ŋízìmɔ̀ɔ̀n (ŋízìmɔ̀ɔ̀nì-/ŋízɨma-) v. to be
tsaɗéniika . n. witness. See also ite- grouchy, grumpy. See also ɡaƙúrúmòn.
lesíám.
ŋká (<ŋkóón) v.
ŋítsan (ŋítsaní-) n. hardship, problems, ŋkaɗɛɛɗɛ́ya (ŋkaɗɛɛɗɛ́ì-) 1 n. sparks. 2
troubles. n. gold flecks.
ŋítsen (ŋítsení-) n. curses. ŋkaíón (ŋkaíónì-) v. to get up (several
ŋitsʼe (ŋitsʼeí-) n. small white mushroom times or of several people).
that is dried and then boiled in soup ŋkáítetés (ŋkáítetésí-) v. to get up, raise,
where it tastes like meat. stand up.
Ŋítúkoya (Ŋítúkoí-) n. Ateker name for ŋkéétòn (ŋkéétònì-) v. to get up, rise,
the traditional Ik men’s age-group with stand up.

210
ŋkérépa ŋókíètsʼa

ŋkérépa (ŋkérépè-) 1 n. craziness, mad- ŋƙáƙítetés (ŋƙáƙítetésí-) v. to feed, give

ness, mental illness. 2 n. demon pos- food to. See also bɔnɛ́s and ŋƙɨtɛtɛ́s.
session. See also lejé. ŋƙam (ŋƙamá-) n. eatable, edible, vict-
ŋkɔ́líà (ŋkɔ́líà-) n. fish. ual.
ŋkóón (ŋkóónì-/ŋká-) v. to get up, rise, ŋƙɛ́s (ŋƙɛ́sí-) v. to consume, eat. See also
stand up. ŋƙáƙés.
Ŋkóryó (Ŋkóryóo-) n. Ateker name for ŋƙɨtɛtɛ́s (ŋƙɨtɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to feed, give
the traditional Ik men’s age-group with food to. 2 v. to charge (electrically).
the giraffe as its totem (#8 in the histor- See also bɔnɛ́s and ŋƙáƙítetés.
ical line). The Ik name is Gwaítsʼíika . ŋƙwa (ŋƙwaá-) pl. ŋƙwáatikwa . 1
ŋkʉ́ʝíta (ŋkʉ́ʝítì-) n. chyme: stomach n. traditional healer, witchdoctor. 2
contents. See also eya . n. maize deformity in which the cob
grows protrusions. See also irésíàm.
Ŋkúláka (Ŋkúlákà-) n. Kuliak: a name
given the Ik, Nyangʼi, and So/Tepeth ŋɔ́ (ŋɔ́ɔ̀-) pl. ŋɔ́ín. 1 n. your mother. 2
peoples as a group. n. your aunt (father’s brother’s wife).
ŋkwáŋáya (ŋkwáŋáì-) 1 n. aluminum. 2 ŋɔam (ŋɔamá-) n. grindable.
n. aluminum lip plug. ŋɔ̀ɓɔ (ŋɔ̀ɓɔ̀) ideo. wide-eyedly.
ŋƙáƙa (ŋƙáƙá-) 1 n. food, grub. 2 n. eat- ŋɔɓɔ́dɔ̀n (ŋɔɓɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be wide-eyed
ing, feeding. from fear or guilt.
Ŋƙáƙá Komúnióe n. Holy Communion: ŋɔ̀ɓɔ̀n (ŋɔ̀ɓɔ̀nì-) v. to be wide-eyed from
a Catholic ritual. fear or guilt.
ŋƙáƙá na baratsóe n. breakfast. ŋoɗólómòn (ŋoɗólómònì-) v. to be
e gimpy, hobbling.
ŋƙáƙá na wídzò n. dinner, supper.
ŋɔ́ɛ́s (ŋɔ́ɛ́sì-) 1 v. to grind, mill. 2 v. to
ŋƙáƙáàya (ŋƙáƙá-àì-) pl. ŋƙáƙáaitín. digest.
n. dining area, eating place.
ŋɔɛsíɡwàs (ŋɔɛsí-ɡwàsà-) pl. ŋɔɛsíɡwa-
ŋƙáƙáhò (ŋƙáƙá-hòò-) pl. ŋƙáƙáhoíka . 1 síka . 1 n. grinding stone. 2 n. grinding
n. camp kitchen. 2 n. cafe, restaurant. mill.
ŋƙáƙákwɛ̀ta (ŋƙáƙá-kwɛ̀tà-) n. right ŋɔfɛ́s (ŋɔfɛ́sí-) v. to gobble down or wolf
hand. Lit. ‘eating-hand’. down (food). See also ifáfúkés.
ŋƙáƙáŋabér (ŋƙáƙá-ŋabérí-) n. right- ŋɔítɛ́sʉƙɔta (ŋɔítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to make
hand rib. Lit. ‘eating-rib’. grind .
ŋƙáƙés (ŋƙáƙésí-) v. to consume, eat. ŋóka (ŋókí-) pl. ŋókítín. 1 n. dog. 2
See also ŋƙɛ́s. n. poor person. 3 n. you dog! (term of
ŋƙáƙésuƙota (ŋƙáƙésuƙotí-) v. to de- disrespect.
vour, eat up. ŋókícikwa (ŋókí-cikó-) pl. ŋókícikwitín.
ŋƙáƙínósíàm (ŋƙáƙínósí-àmà-) pl. n. male dog, sire.
ŋƙáƙínósíika . n. neighbor (with whom ŋókíètsʼa (ŋókí-ètsʼì-) 1 n. doggy-doo,
one eats). dog poop. 2 n. earwax.

211
ŋókíìm ŋʉmʉ́ŋʉ́mánón

ŋókíìm (ŋókí-ìmà-) pl. ŋókíwika . n. pup- ŋorótsánón (ŋorótsánónì-) v. to be

py, whelp. filthy, nasty, putrid (e.g. of water or
ŋókínànès (ŋókínànèsì-) n. impoverish- wounds).
ment, poverty. ŋɔta (ŋɔtá-) 1 n. cowdung, manure. See
ŋókíŋwa (ŋókí-ŋwaá-) n. bitch: female also ɦyɔ̀ètsʼa . 2 n. millet heads when
dog. they turn brown and curl.
ŋɔtsɛ́s (ŋɔtsɛ́sí-) v. to cling to, grasp,
ŋókítsùtsa (ŋókí-tsùtsà-) n. dogfly:
hold onto.
species of fly associated with dogs.
ŋɔ̀tsɔ̀n (ŋɔ̀tsɔ̀nì-) v. to be fastened or tied
ŋoléánètòn (ŋoléánètònì-) 1 v. to be
very tightly.
white-faced. 2 v. to be bald. 3 v. to be
treeless. Ŋoya (Ŋoyaá) n. a personal name.
ŋɔ́ɲóta (ŋɔ́-ɲótá-) n. your mother-in-law ŋɔ́zɛ̀s (ŋɔ́zɛ̀sì-) v. to glare at, glower at,
(sibling’s spouse’s mother). stare at (using the ‘evil eye’).
ŋɔ́ɔ́s (ŋɔ́ɔ́sì-) 1 v. to be ground, milled. 2 ŋɔ́zɛ̀sìàm (ŋɔ́zɛ̀sì-àmà-) pl. ŋɔ́zɛsiika .
v. to be digested. n. glarer, starer (who bewitches with
the ‘evil eye’).
ŋɔr (ŋɔrɛ́-) pl. ŋɔrɨtín. 1 n. colored clay,
ocher. 2 n. color. ŋóziés (ŋóziesí-) v. to glare or stare at re-
peatedly (thereby using the ‘evil eye’).
ŋɔra na buɗám n. black clay.
ŋɔ́zɨnɔ́s (ŋɔ́zɨnɔ́sí-) v. to glare or stare at
ŋɔra na ɗíwa n. red clay. each other (thereby giving each other
ŋɔrɛ́ám (ŋɔrɛ́-ámà-) pl. ŋɔréíka . n. Tur- the ‘evil eye’).
kana person (who wears a colored clay ŋʉ̀ɓ ᶶ (ŋʉ̀ɓʉ̀) ideo. breakably, brittlely.
headdress). ŋʉɓʉ́dɔ̀n (ŋʉɓʉ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be breakable,
ŋɔrɨtɛtɛ́s (ŋɔrɨtɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to smear brittle (like a dry stick).
with clay (to mitigate impending mis- ŋʉ́ɗʉ́ŋʉ́ɗa (ŋʉ́ɗʉ́ŋʉ́ɗʉ́-) n. pollywog,
forture). 2 v. to paint. tadpole.
ŋɔrɔɓɔɓa (ŋɔrɔɓɔɓɔ́-) pl. ŋɔrɔ́ɓɔ́ɓìka . ŋʉɗʉŋʉ́ɗɔ́n (ŋʉɗʉŋʉ́ɗɔ́nì-) v. to squig-
n. cartilage, gristle. gle, wriggle (like lizard, snake, or tad-
ŋorokánón (ŋorokánónì-) v. to be spot- pole).
ted black-and-white. ŋʉɗʉ́sʉ́mɔ̀n (ŋʉɗʉ́sʉ́mɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be
ŋorókón (ŋorókónì-) v. to be spotted low, short. 2 v. to be limbless.
black-and-white. ŋués (ŋuesí-) v. to struggle for/over.
ŋɔ́rɔ́n (ŋɔ́rɔ́nì-) v. to have done already, ŋuésíàm (ŋuésí-àmà-) pl. ŋuésíika .
earlier. n. robber.
ŋɔrɔ́ɲɔ́mɔ̀n (ŋɔrɔ́ɲɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be dirty, Ŋuésíìkà sèàe n. traditional men’s age-
soiled, unclean (from dirt or food). See group known as the ones who strug-
also ɲɔŋɔ́rɔ́mɔ̀n. gled for blood (oldest, #1).
ŋɔ́rɔ́rɔ̀n (ŋɔ́rɔ́rɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to saw logs, ŋʉmʉ́ŋʉ́mánón (ŋʉmʉ́ŋʉ́mánónì-) v. to
snore. 2 v. to growl. 3 v. to purr. be chunky, crumby.

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ŋún ŋwááteda ɡwasáe

ŋún (ŋúnó-) pl. ŋúnítín. n. rope. See ŋurutiesá tódào pl. ŋurutiesíícíká tódào .
also ún. n. consonant. Lit. ‘chopping up of
ŋʉr (ŋʉrá-) n. cane rat. Thryonomys speech’.
swinderianus. ŋurutiesíàm (ŋurutiesí-àmà-) pl. ŋu-
a
Ŋʉrak (Ŋʉraká-) n. name of a huge rutiesíika . n. judge.
boulder near Mukulita . ŋurutiesíama mɛnáɛ n. councillor, offi-
ŋʉrɛ́s (ŋʉrɛ́sí-) 1 v. to cut. 2 v. to break cial.
(e.g. a rule or law). 3 v. to cross. 4 ŋurutiesíama tódàe n. elder, officer (in
v. to adjudicate, judge. the church or community).
ŋʉrɛ́sá ìtsìkàɛ v. to break the law. ŋurutiesúƙota (ŋurutiesúƙotí-) 1 v. to
ŋʉrɛ́síàm (ŋʉrɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. ŋʉrɛ́síika . chop or cut up in pieces, dice up. 2
n. breaker (e.g. of the law). v. to adjudicate, judge, solve.
ŋʉrɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (ŋʉrɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to cut away/ ŋurutiós (ŋurutiosí-) 1 v. to be chopped,
off. cut, diced, or divided in pieces. 2 v. to
be adjudicated, judged, solved. 3 v. to
ŋʉrɛtɛ́s (ŋʉrɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to cut up. 2 v. to
be half-striped.
analyze, interpret, judge.
ŋusés (ŋusésí-) v. to grab, snatch, take
ŋʉrɛtɛsíàm (ŋʉrɛtɛsí-àmà-) pl. ŋʉrɛtɛ-
hold of, wrest. See also taŋates and
síika . n. judge.
tokopes.
ŋʉrɔ́s (ŋʉrɔ́sí-) v. to be broken, cut.
ŋusésúƙota (ŋusésúƙotí-) v. to grab,
ŋurúmétòn (ŋurúmétònì-) 1 v. to be cut snatch, take hold of.
off. 2 v. to cut short, end.
ŋusetésá así v. to hurry this way.
ŋʉrʉ́mɔ́n (ŋʉrʉ́mɔ́nì-) 1 v. to break, get
broken. 2 v. to go broke. ŋʉsʉ́lʉ́mɔ̀n (ŋʉsʉ́lʉ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be low,
short. See also ŋʉɗʉ́sʉ́mɔ̀n.
ŋʉrʉ́mɔ́na ƙwaatéo v. cessation of child-
birth, menopause. Lit. ‘breaking off of Ŋusuman (Ŋusumaná-) n. name of a
childbirth’. mountain with a sharp peak.
ŋʉrʉ́ɲʉ́ɲɛ̀tɔ̀n (ŋʉrʉ́ɲʉ́ɲɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) v. to Ŋúupéám (Ŋúupé-ámá-) pl. ŋúupéíka .
sprout up (of many shoots). n. Pokot or Suk person.
ŋʉrʉ́ŋʉ́ránón (ŋʉrʉ́ŋʉ́ránónì-) v. to be ŋʉ́zʉmánón (ŋʉ́zʉmánónì-) v. to bicker,
all broken or cut up. squabble. See also ɨɲʉ́ɲʉ́rɔ̀n.
ŋʉrʉrʉ́ɲɔ́n (ŋʉrʉrʉ́ɲɔ́nì-) 1 v. to sprout ŋwa (ŋwaá-) pl. ŋwáátíkwa . n. female
up (of many things, like grass). 2 v. to (animal).
regrow (of hair). ŋwááta (ŋwáátì-) pl. ŋwáátìn. 1
ŋʉrʉ́sá (ŋʉrʉ́sáì-) pl. ŋʉrʉ́sáìka . n. hard- n. his/her/its mother. 2 n. his/her aunt
wood tree species with dark wood that (father’s brother’s wife).
burns well. Haplocoelum foliolosum. ŋwááta dáŋáe n. queen of an edible ter-
ŋurutiés (ŋurutiesí-) 1 v. to chop or cut mite colony.
up into pieces, dice. 2 v. to adjudicate, ŋwááteda ɡwasáe n. lower grind-
judge, solve. ing stone (on which the thing being

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ŋwáátìnànès ŋ́karakocóya

ground is lain). Lit. ‘mother of the ŋwàxɔ̀n (ŋwàxɔ̀nì-) v. to be crippled,

stone’. disabled, handicapped, lame.
ŋwáátìnànès (ŋwáátìnànèsì-) n. moth- ŋwaxɔna ekwitíní v. to have poor eye-
erhood, motherliness. sight.
ŋwáátìɲòta (ŋwáátì-ɲòtà-) n. his/her ŋwàxɔ̀nìàm (ŋwàxɔ̀nì-àmà-) pl. ŋwaxɔ-
mother-in-law (sibling’s spouse’s niika . n. cripple, disabled, handi-
mother). capped, or lame person.
ŋ́ka (ɲ́cì-) pro. I/me/my.
ŋwan (ŋwaná-) pl. ŋwáníkwa . n. gar-
den cultivated for more than one year. Ŋ́kaleesó (Ŋ́kaleesóò-) n. Ateker name
for the traditional Ik men’s age-group
ŋwaníŋwánɨtɛ́s (ŋwaníŋwánɨtɛ́sí-) v. to with the ostrich as its totem (#9 in
better or improve slightly. the historical line). The Ik name is
ŋwanɨŋwánɔ́n (ŋwanɨŋwánɔ́nì-) v. to Leweɲiika .
be average, mediocre, so-so. ŋ́kaŋóka (ŋ́kaŋókì-) n. acne, pimples.
ŋwaxás (ŋwaxásí-) n. disability, handi- ŋ́karakocóya (ŋ́karakocóì-) n. bottlecap
cap, lameness. game.

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ɔ̂ba óés

o/ɔ
ɔ̂ba (ɔ́bà-) pl. ɔ́bɨtín. n. cheek (inner and ódàtù n. all day, the whole day.
outer). ódeedóó n. on that day.
ɔ́bɛ̀r (ɔ́bɛ̀rà-) n. plant whose edible ódèèkwa (ódè-èkù-) pl. ódeekwíka .
leaves are cooked and whose seeds are n. ford, river crossing.
eaten raw, fried, or mixed with honey.
òdìòs (òdìòsì-) n. crowd, multitude.
Hibiscus cannbinus.
ɔ́dɔ̀ka (ɔ́dɔ̀kà-) pl. ɔ́dɔkíka . 1 n. gate,
ɔ́bɛ̀ràkàka (ɔ́bɛ̀rà-kàkà-) n. edible leaves
gateway. 2 n. patriclan: clan based
of the ɔ́bɛ̀r plant.
on the father’s lineage. 3 n. chapter.
ɔ́bɛ̀s (ɔ́bɛ̀sì-) 1 v. to dominate, occupy
ódòo n. at daytime, during the day.
(e.g. an area or conversation). 2 v. to
boom, rise (of voices). ódoo bɨrɨr n. midday, noon.
óbìʝa (óbìʝò-) n. black rhinoceros. ódòwa (ódòù-) pl. ódoicíka . n. day.
Diceros bicornis. Also called óbùʝa . ódowa ná zè n. big day, national holi-
óbiʝoetsʼa (óbiʝo-etsʼí-) n. vine species day.
thought to grow where rhinos dropped ódowicíká kì nùù kì n. back then, long
their dung; its bulbous fruits are made ago. Lit. ‘those days then’.
into gourds. Lit. ‘rhino-droppings’. La- ódowicíká nì kòm n. a long time or
genaria sphaerica. while. Lit. ‘days that are many’.
óbìʝòkwàtsa (óbìʝò-kwàtsì-) n. inedible ódowicíká nì ƙwàɗe n. a short time or
gourd that is extremely bitter and with- while. Lit. ‘days that are few’.
out use. Lit. ‘rhino-urine’.
ódowicíkó nì n. nowadays, these days.
óbìʝòɔ̀z (óbìʝò-ɔ̀zà-) n. tree species
ódowicíkó nì kɔ̀nà n. nowadays, these
whose leaves rhinos like to eat and
very days.
whose bitter bark infusion is drunk as
an anthelmintic (anti-worm) drug. Lit. ódowicíkó nùku n. back then, long ago,
‘rhino-bottom’. Albizia anthelmintica. those days.
obólén (obólénì-) pl. óbòlènìka . 1 n. hip. ôdza (ódzà-) pl. ódzitín. n. dry season.
2 n. eastern rains. ódzadidí (ódza-didíì-) n. light rain at the
a
obólénìɔ̀k (obólénì-ɔ̀kà-) pl. óbole- beginning of dry season.
nikɔɔkɨtín. n. greater trochanter: ódzàkàka (ódzà-kàkà-) n. dry, crackly
lower hipbone. leaves of dry season.
òɓà (òɓà) interj. folks! people! (a term ódzatsóya (ódza-tsóí-) n. dry season.
for addressing a group). Contracted òɗòmòr (òɗòmòrì-) n. male bushbuck.
form of ròɓa ‘folks’. Tragelaphus scriptus.
Océn (Océní-) n. a personal name. óés (óésì-) 1 v. to call, summon. 2 v. to
ôda (ódà-) pl. ódikwa . n. ford, river invite. 3 v. to call (a name), name. May
crossing. also be spelled as wéés.

215
óésa édie imáe olíɓó

óésa édie imáe v. to name a newborn spears, and walking sticks and are used
child. to build houses and granaries. Grewia
óésés (óésésì-) v. to call repeatedly. tenax. See also alárá.
oetés (oetésí-) v. to call here. óɡoós (óɡoosí-) 1 v. to be left, let. 2 v. to
be excused, exempt.
ɔ̀f (ɔ̀fà-) n. cough.
óìdìkwòn (óì-dìkwònì-) v. to dance and
ɔ̀fàɡwà (ɔ̀fà-ɡwàà-) n. bird species. Lit. sing simultaneously.
‘coughing-bird’.
óímós (óímósí-) v. to call each other.
ɔfɔ́dɔ̀n (ɔfɔ́dɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be lightweight.
óísiés (óísiesí-) v. to call continously,
2 v. to be easy, manageable. See also keep on calling.
fɔkɔ́dɔ̀n and olódòn.
ɔ́ʝa (ɔ́ʝá-) pl. ɔ́ʝítín. 1 n. sore, wound. 2
ɔ̀fɔ̀n (ɔ̀fɔ̀nì-) v. to cough. n. knot in wood.
ɔfɔrɔƙa (ɔfɔrɔƙɔ́-) pl. ɔfɔ́rɔ́ƙìka . 1 n. dry ɔ́ʝáìm (ɔ́ʝá-ìmà-) pl. ɔ́ʝítíníwíka . n. bleb,
honeycomb. 2 n. eggshell. blister, small sore.
ofur (ofurí-) pl. ofúríka . 1 n. bag, pouch ɔ́ʝátàs (ɔ́ʝá-tàsà-) n. scar.
(often made of leather). 2 n. pocket.
ɔ́ʝítínícɛmɛ́r (ɔ́ʝítíní-cɛmɛ́rí-) n. small
Also called ofir.
plant species with milky sap that is ap-
ofura na ʝírì n. back pocket. plied to wounds in order to dry them
ofura na wáxì n. front pocket. out. Lit. ‘wounds-herb’. Becium sp.
ɔ̀ɡɛ̀r (ɔ̀ɡɛ̀rà-) pl. ɔ́ɡɛraikwa . n. male ɔka (ɔká-) pl. ɔkɨtín. n. bone, osseous
monkey or primate of any kind. tissue.
ɔɡɛraŋwa (ɔɡɛra-ŋwaá-) n. female mon- ɔka ikáe n. cranium, skull. Lit. ‘bone of
key or primate of any kind. the head’.
óɡoɗés (óɡoɗésí-) v. to keep aside, put okílóŋór (okílóŋóró-) n. queen bee.
aside/away, store. Also called lókílóróŋ.
óɡoɗesam (óɡoɗesamá-) n. leftover, re- ókísèn (ókísènì-) pl. ókísènìka . n. auc-
mainder. Lit. ‘keepable’. See also ʝírɛ̂d tion, vendue.
and ɲomokoʝo. ɔkɨtín (ɔkɨtíní-) n. skeleton. Lit. ‘bones’.
óɡoɗésúƙota (óɡoɗésúƙotí-) v. to keep ókò (ókò) adv. apparently, seemingly, it
aside, put or store away (for later). See seems. See also íkwà.
also oƙésúƙota . ɔkɔ́tsa (ɔkɔ́tsí-) pl. ɔkɔ́tsíka . 1 n. step,
óɡoés (óɡoesí-) 1 v. to leave, let. 2 v. to stride. 2 n. meter, yard.
excuse, exempt. 3 v. to concede, re- oƙésúƙota (oƙésúƙotí-) v. to keep aside,
nounce claim over. 4 v. to forgive, par- put or store away (for later). See also
don. May also be spelled as óɡweés. óɡoɗésúƙota .
óɡoesíám (óɡoesí-ámà-) pl. óɡoesííka . óƙírota (óƙírotí-) n. bird species.
n. judge who pardons. ɔlí (ɔlíì-) n. grass whose millet-like seeds
ɔɡɔn (ɔɡɔnɔ́-) n. shrub species whose are ground into flour.
red or yellow berries are eaten raw olíɓó (olíɓóò-) n. freeloading, mooching,
and whose stems are made into arrows, sponging.

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òlìòta Ɔrɔ́m

òlìòta (òlìòtà-) n. alpha male baboon. òŋòrìkù (òŋòrì-kùà-) n. elephant grass:

See also tìmùòz. tall grass species used for thatching.
ɔlír (ɔlírì-) pl. ɔlíraikwa . n. bush hyrax. Panicum maximum.
Heterohyrax brucei. òŋòrìkwàtsa (òŋòrì-kwàtsì-) n. ele-
olódòn (olódònì-) 1 v. to be lightweight. phant urine: a plant species with no
2 v. to be eager, enthusiastic. 3 v. to be known uses. Satureja sp.
easy to manage, manageable. See also òŋòrìkwàywa (òŋòrì-kwàyò-) pl. o-
fɔkɔ́dɔ̀n and olódòn. ŋorikwaitín. n. elephant tusk, ivory.
omén (oméní-) pl. oméníka . n. barb, òŋòrìkwɛ̀ta (òŋòrì-kwɛ̀tà-) 1 n. elephant
spike (used in a spike trap). trunk. 2 n. digger, excavator.
ɔmɔ́x (ɔmɔ́xá-) pl. ɔmɔ́xíka . 1 n. peel, oŋoriŋwa (oŋori-ŋwaá-) n. cow ele-
skin. 2 n. crust, scab. phant (female).
on (oní-) pl. onitín. n. abandoned home- Òŋòrìpàkwa (Òŋòrì-pàkò-) n. name of
stead or village, ghost town. a cave at the base of Ŋuraka . Lit.
ɔn (ɔná-) n. odor, smell, stench. ‘elephant-cave’.
ɔnɛda (ɔnɛdɛ-) n. odor, smell, stench (of Oŋorisabá (Oŋori-sabáà-) n. name
a particular person or thing). of a river near Lòsòlìà and Píré.
oníáwa (oní-áwà-) pl. oníáwíka . n. aban- Lit. ‘elephant-river’. Also called
doned homestead or village. Cakalatɔ́m.
oɲaŋ (oɲaŋá-) n. sorghum variety with oŋoritaƙáya (oŋori-taƙáí-) pl. oŋori-
big, yellowish seeds. Also called aɲaŋ. taƙáíka . n. elephant-leather shoe.
oŋerepa (oŋerepé-) n. rufous beaked Oŋórîz (Oŋórízà-) n. name of a river and
snake. Rhamphiophis oxyrhynchus. ravine.
òŋòr (òŋòrì-) n. elephant, tusker. Lox- òrèɡèm (òrèɡèmè-) n. lone male ba-
odonta africana. boon.
Ɔŋɔr (Ɔŋɔrí-) n. a personal name. Oríáé (Oríáé-) n. Arab or Somali.
ɔŋɔ́ránètòn (ɔŋɔ́ránètònì-) v. to be Oríáénítòda (Oríáéní-tòdà-) n. language
brown, gray, gray-brown. of Arab or Somali Muslims.
Òŋòrìàwa (Òŋòrì-àwà-) n. name of Óríɓò (Órí-ɓòò-) n. name of a river and
a place where many elephants were ravine in the east of Ikland, as well
killed. Lit. ‘elephant-place’. as the surrounding area and its human
habitations.
oŋoridɛrɛ́ƙa (oŋori-dɛrɛ́ƙì-) n. elephant
wasp: large black wasp. Óríɓosabá (Órí-ɓo-sabáà-) n. name of a
river. Lit. ‘Ori’s escarpment-river’.
Oŋoriika (Oŋori-icé-) n. traditional
men’s age-group with the elephant as òrìkìrìka (òrìkìrìkì-) n. large object (esp.
its totem (#5 in the historical line). Lit. a house, rock, or tree).
‘Elephant-Folk’. ɔríyɔ́ (ɔríyɔ́ɔ̀-) n. bird species.
oŋorikɨnám (oŋori-kɨnámá-) n. ele- Ɔrɔ́m (Ɔrɔ́mʉ̀-) n. name of a mountain
phant mushroom: species with a broad, on the border of Karamoja and Acho-
flat top. liland.

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oromén ɔ̂z

oromén (oroméní-) n. bateleur. Teratho- otí (otí) interj. whoa! (an expression of
pius ecaudatus. awe or mystery).
orómó (orómóò-) n. green-pigeon otsés (otsésí-) v. to board, climb, get on,
(Bruce’s and maybe African). Treron sp. mount, ride.
ɔrɔr (ɔrɔrɔ́-) pl. oróríkwa . n. large otsésíama haúùⁱ n. hyena rider, hyena-
stream, small river (and associated riding wizard.
ravine). otsésúƙota (otsésúƙotí-) v. to climb on/
òsòròs (òsòròsì-) pl. osórósaikw . a up, get on, mount up.
n. barren, childless, infertile, or sterile òtsìɓìl (òtsìɓìlà-) n. common bulbul. Py-
person. See also ɲokólípa . cnonotus barbatus. Also called tsìɓìl.
osorosánón (osorosánónì-) v. to be bar- òwà (òwàà-) n. yellow desert date(s).
ren, childless, infertile, sterile. See also oyóŋ (oyóŋò-) n. hyena species.
ikólípánón.
ɔ́zààka (ɔ́zà-àkà-) n. anus.
ɔtáya (ɔtáí-) pl. ɔtáíkwa . n. rainy season.
See also diditsóya . ɔ́zàhò (ɔ́zà-hòò-) pl. ɔ́zɨtíníhoíka . n. anal
sphincter.
otés (otésí-) 1 v. to pour into. 2 v. to in-
ɔ́zàsìtsʼa (ɔ́zà-sìtsʼà-) n. pubic hair. See
fix, insert, put in (e.g. poles for a fence
also didisísítsʼa .
or house). 3 v. to brew. 4 v. to mis-
carry. 5 v. to put on, wear (many beads ɔ́zɛ̀da (ɔ́zɛ̀dɛ̀-) 1 n. back, backside, bot-
like Turkana women). 6 v. to thank tom, rear, rear end. 2 n. cap, primer
someone for helping in the garden by (that ignites gunpowder).
pouring into their containers a portion ɔ́zɛ̀dà mɛ̀sɛ̀ n. bottom layer of beer.
of the grain. See also ɨtʉrɛs. Ɔ́pʉs (Ɔ́pʉsí-) n. name of a huge rocky
otésúƙota (otésúƙotí-) v. to pour into. cliff.
otetés (otetésí-) 1 v. to pour out into. 2 ɔ̂z (ɔ́zà-) pl. ɔ́zɨtín. n. ass, backside, bot-
v. to miscarry. tom, butt, rear.

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pààɗòko pɛɗɛ́pɛ́ɗánón

p
pààɗòko (pààɗòkò) ideo. bang! kaboom! Pakósábà (Pakó-sábàà-) n. name of a
(sound of a gunshot). river. Lit. ‘cave-river’.
pààì (pààì) ideo. very slowly. pakwa (pakó-) pl. pakwitín. n. cave (of-
Paalakán (Paalakánì-) n. name of a ten used for shelter or storage).
mountainside and its human habita- pàkⁱ (pàkì) ideo. bright white, milkily
tion on Morúŋole. white, pure white.
páɗɛ̀r (páɗɛ̀rɛ̀-) pl. páɗɛrín. n. Roman palórómòn (palórómònì-) v. to be bald
Catholic priest. on top.
Páɗɛ̀rɛ̀hò (Páɗɛrɛ-hoó-) n. name of a hill Palú (Palúù-) n. name of a river and
where the Italian priest Apáálolúk used ravine in Timu.
to stop for the night. Lit. ‘priest-hut’. Palúùkùɓa (Palúù-kùɓà-) n. name of a
paɗókómòn (paɗókómònì-) v. to be hill in Timu. Lit. ‘Palu-hill’.
caved in, collapsed (e.g. one’s stom- pànɛ̀ɛ̀s (pànɛ̀ɛ̀sì-) n. teenage boys,
ach). young men. See also ŋísɔ́rɔka .
pàɗwa (pàɗò-) pl. páɗíkwa . n. small pápà (pápàà-) n. pope: head of the Ro-
cave (often used for secret storage). man Catholic church.
pákà (pákà) 1 prep. all the way to, until, papaɗós (papaɗósí-) n. small stash hid-
up to (followed by a noun). 2 subord- den from others (e.g. food).
conn. until (followed by a dependent parɨpárɔ́n (parɨpárɔ́nì-) v. to gleam, glis-
clause). 3 adv. forever, indefinitely. ten. See also piripírón.
As a preposition, this word is followed
pás (pásì-) n. lousy, pathetic, or useless
by a noun in the oblique case.
person or thing. See also tsar.
pakámón (pakámónì-) v. to split in two.
pásìnànès (pásìnànèsì-) n. pathetic-
pakatiés (pakatiesí-) v. to cut or split ness, lousiness, uselessness. See also
multiply (e.g. a tree into planks). tsarínánès.
pakés (pakésí-) v. to bisect, dissect, di- pásìtà (pásìtàà-) pl. pásìtàìka . n. minis-
vide, split in two. See also ɨwáwáɗɛ́s. ter, pastor, rector.
pakóáƙwa (pakó-áƙɔ̀-) n. cave interior. patsólómòn (patsólómònì-) v. to be bare
Pakóám (Pakwá-ámà-) pl. Pakóíka . (of a patch or spot).
n. Turkana person. Lit. ‘cave-person’. páupáwa (páupáù-) n. scout bee that
pakóásáka (pakó-ásáká-) n. cave en- scouts out sources of food and water.
trance. paupáwón (paupáwónì-) 1 v. to be
Pakóícéŋám (Pakó-ícé-ŋámà-) n. Tur- parched, thirsty (e.g. after eating
kana sorghum: variety grown by the honey and then walking in the sun). 2
Turkana that has with white stalks, v. to be afraid, dread, have qualms (e.g.
stems, and seeds. over a bad premonition).
Pakóícétôda (Pakó-ícé-tódà-) n. Turkana pɛɗɛ́pɛ́ɗánón (pɛɗɛ́pɛ́ɗánónì-) v. to be
language. flapping, fluttering.

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pɛɗɛpɛ́ɗɔ́n pìrⁱ

pɛɗɛpɛ́ɗɔ́n (pɛɗɛpɛ́ɗɔ́nì-) v. to flutter (of pɨɗídɔ̀n (pɨɗídɔ̀nì-) v. to be sleek, slick.

hearts, wings). See also ɨpɛlípɛ́lɔ̀n.
pɛɛ́ɲɛ́mɔ̀n (pɛɛ́ɲɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to walk in a Píipí (Píipíì-) n. a personal name.
small-buttocked way. pikódòn (pikódònì-) v. to be worn
pɛ̀l (pɛ̀lɛ̀) ideo. slickly, slipperily. smooth (of ground, stones, etc.).
pɛlɛ́dɔ̀n (pɛlɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be precariously pìl (pìlɔ̀) ideo. smoothly.
slick or slippery. pílè (pílè) ideo. all, completely, totally.
pɛ́lɛ́ɗɛ̀ka (pɛ́lɛ́ɗɛ̀kɛ̀-) n. long-leaf to- Pɨlɛmɔ́nɛ̀ (Pɨlɛmɔ́nɛ̀ɛ̀-) n. Philemon:
bacco. See also loríónómor. book in the New Testament.
pɛlɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀n (pɛlɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to appear, Pílíkìtsa (Pílíkìtsì-) n. name of a moun-
come into view, emerge. See also tain near Káákʉma in Turkanaland,
lɛlɛ́tɔ́n. Kenya.
pɛlɛ́mɔ́na fetí v. dawn, daybreak, sun- Pilípoika (Pilípo-icé-) n. Philippians:
rise. Lit. ‘appearance of the sun’. book in the New Testament.
pɨlírímɔ̀n (pɨlírímɔ̀nì-) v. to have strabis-
Pelén (Peléní-) n. a personal name.
mal amblyopia: a lazy eye that looks in
pelérémòn (pelérémònì-) v. to be different directions.
squinted, squinty.
pilís (pilísì-) n. game of tag.
penitésìyà (penitésìyàà-) n. Catholic pɨlɔ́dɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (pɨlɔ́dɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to
sacrament of penance. make smooth, smoothen out.
pɛntɛkɔ́stɛ̀ (pɛntɛkɔ́stɛ̀ɛ̀-) n. Pentecost: pɨlɔ́dɔ̀n (pɨlɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be smooth.
seventh Sunday after Easter.
pìɔ̀ (pìɔ̀) ideo. splat! spoot! (sound of
pɛ̀s (pɛ̀sɛ̀) ideo. boom! (sound or effect diarrhea or vomit). The vowels in this
of something explosive). word are pronounced silently.
pɛsɛlam (pɛsɛlamá-) n. chip, small piece. pír (pírí) ideo. glittering white.
pɛ́sɛ́lameda (pɛ́sɛ́lamede-) n. chip, small Píré (Píréè-) n. name of a slope on the
piece (of sth. in particular). north of Morúŋole where some Ik used
pɛsɛlɛs (pɛsɛlɛsí-) v. to break a piece off, to be congregated.
chip, knap. pirídòn (pirídònì-) v. to be gleam-
pɛsɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀n (pɛsɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to break, ing, shiny (like a bald head). See also
chip, or crumble off in small pieces. ɓarídɔ̀n.
piripírón (piripírónì-) v. to gleam, glis-
pɛsɛ́pɛ́sánón (pɛsɛ́pɛ́sánónì-) v. to be
ten. See also parɨpárɔ́n.
brittle, crumbly (e.g. biscuits).
pɨrɨs (pɨrɨsɨ) ideo. pop! (sound of coming
Pétèrò (Pétèròò-) 1 n. Peter. 2 n. Peter:
or popping out, as in pus from a wound
short New Testament letters.
or an animal from a thicket).
pìc (pìcì) ideo. very full. pìrrr (pìrrr) ideo. very hot (of the
piɗés (piɗésí-) v. to cut across, go weather).
through, traverse. See also tɔkɛ́ɛ́rɛ́s. pìrⁱ (pìrì) ideo. appearing suddenly, out
pìɗɨ (pìɗì) ideo. sleekly, slickly. of nowhere.

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pìs pulutiés

pìs (pìsì) ideo. quish! (sound of flesh be- pɔ̀tɔ (pɔ̀tɔ̀) ideo. slickly, slipperily.
ing punctured). See also tùs. pɔtɔ́dɔ̀n (pɔtɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be slick, slip-
pítⁱ (pítí) ideo. all. pery (e.g. a slimy wet rock).
pìùù (pìùù) ideo. zing! (sound of a bullet pòx (pòxò) ideo. chattily, talkatively.
passing over). The vowels of this word poxés (poxésí-) v. to peel, skin.
are pronounced silently. poxésúƙota (poxésúƙotí-) v. to peel or
pɔ́ɗɛ̀ (pɔ́ɗɛ̀ɛ̀-) n. small Japanese car. skin off.
poɗés (poɗésí-) v. to husk, shuck. poxódòn (poxódònì-) v. to be chatty,
poɗetés (poɗetésí-) v. to husk, shuck. talkative.
pɔ̀ɗɔ (pɔ̀ɗɔ̀) ideo. agilely, nimbly, spryly. pùà (pùà) ideo. chop! (sound of cutting
a tree).
pɔɗɔ́dɔ̀n (pɔɗɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be agile, nim-
ble, spry. pùɗa (pùɗà) ideo. dryly as dust.
pokés (pokésí-) 1 v. to break off. 2 v. to puɗádòn (puɗádònì-) v. to be dry and
stick, wedge (e.g. what mud does to a dusty.
vehicle). See also wakés. Puɗápúɗa (Puɗápúɗà-) n. name of a
poketés (poketésí-) v. to break off. river.
pókíetésá asíɛ́ kédìè kɔ̀n v. to break off pukés (pukésí-) v. to overturn, turn out
in groups. (solid substances).
pòko (pòkò) ideo. breakably, brittlely. pukésúƙota (pukésúƙotí-) v. to overturn
away, turn out away (solid substances).
pokódòn (pokódònì-) v. to be breakable,
puketés (puketésí-) v. to overturn, turn
brittle. See also ɛɔmɔ́dɔ̀n and wɛtsʼɛ́dɔ̀n.
out (solid substances).
pokómón (pokómónì-) v. to break off.
pùku (pùkù) 1 ideo. zlop! (sound of
pólìs (pólìsì-) n. police. something solid being dumped). 2
poŋórómòn (poŋórómònì-) v. to be ideo. whack! (sound of hitting).
stumpy, tubby. pulés (pulésí-) v. to make a hole in, per-
Popá (Popáà-) n. name of a hand-dug forate, pierce, punch, puncture.
well and its run-off on Lotim. Pʉlʉkɔ́l (Pʉlʉkɔ́lì-) n. a personal name.
pɔ̀pɔ̀s (pɔ̀pɔ̀sà-) n. lizard. pulúmétòn (pulúmétònì-) v. to come
pórón (pórónì-) v. to go on, keep going, out, egress, emerge.
proceed. pulúmítésúƙota (pulúmítésúƙotí-) v. to
porór (porórí-) n. nearly ripe crops (e.g. take out.
maize, millet, sorghum). pulúmón (pulúmónì-) v. to exit, go out.
pòròta (pòròtì-) pl. pórótìka . n. hooked pulutetés (pulutetésí-) v. to bring out,
stick used to remove flesh from inside issue, produce (e.g. newborn twins out
a gourd. of the hut).
pɔsɔ́kɔ́mɔ̀n (pɔsɔ́kɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be awk- pulutiés (pulutiesí-) 1 v. to perforate,
ward, clumsy, clunky, cumbersome pierce, or puncture repeatedly. 2 v. to
(due to size). bore, drill. See also ɨpɨrípírɛ́s.

221
pulutiesíàm pʉ̀ʉ̀t ᶶ

pulutiesíàm (pulutiesí-àmà-) pl. pu- pùs (pùsù) ideo. plop! (sound of food
lutiesíika . 1 n. piercer (e.g. of ears). 2 falling on the ground).
n. driller (e.g. of wood). pʉsɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n (pʉsɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be chalky
pʉ́n (pʉ́nʉ́) ideo. a lot, really. dry, moisture or water-resistant (e.g.
pʉ̀nʉ̀k ᶶ (pʉ̀nʉ̀kʉ̀) ideo. flat to the dry meat, powders, soil). See also
ground. pʉrákámòn and pʉráŋámòn.
pʉŋʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n (pʉŋʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be ro- Pútá (Pútáà-) n. name of a hill or moun-
tund (e.g. a gourd or fat pig). tain.
pʉrákámòn (pʉrákámònì-) v. to pʉtʉ́mɔ́n (pʉtʉ́mɔ́nì-) v. to go or pass
be chalky dry, moisture or water- through to the other side.
resistant (e.g. dry meat, powders, soil).
See also pʉráŋámòn and pʉsɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n. puurú (puurúù-) n. chickenpox, vari-
pʉráŋámòn (pʉráŋámònì-) v. to cella. See also ɲɛtʉnɛ.
be chalky dry, moisture or water- púùs (púùsì-) n. cat, housecat. Felis
resistant (e.g. dry meat, powders, soil). libyca.
See also pʉrákámòn and pʉsɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n. puusúmòn (puusúmònì-) v. to be ban-
pʉ̀rɔ̀n (pʉ̀rɔ̀nì-) v. to live through, sur- tam, dwarfish, midget (with poochy
vive. belly and rear end).
púrurú (púrurúù-) n. measles, rubeola. pʉ̀ʉ̀t ᶶ (pʉ̀ʉ̀tʉ̀) ideo. phoot! (sound made
pùrùs (pùrùsù) ideo. schunk! (sound of when a spear pierces an animal’s body
deep stabbing into flesh). and comes out the other side). See also
purutél (purutélè-) n. friar, mendicant. rɛ̀s.

222
rààrààrà rɛ́bɔ̀n

r
rààrààrà (rààrààrà) ideo. clap clap! respond. 3 v. to account or answer for.
(sound of applause). 4 v. to profit from.
rábaɗamitésúƙota (rábaɗamitésúƙotí-) rakákámòn (rakákámònì-) v. to be grav-
v. to dent, ding, put a dent/ding in. See elly, rocky. See also ŋarʉ́dɔ̀n.
also luɗés. ràm (ràmʉ̀-) pl. rámíkwa . n. pile of
rábàɗàmòn (rábàɗàmònì-) v. to be dry branches with grass growing up
dented, dinged. among them.
ramɛ́s (ramɛ́sí-) 1 v. to have multiples,
rábaɗamonuƙota (rábaɗamonuƙotí-)
more than one of. 2 v. to marry polyg-
v. to get dented or dinged.
amously.
rábʉ̀xɔ̀n (rábʉ̀xɔ̀nì-) v. to crouch, hun-
ramɛtɛ́s (ramɛtɛ́sí) v. to attach, fix, join.
ker (often in order to hide). See also
dɛ́ɡɛ̀mɔ̀n. Raraan (Raraaní-) n. December: month
of falling leaves. See also Ìɓùɓù.
ráɡàn (ráɡànì-) n. wild yam-like plant
raraanón (raraanónì-) 1 v. to fall gently
whose tubers are boiled many times,
(leaves, paper). 2 v. to die off .
crushed, soaked, dried, and ground
into edible flour. rárímetés (rárímetésí-) v. to decrease,
diminish, downgrade.
ráɡòdìkwa (ráɡò-dìkwà-) pl. ráɡodikwi-
rárímòn (rárímònì-) v. to decline, de-
tín. n. ox song: composed and sung in
crease, diminish, drop off.
honor of a man’s totemic ox.
ratatáɲón (ratatáɲónì-) v. to be droopy,
ráɡòèda (ráɡò-èdì-) pl. ráɡoeditín. n. ox saggy.
name: taken in honor of a man’s
ràtòn (ràtònì-) v. to be at ground level.
totemic ox.
rátsɛ́s (rátsɛ́sì-) v. to mend, patch, repair
râɡwa (ráɡò-) pl. ráíkwa . n. ox. (by sewing).
raʝámón (raʝámónì-) v. to go down, re- rátsiés (rátsiesí-) v. to mend, patch, or
cede, reduce. repair repeatedly (by sewing).
raʝánón (raʝánónì-) 1 v. to back up, rêba (rébè-) n. finger millet. Eleusine
move back, retreat. 2 v. to regress, coracana.
revert. 3 v. to go down, recede, reduce rɛ̀ba (rɛ̀bɛ̀-) n. light rain prolonged for
(e.g. swelling or tumors). hours after a heavy rain.
raʝés (raʝésí-) 1 v. to return. 2 v. to rébèmɛ̀s (rébè-mɛ̀sɛ̀-) n. millet beer. See
answer, reply, respond. 3 v. to hold also ŋamarʉwáya .
back/off, resist. 4 v. to set (i.e. a dislo- rébès (rébèsì-) v. to deny, deprive, with-
cated joint). hold from.
raʝésúƙota (raʝésúƙotí-) v. to return: rébìmètòn (rébìmètònì-) v. to be denied,
give, put, send, or take back. deprived, withheld from.
raʝetés (raʝetésí-) 1 v. to return: bring, rɛ́bɔ̀n (rɛ́bɔ̀nì-) v. to be disruptive, inter-
give, or put back. 2 v. to answer, reply, ruptive.

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rɛɓɛ́dɔ̀n ríʝa

rɛɓɛ́dɔ̀n (rɛɓɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be tender (e.g. rɛsɛ́dɔ̀n (rɛsɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be rattty, tatty,

an egg or soft vegetable). See also worn out (e.g. old clothes).
reɗɛ́dɔ̀n. rétítésúƙota (rétítésúƙotí-) v. to bend
rɛ̀ɗɛ (rɛ̀ɗɛ̀) ideo. tenderly. over.
rɛɗɛ́dɔ̀n (rɛɗɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be tender rétón (rétónì-) 1 v. to be bent or bowed
(e.g. an egg or soft vegetable). See also over. 2 v. to be deformed, distorted in
rɛɓɛ́dɔ̀n. shape.
rɛɗɛɗánón (rɛɗɛɗánónì-) v. to crack, rexúkúmòn (rexúkúmònì-) v. to
crackle, pop (like roasting maize, tree be flabby, pudgy, tubby. See also
on fire, thunder, gunfire, or people talk- ɡerúsúmòn.
ing angrily). See also ɗɛɗɛanón. ri (rié-) n. goat(s).
rɛɗɛ́s (rɛɗɛ́sí-) v. to squash, squish (e.g. ríbiribánón (ríbiribánónì-) 1 v. to be
a louse or tick). See also ɓirés. crooked, jagged. 2 v. to be cross-eyed,
rɛ́ɛ́s (rɛ́ɛ́sì-) v. to coerce, extort, force, strabismic.
pressure. See also tɔrɛɛs. riɓiríɓón (riɓiríɓónì-) v. to glimmer,
rɛɛtɛ́s (rɛɛtɛ́sí-) v. to coerce, extort, shimmer (like a mirage).
force, pressure. rídziridzánón (rídziridzánónì-) v. to be
ragged, tattered.
rɛfɛ́kɛ́ɲɔ̀n (rɛfɛ́kɛ́ɲɔ̀nì-) v. to flump
down, plop down (often indecently ex- rɨɗɛ́s (rɨɗɛ́sí-) 1 v. to pinch, squeeze,
posing oneself). squish, wedge. 2 v. to clamp, clinch
(e.g. in teeth).
réɡiréɡòn (réɡiréɡònì-) v. to talk all at
once (of big crowds). riɗiesíƙwàz (riɗiesí-ƙwàzà-) pl. riɗie-
síƙwazíka . n. cloth tied around the
reídòn (reídònì-) v. to be egocentric,
waist (either to bind the stomach when
self-centered.
hungry or to act as a baby’s diaper).
rɛ́kɛ́s (rɛ́kɛ́sì-) v. to scrape off (e.g. hair riɗímétòn (riɗímétònì-) v. to clamp
from a skin). See also tʉkʉrɛs. shut, constrict, contract, narrow.
rɛƙɛ́ɲɛ́mɔ̀n (rɛƙɛ́ɲɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be scraw- riébàr (rié-bàrɔ̀) pl. riébarɨtín. n. flock
ny, stunted. of goats.
reŋíónuƙota (reŋíónuƙotí-) v. to have riéím (rié-ímà-) pl. riéwíka . n. goat kid.
seizures, seize frequently.
rieŋwa (rie-ŋwaá-) n. doe, nanny: fe-
rèŋòn (rèŋònì-) v. to faint, go uncon- male goat.
scious, pass out, swoon. riéófúr (rié-ófúrí-) pl. riéófúríka .
rɛ̀rrr (rɛ̀rrr) ideo. baa! (bleating sound n. goat-leather bag.
of goats and sheep). ríínós (ríínósí-) 1 v. to go or run after
rɛ̀s (rɛ̀sɛ̀) ideo. phoot! (sound made each other (as in children’s play). 2
when a spear pierces an animal’s body v. to have an affair, pursue each other
and comes out the other side). See also sexually.
pʉ̀ʉ̀t ᶶ. ríʝa (ríʝá-) pl. ríʝíka . n. bush, forest,
rɛ̀s (rɛ̀sɛ̀) ideo. rattily, tattily. scrub, woods.

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ríʝáàka rɔ́ɛ́s

ríʝáàka (ríʝá-àkà-) pl. ríʝáakɨtín. n. en- ritídòn (ritídònì-) v. to be delicious,

trance to thick bush or forest. scrumptious.
ríʝíkaaʝíka (ríʝíka-aʝíká-) n. bush coun- rítsɛ́s (rítsɛ́sì-) v. to catch (up with),
try, scrubland, woodland. Lit. ‘within overtake.
the forests’. rítsírɨtsánón (rítsírɨtsánónì-) v. to be
ríʝíkààm (ríʝíkà-àmà-) pl. ríʝíkaika . ceaseless, constant, never-ending (e.g.
n. bandit or vagabond in the bush. one’s supply of grain at home on a
ríʝíkànànès (ríʝíkànànèsì-) n. vaga- good year).
bondage, vagrancy (in the bush). See rìtⁱ (rìtì) ideo. kerplunk! (sound of
also xikwa . falling heavily).
rikíríka (rikíríkì-) pl. rikíríkìka . 1 rìtⁱ (rìtì) ideo. deliciously.
n. granite. 2 n. rocky outcrop. rò (rò) adv. actually, exactly, indeed.
rìkwa (rìkò-) pl. ríkwítín. n. horizontal rɔam (rɔamá-) 1 n. beads strung on a
supporting pole. string. 2 n. kabob, shish kebab, skew-
rìƙòŋ (rìƙòŋò-) pl. ríƙóŋìka . n. big wide- ered meat. Lit. ‘skewerable’.
mouth gourd used for brewing beer róbiróbòn (róbiróbònì-) v. to absorb
and storing water. heat (e.g. from the sun).
rɨmɛ́s (rɨmɛ́sí-) v. to appeal to, find rɔ́bɔ̀ɗɔ̀mɔ̀n (rɔ́bɔ̀ɗɔ̀mɔ̀nì-) v. to be
refuge in, shelter, take shelter in. crusted over, crusty, encrusted (e.g.
rɨmɛ́sá dìdìù v. to take shelter from rain. eyes or ears).
rìmòn (rìmònì-) v. to melt away, shrink ròɓa (ròɓà-) n. folk, people.
back (out of sight). ròɓà (ròɓà) interj. folks! people! (a term
ripa (ripá-) pl. ripitín. 1 n. hole, hollow. for addressing a group).
2 n. grave, tomb. rɔɓa (rɔɓá-) pl. rɔɓɨtín. n. animal collar,
ririanétòn (ririanétònì-) v. to become leash. Not to be confused with ròɓa .
blazing hot, sweltering. roɓa ni ɡúrítínía dayaáka n. humanitar-
ririanón (ririanónì-) v. to be blazing hot, ians, philanthropists. Lit. ‘people with
sweltering. good hearts’.
rirís (rirísá-) pl. rirísíka . n. tree used for roɓazeika (roɓa-zeiká-) n. adults, big
building and fencing. people, leaders.
rìrrr (rìrrr) ideo. hsss! (sound of a roɓazeikánánès (roɓazeikánánèsì-) 1
flame). n. adulthood (of many). 2 n. leader-
risés (risésí-) v. to affront, insult, offend. ship (of many).
rités (ritésí-) v. to move, push (e.g. flour rɔ̀ɓɔ (rɔ̀ɓɔ̀) ideo. gristlely, rubberily.
into a sack, soil into a hole). rɔɓɔ́dɔ̀n (rɔɓɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be cartilagi-
ritésúƙota (ritésúƙotí-) v. to move or nous, gristly, rubbery (when chewed).
push away. rɔɗɛ́s (rɔɗɛ́sí-) v. to perforate or pierce
ritetés (ritetésí-) v. to move or pull out making a popping sound.
(e.g. the small stick holding up a flat rɔ́ɛ́s (rɔ́ɛ́sì-) 1 v. to string, thread (e.g.
stone in a bird-trap). beads on a necklace, or meat on a

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Rɔ́ɡɛ̀hò rʉ́bɛ̀s

string of bark for carrying). 2 v. to rɔɲɛ́sá así (rɔɲɛ́sá así) v. to ingratiate,

skewer, spit. sidle up to, try to get close to.
Rɔ́ɡɛ̀hò (Rɔ́ɡɛ̀-hòò-) n. name of a hill or róŋ (róŋó-) n. something wrong in any
mountain. Lit. ‘reedbuck-hut’. way: bad, foolish, incorrect.
rɔ́ɡɛŋwa (rɔ́ɡɛ-ŋwaá-) n. female moun- Ròŋòta (Ròŋòtì-) n. name of a moun-
tain reedbuck. Redunca fulvorufula. tain in Turkanaland, Kenya, that the Ik
used to frequent in search of food. Also
ròɡìròɡa (ròɡìròɡì-) pl. róɡìròɡìka .
called Sòŋòta .
n. tortoise shell (made into a musical
rattle). rɔ́ɔ́s (rɔ́ɔ́sì-) 1 v. to be strung, threaded.
2 v. to be skewered.
roiróón (roiróónì-) v. to be loose, un-
affixed, unfastened (e.g. beads on a ròr (ròrì-) n. tree whose seeds are boiled
string, hoe on a handle). See also and eaten. Acacia sp. OR Boscia salici-
dolódòn. folia.
rɔ̀ʝɔ (rɔ̀ʝɔ̀) 1 ideo. squashily, squelchily, rɔrɛ́s (rɔrɛ́sí-) v. to sieve, sift, sort (e.g.
squishily. 2 ideo. arthritically. grains or rice to find and remove small
stones). See also ɨsalɛs.
rɔʝɔ́dɔ̀n (rɔʝɔ́dɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be squashy,
róróìɔ̀ka (róróì-ɔ̀kà-) n. upper hipbone,
squelchy, squishy (like boiled pumpkin
pelvis.
or mud). 2 v. to be arthritic. See also
ɓirídòn. rɔ́rɔ́tɔ̀n (rɔ́rɔ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to stoop over (as
when climbing a steep slope).
rɔ́ƙɛ́s (rɔ́ƙɛ́sì-) v. to install, mount, set
up (a beehive). róróya (róróì-) pl. róróìka . n. waist,
waistline.
rɔ́ƙɔ́ (rɔ́ƙɔ́ɔ̀-) pl. rɔ́ƙɔ́ìka . n. tamarind
tree whose sour fruits are eaten raw rɔtam (rɔtamá-) n. object or person un-
and whose seeds (ɗɛ̂ɡa ) are fried, dried, der surveillance (like a camp of ene-
and ground into flour; its leaves are mies or an animal trap that has been
crushed, infused, and sprayed over gar- set). Lit. ‘surveilable’.
dens as a pesticide. Tamarindus indica. rɔtɛ́ám (rɔtɛ́-ámà-) pl. rɔtéíka . n. scout,
sleuth, spy.
Rɔ́ƙɔ́dɛ̀ (Rɔ́ƙɔ́-dɛ̀à-) n. a sacred place
with a tamarind tree at the foot of rɔ́tɛ́s (rɔ́tɛ́sì-) v. to sleuth on, spy on,
the escarpment where religious cere- surveil.
monies used to be held. Lit. ‘tamarind- rɔwa (rɔwá-) pl. rówíkwa . n. field, flat-
foot’. land, flat meadow.
rɔ́ƙɔ́rɔƙánón (rɔ́ƙɔ́rɔƙánónì-) 1 v. to rɔwáám (rɔwá-ámà-) n. Turkana person.
be constricted, narrow, pressed. 2 Lit. ‘flatlander’.
v. to be gruff, hoarse, husky. See also rɔ̂ɡa (rɔ́ɡɛ̀-) n. mountain reedbuck. Re-
ƙoƙórómòn. dunca fulvorufula.
rɔ́mɔ́n (rɔ́mɔ́nì-) v. to be dense, impene- rúbès (rúbèsì-) v. to aggravate, exacer-
trable, thick (like an unburned thicket). bate, worsen.
rɔɲɛ́s (rɔɲɛ́sí-) v. to compress, force to- rʉ́bɛ̀s (rʉ́bɛ̀sì-) v. to hang by tucking,
gether (two non-fitting parts). tuck up.

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rʉ́bɛsʉƙɔta rùs

rʉ́bɛsʉƙɔta (rʉ́bɛsʉƙɔtí-) v. to hang up rʉʝɛtɛ́sá así v. to pull oneself back, re-

by tucking, tuck up. tract oneself (like a snake into a hole).
rʉ́bɛ̀tɔ̀n (rʉ́bɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) v. to germinate, rʉʝɛ́tɔ́n (rʉʝɛ́tɔ́nì-) v. to duck, get down
sprout up. See also ɓúrukúkón and (e.g. to hide from danger).
xúbètòn. rʉ̀ʝɔ̀n (rʉ̀ʝɔ̀nì-) v. to slouch, slump.
rʉ́bɔ̀n (rʉ́bɔ̀nì-) v. to germinate, sprout. rʉʝʉrʉ́ʝánón (rʉʝʉrʉ́ʝánónì-) v. to be
See also ɓúrukúkón and xúbòn. creased, wrinkled. See also turúʝón and
ruɓétón (ruɓétónì-) v. to collapse, fall, zamʉʝánón.
tumble (of buildings, fences, trees). rʉka (rʉkʉ́-) pl. rʉkɨtín. n. hump on an-
rúɓón (rúɓónì-) 1 v. to grunt in pain. 2 imal’s back (e.g. cow or camel).
v. to hoot (of large owls). rukûdza (rukúdzò-) pl. rukúdzìka .
a
ruɓonuƙot (ruɓonuƙotí-) v. to collapse, n. tree species whose black seeds
fall, tumble (of buildings, fences, trees). are boiled and added to porridge as a
medicine for chest infections, whose
ruɓutetés (ruɓutetésí-) v. to bring down,
bark is decocted and drunk to treat
cut down, fell.
meningitis, whose branching stems are
rúdzès (rúdzèsì-) v. to carry many of used to make mingling sticks, and
(e.g. things stuffed in pockets). whose wicked hooked thorns deliver
ruɗés (ruɗésí-) v. to perforate, punch a painful, poisonous scratches to the
hole in, puncture (e.g. something hard skin. Zanthoxylum chalybeum.
like a gourd or jerrycan). rukurúkón (rukurúkónì-) v. to be edgy,
rués (ruesí-) v. to deracinate, extirpate, jittery, jumpy, nervous.
pull up, uproot. See also ɗués. rúmánitésúƙota (rúmánitésúƙotí-) 1
rʉ́ɛ́s (rʉ́ɛ́sì-) v. to box in, corner, trap. v. to make fall, trip. 2 v. to fail, make
Rúfa (Rúfaa-) n. personal name of an fail.
elder from Kamion. rúmánòn (rúmánònì-) 1 v. to fall, stum-
a a
rúɡèts (rúɡètsì-) pl. rúɡètsìk . n. jut, ble, trip. 2 v. to have an accident or
protrusion, protuberance (e.g. in bone mishap. 3 v. to fail, flunk, lose.
or rock). rúmánònà kàràtsʉ̀ v. to be overthrown,
removed from office. Lit. ‘to fall from
rʉ́ɡʉ̀ɗʉ̀mɔ̀n (rʉ́ɡʉ̀ɗʉ̀mɔ̀nì-) v. to be
the chair’.
hunched or stooped over (like a person
or tree). See also mʉƙʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n. rumeta (rumetí-) n. downfall, failure,
fall.
rúɡuruɡánón (rúɡuruɡánónì-) v. to be
ragged, rough, rugged. rumétón (rumétónì-) v. to retire, retreat
(due to old age).
rʉʝanón (rʉʝanónì-) v. to be creased,
crinkled, wrinkled (like a woman’s rumurúm (rumurúmá-) pl. rumurú-
skin after birth). See also turúʝón and mìka . n. sharp grass stub left after a
zamʉʝánón. fire.
rʉʝɛ́s (rʉʝɛ́sí-) v. to pull back, resile, re- rùròn (rùrònì-) v. to bruise, contuse.
tract. See also dolés. rùs (rùsù) ideo. tenderly.

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rusúdòn ruutetés

rusúdòn (rusúdònì-) v. to be tender (like rʉtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (rʉtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to cram,

young weeds or well-cooked meat). jam, ram, stuff.
See also xɛɓɛ́dɔ̀n. rùtu (rùtù) ideo. splitch! (sound of goug-
rùta (rùtà-) n. pungently sweet fer- ing or stabbing).
mented porridge.
rutúdùm (rutúdùmà-) n. speckled pi-
rʉ́tɛ́s (rʉ́tɛ́sì-) v. to blow one’s nose, ex-
geon. Columba guinea.
sufflate.
rutésúƙota (rutésúƙotí-) v. to knife, rutukuɲ (rutukuɲu) ideo. dying as
thrust a knife into. many, in large numbers.
ruteta (rutetí-) n. hillside, mountainside. ruutésuƙota (ruutésuƙotí-) v. to pull or
ruteto n. along the side of a slope. tear out, uproot.
rʉtsɛ́s (rʉtsɛ́sí-) v. to cram, jam, ram, ruutetés (ruutetésí-) v. to pull out, tear
stuff. See also ɨsɨkɛs. out, uproot. See also ɗuetés.

228
sa sàsàr

s
sa (saí-) pro. some more, some other. sáɡwès (sáɡwèsì-) 1 v. to ensnare, en-
a
Sààŋìròàw (Sààŋìrò-àwà-) n. name of a tangle, snare, trap with a net. 2 v. to
hill or mountain. Lit. ‘Saŋiro’s place’. catch, corral, round up (as with a net).
See also kotsítésuƙota .
sáásò sìn n. yesterday.
sáítòn (sáítònì-) v. to encroach, infil-
sàbà (sàbàà-) pl. sábàìka . n. river. Not trate, invade (e.g. of enemies or a sick-
to be confused with sábà. ness).
sábà (sábàì-) pl. sábàìka . n. intra- sakalʉ́ka (sakalʉ́ká-) n. male kodowa :
abdominal fat, organ fat, visceral fat. unidentified antelope species.
Not to be confused with sàbà.
sakám (sakámá-) pl. sakámíka . n. liver.
Sabaa Damán n. name of a river. Lit.
sakánámòn (sakánámònì-) v. to
‘River Daman’.
be bowl-shaped, concave. See also
sàbààƙwa (sàbà-àƙɔ̀-) n. riverbed, river tsuƙúlúmòn.
bottom. sakátán (sakátánì-) n. thick, dry, un-
sàbàɡwàs (sàbà-ɡwàsà-) pl. sabaɡwa- burned grass (which when it catches
síka . n. black hammerstone obtained fire causes a hot, fast-burning blaze).
from riverbeds. Lit. ‘river-stone’. sakátánòn (sakátánònì-) v. to be dry,
sábʉ̀rʉ̀rɔ̀n (sábʉ̀rʉ̀rɔ̀nì-) v. to stick out thick, and unburned (of grass).
(e.g. the branches of a leafless tree, hair sakɛɨn n. last year, a year ago.
on cold skin, wet fur). Saloloŋ (Saloloŋó-) n. name of a river.
sáɓés (sáɓésì-) v. to kill, murder, slay sáɲamáta (sáɲamátí-) n. crumbly sedi-
(many). Compare with cɛɛ́s. mentary rock.
sáɓésìàm (sáɓésì-àmà-) pl. sáɓésiika . Saŋaɲ (Saŋaɲí-) n. a personal name.
n. killer, murderer, slayer (of more
saŋáŋá (<saŋáŋóòn) v.
than one).
saŋáŋóòn (saŋaŋóónì-/saŋaŋá-) v. to be
sáɓítetés (sáɓítetésí-) v. to cause to kill scaly, scurfy (e.g. the skin of a reptile
(more than one). or plucked bird).
sáɓúmós (sáɓúmósí-) v. to kill each Saŋar (Saŋarí-) n. name of a river
other. with an associated sacred place and its
sáɡoanón (sáɡoanónì-) v. to be entan- swarm of bees .
gled, entrapped, snared, tangled. See sarɨsar (sarɨsarí-) pl. sarísárìka .
also kòtsòn. n. bridge of nose, nasal bridge.
sáɡòsìm (sáɡò-sìmà-) pl. sáɡosimitín. sarísárìka (sarísárìkà-) n. grill of a vehi-
n. net trap, snare. cle.
sâɡwa (sáɡò-) n. net-trapping, snaring, sárón (sárónì-) 1 v. to still be. 2 v. to be
trapping with snares. not yet, not yet be.
sáɡwàràmòn (sáɡwàràmònì-) v. to be sàsàr (sàsàrà-) n. beeswax that is
bare, shadeless. chewed and spit out.

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sáta Sɛkɛɗíáwa

sáta (sátá-) pl. sátíkwa . n. shallow pool sêda (sédà-) pl. sédìka . n. garden.
on the surface of a rock. Compare with seekwa (seekó-) n. bouillon, broth, soup.
mɔƙɔr.
sɛ́ɛ́s (sɛ́ɛ́sì-) v. to make a funeral sacri-
sátíkócue (sátíkó-cué-) n. water from a
fice of a goat to prevent the deceased’s
pool on the surface of a rock.
ghost from disturbing the relatives (by
saúkúmòn (saúkúmònì-) v. to be fuzzy, stunting their growth and the yield of
hairy, woolly. their crops). See also ipúɲéés.
sawata (sawatɔ́-) pl. sáwátìka . n. shoul- sèɡa (sèɡà-) pl. séɡitín. n. um-
der. brella thorn: long-thorned tree species
sawatɔ́ɔ́ka (sawatɔ́-ɔ́kà-) pl. sáwátɨkɔɔ- whose bark fiber is used in building
kɨtín. n. shoulder bone, scapula. and whose seed-pods are eaten by
sawátsámòn (sawátsámònì-) v. to be goats. Acacia tortilis.
gangly, lanky, spindly (like tall grass or Sèɡààwa (Sèɡà-àwà-) n. name of a place
tall person). and a deserted village. Lit. ‘umbrella
sayó ɲásáàtìkàɛ n. sometimes (in terms thorn place’.
of hours). Seɡaika (Seɡa-icé-) n. traditional men’s
sè (sèà-) n. blood. age-group with the Umbrella Thorn
sèààm (sèà-àmà-) pl. seaika . n. blood- tree as its totem (#3 in the historical
thirsty person, killer, murderer. Lit. line). Lit. ‘Umbrella Thorn Folk’.
‘blood-person’. seɡer (seɡerí-) pl. séɡèrìka . n. soft-
seacɛmɛ́r (sea-cɛmɛrí-) n. blood herb: wood tree whose roots and bark are
vine species whose roots are crushed, pounded, soaked, and drunk for stom-
soaked in water, and a) drunk by ach ailments and whose bark, when re-
a woman having just given birth to moved from the wood, is used by chil-
stop her bleeding or b) sprinkled on dren as a flue, air-gun (for shooting
weapons by a woman who having just figs), or air-pump. Steganotaenia arali-
given birth so her bleeding does not acea.
jeopardize the hunt’s success. Seɡeríkwár (Seɡerí-kwárà-) n. name of
seamucé (sea-mucéè-) pl. seamucéìka . a mountain. Lit. ‘seɡer-mountain’.
n. blood vessel, vein. Lit. ‘blood-path’. Séíkwàr (Séí-kwàrà-) n. name of a
seáto n. empty-handed, unrewarded. mountain. Lit. ‘quartzite-mountain’.
séɓés (séɓésì-) 1 v. to brush, sweep. 2 seínení (seíneníì-) n. tree species whose
v. to sand. 3 v. to grade, level (roads). branches are used for fencing. Stere-
séɓésìàm (séɓésì-àmà-) pl. séɓésiika . 1 ospermum kuntianum.
n. sweeper. 2 n. road grader. Séítíníkokór (Séítíní-kokóró-) n. name
séɓésuƙota (séɓésuƙotí-) v. to brush or of a hill or mountain. Lit. ‘quartzite-
sweep away/off. ridge’.
séɓetés (séɓetésí-) v. to sweep up. Sɛkɛɗíáwa (Sɛkɛɗí-áwà-) n. name of a
seɓuránón (seɓuránónì-) v. to be hill or mountain and associated river.
scarred up. Lit. ‘Sɛkɛɗ’s place’.

230
sɛkɛmán sikwés

sɛkɛmán (sɛkɛmání-) n. grain that falls sɛsɛanónìàm (sɛsɛanónì-àmà-) pl. sɛsɛa-

to the ground through the drying plat- nóniika . n. gossiper, whisperer.
form. sésèn (sésènì-) n. tree species from
sɛkɛ́s (sɛkɛ́sí-) v. to scratch or scrub off. which bowls and stools are carved. Hy-
sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to scratch or menodictyon floribundum.
scrub off. Sɛʉsɛ́wa (Sɛʉsɛ́ʉ̀-) n. nickname of a colo-
Sɛkɛta (Sɛkɛtɛ́-) n. name of a river. nial British road engineer that worked
near Ikland.
sɛkɔnʉƙɔta (sɛkɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to fade (of
sɛ̀wa (sɛ̀wà-) pl. sɛ́wítín. n. cane, club,
color). See also kitsonuƙota .
stick.
sekweres (sekweresí-) v. to scurry up,
séya (séí-) pl. séítín. n. quartzite.
skitter up.
sîba (síbɔ̀-) n. barm, leaven, yeast.
seƙelánón (seƙelánónì-) v. to be dessi-
sɨbánón (sɨbánónì-) v. to be recently
cated, dried out (like old wood).
impregnated, pregnant (still in the first
sɛ̀lɛ̀tɛ (sɛ̀lɛ̀tɛ̀) ideo. schlip! (sound of slip- term when it cannot be seen).
ping). See also ʝʉ́rʉ́t ᶶ.
síbiónuƙota (síbiónuƙotí-) v. to stand
sɛlɛ́tɛ́mɔ̀n (sɛlɛ́tɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be slippy, around as a group.
slithery (e.g. a cat, snake, or spear in síbɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (síbɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to make
the air). stand around.
sɛlɛ́tɛ́tɔ̀n (sɛlɛ́tɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to slide or slip síbɔ̀n (síbɔ̀nì-) v. to stand around.
out (like paper from a printer).
sîda (sídà-) n. bee larva.
sémédedánón (sémédedánónì-) v. to be
sídàhò (sídà-hòò-) pl. sídahoíka . n. bee
inclined, sloped.
larva chamber.
semélémòn (semélémònì-) v. to be ellip- sídilé (sídiléè-) n. terrapin, turtle.
tical, oval (e.g. cucumber, egg, or river Pelomedusa subrufa.
stones).
sídɔ̀rɔ̀mɔ̀n (sídɔ̀rɔ̀mɔ̀nì-) v. to be slender,
sɛ́mìs (sɛ́mìsì-) n. Anglican, Protestant. slim (e.g. person or tree).
sɛ́rɛ́ƙɛƙánón (sɛ́rɛ́ƙɛƙánónì-) v. to be síɛ́s (síɛ́sì-) v. to smear (with funerary
runty, shrimpy, stunted. goat dung soon after a death).
sɛrɛpɛs (sɛrɛpɛsí-) v. to slip in, slip sìɡìrìɡìr (sìɡìrìɡìrì-) pl. síɡìrìɡìrìka .
through (e.g. when hiding a stick in the n. mane, ridge of hair.
grass). Siitán (Siitánì-) n. devil, Lucifer, Satan.
sɛrɛ́pɛ́sʉƙɔta (sɛrɛ́pɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to slip síkɔ́ɔ́rɛ́s (síkɔ́ɔ́rɛ́sí-) v. to winnow
into/through (e.g. pushing through a by pouring from a container to the
fence). ground.
sèrèya (sèrèì-) pl. seréíka . n. gourd basin sikusába (siku-sábàà-) n. tiger beetle
made from a large gourd cut in half. larva . Cicindelinae.
serínà (serínàà-) n. sorghum variety sikwárámòn (sikwárámònì-) v. to be
with short stalks and purplish seeds. wimpy, wussy. See also kalɛ́ɛ́tsɛránón.
sɛsɛanón (sɛsɛanónì-) v. to whisper. sikwés (sikwésí-) v. to braid, plait.

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sikwetés síɔ̀ɔ̀ta

sikwetés (sikwetésí-) 1 v. to braid or be sinewy, wiry (e.g. when malnour-

plait up. 2 v. to afflict, bring calamity ished).
upon. siméékwa (simé-ékù-) pl. simítíníek-
siƙa (siƙá-) n. dew. witín. n. center of a fiber-string snare
Siƙáke n. name of a place. Lit. ‘in the (once it is set). Lit. ‘cord-eye’.
dew’. símíɗiɗí (símíɗiɗíì-) n. mote, particle,
Sìƙètìà (Sìƙètìàà-) n. Siƙetia (I & II): two speck.
of the Ik’s twelve clans. sɨmɨɗímíɗɛ́s (sɨmɨɗímíɗɛ́sí-) v. to rub
Sìƙètìààm (Sìƙètìà-àmà) pl. Siƙetiaika . between fingers (e.g. dust, flour, or
n. Siƙetia clan member. sand).
sɨƙɨsíƙánétòn (sɨƙɨsíƙánétònì-) v. to be- sɨmɨránón (sɨmɨránónì-) v. to be cor-
come grainy, textured (like the ráɡan roded, rusty.
tuber or one’s fingerprints). sɨmírɔ́n (sɨmírɔ́nì-) v. to corrode, rust.
síƙísɨƙánón (síƙísɨƙánónì-) v. to be See also iróróòn.
grainy, textured (like the ráɡan tuber simísímàta (simísímàtì-) n. vine that
or one’s fingerprints). grows as a weed, is tough to cut with
síƙón (síƙónì-) 1 v. to sneeze, sternutate. hoe, and which climbs all over crops,
2 v. to snort, whistle (e.g. the alarm call dragging them down. Neotonia wightii.
of antelopes). sìn (=sìnà) 1 dem. that (yesterday). 2
sìƙwa (sìƙwà-) 1 n. sneeze, sternutation. rel. that/which (yesterday).
2 n. snort, whistle (e.g. the alarm call sìn (=sìnì) 1 dem. those (yesterday, plu-
of antelopes). ral). 2 rel. that/which (yesterday, plu-
sɨlaɓánón (sɨlaɓánónì-) v. to be diluted, ral).
thinned out. sìnà (sìnà) subordconn. when … (yester-
sɨláxìŋ (sɨláxìŋì-) n. cutting or slashing day). The main verb follows this word
of grass. takes the dummy pronoun.
sílím (sílímù-) n. HIV-AIDS. See also sínɛ́s (sínɛ́sì-) v. to cover (a corpse with
lóɓúlukúɲ. leaves and branches).
sɨlɔ́ʝɔ́mɔ̀n (sɨlɔ́ʝɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be bare, sɨŋíl (sɨŋílá-) n. small black ant species
denuded, naked, unadorned. See also that causes pain if it gets in an eye.
tuɗúsúmòn. Also called ɓáritson.
sílɔlɔ́ʝa (sílɔlɔ́ʝá-) n. slender mongoose. siŋírón (siŋírónì-) v. to brood, fume,
Herpestes sanguineus. sulk.
Silóya (Silóì-) n. a personal name. sìŋòn (sìŋònì-) v. to be depressed,
sim (simá-) pl. simitín. n. cord, string, gloomy, sad.
twisted fiber. Síɔ̀ɔ̀ta (Síɔ̀ɔ̀tɔ̀-) n. name of a river. Lit.
simááƙáta (simá-áƙátí-) pl. simááƙátíka . ‘large-leaf albizia’.
n. knot. Lit. ‘cord-nostril’. síɔ̀ɔ̀ta (síɔ̀ɔ̀tɔ̀-) pl. síɔɔtíka . n. large-
simánón (simánónì-) 1 v. to be fibrous, leafed albizia: tree species from whose
stringy (like sisal fiber). 2 v. to wood hoe handles, stools, spoons, and

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sír sómomóʝón

mingling sticks are carved. Albizia sɔɓɔ́lɔ́mɔ̀n (sɔɓɔ́lɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be over-

grandibracteata. grown, unkempt (e.g. a garden or
sír (sírì-) n. dropsy, edema. home).
sɔ́ɡɛ̀kàka (sɔ́ɡɛ̀-kàkà-) n. reed whose
sír (sírá-) n. early morning announce-
fruits are cooked as a vegetable. Celosia
ment or message of important informa-
schweinfurthiana.
tion delivered by an elder to the whole
village. Sɔ́ɡɛsabá (Sɔ́ɡɛ-sabáà-) n. name of a
river near Ròŋòta . Lit. ‘reed-river’.
síráàm (sírá-àmà-) pl. síráika . n. an- Also called Loteteleíta .
nouncer, herald (often a village elder).
sɔka (sɔkɔ́-) pl. sɔkɨtín. 1 n. root. 2
síránòn (síránònì-) v. to announce, de- n. hoof. 3 n. leg (of furniture).
clare, herald.
sɔ́ka (sɔ́ká-) pl. sɔ́kítín. 1 n. grooved
Síré (Síréè-) n. a personal name. spout of a gourd bowl (created by bi-
sɨs (sɨsí-) n. honey beer, mead: tra- secting the gourd’s stem). 2 n. gutter,
ditional grain beer with honey added trough.
right before drinking, making it po- sɔka na ƙwázàɛ n. bottom hem. Lit.
tently alcoholic. See also tsʼɔƙam. ‘root of the cloth’.
sɨsɨɓɛs (sɨsɨɓɛsí-) v. to bait or lure (bees sɔkɛda (sɔkɛdɛ-) pl. sɔ̀kìn. n. root.
by putting special leaves in or around sokóɗómòn (sokóɗómònì-) v. to be
a hive’s grass entrances). hooked, hooklike (like a cane or um-
sɨsɨka (sɨsɨká-) pl. sɨsííkìn. n. center, brella). See also lɔkɔ́ɗɔ́n.
middle. sokometa (sokometí-) n. small worker
sɨsɨkáám (sɨsɨká-ámà-) pl. sɨsɨkáíka . ant or termite.
n. middle child. sokósíìke v. quietly, softly.
sɨsɨkákɛ n. between, halfway, in the cen- Soƙoɡwáás (Soƙoɡwáásì-) n. name of
ter/middle. a mountain in the east of Ikland. Also
called Lopokóka .
sɨsíkɛ̂da (sɨsíkɛ́dɛ̀-) n. center, halfway
point, middle. soƙolánón (soƙolánónì-) v. to be curved
forward ( of horns or trees).
sítsʼa (sítsʼá-) pl. sítsʼítín. n. ritual killing,
sɔƙɔ́ɲɔ́mɔ̀n (sɔƙɔ́ɲɔ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be club-
sacrifice.
footed, clubhanded.
sítsʼa (sítsʼá-) 1 n. hair. 2 n. termite soƙóríties (soƙórítiesí-) v. to claw, rake
wings. with nails, scratch with claws.
sítsʼádɛ̀ (sítsʼá-dɛ̀à-) pl. sítsʼádɛíka . 1 sòlìsòl (sòlìsòlì-) n. sharp-bladed grass
n. hair follicle. 2 n. skin bump. Lit. species that can cut skin and is used
‘hair-foot’. for thatching and by children to make
sitsʼés (sitsʼésí-) v. to court, date, engage, whistles. Gramineae sp.
woo. Somálìà (Somálìàà-) n. Somalia.
sítsʼímós (sítsʼímósí-) v. to court, date, sómomóʝón (sómomóʝónì-) v. to be cov-
or engage each other. ered in sores, rashy, scabby.

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sɔn sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sídàkwa

sɔn (sɔní-) pl. sɔnɨtín. n. clitoris. sʉɓɛ́s (sʉɓɛ́sí-) v. to bewitch, hex, jinx.
sɔnííka (sɔní-íkà-) n. head or tip of the See also ipeɗes.
clitoris. sʉɓɛ́síàm (sʉɓɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. sʉɓɛ́síika .
Sópìà (Sópìàà-) n. Abyssinia, Ethiopia. n. bewitcher, hexer.
See also Isópìà. sùɓèta (sùɓètì-) n. preparation for
sore (soreé-) 1 n. boy. 2 n. son. travel.
soréím (soré-ímà-) pl. soréwíka . 1 n. lit- suɓétón (suɓétónì-) v. to get ready or
tle boy. 2 n. young son. prepare to go.
sʉ̀ɗa (sʉ̀ɗà-) pl. sʉ́ɗítín. n. last or lowest
sɔrɛ́s (sɔrɛ́sí-) v. to pluck.
rib.
sɔs (sɔsá-) 1 n. black beeswax, propolis.
Sʉɗán (Sʉɗánì-) n. South Sudan.
2 n. candle wax.
Suɡur (Suɡurá) n. a personal name.
sosóbòs (sosóbòsì-) n. sausage tree:
whose huge pods are used in ferment- suɡur (suɡurá-) pl. súɡùrìka . 1 n. air, air
ing beer or are cut into pieces as current, breeze, wind. 2 n. spirit. 3
charms to stop rain; Dodoth bisect the n. fever, flu, malaria. 4 n. cellular net-
pod and send a sick person through the work. 5 n. shrub whose root concoc-
halves to be healed; its parasitic plant tion is drunk as a remedy for the sugur
is also applied to swellings. Kigelia sickness.
africana. Suɡura ná Dà n. Holy Spirit: third per-
sotés (sotésí-) v. to carve, sculpt. son in the Christian Trinity. Lit. ‘spirit
that is glorious’.
sotetés (sotetésí-) v. to carve, sculpt.
suɡuráɗáwa (suɡurá-ɗáò-) pl. suɡu-
sɔ̂ɡa (sɔ́ɡɛ̀-) n. reed whose reddish stems ráɗáwítín. n. fan or propeller blade.
are used to weave baskets.
sʉ́kɛ́s (sʉ́kɛ́sì-) 1 v. to bypass, go around,
sʉ́bɛ̀s (sʉ́bɛ̀sì-) 1 v. to charm, influ- overtake. 2 v. to exceed, surpass, top.
ence, persuade, sway, tempt (for ill pur- 3 v. to win. See also ɨsʉkɛs.
poses). 2 n. to politick, win the sup-
sʉ́ƙɔ́n (sʉ́ƙɔ́nì-) v. to itch.
port of.
sʉ́ƙʉ́sʉƙá (sʉ́ƙʉ́sʉƙáà-) n. plant species
sʉ́bɛ̀sìàm (sʉ́bɛ̀sì-àmà-) pl. sʉ́bɛsiika .
that causes painful itching when
n. charmer, influencer, tempter.
touched. Tragia insuavis.
sʉ́bɛsʉƙɔta (sʉ́bɛsʉƙɔtí-) v. to charm, in- sʉ́ƙʉ́sʉƙáɡwa (sʉ́ƙʉ́sʉƙá-ɡwaá-) n. bird
fluence, persuade, sway, tempt (for ill species.
purposes).
sʉ̀ƙʉ̀tɛ̀là (sʉ̀ƙʉ̀tɛ̀làà-) n. hard crystal-
sʉ́bɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta así v. to seduce, tempt. lized honey.
sʉ́bʉnɔ́s (sʉ́bʉnɔ́sí-) v. to influence each sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́s (sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sí-) v. to brush, clean,
other (for ill purposes). scratch, scrub. See also sʉ́ʉ́tɛ́s.
súɓánòn (súɓánònì-) v. to get ready or sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sídàkwa (sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sí-dàkù-) pl.
prepare to go. sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sídakwitín. n. toothbrush. Lit.
súɓánònìàm (súɓánònì-àmà-) pl. súɓá- ‘brush-stick’. See also ɲáɓʉrás and
noniika . n. preparing traveler. tsɨtsín.

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sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sítsɨrím swèèè

sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sítsɨrím (sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sí-tsɨrímʉ́-) pl. sʉ́pɔ́nʉƙɔta (sʉ́pɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to breathe

sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sítsɨrímíka . 1 n. metal hook out, exhale.
used to scratch irritants like head lice. súr (súró-) pl. súrítín. n. shrub species
2 n. metal rod used to clean gun barrels. used for firewood and eaten by live-
Lit. ‘scratch-metal’. stock; it often provides shade for to-
sʉlʉ́tʉ́mɔ̀n (sʉlʉ́tʉ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be ob- bacco gardens; elders use its switches
long. to ceremonially whip hunters before
súm (súmá-) n. atmospheric haze. their departure on a hunt. Cadaba fari-
sʉ̀pa (sʉ̀pà-) pl. sʉ́pítín. 1 n. breath, ex- nosa. See also méta .
halation, inhalation. 2 n. spirit. 3 sʉrʉsʉ́rɔ́n (sʉrʉsʉ́rɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be
n. vowel. straight. 2 v. to be lanky.
sʉpaicíká ni isaáka n. ‘heavy’ vowels:
sʉ́s (sʉ́sá-) n. plant stubble left over
vowels made with Advanced Tongue
from the harvest of grains.
Root [+ATR].
sʉpaicíká ni líîda n. voiceless vowels. sùtòn (sùtònì-) v. to rally, respond as a
group (e.g. in response to an alarm).
sʉpaicíká ni nesíbòs n. voiced vowels.
sʉpaicíká ni ɔlɔ́daáka n. ‘light’ vowels: sʉ́ʉ́tɛ́s (sʉ́ʉ́tɛ́sí-) 1 v. to brush, clean,
made without Advanced Tongue Root scratch, scrub. 2 v. to sand. See also
[-ATR]). sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́s.
sʉpaicíká tódào n. vowels. Lit. ‘breath- sʉ́wa (sʉ́wá-) pl. sʉ́wín. n. beam, ray, or
ings in speech’. shaft of light. See also bás.
sʉpɛ́tɔ́n (sʉpɛ́tɔ́nì-) v. to breathe in, in- swèèè (swèèè) ideo. swish! (sound
hale. of brushing against something). The
sʉ́pɔ́n (sʉ́pɔ́nì-) v. to breathe, respire. vowels of this word are pronounced
See also ɨɛ́ŋɔ́n. silently.

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tàà tábunós

t
tàà (tàà) comp. i.e., that (is). are eaten raw, whose branches are
táá (táá=) adv. next (time). used as fighting switches, and whose
bark fibers are used to string beads. 2
táábaratsa (táábaratsó-) n. tomorrow
n. allium species: plant growing from
(morning).
a bulb and that produces a single large
táábaratso n. tomorrow (morning). red flower worn by children as a hat.
taasámòn (taasámònì-) v. to be sweet- Allium sp.
and-sour. See also mɨtɨmítɔ́n. tábàìàm (tábàì-àmà-) pl. tábaiika .
tààtsa (tààtsà-) n. payment, remunera- n. westerner.
tion.
tábaɨxan (tábaɨ-xaná-) dem. westerly di-
taatsaama tódàe n. speaker, spokesper- rection.
son.
tabam (tabamá-) n. tangible, touchable.
taatsakabáɗa (taatsa-kabáɗá-) pl. taa-
tsakabáɗíka . n. payment slip, receipt, taban (tabaní-) pl. tábànìka . 1 n. wing.
voucher. 2 n. fin.
taatses (taatsesí-) 1 v. to pay, remuner- tábàr (tábàrì-) pl. tábàrìka . n. dam,
ate. 2 v. to answer, reply, respond, pond, pool, waterhole.
retort. tàbàrìbàr (tàbàrìbàrì-) n. cocktail acacia
taatsesá bùɗàmàke v. to pay haphaz- ant. Crematogaster sp.
ardly (for what you did not do or take). tábarɨcue (tábarɨ-cué-) 1 n. pond water.
Lit. ‘to pay in the dark’. 2 n. African tea, milk tea.
taatsesa ɗoɗóbòe v. to show apprecia- tábàsànètòn (tábàsànètònì-) v. to be
tion to one’s caregivers (often by giv- patched, spotted (with different colors).
ing a gift of beer or honey). Lit. ‘to See also komolánón and koríánètòn.
pay for the baby-sling’.
tábàya (tábàì-) n. west.
taatsesa káwí v. to pay a fine unjustly
(for a crime one did not commit). Lit. tábès (tábèsì-) 1 v. to feel, touch. 2 v. to
‘to pay for ashes’. be about, concern, touch on. 3 v. to
move or stir emotionally.
taatsesa ɲéutsúrùⁱ v. to pay tax.
tábitetés (tábitetésí-) v. to make touch.
taatsesa tsam v. to pay in vain (for what
one does not owe). tábodiés (tábodiesí-) v. to touch all over.
taatsésuƙota (taatsésuƙotí-) 1 v. to pay tábòlèta (tábò-lètà-) pl. táboletitín.
off, repay. 2 v. to answer, reply, re- n. girl’s loincloth made from the bark
spond, retort. of the tâba shrub.
taatsetés (taatsetésí-) v. to answer, re- tabúétòn (tabúétònì-) v. to fizz, foam, or
ply, respond, retort. froth up, seethe over.
tâba (tábò-) pl. tábitín. 1 n. shrub tábunós (tábunósí-) 1 v. to touch each
species whose berries and young roots other. 2 v. to beat each other.

236
tabúón Takaniƙʉlɛ́

tabúón (tabúónì-) 1 v. to fizz, foam, taɗápítetés (taɗápítetésí-) v. to con-

froth, seethe. 2 v. to build up (the way struct or craft (a proverb, parable, rid-
termites build their mounds). dle, etc.).
tábʉrʉbʉ́rɔ́n (tábʉrʉbʉ́rɔ́nì-) v. to be taɗápítotós (taɗápítotósí-) pl. taɗápíto-
hot (of the ground). tósíicíka . n. parable, proverb, riddle,
taɓa (taɓá-) pl. taɓíkwa . n. boulder, saying.
large rock. taɗapos (taɗaposí-) v. to be mended,
taɓá (<taɓɛɛs) v. patched, repaired.
taɓádɛ̀ (taɓá-dɛ̀à-) pl. táɓíkódɛíka . taɗates (taɗatesí-) v. to break new
n. base or foot of a boulder. ground by plowing. See also túburés.
taɓakés (taɓakésí-) v. to carry by hand taɗatsánón (taɗatsánónì-) v. to be defi-
or in one’s arms. cient, lacking, insufficient.
Taɓákókór (Taɓá-kókóró-) n. name of a taɗɛɛs (taɗɛɛsí-/taɗá-) v. to overdo (e.g.
hill or mountain. Lit. ‘boulder-ridge’. a job, an amount of food, or even items
taɓales (taɓalesí-) v. to despoil, loot, a thief tries to steal).
plunder, ransack.
tafakés (tafakésí-) v. to spread out under
taɓɛɛs (taɓɛɛsí-/taɓá-) v. to extend, hold (e.g. a hide to catch falling flour).
out (e.g. one’s hands, palms-up, to
tafakésá así v. to sit immodestly (with
catch something or as a gesture of beg-
legs spread apart).
ging).
taɓólón (taɓólónì-) v. to exult, gloat. taítayó (taítayóò-) n. dizziness, light-
headedness, vertigo.
taɓolos (taɓolosí-) v. to be exultant, glee-
ful, gloating. taʝakes (taʝakesí-) 1 v. to hold by the jaw
or mouth (e.g. a person or a dog being
taɓóɲómòn (taɓóɲómònì-) v. to have
given medicine by force). 2 v. to re-
flat buttocks.
move the lower jaw (of a slain animal).
taɗá (<taɗɛɛs) v.
taʝales (taʝalesí-) v. to give up, let go of,
taɗaɗáŋón (taɗaɗáŋónì-) v. to be slight-
relinquish, surrender.
ly bitter but edible.
taʝálésuƙota (taʝálésuƙotí-) v. to give up,
taɗaŋes (taɗaŋesí-) v. to abide, bear, en-
let go of, relinquish, surrender.
dure, put up with, stand, tolerate.
taɗáŋón (taɗáŋónì-) v. to hang in there, taʝaletés (taʝaletésí-) v. to give up, let go
keep on, persist, prevail. of, relinquish, surrender.
tàɗàpààm (tàɗàpà-àmà-) pl. taɗapaika . takaɗes (takaɗesí-) v. to despise, dis-
n. ambusher. dain, hate. See also tsʼábès.
taɗapes (taɗapesí-) 1 v. to mend, patch, takánétòn (takánétònì-) v. to appear,
repair. 2 v. to ambush, waylay. See show up, surface, turn up.
also ɨɗaarɛ́s. Takaniƙʉlɛ́ (Takani-ƙʉlɛ́ɛ̀-) n. name of a
taɗapetés (taɗapetésí-) 1 v. to mend or place where the Turkana found an old
patch up, repair. 2 v. to ambush, way- woman because her elbow was visible.
lay. Lit. ‘appearing-elbow’.

237
takanités tamítámiés

takanités (takanitesí-) v. to detect, dis- talóón (talóónì-) v. to be nauseated,

cover, find. queasy.
takánón (takánónì-) 1 v. to be present, tamá (<tamɛɛs) v.
seen, visible. 2 v. to be clear, evident, tamáísánón (tamáísánónì-) v. to smile.
obvious.
tamanɛs (tamanɛsí-) v. to circumvent,
takár (takárí-) pl. takáríka . 1 n. forehead. encircle, go around, skirt.
2 n. face, visage.
tamanɛtɛ́s (tamanɛtɛ́sí-) v. to circum-
takárɛ̂da (takárɛ́dɛ̀-) n. face, front. vent, encircle, go around, skirt.
takátákánón (takátákánónì-) v. to be
tamánɛ́tɔ̀n (tamánɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to go or
cracked, fissured, fractured (e.g. heated
wind around.
rock, dried out mud puddle). See also
médemedánón. tamaniés (tamaniesí-) v. to circumvent,
encircle, go around, or skirt repeatedly.
tákés (tákésì-) v. to mean, mention, re-
fer to. tamátámatés (tamátámatésí-) v. to con-
sider, contemplate, mull over, ponder,
takiés (takiesí-) v. to lift carefully (palm
think on. See also tamítámiés.
upward).
Tamateeɓon (Tamateeɓonó-) n. name of
takwés (takwésí-) v. to step or tread on.
a river.
takwésá ɲamɨɨlɨí v. to pedal a bicycle.
tamɛɛs (tamɛɛsí-/tamá-) 1 v. to adore,
takwiesúƙota dáŋáe v. to trample edible extol, laud, praise (e.g. one’s spouse,
termites. a friend, or even an animal like a fa-
takwitakwiés (takwitakwiesí-) v. to vorite ox; may involve complimentary
step all over, trample. words and affectionate physical touch).
taƙáá na ŋáɲɔ́s n. open-toed shoe. 2 v. to give an admiring nickname to.
taƙámón (taƙámónì-) v. to chance upon, tamɛɛsíêda (tamɛɛsí-édì-) pl. tamɛɛsíé-
come across, happen upon. ditín. n. affectionate nickname.
tàƙàta (tàƙàtà-) n. call-and-response tamɛ́s (tamɛ́sí-) v. to think.
group prayer. tamɛ́síàm (tamɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. tamɛ́síika .
taƙates (taƙatesí-) v. to lead call-and- n. contemplative, thinker.
response group prayers. tamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (tamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to recall,
a
taƙátésuƙot (taƙátésuƙotí-) v. to pray recollect, remember, think back on.
against/away. tamɛtɛ́s (tamɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to consider,
taƙáya (taƙáí-) pl. taƙáíka . n. shoe. imagine, ponder, think about. 2 v. to
talakes (talakesí-) 1 v. to free, let go, re- recall, recollect, remember. See also
lease. 2 v. to allow, permit. See also anɛtɛ́s.
hoɗés. támínɔ́s (támínɔ́sí-) 1 v. to think about
tàlàlìdòm (tàlàlìdòmò-) n. small animal each other. 2 v. to compare each other.
species that steals food from homes, es- tamítámiés (tamítámiesí-) v. to con-
pecially from pots of food (possibly a sider, contemplate, mull over, ponder,
type of mongoose). think on. See also tamátámatés.

238
tamɨtɛtɛ́s tarares

tamɨtɛtɛ́s (tamɨtɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to remind. 2 taŋasɛs (taŋasɛsí-) v. to discharge,

v. to memorize. 3 v. to record. give marching orders to, order out (e.g.
tàn (tànì-) n. a lot, plenty. Also used hunters or soldiers).
as the second word in a compound taŋates (taŋatesí-) v. to grab, snatch. See
word, where the first word refers to also ŋusés and tokopes.
that which is much or many. taŋátésuƙota (taŋátésuƙotí-) v. to grab
taná (<tanɔ́ɔ́n) v. or snatch away. See also tokópésuƙota .
tànàŋ (tànàŋà-) n. mud plaster. taŋatsárón (taŋatsárónì-) v. to branch,
tanaŋes (tanaŋesí-) 1 v. to box, knock, fork, split. See also tɛlɛ́tsɔ́n and toŋélón.
punch, slug. 2 v. to mud, plaster (with taŋɛ́ɛ̂da (taŋɛ́ɛ́dɛ̀-) pl. taŋáíkɨn. pro. co-:
mud). cohort, colleaque, comrade, etc.
tanaŋínáŋesuƙota (tanaŋínáŋesuƙotí-) táŋɛ́s (táŋɛ́sì-) v. to advise, counsel, dis-
v. to bang into repeatedly, knock suade (from wrongdoing).
around.
taŋɛtɛ́s (taŋɛtɛ́sí-) v. to advise, counsel,
tanɔ́ɔ́n (tanɔ́ɔ́nì-/taná-) v. to be how dissuade (from wrongdoing).
many?
táŋínɔ́s (táŋínɔ́sí-) v. to advise or coun-
taɲálá (<taɲáléés) v. sel each other.
taɲálá (<taɲálóòn) v. tapá (<tapɛɛs) v.
taɲáléés (taɲáléésí-/taɲálá-) v. to divide, tapáínɔ́s (tapáínɔ́sí-) v. to accuse or
parcel, portion (e.g. food or tobacco). blame each other falsely.
taɲáléetés (taɲáléetésí-) v. to divide up, tapɛɛs (tapɛɛsí-/tapá-) v. to accuse or
parcel out, portion out (e.g. food or to- blame falsely.
bacco).
tárábes (tárábesí-) 1 v. to fondle or
taɲáléetésá así v. to collapse, crumble, grope (as in a sexual encounter). 2
fall down (e.g. house, riverbank, wall). v. to pat down, search (as in a security
taɲálóòn (taɲálóònì-/taɲálá-) v. to col- check). See also ídadamɛ́s.
lapse, crumble, fall down (e.g. house, tárábiés (tárábiésí-) 1 v. to fondle
riverbank, wall). See also ɲalámétòn. or grope all over (as in a sexual en-
taɲɛɛs (taɲɛɛsí-) 1 v. to enlarge, expand. counter). 2 v. to pat down or search
2 v. to elaborate or expound on. See all over (as in a security check).
also ɨɲɛɛs. taráɗá (taráɗáà-) 1 n. groundnut(s),
taɲɛ́ɔ́n (taɲɛ́ɔ́nì-) v. to blow up, expand peanut(s). See also ɲépulé. 2 n. striped
(e.g. balloon, cloud, fire). See also xu- ground squirrel. Xerus erythropus.
anón. taraŋés (taraŋésí-) v. to put or set
taŋáíkìn (taŋáíkìnì-) pro. co- (plural): co- nearby.
horts, colleagues, comrades, etc. tarares (tararesí-) v. to gather, glean,
tàŋàs (tàŋàsì-) n. marching orders (for harvest, reap (from the ground). See
hunting, patrolling, etc.). also ɨrárátés and ɨrarɛs.

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tarates tatifíánón

tarates (taratesí-) 1 v. to be naughty, be- tasɔ́ɔ́n (tasɔ́ɔ́nì-/tasá-) v. to amble,

have badly. 2 v. to abuse sexually, mo- promenade, stroll.
lest. tata (tatí-) n. saliva, spit, spittle.
taratiés (taratiesí-) v. to be naughty, be- tátà (tátàà-) pl. tátaín. n. my aunt (fa-
have badly (as a habit). ther’s sister).
taríɔ́n (taríɔ́nì-) v. to be pregnant. tátàèàkwa (tátà-èàkwà-) n. my uncle (fa-
tás (tásá-) pl. tásítín. 1 n. grave, ther’s sister’s husband).
gravesite, tomb. 2 n. ghost, ghoul, tátàìm (tátà-ìmà-) pl. tátawika . n. my
phantom, wraith. 3 n. the deceased, cousin (father’s sister’s child).
departed, the late. 4 n. mark, scar. tatanám (tatanámà-) n. so-and-so,
tasá (<tasɔ́ɔ́n) v. whats-their-name.
tasá (<tasɛɛs) v. tataɲes (tataɲesí-) v. to catch sight of
tasaɓes (tasaɓesí-) v. to add on, increase, suddenly.
pile on. tatata (tatatí-) pl. tatatíkwa . 1 n. his/her
tasaɓesa mɛnáɛ v. to exaggerate, hyper- aunt (father’s sister). 2 n. his/her
bolize. Lit. ‘to add on words’. cousin.
tasálétòn (tasálétònì-) v. to call off, can- tatatíéákwa (tatatí-éákwà-) n. his/her
cel, forego (e.g. a meal or a journey). uncle (father’s sister’s husband).
tasálétona kíʝáe 1 n. failure of a season tatatíím (tatatí-ímà-) pl. tatatíwíka .
(e.g. the harvest). 2 n. apocalypse, end n. his/her cousin (father’s sister’s
of the world. child).
tatés (tatésí-) 1 v. to spit. 2 v. to affront,
tasálón (tasálónì-) v. to call off, cancel,
disrespect, insult (e.g. by giving a small
forego (e.g. a meal or a journey).
amount of food).
tasápánitetés (tasápánitetésí-) v. to in-
tatésúƙota (tatésúƙotí-) v. to spit out.
duct or initiate into a higher age-group.
tatíáʝa (tatí-áʝì-) n. spit-pestle plant:
tasapánón (tasapánónì-) v. to be in-
species whose finger-sized roots are
ducted or initiated into the next age-
bitten and the juice is spat on the pestle
group.
used to pound termites.
Tasapetíáwa (Tasapetí-áwà-) n. name of tatiés (tatiesí-) 1 v. to spit repeatedly. 2
a place. Lit. ‘initiation-place’. v. to bless. See also ɨmwaímwɛ́ɛ́s.
tasápétòn (tasápétònì-) n. to get in- tatiesíám (tatiesí-ámà-) pl. tatiesííka . 1
ducted or initiated into the next age- n. spitter (e.g. of morsels fed by a be-
group. reaved elder). 2 n. blesser.
tasɛɛs (tasɛɛsí-/tasá-) v. to bring up, tatíésuƙota (tatíésuƙotí-) v. to spit out
raise, rear (children or animals). repeatedly (e.g. food as part of a fu-
tásɛ̂da (tásɛ́dɛ-) pl. tásín. 1 n. grave, neral ceremony).
gravesite, tomb . 2 n. scar. tatifíánón (tatifíánónì-) v. to be fester-
tasónón (tasónónì-) v. to be sad, sorrow- ing, suppurating (includes pus and dirt-
ful. See also itásónòn. iness).

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tatíón teɡeles

tatíón (tatíónì-) v. to drip (of rain). té (té) interj. oh! (an expression of sur-
tatiós (tatiosí-) v. to be blessed. prise).
tatitésuƙotíám (tatitésuƙotí-ámà) pl. ta- tɛ̀ (tɛ̀) ideo. snap! (sound of breaking
titésuƙotííka . n. bereaved elder who firewood).
feeds morsels to the family which they tebeleƙes (tebeleƙesí-) pl. tebeléƙésìka .
must then spit out on the ground. n. broken gourd ladle.
tátó (tátóò-) pl. tátóín. n. your aunt (fa- tɛ́bɛ̀s (tɛ́bɛ̀sì-) v. to scoop, take up.
ther’s sister). tɛ́bɛsɨama ʝʉmwí n. digger, excavator.
tátóéákwa (tátó-éákwá-) n. your uncle tɛ́bɛsɨama kíʝáe n. curser of natural re-
(father’s sister’s husband). sources: sorcerer who takes soil or wa-
tátóím (tátó-ímá-) pl. tátówíka . n. your ter from one place to make that area
cousin (father’s sister’s child). have a drought or a poor crop yield.
tàtòn (tàtònì-) v. to spit. tɛ́bɛtaná bì v. welcome! (to one person).
tatónón (tatónónì-) v. to sit dejectedly tɛ́bɛtaná bìta v. welcome! (to more than
with one’s chin in one’s hand or on one person).
one’s knees (due to coldness, depres-
tɛ́bɛtɛ́s (tɛ́bɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to scoop out/up.
sion, sadness, etc.).
2 v. to fetch, get. 3 v. to receive, wel-
tatsá (<tatsɔ́ɔ́n) v. come.
tatsáɗésuƙota (tatsáɗésuƙotí-) v. to tébinés (tébinésí-) v. to lean on (e.g. a
keep away/back, retain. walking stick).
tatsáɗón (tatsáɗónì-) v. to break away, tébitebiés (tébitebiesí-) v. to respond re-
secede. peatedly (as in bird or animal calls).
tatsɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n (tatsɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀nì-) n. to clear off/up Teɓur (Teɓurí-) n. Abim, Labwor.
(e.g. weather).
teɓúránétòn (teɓúránétònì-) 1 v. to
tatsɔ́ɔ́n (tatsɔ́ɔ́nì-/tatsá-) v. to be bright, lose reddish-brown color (of newborn
clear (e.g. of the sky or weather). Africans). 2 v. to enter puberty, ma-
tatʉ́n (tatʉ́ná-) pl. tatʉ́níka . n. chin, ture sexually.
mentum. teɓúsúmòn (teɓúsúmònì-) v. to be bloat-
a ed, distended, inflated (e.g. a child’s
táùn (táùnì-) pl. táùnìk . n. town, trad-
ing center. See also ɲálaín. belly).
tawaɗes (tawaɗesí-) v. to dig (in search tɛɛmɛ́mɔ̀n (tɛɛmɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be break-
of water). able, fragile.
tawanes (tawanesí-) v. to afflict, harm, tɛɛtɛ́ (tɛɛtɛ́ɛ̀-) n. tree species whose
hurt. stems are used as house poles and
tawanímétòn (tawanímétònì-) v. to be whose wood is carved into spoons.
afflicted, badly off, suffering. tɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n (tɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to drop, fall.
tawánítetés (tawánítetésí-) v. to afflict, teɡeles (teɡelesí-) v. to bar, barricade,
harm, hurt. block. See also toƙólésuƙota .

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teɡelesa ɲerukuɗeé terémón

teɡelesa ɲerukuɗeé v. to block the road, tènùs (tènùsè-) n. male Beisa oryx. Oryx
make a roadblock. gazella beisa.
téíètòn (téíètònì-) v. to fall down repeat- tɛɲɛfɛs (tɛɲɛfɛsí-) v. to harass, hassle.
edly. tɛɲɛ́fʉ́nɔ́s (tɛɲɛ́fʉ́nɔ́sí-) v. to harass or
tɛɨƙɔ́tɔ̀n (tɛɨƙɔ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to drop, fall. Also hassle each other.
pronounced as tɔɔnʉƙɔta . tɛŋɛlɛs (tɛŋɛlɛsí-) 1 v. to chip. 2 v. to
tɛɨtɛ́sʉƙɔta (tɛɨtɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to drop, excise (the two lower front teeth for
make fall. culturally cosmetic purposes). See also
ŋɛlɛ́s.
tɛɨtɛtɛ́s (tɛɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to drop, make fall.
tɛ́ŋɛ́r (tɛ́ŋɛ́rì-) n. crime, lawbreaking, of-
tɛ́kɛ̀nìkɔ̀l (tɛ́kɛ̀nìkɔ̀lɔ̀-) n. technical
fense.
school, vocational school.
tɛ́ŋɛ́rìàm (tɛ́ŋɛ́rì-àmà-) pl. tɛ́ŋɛ́riika .
tɛkɛɲɛs (tɛkɛɲɛsí-) v. to peek or peer
n. criminal, lawbreaker, offender.
through (e.g. eyelids or maize husks).
terêɡa (teréɡì-) pl. teréɡiicíka . 1 n. em-
tekeɲiés (tekeɲiesí-) v. to peek or peer
ployment, job, task, work. 2 n. min-
through repeatedly (e.g. eyelids or
istry, service.
maize husks).
teréɡa na kaúdzòe n. work for pay.
Tekó (Tekóò-) n. a personal name.
tereɡanés (tereɡanésí-) v. to work. See
tɛ́ƙɛ́dɛ̀mɔ̀n (tɛ́ƙɛ́dɛ̀mɔ̀nì-) v. to be shal- also ikásíés.
low. See also tɛƙɛ́zɛ̀mɔ̀n.
teréɡanitetés (teréɡanitetésí-) v. to em-
tɛƙɛram (tɛƙɛramá-) n. soldier ant or ter- ploy, hire, put to work, work. See also
mite. ikásíitetés.
tɛ́ƙɛ́zɛ̀mɔ̀n (tɛ́ƙɛ́zɛ̀mɔ̀nì-) v. to be shal- teréɡìàm (teréɡì-àmà-) pl. teréɡiika .
low. See also tɛƙɛ́dɛ̀mɔ̀n. n. employee, hired hand, worker.
tɛlɛɛs (tɛlɛɛsí-) v. to open up, spread teréɡiama awáe n. domestic servant,
apart (e.g. arms, legs, or wings). house help.
Tɛ́lɛ́ka (Tɛ́lɛ́kì-) n. Telek (I & II): two of Teréɡiicíká Dɛɨkaicé n. Acts of the Apos-
the Ik’s twelve clans. tles: New Testament book.
Tɛ́lɛ́kìàm (Tɛ́lɛ́kì-àmà-) pl. Tɛ́lɛ́kiika . teréɡikabáɗa (teréɡi-kabáɗá-) pl. teréɡi-
n. Telek clan member. kabáɗíka . n. work contract.
tɛlɛ́tsɔ́n (tɛlɛ́tsɔ́nì-) v. to branch, fork, tɛ́rɛƙɛ́ƙɛ (tɛ́rɛƙɛ́ƙɛɛ́-) n. meningitis. See
split. See also taŋatsárón and toŋélón. also ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɛ́ƙɛ.
tɛ̀mʉ̀r (tɛ̀mʉ̀rà-) pl. tɛmʉ́ríka . 1 n. beard, tɛrɛƙɛs (tɛrɛƙɛsɛ) ideo. all night, the
goatee. 2 n. pubic hair. See also whole night, till morning.
ɲɛ́pɛ́nɛka . terémétòn (terémétònì-) v. to part ways,
tenáka (tenáa) adv. and yet, while (ear- separate, split up.
lier today). terémón (terémónì-) 1 v. to part ways,
tènòko (tènòò) adv. and yet, while (a separate, split apart. 2 v. to divorce,
long time ago). separate, split up. 3 v. to rebel, rise up.

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terémónuƙota tíír

terémónuƙota (terémónuƙotí-) v. to di- tɛtsɛ́sá ɲéperétì v. to march in a parade,

vorce, separate, split up. parade. Lit. ‘to kick the parade’.
tɛrɛrɛ́ɔ́n (tɛrɛrɛ́ɔ́nì-) v. to be astringent. tetsítétsiés (tetsítétsiesí-) v. to kick re-
See also ƙɛ́rɨƙɛ́rɔ̀n. peatedly.
Terés (Terésí-) n. October. See also Tɛʉ́sɔ̀ (Tɛʉ́sɔ̀ɔ̀-) n. name given the Ik by
Lɔlɔɓáya . the Ateker peoples.
terés (terésí-) 1 v. to divide, separate, tɛwɛɛs (tɛwɛɛsí-) v. to broadcast, scatter
split. 2 v. to arbitrate, intercede, liaise, (seeds), sow.
mediate. tɛ̀wɛ̀r (tɛ̀wɛ̀rà-) pl. tɛwɛ́ríka . n. bridge.
tɛ́rɛ́s (tɛ́rɛ́sì-) v. to roam, rove, wander. tɛwɛrɛs (tɛwɛrɛsí-) v. to blacken, dye
terésúƙota así v. to separate oneself, set black (e.g. hair with ground ironstone
oneself apart. or the seeds of Pappea capensis).
tɛ́zɛ̀ɗɔ̀n (tɛ́zɛ̀ɗɔ̀nì-) v. to be bent back
terétéránitésúƙota (terétéránitésúƙotí-)
(e.g. one’s leg when sitting).
v. to divide up, separate out, split up
(in groups or pieces). tɛ́zɛ̀tɔ̀n (tɛ́zɛ̀tɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be all done, all
gone, finished, out, used up. 2 v. to die,
terétéránón (terétéránónì-) v. to be di-
expire.
vided up, separated out, split up (in
groups or pieces). tíbɨɗɛ́sɔ́n (tíbɨɗɛ́sɔ́nì-) v. to be consti-
pated.
tereties (teretiesí-) 1 v. to divide up, sep-
arate, split up (into groups). 2 v. to tíbìɗìlɔ̀n (tíbìɗìlɔ̀nì-) v. to go head-over-
segregate, show favoritism, single out. heels, somersault.
tɨbíɛ́tɔ̀n (tɨbíɛ́tɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to bulge, pro-
teretiesá ínóe v. to divide up an animal
trude, stick out. 2 v. to be constipated.
into parts.
tɨbíɔ́n (tɨbíɔ́nì-) v. to be bulging, protrud-
teretiinós (teretiinósí-) v. to be
ing, sticking out.
disunited with each other, divided
amongst each other. tíbòlòkòɲ (tíbòlòkòɲì-) pl. tíbòlòkòɲìka .
n. claw, nail (finger or toe), talon.
teretiós (teretiosí-) 1 v. to be divided up,
separated, split up. 2 v. to be segre- tɨɓa (tɨɓɔ́-) n. tall grass species used for
gated, singled out. thatching and whose stalks are chewed
for their sweet juice. Gramineae sp.
térútsù (térútsù) adv. after, when al-
tìɓɨ (tìɓì) ideo. tightly.
ready. See also tórútsù.
tíɡàkètòn (tíɡàkètònì-) v. to get down
tɛ̀s (tɛ̀sɛ̀) ideo. broken beyond repair.
on all fours.
tèsìn (tèsìnà) adv. and yet, while (yes- tíɡàkòn (tíɡàkònì-) v. to be on all fours.
terday, recently).
tíɡàràmàtsa (tíɡàràmàtsì-) pl. tíɡàràmà-
tetíŋón (tetíŋónì-) v. to be thick (e.g. tsìka . n. eldest child, firstborn.
clothing or metal).
tíír (tíírì-) pl. tíírìka . n. tree species with
tɛtsɛ́s (tɛtsɛ́sí-) v. to kick. long thorns and often used in fencing
tɛtsɛ́sá jéjèìkàe v. to kick hides or skins and whose wood is carved into stools
(in order to spread them out to dry). and digging sticks. Acacia sp.

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tíítɨɨtíì tirés

tíítɨɨtíì (tíítɨɨtíì) ideo. vreevreew! (sound building and fencing; a bark decoction
of whistling). is drunk to treat pain and snakebites.
tɨɨtsʼímɔ̀n (tɨɨtsʼímɔ̀nì-) v. to be narrow, Ziziphus mucronata.
small (of an opening, like an eye). tiléŋ (tiléŋì-) pl. tiléŋìka . n. pupil of the
tɨkɨɛtɛ́s (tɨkɨɛtɛ́sí-) v. to hang up (e.g. eye.
seeds for next year’s planting). tilímón (tilímónì-) v. to cease or stop
tikitetés (tikitetésí-) v. to scrape clean (blowing or boiling).
(e.g. bottom of a pan). tɨlíwɔ́n (tɨlíwɔ́nì-) v. to be pristine, pure,
e
tikítíkona ɡúró v. to feel faint or weak virginal.
(from fear, high blood-sugar, etc.). tìlòkòtsa (tìlòkòtsì-) n. African grey
tíkòŋ (tíkòŋù-) n. shrub species whose hornbill. Tockus nasutus.
berries are eaten and whose roots tilótsʼómòn (tilótsʼómònì-) v. to be little
are chewed raw by one who swore in volume (a container, tree-hole, etc.).
not to go somewhere and then goes, Timatéwa (Timatéò-) 1 n. Timothy. 2
the chewing protecting him/her from n. Timothy: New Testament book.
falling ill. Lantana trifolia.
tɨmɛ́l (tɨmɛ́lí-) pl. tɨmɛ́líka . 1 n. rafter
tìkɔ̀r (tìkɔ̀rà-) n. hail, ice. stick (running vertically toward the
tikorotóta (tikorotótó-) 1 n. aloe. Aloe center in the roof of a grass-thatched
sp. 2 n. persistent beggar. hut). 2 n. small stick used in a bird
tìkɔ̀rɔ̀tsa (tìkɔ̀rɔ̀tsì-) n. scaly francolin. snare to trigger the release of a large
Francolinus squamatus. bent stick connected to a small string.
tíkⁱ (tíkí) ideo. midnight black, pitch tɨmɨɗɛs (tɨmɨɗɛsí-) v. to lick clean, lick
black. up (using one’s fingers).
tiƙódzòmòn (tiƙódzòmònì-) v. to be timóya (timóí-) pl. timóíka . n. tail.
shallow. See also tɛƙɛ́dɛ̀mɔ̀n and Tímumucé (Tímu-mucéè-) n. Timu
tɛƙɛ́zɛ̀mɔ̀n. Road.
tìl (tìlà-) n. vine species whose black tìmùòz (tìmùòzà-) n. alpha male baboon.
seeds are worn as beads on girls’ See also òlìòta .
loincloths and whose parasitic plant tìnòn (tìnònì-) v. to be opaquely thick.
(tìlàlɛ̀z ) is used by boys as a charm to
tɨɲíɲ (tɨɲíɲí-) n. black flying ant species.
attract girls. Cardiospermum corindum.
tiŋátiŋá (tiŋátiŋáà-) n. rat species.
tìlàlèta (tìlà-lètà-) pl. tilaletitín. n. girls’
small beaded loincloth made with the tíɔ̀ (tíɔ̀) interj. now now! there there! (an
seeds of the tìl vine. expression of calming).
tìlàlɛ̀z (tìlà-lɛ̀zà-) n. plant that is para- tíɔ ʝɔ́ɔ̀ interj. now now! there there! (an
sitic to the tìl vine and which is used expression of calming).
by boys as a charm to attract girls. tìr (tìrì) ideo. very full.
tílàŋ (tílàŋì-) n. buffalo thorn: tree tirés (tirésí-) v. to copulate, have sex,
species whose reddish-brown fruits are or mate with. Not to be confused with
eaten raw and whose wood is used for tírésǃ

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tírés tɨtsʼɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta

tírés (tírésì-) v. to handle, have, hold. tiróŋ (tiróŋí-) pl. tiróŋíka . n. molar.
Not to be confused with tirésǃ tisílón (tisílónì-) 1 v. to be lonely, lone-
tírésa dzɔɗátí v. to be greedy. Lit. ‘to some. 2 v. to be calm, peaceful, placid,
hold the rectum’. quiet.
tirésíama ínóe n. bestialist. titianón (titianónì-) 1 v. to be piping hot,
tirésíama tsʼóóniicé n. necrophilist. very hot. 2 v. to be feverish. 3 v. to be
fashionable, smart, stylish.
tirésíàwa (tirésí-àwà-) pl. tirésíawíka .
tɨtíʝa (tɨtíʝí-) pl. tɨtíʝíka . n. heel.
n. sexual rendezvous, tryst.
tɨtíʝíkòn (tɨtíʝí-kònì-) n. Achilles tendon.
tírésìàwa (tírésì-àwà-) pl. tírésiawíka .
n. grip, handgrip, handle, hold. titikes (titikesí-) 1 v. to hold back, fore-
stall, stall. 2 v. to hold with teeth, sink
tɨrɨfɛs (tɨrɨfɛsí-) v. to check out, investi-
teeth into (to prevent escape).
gate, observe, peer at.
Titímá (Titímáà-) n. May: month of ripe
tɨrɨfɛtɛ́s (tɨrɨfɛtɛ́sí-) v. to check out, in- grain. See also Kɨnám.
vestigate, observe, peer at.
titímáiƙota (<titímóonuƙota ) v.
tɨrɨfɛtɛ́síàm (tɨrɨfɛtɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. tɨrɨfɛtɛ́-
tɨtɨmɛs (tɨtɨmɛsí-) v. to observe, study.
síika . n. detective, investigator.
titímóonuƙota (titímóonuƙotí-/titímá-
tirifiés (tirifiesí-) v. to check out thor-
iƙot-) v. to near maturity (of grain)
oughly, investigate.
to the point where the seed-heads are
tirifiesíáma ɲápukání n. government in- about to open up.
vestigator or security officer.
titír (titírí-) pl. titíríka . n. forked pole.
tɨrɨfírífɛ́s (tɨrɨfírífɛ́sí-) v. to investigate, titirés (titirésí-) v. to prop, support, un-
look around, snoop around. dergird.
Tíríkɔ̀l (Tíríkɔ̀lì-) n. name of a river near titirésíɡwàs (titirésí-ɡwàsà-) pl. titiré-
Lóɗwàr, Kenya. síɡwasíka . n. stone that supports
tírìƙà (tírìƙàà-) pl. tírìƙàìka . n. light grinding stones.
striped blanket. titiretés (titiretésí-) 1 v. to hold up, prop
tirímós (tirímósí-) v. to copulate, have up, support, undergird. 2 v. to delay,
sex, mate with each other. hold up, prevent from doing.
tírínós (tírínósí-) v. to hold each other titiritésíàwa (titiritésí-àwà-) pl. titiri-
(e.g. while holding hands or walking tésíawíka . n. brake pedal.
side-by-side). titisíánón (titisíánónì-) v. to ache (of
tírínósá kwɛ̀tìkàɔ v. to hold hands. lymph nodes in the groin).
tírɨríŋɔ́n (tírɨríŋɔ́nì-) v. to be fortunate, Títò (Títòò-) 1 n. Titus. 2 n. Titus: book
lucky. in the New Testament.
tiritirikwáya (tiritiri-kwáì-) n. vine tɨtsʼɛ́s (tɨtsʼɛ́sí-) 1 v. to block, dam, plug.
species that is worn around the necks 2 v. to conceal, cover (a hole, the truth).
of age-group initiates’ wives during tɨtsʼɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (tɨtsʼɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) 1 v. to block,
the post-initiation ceremony of beer dam, or plug up. 2 v. to conceal, cover
drinking and slaughtering a goat. up (a hole, the truth).

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titsʼímétòn tódèèkwa

titsʼímétòn (titsʼímétònì-) v. to block, toɓésíàm (toɓésí-àmà-) pl. toɓésíika .

dam, or plug up. n. attacker, marauder, raider (esp. of
tɨtsʼɔ́s (tɨtsʼɔ́sí-) v. to be blocked, livestock).
dammed, plugged. toɓésúƙota (toɓésúƙotí-) v. to attack, pil-
tìw (tìwì) ideo. needle-thinly. lage, plunder, raid.
tɨwídɔ̀n (tɨwídɔ̀nì-) v. to be needle-thin. toɓésúƙota ɓɨsáɛ v. to throw a spear (to
curse to death by violence).
tóbìrìbìròn (tóbìrìbìrònì-) v. to ascend,
toɓetés (toɓetésí-) v. to pillage, plunder,
climb, go up.
raid (and bring back).
tɔbɔŋ (tɔbɔŋɔ́-) pl. tɔ́bɔ̀ŋìka . 1 n. mush
tɔɓɨlɛs (tɔɓɨlɛsí-) v. to bend, fold.
(posho) made from boiling water and
grain meal. 2 n. bread. tɔɓɨlɛsa así v. to be bent or folded over.
tɔbɔŋɔ́ám (tɔbɔŋɔ́-ámà-) pl. tɔbɔŋóíka . tɔɓɨlɛtɛ́s (tɔɓɨlɛtɛ́sí-) v. to fold up, roll
n. Napore person. Lit. ‘meal mush per- up.
son’. toɓítóɓiés (toɓítóɓiesí-) v. to spear re-
tɔbɔŋɔ́ɲɛ́ƙa (tɔbɔŋɔ́-ɲɛ́ƙɛ̀-) n. hunger for peatedly.
meal mush (posho). tɔɓɔka (tɔɓɔkɔ́-) pl. tɔ́ɓɔ́kìka . n. pot-
sherd: piece of broken pottery.
toɓéíón (toɓéíónì-) v. to be typically cor-
rect, right, or true. tɔ́ɓɔ́kìkààm (tɔ́ɓɔ́kìkà-àmà-) pl. tɔ́ɓɔ́-
kɨkaika . n. Toposa person. Lit.
tɔɓɛɨtɛtɛ́s (tɔɓɛɨtɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to aim, direct,
‘potsherds-person’.
guide, send straight to. 2 v. to correct,
make right, rectify. See also tsírítɛtɛ́s. tɔɓɔ́rɔ́kánón (tɔɓɔ́rɔ́kánónì-) v. to
sprout (of feathers, mushrooms, etc.).
tɔɓɛlɛs (tɔɓɛlɛsí-) v. to hunt, prey on.
toɓules (toɓulesí-) v. to appall, horrify,
tɔɓɛlɛs (tɔɓɛlɛsí-) v. to split. See also shock.
ɓɛlɛ́s.
toɓúlón (toɓúlónì-) v. to be appalling,
tɔɓɛ́lɛ́sʉƙɔtaa (tɔɓɛ́lɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to split astonishing, horrifying, shocking. See
apart/up. also ɨɓálɔ́n.
tɔɓɛ́ɲɛ́tɔ̀n (tɔɓɛ́ɲɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to ask for, toɓwaŋes (toɓwaŋesí-) 1 v. to break up,
elicit, evoke, solicit. disperse, scatter. 2 v. to change, ex-
tɔɓɛ́ɔ́n (tɔɓɛ́ɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be direct, change (money). See also ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́s.
straight. 2 v. to be correct, right, true. tôda (tódà-) pl. tódaicíka . n. language,
See also tsírɔ́n. speech, talk, telling.
toɓés (toɓésí-) 1 v. to spear, strike. 2 tóda ni buɗám n. muddled, obscure
v. to attack, maraud, raid. speech.
toɓésá así v. to shoot or zip over (i.e. to tódààm (tódà-àmà-) pl. tódaika . 1
move quickly). n. speaker, talker, teller. 2 n. repre-
toɓésá dakwí v. to spear a tree (as part of sentative, spokesperson.
a marriage ceremony proving the abil- tódèèkwa (tódè-èkù-) pl. tódeekwitín.
ity of the groom to provide for his new n. point, topic, word. Lit. ‘speech-eye’.
family). See also mɛnéékwa .

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tódetés tɔ̀ka

tódetés (tódetésí-) 1 v. to speak or talk tɔfɔ́ɗɔ́n (tɔfɔ́ɗɔ́nì-) 1 v. to exude, ooze,

about. 2 v. to state the verdict. seep (foul fluids). 2 v. to spatter, splat-
tódètòn (tódètònì-) v. to say, speak, tell. ter (thick liquids).
tɔ̀fɔ̀l (tɔ̀fɔ̀là-) pl. tɔfɔ́líka . n. tree bark
tódinós (tódinósí-) v. to converse, speak
rope.
or talk to each other, tell each other.
tofóróƙánón (tofóróƙánónì-) v. to com-
tódòn (tódònì-) v. to speak, talk, tell. pose and sing a song loudly while walk-
tódonuƙota (tódonuƙotí-) v. to begin to ing (a song often about the virtues of
speak. one’s favorite ox).
tɔɗɛtɛs (tɔɗɛtɛsí-) v. to flick, flicker, flip, tofóróƙétòn (tofóróƙétònì-) v. to break
flitter. into a song one composes while walk-
ing (often a song about the virtues of
tɔɗɛtɛsa así v. to flicker, glint (of sun-
one’s favorite ox).
light over the horizon).
toíɗón (toíɗónì-) v. to have an S-shaped
tɔɗɛtɛsa ɛ́bàɛ v. to fire a weapon (by or scoliotic spine.
pulling the trigger).
toíésuƙota (toíésuƙotí-) v. to calm or set-
tɔɗɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta (tɔɗɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to flick tle down.
or flip away/off. 2 v. to fire (a weapon toikíkón (toikíkónì-) 1 v. to be safe:
by pulling the trigger). 3 v. to exorcize calm, reserved, self-controlled. 2
(a sickness spirit). v. to be secure: cautious, thrifty, well-
toɗóánètòn (toɗóánètònì-) v. to be prepared.
crescent-shaped (e.g. a horn or tooth). tòìmɛ̀n (tòìmɛ̀nà-) n. that, that is (to
tɔ́ɗɔ́n (tɔ́ɗɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be contracted, de- say).
flated, shriveled, shrunk. 2 v. to be toíónuƙota (toíónuƙotí-) v. to get bet-
miniature, miniscule, tiny. ter, heal up, stop hurting. See also
tɔ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔta (tɔ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to contract, iŋáléètòn and maráŋónuƙota .
deflate, shrink, shrivel (e.g. a flat foot- toipánón (toipánónì-) v. to be able-
ball). bodied, youthful (in middle-age).
toɗóón (toɗóónì-) 1 v. to alight, land, toipánónìàm (toipánónì-àmà-) pl. toi-
touch down. 2 v. to fall upon (in at- pánóniika . n. able-bodied, youthful
tack). 3 v. to begin, start. adult (age 40-50).
tóítetés (tóítetésí-) v. to draw out, elicit
tɔɗɔ́pɔ́n (tɔɗɔ́pɔ́nì-) v. to butt, head-butt
speech, get to talk. See also ɨɛ́nítɛtɛ́s.
(esp. in dances that mimic bulls).
tɔʝɛmɛs (tɔʝɛmɛsí-) v. to jeer, make fun
toɗúón (toɗúónì-) 1 v. to blow up, burst, of, mock, ridicule.
erupt, explode. 2 v. to stop beating (of
tɔʝɨpɛs (tɔʝɨpɛsí-) v. to nibble off one by
the heart from fear).
one (e.g. kernels of sorghum). See also
tɔɗʉ́pɔ́n (tɔɗʉ́pɔ́nì-) v. to file, move in ɨɲɨbɛs.
single file. See also torópón. tɔ̀ka (tɔ̀kà-) pl. tɔ́kítín. n. jugular or
toɗyakos (toɗyakosí-) v. illegal, unlaw- supersternal notch: soft indentation be-
ful. tween collarbones.

247
tɔkɛ́ɛ́rɛ́s tɔƙʉmʉ́ƙʉ́mɛ́s

tɔkɛ́ɛ́rɛ́s (tɔkɛ́ɛ́rɛ́sí-) v. to cross, traverse. tɔkɔrɛs (tɔkɔrɛsí-) 1 v. to dispense, dis-

tɔkɛtɛs (tɔkɛtɛsí-) v. to extract, pull perse, distribute, divide out/up. 2 v. to
off/out. See also tolés. divide mathematically. See also kisanes
and kísés.
tɔkɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta (tɔkɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to extract,
pull off/out, remove. tɔkɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta (tɔkɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to
dispense, disperse, distribute, divide
tɔkɛtɛtɛ́s (tɔkɛtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to extract, pull out/up. See also kisanes and kísés.
out, remove. See also toletés.
tɔkɔ́rʉ́kɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta (tɔkɔ́rʉ́kɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔtí-)
tɔkíɔ́n (tɔkíɔ́nì-) v. to confess. v. to dispense, disperse, distribute, di-
Tɔ̀kɔ̀ba (Tɔ̀kɔ̀bà-) n. a personal name. vide out/up. See also kisanes and kísés.
tɔ̀kɔ̀ba (tɔ̀kɔ̀bà-) v. agriculture, cultiva- tokúétòn (tokúétònì-) v. to react sud-
tion, farming, plowing. denly: crack, jerk, snap. See also
tokúréètòn.
tɔ̀kɔ̀bààm (tɔ̀kɔ̀bà-àmà-) pl. tɔkɔbaika .
n. agriculturalist, cultivator, farmer, tokúréètòn (tokúréètònì-) v. to react
plower. suddenly: crack, jerk, snap. See also
tokúétòn.
tɔkɔbam (tɔkɔbamá-) n. arable, cultivat-
tɔƙam (tɔƙamá-) n. edible termites that
able, farmable, tillable.
are dewinged and dried.
tɔkɔbatsóya (tɔkɔba-tsóí-) n. farming
tɔƙɛrɛtɛ́s (tɔƙɛrɛtɛ́sí-) v. to light (fire).
season, plowing season.
tɔ́ƙɛ́s (tɔ́ƙɛ́sì-) v. to chip in, contribute,
tɔkɔ́bɛs (tɔkɔ́bɛsí-) v. to cultivate, farm, pay (e.g. toward a brideprice or fine).
plow, till, work.
toƙírá (<toƙíróòn) v.
tɔkɔ́bɨtɛtɛ́s (tɔkɔ́bɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to make cul-
toƙíróòn (toƙíróònì-/toƙírá-) v. to bear
tivate or plow (e.g. oxen).
down, charge, react against, turn on (as
tɔkɔ́bɨtɔtɔ́s (tɔkɔ́bɨtɔtɔ́sí-) v. to be culti- if to attack).
vated, plowed, tilled (usually by oxen). toƙízà (<toƙízòòn) v.
tokódòn (tokódònì-) v. to be tightly tied toƙízeesá así v. to move in, settle in, stay
down so as to be immovable. for a while.
tɔkɔɗɛs (tɔkɔɗɛsí-) v. to grasp, hold by toƙízèètòn (toƙízèètònì-) v. to move in,
a handle. settle in (e.g. bad weather).
tɔkɔɗíkɔ́ɗɔ̀n (tɔkɔɗíkɔ́ɗɔ̀nì-) v. to cramp toƙízòòn (toƙízòònì-/toƙíza-) v. to hang
(abdominally). around, stay a while, stick around (e.g.
tɔ̀kɔ̀n (tɔ̀kɔ̀nì-) v. to be slender, slim. See bad weather).
also kaɗótsómòn and sídɔ̀rɔ̀mɔ̀n. toƙólésuƙota (toƙólésuƙotí-) v. to bar,
tokopes (tokopesí-) v. to grab, seize, barricade, block off. See also teɡeles.
snatch. See also ɨkamɛs, ɨrɛɗɛs, and tɔƙɔtɔƙa (tɔƙɔtɔƙɔ́-) n. slug, snail.
ŋusés. tɔƙɔtɔƙáhò (tɔƙɔtɔƙá-hòò-) pl. tɔƙɔtɔƙá-
tokópésuƙota (tokópésuƙotí-) v. to hoíka . n. snail shell.
grab, seize, or snatch away. See also tɔƙʉmʉ́ƙʉ́mɛ́s (tɔƙʉmʉ́ƙʉ́mɛ́sí-) v. to
taŋátésuƙota . fire on, open fire on.

248
tɔlɛ́lɛ́ɛtɛ́s tɔmɔƙɔrɛs

tɔlɛ́lɛ́ɛtɛ́s (tɔlɛ́lɛ́ɛtɛ́sí-) v. to creep or tɔlʉkɛtɛ́s (tɔlʉkɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to circle. 2

sneak up on. v. to cut out a circle.
tɔlɛ́lɛ́ɔ̀n (tɔlɛ́lɛ́ɔ̀nì-) v. to dribble, trickle. tɔlʉkʉ́lʉ́kɛ́s (tɔlʉkʉ́lʉ́kɛ́sí-) v. to make
See also ɨpɨnípínɔ̀n. circles in/on.
tolepetés (tolepetésí-) v. to drink or eat tɔlʉkʉ́lʉ́kɔ̀n (tɔlʉkʉ́lʉ́kɔ̀nì-) v. to have
a lot of. circles.
tolés (tolésí-) v. to extract, pull off/out. tolúónìàm (tolúónì-àmà-) pl. tolúóniika .
See also tɔkɛtɛs. n. betrayer, double-crosser, traitor.
tolésíàm (tolésí-àmà-) pl. tolésíika . tolúónuƙota (tolúónuƙotí-) v. to betray,
n. dentist. change allegiences, double-cross, turn
against/on.
toletés (toletésí-) 1 v. to extract, pull
off/out . 2 v. to dislocate, dislodge. See tolúúnós (tolúúnósí-) v. to betray or
also tɔkɛtɛtɛ́s. turn against/on each other.
tolíón (tolíónì-) v. to crawl, move on all tolúútésuƙota (tolúútésuƙotí-) v. to
fours (like a baby or chameleon). See change allegiences, turn against.
also akúkúròn. tòmàlàɗò (tòmàlàɗòò-) n. throat infec-
tɔlɔɛs (tɔlɔɛsí-) v. to lay or spread out tion (with swelling of glands).
(e.g. clothing or meat to dry). tɔmɛɛs (tɔmɛɛsí-) 1 v. to come/go via,
tɔlɔɛsa mɛnáɛ v. to lay it out (e.g. feel- follow. 2 v. to stick with, support.
ings or issues). tɔmɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta (tɔmɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to follow,
a
tɔ̀lɔ̀k (tɔ̀lɔ̀kà-) n. trapping. go via/by way of.
tɔlɔkɛ́s (tɔlɔkɛ́sí-) v. to trap. tɔmɛɛtɛ́s (tɔmɛɛtɛ́sí-) v. to come by way
of, come via, follow here. See also
tolómétòn (tolómétònì-) 1 v. to come
ɨɛ́bɛtɛ́s.
off/out, fall off/out. 2 v. to become dis-
located, dislodged. tɔmɛɛtɛ́sá tódàe v. to spell it out. Lit.
‘come via the speech’.
tolotiés (tolotiesí-) v. to extract or pull
off/out repeatedly. tɔmɛ́ínɔ́s (tɔmɛ́ínɔ́sí-) v. to stand by or
support each other. Lit. ‘follow each
tolótólánón (tolótólánónì-) v. to be (at other’.
the age of) losing teeth.
tɔmɛrímɛ́rɔ̀n (tɔmɛrímɛ́rɔ̀nì-) v. to be be-
Tòlòyà (Tòlòyàà-) n. name of a moun- wildered, dazed, stupefied.
tain slope where the road from Kamion
descends into Kenya. tɔmɨnɛs (tɔmɨnɛsí-) v. to appeal to, at-
tract, draw.
tolúétòn (tolúétònì-) v. to betray,
change allegiences, double-cross, turn tɔmɔƙɔrɛs (tɔmɔƙɔrɛsí-) pl. tɔmɔ́ƙɔ́-
against/on. rɛ̀sìka . n. stick bent in a u-shape and
stuck in the ground as part of a bird
tɔlʉkɛs (tɔlʉkɛsí-) v. to circle. snare; another larger stick is bent over
tɔlʉ́kɛ́sʉƙɔta (tɔlʉ́kɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to cir- and hooked on this one and triggered
cle. 2 v. to cut out, exclude, isolate. with other sticks.

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tɔ̀mɔ̀rààm toomínékwa túde ńda kiɗi léɓètse

tɔ̀mɔ̀rààm (tɔ̀mɔ̀rà-àmà-) pl. tɔmɔraika . tɔɲílíɲílɛ́s (tɔɲílíɲílɛ́sí-) v. to strip off or

n. friend or neighbor with whom one tear off in thin strips.
shares in common. tɔɲɨmɛtɛ́s (tɔɲɨmɛtɛ́sí-) v. to pinch or
tɔmɔram (tɔmɔramá-) n. share, share- tweak off.
able. tɔŋɛɗɛs (tɔŋɛɗɛsí-) v. to break, pull
tɔmɔrɛs (tɔmɔrɛsí-) v. to share. apart, cut, sever, tear (rope-like ob-
tɔmɔ́rínɔ́s (tɔmɔ́rínɔ́sí-) v. to share with jects). See also ɨkɛ́ŋɛ́ɗɛ́s.
each other. tɔŋɛ́ɛ́rɛ́s (tɔŋɛ́ɛ́rɛ́sí-) v. to divide equally
tɔmɔ́tɔ́mánìàm (tɔmɔ́tɔ́mánì-àmà-) pl. in two.
tɔmɔ́tɔ́mániika . n. scabby person. toŋélón (toŋélónì-) v. to branch, fork,
tɔmɔ́tɔ́mánón (tɔmɔ́tɔ́mánónì-) v. to be split. See also taŋatsárón and tɛlɛ́tsɔ́n.
covered in sores, scabby. tɔŋɛtɛs (tɔŋɛtɛsí-) v. to connect, join,
tɔmɔtsɔkánón (tɔmɔtsɔkánónì-) v. to be link. See also toropes and tɔrʉtsɛs.
verrucose, warty. tɔŋɛ́tɔ́nʉƙɔta (tɔŋɛ́tɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to con-
tomuɲes (tomuɲesí-) v. to break off nect, join up, link up, rejoin.
small pieces or chunks of. tɔ̀ŋɔ̀lààm (tɔ̀ŋɔ̀là-àmà-) pl. tɔŋɔlaika .
tɔmʉɲɛs (tɔmʉɲɛsí-) v. to notch (ears). n. butcher, slaughterer.
See also topones. tɔŋɔlɛs (tɔŋɔlɛsí-) v. to butcher, slaugh-
tɔnɛɛtɛ́s (tɔnɛɛtɛ́sí-) v. to foist, impose. ter, slay. See also hoés.
tɔnɛɛtɛ́sá así v. to foist or impose one- toŋórómòn (toŋórómònì-) v. to be car-
self. inated, keeled, ridged (steep on both
sides). See also toróŋómòn.
tònì (tònì) 1 prep. even. 2 subord-
conn. even if, still if. If acting as a toomín (toomíní-) n. ten.
preposition, this word is followed by a toomínékwà àɗe n. thirty. Lit. ‘ten-eye
noun in the oblique case. three’.
toni naɓó n. furthermore, moreover. toomínékwa léɓètse n. twenty. Lit. ‘ten-
tonokes (tonokesí-) v. to lean or rest eye two’.
against. See also ɨƙɔŋɛs. toomínékwa tsʼaɡús n. forty. Lit. ‘ten-
tɔnʉpam (tɔnʉpamá-) n. believable, eye four’.
credible, trustworthy. toomínékwa tûde n. fifty. Lit. ‘ten-eye
tɔnʉpɛs (tɔnʉpɛsí-) v. to believe, have five’.
faith in, trust. toomínékwa túde ńdà kɛ̀ɗì kɔ̀n n. sixty.
tɔnʉpɛsíám (tɔnʉpɛsí-ámà-) pl. tɔnʉpɛ- Lit. ‘ten-eye five and that one’.
sííka . n. believer, truster. toomínékwa túde ńdà kìɗì àɗe n. eighty.
tonyámón (tonyámónì-) v. to prowl, Lit. ‘ten-eye five and those three’.
stalk. toomínékwa túde ńda kiɗi léɓètse
a
tonyámónuƙot (tonyámónuƙotí-) v. to n. seventy. Lit. ‘ten-eye five and those
jump, pounce. two’.

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toomínékwa túde ńda kiɗi tsʼaɡús tɔpwaɲípwáɲɛ́s

toomínékwa túde ńda kiɗi tsʼaɡús tɔpɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n (tɔpɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to break away,

n. ninety. Lit. ‘ten-eye five and those escape, or skip out (and come).
four’. tɔpɛ́ɔ́n (tɔpɛ́ɔ́nì-) v. to escape, get out of,
toomíní ńdà kɛ̀ɗì kɔ̀n n. eleven. Lit. ‘ten skip out on.
and that one’. tɔpɛ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta (tɔpɛ́ɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to break
toomíní ńdà kìɗi àɗe n. thirteen. Lit. away, escape, or skip out (and go).
‘ten and those three’. Topér (Topérí-) n. a personal name.
toomíní ńda kiɗi léɓètse n. twelve. Lit. tɔpɛtɛs (tɔpɛtɛsí-) v. to spread out, un-
‘ten and those two’. furl, unroll (e.g. a mat).
toomíní ńda kiɗi tsʼaɡús n. fourteen.
topétésuƙota (topétésuƙotí-) v. to ablac-
toomíní ńda kiɗi tûde n. fifteen. tate, wean.
toomíní ńda kiɗi túde ńdà kɛ̀ɗì kɔ̀n tɔpɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta (tɔpɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to spread
n. sixteen. Lit. ‘ten and those five and out, unfurl, unroll.
that one’.
tɔpɛ́tɔ́n (tɔpɛ́tɔ́nì-) 1 v. to slant gradually
toomíní ńda kiɗi túde ńdà kìɗì àɗe outward (of animal horns). 2 v. to be
n. eighteen. Lit. ‘ten and those five flat-topped.
and those three’.
topíánètòn (topíánètònì-) v. to endure,
toomíní ńda kiɗi túde ńda kiɗi léɓètse last, subsist, survive.
n. seventeen. Lit. ‘ten and those five
tɔpɨrípírɛ́s (tɔpɨrípírɛ́sí-) v. to twirl,
and those two’.
twist.
toomíní ńda kiɗi túde ńda kiɗi tsʼaɡús
tɔpɨrípírɔ̀n (tɔpɨrípírɔ̀nì-) v. to swirl up,
n. nineteen. Lit. ‘ten and those five
whirl around (e.g. smoke from a fire or
and those four’.
a whirlwind).
tɔɔnʉƙɔta (tɔɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to go down or
topóɗón (topóɗónì-) v. to bemoan, be-
set (of the sun). See also itsólóŋòn and
wail, deplore. See also ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀n.
tɔɔsɔ́ŋɔ́n.
topones (toponesí-) v. to notch (animal
Tòòrwààka (Tòòrwà-àkà-) n. name of a
ears). See also tɔmʉɲɛs.
hill or mountain and associated river.
tɔɔsɛ́tɔ̀n (tɔɔsɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to be available, topues (topuesí-) v. to kill (an animal)
common. to honor or please others. See also
ipéyéés.
tɔɔsɔ́ŋɔ́n (tɔɔsɔ́ŋɔ́nì-) v. to go down in
the afternoon (of the sun). See also it- toputes (toputesí-) v. to copy, duplicate,
sólóŋòn and tɔɔnʉƙɔta . replicate, reproduce.

topéɗésuƙota (topéɗésuƙotí-) 1 v. to be toputetés (toputetésí-) v. to copy, dupli-

able to, can, capable of. 2 v. to have cate, replicate, reproduce.
authority. topútétòn (topútétònì-) v. to look like,
topéɗésuƙotíám (topéɗésuƙotí-ámà-) match, resemble.
pl. topéɗésuƙotííka . n. person in au- tɔpwaɲípwáɲɛ́s (tɔpwaɲípwáɲɛ́sí-) v. to
thority. break up, crumble (e.g. soft rock).

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topwatímétòn torwóón

topwatímétòn (topwatímétònì-) 1 v. to torítéetés (torítéetésí-) v. to accumulate,

become sated, satiated. 2 v. to be amass. See also ɨɗaɲɛtɛ́s.
cleared off, cleared out (like a path or tɔ́rɔ́bɛs (tɔ́rɔ́bɛsí-) 1 v. to gift, give gifts
riverbed). to, present (e.g. the family of newborn
topwátón (topwátónì-) v. to satisfy twins). 2 v. to award, honor, reward.
hunger (and thereby survive). tɔ́rɔ́bɛsa na ílɔɛsí n. award, reward, tro-
tɔ̀r (tɔ̀rɔ̀) ideo. compactedly. phy. Lit. ‘gifting of victory’.
toráƙádòs (toráƙádòsì-) n. non- toroɓa (toroɓó-) pl. tóróɓìka . n. breast-
governmental organization (NGO). bone, sternum. See also ɡɔɡɔm.
toreɓes (toreɓesí-) 1 v. to spy on, surveil, toroɓóɔ́ka (toroɓó-ɔ́kà-) n. xiphoid pro-
watch. 2 v. to abduct, snatch, take by cess: bone below the sternum.
force. See also rɔ́tɛ́s. tɔrɔ́dɔ̀n (tɔrɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be compacted,
tɔrɛɛs (tɔrɛɛsí-) v. to coerce, extort, compressed, hard, packed down.
force, pressure. See also rɛ́ɛ́s. tɔ̀rɔ̀mìɲ (tɔ̀rɔ̀mìɲà-) n. North African
toreimétòn (toreimétònì-) v. to be co- crested porcupine. Hystrix cristata.
erced, extorted, pressured. torónón (torónónì-) v. to fast, go hun-
toremes (toremesí-) 1 v. to heave, heft, gry.
shove. 2 v. to mix (porridge with Tɔrɔŋɔ́ (Tɔrɔŋɔ́ɔ̀-) n. name of a steep
soaked beer mash). See also ɲɛɲɛrɛs. ridge and deserted village near Óríɓo.
tɔrɛ́mʉ́nɔ́s (tɔrɛ́mʉ́nɔ́sí-) v. to falsely ac- toróŋómòn (toróŋómònì-) v. to be car-
cuse each other. inated, keeled, ridged (steep on both
tɔrɛ́s (tɔrɛ́sí-) v. to pitch, toss. sides). See also toŋórómòn.
tɔrɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (tɔrɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to pitch or toropes (toropesí-) v. to connect, join,
toss away. link. See also tɔŋɛtɛs and tɔrʉtsɛs.
tɔrɛtɛ́s (tɔrɛtɛ́sí-) v. to pitch or toss this torópétòn (torópétònì-) v. to come suc-
way. cessively, file in.
tòrìkààm (tòrìkà-àmà-) pl. torikaika . torópón (torópónì-) v. to file, move in
n. guide, leader. single file. See also tɔɗʉ́pɔ́n.
Torikaika Rié n. constellation of six tɔrʉ́ɓɔ́n (tɔrʉ́ɓɔ́nì-) 1 v. to grow back,
stars. Lit. ‘leaders of the goats’. regrow (of trees). 2 v. to come back,
torikes (torikesí-) v. to guide, lead. happen again, recur, return.
torikesíám (torikesí-ámà-) pl. torike- tɔrʉtsɛs (tɔrʉtsɛsí-) v. to connect, join,
sííka . n. guide, leader. link. See also tɔŋɛtɛs and toropes.
toríkésuƙota (toríkésuƙotí-) v. to guide tórútsù (tórútsù) adv. after, when al-
away, lead away/off. ready. See also térútsù.
toriketés (toriketésí-) v. to guide or lead torwá (<torwóón) v.
this way. torwáíƙota (<torwóónuƙota ) v.
toríkínós (toríkínósí-) v. to move to- torwóón (torwóónì-/torwá-) v. to be re-
gether. laxed, stretched out resting.

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torwóónuƙota tòtwàrààm

torwóónuƙota (torwóónuƙotí-/torwá- totóìm (totó-ìmà-) pl. totówika . 1

íƙot-) v. to relax, stretch out to rest. n. cousin (mother’s sister’s child). 2
toryáɓón (toryáɓónì-) v. to be in pain, n. my cousin child.
have pain (e.g. during labor). totores (totoresí-) v. to adopt (an animal
toryoŋes (toryoŋesí-) v. to sling over as one’s personal mascot, of which one
(e.g. a hoe on one’s shoulder). can mimic and praise its attributes);
have as a pet.
toryóŋón (toryóŋónì-) v. to curve back-
ward (of horns). totota (tototí-) pl. tototíkwa . n. his/her
aunt (mother’s sister).
tɔsɛɛtɛ́s (tɔsɛɛtɛ́sí-) v. to choose, elect,
pick out, select. See also ɲʉmɛtɛ́s and tototíéákwa (tototí-éákwà-) n. his/her
xɔ́bɛtɛ́s. uncle (mother’s sister’s husband).
tɔsɛ́sɔ́n (tɔsɛ́sɔ́nì-) v. to err, make a mis- tototíím (tototí-ímà-) pl. tototíwíka .
take, sin. n. his/her cousin (mother’s sister’s
child).
tosipetés (tosipetésí-) v. to decelerate,
slow down (e.g. from a run to a walk). totséɗón (totséɗónì-) v. to creep, prowl,
sneak.
tosípón (tosípónì-) v. to start raining
gently. totseres (totseresí-) v. to cope with, deal
with, handle, manage.
tɔsɔ́ɗɔ́kɔ̀n (tɔsɔ́ɗɔ́kɔ̀nì-) v. to congeal,
gel, set up (e.g. cold posho or peanut totsérímós (totsérímósí-) v. to deal with
paste). See also ɨpʉ́kákòn. or manage each other.
tɔsʉɓɛs (tɔsʉɓɛsí-) v. to create, make. totsetes (totsetesí-) v. to check, mark,
See also ɨɗɨmɛtɛ́s and iroketes. tick.
tɔsʉɓɛtɛ́síàm (tɔsʉɓɛtɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. tɔ- tɔtsɔ́ɔ́n (tɔtsɔ́ɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be careful, be-
sʉɓɛtɛ́síika . n. creator, maker. ware, look out (beware). 2 v. to be
sensitive (e.g. to light).
tɔta (tɔtɔ́-) n. vine species whose bark is
used for tying granaries, whose leaves tɔtsʉɗɛs (tɔtsʉɗɛsí-) v. to pluck, pull
are cooked as a vegetable, and which out (esp. feathers and fur). Also pro-
is dipped in water and sprinkled by el- nounced as tʉtsʉɗɛs.
ders to attract rain. tɔ́tsʼɛ́s (tɔ́tsʼɛ́sì-) v. to hammer, pound
totírón (totírónì-) v. to ascend, climb, go (esp. with a stone).
up (a hill, slope). totues (totuesí-) v. to extract (evil
totó (totóò-) pl. totóín. n. aunt charms from the body).
(mother’s sister). tɔtʉnɛs (tɔtʉnɛsí-) v. to embrace, hug.
tɔtɔanón (tɔtɔanónì-) v. to crash, rum- tɔtʉ́nʉ́mɔ́s (tɔtʉ́nʉ́mɔ́sí-) v. to embrace
ble, thunder (while moving). or hug each other.
totóánonuƙota (totóánonuƙotí-) 1 v. to tɔtʉ́pɔ́n (tɔtʉ́pɔ́nì-) v. to be next, follow
get lost, go into exile. 2 v. to fail, take in line.
a loss (e.g. in one’s garden). tòtwàrààm (tòtwàrà-àmà-) pl. to-
totóèàkwa (totó-èàkwà-) n. uncle twaraika . n. governor, ruler, sovereign.
(mother’s sister’s husband). See also ipúkéésíàm.

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toukes tuɓútónuƙota

toukes (toukesí-) 1 v. to fell (trees). 2 toyeetés (toyeetésí-) v. to build, con-

v. to gag, retch. struct. See also bɛrɛ́s.
touketés (touketésí-) 1 v. to fell (trees). toyeres (toyeresí-) v. to bump, glance,
2 v. to gag, retch. swipe. See also ɨɛ́bɛ̀s.
toúmón (toúmónì-) v. to be startled, tɔyɔ́ɔ́n (tɔyɔ́ɔ́nì-) v. to bleed, shed blood.
taken off guard. The experiencer of this tʉ̀ (tʉ̀) ideo. ptooey! (the sound of spit-
is marked with the dative case. ting).
touríánòn (touríánònì-) v. to curl up to túbès (túbèsì-) v. to follow.
rest or sleep. túbèsìàm (túbèsì-àmà-) pl. túbesiika .
tɔʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n (tɔʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to incubate. n. acolyte, devotee, follower.
2 v. to nurture (of a woman with a new- túbesiama ámázeámàe n. government
born). 3 v. to hang round, linger, stay escort, member of an entourage.
a while, tarry. túbesiama ɲápukání n. government of-
towá (<towóón) v. ficial (e.g. councillor or member of par-
towáíƙota (<towóónuƙota ) v. liament).
towates (towatesí-) 1 v. to flick, sprin- túbesuƙota (túbesuƙotí-) v. to follow
kle. 2 v. to fling, toss. 3 v. to spy on away/off, go after.
from afar. túbunós (túbunósí-) v. to follow each
towátésúƙota (towátésúƙotí-) v. to fling other (e.g. sheep in a flock).
or toss away/off. túbùr (túbùrà-) pl. túbùrìka . n. newly
towatetés (towatetésí-) v. to flick, sprin- broken ground, newly plowed garden.
kle. túburés (túburesí-) v. to break new
towoɗetés (towoɗetésí-) v. to scoop up ground by plowing. See also taɗates.
(e.g. food in one’s hand). tʉɓʉnɛ́s (tʉɓʉnɛ́sí-) 1 v. to cover (an
tɔ̀wɔ̀n (tɔ̀wɔ̀nì-) v. to leak. opening). 2 v. to asphyxiate, smother,
suffocate.
towóón (towóónì-/towá-) v. to stand
tuɓunímétòn (tuɓunímétònì-) 1 v. to
around (e.g. a fire).
get covered (e.g. the opening of a con-
towóónuƙota (towóónuƙotí-/towáíƙot-) tainer). 2 v. to asphyxiate, suffocate.
v. to stand around (e.g. a fire).
tuɓutes (tuɓutesí-) v. to drop, lose, re-
Tówotó (Tówotóò-) n. nickname of an move, shed, take off.
old woman named Matsú.
tuɓútésuƙota (tuɓútésuƙotí-) v. to drop,
towúryánòn (towúryánònì-) v. to over- lose, remove, shed, take off.
sleep, stay lying down. tuɓutetés (tuɓutetésí-) v. to extract, re-
tɔwʉ́tɔ́n (tɔwʉ́tɔ́nì-) v. to grow tall. See move, take out.
also zikíbètòn. tuɓútitésúƙota (tuɓútitésúƙotí-) v. to
towutses (towutsesí-) v. to bulldoze, fatten up, put weight on.
level, raze. tuɓútónuƙota (tuɓútónuƙotí-) v. to
towútsónìàm (towútsónì-àmà-) pl. to- fatten up, gain weight. See also
wútsóniika . n. bulldozer. zízonuƙota .

254
tùde tukutesíáma tsʼóóniicé

tùde (tùdè) num. five. tufádòn (tufádònì-) 1 v. to be bouncy,

tude ńdà kɛ̀ɗì kɔ̀n num. six. Lit. ‘five springy (like soil that a hoe cannot pen-
and that one’. etrate). 2 v. to be blunt, dull. See also
tusúdòn.
tude ńdà kìɗì àɗe num. eight. Lit. ‘five
and those three’. tʉ̀fɛ̀rɛ̀ƙa (tʉ̀fɛ̀rɛ̀ƙɛ̀-) n. Black Jack: pro-
lific weed species with yellow flowers
tude ńda kiɗi léɓètse num. seven. Lit. and long, thin seeds that stick to cloth-
‘five and those two’. ing and fur, and whose pollen bees use
tude ńda kiɗi tsʼaɡús num. nine. Lit. to make honey. Bidens pilosa.
‘five and those four’. tʉfɛ́s (tʉfɛ́sí-) v. to sew, stitch, tailor.
tùdo num. five times. tʉfɛ́síàm (tʉfɛ́sí-àmà-) pl. tʉfɛ́síika .
tùdòn (tùdònì-) v. to be five. n. seamster, seamstress, tailor.
tùdu (tùdù) ideo. boing! (sound made tufúl (tufúlá-) n. field rat species.
when a spear fails to penetrate an ani- tùka (tùkà-) pl. túkítín. n. feather,
mal and bounces off). plume.
tùɗa (tùɗà) ideo. leatherily, toughly. tʉkán (tʉkání-) n. large lump of fat in
an eland’s abdomen, traditionally the
tuɗádòn (tuɗádònì-) v. to be leathery,
delicacy of elders only.
tough (like a ratel’s hide).
tukéya (tukéí-) n. long-legged green fly
tuɗúlón (tuɗúlónì-) v. to be inverted, species. Dolichopodidae.
upside-down.
tukuɗes (tukuɗesí-) v. to bend, crook.
tuɗúlónìàm (tuɗúlónì-àmà-) pl. tuɗú-
tukúɗón (tukúɗónì-) v. to be bent,
lóniika . 1 n. sorcerer who stops rain. 2
crooked.
n. Muslim.
tukúɗúkuɗánón (tukúɗúkuɗánónì-)
tuɗúlútés (tuɗúlútésí-) v. to invert, turn v. to be curvy, winding, zigzagging.
upside-down.
tukukúɲón (tukukúɲónì-) v. to be aro-
tuɗúsúmòn (tuɗúsúmònì-) v. to be matic, fragrant, sweet-smelling.
bare, exposed, naked, nude. See also
túkuléta (túkulétí-) pl. túkulétíka . 1
sɨlɔ́ʝɔ́mɔ̀n.
n. small round gourd used to hold beer,
tʉɗʉtam (tʉɗʉtamá-) n. meal mush water, or grain. 2 n. 1-liter jerrycan.
stirred stiff. See also ɨlɨram and tɔbɔŋ. tukures (tukuresí-) v. to dig or scratch
tʉɗʉtɛsídàkwa (tʉɗʉtɛsí-dàkù-) pl. up. See also tukutes.
tʉɗʉtɛsídakwitín. n. stick used to stir tʉkʉrɛs (tʉkʉrɛsí-) v. to scrape off (e.g.
meal mush until it stiffens. sisal bark). See also rɛ́kɛ́s.
tʉɗʉtɛtɛ́s (tʉɗʉtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to stiffen by tukuretés (tukuretésí-) v. to dig or fish
stirring (e.g. meal mush). out, retrieve. See also tukutetés.
tʉɗʉtɔs (tʉɗʉtɔsí-) v. to be stiff from be- tukutes (tukutesí-) v. to claw, dig, or
ing stirred (e.g. meal mush). scratch up. See also tukures.
tùf (tùfà) 1 ideo. bouncily, springily. 2 tukutesíáma tsʼóóniicé n. body snatcher,
ideo. bluntly, dully. graverobber.

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tukutetés turuetés

tukutetés (tukutetésí-) v. to dig or fish tʉmʉɗʉŋɛs (tʉmʉɗʉŋɛsí-) v. to crum-

out, retrieve. See also tukuretés. ple, enfold, enwrap.
túkútùka (túkútùkù-) n. jigger, chigoe tʉmʉɗʉŋɛtɛ́s (tʉmʉɗʉŋɛtɛ́sí-) v. to
flea, sand flea. Tunga sp.. crumple up, enfold, enwrap.
tʉkʉtʉkán (tʉkʉtʉkání-) n. vine species tun (tuná-) pl. tunitín. n. huge leather
with round leaves and stems that are sack made of calf or cow hide. Not to
carved into tobacco pipes. Ipomoea be confused with tún.
spathulata.
tún (túná-) pl. túnítín. 1 n. flower bud.
tuƙúmétòn (tuƙúmétònì-) v. to erupt, 2 n. abscess, boil. Not to be confused
flare up, ignite. with tun.
tʉlárɔ́ya (tʉlárɔ́ì-) n. softwood tree
tʉnɛ́s (tʉnɛ́sí-) v. to pinch, tweak.
species with inedible fruits and whose
wood is used to make troughs; its roots tʉ́nítʉ́nímɔ́s (tʉ́nítʉ́nímɔ́sí-) v. to pinch
may be pounded and scattered over each other (as children do).
fields as a pesticide. Commiphora sp. tʉnʉkɛs (tʉnʉkɛsí-) v. to bury, inhume,
tule (tuleé-) n. liquor, strong drink. See inter, lay to rest. See also búdès and
also kombóta . muɗés.
tùlèl (tùlèlì-) pl. tulélíka . 1 n. Sodom ap- tʉnʉkɛsíám (tʉnʉkɛsí-ámà-) pl. tʉ-
ple: shrub with inedible yellow fruits nʉkɛsííka . n. gravedigger. See also
whose juice is poured into infected muɗésíàm.
ears, and whose roots may be chewed
tʉnʉkɨtɛtɛ́s (tʉnʉkɨtɛtɛ́sí-) v. to make
for stomach ailments. Solanum in-
bury.
canum. 2 n. eggplant.
tulíánètòn (tulíánètònì-) v. to be white tʉnʉkɔs (tʉnʉkɔsí-) v. to be buried, in-
with black eye patches. terred, laid to rest.
tulú (tulúù-) n. bunny, hare, rabbit. tʉnʉ́tʉ́natés (tʉnʉ́tʉ́natésí-) v. to pinch
all over.
tʉlʉŋɛs (tʉlʉŋɛsí-) v. to abhor, abomi-
nate, detest, loathe. tunútúniés (tunútúniesí-) v. to pinch
tʉlʉŋɛsa tɔsɛ́sɔ́nì v. to repent of sins. flirtatiously.
tʉlʉ́ŋɔ́n (tʉlʉ́ŋɔ́nì-) v. to go in a rage, tùr (tùrù-) pl. túrítín. n. huge
storm off. tree species in whose shade tobacco
tʉlʉ́ŋɔ́nʉƙɔta (tʉlʉ́ŋɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to go off is planted and in whose branches bee-
in a rage, leave in disgust, storm off. hives are mounted.
Tulútúl (Tulútúlù-) n. name of a place Turakwareekwa (Tura-kware-ekú-)
and associated human habitations on n. name of a river flowing from a moun-
the edge of Timu Forest. tain. Lit. ‘tur mountain-eye’.
tʉmɛdɛ́ɛ́ dem. there: a place already turues (turuesí-) v. to stone repeatedly,
known or mentioned. throw stones. Compare with zébès.
tʉ̀mɛ̀ɛ̀ (tʉ̀mɛ̀ɛ̀-) n. large number, many, turuetés (turuetésí-) v. to stone repeat-
multitude. edly, throw stones.

256
turúʝón tʉ́wa

turúʝón (turúʝónì-) v. to be creased, crin- tusúkón (tusúkónì-) v. to curl, fold, or

kled, wrinkled. See also rʉʝanón and za- scrunch up (e.g. in the fetal position).
mʉʝánón. Tutéta (Tutétí-) n. name of a hill or
turuʝúrúʝánón (turuʝúrúʝánónì-) v. to mountain.
be creasy, crinkly, wrinkly. tʉtsʉɗɛs (tʉtsʉɗɛsí-) v. to pluck, pull
túrúƙuƙú (túrúƙuƙúù-) n. red-eyed out (esp. feathers and fur). Also pro-
dove. Streptopelia semitorquata. nounced as tɔtsʉɗɛs.
tʉtsʉɛs (tʉtsʉɛsí-) v. to squeeze, wring.
Tùrùmàrààka (Tùrùmàrà-àkà-) n. name
See also tʉtsʉɛs.
of a river formed at the confluence
of the Nòf and Palú rivers. Lit. tʉtsʉ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta (tʉtsʉ́ɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to
‘Tùrùmàrà-mouth’. squeeze or wring out.
tʉ̀tʉ̀f (tʉ̀tʉ̀fà-) pl. tʉtʉ́fíka . n. tall
turuneta (turunetí-) pl. turúnétìka .
tree species whose leaves are smoked
n. carissa shrub: species whose red-to-
over crops as a pesticide and whose
black berries with milky sap are edible
branches are carved into pestles. Com-
raw and can be used to make wine; the
bretium sp..
shafts of its stems are carved into to-
bacco pipes, an infusion of its leaves is tutufánón (tutufánónì-) v. to go to seed
medicinal, and its thorny branches are (of millet or sorghum).
useful for fencing. Calisa edulis. Tùtùka (Tùtùkù-) n. five-star constella-
tion in which the stars are crowded to-
turúnétòn (turúnétònì-) v. to bow the
gether.
head, look down.
tutukánón (tutukánónì-) v. to be
turúnón (turúnónì-) 1 v. to bow the crowded together; bunched, heaped or
head, look down. 2 v. to grieve, piled up.
mourn.
tʉtʉkɛs (tʉtʉkɛsí-) v. to weave (e.g. the
turúnónìàm (turúnónì-àmà-) pl. tu- handle of a drinking gourd or the open-
rúnóniika . n. mourner, thinker (who ing of a granary).
bows the head).
tutukesíáwa (tutukesí-áwà-) pl. tutuke-
tùs (tùsù) ideo. bouncily, springily. síáwíka . n. bunch, heap, pile.
tùs (tùsù) ideo. quish! (sound of flesh tutuketés (tutuketésí-) v. to bunch,
being punctured). See also pìs. heap, or pile up.
tʉ́s (tʉ́sí-) n. klipspringer. Oreotragus tùtùr (tùtùrù) ideo. to the end. See also
oreotragus. ɗʉ̀ɗʉ̀ŋ.
tʉsɛ́s (tʉsɛ́sí-) v. to pinch up (granular tuutes (tuutesí-) v. to extract, pull out,
substances like flour, soil, sugar). remove (e.g. the testicles).
tuutetés (tuutetésí-) v. to extract, pull
tʉ́síɗèr (tʉ́sí-ɗèrò-) n. klipspringer rat.
out, remove (e.g. the testicles).
tusúdòn (tusúdònì-) v. to be bouncy, tʉ́wa (tʉ́wá-) pl. tʉ́wítín. 1 n. praying
springy. See also tufádòn. mantis. Mantis sp.. 2 n. stick insect,
tusuketés (tusuketésí-) v. to curl, fold, walking stick. 3 n. food cooked first
or scrunch up. and given to elders.

257
tʉwɛ́tɔ́n túḿbàba

tʉwɛ́tɔ́n (tʉwɛ́tɔ́nì-) 1 v. to crop up, ger- tʉ́zʉŋɛ́s (tʉ́zʉŋɛ́sí-) v. to carry on/over

minate, sprout. 2 v. to expand, swell a shoulder.
up (e.g. rice when cooked). tʉ́zʉ̀ŋɔ̀n (tʉ́zʉ̀ŋɔ̀nì-) v. to grow up and
tʉ̀wɔ̀n (tʉ̀wɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to crop up, germi- backwards (of horns).
nate, sprout. 2 v. to expand, swell (e.g. túḿbàba (túḿbàbà-) n. plant species
rice when cooked). whose inedible yam-like round tubers
tʉ́zʉɗɛ́s (tʉ́zʉɗɛ́sí-) v. to plug, stop (e.g. are cut and waved around to prevent
exit holes of edible termites). rain from coming; tubers are also used
tʉ́zʉɗɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (tʉ́zʉɗɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to plug as mock prey during spearing practice.
or stop up (e.g. the exit holes of edible Dolichos kilimandscharicus. Also pro-
termites). nounced as túúbàba .

258
tsá tsámʉ́nɔtɔ́s

ts
tsá (<tsóón) v. thin stick is drilled to create enough
tsábatsabánón (tsábatsabánónì-) v. to friction to light a fire. Lit. ‘firedrill-
shudder, tremble (from fear or hunger). woman’.
tsábò (tsábò) adv. apparently, evidently, tsakúdèèàkwa (tsakúdè-èàkwà-) n. fire-
obviously. drill: thin stick spun between both
hands to create enough friction with
tsáíƙota (<tsóónuƙota ) v.
a wooden board to start a fire. Lit.
tsaiƙótòn (tsaiƙótònì-) v. to dry up, ‘firedrill-man’.
evaporate. See also tsóónuƙota .
tsáƙólómòn (tsáƙólómònì-) v. to be
tsáítés (tsáítésí-) v. to dry. leggy, long-legged (like a gangly per-
tsáítésúƙota (tsáítésúƙotí-) v. to dry up/ son, spider, or table, or when a porcu-
out. pine raises up to avoid a snake). See
tsàka (tsàkà) ideo. waterily. also tsɔ́ɡɔ̀rɔ̀mɔ̀n.
tsakádòn (tsakádònì-) v. to be watery. tsàl (tsàlà-) pl. tsálítín. n. tree species
a
tsákàts (tsákàtsì-) n. small plant whose seeds are roasted or boiled mul-
species with white, inedible tubers. tiple times to remove toxins and pro-
vide food during a famine. Cappa-
tsakátsákánón (tsakátsákánónì-) 1 v. to raceae sp.
be pitted, pocked, pockmarked. 2 v. to
be insecure, unsafe (of an area). tsalɨtsálɔ́n (tsalɨtsálɔ́nì-) v. to gleam or
glimmer when wet (e.g. rocks or tar-
tsakétón (tsakétónì-) v. to fall in num-
mac).
bers (like fruit from a tree).
tsákíètòn (tsákíètònì-) v. to fall contin- tsàm (tsamʉ́-) n. costlessless, gratis, gra-
uously in numbers. tuitousness.
Tsakɨrɨka (Tsakɨrɨkí-) n. name of a hill tsàm (tsàmʉ̀) adv. just, I guess, I sup-
or mountain. pose.
tsakitésúƙota (tsakitésúƙotí-) v. to drop tsamɛ́s (tsamɛ́sí-) v. to enjoy, like.
in numbers (coins, seeds, etc.). tsamɛtɛ́s (tsamɛtɛ́sí-) v. to accept, acqui-
tsakûda (tsakúdè-) pl. tsakúdìka . esce to, agree to.
n. firedrill: thin stick spun between tsamɛtɛ́sá ikóŋónì v. to swear or take an
both hands to create enough friction oath.
with a wooden board to start a fire. For
the related verb, see tsapés. tsamɛ́tɛ́sa ìlàmàɛ v. to accept a curse
(giving it power).
Tsakúdèɓò (Tsakúdè-ɓòò-) n. name of
a hill or mountain and associated river. tsámʉ́nɔ́s (tsámʉ́nɔ́sí-) v. to like each
Lit. ‘firedrilll-escarpment’. other.
tsakúdècèka (tsakúdè-cèkì-) n. fire- tsámʉ́nɔtɔ́s (tsámʉ́nɔtɔ́sí-) v. to agree
board: soft wooden base in which a with each other.

259
tsámʉ́nɔtɔ́síàm tséta

tsámʉ́nɔtɔ́síàm (tsámʉ́nɔtɔ́sí-àmà-) pl. tsarʉ́ka (tsarʉ́kʉ́-) n. Beisa oryx. Oryx

tsámʉ́nɔtɔ́síika . n. friend or neighbor gazella beisa.
with whom you share understanding. tsarʉ́kʉ́ɛ̀ba (tsarʉ́kʉ́-ɛ̀bà-) pl. tsarʉ́kʉ́ɛ-
tsamʉya (tsamʉyaá-) n. small plant bɨtín. n. oryx horn.
species with edible leaves and whose tsaʉ́dɔ̀n (tsaʉ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be dry and
black, inedible berries can be fried, crumbly (like a dried out leaf).
ground, and rubbed into cuts on the
chest as a treatment for chest pain. tsaʉ́ɗímɔ̀n (tsaʉ́ɗímɔ̀nì-) v. to be petite,
Chenopodium opulifolium. small-bodied, tiny.
tsàŋ (tsàŋà-) pl. tsáŋítín. n. gap (in a tsà ᵘ (tsàʉ̀) ideo. crumbly-dryly.
mountain or in one’s teeth). tsè (<tsòòn) v.
tsáŋés (tsáŋésì-) 1 v. to anoint, embro- tsɛɓɛ́kɛ́mɔ̀n (tsɛɓɛ́kɛ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be
cate, inunct. 2 v. to paint. 3 v. to cooked medium, half-cooked.
inaugurate. See also kwírɛ́s.
tsɛ̀f (tsɛ̀fà-) pl. tsɛ́fítín. n. patch of forest
tsáŋésa mayaakóniicé v. to anoint the cleared for cultivation (cut branches
sick. are left to dry in the sun).
tsáŋós (tsáŋósì-) 1 v. to be anointed. 2 tsèfètsèf (tsèfètsèfè) ideo. gwuf gwuf
v. to be painted. (sound of an animal walking). The
tsaórómòn (tsaórómònì-) v. to be see- vowels of this word are pronounced
through, transparent. silently.
tsapés (tsapésí-) 1 v. to twirl between tseiƙota (<tsoonuƙota ) v.
both hands. 2 v. to ignite or start (a
tsɛ̀kɛ (tsɛ̀kɛ̀) ideo. completely full.
fire by twirling a stick betweeen one’s
hands). 3 v. to brew. tsekétón (tsekétónì-) 1 v. to grow bushy,
grow over. 2 v. to grow furry or hairy.
tsapésá mɛ̀sɛ̀ v. to brew beer. See also
waatɛ́sá mɛ̀sɛ̀. tsekís (tsekísí-) n. brush, bush(es),
thicket, thick vegetation.
tsapetam (tsapetamá-) n. twirlable be-
tween one’s hands. tsekísíàƙwa (tsekísí-àƙɔ̀-) n. brush,
tsàpòn (tsàpònì-) v. to be bored or bush(es), thicket, thick vegetation.
drilled full of holes (e.g. wood bored tsèkòn (tsèkònì-) 1 v. to be bushy, over-
by insects). grown, weedy. 2 v. to be furry, hairy.
tsar (tsarí-) n. useless or worthless thing. tsereɗeɗí (tsereɗeɗíì-) n. hardwood tree
See also pás. species used for building, fencing, and
tsàr (tsàrà) ideo. carelessly, heedlessly. carving. Osyris abyssinica.
tsarátán (tsarátánì-) n. cleft of a rock, tsɛrɛ́ka (tsɛrɛ́kí-) pl. tsɛrɛ́kíka . n. shin-
rock crevice. bone, tibia.
tsarínánès (tsarínánèsì-) n. uselessness, tsɛ́rɛkɛ́kɔ́n (tsɛ́rɛkɛ́kɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be foot-
worthlessness. See also pásìnànès. sure, surefooted. 2 v. to be rigid, stiff.
tsario (tsarió-) n. weaverbird. Ploceus tséta (tsétá-) 1 n. serum, serous fluid
sp. (from wounds). 2 n. cow urine.

260
tsɛ̀tsɛ̀kwa tsitsiketésá así

tsɛ̀tsɛ̀kwa (tsɛ̀tsɛ̀kʉ̀-) 1 n. small tree tsɨkwa (tsɨkɔ́-) pl. tsɨkwɨtín. n. small

species whose stems are used as house tree species whose stems are used as
poles and whose bark is stripped into house poles and whose bark is stripped
fiber used for making hunting nets. into fiber used for making hunting nets.
Tarenna graveolens. See also tsɨkwa . 2 Tarenna graveolens. See also tsɛ̀tsɛ̀kwa .
n. either of the two upper ribs. tsìl (tsìlì) ideo. all along the way.
tsìɓìl (tsìɓìlà-) n. common bulbul. Pyc- Tsɨlá (Tsɨláà-) n. a personal name.
nonotus barbatus. Also called òtsìɓìl. tsɨpɨtsípɔ́n (tsɨpɨtsípɔ́nì-) 1 v. to
tsídzès (tsídzèsì-) 1 v. to carry on the condense, distill, form droplets (dew,
head. 2 v. to ship, transport. sweat). 2 v. to be spotted (like a leop-
tsídzèsìàwa (tsídzèsì-àwà-) pl. tsídzesia- ard). See also ikópíòn.
wíka . n. carrier, flatbed. tsɨrɨm (tsɨrɨmʉ́-) pl. tsɨrímíka . n. metal
tsídzesuƙota (tsídzesuƙotí-) 1 v. to carry (of any kind or shape).
away on the head. 2 v. to ship or trans- tsɨrɨmʉ́dòm (tsɨrɨmʉ́-dòmà-) pl. tsɨ-
port away/off. rɨmʉ́domitín. n. metal pot.
tsídzètòn (tsídzètònì-) 1 v. to flush or tsɨrɨtɛs (tsɨrɨtɛsí-) v. to spit a long dis-
rush out (e.g. animals from thickets). tance (esp. of those who dip tobacco
2 v. to come to, startle awake, wake up and spit the juice, usually between the
suddenly. top front teeth).
tsídzitetés (tsídzitetésí-) 1 v. to make tsírítɛtɛ́s (tsírítɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to erect, put or
carry on the head. 2 v. to flush out, set upright. 2 v. to aim, direct, guide.
jump (e.g. animals from thickets). 3 v. to correct, make right, rectify. See
also ɨtsírítɛtɛ́s and tɔɓɛɨtɛtɛ́s.
tsídzonuƙota (tsídzonuƙotí-) v. to take
or tear off (e.g. animals from thickets). tsírɔ́n (tsírɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be erect, upright.
2 v. to go directly, hit the target. 3 v. to
tsíɗɨ (tsíɗì) quant. all, entire, whole. be correct, right, true. See also ɨtsírɔ́n.
tsíɗɨtsíɗɨ (tsíɗɨtsíɗɨ) quant. all, entire, tsítsa (tsítsí-) 1 n. honeyguide (lesser
whole. and possibly other species). Indicator
Tsíɡàka (Tsíɡàkà-) n. name of a moun- sp. 2 n. informant, intelligence officer.
tain slope with a cattle trail. Not to be confused with tsìtsa .
tsíɡìmètòn (tsíɡìmètònì-) v. to climb tsìtsa (tsìtsà-) n. falcon, goshawk, hawk.
down this way, come down, de- Not to be confused with tsítsa .
scend this way. Also pronounced as tsítsá na kwátsa n. parish intelligence
kídzìmètòn. and security officer (PISO). Lit. ‘lesser
tsɨɨr (tsɨɨrí-) pl. tsɨɨríka . n. broad base of honeyguide’.
a vertically oriented ridge. tsitsikes (tsitsikesí-) v. to roll.
tsíítés (tsíítésí-) v. to contemn, despise, tsitsikesa ʝɔtɛ́ v. to roll the root of ʝɔta
disdain, scorn. for spearing practice.
tsìkòn (tsìkònì-) v. to walk hesitantly tsitsíkésuƙota así v. to roll away.
(e.g. a criminal or a stranger). tsitsiketésá así v. to roll this way.

261
tsitsikiés tsɔ́tsɔ́n

tsitsikiés (tsitsikiesí-) v. to roll repeat- person (who crouches instead of sits or

edly. moves around instead of settles).
tsɨtsín (tsɨtsíná-) pl. tsɨtsíníka . 1 n. stick tsɔ́nɔ́n (tsɔ́nɔ́nì-) v. to crouch, squat.
for scraping honey from a container. 2 Tsɔŋɔ́rán (Tsɔŋɔ́ránì-) n. name of a hill
n. toothbrush. 3 n. paintbrush. or mountain.
tsò (tsò) 1 adv. in the distant future. 2 tsòòn (tsòònì-/tse-) v. to dawn, rise (of
adv. in the distant past. the sun). See also walámón.
tsóɗitsóno (tsóɗitsónoó-) n. bird spe- tsóón (tsóónì-/tsá-) v. to be dry.
cies. tsóóna kíʝáe v. drought.
tsoe (tsoé-) n. wild hunting dog. Lycaon tsoonuƙota (tsoonuƙotí-/tseiƙot-) v. to
pictus. dawn, rise (of sun).
tsóéàm (tsóé-àmà-) n. rain that comes tsóónuƙota (tsóónuƙotí-/tsáíƙot-) v. to
to Ikland from the west. dry out/up, evaporate.
tsɔ́ɡɔ̀rɔ̀mòn (tsɔ́ɡɔ̀rɔ̀mònì-) v. to be tsɔ́r (tsɔ́rá-) n. baboon. Papio cyno-
leggy, long-legged (like a gangly per- cephalus.
son, spider, or table, or when a porcu- Tsɔ́ráàwa (Tsɔ́rá-àwà-) n. name of
pine raises up to avoid a snake). See a rocky outcropping in Nòf . Lit.
also tsáƙólómòn. ‘baboon-place’.
tsoíko n. all night, the whole night, till tsɔ́ráɗoɗôba (tsɔ́rá-ɗoɗóbà-) n. vine
morning. species used as a treatment for cracks
tsokôba (tsokóbè-) n. Abdim’s stork. Ci- in cows’ skin on their legs and whose
conia abdimii. leaves are cooked and the decoction
drunk for stomach ailments; baboons
tsòkòlòr (tsòkòlòrì-) pl. tsokólórìka .
eat the whole plant. Lit. ‘baboon baby-
n. oblong pumpkin.
carrier’. Cucumis dipsaceus.
tsokótsókánón (tsokótsókánóní-) v. to
tsɔ́rákwɛ̀ta (tsɔ́rá-kwɛ̀tà-) n. deformity
be a mixture of fat and meat.
of maize cobs in which the cob grows
tsól (tsólé-) n. black-winged red bishop. with several fingers resembling a ba-
Euplectes hordeaceus. boon’s hand. Lit. ‘baboon-hand’.
tsɔlílɔ́n (tsɔlílɔ́nì-) v. to be liquid. tsɔ́ráŋwa (tsɔ́rá-ŋwaá-) n. female ba-
tsolólómòn (tsolólómònì-) v. to be boon.
amenable, compliant, willing. tsɔrɛ́s (tsɔrɛ́sí-) v. to bleed for drinking.
tsòn (tsònì) ideo. blood red, crimson, tsòrìàm (tsòrìàmà-) n. white-rumped
ruby red, scarlet. swift. Apus affinis/Apus caffer.
tsɔnɨtsɔnɔ́s (tsɔnɨtsɔnɔsí-) v. to be rest- tsòrìta (tsòrìtì-) pl. tsorítíka . n. artery,
less or unsettled (shown by one’s ten- blood vessel, capillary, vein.
dency to crouch instead of sit or move tsorokoní (tsorokoníì-) n. small mosqui-
instead of settle). to species.
tsɔnɨtsɔnɔsíám (tsɔnɨtsɔnɔsí-ámà-) pl. tsɔ́tsɔ́n (tsɔ́tsɔ́nì-) v. to be keen, sharp
tsɔnɨtsɔnɔsííka . n. restless or unsettled (of eyesight).

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tsówír tswíɨtswí

tsówír (tsówírì-) n. speckled mousebird. tsʉrʉ́ɗʉ́mɔ̀n (tsʉrʉ́ɗʉ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be

Colius striatus. bulging, convex.
tsowírímòn (tsowírímònì-) v. to be tsùta (tsùtà-) pl. tsútítín. n. tip of a hut’s
crested, plumed. roof where the last layer of thatching is
tsóya (tsóí-) n. season. brought together in a column and wo-
tsʉ̀bɛ̀ɗɛ (tsʉ̀bɛ̀ɗɛ̀) ideo. crunch crunch ven tightly in place.
(sound of walking).
tsʉ́tɔ̀ (tsʉ́tɔ̀) adv. completely, totally.
tsʉ́ɓa (tsʉ́ɓá-) pl. tsʉ́ɓítín. n. bird tail.
tsútsa (tsútsá-) n. fly.
tsuɓáánètòn (tsuɓáánètònì-) v. to be
pointy (like a girl’s breasts or a pig’s Tsùtsùkààwa (Tsùtsùkà-àwà-) n. name
snout). of a deserted village. Lit. ‘rubbing-
tsʉɓɛ́s (tsʉɓɛ́sí-) v. to sip. See also abu- place’.
tiés. tsutsukes (tsutsukesí-) 1 v. to roll
tsʉɓɛtɛ́s (tsʉɓɛtɛ́sí-) v. to sip, take a sip. between hands, rub in hands (e.g.
See also abʉtɛtɛ́s. sorghum or millet to remove the seeds
tsúdòn (tsúdònì-) v. to raise one’s but- from the stems). 2 v. to limber, supple
tocks (e.g. while lying face-down). (e.g. leather clothing).
tsʉɗʉtsʉɗɔ́s (tsʉɗʉtsʉɗɔsí-) v. to be jit- tsutsukúmétòn (tsutsukúmétònì-) v. to
tery, jumpy (e.g. a mouse or a thief). grow limber or supple.
tsʉ́kʉɗʉ́ɗɔ́n (tsʉ́kʉɗʉ́ɗɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be
miserable, wretched (like animals in tsʉ̀t ᶶ (tsʉ̀tʉ̀) adv. ever, never.
the cold or rain). 2 v. to be concerned, tsʉ́ʉ́r (tsʉ́ʉ́rà-) pl. tsʉ́ʉ́rìka . n. white
worried (like when one moves through thorn acacia: a scrubby, plentiful tree
a dangerous area). species whose extremely hard wood is
tsuƙúlúmòn (tsuƙúlúmònì-) v. to good for building and fencing; its resin
be bowl-shaped, concave. See also is chewed and a bark decoction taken
sakánámòn. for bloating. Acacia hockii.
tsuláta (tsulátí) pl. tsulátíka . n. tuft, tus- tsùwà (tsùwàà-) 1 v. to run. 2 v. to race.
sock (of hair or feathers).
tsuwa na ɨɓákɔ́nì n. race. Lit. ‘running
tsʉm (tsʉmá-) pl. tsʉmɨtín. n. desert
side-by-side’.
date: thorny tree species whose leaves
are picked by women and eaten as a tsuwoós (tsuwoosí-) v. to be active,
vegetable or spice, whose berries (òwà lively.
are eaten raw or cooked, and whose
tswíítswí (tswíítswí) ideo. squeak
resin is used as a glue; soap is made
squeak! (sound made by rodents).
from its inner bark, and a root decoc-
tion is drunk for bone-pain or stomach tswíɨtswí (tswíɨtswíì-) n. cicada. Cicadi-
ailments. Balanites aegyptiaca. dae.

263
tsʼábès tsʼɛ́dɔ́ɔ́ kɔ̀nà

tsʼ
tsʼábès (tsʼábèsì-) 1 v. to despise, detest, tsʼáɡòn (tsʼáɡònì-) v. to be cruddy, dirty,
hate. 2 v. to not sit well with. See also filthy, grimy. See also itútsón.
takaɗes. tsʼaɡús (tsʼaɡúsé) num. four.
tsʼábunós (tsʼábunósí-) v. to despise, de- tsʼaɡusátìke v. four-by-four.
test, or hate each other.
tsʼaɡúso num. four times.
a
tsʼaɗ (tsʼaɗí-) n. fire. tsʼaɡúsón (tsʼaɡúsónì-) v. to be four.
tsʼaɗíáka (tsʼaɗí-ákà-) n. flame. Lit. ‘fire- tsʼáɡwà (<tsʼáɡwòòn) v.
mouth’.
tsʼáɡwòòn (tsʼáɡwòònì-/tsʼáɡwa-) v. to
Tsʼaɗíáwa (Tsʼaɗí-áwà-) n. name of a be raw (uncooked or unripe).
place where a village was burnt down.
tsʼàl (tsʼàlì) ideo. drenchedly, soppingly.
Lit. ‘fire-place’.
tsʼálés (tsʼálésì-) v. to remove, take out
tsʼaɗícɛ́mɛ̀r (tsʼaɗí-cɛ́mɛ̀rì-) n. fire herb:
(as from a cooking pot).
small blackish plant species found at
the bases of boulders and whose leaves tsʼaletés (tsʼaletésí-) v. to remove, take
are charred, ground, and applied to out (as from a cooking pot).
burns. Pellaea adiantoidea. tsʼalídòn (tsʼalídònì-) v. to be drenched,
a
tsʼaɗídàkw (tsʼaɗí-dàkù-) n. firewood. soaked, sopping (with oil).
tsʼaɗíékwa (tsʼaɗí-ékù-) pl. tsʼaɗíék- tsʼálóbiés (tsʼálóbiesí-) 1 v. to finger out
wítín. 1 n. fireplace, hearth. 2 n. fam- (food before it is served in dishes). 2
ily. Lit. ‘fire-eye’. v. to finger during sex.
tsʼálúbòn (tsʼálúbònì-) v. to slosh,
tsʼaɗíɔ́ʝa (tsʼaɗí-ɔ́ʝà-) pl. tsʼaɗíɔ́ʝítín.
splash.
n. burn. Lit. ‘fire-wound’.
tsʼan (tsʼaní-) n. louse, lice. Pediculidae.
tsʼàf (tsʼàfʉ̀-) pl. tsʼáfítín. n. chaw,
plug, wad (of sth. chewable: honey- tsʼanán (tsʼanání-) n. small insect that
comb, sugarcane, or tobacco). eats sorghum seeds on the plant and
makes its own honey.
tsʼàf (tsʼàfʉ̀) ideo. unchewably, undi-
gestibly. tsʼaráfón (tsʼaráfónì-) v. to be dark
brown, umber (of human skin, be-
tsʼafɛ́s (tsʼafɛ́sí-) v. to chew to extract tween the ‘red’ and ‘black’ tones).
juice (honey, sugar, tobacco).
tsʼé (<tsʼóón) v.
tsʼafʉ́dɔ̀n (tsʼafʉ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be unchew-
able, undigestible (e.g. chewing to- tsʼɛ̀ (tsʼɛ̀à-) pl. tsʼɛ́ítín. n. hide, pelt, skin.
bacco or chewy maize). tsʼɛa na kwaní n. foreskin.
tsʼâɡa (tsʼáɡà-) pl. tsʼáɡitín. n. crud, dirt- tsʼɛ́daikén (tsʼɛ́daikén) dem. there.
iness, filth, filthiness, grime. tsʼɛ́dɛ́ɛ́ (tsʼɛ́dɛ́-) dem. there: a place al-
tsʼáɡààm (tsʼáɡà-àmà-) pl. tsʼáɡaika . ready known or mentioned.
n. filthy person. tsʼɛ́dɔ́ɔ́ kɔ̀nà pro. from there, then.

264
tsʼeiƙota tsʼûda

tsʼeiƙota (<tsʼoonuƙota ) v. tsʼítsʼɔ́n (tsʼítsʼɔ́nì-) 1 v. to be sharp. 2

a
tsʼéíƙot (<tsʼóónuƙot ) v. a v. to be pointed. 3 v. to be covetous,
grabby, greedy. 4 v. to have unpro-
tsʼeites (tsʼeitesí-) v. to extinguish, put tected sex.
out, quench.
tsʼɔɗɨtɛs (tsʼɔɗɨtɛsí-) v. to prick, stick.
tsʼeítésuƙota (tsʼeítésuƙotí-) 1 v. to extin- tsʼɔƙam (tsʼɔƙamá-) n. honey beer, mead
guish, put out, quench. 2 v. to switch made by mixing grain beer with honey.
or turn off electrically. 3 v. to snuff See also sɨs.
out (i.e. kill, murder).
tsʼɔƙɛ́s (tsʼɔƙɛ́sí-) v. to brew or pitch
tsʼɛ̀tà kɔ̀nà n. likewise, in the same way. (mead by mixing beer with honey).
tsʼíínáá (tsʼíínáá) n. all the time. tsʼɔƙɔ́m (tsʼɔƙɔ́má-) n. tree species
tsʼíínúó (tsʼíínúó) n. everywhere. whose yellow fruits are eaten raw,
whose seeds are cracked, mashed, and
tsʼɨƙa (tsʼɨƙá-) 1 n. bee, honeybee. Apis fried to be eaten, and from whose wood
mellifera. 2 n. honey. stools and troughs are carved. Sclero-
tsʼɨƙábòta (tsʼɨƙá-bòtà-) pl. tsʼɨƙábotitín. carya birrea.
n. swarm of bees on the move. tsʼolites (tsʼolitesí-) v. to administer in
tsʼɨƙáhò (tsʼɨƙá-hòò-) pl. tsʼɨƙáhoíka . drops, dribble, drizzle.
n. honeycomb. Lit. ‘bee-house’. See tsʼolítésuƙota (tsʼolítésuƙotí-) v. to ad-
also ɗàɗàhò. minister in drops, dribble, drizzle.
tsʼìn (tsʼìnɔ̀-) n. taboo against husbands tsʼolítésuƙota séàe v. to drain blood.
of pregnant wives participating in any tsʼòlòn (tsʼòlònì-) v. to dribble, drip, driz-
food-gathering activities such as hunt- zle. See also ɨɗɔ́nɔ́n.
ing. tsʼɔ̀ɔ̀ (tsʼɔ̀ɔ̀) 1 adv. now. 2 adv. soon. 3
tsʼìnɔ̀àm (tsʼìnɔ̀-àmà-) pl. tsʼɨnoika . adv. just recently.
n. husband prohibited from participat- tsʼóón (tsʼóónì-/tsʼé-) v. to die (of many).
ing in food-gathering activities due to tsʼóóniika (tsʼóóni-icé-) n. dead people.
the pregnancy of his wife.
tsʼoonuƙota (tsʼoonuƙotí-/tsʼeiƙot-) 1
tsʼìnɔ̀n (tsʼìnɔ̀nì-) v. to be pregnant, with v. to die or go out (of fire or light). 2
the result that one’s husband is pro- v. to switch or turn off (of electrically
hibited from participating in any food- powered things). Not to be confused
gathering activities. with tsʼóónuƙota .
tsʼírítɔ̀n (tsʼírítɔ̀nì-) v. to spurt, squirt tsʼóónuƙota (tsʼóónuƙotí-/tsʼéíƙot-) v. to
(e.g. blood or spit). die off/out (of more than one). Not to
tsʼítsʼɛ́s (tsʼítsʼɛ́sì-) v. to track. be confused with tsʼoonuƙota .
tsʼʉ́bʉláta (tsʼʉ́bʉlátí-) pl. tsʼʉ́bʉlátíkwa .
tsʼítsʼɛ́sà dɛ̀ìkàɛ v. to track footprints.
n. plug or stopper made from grass or
tsʼítsʼítɛ́sʉƙɔta (tsʼítsʼítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) v. to leaves. See also tsʼʉ̂ba .
make sharp, sharpen. tsʼûda (tsʼúdè-) 1 n. smoke. 2 n. exhaust,
tsʼítsʼítɛtɛ́s (tsʼítsʼítɛtɛ́sí-) v. to make fumes. 3 n. smoke signal. 4 n. to-
sharp, sharpen. bacco.

265
tsʼúdemucé tsʼʉ̂ba

tsʼúdemucé (tsʼúde-mucéè-) pl. tsʼú- tsʼʉtsʼʉ́áwa (tsʼʉtsʼʉ́-áwà-) pl. tsʼʉtsʼʉ́á-

demucéíka . n. exhaust pipe, muffler. wíka . n. garbage dump, rubbish pile.
tsʼudités (tsʼuditésí-) v. to fumi- tsʼʉ́tsʼʉ́tɛ́s (tsʼʉ́tsʼʉ́tɛ́sí-) v. to suck
gate, smoke. See also ipúréés and out/up (e.g. marrow or milk).
iwaŋíwáŋés.
tsʼʉ́ʉ́tɛ́s (tsʼʉ́ʉ́tɛ́sí-) 1 v. to suck out/up
tsʼʉ̀fɔ̀n (tsʼʉ̀fɔ̀nì-) v. to peek or peep out
(e.g. marrow or milk). 2 v. to make
from behind or inside.
a sucking sound in derision. See also
tsʼʉ́ɡʉram (tsʼʉ́ɡʉramá-) n. shrub spe- ƙʉɗɛ́s.
cies that grows on rocky outcroppings
and has big leaves which are used to tsʼʉ́ʉ́tɔnʉƙɔta (tsʼʉ́ʉ́tɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to be
treat scabies. absorbed, sucked dry, sucked up.
tsʼʉnɛ́s (tsʼʉnɛ́sí-) v. to kiss. tsʼʉ̀wɔ̀n (tsʼʉ̀wɔ̀nì-) v. to come and go in
tsʼʉ́nʉ́nɔ́s (tsʼʉ́nʉ́nɔ́sí-) v. to kiss each bunches (like bees at a beehive).
other. tsʼʉ̂ba (tsʼʉ́bà-) pl. tsʼʉ́bɨtín. n. plug or
tsʼʉtsʼʉ (tsʼʉtsʼʉʉ́-) n. garbage, refuse, stopper made from grass or leaves. See
rubbish, trash. also tsʼʉ́bʉláta .

266
ûda Úzɛ̀tìàm

u/ʉ
ûda (údè-) n. soft dry grass that is used urúr (urúrá-) pl. urúríka . n. gully or
as a mattress, a sponge for bathing, and trench formed by running water. See
a plug for granaries and beehives. also ɲéƙúrumota .
Uɡánɗà (Uɡánɗàà-) n. Uganda. ʉrʉ́sáya (ʉrʉ́sáì-) n. large tree used
úɡès (úɡèsì-) v. to dig, excavate, un- for fencing and firewood, whose wood
earth. burns slowly and well, and whose
úɡetés (úɡetésí-) v. to dig out/up, exca- leaves and roots are used as eye
vate, unearth. medicine. Justicia sp.
uɡwam (uɡwamá-) pl. úɡwamatikwa . 1 utés (utésí-) v. to clear a path, find or
n. sibling-in-law (wife’s siblings). 2 make a way through, penetrate.
n. sibling-in-law (brother’s wife’s sib- utésúƙota (utésúƙotí-) v. to clear a path,
ling). 3 n. brother-in-law (sister’s hus- find or make a way through, penetrate.
band). 4 n. sister’s husband’s sibling. útétòn (útétònì-) v. to find entrance to
Uláyà (Uláyàà-) n. Europe. or a way into.
ún (únó-) pl. únítín. n. rope. See also útɔ̀ (útɔ̀ɔ̀-) n. seed oil (e.g. simsim or
ŋún. sunflower).
upánón (upánónì-) v. to be inseparable ùtòn (ùtònì-) v. to escape, get away.
(of close friends).
utonuƙota (utonuƙotí-) v. to escape, get
uré (uréì-) pl. uréìka . n. mat made of away/out/through.
sɔ̂ɡa reeds woven together with bark
ututetés (ututetésí-) v. to drive or force
fiber and used to dry edible termites
through, thrust. See also xutés.
over fire in a hut when it starts to rain.
urém (urémá-) n. vine whose fruits and ututiés (ututiesí-) v. to drive or force
leaves are eaten raw or cooked. Pentar- through repeatedly, thrust repeatedly.
rhinum insipidum. ùwòò (ùwòò) ideo. completely open and
Úrù (Úrùù-) n. Independence Day of visible.
Uganda (October 9, 1962). From the Úzɛ̀ta (Ú́zɛ̀tì-) n. Uzet: one of the Ik’s
Swahili word uhuru ‘freedom’. twelve clans.
ùrùƙùs (ùrùƙùsù) ideo. abruptly, sud- Úzɛ̀tìàm (Úzɛ̀tì-àmà-) pl. Úzɛtiika .
denly. n. Uzet clan member.

267
wà walámón

w
wà (<wɔ̀ɔ̀n) v. wáánàhò (wáána-hòò-) pl. wáánahoíka .
wà (<weés) v. n. church, house of prayer.
wà (wàà-) pl. waicíka . 1 n. greens, veg- wáánɛtɛ́s (wáánɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to ask for, re-
etables (planted or wild). 2 n. fodder, quest. 2 v. to borrow. See also iɗenetés.
grazing, pasture. wáánínɔ́s (wáánínɔ́sí-) v. to beg and bor-
wààà (wààà) ideo. whoosh (sound of row from each other.
rushing water). The vowels of this wáánɨtɛtɛ́síàm (wáánɨtɛtɛ́sí-àmà-) pl.
word are pronounced silently. wáánɨtɛtɛ́síika . n. worship leader.
wááka (wáákà-) pl. wáákaicíka . n. game, waatɛ́s (waatɛ́sí-) v. to brew, infuse,
play, sport. steep.
wááka (wáákà-) v. to play. waatɛ́sá mɛ̀sɛ̀ v. to brew beer (by soak-
wááka dikwitíní n. dance with singing. ing grist). See also tsapésá mɛ̀sɛ̀.
wááka na támɔtɔ́s n. drama, play, skit. wádòn (wádònì-) v. to boil, simmer. See
Lit. ‘play that is thought up’. also íɡùlàʝòn.
wáákààm (wáákà-àmà-) pl. wáákaika . waicíkásèda (wa-icíká-sèdà-) pl. wai-
n. player. cíkásedíka . n. vegetable garden.
wáákitetés (wáákitetésí-) v. to mess or waín (waínó-) n. hunters’ call for help
play around with. in carrying meat home.
wáákós (wáákósí-) v. to be playful. waitésuƙota dakwí v. to make (a new
wààm (wà-àmà-) pl. waika . n. for- bride) collect firewood for her new fam-
ager, gatherer (of wild greens). See also ily.
ɡaɗikamáám. waitetés (waitetésí-) v. to graze, pasture,
wáán (wáánà-) pl. wáánaicíka . 1 take to pasture.
n. begging, soliciting, supplication. 2 wakatiés (wakatiesí-) v. to break off or
n. prayer. 3 n. religious service, wor- snap off in pieces.
ship. wakáwákatés (wakáwákatésí-) v. to
wáán (wáánà-) 1 v. to beg, implore, so- break off or snap off in pieces.
licit. 2 v. to pray. 3 v. to hold a wakés (wakésí-) 1 v. to break or snap off
religious service, worship. (e.g. a bone, tooth, or tree branch). 2
wáána na muɗésíàmàe n. prayer for the v. to cock (a weapon). See also pokés.
gravedigger. wakésíàwa (wakésí-àwà-) pl. wakésía-
wáána na tɛ́zɛ̀tɔ̀nì n. closing prayer. wíka . n. cocking lever.
wáánààm (wáánà-àmà-) pl. wáánaika . 1 walá (waláà-) n. sorghum variety with
n. beggar. 2 n. one who prays, prayer- tall stalks and red or white seeds.
ful person. walámón (walámónì-) 1 v. to dawn. 2
wáánààm (wáánà-àmà-) pl. wáániika . v. to realize, see, understand. See also
n. guest, visitor. tsòòn.

268
walɨwálɔ́n weesa kíʝáe

walɨwálɔ́n (walɨwálɔ́nì-) v. to be ag- wasɔna kúrúɓádù v. to be in charge of

itated, disturbed, perturbed (e.g. by or responsible for things.
heat or wind). wasɔna tsʼír v. to stand still or upright.
waŋádòn (waŋádònì-) v. to be chari- wasɔnʉƙɔta (wasɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to come to
table, generous, liberal (with one’s be- a stop, halt, stand still, stop.
longings, etc.). wata (waté-) n. rain.
warɨwar (warɨwarí-) pl. waríwárìka . watéɡwà (waté-ɡwàà-) n. bat species
n. tree species whose bark infusion whose noctural cry predicts rain. Lit.
can be drunk for fever and stomach ‘rain-bird’.
ailments, and whose termite-resistant
wàtòn (wàtònì-) v. to rain.
branches are used in building and fenc-
ing. Dombeya quinqueseta. watsóya (wa-tsóí-) n. harvest, harvest
time. See also karɔŋ.
wàrɔ̀ta (wàrɔ̀tɔ̀-) pl. warótíkwa . n. ter-
wàtsʼwa (wàtsʼɔ̀-) pl. wátsʼíkwa . n. bee-
mite colony at an inactive stage with
hive found in a rock crevice.
small undeveloped mounds and few
flying insects. wàx (wàxì-) 1 n. ahead, front. 2 n. be-
fore, earlier time.
was (wasɔ́-) 1 n. position, posture,
stance. 2 n. cessation, halting, stop- wàxɛ̀da (wàxɛ̀dɛ̀-) n. point of departure,
page, stopping. 3 n. campaign, candi- starting point.
dacy, nomination. wàxìàm (wàxì-àmà-) pl. waxiika . 1
wasɛ́tɔ́n (wasɛ́tɔ́nì-) v. to balk, hesitate, n. first person. 2 n. firstborn.
refuse, waffle. wàxìdòm (wàxì-dòmà-) pl. waxɨdomi-
tín. n. first pot of edible termites to be
wasɨtɛs (wasɨtɛsí-) 1 v. to erect, stand
cooked and eaten. See also kʉ́tʉ́ka .
up, support. 2 v. to halt, stop. 3 v. to
arrest, take to court. 4 v. to nominate wàxìkɛ n. ahead, foreward, in front, on-
for political office. ward.
wasɨtɛsa ikáe 1 v. to raise the head. 2 wàxʉ̀ 1 n. ahead, in front. 2 n. before,
v. to be preoccupied. earlier, first.
wasítɛ́sʉƙɔta (wasítɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to wâz (wázò-) pl. wázìkwa . n. young fe-
erect, stand up, support. 2 v. to halt, male (human or non-human).
stop. 3 v. to arrest, take to court. 4 wɛ́dɔ̀n (wɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to detour, change
v. to nominate for political office. course, take a diverson. See also
ƙeƙérón.
wasɔ́ám (wasɔ́-ámà-) pl. wasóíka .
n. candidate, nominee. wɛɗɨwɛ́ɗɔ́n (wɛɗɨwɛ́ɗɔ́nì-) v. to flap,
flutter.
wasɔ́áwa (wasɔ́-áwà-) pl. wasɔ́áwíka .
n. stop (e.g. of a bus), stopover. wɛ́ɛ́nɔ̀n (wɛ́ɛ́nɔ̀nì-) v. to be fast, quick,
speedy. See also itírónòn.
wàsɔ̀n (wàsɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to stand (in general,
but also for political office or trial). 2 weés (weésí-/wa-) v. to harvest, reap.
v. to be stationary, still, unmoving. 3 weesá dakwí v. to collect firewood.
v. to be stagnant. 4 v. to be account- weesa kíʝáe v. to play the field (sexually),
able, in charge, responsible. sleep around. Lit. ‘reaping the land’.

269
wéésánón wîdzo

wéésánón (wéésánónì-) v. to be lazy, wetésíàm (wetésí-àmà-) pl. wetésíika .

slothful. See also ɨtátsámánón. n. drinker, imbiber.
weésíàm (weésí-àmà-) pl. weésíika . wetités (wetitésí-) v. to give drink, irri-
n. harvester, reaper. gate, water.
wɛ́ƙɛ́ƙa (wɛ́ƙɛ́ƙì-) n. vine species once wetitésá cɛmɛ́ríkàɛ v. to give medicine,
used as rope in thatching old-style gra- treat.
naries. wetitésíàm (wetitésí-àmà-) pl. wetité-
wɛ̀l (wɛ̀là-) pl. wélíkwa . n. small open- síika . n. herbalist, traditional healer.
ing, passageway, tunnel (e.g. made by See also cɛmɛ́ríkààm.
an animal through thick grass, or by wetitésuƙota (wetitésuƙotí-) 1 v. to give
people to enter a hut or to pass be- drink, irrigate, water. 2 v. to charge
tween the sections of a homestead). (electrically).
wɛ̀lèèkwa (wɛ̀lè-èkù-) n. center of a wɛ̀tsʼɛ (wɛ̀tsʼɛ̀) ideo. breakably, brittlely.
small opening, passageway, or tunnel. wɛtsʼɛ́dɔ̀n (wɛtsʼɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be break-
wɛ̀r (wɛ̀rɛ̀) ideo. totally naked. able, brittle. See also ɛɔmɔ́dɔ̀n and
pokódòn.
wéreƙéƙón (wéreƙéƙónì-) v. to dawn
with a cool breeze (during the transi- wɛtsʼɛ́mɔ́n (wɛtsʼɛ́mɔ́nì-) v. to break or
tion between predawn darkness and chip off.
early dawn). wɛtsʼɛ́s (wɛtsʼɛ́sí-) v. to break of chip off,
wɛrɛƙɛs (wɛrɛƙɛs) ideo. immediately, in- knap.
stantly. wɛtsʼɛtɛ́s (wɛtsʼɛtɛ́sí-) v. to break or chip
off, knap.
weretsa (weretsí-) n. cry, outcry.
wetsʼetiés (wetsʼetiesí-) v. to break or
weretsíám (weretsí-ámà-) pl. weretsí-
chip off in pieces.
íka . n. crier, spotter (one who keeps
watch and alerts others of animals, en- wɛ̀wɛ̀ɛ̀s (wɛ̀wɛ̀ɛ̀sɛ̀) ideo. leisurely, slow-
emies, or forbidden things). ly, taking one’s time.
werétsón (werétsónì-) 1 v. to cry out (in wice ni interj. these kids, I tell you! (an
alarm, fear, or pain). 2 v. to bray, hee- expression of any positive or negative
haw. See also bɔ́rɔ́rɔ̀n. opinion of more than one object or per-
son). Lit. ‘these children’.
werétsónuƙota (werétsónuƙotí-) v. to
wicénánès (wicénánèsì-) n. childhood,
cry out (in alarm, fear, or pain).
childlikeness, childishness. Lit. ‘being
wetam (wetamá-) n. beverage, drink, children’.
drinkable, potable.
wîdza (wídzò-) pl. wídzitín. n. evening
wetés (wetésí-) 1 v. to drink, imbibe. 2 (roughly 5:00-7:00 p.m.).
v. to smoke, snuff. wídzèèkwa (wídzè-èkù-) pl. wídzeek-
wetésá cɛmɛ́ríkàɛ v. to take medicine witín. n. evening near sunset (roughly
(traditional or modern). 6:30-7:00). Lit. ‘evening-eye’.
wetésá kɔínáɛ v. to catch a whiff, pick wîdzo n. at evening time, during the
up a scent, smell. evening.

270
wìɗɨ Wús

wìɗɨ (wìɗì) ideo. vanishingly. wíziwizatós (wíziwizatósí-) v. to be

wɨɗɨɗánón (wɨɗɨɗánónì-) v. to clamp, striped (like a zebra).
clench, clinch (with the teeth). See also wíziwizetés (wíziwizetésí-) v. to scrawl,
ƙídzìkɔ̀ɔ̀n. scribble.
wɨɗímɔ́nʉƙɔta (wɨɗímɔ́nʉƙɔtí-) v. to dis- wóí (wóí) interj. aahǃ (an expression of
appear, vanish. See also ɨíɗɔ́n. fear or pain).
wíɗíwɨɗánón (wíɗíwɨɗánónì-) v. to
wòò (wòò) ideo. cavernous, very deep.
clamp, clench, clinch (with teeth).
wika (wicé-) n. children, kids. wɔ̀ɔ̀n (wɔ̀ɔ̀nì-/wa-) v. to eat or drink too
much.
wìl (wìlì) ideo. injuredly, painfully.
wòròƙòƙo (wòròƙòƙò) ideo. dryly.
wɨlímɔ́n (wɨlímɔ́nì-) v. to hurt (of an in-
jury). wówóʝés (wówóʝésí-) v. to scrape (the
wìlìwìl (wìlìwìlì) ideo. injuredly, pain- flesh off of, e.g. a bone or a gourd).
fully. wówóʝo (wówóʝò) ideo. word used by
wìɲ (wìɲì) 1 ideo. richly in taste. 2 honey-hunters for summoning bees to
ideo. gratifyingly. come colonize a newly placed hive.
wɨɲídɔ̀n (wɨɲídɔ̀nì-) v. to be rich (in wɔ̀x (wɔ̀xɔ̀) ideo. sounding like sh-sh.
taste), sensually gratifying (like beer or wɔxɔ́dɔ̀n (wɔxɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to make a sh-
fatty food). sh sound (e.g. dry leaves, a paper bag,
wɨɲɨwíɲɔ́n (wɨɲɨwíɲɔ́nì-) v. to be rich etc.).
(in taste), sensually gratifying (like
wuɗétón (wuɗétónì-) v. to burn to
beer or fatty food).
ashes, incinerate (e.g. a body, food,
wír (wírí) ideo. zoom! (sound of a wood).
swiftly moving object). See also yír.
wùɗòn (wùɗònì-) v. to be burnt to ashes,
wíránés (wíránésí-) v. to desire, long or
incinerated (e.g. a body, food, wood).
wish for.
wíríwíránón (wíríwíránónì-) v. to wúlù (wúlù) 1 interj. wow! (an expres-
be avoidant, circumventing, evasive, sion of amazement). 2 interj. yikes! (an
steering clear. See also wíríwíránón. expression of having a close call). Also
pronounced as wúlú.
witsiwítsétòn (witsiwítsétònì-) v. to
darken, get dark . wʉlʉ́kʉ́mɔ̀n (wʉlʉ́kʉ́mɔ̀nì-) v. to be
squirmy, wriggly (like a baby trying to
wìʉ̀ (wìʉ̀) ideo. going for good, not look-
get out of its sling or a girl escaping
ing back.
from a suitor).
wízɨlɛ́s (wízɨlɛ́sí-) v. to squint. See also
ɨmʉɗʉ́mʉ́ɗɔ̀n. wùòò (wùòò) ideo. whoosh! (sound of a
Euphorbia tree falling).
wízɨlílɔ́n (wízɨlílɔ́nì-) v. to be foul-
smelling, rank, stinking. See also wúrukukánón (wúrukukánónì-) 1 v. to
ɨmʉ́sɔ́ɔ̀n. have contractions. 2 v. to be cowardly,
wízìlìmɔ̀n (wízìlìmɔ̀nì-) v. to be squinty, faint-hearted, fearful.
squinty-eyed (of babies or the elderly). Wús (Wúsé-) n. name of a place.

271
xàɓu xikwa

x
xàɓu (xàɓù) ideo. softly. xɛɓɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (xɛɓɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to
xaɓúdòn (xaɓúdònì-) v. to be soft (e.g. frighten, intimidate, scare. See also
mattresses, ripe fruit, soil, etc.). kitítésuƙota .

xáɓútés (xáɓútésí-) v. to slurp. See also xɛ̀ɓɔ̀n (xɛ̀ɓɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be afraid, cow-

ɨsɔ́rɔ́ɓɛ́s. ardly, fearful. 2 v. to be shy, timid. 3
v. to honor, respect.
xakútsúmòn (xakútsúmònì-) v. to be
abyssal, bottomless, unfathomable. xɛɛ́s (xɛɛsí-) v. to dust, sprinkle. See also
ízuzués.
xaƙarés (xaƙarésí-) v. to clear the throat,
harrumph, hawk. See also hákátòn. xɛɛsʉ́ƙɔta (xɛɛsʉ́ƙɔtí-) 1 v. to dust, sprin-
kle. 2 v. to return a bride (to her home
xáƙátòn (xáƙátònì-) v. to gag, heave, by sprinkling water on the gate of her
retch. See also ʝaƙátós. parents’ home).
xáƙwa (xáƙʉ́-) pl. xáƙwítín. n. dried xɛɛtɛ́s (xɛɛtɛ́sí-) v. to dust, sprinkle.
flesh left on a skinned hide. Compare
xɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀n (xɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to fall from up
with ɲɔpɔɗɛ.
high (e.g. from a tree).
xán (xáná-) pl. xáín. 1 n. side. 2 n. di-
xɛmɔnʉƙɔta (xɛmɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to fall
rection, location.
from up high (e.g. from a tree).
xàr (xàrà-) pl. xárítín. n. bladder.
xèr (xèrà-) n. belch, burp.
xaramucé (xara-mucéè-) pl. xárítínímu-
xerétón (xerétónì-) 1 v. to belch, burp.
céíka . n. urethra.
2 v. to disgorge, regurgitate.
xàtsɔ̀n (xàtsɔ̀nì-) v. to go into exile,
xérón (xérónì-) 1 v. to belch, burp. 2
leave home.
v. to bawl, bellow, roar.
xàu (xàù) ideo. crackly, crunchily.
xɛxánón (xɛxánónì-) v. to be bloated
xaúdòn (xaúdònì-) v. to be crackly or (from overeating or from eating certain
crunchy (in sound, like wadded paper). gaseous foods).
xawíítsʼɨ (xawíítsʼì) ideo. burnt to ashes, xídɔ̀n (xídɔ̀nì-) v. to be verdant, very
incinerated. green. See also ƙwɨxídɔ̀n.
xɛɓás (xɛɓásí-) n. cowardice, fear, shy- xídɔna ekwitíní v. jaundice of the eyes.
ness, timidity. xɨkɛ́s (xɨkɛ́sí-) v. to hang up.
xɛɓásíàm (xɛɓásí-àmà-) pl. xɛɓásíika . xɨkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta (xɨkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí-) v. to hang up.
n. coward, shy or timid person.
xikóám (xikó-ámà-) pl. xikóíka .
xɛ̀ɓɛ (xɛ̀ɓɛ̀) ideo. tenderly (of plants). n. vagabond, vagrant of the wilder-
xɛɓɛ́dɔ̀n (xɛɓɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be tender (of ness (who may appear at your home,
new plant growth). See also rusúdòn. disheveled and in need of help).
xɛɓɨtɛs (xɛɓɨtɛsí-) v. to frighten, intimi- xikwa (xikó-) n. vagabondage, vagrancy
date, scare. in the wilderness. See also ríʝíkànànès.

272
xíƙón xutésúƙota

xíƙón (xíƙónì-) v. to hiccough, hiccup. xɔtánón (xɔtánónì-) v. to be immac-

See also xíƙwítòn. ulate, perfect, pristine, pure, spotless,
xìƙwa (xìƙwà-) n. hiccough, hiccup. virginal. See also xɔ́dɔ̀n.
xíƙwítòn (xíƙwítònì-) v. to hiccough, xɔ́tsɛ́s (xɔ́tsɛ́sì-) v. to exchange, swap,
hiccup. See also xíƙón. trade. See also ilókótsés and ɨxɔtsɛs.
xíƙwítós (xíƙwítósí-) v. to cry breathily, xɔ́tsínɔ́s (xɔ́tsínɔ́sí-) v. to trade with
wheeze. each other.
xɨŋata (xɨŋatí-) pl. xɨŋátíkwa . n. dusk, xoúxoú (xoúxoúù-) 1 n. vine species
twilight (roughly 7:00-8:00 pm). whose roots are eaten raw and with
which children play, pretending they
xɨŋatétón (xɨŋatétónì-) v. to be dusk,
twilight.
are meat. Asclepiadaceae sp. 2
n. plant disease that withers maize and
xɨŋatɔ n. at dusk, during twilight. sorghum leaves.
xɔ́bɛtɛ́s (xɔ́bɛtɛ́sí-) v. to choose, elect, xóuxówòn (xóuxówònì-) v. to be
pick, select. See also ɲʉmɛtɛ́s and whitish (typical of a crop disease which
tɔsɛɛtɛ́s. makes the plant infertile).
xɔ́bɛtɛ́sá así v. to enlist, enroll, join, sign xuanón (xuanónì-) v. to blow up, ex-
up for. pand, inflate, puff up, swell. See also
xɔ́bɛtɛ́sá ɲápukání v. to elect govern- taɲɛ́ɔ́n.
ment officials. xúbètòn (xúbètònì-) v. to germi-
xɔ́bɔtɔ́s (xɔ́bɔtɔ́sí-) v. to be choosen, nate, sprout. See also ɓúrukúkón and
elected, selected. rʉ́bɛ̀tɔ̀n.
xɔ́dɔ̀n (xɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be immaculate, per- xúbòn (xúbònì-) v. to germinate, sprout.
fect, pristine, pure, spotless, virginal. See also ɓúrukúkón and rʉ́bɔ̀n.
See also xɔtánón. xuƙúmánòn (xuƙúmánònì-) v. to hang
xɔ́dɔnʉƙɔta (xɔ́dɔnʉƙɔtí-) v. to become low with weight (e.g. a washline with
better, improve, return to normal. See many clothes).
also doonuƙota .
xuƙúmétòn (xuƙúmétònì-) v. to break
xokómón (xokómónì-) v. to germinate, or collapse from weight.
sprout (of grain).
xʉram (xʉramá-) pl. xʉrámíka . n. patch
xɔnɔ́ɔ́kɔn (xɔnɔ́ɔ́kɔní-) n. half, part, por- of unburned grass (left after a fire).
tion.
xʉ́rɛ́s (xʉ́rɛ́sì-) v. to do patchily or in
xɔ́ŋɛ́s (xɔ́ŋɛ́sì-) v. to fix with a woven patches (e.g. leaving patches in a culti-
handle (e.g. a gourd). vated garden, or fire leaving patches of
xɔŋɔŋ (xɔŋɔŋɔ́-) pl. xɔŋɔ́ŋíka . n. large brush).
animal-skin cloak worn mostly by old xutés (xutésí-) v. to drive or force
women. through, thrust. See also ututetés.
xɔ̀r (xɔ̀rɔ̀) ideo. gooily, goopily, gunkily. xutésúƙota (xutésúƙotí-) 1 v. to drive or
xɔrɔ́dɔ̀n (xɔrɔ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be gooey, force through, thrust. 2 v. to insert,
goopy, gunky. put inside.

273
xuxuanitetés xuxûba

xuxuanitetés (xuxuanitetésí-) v. to blow xuxûba (xuxúbò-) pl. xuxúbìka . n. for-

up, fill with air, flex (muscles), inflate, est dombeya: tree species whose bark
puff up. fibers and wood are used in building
xuxuanón (xuxuanónì-) v. to blow up, and whose twigs are used to make
expand, inflate, puff up, swell. See also firedrills. Dombeya goetzenii.
xuanón.

274
Yakóɓò yuúdòn

y
Yakóɓò (Yakóɓòò-) 1 n. Jacob, James. 2 Yɛlíyɛ́l (Yɛlíyɛ́lì-) n. June: month of full
n. James: New Testament book. grain germination. See also Nàmàƙàr.
yàŋ (yàŋà) ideo. sludgily. yɛlíyɛ́lɔ̀n (yɛlíyɛ́lɔ̀nì-) v. to germinate
yáŋ (yáŋì-) pl. yáŋín. 1 n. my mother. fully (of grain seed-heads).
2 n. my aunt (father’s brother’s wife). yɛ̀m (yɛ̀mɛ̀) ideo. delicately, fragilely.
3 interj. oh! wowǃ (an expression of yɛmɛ́dɔ̀n (yɛmɛ́dɔ̀nì-) v. to be delicate,
amazement). fragile.
yaŋádòn (yaŋádònì-) 1 v. to be sludgy, Yésù (Yésùù-) n. Jesus.
thick (like lava, porridge, or wet ce- yír (yírí) ideo. zoom! (sound of a swiftly
ment). 2 v. to be loosely tied down. moving object). See also wír.
See also haʝádòn and laʝádòn.
Yoánà (Yoánàà-) 1 n. John. 2 n. John:
yáŋììm (yáŋì-ìmà-) pl. yáŋiwika . n. my New Testament books by this name.
cousin (father’s brother’s wife’s child).
yóói (yóói) interj. uh-huh, sure! (an ex-
yáŋìɲòta (yáŋì-ɲòtà-) n. my mother-in- pression of humored disbelief).
law (sibling’s spouse’s mother).
yù (yùù) ideo. softly (of soil).
yáó (yáóò-) pl. yáóín. n. your sister.
yʉanitetés (yʉanitetésí-) v. to lie, pre-
yáóím (yáó-ímá-) pl. yáówíka . n. your varicate. May also be spelled as ywaan-
niece or nephew (sister’s child). itetés.
Yarán (Yarání-) n. a personal name. yʉanón (yʉanónì-) v. to be a liar, dis-
yeá (yeáà-) pl. yeáín. n. my sister. honest, lie, prevaricate. May also be
spelled as ywaanón.
yeáìm (yeá-ìmà-) pl. yeáwika . n. my
niece or nephew (sister’s child). Yúdà (Yúdàà-) n. Jude: book in the New
Testament.
yeáta (yeatí-) pl. yeatíkwa . n. his/her/its
sister. yʉɛ (yʉɛ́-) n. falsehood, lie, prevarica-
tion, untruth.
yeatíím (yeatí-ímà-) pl. yeatíwíka .
n. his/her niece or nephew (sister’s yʉɛ́ám (yʉɛ́-ámà-) pl. yuéíka . n. liar.
child). yùm (yùmù) ideo. softly inside.
yeatínánès (yeatínánèsì-) n. sisterhood, yumúdòn (yumúdònì-) v. to be soft in-
sisterliness. side, have a soft interior (food, soil, or
wood).
yeéʼ (yeéʼ) interj. huh! (an expression of
derision or disbelief). The apostrophe yunivásìtì (yunivásìtìì-) n. college, uni-
at the end represents a glottal stop, an versity.
abrupt end to the word’s voicing. yús (yúsì-) n. young people, youth.
yɛ̀l (yɛ̀lɛ̀) ideo. dryly. yuúdòn (yuúdònì-) v. to be soft (of soil).

275
zaɓatiés ziálámòn

z
zaɓatiés (zaɓatiesí-) v. to switch or whip v. to develop, foster, grow, promote
lightly. See also ízaɓɨzaɓɛ́s. (e.g. plants or the economy).
zaɗíɗímòn (zaɗíɗímònì-) v. to be zeketa (zeketí-) pl. zekétíka . n. crease,
arched or arch-backed (like a donkey or crimp, crinkle, raised line, ridge (e.g.
a stooped person). that found inside a gourd or on the skin
zamʉʝánón (zamʉʝánónì-) v. to be of a malnourished person’s buttocks).
creased, crinkled, wrinkled. See also zɛƙɔ́ám (zɛƙɔ́-ámà-) pl. zɛƙóíka .
rʉʝanón and turúʝón. n. denizen, inhabitant, resident.
zè (<zòòn) v. zɛƙɔ́áwa (zɛƙɔ́-áwà-) pl. zɛƙɔ́áwíka . 1
zébès (zébèsì-) v. to stone, throw a stone. n. seat, sitting place. 2 n. room, space
Compare with turues. (e.g. in a room or vehicle). 3 n. abode,
zébesuƙota (zébesuƙotí-) v. to stone or dwelling, habitation, home, residence.
throw a stone that way. May also be spelled as zɛƙwááwa .
zébetés (zébetésí-) v. to stone or throw zɛƙɔ́áwa na maráŋ 1 n. clean and orderly
a stone this way. home. 2 n. place of honor.
zeetón (zeetónì-) v. to grow up. zɛƙɔ́áwa ná zè 1 n. big gathering. 2
n. city, metropolis, urban center.
zeikaakón (zeikaakónì-) 1 v. to be big,
huge, large (of many). 2 v. to be broad, zɛƙwa (zɛƙɔ́-) n. daily life, existence.
wide (of many). 3 v. to be grown up, zɛƙwa ná dà 1 n. peaceful coexistence.
mature. 2 n. high standard of living, prosperity,
zeiƙota (<zoonuƙota ) v. the good life.
zeís (zeísí-) 1 n. bigness, greatness, large- zɛƙwɛ́tɔ́n (zɛƙwɛ́tɔ́nì-) 1 v. to sit, sit
ness. 2 n. age, maturity, oldness. 3 down, take a seat. 2 v. to alight, land.
n. importance, preeminence, superior- 3 v. to move in, settle. 4 v. to calm
ity. 4 n. position, rank, status. 5 down, chill out, settle down.
n. authority, might, power. zɛƙwɨtɛtɛ́s (zɛƙwɨtɛtɛ́sí-) 1 v. to make sit,
zeísêda (zeísédè-) n. import, meaning, sit down. 2 v. to calm down or settle
significance. down.
zeísíàm (zeísí-àmà-) pl. zeísíika . n. au- zɛ̀ƙwɔ̀n (zɛ̀ƙwɔ̀nì-) 1 v. to be seated, sit-
thority, one in charge. ting. 2 v. to live, stay.
zeísínànès (zeísínànèsì-) n. position, zɛƙwɔna karatsɔɔ ʝákáe n. taboo of sit-
rank, status. ting on the stools of elders.
zeites (zeitesí-) 1 v. to enlarge, increase zɛ̀ƙwɔ̀nà lìòò v. to sit alone, silently.
(size), make bigger. 2 v. to develop, fos- ziál (ziálá) ideo. laboriously (of move-
ter, grow, promote (e.g. plants or the ment, walking).
economy). See also iwanetés. ziálámòn (ziálámònì-) v. to be beat,
zeitésuƙota (zeitésuƙotí-) 1 v. to en- exhausted, spent, tuckered, wiped or
large, increase (size), make bigger. 2 worn out. See also ziláámòn.

276
zíbòn zɔ́bɛ̀s

zíbòn (zíbònì-) v. to go for a walk during zíkímétòn (zíkímétònì-) v. to be beat,

one’s free time, stroll. exhausted, spent, tuckered, wiped or
zíbos (zíbosí-) v. to have free time to worn out. See also ziláámètòn.
walk around. zíkízɨkánón (zíkízɨkánónì-) v. to be
bound or tied up together.
zɨɗáta (zɨɗátá) ideo. whack! (sound of
someone being beaten). zíkɔ́s (zíkɔ́sì-) 1 v. to be bound, fastened,
tied. 2 v. to be apprehend, arrested. 3
zììì (zììì) ideo. vroom! (sound of a vehi-
v. to be behind bars, imprisoned, incar-
cle).
cerated, jailed, locked up.
zɨkam (zɨkamá-) pl. zɨkámíka . n. bunch, ziláámètòn (ziláámètònì-) 1 v. to be-
bundle, sheaf. Lit. ‘tyable’. come exhausted or worn out. 2 v. to
zíkɛ́s (zíkɛ́sì-) 1 v. to bind, fasten, tie. 2 become flaccid (of the penis). See also
v. to apprehend, arrest. 3 v. to im- zíkímétòn.
prison, incarcerate, jail. ziláámòn (ziláámònì-) v. to be beat,
zíkɛ́sà ƙɔ̀ɓàɛ v. to tie off the umbilical exhausted, spent, tuckered, wiped or
cord. worn out. See also ziálámòn.
zíkɛ́sìàwa (zíkɛ́sì-àwà-) pl. zíkɛ́sɨawíka . zɨn (zɨnɔ́-) n. zebra. Hippotigris quagga
n. jail, penitentiary, prison. Lit. (boehmi/granti).
‘binding-place’. Zɨnáíka (Zɨná-ícé-) n. traditional men’s
zíkɛ́sʉƙɔta (zíkɛ́sʉƙɔtí-) 1 v. to bind or age-group with the zebra as its totem
tie up. 2 v. to apprehend, arrest. 3 (#4 in the historical line). Lit. ‘Zebra-
v. to imprison, jail, lock up. Folk’.
zíta (zítá-) pl. zítítín. n. round winnow-
zɨkɛtɛ́s (zɨkɛtɛ́sí-) v. to bind or tie up.
ing basket.
zikíbaakón (zikíbaakónì-) 1 v. to be zízɛ̀s (zízɛ̀sì-) v. to menace, threaten,
lengthy, long (of many). 2 v. to be warn.
high, tall (of many).
zízités (zízitésí-) 1 v. to fatten. 2 v. to
zikíbàs (zikíbàsì-) 1 n. distance, length. fertilize (plants).
2 n. altitude, height, tallness. zízitésúƙota (zízitésúƙotí-) 1 v. to fatten
zikíbètòn (zikíbètònì-) 1 v. to grow long, up. 2 v. to fertilize (plants).
lengthen, prolong. 2 v. to grow high zízòn (zízònì-) 1 v. to be fat, healthy,
or tall. plump, well-fed. 2 v. to be fertile (of
zikíbitésúƙota (zikíbitésúƙotí-) 1 v. to soil). 3 v. to be meaningful, significant.
extend, lengthen, prolong, protract. 2 zízònìàm (zízònì-àmà-) pl. zízoniika .
v. to extend up, make high or tall, raise. n. fat, healthy, or plump person.
zikíbòn (zikíbònì-) 1 v. to be lengthy, zízonuƙota (zízonuƙotí-) v. to fatten
long. 2 v. to be high, tall. up, gain weight, get healthy. See also
zikíbonuƙota (zikíbonuƙotí-) 1 v. to tuɓútónuƙota .
lengthen: become longer, prolonged or zɔ́bɛ̀s (zɔ́bɛ̀sì-) v. to fix, insert (e.g.
protracted. 2 v. to extend up, grow rafters into a roof or sticks and thorny
high or tall, rise. branches into a fence).

277
zòòn zùku

zòòn (zòònì-/ze-) 1 v. to be big, huge, age, mature. See also iwánétòn.

large. 2 v. to be broad, wide. 3 v. to zɔ̀ta (zɔ̀tà-) pl. zɔ́títín. 1 n. chain. 2
be mature, old, of age. 4 v. to be grand, n. spring mechanism of a weapon.
great.
zɔ̀tɛ̀ɛ̀ba (zɔ̀tɛ̀-ɛ̀bà-) pl. zɔtɛɛbɨtín. n. belt-
zoona teréɡù v. to be in charge of work. fed machine gun. Lit. ‘chain-gun’.
zòònìàm (zòònì-àmà-) pl. zooniika . zɔ́tɛ́tɔ̀n (zɔ́tɛ́tɔ̀nì-) v. to join, link up.
n. person in charge. zɔ́tɔ́n (zɔ́tɔ́nì-) v. to be chained or linked
zoonuƙota (zoonuƙotí-/zeiƙot-) 1 v. to (e.g. oxen or donkeys carrying a load).
become bigger, grow bigger. 2 v. to zùku (zùkù) 1 adv. very. 2 adv. espe-
broaden, widen. 3 v. to age, grow in cially.

278
 Part III

English-Ik reversal index

a Acacia species

a kɔ́níɛ́n pro. able-bodied adult toipánónìàm n.

a bit kédììm n. abode awa n.; zɛƙɔ́áwa n.
a few kíníɛ́n pro. abominate tʉlʉŋɛs v.
a fifth (be) kɔnɔna túdònù v. abort iɲétséetés v.; iɲétsóòn v.; iyét-
a little bit kédiima kwátsa n. séetés v.; iyétsóòn v.
abort repeatedly iyétséyeés v.
a little while kédiima kwátsa n.
above nɔ́ɔ́ kwarɔ n.
a long time dèŋ ideo.; kéda zikîba n.;
ódowicíká nì kòm n. abruptly ŋàm ideo.; ùrùƙùs ideo.
a long while kéda zikîba n.; ódowicíká nì abscess tún n.
kòm n. absent-minded ɓotsódòn v.
a lot mbáyà adv.; pʉ́n ideo.; tàn n. absorb (attention) itúmúránitésúƙota v.
a short time kédiima kwátsa n.; ódow- absorb heat róbiróbòn v.
icíká nì ƙwàɗe n. absorbed tsʼʉ́ʉ́tɔnʉƙɔta v.
a short while ódowicíká nì ƙwàɗe n. absorbed (attention) itúmúránón v.
a time kédììm n. abstain (from food) ɨkáɲɔ́n v.
a while kédììm n. abuse ɨlarɛs v.; ɨlwarɛs v.
a while ago nótsò adv. abuse sexually tarates v.
a year ago sakɛɨn n. abuse verbally iyaŋes v.
aahǃ wóí interj. Abutilon species ídòkàka n.
aardvark ɲoɗôda n. abyssal xakútsúmòn v.
Abyssinia Isópìà n.; Sópìà n.
aardwolf náƙírà n.
acacia (Gerrard’s) ɓʉkʉ́lá n.
ab ɲákwálɨkwal n.
acacia (gum) ɗeréta n.; lofílitsí n.
abandon ɡóózés v.; ɡóózesuƙota v.
acacia (hook-thorn) kásíta n.
abandoned ɡóózosuƙota v.
acacia (Naivaisha thorn) lɛ̀r n.
abbattoir hoesího n.
acacia (Nubian) ɡɔmɔr n.
abdomen bùbù n.
acacia (scented-pod) kɨlɔ́ríta n.
abdominal disease ɡɛf n.
acacia (wait-a-bit) kʉ́rà n.
abdominal muscle ɲákwálɨkwal n. acacia (white thorn) tsʉ́ʉ́r n.
abduct ɨɛpɛtɛ́s v.; toreɓes v. Acacia brevispica kʉ́rà n.
abhor tʉlʉŋɛs v. Acacia gerrardii ɓʉkʉ́lá n.
abide nɛɛ́s v.; nɛɛsʉ́ƙɔta v.; taɗaŋes v. Acacia hockii tsʉ́ʉ́r n.
ability ɲapéɗór n. Acacia mellifera kásíta n.
Abim Teɓur n. Acacia nilotica kɨlɔ́ríta n.
ablactate topétésuƙota v. Acacia nubica ɡɔmɔr n.
able to topéɗésuƙota v. Acacia senegal ɗeréta n.; lofílitsí n.
able-bodied (of middle age) toipánón v. Acacia species ròr n.; tíír n.

281
Acacia tortilis adjacent to (move)

Acacia tortilis sèɡa n. acquaint naínɛ́ɛtɛ́s v.; naítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.

Acacia xanthophloea lɛ̀r n. acquainted (mutually) náínɔ́s v.
Acalypha fruticosa ʝɨʝîda n. acquiesce to tsamɛtɛ́s v.
accept tsamɛtɛ́s v. acquire iryámétòn v.
accept a curse tsamɛ́tɛ́sa ìlàmàɛ v. acquit ɨɛtɛ́sá ɨsíítɛ́sʉ́ v.
accident (have an) rúmánòn v. acrid ɓatsilárón v.
accompany iníámésuƙota v. act iɲétsóòn v.; iyétsóòn v.
accompany away elánónuƙota v. act falsely ipwáákés v.
accompany here elánétòn v. act in sync ilíréètòn v.
account ɲáɗís n. act in unison ilíréètòn v.
account for raʝetés v. actionable itíyéetam n.
accountable wàsɔ̀n v. active ɨkwɨɲíkwíɲɔ́n v.; iona ńda sea ni
itsúr v.; kʉrʉ́kʉ́rɔ́s v.; kwɨɲídɔ̀n v.; tsu-
accumulate ɨɗaɲɛtɛ́s v.; torítéetés v. woós v.
accumulate one-by-one ɨɗɛ́bɛtɛ́s v. actively kwìɲ ideo.
accuse ɨsíítɛ́s v. Acts of the Apostles Teréɡiicíká
accuse each other falsely kɛ́rínɔ́s v.; Dɛɨkaicé n.
tapáínɔ́s v. actually kárɨká adv.; rò adv.
accuse falsely ipwáákés v.; kɛrɛ́s v.; add ɗɔtsɛ́s v.; ɗɔtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; ɨatɛs v.
tapɛɛs v. add in ɗɔtsɛ́s v.; ɗɔtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
accuser ɨsíítɛ́sìàm n. add on tasaɓes v.
accuser (false) kɛ́rínɔ́síàm n.; lóliita n. add on top iɗokes v.
accustom ɨtalɛs v.; naínɛ́ɛtɛ́s v.; add repeatedly ɨatiés v.; ɨatiésuƙota v.
naítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
add together ɗɔtsɛ́s v.; ɗɔtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
accustomed ɨtalɔs v.
add up ɗɔtsɛtɛ́s v.
acerbic ɓatsilárón v. add water to ɨlálátɛ́s v.; ɨlatɛs v.
ache átsʼɛ́s v.; dódòn v. added ɗɔtsɔ́s v.; ɨatímétòn v.; ɨatɔs v.
ache (begin to) dódètòn v. adder (dwarf) narɛ́wa n.
ache (of joints) ɨtɨlítílɔ̀n v. adder (puff) bɛf n.
ache (of lymph nodes) titisíánón v. Adenium obesum dɛrɛ́ƙa n.; ʝɔta n.
ache (of teeth) isálílòn v. adhere ƙídzɔ̀n v.; nɔtsɔ́mɔ́n v.
achieve enés v. adhere to ɨnɔtsɛs v.
Acholi language Ŋíkátsolítôda n. adhesive nɔtsɔ́dɔ̀n v.
Acholi person Ŋíkátsolíám n. adhesively nɔ̀tsɔ ideo.
acid reflux átsʼɛ́sa ɡúróe n. adipose tissue ceím n.; ɛfás n.
acne ŋ́kaŋóka n. adjacent ɨɓákɔ́n v.
acolyte túbèsìàm n. adjacent to (move) ɨɓákɔ́nʉƙɔta v.

282
adjudicate agreeableness

adjudicate ŋʉrɛ́s v.; ŋurutiés v.; after ʝìrʉ̀ n.; térútsù adv.; tórútsù adv.
ŋurutiesúƙota v. after all ʝâbo adv.
adjudicated ŋurutiós v. afterlife didiɡwarí n.
administer ɨmɔlɛs v. again naɓó adv.
administer in drops tsʼolites v.; age dunétón v.; zeís n.; zoonuƙota v.
tsʼolítésuƙota v. age-group ɲanákɛ́ta n.
administration ɲápukán n.; ɲeryaŋ n. age-group (Blood-Strugglers) Ŋímarɨɔ-
administrator ɨmɔlɛsíám n. kɔ́ta n.; Ŋuésíìkà sèàe n.
admire iséméés v.; iséméetés v. age-group (Buffalo) Gasaraika n.; Ŋíkó-
sowa n.
admirer mínɛ́sìàm n.
age-group (Eland) Basaúréika n.; Ŋíwá-
adopt (a mascot) totores v.
pɛtɔ n.
adore mínɛ́s v.; tamɛɛs v. age-group (Elephant) Ŋɨtɔ́mɛ́ n.; Oŋo-
adorn daites v.; naƙwídɛtɛ́s v. riika n.
adornment ɲewale n. age-group (Gazelle) Kodowííka n.; Ŋíŋó-
adult ámáze n. leɲaŋ n.
adulterer ɓúƙónìàm n. age-group (Giraffe) Gwaítsʼíika n.; Ŋkó-
ryó n.
adulteress ɓúƙónìàm n.
age-group (Leopard) Ŋisíráya n.; Nʉ-
adulthood (of many) roɓazeikánánès n.
sííka n.
adults roɓazeika n. age-group (Lion) Máóika n.; Ŋíŋátuɲo n.
advertise (attributes) ƙɔƙɔanón v. age-group (Ostrich) Leweɲiika n.; Ŋímé-
advice each other táŋínɔ́s v. rimoŋ n.; Ŋ́kaleesó n.
advise táŋɛ́s v.; taŋɛtɛ́s v. age-group (Umbrella Thorn) Ŋítíɨra n.;
adze lorokon n. Seɡaika n.
aerate iwúlákés v. age-group (Zebra) Ŋítúkoya n.; Zɨnáíka
n.
affair (have an) ríínós v.
age-set ɲanákɛ́ta n.
affect kʉpɛ́s v.
aggravate ɨwíwínɛ́s v.; rúbès v.
affix mínɛ́s v.
aggregate rock ɲɛ́kɔ́kɔ́tɛ́ n.
afflict sikwetés v.; tawanes v.;
agile pɔɗɔ́dɔ̀n v.
tawánítetés v.
agilely pɔ̀ɗɔ ideo.
afflicted tawanímétòn v.
agitate íbɔbɔtsɛ́s v.; íbɔtsɛ́s v.; ɨlɔ́lɔ́ŋɛ́s v.
affluence ídzànànès n.
agitated íbɔtsɛ́sá así v.; iƙúrúmós v.;
affront risés v.; tatés v. walɨwálɔ́n v.
aflutter kìtòn v. ago kwààke n.
afraid paupáwón v.; xɛ̀ɓɔ̀n v. agree to tsamɛtɛ́s v.
Africa Buɗámóniicékíʝa n. agree with each other tsámʉ́nɔtɔ́s v.
African buɗámónìàm n. agreeableness daás n.

283
agreeble ambulatory

agreeble dòòn v. all day ódàtù n.

agricultural course áɡɨrɨkácà n. all done tɛ́zɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
agriculturalist tɔ̀kɔ̀bààm n. all fours (get on) tíɡàkètòn v.
agriculture tɔ̀kɔ̀ba v. all gone tɛ́zɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
ahead ɛ̀kwɔ̀n v.; wàx n.; wàxìkɛ n.; wàxʉ̀ all night tsoíko n.; tɛrɛƙɛs ideo.
n. all the time àrìŋàs adv.; ʝíìkⁱ adv.; tsʼíínáá
aid ɨŋaarɛ́s v. n.
all the way to ɡònè prep.; pákà prep.
aided ɨŋaarímétòn v.
allergic reaction (skin) nabêz n.
AIDS lóɓúlukúɲ n.; sílím n.
allergy (skin) nabêz n.
aim ɨɗírɔ́n v.; ɨtsírítɛtɛ́s v.; iyoes v.;
tsírítɛtɛ́s v.; tɔɓɛɨtɛtɛ́s v. Allium species tâba n.
Allophylus species àɗèŋèlìò n.
aim for ɨpɨmɛs v.; iyoesa así v.
allot ɨmɔlɛs v.
air ɡwa n.; suɡur n.
allow talakes v.
aircraft iɗékè n.
allure ɨmɔɗɛtɛ́s v.
airfield ɲakwaanʝa n.
almost ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɔ̀n v.
airplane iɗékè n.
almost do bɛ́ɗɛ́s v.
airport ɲakwaanʝa n. aloe tikorotóta n.
airstrip ɲakwaanʝa n. Aloe species tikorotóta n.
ajar bɔrɔ́ɔ́n v.; ŋawíɔ́n v. alone ɛɗá adv.; kɔ̀nɔ̀n v.
AK-47 ɲámakaɗá n. along the side ruteto n.
alarm ɲakalo n. along the way tsìl ideo.
albizia (large-leaf) síɔ̀ɔ̀ta n. alsatian (dog) ɲeryaŋíŋóka n.
Albizia anthelmintica óbìʝòɔ̀z n. also ʝìkɛ adv.
Albizia grandibracteata síɔ̀ɔ̀ta n. altar lɔpɨtá n.
alcohol craving mɛ̀sɛ̀ɲɛ̀ƙa n. alter iɓéléés v.
alcoholic ɛ́sáàm n. alternated iɗómíòn v.
alcoholism ɛ́s n. altitude zikíbàs n.
aluminum ŋkwáŋáya n.
alert ɡonés v.; itsópóòn v.; ŋízɛ̀s v.;
ɲakalo n. aluminum lip plug ŋkwáŋáya n.
alien ʝalánón v.; kíʝíkààm n. always àrìŋàs adv.; ʝíìkⁱ adv.
amass ɨɗaɲɛtɛ́s v.; torítéetés v.
alight toɗóón v.; zɛƙwɛ́tɔ́n v.
amass one-by-one ɨɗɛ́bɛtɛ́s v.
alive ɦyekes v.
ambitious ɨkázànòòn v.
all ɓutu ideo.; botedo n.; ɗàŋìɗàŋ quant.;
mùɲ quant.; mùɲùmùɲ quant.; pílè amble ɨpɛ́ɛ́ɲɛ́sá así v.; tasɔ́ɔ́n v.
ideo.; pítⁱ ideo.; tsíɗɨ quant.; tsíɗɨtsíɗɨ amblyopic pɨlírímɔ̀n v.
quant. ambulatory ɓɛƙɛsɔs v.

284
ambush ant species (black flying)

ambush ɨɗaarɛ́s v.; taɗapes v.; taɗapetés animal species tàlàlìdòm n.

v. animal(s) ínwa n.
ambusher tàɗàpààm n. animal-likeness ínónànès n.
ameliorate maraŋités v.; maraŋítésuƙota animateness ínónànès n.
v. animism ɲakuʝíícíka n.
amenable tsolólómòn v. animist ɲakuʝíícíkáàm n.
America Amérìkà n.; Ɓetsʼoniicékíʝa n. ankle dɛámóróka n.; kɔpɨkɔpa n.
American Amérìkààm n.; ɓètsʼònìàm n. anklet (coiled) ɲɛ́kílɔɗa n.
amniotic fluid baúcùè n. anklet (gold) ɲámaritóíta n.
amuse fekitetés v.; ɨmʉ́mwárés v. anklet (metal) dɛɨkatsɨrím n.
an kɔ́níɛ́n pro. Ankole cow Ŋíɲaŋkóléɦyɔ́ n.
anal sphincter ɔ́zàhò n. annihilate ɨƙɔmɛs v.; kánɛ́s v.
analyze ŋʉrɛtɛ́s v. annihilated kanímétòn v.
announce ɗoɗésúƙota v.; síránòn v.
anchor ɲólóita n.
announcement (morning) sír n.
ancient kɔ̀wɔ̀n v.
announcer síráàm n.
and ńdà coordconn.
annoy ɡaanítésuƙota v.; ɨtsanɛs v.
and then náàtì coordconn.
annoyance ɡaánàs n.; ɲɛlɨl n.
and yet (earlier today) tenáka adv. annoyed ɡaanón v.; ɨlílíɔ̀n v.; iŋóyáánón
and yet (long ago) tènòko adv. v.
and yet (yesterday) tèsìn adv. annoyed (become) ɡaanónuƙota v.;
Andropogon chinensis ʝan n.; ʝɛn n. ɨlílíɔnʉƙɔta v.
anemic dɛrɛ́dɔ̀n v. annoying fìfòn v.; ɨtsánánòn v.
anemically dɛ̀r ideo. anoint iɲóɲóés v.; kwírɛ́s v.; tsáŋés v.
angel ŋímaláíkàn n. anoint the sick tsáŋésa mayaakóniicé v.
anointed tsáŋós v.
anger ɡaánàs n.; ɡaanítésuƙota v.; ɲɛlɨl
n. another kɔn pro.
Anglican sɛ́mìs n. another day kónító ódòwì n.
answer raʝés v.; raʝetés v.; taatses v.;
angry ɡaanón v.; ɨlílíɔ̀n v.; iŋóyáánón v.
taatsésuƙota v.; taatsetés v.
angry (become) ɡaanónuƙota v.;
answer for raʝetés v.
ɨlílíɔnʉƙɔta v.
ant (cocktail acacia) tàbàrìbàr n.
angry at each other ɨlílíɨnɔ́s v.
ant (safari) ƙúduƙûda n.
anguish ɨtsanítsánɛ́s v.
ant (small worker) sokometa n.
animal (domestic) ínwá na awáe n. ant (soldier) lókóka n.; tɛƙɛram n.
animal (wild) ínwá na riʝááƙɔ̀ɛ n. ant species (black biting) ɲémúkùɲ n.
animal bed ɗípɔ̀ n.; nakús n. ant species (black flying) amózà n.; tɨɲíɲ
animal doctor ɗakɨtárɨama ínóe n. n.

285
ant species (black) arithmetic

ant species (black) ɓáritson n.; íleɡûɡa appendix lɔkapɛta n.

n.; sɨŋíl n. appetite (for meat) bisáka n.
ant species (blackish flying) kwɛlɛ́ɗa n. appetite (have an) ɨrɔ́rɔ́kánón v.
ant species (red flying) kútúŋùdàda n. apply heat to ɨmaɗɛs v.; ɨmáɗɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
ant species (sugar-eating) ɗɔ́ɡɨɗɔ̂ɡa n. apportion ɨmɔlɛs v.
antbear ɲoɗôda n. appreciate ɨlákásítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
anteater ɲoɗôda n. appreciative ɨlákásɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
antelope (male) sakalʉ́ka n. apprehend ƙanetés v.; zíkɛ́s v.;
antelope (roan) ɗorôɡa n. zíkɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; zíkɔ́s v.
antelope (whistling) ɲétíli n. apprehensive ísánòn v.
antenna (insect) ɛ̂ba n. apprehensive (become) ísánonuƙota v.
approach ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
anthill kutúta n.
approach (going) ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɔnʉƙɔta v.
anthill (holey) lòkòsòs n.
approach death inunúmétòn v.
anthill chamber ɓarán n.
appropriate itémón v.
antler ɛ̂ba n.
approximate ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɛ̀tɔ̀n v.; ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɔ̀n v.
ants species (singing) ʝɔrɔr n.
April Lomaruka n.; Lɔmɔ́ya n.
antsy kakáánón v.
Arab Ŋímaraɓúìàm n.; Oríáé n.
anus kazɨta n.; ɔ́zààka n.
Arabic language Múɗùɡùrìtòda n.;
anvil (stone) ityakesíɡwàs n. Oríáénítòda n.
anxious alólóŋòn v. arable tɔkɔbam n.
any mùɲ quant. arbitrate terés v.
apocalyse tasálétona kíʝáe n. arc ilúkúɗòn v.
appall ɨɓálɛ́tɔ̀n v.; lilétón v.; toɓules v. arch-backed zaɗíɗímòn v.
appalling ɨɓálɔ́n v.; toɓúlón v. arched zaɗíɗímòn v.
apparently íkwà adv.; ókò adv.; tsábò area aya n.; bácíka n.; ɲɛ́tɛɛr n.
adv. area (adjoining) nabɨɗɨta n.
apparition kúrúkúr n. argue nɛpɛƙánón v.
appeal to rɨmɛ́s v.; tɔmɨnɛs v. argue (of many) ilérúmùòn v.
appear lɛlɛmánétòn v.; lɛlɛ́tɔ́n v.; argue with déƙwítetés v.
pɛlɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.; takánétòn v. arguer nɛpɛ́ƙáàm n.
appear randomly iɗotíɗótòn v. argument dèƙwa n.; ɲelerum n.
appearing lɛlɛmánón v. argumentative deƙwideƙos v.
appearing suddenly pìrⁱ ideo. argumentative person nɛpɛ́ƙáàm n.
appease ɨkanɛ́s v.; ɨkaníkánɛ́s v. Arisaema ruwenzoricum ɓóéɗa n.
appendage (arm-like) kwɛta n. Aristida adoensis ɲeɗuar n.
appendicitis lɔkapɛta n. arithmetic ɲámára n.

286
arm at daytime

arm kwɛta n. artillery gun komótsɛ́ɛ̀ba n.

arm (upper) cwɛta n.; ɲorótónita n. artist ɨɗɨmɛ́síàm n.
arm bone (upper) ɲorótónitíɔ́ka n. as ɗítá prep.
armored vehicle ɡasoa na ɨlír n. as a whole botedo n.
armpit bàbà n. as well ʝìkɛ adv.
armpit muscle ɡuféém n. ascend tóbìrìbìròn v.; totírón v.
arms kúrúɓáa ni cɛmáɛ n. Asclepiadaceae species lócén n.; xoúxoú
n.
army kéà n.
ash(es) káwa n.
aromatic tukukúɲón v.
ashamed kweelémòn v.
arouse ɨɓʉ́rɛ́tɔ̀n v.
ashamed (become) ɨɛ́ɓɛ́tɔ̀n v.; iryámé-
aroused iɓurímétòn v. tona ŋiléétsìke v.
aroused sexually kwídikwidós v. ask esetés v.; esetésúƙota v.; esetetés v.
arrange ɨɗɔ́bɛ̀s v.; ɨɗɔ́bɛtɛ́s v.; ɨnábɛs v.; ask for tɔɓɛ́ɲɛ́tɔ̀n v.; wáánɛtɛ́s v.
ɨnábɛ̀sʉ̀ƙɔ̀ta v.; ɨnábɛtɛ́s v.; itíbès v.; asleep (limbs) isálílòn v.
itíbesúƙota v.
Asparagus flagellaris kòkòròtsa n.
arrange engagement ɨɗɨmɛ́sá ìʉ̀màɛ v. asphyxiate tʉɓʉnɛ́s v.; tuɓunímétòn v.
arrange marriage ɨɗɨmɛ́sá buƙúⁱ v. ass ɔ̂z n.
arrest wasɨtɛs v.; wasítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; zíkɛ́s ass (donkey) ɗìɗa n.
v.; zíkɛ́sʉƙɔta v. assault iríɓéés v.
arrested zíkɔ́s v. assault sexually itikiesúƙota v.
arrive (here) ɨtɛ́tɔ́n v. assay ɨkatɛs v.
arrive in kʉ̀tɔ̀n v. assemble ɨrírɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨrírɛ́ɛtɛ́sá así v.;
arrogant itúrón v.; ɨwɔ́ƙɔ́n v. iryámíryámètòn v.; itóyéés v.; itóyéésa
arrogant person ɨwɔ́ƙɔ́nìàm n. así v.; ɨtsʉ́nɛ́tɔ̀n v.; ɨʉɗɛs v.; ɨʉɗɛtɛ́s v.
arrow ɲámal n.; ɲɛ́cɨpɨtá n. assembly kur n.; ɲatʉ́kɔ́ta n.; ɲékíìkò n.;
ɲémítìŋ n.
arrow hole ɲámalíáka n.
assess esetés v.; iniŋes v.
arrow rings ɨlíŋírɛ́síàwa n.
assist ɨŋaarɛ́s v.
arrow shaft ɲámalídàkwa n.
assistant ɨŋaarɛ́síàm n.; karan n.
arrowhead naƙaf n.
assisted ɨŋaarímétòn v.
arrowhead base ɓólóèda n. assort ɨsíílɛ́s v.
artery tsòrìta n. assortment ɲalíɲalí n.
arthritic rɔʝɔ́dɔ̀n v. astonish ɨɓálɛ́tɔ̀n v.; lilétón v.
arthritically rɔ̀ʝɔ ideo. astonishing ɨɓálɔ́n v.; toɓúlón v.
articulation (anatomical) ɲékel n. astringent ƙɛ́rɨƙɛ́rɔ́n v.; tɛrɛrɛ́ɔ́n v.
artifacts kúrúɓáà nùù kɔ̀wa n. at dawn ɲaɓáítɔ n.
artificial ɨɗɨmɔtɔ́sá ròɓo v. at daytime ódòo n.

287
at dusk axehead (modern)

at dusk xɨŋatɔ n. aunt (his/her mother’s brother’s wife)

at night mukú n. momotícéka n.
at once ikéé kɔ̀n n.; ɲásáàtɔ̀ kɔ̀n n. aunt (his/her mother’s sister) totota n.
aunt (mother’s brother’s wife) momó-
at one time kédìè kɔ̀n n.; kédò kɔ̀n n.
cèka n.
at the same time ɲásáàtɔ̀ kɔ̀n n. aunt (mother’s sister) totó n.
Ateso language Ŋítésótôda n. aunt (my father’s brother’s wife) yáŋ n.
atheist nɛpɛ́ƙáàm n. aunt (my father’s sister) tátà n.
atmosphere didiɡwarí n. aunt (your father’s brother’s wife) ŋɔ́ n.
atom kiɗoɗotsa n. aunt (your father’s sister) tátó n.
atone for iɓutes v. authority zeís n.
attach ɗɔtsɛtɛ́s v.; ramɛtɛ́s v. authority (have) topéɗésuƙota v.
attached ɗɔtsɔ́s v. authority (person) zeísíàm n.
automobile ɲómotoká n.
attack iríɓéés v.; toɓés v.; toɓésúƙota v.
avail bírɛ́s v.
attacker toɓésíàm n.
available tɔɔsɛ́tɔ̀n v.
attain enés v.
avenge ɲaŋés v.; ɲaŋésúƙota v.
attempt ɨkatɛs v. average ŋwanɨŋwánɔ́n v.
attempt repeatedly ɨkatíkátɛ́s v. avert eyes kurukúrón v.
attend to ewanes v.; ewanetés v. avocado ɲóvakáɗò n.
attend to (garden) kɔɛ́s v. avoid eye contact kurukúrón v.
attendant (garden) kɔɛsíàm n. avoid repeatedly iwitíwítòn v.
attention span (have a short) dʉmɛ́ɗɛ́- avoidant firifíránón v.; wíríwíránón v.
mɔ̀n v. avow ikóŋón v.
attentive itsópóòn v. await kɔɛ́s v.; kɔɛtɛ́s v.
attest to itsáɗénés v. awake ɡonés v.
attire (fine) ɲɛ́nɨs n. awake for sex ɡòkòn v.
attract ɨtʉ́lɛ́ɛtɛ́s v.; tɔmɨnɛs v. awaken ɡonésétòn v.
award tɔ́rɔ́bɛs v.; tɔ́rɔ́bɛsa na ílɔɛsí n.
attractive dòòn v.
awkward betsínón v.; ɨɓaŋíɓáŋɔ̀n v.;
attractive person ɨɓʉrɛtɛ́síàm n. pɔsɔ́kɔ́mɔ̀n v.
attribute (personal) ɲɛpɨtɛa ámáe n. awl ɓɔtsɔ́ta n.
auction ókísèn n. axe dzibér n.
August Ɗiwamúce n.; Iɗátáŋɛ́r n.; axe (modern) nanɨŋɨnɨŋ n.; naŋɨnɨŋɨn n.
Lósʉ́ɓán n. axe (traditional) kuɲukúdzibér n.
aunt (his/her father’s brother’s wife) axe-blessing ceremony dzíbèrìkàmɛ̀s n.
ŋwááta n. axehead (modern) nanɨŋɨnɨŋ n.;
aunt (his/her father’s sister) tatata n. naŋɨnɨŋɨn n.

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baa! banditry

baa! bèrrr ideo.; mɛ́ɛ̀ɛ̀ ideo.; rɛ̀rrr ideo. badly off tawanímétòn v.
babble íbìrìbìròn v.; imátôda n. badness ɡaánàs n.
baboon tsɔ́r n. baffled iɓíléròn v.; ɨcɔ́ŋáimetona ikáe v.
baboon (alpha male) òlìòta n.; tìmùòz n. bag ɲɛ́ɓɛ́ka n.; ofur n.
baboon (female) tsɔ́ráŋwa n. bag (burlap) ɲéɡuniyá n.
baboon (lone male) òrèɡèm n. bag (cloth) ɲáwáróófúr n.
baboon troop kwaár n. bag (goat-leather) riéófúr n.
a
baby ɗiak n.; im n. bag (leather) èwa n.
baby carrier ɗoɗôba n. bag (plastic) ɲápaalí n.
a
baby hair imásítsʼ n. baggage botitín n.
baby primate kíɗɔlɛ́ n. bagworm mɔɗɔ́ɗa n.
baby sling ɗoɗôba n. bait ɨmɔɗɛtɛ́s v.
a
baby talk imátôd n. bait (bees) sɨsɨɓɛs v.
baby wipe ŋííɗɛ́sìƙwàz n. bake ʝʉɛ́s v.
back ʝìr n.; ʝìrìkɛ n.; kanɛda n.; ɔ́zɛ̀da n. baked ʝʉɔ́s v.
back (lower) ɲɛ́kɨpɛtɛ́ta n. balance iríánitetés v.; ɨtátɛ́ɛ́s v.
back (upper) kan n. Balanites aegyptiaca tsʉm n.
back of hand kwɛtákán n. Balanites pedicellaris ɓòŋ n.
back of leg búbuiem n. bald ŋoléánètòn v.
back out ɨsʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n v.; raʝánón v. bald on top palórómòn v.
a
back part ʝírɛ̂d n. balefire ɲáɡaaɗi n.
a
back side namɛ́ɗɔ́ɛ̀d n. balk kwɛ́rɛɗɛ́ɗɔ́n v.; wasɛ́tɔ́n v.
back then ódowicíká kì nùù kì n.; ódow- ball ɲɛ́pɨɨrá n.
icíkó nùku n. ball field ɲakwaanʝa n.
back up ikutúkútés v.; ikutúkútòn v. ball up imúnúkukúón v.
backbone ɡòɡòròʝòɔ̀ka n. ball-shaped ɨlʉ́lʉ́ŋɔ́s v.
backside ɔ́zɛ̀da n.; ɔ̂z n. ball-shaped (make) ɨlʉ́lʉ́ŋɛ́s v.
backward ʝìrìkɛ n. ballot kàbàɗa n.
backyard bɔlɔl n. bamboo (mountain) ɲéɡiróya n.
bad ɡaanón v. banana ɲómototó n.
bad (make) ɡaanítésuƙota v. bandage ɨmakɛs v.
bad (of many) ɡaanaakón v. bandit lotáɗá n.
bad eye (have a) ɗooɲómòn v. bandit (bush) ríʝíkààm n.
badger ilúlúés v. banditry lotáɗánànès n.; ŋirúkóìnànès
badly ɡàànìke v. n.

289
bang into batter

bang into íbaɗɛ́s v. barrack ɲáɓáràkìs n.; ɲeryaŋíɓór n.

bang into repeatedly íbaɗiés v.; barrage with words ídʉrɛ́sá tódàe v.
tanaŋínáŋesuƙota v. barrel (gun) morókêda n.
bang on ɨɗatɛs v. barrel (large) ɲépípa n.
bang! pààɗòko ideo. barrel (plastic) ɲékakúŋ́ɡù n.
bank ɓɔ́kɔ̀ɲ n.; kaɓéléɓelánón v.; barrel-shaped ɗatáɲámòn v.
ɲáɓáŋka n. barren ikólípánón v.; osorosánón v.
bank check kaúdzokabáɗa n. barren (animal or person) ɲokólípa n.
banquet írésiŋƙáƙa n. barren person òsòròs n.
bantam puusúmòn v. barricade teɡeles v.; toƙólésuƙota v.
bao (game) ɲékilelés n. barrier (thorny) ɲéríwi n.
baptism ɓatísimú n. base dɛ n.; dɛɛda n.; dziŋ n.
baptismal certificate ɓatísimúkabáɗa n. base of a boulder taɓádɛ̀ n.
baptismal name ɓatísimúêda n. base of a fence marɨŋídɛ̀ n.
baptize iɓátíseés v. base of a mountain kwarádɛ̀ n.
bar ɲáɓá n.; teɡeles v.; toƙólésuƙota v. base of beehive tree kànàxàdɛ̀ n.
bar (wooden) naƙólíta n. base of ridge tsɨɨr n.
base of sacred tree lɔ́ƙɔ́ŋʉ̀dɛ̀ n.
barb omén n.
Basella alba lòɓòlìà n.
barbeque ɨtɔlɛs v.
bash inipes v.
barbeque spot nakíríkɛ̀ta n.
basin ɲáɓáf n.; ɲéɓésèn n.
barbequed ɨtɔlɔs v.
basin (gourd) sèrèya n.
barbet (ground) loyeté n.
basket (winnowing) zíta n.
bare ilérón v.; lemúánètòn v.;
bastard ŋabɔ́bòìm n.
leŋúrúmòn v.; sɨlɔ́ʝɔ́mɔ̀n v.; tuɗúsúmòn
v. bat lɔ́pɛ́ɗɛpɛ́ɗa n.
bat species watéɡwà n.
bare (of a patch) patsólómòn v.
bateleur oromén n.
bare (of a tree) sáɡwàràmòn v.
bath féíàwa n.
bare foot ɡɔ̀rìɡɔ̀r n.
bathe féítetés v.; féón v.
bare teeth kwíɲíkɔ̀ɔ̀n v.
bathing féya n.
barefoot ɡɔ́ríɡɔ̀rìkɔ n.
bathing stone ɡwasa na féí n.
barf ɦyɛnɛ́tɔ́n v.; ɦyɛ̀nɔ̀n v.
bathroom féíàwa n.
bark bɔɗɔ́ka n.; íɡòmòn v.
bathtub itúɓa n.
bark at doƙofiés v. batis (chin-spot) iwótsíɡwà n.;
bark soap ʝaobɔɗɔ́ka n. nàŋʉ̀ràmɓɔ̀ n.
Barleria acanthoides ɲólíkàf n. battalion ɲéɓatál n.
barm sîba n. batter ipukúpúkés v.

290
battery bed

battery ɡúr n.; ɡwas n.; ɲéɓeterí n. bear prematurely ɨsɔɛtɛ́s v.

bawl xérón v. bear twins ɨmʉ́ítɛtɛ́s v.
be (make) mɨtɨtɛs v. bear witness to itsáɗénés v.
be (not) beníón v.; bɛnɔ́ɔ́n v. beard ɲɛ́pɛ́nɛka n.; tɛ̀mʉ̀r n.
be (some size) ítón v. beast (mythical) ɲaŋu n.
be (somehow) ìròn v. beast(s) ínwa n.
beat ɨnɔmɛs v.
be (someone or something) mìtɔ̀n v.
beat (defeat) kurés v.; kurésúƙota v.
be (somewhere) ìòn v.
beat (heart) ƙádiƙádòn v.
be about tábès v.
beat (outdo) ɨlɔɛs v.; ɨlɔɛtɛ́s v.
be alone ìònà ɗòku v.; iona ɛɗá v.
beat (pulsate) dìkwòn v.
be doing cɛ̀mɔ̀n v.
beat (rhythm) ɨrɛɛsa dikwáe v.
be en route iona muceéke v. beat (tired) ɨlɔ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v.; ɨlɔ́yɔ́n v.; ziálámòn
be in trouble iona ŋítsaníkɛ v. v.; zíkímétòn v.; ziláámòn v.
be neighbors narúétinós v. beat (win) ɨrɛɛs v.; kɔrɨtɛtɛ́s v.
be not yet sárón v. beat back ɨɗáfɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨɗáfɛ́sʉƙɔta así
be on the way iona muceéke v. v.
be solitary ìònà ɗòku v.; iona ɛɗá v. beat down íbutsés v.; ɨɗáfɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
ɨlɔ́ítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
be the only ìònà ɗòku v.
beat each other tábunós v.
be with iona ńdà v.
beat off ɨpʉtɛs v.
bead ɨɗɛrɛs v.
beat out íbutsés v.
bead (big white) lokoita n. beautiful dòòn v.
beaded ɨɗɛrɔs v. beautify daites v.; íɡwɨɡwɨʝɛ́s v.;
beaded vest ɲáɓol n. naƙwídɛtɛ́s v.
beads ŋabita n. beautify oneself daitetésá así v.
beads (strung) rɔam n. beauty daás n.
beadwork ŋabita n. because ikóteré subordconn.; kóteré sub-
ordconn.
beak aka ɡwaáe n.; ɡwááka n.
because (of) ɗúó pro.
beam of light bás n.; sʉ́wa n.
because of ikóteré prep.; kóteré prep.
bean (red) màràŋɡwà n.
Becium species ɔ́ʝítínícɛmɛ́r n.
bean variety marɨŋímóríɗa n.
become (some size) ítónuƙota v.
bean(s) mòrìɗa n.
become (somehow) ironuƙota v.
bear nɛɛ́s v.; nɛɛsʉ́ƙɔta v.; taɗaŋes v. become (someone/something) mɨtɔnʉ-
bear a child ƙwaatetés v. ƙɔta v.
bear down toƙíróòn v. become like ƙámétòn v.; ƙámónuƙota v.
bear legs first ɨʝʉlɛtɛ́s v. bed ɲɛ́kítaɗa n.

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bed (animal) behind

bed (animal) ɗípɔ̀ n.; nakús n. beer (leftover) cueina mɛ́sɛ̀ n.; mɛsɛcue
bedbugs ŋítʉ́mìka n. n.
beddings kúrúɓáa ni epwí n. beer (millet) ŋamarʉwáya n.; rébèmɛ̀s n.
beer (stale) ɗìɗèkwàtsa n.
bedlam ɲɔ́ŋɔtsán n.
beer (wedding) ɲalakʉtsa n.
bee tsʼɨƙa n.
beer barm cúrúkà mɛ̀sɛ̀ n.
bee (carpenter) dʉrʉdʉr n.
beer dregs ɗʉká n.; dàʝa n.
bee (ground) mɔ́ɗa n.
beer dregs (in a pot) dómóɔ̀zà mɛ̀sɛ̀ n.
bee (stingless) lɔwɨɲ n. beer head ikeda mɛ́sɛ̀ n.
bee (sweat) lɔwɨɲ n. beer hunger mɛ̀sɛ̀ɲɛ̀ƙa n.
bee (tree) mʉ́ƙás n. beer porridge rùta n.
bee (worker) naaseɲaŋ n. beer pot mɛ̀sɛ̀dòm n.
bee eater keseníɡwà n. beer yeast cúrúkà mɛ̀sɛ̀ n.
bee larva sîda n. beeswax (black) sɔs n.
bee larva chamber sídàhò n. beeswax (chewed) sàsàr n.
bee queen lókílóróŋ n.; okílóŋór n. beetle (brown jewel) dùràtsa n.
bee scout páupáwa n. beetle (bruchid) dʉmʉ́ná mòrìɗòe n.
beetle (burrowing ground) lɔ́ŋízɨŋîz n.
bee summoning wówóʝo ideo.
beetle (dung) dʉmʉ́n n.
bee swarm (mobile) tsʼɨƙábòta n.
beetle (water) dʉɗɛ́r n.
bee-eater cooríɡwà n.
beetle larva (tiger) sikusába n.
beehive kànàxà n.
before ɗàmʉ̀s subordconn.; ɗɛ̀mʉ̀s subor-
beehive (ground bee) kùkùsèn n. dconn.; kwààke n.; wàx n.; wàxʉ̀ n.
beehive (in rock) wàtsʼwa n. before dawn ɲaɓáítɔ n.
beehive (in tree) hàba n. beg itsenes v.; wáán v.
beehive cover makúl n. beg from each other wáánínɔ́s v.
beehive hut Icéhò n. beg relentlessly itseniés v.
beehive shell ɗòl n. beg relentlessly (begin to) itsenietés v.
beer mɛ̀s n. beggar wáánààm n.
beggar (persistent) tikorotóta n.
beer (bottled) ɲéɓía n.
begging wáán n.
beer (bottom layer) ɔ́zɛ̀dà mɛ̀sɛ̀ n.
begin iséétòn v.; isóón v.; itsyákétòn v.;
beer (breakfast) lɔkátɔ́rɔ̀ta n. toɗóón v.
beer (for birth ceremony) mɛsa ƙwaaté beginning point itsyákétònìàwa n.
n.
behave badly tarates v.; taratiés v.
beer (for naming ceremony) mɛsa édì n. behavior ɲɛpɨtɛ n.
beer (for sale) ɲɛ́kɨráɓa n. behind ʝìr n.; ʝìrìkɛ n.; ʝìrʉ̀ n.; kanɛda n.;
beer (honey) sɨs n.; tsʼɔƙam n. kànɛ̀dɛ̀kɛ n.; kanɨtínʉ́ n.

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behind bars (jailed) big

behind bars (jailed) zíkɔ́s v. berate dɔxɛ́s v.; dɔxɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.

being ɦyekes n. Berchemia discolor ɗewen n.
belabor ɨɗɔtsɛs v. beseech iƙenes v.
belch xèr n.; xerétón v.; xérón v. beside ɨɓákɔ́n v.; ŋabéro n.
belief ɲanʉ́píta n. beside (move) ɨɓákɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
believable tɔnʉpam n. besmear iɲóɲóés v.
believe tɔnʉpɛs v. bestialist tirésíama ínóe n.
believer tɔnʉpɛsíám n. betray tolúétòn v.; tolúónuƙota v.
bellicose cɛmɨcɛmɔs v. betray each other tolúúnós v.
bellow ábʉ̀bʉ̀ƙɔ̀n v.; béúrètòn v.; ɨkílɔ́n betrayer ŋítúrumúám n.; tolúónìàm n.
v.; xérón v. better maraŋités v.; maraŋítésuƙota v.
belly bùbù n.; ɡwàʝa n. better (get) doonuƙota v.; iŋáléètòn
belly (of a pot) bakútsêda n. v.; maráŋónuƙota v.; toíónuƙota v.;
xɔ́dɔnʉƙɔta v.
belly button ƙɔ̀ɓa n.
better (make a bit) ɓarɨɓárɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
bellyache átsʼɛ́sà bùbùì n.
better slightly ŋwaníŋwánɨtɛ́s v.
belongings kúrúɓâda n.; kúrúɓáicíka n.
between sɨsɨkákɛ n.
below kɔ́ɔ́ kíʝo n.; nɔ́ɔ́ kíʝo n.
beverage wetam n.
belowground ɗis n.
bewail topóɗón v.
belt ɲámisípa n.; ɲémisípa n.
beware tɔtsɔ́ɔ́n v.
belt (beaded) ɲátóè n.
bewildered tɔmɛrímɛ́rɔ̀n v.
bemoan ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀n v.; topóɗón v.
bewitch ipeɗes v.; sʉɓɛ́s v.
bench ɲɛ́ɓɛ́ɲc n.; ɲófóm n.
bewitch by pointing ɗóɗiés v.
bend itúkúɗètòn v.; itúkúɗòn v.;
nɔƙɨnɔ́ƙɔ́n v.; tɔɓɨlɛs v.; tukuɗes v. bewitch by the evil eye ɨɗɛmɛs v.
bend over dʉ́ɡʉ̀mɛ̀tɔ̀n v.; rétítésúƙota v. bewitcher ìpèɗààm n.; sʉɓɛ́síàm n.
bend sideways kwɛ́dɔ̀n v. bhang ɲábaŋɡí n.
bendily lɛ̀tsʼɛ ideo.; nàƙwa ideo.; nàu Bible Ɲáɓáíɓɔ̀l n.
ideo.; nɔ̀ƙɔ ideo. bicep cwɛtéém n.
bendy lɛtsʼɛ́dɔ̀n v.; naƙwádòn v.; naúdòn bicep/tricep ɲorótónitíém n.
v.; nɔƙɔ́dɔ̀n v. bicker iƙúmúnós v.; ɨɲʉ́ɲʉ́rɔ̀n v.;
benefit ɨkɛ́ítɛtɛ́s v. ŋʉ́zʉmánón v.
bent dɔ́ɡɔ̀lɔ̀mɔ̀n v.; tukúɗón v. bicycle ɲamɨɨlɨ n.
bent back tɛ́zɛ̀ɗɔ̀n v. biddy ɡwaŋwa n.
bent forward koɗósón v. biddy (chick) ɲɔ́kɔkɔróím n.
bent over dʉ́ɡʉ̀mɔ̀n v.; ƙúzùmòn v.; Bidens pilosa tʉ̀fɛ̀rɛ̀ƙa n.
rétón v.; tɔɓɨlɛsa así v. big zòòn v.

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big (become) black-and-white

big (become) ítónà dìdìke v. lorokoníɡwà n.; lotiwúóta n.; napóɗè

big (of many) zeikaakón v. n.; ɲíkwaamwíyá n.; ɲɔ́kɔɗɔɔŋɔ́r
n.; ɔ̀fàɡwà n.; óƙírota n.; ɔríyɔ́ n.;
big day ódowa ná zè n.
sʉ́ƙʉ́sʉƙáɡwa n.; tsóɗitsóno n.
big man ámáze n.; ámázeám n. bird tail tsʉ́ɓa n.
big people roɓazeika n. bird-scarer kɔɛsíàm n.
big person ámáze n. birdhouse ɡwáho n.
bigger (become) iwánétòn v.; zoonuƙota birth ƙwaáta n.
v. birth relation ɦyeínósá na ƙɔ́ɓàɛ v.
bigger (make a bit) ɓarɨɓárítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. birthing complications ƙwaata ná ɡààn
bigger (make) iwanetés v.; zeites v.; n.
zeitésuƙota v. biscuit (sweet) ɲéɓisikóta n.
bigness zeís n. bisect ɨwáwáɗɛ́s v.; pakés v.
bike ɲamɨɨlɨ n. bishop ɲépiskóópì n.
bile bìɗa n. bishop bird (black-winged red) tsól n.
bill ɡwááka n.; kaúdzokabáɗa n. bishop bird (red/yellow) loɓúrútùta n.
bill (monetary) ɲónóta n. bitch ŋókíŋwa n.
billfold ɲɔ́pɔ́c n. bite átsʼɛ́s v.; ƙídzɛ̀s v.
billion ɗòlà kòn n.; ɲéɓílìòn n. bite each other ƙídzɨnɔ́s v.
bite hard átsʼɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
billow ipúróòn v.
bite repeatedly ƙídzatiés v.
billow up ipúréètòn v.
bitter fàɗòn v.
biltong ŋátɔɔsa n.
bitter (but edible) taɗaɗáŋón v.
bind ɨmakɛs v.; ɨrɨɗɛtɛ́s v.; zíkɛ́s v.
bitter (make) faɗites v.
bind the stomach ɨrɨɗɛsá bùbùàe v.
bitter (slightly) ɓakɨɓákɔ́n v.
bind up zíkɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; zɨkɛtɛ́s v. bitter thing kèrèmìdza n.
bine ɨrɨɗɛs v. bivouac napéríta n.; ɲákamɓí n.
binge iwótsóòn v. blabber ilemílémòn v.
binoculars ɲáɓaraɓín n. blabbermouth ɡáʒadɨŋwa n.
bird ɡwa n. black buɗámón v.
bird (domestic) ɡwaa na awáe n. black (of many) buɗamaakón v.
bird (female) ɡwaŋwa n. black (very) cucu ideo.; múɗèr ideo.; tíkⁱ
bird (male) ɡwácúrúka n. ideo.
Black Jack tʉ̀fɛ̀rɛ̀ƙa n.
bird (nocturnal) mukúáɡwà n.
black person buɗámónìàm n.
bird species àdɛ̀nɛ̀s n.; bíro n.; cicídè
n.; ɗɨɨta n.; dàbìʝa n.; dòɗìdòɗìɡwà black with white cheeks kɨɗapánɛ́tɔ̀n v.
n.; fetíɡwà n.; fíritsʼár n.; itsól n.; black with white rump kedíánètòn v.
ʝílífɨfí n.; kìlòlòɓa n.; kiyér n.; kólór n.; black-and-white kábìlànètòn v.

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blackboard blubber

blackboard ɲáɓáo n. blink íbɛ̀ɗìbɛ̀ɗɔ̀n v.; irwapírwápòn v.

blacken kɔrɛtɛ́s v.; kɔrɨtɛtɛ́s v.; tɛwɛrɛs v. blister bubuxánónuƙota v.; ileɓíléɓòn v.;
blackened kɔrɛ́tɔ́n v. ɔ́ʝáìm n.
blistered bubuxánón v.
blackmail ɨŋaalɛ́s v.
bllgh bllgh (boiling) ƙwɛ̀ʝɛ ideo.
blacksmith ìtyàkààm n.
bloated teɓúsúmòn v.
bladder xàr n.
bloated from overeating xɛxánón v.
bladder area heʝú n. block ɗɨnɛ́s v.; ɨɓatɛs v.; ɨƙɨɛs v.;
blade ɗàwa n. ɲéɓulóka n.; teɡeles v.; tɨtsʼɛ́s v.
blade (fan) suɡuráɗáwa n. block off toƙólésuƙota v.
blade (propeller) suɡuráɗáwa n. block repeatedly ɨɓatíɓátɛ́s v.
blame each other falsely tapáínɔ́s v. block the road teɡelesa ɲerukuɗeé v.
blame falsely tapɛɛs v. block up tɨtsʼɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; titsʼímétòn v.
bland cucuéón v.; ɗɛ̀ƙwɔ̀n v.; ʝɔ̀lɔ̀n v.; blocked ɗɨnɔ́s v.; tɨtsʼɔ́s v.
muʝálámòn v. blockheaded lɛrɛ́dɔ̀n v.
blanket ɡubés v.; ɲéɓurankíta n. blood sè n.
blanket (cotton) ɲákamariɗúka n. blood (coagulated) ŋazul n.
blood covenant iɓólínósa na séàe v.
blanket (light) tírìƙà n.
blood herb seacɛmɛ́r n.
blanket (Maasai style) lorwaneta n.
blood red tsòn ideo.
blanket over ɡubésúƙota v.
blood relation ɦyeínósá na séàe v.
blaspheme ébetiés v. blood vessel seamucé n.; tsòrìta n.
blather íbìrìbìròn v. bloodthirsty person sèààm n.
blaze a trail ɨpʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta muceé v. bloom ɨɔ́kɔ́n v.
bleb ɔ́ʝáìm n. blossom ɨɔ́kɔ́n v.; ŋátur n.
bleed tɔyɔ́ɔ́n v. blow fútés v.; fútón v.
bleed for drinking tsɔrɛ́s v. blow (a projectile) ɗɛ́tɛ́s v.
bleed for healing kɔ́ɛ́s v. blow (of breeze) ipiipíòn v.
bleed from nose ƙòlòn v. blow (waste) eletiésuƙota v.; iɲekes v.;
iɲékésuƙota v.; iɲekíɲékés v.
blend iɗyates v.; iɲales v.; ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɛ́s v.;
itsulútsúlés v. blow away fútésuƙota v.
blow nose rʉ́tɛ́s v.
blend (grains) ikáɗóés v.
blow off fútésuƙota v.
blended ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ̀n v.; ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ́s v.
blow on gently borotsiés v.
bless ɨmwaímwɛ́ɛ́s v.; tatiés v.
blow up taɲɛ́ɔ́n v.; xuanón v.; xuxu-
blessed tatiós v. anitetés v.; xuxuanón v.
blesser tatiesíám n. blow up (explode) toɗúón v.
blind múɗúkánón v. blubber ceím n.

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blue-gray borehole water

blue-gray bósánòn v.; kábusubusánón v. bone ɔka n.

blunder (verbally) eletiesá mɛnáɛ v. bone (cancellous) ɲɛ́ɲam n.
blunt duŋúlúmòn v.; líídòn v.; tufádòn v. bone (costal) ŋabéríɔ̀ka n.
bluntly lì ideo.; tùf ideo. bone (inner ear) bòsìɔ̀ka n.
blurt news eletiesá mɛnáɛ v. bone (nasal) aƙatíɔ́ka n.
blush ɓʉnʉ́mɔ́nà sèàe v. bone (occipital) nàmɛ̀ɗɔ̀ n.
bluster íɡòmòn v. bone (pubic) didisíɔ́ka n.
board ɲáɓáo n.; otsés v. bone (shoulder) sawatɔ́ɔ́ka n.
boast íɡòmòn v.; ɨwʉ́lɔ́n v. bone (spongy) ɲɛ́ɲam n.
bone (supraorbital) ekúɔ́ka n.
boasting itúrónìtòda n.
bone (temporal) bòsìɔ̀ka n.
boat itúɓa n.
bone (zygomatic) akáƙúm n.
bob iupúúpòn v.
bone below sternum toroɓóɔ́ka n.
bodiliness nébùnànès n.
bone marrow hɛ̀ɡa n.
body nêba n.
boneheaded lɛrɛ́dɔ̀n v.
body hair nébùsìtsʼa n.
bonfire ɲáɡaaɗi n.
body of water cúénêba n.
bony ɡɔ́ɡɔ̀rɔ̀mɔ̀n v.; iróƙóòn v.;
body part ɲekiner n. itóƙóƙòòn v.; kwédekwedánón v.
body snatcher tukutesíáma tsʼóóniicé n. book ɲáɓúka n.
boggily fɔ̀tsʼɔ ideo. book of prayers ɲáɓúka wáánàe n.
boggy fɔtsʼɔ́dɔ̀n v. boom ɗukuɗúkón v.
bogus láŋ n. boom (voice) ɔ́bɛ̀s v.
boil féés v.; íɡulaʝitetés v.; íɡùlàʝòn v.; boom! pɛ̀s ideo.
itsúrítetés v.; itsúrón v.; ƙwɛʝɛ́dɔ̀n v.; booster tower ɲéɓusitá n.
ƙwɛʝíƙwɛ́ʝɔ̀n v.; tún n.; wádòn v. boot ŋáɓutús n.
boil (large) ɲáɓús n. border cíkóroya n.
boiling ƙwɛʝɛ́dɔ̀n v.; ƙwɛʝíƙwɛ́ʝɔ̀n v. bore ɨlɔ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v.; ɨpɨrípírɛ́s v.; pulutiés v.
boing! tùdu ideo. bored bɔ́rɔ́n v.; ɨlɔ́yɔ́n v.
Bokora person mɔƙɔrɔ́ám n.; bored (become) bɔrɛ́tɔ́n v.
Ŋíɓɔ́kɔráám n. bored (drilled) tsàpòn v.
bolt carrier bùbùàƙwa n. borehole ɲatsʉʉma n.
boma ɓór n. borehole casing ɲatsʉʉmánêba n.
bombard ídʉrɛ́s v. borehole footing ɲatsʉʉmádɛ̀ n.
bombard with spears bɛrɛ́s v. borehole handle ɲatsʉʉmákwɛ́ta n.
bombard with words ídʉrɛ́sá tódàe v. borehole pipe ɲatsʉʉmáárí n.
bombinate ilólúés v. borehole shaft ɲatsʉʉmáhò n.
bond nɔtsɔ́mɔ́n v. borehole water ɲatsʉʉmácúé n.

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boring brand

boring itópénòn v.; ʝɔ̀lɔ̀n v. boundaries (having) cíkóróìkànànès n.

born again (religiously) hoɗetésá así v. boundary cíkóroya n.
born handless duŋúlúmòn v. boundary (garden) ɲókorimíta n.
borrow iɗenes v.; iɗenetés v.; wáánɛtɛ́s boundedness cíkóróìkànànès n.
v. bow (head) turúnétòn v.; turúnón v.
borrow from each other wáánínɔ́s v. bow (weapon) ɲakawa n.
Boscia angustifolia ɓàʝa n. bowed dɔ́ɡɔ̀lɔ̀mɔ̀n v.
Boscia coriacea ɡɛbɛʝa n. bowed over rétón v.
Boscia salicifolia ròr n. bowel bùbùàƙwa n.
bowl (gourd) kàɓàɲ n.
boss ámáze n.; ámázeám n.; ámázeáma
teréɡì n. bowl (of child) imáƙɔ́fɔ́ n.
botch hamʉʝɛ́s v. bowl-shaped sakánámòn v.; tsuƙúlúmòn
v.
both ɡáí quant.
box ɲásaɗukú n.; tanaŋes v.
bothersome fìfòn v.; ɨtsánánòn v.
box in rʉ́ɛ́s v.
bottle (glass) ɲétsúpa n.
boy ɲámal n.; sore n.
bottle (plastic) ɲɛ́rɔɓɨrɔ́ɓa n. boy (baby) ɓɨs n.
bottlecap game ŋ́karakocóya n. boy (little) soréím n.
bottom ɔ́zɛ̀da n.; ɔ̂z n. boy (teenage) ŋísɔ́rɔkɔ́ám n.
bottom layer of beer ɔ́zɛ̀dà mɛ̀sɛ̀ n. boys (teenage) ŋísɔ́rɔka n.; pànɛ̀ɛ̀s n.
bottom of pot/pan dómóɔ̀z n. bozo ɲɛ́ɛ́s n.
bottomless xakútsúmòn v. bra ɲákɨláƙa n.
boubou (slate-colored) kukuɗetsa n. brace íbunutsés v.; ɨrʉ́rʉ́ɓɛ́s n.; ƙaƙates
bough dakúkwɛ́ta n. n.
bouillon seekwa n. bracelet (coiled) ɲɛ́kílɔɗa n.
bracelet (gold) ɲámaritóíta n.
boulder taɓa n.
bracelet (white leather) ɲácáɗa n.
boulder (flat) ɡɨzá n.; lolataɓa n.
brag íɡòmòn v.; ɨwʉ́lɔ́n v.
boulder base taɓádɛ̀ n.
bragging itúrónìtòda n.
bounce íbotitésúƙota v.; íbotitetés v.;
braid bɛrɛ́s v.; sikwés v.
íbòtòn v.
braid up sikwetés v.
bounce along ɨŋɔ́písɔ̀ɔ̀n v.
brain ɗam n.
bounce off iɗótón v.
brake pedal titiritésíàwa n.
bouncily tùf ideo.; tùs ideo. branch dakúkwɛ́ta n.; kwɛta n.; taŋat-
bouncy tufádòn v.; tusúdòn v. sárón v.; tɛlɛ́tsɔ́n v.; toŋélón v.
bound iɗótón v.; íɡɔ̀rɔ̀bɔ̀n v.; ɨrɨɗɔs v.; branch pile (dry) ràm n.
zíkɔ́s v. brand ɨmátsárɛ́s v.; ɨtsʉŋɛs v.; ɲámátsar
bound up together zíkízɨkánón v. n.

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brassiere brideprice (extract)

brassiere ɲákɨláƙa n. breakable ɛɔmɔ́dɔ̀n v.; ŋʉɓʉ́dɔ̀n v.;

brave itítíŋòn v. pokódòn v.; tɛɛmɛ́mɔ̀n v.; wɛtsʼɛ́dɔ̀n v.
bray werétsón v. breakably ɛ̀ɔ̀m ideo.; ŋʉ̀ɓ ᶶ ideo.; pòko
ideo.; wɛ̀tsʼɛ ideo.
bread tɔbɔŋ n.
breakage point ɗusutesíáwa n.
bread (flat) ɲécapatí n.
breaker ŋʉrɛ́síàm n.
break badonuƙota v.; cɛɛ́s v.; cɛɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta
v.; ɗɛsɛ́mɔ́n v.; ɗusés v.; ɗusúmón breakfast ŋƙáƙá na baratsóe n.
v.; ɗusutes v.; ɨkɛ́ŋɛ́ɗɛ́s v.; ŋʉrɛ́s v.; breast îdwa n.
ŋʉrʉ́mɔ́n v.; tɔŋɛɗɛs v. breast (area) bakutsa n.
break (make) badítésuƙota v. breast (cut of meat) làf n.
break (of day) ɓelémón v. breast areola ídoeɗa n.
break apart ɗɛsɛ́ɗɛ́sánón v.; ɨʝʉƙʉ́ʝʉ́ƙɛ́s breast milk ámáìdwa n.
v. breast twitch lɔkɨsíná n.
break away tatsáɗón v.; tɔpɛ́ɔ́n v. breastbone ɡɔɡɔm n.; toroɓa n.
break away (and come) tɔpɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v. breastbone (of a chicken) bɨbɨʝa n.
break away (and go) tɔpɛ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta v. breastfeed naƙwɛ́s v.; naƙwɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.;
break due to weight xuƙúmétòn v. naƙwɨtɛs v.
break into itúwéés v. breastmilk (have) cɛ̀rɔ̀n v.
break into pieces ɓɨlíɓílɛ́s v.; ɨɓɛsíɓɛ́sɛ́s breath sʉ̀pa n.
v.; ɨtɛítɛ́ɛ́s v.; ŋɨlíŋílánón v. breathe ɨɛ́ŋɔ́n v.; sʉ́pɔ́n v.
break into song tofóróƙétòn v. breathe fitfully ɗíɗítɔ̀n v.
break new ground taɗates v.; túburés v. breathe heavily fúútòn v.
break off ɗusésúƙota v.; ɨɓɛkíɓɛ́kɛ́s v.; breathe in sʉpɛ́tɔ́n v.
pɛsɛlɛs v.; pɛsɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.; pokés v.; breathe out sʉ́pɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
poketés v.; pokómón v.; wakés v.; wɛt- breeze suɡur n.
sʼɛ́mɔ́n v.; wɛtsʼɛ́s v.; wɛtsʼɛtɛ́s v.
brew otés v.; tsapés v.; waatɛ́s v.
break off in groups ŋɨlíŋílánón v.;
brew (mead) tsʼɔƙɛ́s v.
pókíetésá asíɛ́ kédìè kɔ̀n v.
brew beer tsapésá mɛ̀sɛ̀ v.; waatɛ́sá mɛ̀sɛ̀
break off in pieces ɨwɛtsʼíwɛ́tsʼɛ́s v.; to-
v.
muɲes v.; wakatiés v.; wakáwákatés v.;
wetsʼetiés v. brewski mɛ̀s n.
break out (of skin) iŋárúrètòn v.; bribe ɨlʉŋʉ́lʉ́ŋɛ́s v.
morétón v. brick ɲéɓulóka n.
break the law ŋʉrɛ́sá ìtsìkàɛ v. bride bɔƙátín n.
break up ɨʝʉƙʉ́ʝʉ́ƙɛ́s v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́s v.; bride (return a) xɛɛsʉ́ƙɔta v.
tɔpwaɲípwáɲɛ́s v. bridegroom bɔƙátíníèàkwa n.
break up (a group) toɓwaŋes v. brideprice buƙa n.
break wind fenétón v. brideprice (extract) buƙitetés v.

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brideprice gift brother-in-law (sister’s husband’s brother)

brideprice gift buƙotam n. broke (go) ŋʉrʉ́mɔ́n v.

brideprice payer buƙúám n. broken bàdòn v.; ŋʉrɔ́s v.
bridge àrònìàwa n.; ɲɔɗɔrɔcá n.; tɛ̀wɛ̀r n. broken (get) ŋʉrʉ́mɔ́n v.
bridge of nose sarɨsar n. broken beyond repair tɛ̀s ideo.
brigandry ŋirúkóìnànès n. broken out (of skin) iŋárúròn v.; katúrú-
bright ɡwɛɲɛ́mɔ́n v.; ɨmɛ́ɗɔ́n v. turánón v.
bright (of sky) tatsɔ́ɔ́n v. broken up ŋʉrʉ́ŋʉ́ránón v.
brilliant ɡwɛɲɛ́mɔ́n v.; ɨmɛ́ɗɔ́n v. brood ƙʉ́ƙín n.; siŋírón v.
bring detés v.; ɨakɛtɛ́s v.; ɨʝʉkɛtɛ́s v. broom ʝan n.; ʝɛn n.
bring all of ɨsʉɲɛtɛ́s v. broomgrass ʝan n.; ʝɛn n.
broth ɲɔ́ɓɔ́ka n.; seekwa n.
bring alongside ɨnapɛtɛ́s v.; napɛtɛ́s v.
brother (his/her/its) leata n.
bring back raʝetés v.
brother (my) ɛdɛ́ n.
bring beside ɨnapɛtɛ́s v.; napɛtɛ́s v.
brother (your) léó n.
bring down ruɓutetés v.
brother-in-law (brother’s wife’s
bring matters to a close kɔkɛtɛ́sá mɛnáɛ
brother) uɡwam n.
v.
brother-in-law (her husband’s brother)
bring out pulutetés v.
ntsínámúí n.
bring slowly ɨɛmɛtɛ́s v.
brother-in-law (his brother’s wife’s
bring to a boil itsúrítetés v. brother) ntsúɡwám n.
bring together itóyéés v. brother-in-law (his wife’s brother)
bring up ilímítés v.; tasɛɛs v. ntsúɡwám n.
bristling bʉlʉbʉlɔs v. brother-in-law (his/her child’s
bristly bʉlʉbʉlɔs v. spouse’s father) ntsíɲóta n.
British colonial government ɡɛrɛ́sà n. brother-in-law (his/her sister’s hus-
band’s brother) ntsúɡwám n.
brittle bɔɲɔ́dɔ̀n v.; ɛɔmɔ́dɔ̀n v.;
ɨwɛlɛ́wɛ́lánón v.; ŋʉɓʉ́dɔ̀n v.; brother-in-law (husband’s brother)
pɛsɛ́pɛ́sánón v.; pokódòn v.; wɛtsʼɛ́dɔ̀n námúí n.
v. brother-in-law (my brother’s wife’s
brittlely bɔ̀ɲ ideo.; ɛ̀ɔ̀m ideo.; ŋʉ̀ɓ ᶶ ideo.; brother) ɲ́cuɡwám n.
pòko ideo.; wɛ̀tsʼɛ ideo. brother-in-law (my husband’s brother)
ɲ́cinamúí n.
broad laŋírímòn v.; laŋírón v.; zòòn v.
brother-in-law (my sister’s husband)
broad (of many) zeikaakón v.
ɲ́cuɡwám n.
broad-bladed fakádòn v.
brother-in-law (my wife’s brother)
broad-bladedly fàka ideo. ɲ́cuɡwám n.
broadcast tɛwɛɛs v. brother-in-law (sister’s husband’s
broaden zoonuƙota v. brother) uɡwam n.

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brother-in-law (sister’s husband) bum

brother-in-law (sister’s husband) bubble íɡùlàʝòn v.

ntsúɡwám n.; uɡwam n. bubble (make) íɡulaʝitetés v.
brother-in-law (wife’s brother) uɡwam buck (dollar) ɲɔɗɔ́la n.
n. buck-toothed ɨŋísímɔ̀n v.
brother-in-law (your brother’s wife’s bucket ɲáɓákɛ̀ta n.; ɲɛ́ɓákɛ̀ta n.
brother) buɡwám n.
bucket (metal) ɲépeelí n.
brother-in-law (your child’s spouse’s bud tún n.
father) biɲóta n.
buffalo ɡàsàr n.
brother-in-law (your husband’s
buffalo bull eûz n.
brother) binamúí n.
buffalo calf ɡàsàràìm n.
brother-in-law (your sister’s husband’s
brother) buɡwám n. buffalo cow ɡasaraŋwa n.
buffalo thorn tree tílàŋ n.
brother-in-law (your sister’s husband)
buɡwám n. bug ilúlúés v.; ƙʉtsʼa n.
brother-in-law (your wife’s brother) bug-eyed ɓɛlɛ́rɛ́mɔ̀n v.
buɡwám n. build bɛrɛ́s v.; toyeetés v.
brotherhood leatínánès n. build on the ground ɨkamɛtɛ́s v.
brotherliness leatínánès n. build up (of a termite mound) tabúón v.
brow bone ekúɔ́ka n. builder bɛrɛ́síàm n.; ŋífunɗíàm n.
brown muƙíánètòn v.; ɔŋɔ́ránètòn v. building (modern) ɲeryaŋíhò n.
bulbous bulúƙúmòn v.; lɔrɔ́dɔ̀n v.
brown (dark) kɨpʉ́ránètòn v.; tsʼaráfón
v. bulbously lɔ̀r ideo.
brown-skinned ɗìwòn v. bulbul (common) òtsìɓìl n.; tsìɓìl n.
bulge tɨbíɛ́tɔ̀n v.
brown-skinned person ɗìwònìàm n.
bulging bulúƙúmòn v.; lɔrɔ́dɔ̀n v.;
bruise ƙwár n.; rùròn v.
tsʉrʉ́ɗʉ́mɔ̀n v.; tɨbíɔ́n v.
brush ɨƙwɛrɛs v.; séɓés v.; sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́s v.;
bulgingly lɔ̀r ideo.
sʉ́ʉ́tɛ́s v.; tsekís n.; tsekísíàƙwa n.
bulkily bɛ̀f ideo.
brush (scrub) ɲecaaƙo n.
bulky ɓutúrúmòn v.; bɛfʉ́dɔ̀n v.;
brush (thick) môɡa n. bɛfʉ́kʉ́mɔ̀n v.
brush aside ɨpalípálɛ́s v. bull cúrúka n.
brush away séɓésuƙota v. bulldoze towutses v.
brush off itútúés v.; itútúésuƙota v.; bulldozer towútsónìàm n.
séɓésuƙota v. bullet bʉbʉn n.; eɗeda n.; ɲámal n.
brush out ɨƙwɛ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v. bullet hole ɲámalíáka n.
brushed ɨƙwɛrɔs v. bullet wound bʉbʉnɔ́ɔ́ʝa n.
brutal ɨsílíánón v. bullrush ìsìka n.
brute(s) ínwa n. bum lɛŋɛ́s v.; lɛŋɛ́síàm n.; ɲakárámɨta n.

300
bump butt

bump íbaɗɛ́s v.; ɨɓaɲɛs v.; ɨɛ́bɛ̀s v.; ɨɛ́bɛtɛ́s burnt to ashes wùɗòn v.; xawíítsʼɨ ideo.
v.; toyeres v. burp xèr n.; xerétón v.; xérón v.
bump (skin) sítsʼádɛ̀ n. burrow aka n.
bump off (kill) ɨɗɛɛs v.; ɨɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v. burst ɓilímón v.; toɗúón v.
bump repeatedly íbaɗiés v. bury búdès v.; búdesuƙota v.; muɗés v.;
bumpy ƙumúƙúmánón v. tʉnʉkɛs v.
bumpy (of skin) katúrúturánón v. bury (make) tʉnʉkɨtɛtɛ́s v.
bunch ɓòtòŋ n.; tutukesíáwa n.; zɨkam n. bury a bird muɗésá ɡwaáe v.
bunch (of bees) ɲénéne n. bury a stink-bug muɗésá loɡeréɲoé v.
bunch up tutuketés v. bury life of one’s children muɗésá
ɦyekesíé wicé v.
bunched up tutukánón v.
bury medicine muɗésá cɛmɛ́ríkàɛ v.
bundle ɨɗɨlɛs v.; méya n.; zɨkam n.
bus ɲáɓás n.
bundle (of crops) ɲénéne n.
bush ríʝa n.
bungle hamʉʝɛ́s v.
bush barbet kɔkíríkɔka n.
bunk ɨɓááŋàsìtòda n.
bush country ríʝíkaaʝíka n.
bunny tulú n.
bush(es) tsekís n.; tsekísíàƙwa n.
buoy ilélébètòn v.
bushbaby ɡwan n.
burble ábʉ̀bʉ̀ƙɔ̀n v.; ábʉ̀bʉ̀ƙɔ̀n v.
bushbuck kʉláɓa n.
burden bota n.; ɨnʉɛs v.; isites v.
bushbuck (female) natsíɓɨlí n.
burdensome ìsòn v.
bushbuck (male) òɗòmòr n.
burglar dzúám n. bushbuck leaf kʉláɓákàka n.
burgle dzuesés v.; dzuesetés v. bushcamp napéríta n.
buried tʉnʉkɔs v. bushpig bòròka n.
burlgary dzú n. bushpig boar borokucúrúka n.
burn ɨtsʉŋɛs v.; kʉpɛ́s v.; kʉpɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; bushpig piglet bòròkùìm n.
tsʼaɗíɔ́ʝa n.
bushpig sow borokuŋwa n.
burn (blistered) ɲéleɓuléɓu n.
bushy tsèkòn v.
burn (of eyes) ŋaɓɨŋáɓɔ́n v.; ŋàɓɔ̀n v.
business dzîɡwa n.
burn (of pain) ɓɛɨɓɛ́ɔ́n v.
bustard hɔ́tɔ̀ n.
burn a little ɨrɔɗírɔ́ɗɛ́s v. busy íɡùʝùɡùʝòn v.
burn around ɨɗɛɨɗɛ́ɛ́s v. but kòto coordconn.
burn off (land) iróróbes v. butcher hoés v.; hoesíàm n.; tɔ̀ŋɔ̀lààm n.;
burn poorly ɨkáwílɔ̀n v. tɔŋɔlɛs v.
burn to ashes wuɗétón v. butchery hoesího n.
burn up ɨtsʉ́ŋɛ́sʉƙɔta v. butt ɔ̂z n.; tɔɗɔ́pɔ́n v.

301
butt (of gun) candidacy

butt (of gun) dɛɛda n. calendar ɲákalɛ́nɗà n.

butt cheek komos n. calf kɔrɔ̂ba n.
butt in íbʉbʉŋɛ́s v.; íbʉbʉŋɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. Calisa edulis turuneta n.
butter íbɔtsam n. call óés v.
butter (seed) ɲówoɗí n. call (of animals) ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀n v.
call (in alarm) íbòfòn v.
butter flask ɲéɓur n.
call (name) óés v.
butterfly béɗíbeɗú n.; bóɗíboɗú n.
call continuously óísiés v.
buttock komos n.
call each other óímós v.
buttock underside kwatsíém n.
call for rain dʉbɛ́s v.
buttocks (have flat) taɓóɲómòn v. call here oetés v.
button ɲáʝaará n. call off ŋííɗɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; tasálétòn v.;
buy dzíɡwès v.; dzíɡwetés v. tasálón v.
buy off ɨlʉŋʉ́lʉ́ŋɛ́s v. call on the phone iwésúƙota v.; iwetés v.
buyer dzíɡwààm n.; dzíɡwèsìàm n. call repeatedly óésés v.
buzz around ilólúés v. call sweetly ɨmámɛ́ɛtɛ́s v.
buzzard (augur) alálá n. callous ɓulúrúmòn v.
by foot dɛ̀ìkɔ n. calm tisílón v.; toikíkón v.
calm down ɨʝɛ́mɔ́nʉƙɔta v.; itiketésá
by night mukú n.
ɡúróe kíʝáke v.; toíésuƙota v.; zɛƙwɛ́tɔ́n
by what path? ndayo n. v.; zɛƙwɨtɛtɛ́s v.
bypass ɨsʉkɛs v.; sʉ́kɛ́s v. calm down the heart cucuéítésuƙota
cabbage ɲákáɓìc n. ɡúróe v.
cabinet ɲákábàta n. calm dowwn ɗipímón v.
cache irwanes v.; laɓa n. calm person ɡúróàm n.
cackle ɨkɛ́kɛ́mɔ̀n v. camel ɡwaítsʼa n.; ɲákáal n.
cactus species ɲɛ́ɲɛwán n. camp napéríta n.; ɲákamɓí n.
camp (garden) ɲóɓóota n.
Cadaba farinosa méta n.; súr n.
camp kitchen ŋƙáƙáhò n.
cadaver loukúétsʼa n.; ɲɛ́lɛl n.
campaign was n.
cadaverous iróƙóòn v.; itóƙóƙòòn v.;
campaign ads ɲáɓás n.
kwédekwedánón v.
can topéɗésuƙota v.
cadge lɛŋɛ́s v.
can (large) ɲéɗépe n.
cadger lɛŋɛ́síàm n.
can (metal) ɲɛ́kɛ́n n.
café ɲéótèl n.
cancel ŋííɗɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; tasálétòn v.;
cage (trap) ɲáɓáo n. tasálón v.
cajole ɨmámɛ́ɛ́s v. cancel (make) ŋííɗítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
calabash kàŋɛ̀r n. candidacy was n.

302
candidate cartilage

candidate wasɔ́ám n. cardboard (thin) ɲɛ́páìl n.

candidiasis losúka n. Cardiospermum corindum tìl n.
candle wax sɔs n. cards (playing) ɲákáɗìka n.
candy ɲátamɨtám n. care ɨkatsɛs v.; ɨmɨsɛs v.
cane ɨɗɨtsɛs v.; ɨnɔmɛs v.; kasír n.; sɛ̀wa care for bɔnɛ́s v.; ɨrɨtsɛ́s v.
n. care for (the sick) maitetés v.
cane (hooked) ɲótooɗó n. care for oneself ɨrɨtsɛ́sá así v.
cane rat ŋʉr n. care-free person ɨɓámɔ́nìàm n.
canine tooth bàdìàm n. careful tɔtsɔ́ɔ́n v.
cannabis lɔ́tɔ́ɓa ná zè n. carefully hɨíʝa adv.; hɨíʝɔ adv.
cannibal átsʼɛ́sìàmà ròɓàe n. carelessly càcɨ adv.; fùtsʼàtsʼa ideo.; tsàr
cannon komótsɛ́ɛ̀ba n. ideo.
canteen (gourd) nasɛmɛ́ n. caress ɨɓɔníɓɔ́nɛ́s v.; iɓoníɓóniés v.;
ɨwáwɛ́ɛ́s v.
Canthium lactescens kómoló n.
caretaker bɔnɛ́ám n.; ɨrɨtsɛ́síàm n.; ite-
Canthium species dodíka n.; kàrɛ̀ n.; lesíám n.
milékwa n.
caretaking bɔn n.
canvass (an area) ɨkáyɛ́ɛ́s v.
cargo bota n.; botitín n.
cap ɲákopiyá n.
Carica papaya ɲápaɨpáya n.
cap (giraffe-tail) ɲɔ́tsɔ́ɓɛ n. carinated toŋórómòn v.; toróŋómòn v.
cap (human hair) ɲóɓókota n. carissa shrub turuneta n.
cap (ignition) ɔ́zɛ̀da n. carnivore loúka n.
capability ɲapéɗór n. carpenter ɲáɓáòìkààm n.
capable of topéɗésuƙota v. carrier tsídzèsìàwa n.
capillary tsòrìta n. carrion itam n.
Capparaceae species tsàl n. carrot kárʉ̀tsʼa n.
Capparis tomentosa lókúɗukuɗéta n. carry away on the head tsídzesuƙota v.
capture dʉ́bɛ̀s v.; ɨkamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. carry by hand taɓakés v.
car kàèìm n.; ɲómotoká n. carry in arms taɓakés v.
car (small) pɔ́ɗɛ̀ n. carry many of rúdzès v.
caracal naɨtakípʉ́rata n. carry on shoulder tʉ́zʉŋɛ́s v.
carbon black ɲémúɗetsa n.; ɲémúɗuɗu carry on the back édès v.
n. carry on the head tsídzès v.
carcass ɗòl n. carry on the head (make) tsídzitetés v.
card (identity) ɲákáɗa n. carry together ilélébés v.
card (Kenyan ID) ɲɛkɨpanɗɛ n. carry under ɨlʉkɛs v.
card (playing) ɲákáɗa n. cartilage ŋɔrɔɓɔɓa n.

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cartilaginous cedar (African pencil)

cartilaginous rɔɓɔ́dɔ̀n v. catch sight of enésúƙota v.; tataɲes v.

cartridge ɲéɓurocó n.; ɲɛsɛpɛɗɛ n. catch the attention of ɨtʉ́lɛ́ɛtɛ́s v.
carve sotés v.; sotetés v. catechism ɲákatékísìmù n.
case (legal) ɲékés n. catechist ŋíkatikisítààm n.
cash kaúdzà nì ɓètsʼa n. categorize ɨsíílɛ́s v.
casing hò n. cater for íɡɔɲɛ́s v.
casing (borehole) ɲatsʉʉmánêba n. Catha edulis ɲémurúŋ́ɡù n.
Catholic church Katólìkà n.
casing (shell) ɲéɓurocó n.; ɲɛsɛpɛɗɛ n.
Catholic person Katólìkààm n.
cassava ɲómoŋɡó n.
Catholic priest páɗɛ̀r n.
Cassia hildebrandtii ɲasal n.
Catholicism Katólìkà n.
Cassia singueana lɔ́kɛ́rʉ́ n.
cattle ɦyɔ̀ n.
cast ɡóózés v.
cattle disease lɔlɛ́ɛʉ́ n.
cast (for divination) ipés v.
cattle herd ɦyɔ̀bàr n.
cast away ɡóózesuƙota v.; hábatsésúƙota Caucasian ɓètsʼònìàm n.; ɲémúsukita n.
v.
cause abdominal pain ɲimíɲímàtòn v.
cast down hábatsetés v.
cause pain átsʼɛ́s v.
cast sandals (in divination) ipésá
cause problems ɓuƙetésá mɛnáɛ v.
taƙáíkàɛ v.
cause problems for ɨtsánítɛtɛ́s v.
cast stones (in divination) ipésá
cause torment for ɨtsanítsánɨtɛtɛ́s v.
ɡwàsìkàe v.
cauterize itsues v.
cast this way ɡóózetés v.
cautious toikíkón v.
castor-oil plant ɨmánán n.
cavalier faɗétón v.
castrate ɨƙɛ́lɛ́mɛ́s v.
cave pakwa n.
casual faɗétón v.
cave (small) pàɗwa n.
cat púùs n.
cave (vertical) ɲáɗúya n.
cat’s-tail ìsìka n. cave entrance pakóásáka n.
catapult ɲapaaru n. cave interior pakóáƙwa n.
cataract kɛ̀s n. caved in paɗókómòn v.
catch dʉ́bɛ̀s v.; ɨkamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; ɨkamɛtɛ́s cavern (vertical) ɲáɗúya n.
v.; sáɡwès v. cavernous wòò ideo.
catch (up with) rítsɛ́s v. cavity (abdominal) bùbùàƙwa n.
catch a whiff wetésá kɔínáɛ v. cavity (oral) aka n.
catch fire aeétón v.; lɛ́ʝɛ́tɔ́n v. cease bɔlɔnʉƙɔta v.
catch off guard bóɡès v.; itúúmés v. cease (blowing or boiling) tilímón v.
catch one’s breath ɨɛ́ŋɔ́nʉƙɔta v. ceaseless rítsírɨtsánón v.
catch scent of mídzatetés v. cedar (African pencil) asʉnán n.

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ceiling (upper) charmer

ceiling (upper) lɔɓîz n. challenge (verbally) nɛpɛƙanitetés v.

celebrate ɨnʉmʉ́nʉ́mɛ́s v.; ɨnʉ́nʉ́mɛ́s v.; chamber (bee larva) sídàhò n.
iyóómètòn v. chameleon híƙɔ́ n.
celebration ɲápáti n. chance ŋawɨlɛs v.
cellular network suɡur n. chance upon taƙámón v.
Celosia schweinfurthiana sɔ́ɡɛ̀kàka n. change beníónuƙota v.; iɓéléés
cement ɲésímìta n. v.; iɓéléìmètòn v.; icéɲʝeés v.;
icéɲʝèìmètòn v.; ilotses v.; ilotsímétòn
census ɲɛkɨmar n.
v.
cent ŋáɓɔ́ɔla n.; ŋásɛntáìèkwa n.
change (money) toɓwaŋes v.
center ekwa n.; sɨsɨka n.; sɨsíkɛ̂da n. change allegiences tolúétòn v.;
center of snare siméékwa n. tolúónuƙota v.; tolúútésuƙota v.
center point ekwa n. change course wɛ́dɔ̀n v.
centipede ƙɔ́dɔxɔ́ n. change decisions ilotsesa mɛnáɛ v.
central part bakútsêda n. change one’s direction iɓéléésuƙota así
cents ŋásɛntáya n. v.
cereal eɗa n. change position ɨsʉ́tɔ́n v.
ceremonial meal írésiŋƙáƙa n. change statements iɓelíɓélésa tódàe v.
ceremony (conduct a) írés n. change the story iɓelíɓélésa tódàe v.
change the subject ɨʝʉlɛsa tódàe v.
certainly kárɨká adv.
chaotic (beocome) iŋóɗyáìmètòn v.
cervical vertebrae ɦyʉƙʉmʉ́ɔ́ka n.
chapati ɲécapatí n.
cervix dòɗìèkwa n.
chapeau ɲákakar n.
cessation was n.
chapel ɲɛ́cápɔ̀l n.
cestode apéléle n.
chapped ɓɛlɛ́ɓɛ́lánón v.
chafed ɲɛɗɛ́dɔ̀n v.
chapter ɔ́dɔ̀ka n.
chafedly ɲɛ̀ɗɛ ideo.
char kɔrɛtɛ́s v.; kɔrɨtɛtɛ́s v.
chaff dust ŋawíl n. charcoal leûz n.; ɲámakáya n.
chaffs nakariɓa n. charge (accuse) ɨsíítɛ́s v.
chain zɔ̀ta n. charge (attack) toƙíróòn v.
chained zɔ́tɔ́n v. charge (electrically) cɨɨtɛ́sʉƙɔta
chair kàràtsa n. v.; hábitésúƙota v.; ŋƙɨtɛtɛ́s v.;
chairperson (of village) ámázeáma wetitésuƙota v.
awáe n. charge (order) ɨtsɨkɛs v.
chalk ɲɛ́cɔ́ka n. Charismatic Ŋímorokóléìàm n.
chalkboard ɲáɓáo n. charitable waŋádòn v.
chalky (dry) pʉrákámòn v.; pʉráŋámòn charm sʉ́bɛ̀s v.; sʉ́bɛsʉƙɔta v.
v.; pʉsɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n v. charmer sʉ́bɛ̀sìàm n.

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charred children (young)

charred kɔrɛ́tɔ́n v. chest disease ɲeɗekea bákútsìkàe n.

chase ɨfalífálɛ́s v.; ɨlɔŋɛs v. chest hair bakutsísítsʼa n.
chase after ɨlɔ́ŋɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; irukes v.; chew átsʼɛ́s v.; ɨɲáɗʉ́tɛ́s v.
irúkésuƙota v. chew (tobacco) ɨmátáŋɛ́s v.; mataŋɛs v.
chase away ikutses v.; ikútsésuƙota v. chew extractively tsʼafɛ́s v.
chase down (the throat) itikes v. chew on ɲɛɓɛ́s v.
chase off ikutses v.; ikútsésuƙota v. chew roughly ɨkaŋíkáŋɛ́s v.; ɨŋaíŋɛ́ɛ́s v.;
ɨŋáŋɛ́ɛ́s v.
chattily ɗɛ̀m ideo.; pòx ideo.
chewily kàŋ ideo.; kwàⁱ ideo.
chatty ɗɛmɛ́dɔ̀n v.; ɗɛmɨɗɛ́mɔ́n v.;
ɨkʉ́tʉ́kánón v.; poxódòn v. chewy dɨrɨɲíɲɔ́n v.; kaŋádòn v.; kwaídòn
v.
chaw tsʼàf n.
chick ɡwáím n.; ɲɔ́kɔkɔróím n.
cheap batánón v.
chicken ɲɔ́kɔkɔr n.
cheat ɨmɔɗɛs v.; ɨmɔ́ɗɛ́sʉƙɔta v. chicken backbone ɲéturuƙúƙu n.
check (bank) kaúdzokabáɗa n. chicken coop ɲɔ́kɔkɔrɔ́hò n.
check (mark) totsetes v. chickenpox ɲɛtʉnɛ n.; puurú n.
check on ɨfátɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; láɡalaɡetés v. chide dɔxɛ́s v.; dɔxɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
check out ɡonés v.; ɦyeités v.; ɨfátɛ́sʉƙɔta chief ámáze n.; ámázeám n.; ɲéríósita n.
v.; iséméés v.; iséméetés v.; láɡalaɡetés chief (crew) ámázeáma teréɡì n.
v.; tɨrɨfɛs v.; tɨrɨfɛtɛ́s v.
chief (parish) ɲékúŋuta n.
check out (here) ɡonetés v. chief (subcounty) ɲɛʝákáɨta n.
check out (there) ɡonésúƙota v. chief elder ámázeáma awáe n.; diyoama
check out thoroughly tirifiés v. ná zè n.
checkers ɲɛ́ɗʉrápa n. child im n.
cheek ɔ̂ba n. child (foreign) ɦyòìm n.
cheek (butt) komos n. child (his/her/its) ntsíím n.
cheekbone akáƙúm n. child (my) ɲ́cììm n.
cheep cheep! ƙíɛƙíɛƙíɛ ideo. child (of someone) ámáìm n.
cheese ɲéɗíol n. child (your) biím n.
child’s bowl imáƙɔ́fɔ́ n.
cheetah ɲárará n.
childhood imánánès n.; wicénánès n.
chef kɔŋɛ́síàm n.
childishness imánánès n.; wicénánès n.
chemical cɛ̀mɛ̀r n.
childless ikólípánón v.; osorosánón v.
Chenopodium opulifolium tsamʉya n.
childless person ɲokólípa n.; òsòròs n.
cherish mínɛ́s v. childlikeness imánánès n.; wicénánès n.
chest bakutsa n. children wika n.
chest (inner) ɡúr n. children (young) kómósikaa ɓetsʼaakátìke
chest (storage) ɲásaɗukú n. n.

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chill Citrullus species

chill cucuéítésuƙota v. Christmas service nuélì n.

chill (damp) cucue n. chronic kɔ̀wɔ̀n v.
chill out zɛƙwɛ́tɔ́n v. chronically ill maimoos v.
chilly cucuéón v. chronically ill person maimoosíám n.
chin tatʉ́n n. chubbily dɛ̀ʝɛ ideo.
chinches ŋítʉ́mìka n. chubby dɛʝɛ́dɔ̀n v.
chuckle ɡaɡaanón v.
chink against íɡatsɨɡatsɛ́s v.
chug ɡéɡès v.; ɨʝíírɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
chip ŋɛlɛ́s v.; pɛsɛlam n.; pɛ́sɛ́lameda n.;
pɛsɛlɛs v.; tɛŋɛlɛs v. chunk ʝulam n.
chip (wood) kíɓɛ́zam n. chunk (small) ʝulamáím n.
chunky ŋʉmʉ́ŋʉ́mánón v.
chip in tɔ́ƙɛ́s v.
church ɲakuʝíhò n.; ɲéɡelesíà n.;
chip off ŋɛlɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.; pɛsɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.; wɛt-
wáánàhò n.
sʼɛ́mɔ́n v.; wɛtsʼɛ́s v.; wɛtsʼɛtɛ́s v.
churn íbɔbɔtsɛ́s v.; íbɔtsɛ́s v.; íbɔtsɛ́sá así
chip off (bark) iɓóɓólés v. v.; íɡùlàʝòn v.
chip off in pieces wetsʼetiés v. chyme eya n.; ɡaɗár n.; ŋkʉ́ʝíta n.
chip repeatedly ɨwɛtsʼíwɛ́tsʼɛ́s v. cicada tswíɨtswí n.
chirp chirp! ƙíɛƙíɛƙíɛ ideo. cicatrix ƙwár n.
choir ɲákwáya n. cigarette ɲɔsɔkatá n.
choke ɨkɛtɛs v.; iketiés v. cinder bʉbʉn n.
cholera kɔlɛ́rà n. cinema ɲévíɗyòhò n.
chomp iŋomes v.; ƙídzɛ̀s v. circle tɔlʉkɛs v.; tɔlʉ́kɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
choose ɗʉmɛtɛ́s v.; iɗókóliés v.; ɨƙɛlɛs tɔlʉkɛtɛ́s v.
v.; ɨƙɛlɛtɛ́s v.; ɲʉmɛtɛ́s v.; tɔsɛɛtɛ́s v.; circles in (make) tɔlʉkʉ́lʉ́kɛ́s v.
xɔ́bɛtɛ́s v. circular ɗukúdòn v.
choosen xɔ́bɔtɔ́s v. circularly ɗùku ideo.
chop in pieces ŋurutiés v. circulate ɨlɔmílɔ́mɔ̀n v.; irímétòn v.;
chop up in pieces ŋurutiesúƙota v. irímítetés v.; irímón v.
circulate in irimes v.
chop! pùà ideo.
circumcise ɨlíŋírɛ́s v.; ɨlɨrɛs v.
chopped in pieces ŋurutiós v.
circumcised lɛŋɛ́rɛ́mɔ̀n v.
chopper naƙílɨƙíl n.
circumvent tamanɛs v.; tamanɛtɛ́s v.
chorus ɲákwáya n.
circumventing firifíránón v.; wíríwíránón
chosen ƙanotós v. v.
Christian Ŋíkiristóìàm n. circumvolve ɨlɨrɛs v.
Christian name ɓatísimúêda n. circumvolve repeatedly ɨlɨrílírɛ́s v.
Christianity ŋíkiristóìnànès n. Cissus rhodesiae bɛfácɛ́mɛ́r n.
Christlikeness ŋíkiristóìnànès n. Citrullus species nàdɛ̀kwɛ̀l n.

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citrus fruit clear (of many)

citrus fruit ɲámucúŋ́ƙà n. clap clap! rààrààrà ideo.

city zɛƙɔ́áwa ná zè n. clap hands ɨɗafɛsa kwɛ́tìkàɛ v.
city (capital) awa ná zè n. clapping dance ɲókorota n.
civet (African) mɨníta n. clarify enitetés v.
clack ɨrɔʝírɔ́ʝɛ́s v. clash iƙúmúnós v.
clamber ɨlɛ́pɔ́n v. clasp mʉkʉtɛs v.
class ɲɛ́kɨlás n.; ɲókós n.
clamber down ɨtsɔrɛtɛ́sá así v.;
ɨtsɔ́rɔ́nʉƙɔta v. class (school) hò n.
clamber up ɨlɛ́pɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨtsɛ́tsɛ́ɛ́s v. classify ɨsíílɛ́s v.
clamp rɨɗɛ́s v.; wɨɗɨɗánón v.; classroom ɲɛ́kɨlás n.
wíɗíwɨɗánón v. clavicle ɲálaƙamááìtìɔ̀ka n.
clamp shut riɗímétòn v. claw soƙóríties v.; tíbòlòkòɲ n.
clan bònìta n. claw up ikúkúrés v.; tukutes v.
clay (black) ŋɔra na buɗám n.
clan (Gaɗukuɲ) Gaɗukúɲ n.
clay (colored) ŋɔr n.
clan (Iléŋ) Iléŋ n.
clay (red) ŋɔra na ɗíwa n.
clan (Komokua) Kòmòkùà n.
clay (smear with) ŋɔrɨtɛtɛ́s v.
clan (paternal) ɔ́dɔ̀ka n.; àsàka n.
clay pot (blackened) dómá na buɗám n.
clan (Siƙetia) Sìƙètìà n.
clay pot (small) ɲeƙulu n.
clan (Telek) Tɛ́lɛ́ka n. clean ɓètsʼòn v.; fítés v.; kɨlíwítánón v.;
clan (Uzet) Úzɛ̀ta n. ŋííɗɛ́s v.; sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́s v.; sʉ́ʉ́tɛ́s v.
clan (Ŋiɓoŋorona) Ŋíɓɔ́ŋɔrɔna n. clean (a surface) ɨkʉlɛs v.; ɨkwalɛs v.;
clan (Ŋiɗotsa) Ŋíɗɔ́tsa n. ɨlɨwɛs v.
clan (Ɲorobat) Ɲɔrɔbata n. clean off ŋííɗɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
clan member (Gaɗukuɲ) Gaɗukúɲùàm clean off (a surface) ɨkʉ́lɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
n. ɨlɨwílíwɛtɛ́s v.
clean up ŋííɗɛtɛ́s v.
clan member (Iléŋ) Iléŋíàm n.
clean up (a surface) ɨkʉlɛtɛ́s v.
clan member (Komokua) Kòmòkùààm
n. cleaned off ɨlɨwílíwɔ́s v.
clan member (Siƙetia) Sìƙètìààm n. cleaning rod sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sítsɨrím n.
clear ɓètsʼòn v.; bótsón v.; fotólón v.;
clan member (Telek) Tɛ́lɛ́kìàm n.
ɨɛtɛ́sá ɨsíítɛ́sʉ́ v.; kánɔ́n v.; kɨlíwítánón
clan member (Uzet) Úzɛ̀tìàm n. v.; takánón v.
clan member (Ŋiɓoŋorona) Ŋíɓɔ́ŋɔrɔnáám clear (a surface) ɨkʉlɛs v.; ɨkwalɛs v.;
n. ɨlɨwɛs v.
clan member (Ŋiɗotsa) Ŋíɗɔ́tsáám n. clear (grass) íɛ́s v.; ireɲes v.
clan member (Ɲorobat) Ɲɔrɔbatíám n. clear (of a path) kɔlánétòn v.
clap ɨɗafɛs v. clear (of many) ɓetsʼaakón v.

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clear (of mind) close the eyes

clear (of mind) bótsóna ikáe v. cleverness nɔɔ́s n.

clear (of weather) tatsɔ́ɔ́n v. click disapprovingly ɨtswɛtítswɛ́tɔ̀n v.
clear (the throat) hákátòn v.; xaƙarés v. cliff chat (bird) akɔ́ŋɨkɔŋ n.
clear (visually) isólólòòn v. clifflike fuʝúlúmòn v.
clear a path in ɨɗíɗíwɛ́s v. cliffy fuʝúlúmòn v.
clear a path through utés v.; utésúƙota climb otsés v.; tóbìrìbìròn v.; totírón v.
v. climb down (that way) kídzimonuƙota
v.
clear away (grass) iréɲésuƙota v.
climb down (this way) kídzìmètòn v.;
clear off (a surface) ɨkʉ́lɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
tsíɡìmètòn v.
ɨlɨwílíwɛtɛ́s v.
climb on otsésúƙota v.
clear off (brush) iɓúɓúés v.
climb up otsésúƙota v.
clear off (visually) isólólòètòn v.
climb with gear itséƙéés v.; itséƙóòn v.
clear off/up tatsɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n n. clinch rɨɗɛ́s v.; wɨɗɨɗánón v.;
clear out bulútésuƙota v. wíɗíwɨɗánón v.
clear out (brush) iɓúɓúés v. cling ɗɛlɛ́mɔ́n v.; ƙídzɔ̀n v.
clear up (a surface) ɨkʉlɛtɛ́s v. cling to ɨnɔtsɛs v.; ɨrʉmɛs v.; ŋɔtsɛ́s v.
clear up (of sickness) ɨɛ́ɓɔ́nʉƙɔta v. clinic ɗakɨtár n.
clear up (visually) isólólòètòn v. clink against íɡatsɨɡatsɛ́s v.
clearable area kawam n. clink! ƙwíl ideo.
cleared (of grass) íɔ́s v. clip ɨrɛɓɛs v.
cleared forest tsɛ̀f n. clip (of a gun) ɲókópo n.
clip off ɨrɛ́ɓɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
cleared off ɨlɨwílíwɔ́s v.; topwatímétòn
v. clique kábùn n.
clearing ɓɔɗa n.; ɗípɔ̀ n. clitoris sɔn n.
clitoris head sɔnííka n.
cleft (rock) tsarátán n.
clitoris tip sɔnííka n.
cleft palate akátsʼɛ́a na pakós n.
cloak ɲáléso n.; ɲáwáro n.
cleg ɲɔ́pɔɗɔkʉ́ n.
cloak (leather) xɔŋɔŋ n.
cleg (black) lɔŋɨzɛta n.
clobber ipukúpúkés v.
clench imúnúkukúón v.; ɨtɔkɔɗɛs clock feta n.
v.; mʉkʉtɛs v.; wɨɗɨɗánón v.;
clogged firímón v.
wíɗíwɨɗánón v.
close ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɔ̀n v.; ikóóbés v.; ikóóbetés
clench buttocks iíɗón v.
v.; kɔkɛ́s v.; kɔkɛtɛ́s v.; kokímétòn v.;
clench teeth ƙídzìkɔ̀ɔ̀n v. mʉtsʼʉtɛs v.
clench up mʉkʉtɛtɛ́s v. close (make) kɔkɨtɛtɛ́s v.
clever nɔɔsánón v. close by ɦyàtàka n.
clever person nɔɔsáàm n. close the eyes múɗúkánón v.

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close to each other coiled up

close to each other ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɨmɔ́s v. co- (singular) taŋɛ́ɛ̂da pro.

close up mʉtsʼʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v. co- (your) bitáŋá n.
a co-op ɲéɡurúf n.
close up repeatedly mutsʼutiesúƙot v.
closing prayer wáána na tɛ́zɛ̀tɔ̀nì n. co-wife ɛán n.
clot iɗíkétòn v.; iɗikitetés v. coagulate iɗíkétòn v.; iɗikitetés v.
cloth (small) ƙwàzàìm n. coagulated iɗíkón v.
cloth (waist-) riɗiesíƙwàz n. coal bʉbʉn n.
cloth(es) ƙwàz n. coarse ɡwɛrɛ́ʝɛ́ʝɔ̀n v.
clothing ƙwàz n. coat ɲókóti n.
clothing (leather) ínóƙwàz n. coax ɨmámɛ́ɛ́s v.
clothing (sheep-leather) ɗóɗòƙwàz n. coax into coming ɨmámɛ́ɛtɛ́s v.
clotted iɗíkón v. cobra loúpal n.
a
cloud ɡìd n.; ɲáɗís n. cobweb abûba n.
cloud (dark) ɡida ná buɗám n. cock ɡwácúrúka n.
cloud (white) ɡìdà nà ɓètsʼa n. cock (weapon) wakés v.
cloud cover kùpa n. cocking lever wakésíàwa n.
cloud over/up ɡobétón v.; kupétón v.; cockle-doodle-doo! kʉkʉ́ʉ́k ᶶ ideo.
kupukúpón v.; mɔƙɨmɔ́ƙɔ́n v. cockroach lɔmɛ́ʝɛ́kɛlɛ́ n.
a a cocky ɨwɔ́ƙɔ́n v.
cloudiness kùp n.; kùpààƙw n.
cloudless kánɔ́n v. cocky person ɨwɔ́ƙɔ́nìàm n.
cloudy kùpòn v. cocoon mɔɗɔ́ɗa n.
club sɛ̀wa n. cocoon opening mɔɗɔ́ɗɔ́èkwa n.
club (group) ɲéɡurúf n. coerce rɛ́ɛ́s v.; rɛɛtɛ́s v.; tɔrɛɛs v.
clubfooted ƙɔɔlɔ́mɔ̀nà dɛ̀ìkà ɛ
v.; coerced toreimétòn v.
sɔƙɔ́ɲɔ́mɔ̀n v. coexistence (peaceful) zɛƙwa ná dà n.
clubhanded sɔƙɔ́ɲɔ́mɔ̀n v. coffee ɲákáwa n.
cluck at ɨƙɛníƙɛ́nɛ́s v. cohort taŋɛ́ɛ̂da pro.
cluck disapprovingly ɨtswɛtítswɛ́tɔ̀n v. cohort (your) bitáŋá n.
cluck! ƙútu ideo. cohorts taŋáíkìn pro.
clump ɓòtòŋ n. coil ilúƙúretés v.; ɨnɔɛs v.
clumsy ɨɓaŋíɓáŋɔ̀n v.; pɔsɔ́kɔ́mɔ̀n v. coil around ɨnɔɛtɛ́s v.
clunky pɔsɔ́kɔ́mɔ̀n v. coil up ilúƙúrètòn v.
cluster ɓòtòŋ n. coiled iyérón v.
co- (my) ɲ́citaŋá n. coiled loosely ŋarúxánòn v.
co- (plural) taŋáíkìn pro. coiled up ilúƙúròn v.

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coin come in (of teeth)

coin kaúdzèèkwa n.; ŋárɔpɨyéékwa n.; colossus kébàdà n.; nábàdà n.; nébàdà n.
ɲésimón n.; ɲókóìn n. colostrum ɲóɗós n.
coinhabit ínínós v. coma (be in a) bàdòn v.
cold ɨɛ́ɓɔ́n v. comatose ifáfúkós v.
cold (become) ɨɛ́ɓɛ́tɔ̀n v.; ɨɛ́ɓɔ́nʉƙɔta v. comb ɨƙwɛrɛs v.; ɲɛkɛ́sɛ́ta n.
cold (make) ɨɛ́ɓítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. comb out ɨƙwɛ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
cold (virus) ɲarʉ́kʉ́m n. combatant cɛmáám n.
cold weather ɨɛ́ɓɔ́na kíʝáe v. combative cɛmɨcɛmɔs v.
collaborate on ɨŋáŋárɛtɛ́s v. combed ɨƙwɛrɔs v.
collapse badonuƙota v.; laʝámétòn combine ɗɔtsɛ́s v.; ɗɔtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; ɗɔt-
v.; ɲalámétòn v.; ɲalámónuƙota v.; sɛtɛ́s v.; iɗyates v.; iɲales v.
ruɓétón v.; ruɓonuƙota v.; taɲáléetésá combine (grains) ikáɗóés v.
así v.; taɲálóòn v.
Combretium species tʉ̀tʉ̀f n.
collapse due to weight xuƙúmétòn v. come àtsòn v.; ɨnapɛtɛ́sá así v.
collapsed paɗókómòn v. come (get to) ɨsʉ́ŋʉ́rɛ́s v.
collar ɦyʉƙʉma ƙwázàe n.; ikeda ƙwázàe come across bunétón v.; bùnòn v.; ɨt-
n. sɔŋɛtɛ́s v.; ŋawɨlɛs v.; taƙámón v.
collar (animal) rɔɓa n. come after elánétòn v.
collarbone ɲálaƙamááìtìɔ̀ka n. come alongside nápɔ́n v.
colleague taŋɛ́ɛ̂da pro. come and go in bunches tsʼʉ̀wɔ̀n v.
colleague (my) ɲ́citaŋá n. come apart ɗɛsɛ́ɗɛ́sánón v.; ɗusúmón v.
colleague (your) bitáŋá n. come around ɨlɔ́ɗɛ́tɔ̀n v.; irímétòn v.
colleagues taŋáíkìn pro. come back iɓóɓóŋètòn v.; itétón v.;
collect ikóóbés v.; ikóóbetés v.; ɨrírɛ́ɛ́s v.; tɔrʉ́ɓɔ́n v.
ɨrírɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨtsʉnɛs v.; ɨtsʉnɛtɛ́s v.; come back around ɨƙʉlʉ́ƙʉ́lɔ̀n v.
ɨʉɗɛs v.; ɨʉɗɛtɛ́s v. come back to life ɦyekétón v.
collect (contributions) bɔsɛtɛ́s v. come beside nápɔ́n v.
collect a debt amʉtsanés v. come by ɨɛ́bɛtɛ́s v.
collect firewood weesá dakwí v. come by way of tɔmɛɛtɛ́s v.
collect rubbish ɲaɗaɗés v. come close ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
college ɲésukúl n.; yunivásìtì n. come down kídzìmètòn v.; tsíɡìmètòn v.
colloquium ɲésémìnà n. come early isókétòn v.
colonize ínésuƙota v. come edging itsoɗiétòn v.
color ŋɔr n. come for a visit ɨlɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v.
colored soil ɲálámʉɲɛna n. come free hoɗómón v.
Colossians (biblical) Ŋíkolosáika n. come in (of teeth) morétón v.

311
come in convoy concave

come in convoy ɨtílɛ́tɔ̀n v. Commiphora species tʉlárɔ́ya n.

come in procession ɨtílɛ́tɔ̀n v. commit adultery ɓúƙón v.
come inching itsoɗiétòn v. commit oneself ɨmíɗítsɛ́sa así v.
come into view lɛlɛmánétòn v.; lɛlɛ́tɔ́n commix ídulés v.; íduludulés v.
v.; pɛlɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v. commodities kúrúɓáicíka n.
come late íbànètòn v.; irípétòn v. commodity dzíɡwam n.; dzíɡwetam n.;
come of age iríétòn v. dzííƙotam n.
come off hoɗómón v.; tolómétòn v. common tɔɔsɛ́tɔ̀n v.
come out pulúmétòn v.; tolómétòn v. Communion Ŋƙáƙá Komúnióe n.
community narúéta n.
come out (of stars) ʝʉ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v.
compacted ɗɔtsánón v.; ɗɔtsɔ́s v.;
come quickly ikóméètòn v.
dirídòn v.; tɔrɔ́dɔ̀n v.
come successively torópétòn v.
compactedly dìr ideo.; tɔ̀r ideo.
come to (wake) tsídzètòn v. companion itumetésíàm n.
come to a consensus bɛrɛtɛ́sá mɛnáɛ v. company itumetésíàm n.; itúmétòn v.
come to a stop wasɔnʉƙɔta v. company of girls ɲèrààƙwa n.
come together ikóóbetésá así v. compare iríánitetés v.; ƙámítetés v.
come undone hoɗómón v. compare each other támínɔ́s v.
come uninvitedly imíŋóòn v. compel ɨtɨŋɛs v.
come via tɔmɛɛs v.; tɔmɛɛtɛ́s v. compete ɨkátínɔ́s v.; ɨlɔ́ímɔ́s v.; ɨlɔ́ínɔ́s v.
come with elánétòn v. complain ɨŋʉrʉ́ŋʉ́rɔ̀n v.; ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀n v.
coming into view lɛlɛmánón v. comple ɨtíŋɛ́ɛ́s v.
commander ɨtsɨkɛsíám n. complete ŋábɛsʉƙɔta v.
commandment (divine) ɨtsɨkɛsa Ɲákuʝí completed ŋábɔnʉƙɔta v.; nábɔnʉƙɔta v.
v. completely ʝɨkî adv.; kɔ́nítɨáke pro.; pílè
Commelina species ɡùʝa n. ideo.; tsʉ́tɔ̀ adv.
commence iséétòn v.; isóón v.; it- compliant tsolólómòn v.
syákétòn v. compose (music) iroketés v.
commerce dzîɡwa n. compound awááƙwa n.
commerce (do) dzíɡwès v. comprehend nesíbes v.
comminge itsulútsúlés v. compress ɨrɨɗɛtɛ́s v.; rɔɲɛ́s v.
commingle ídulés v.; íduludulés v.; compressed ɨrɨɗɔs v.; tɔrɔ́dɔ̀n v.
ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɛ́s v. computer ɲókompyútà n.
commingled ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ̀n v.; ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ́s comrade taŋɛ́ɛ̂da pro.
v. comrades taŋáíkìn pro.
Commiphora africana ibéta n. con ɨmɔɗɛs v.
Commiphora campestris lɔ́lɔwí n. concave sakánámòn v.; tsuƙúlúmòn v.

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concave (flatly) consume

concave (flatly) ɓɛtɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n v.; fɛtɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n confused iɓíléròn v.; ɨcɔ́ŋáimetona ikáe
v. v.; iƙúrúmétona ikáe v.; lɔŋɔanón v.
conceal búdès v.; búdesuƙota v.; ɨɗɛɛs confused (become) lɔŋɔanónuƙota v.
v.; ɨɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ipáŋwéés v.; tɨtsʼɛ́s v.; congeal iɗíkétòn v.; iɗikitetés v.;
tɨtsʼɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. tɔsɔ́ɗɔ́kɔ̀n v.
conceal matters kɔkɛ́sá mɛnáɛ v. congeal when cooled ɨpʉ́kákòn v.
conceal oneself budés v. congealed iɗíkón v.
concealed budésón v.; búdòs v. congested (nasally) ɗɨnɔ́s v.
concede óɡoés v. Congo Kóŋɡò n.
conceited itúrón v. congregate ikóóbetésá así v.; ɨrírɛ́ɛtɛ́sá
así v.; iryámíryámètòn v.; itóyéésa así
concern (topic) tábès v.
v.; ɨtsʉ́nɛ́tɔ̀n v.; itukánón v.
concerned ísánòn v.
congregation ɲatʉ́kɔ́ta n.
concerned (become) ísánonuƙota v.
connect ɗɛsɛ́mɔ́n v.; imánétòn
conciliate ɨsílítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. v.; imánónuƙota v.; tɔŋɛtɛs v.;
conclude matters kɔkɛtɛ́sá mɛnáɛ v. tɔŋɛ́tɔ́nʉƙɔta v.; toropes v.; tɔrʉtsɛs v.
conclusion ɲémíso n. conserve ɨmɨnímínɛ́s v.
condense (of water) ikópíòn v. consider tamátámatés v.; tamɛtɛ́s v.;
tamítámiés v.
condense (water) tsɨpɨtsípɔ́n v.
consonant ŋurutiesá tódào n.
cone of tobacco bɔrɔƙɔƙa n.;
lɔ́tɔ́ɓabɔrɔƙɔ́ƙa n. constant rítsírɨtsánón v.
constellation (five-star) Ɲerawika n.;
confess tɔkíɔ́n v.
Tùtùka n.
confine ɨƙalíƙálɛ́s v.; ɨrɨɗɛs v.; ɨrɨɗɛtɛ́s v.
constellation (seven-star) Lorokonídàkwa
confirm nɨnɛtɛ́s v. n.
confirm the case enésá mɛnáɛ v. constellation (six-star) Torikaika Rié n.
confirmation (religious) ɲékipeyés n. constellation (Southern Cross) Ɲému-
Confirmation (Confirmation) kofer- saláɓà n.
emáásìò n. constipated firímón v.; tíbɨɗɛ́sɔ́n v.;
conflagration kómétsʼàɗa n. tɨbíɛ́tɔ̀n v.
conflate ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɛ́s v.; itsulútsúlés v. constrained ɨrɨɗɔs v.
constrict ɨrɨɗɛs v.; ɨrɨɗɛtɛ́s v.; riɗímétòn
conflated ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ̀n v.; ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ́s v.
v.
conflict ɲéƙúruƙur n.; ɲɛ́píɗɨpɨɗa n.
constricted ɨrɨɗɔs v.; rɔ́ƙɔ́rɔƙánón v.
conflict (cause) irémóòn v.
construct bɛrɛ́s v.; toyeetés v.
confound iƙures v. construct (a saying) taɗápítetés v.
confounded iƙúrúmétona ikáe v. consume ɗáɗítés v.; ɨɓalíɓálɛ́s v.; ŋƙáƙés
confuse iƙures v.; ilotses v. v.; ŋƙɛ́s v.

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contain cored out

contain ɨrɨtsɛ́s v. cook out (poison) natsɛ́s v.

container (big) kúbùr n. cook quickly hataikánón v.
contemn tsíítés v. cook up ɨɗɔ́ɗɔ́ɛ́s v.
contemplate ɲɛɓɛ́s v.; tamátámatés v.; cooked well ɗʉmʉ́dɔ̀n v.
tamítámiés v. cooked medium tsɛɓɛ́kɛ́mɔ̀n v.
contemplative tamɛ́síàm n. cooked tough haʉ́dɔ̀n v.
contend ɨlɔ́ímɔ́s v.; ɨlɔ́ínɔ́s v.; kóríètòn v. cooked very tough hà ᶶ ideo.
contentious deƙwideƙos v. cooker ɲɛsɨŋƙɨrɨ n.
continue itemes v.; itemetés v. cookie ɲéɓisikóta n.
contort imákóitetés v. cooking hut ɲéʝiɡón n.
contorted imákóòn v. cooking place itiŋésíàwa n.
contorted (become) imákwéètòn v. cooking stick kɔŋɛ́sídàkwa n.
contract riɗímétòn v.; tɔ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔta v. cooking stone caál n.
contract (cramp) ɨtɨɓítíɓɔ̀n v. cool cucuéón v.
contract (work) kabaɗa na teréɡì n.; cool down cucuéétòn v.; cucuéítésuƙota
teréɡikabáɗa n. v.; cucuéónuƙota v.; ɗipímón v.
contracted tɔ́ɗɔ́n v. cool down (emotionally) ɨɛ́ɓítɛ́sʉƙɔta
ɡúróe v.
contradict déƙwítetés v.; nɛpɛƙanitetés
v. cool down (food) ɨkáʉ́tɛ́s v.
contribute tɔ́ƙɛ́s v. cool down the heart cucuéítésuƙota
ɡúróe v.
contribute resources ɗɔtsɛ́sá ɦyekesí v.
cool off cucuéétòn v.; cucuéónuƙota v.
contributions (extract) bɔsɨtɛtɛ́s v.
coop (chicken) ɲɔ́kɔkɔrɔ́hò n.
contuse rùròn v.
cooperate ɗɔtsánón v.; ɗɔtsánónuƙota v.
contusion ƙwár n.
cooperate on ɨŋáŋárɛtɛ́s v.
convene ikíkóanón v.; itukánón v. coordinate ilíráitetés v.
converge itóyéésa así v. coordinated ilíróòn v.
conversation ɲékukwá n. cope with totseres v.
converse ɨɛ́nɔ́n v.; tódinós v. coppice (round) ɲalʉ́kɛ́ta n.
convex tsʉrʉ́ɗʉ́mɔ̀n v. copulate with tirés v.
convulse ɨmímíʝɛ́s v. copy iŋitiés v.; toputes v.; toputetés v.
Conyza species ɲɛ́ʉrʉmɛmɛ́ n. cord sim n.
coo (of infants) ɨŋɨníŋínɔ̀n v. Cordia sinensis ɲóɗomé n.
cook itiŋés v.; kɔŋɛ́síàm n. cordon-bleu (red-cheeked) ŋíkaɗiiɗí n.
cook by boiling féés v. core ekweda n.
cook by stirring kɔŋɛ́s v. core out iɓóɓórés v.
cook for friends féésa íditíní v. cored out iɓóɓórós v.

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Corinthians (biblical) covenant

Corinthians (biblical) Ŋíkoríntoika n. courageous itítíŋòn v.

corn màlòr n.; màlòrìèɗa n.; ɲaɓʉra n. courgette lomuƙe n.
corncob ɲaɓʉraídàkwa n. courier dɛáám n.
corncobs (leftover) ɨraɲ n. course isépón v.; ɲókós n.
corner ɲɔkɔɔna n.; rʉ́ɛ́s v. court ɲókóta n.; sitsʼés v.
corner of the eye ɗoɗékwa n. court each other sítsʼímós v.
corpse loukúétsʼa n.; ɲɛ́lɛl n. court fee kárátsìka n.
corral ɓór n.; ikoŋetés v.; ɨkwɛtíkwɛ́tɛ́s courthouse ɲókóta n.
v.; ƙalíƙálɛ́s v.; sáɡwès v.
cousin (his/her father’s brother’s child)
correct ɨtsírítɛtɛ́s v.; ɨtsírɔ́n v.; iyóón babatíím n.
v.; tsírítɛtɛ́s v.; tsírɔ́n v.; tɔɓɛɨtɛtɛ́s v.;
tɔɓɛ́ɔ́n v. cousin (his/her father’s brother’s son)
leata n.
correct (typcially) toɓéíón v.
cousin (his/her father’s sister’s child)
corridor bácíka n.
tatatíím n.
corroborate nɨnɛtɛ́s v.
cousin (his/her mother’s brother’s
corrode iróróòn v.; sɨmírɔ́n v. child) momotíím n.
corroded sɨmɨránón v. cousin (his/her mother’s sister’s child)
corrupt iƙurúƙúròn v.; ɨlʉŋʉ́lʉ́ŋɛ́s v.; tototíím n.
ɨráŋʉ́nánón v. cousin (mother’s brother’s child)
corruption ɲéƙúruƙur n. momóìm n.
cosmos kíʝa n. cousin (mother’s sister’s child) totóìm
cost ɲéɓéya n. n.
costlessness tsàm n. cousin (my father’s brother’s child)
cot ɲɛ́kítaɗa n. ŋɡóím n.
coterie kábùn n. cousin (my father’s brother’s son) ɛdɛ́
n.
cotton ɲápáma n.
cousin (my father’s brother’s wife’s
coucal múɗuɗú n.
child) yáŋììm n.
cough ɔ̀f n.; ɔ̀fɔ̀n v.
cousin (my father’s sister’s child)
councillor ŋurutiesíama mɛnáɛ n.; tátàìm n.
ɲákáńsɔ̀là n.
cousin (your father’s brother’s child)
counsel táŋɛ́s v.; taŋɛtɛ́s v. bábòìm n.
counsel each other táŋínɔ́s v. cousin (your father’s brother’s son) léó
count ɨmaarɛ́s v. n.
counterfeit láŋ n. cousin (your father’s sister’s child)
country kíʝa n. tátóím n.
county ɲákáúńtì n. covenant iɓoletés v.

315
cover Crataeva adansonii

cover ɡubés v.; kɔkɛ́s v.; kɔkɛtɛ́s v.; tɨtsʼɛ́s cowpea leaves Icémóríɗókàka n.
v. cowpeas Icémóríɗa n.
cover (a corpse) sínɛ́s v. cowskin ɦyɔjejé n.
cover (an area) ɨɗɛŋɛs v.; ɨkáyɛ́ɛ́s v. crack ɓɛlɛ́s v.; ɓɛlɛtɛ́s v.
cover (an opening) tʉɓʉnɛ́s v. crack (react) tokúétòn v.; tokúréètòn v.
cover (flat) ɲápár n. crack (sound) ɗɛɗɛanón v.; ɨrɔʝírɔ́ʝɛ́s v.;
cover (termites) mɔkɛ́s v. rɛɗɛɗánón v.
cover oneself kɔkɛ́sá así v. crack apart itotoles v.
cover up bukúrésuƙota v.; ɡubésúƙota v.; crack in pieces ɨráráƙɛ́s v.
tɨtsʼɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. crack knuckles ɨrɔʝírɔ́ʝɛ́sá kɔrɔ́kíkàɛ v.
cover up issues kɔkɛ́sá mɛnáɛ v. crack open ɓelémón v.; ɨƙɛ́ƙɛ́ɛ́s v.
coverall (leather) kɔ́lɔ́tsa n. crack open (bones) ikokes v.
covered iɗéŋímètòn v. crack slightly beemón v.
covered (get) tuɓunímétòn v. crack! ɦyòm ideo.
covered in sores sómomóʝón v.; cracked ɓaaɓánón v.; ɓɛlɛ́ɓɛ́lánón v.;
tɔmɔ́tɔ́mánón v. ɓɛlɔ́s v.; médemedánón v.; takátákánón
v.
covert búdòs v.
cracked skin (on feet) ɲaɓaɓa n.
covetous tsʼítsʼɔ́n v.
cracker ɲéɓisikóta n.
cow ɦyɔŋwa n.
crackle ɗɛɗɛanón v.; rɛɗɛɗánón v.
cow (Ankole) Ŋíɲaŋkóléɦyɔ́ n.
crackly xàu ideo.
cow (elephant) oŋoriŋwa n.
crackly (in sound) xaúdòn v.
cow leather ɦyɔjejé n. craft bɛrɛtɛ́s v.
cow milk ɦyòìdwa n. craft (a saying) taɗápítetés v.
cow udder ɦyòìdwa n. craftiness nɔɔ́s n.
cow urine tséta n. crafty nɔɔsánón v.
cow(s) ɦyɔ̀ n. crag ɲɛ́ɛ́sɛ n.
cow-leather shoe ɦyɔtaƙáya n. Craibia laurentii kaûdza n.
coward xɛɓásíàm n. cram ɨsɨkɛs v.; rʉtsɛ́s v.; rʉtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
cowardice xɛɓás n. cramp ɨtɨɓítíɓɔ̀n v.
cowardly ʝàƙwa ideo.; ʝaƙwádòn v.; cramp (abdominally) tɔkɔɗíkɔ́ɗɔ̀n v.
wúrukukánón v.; xɛ̀ɓɔ̀n v. cramp up imúnúkukúón v.
cowbell ɲákááɗoŋota n. cranium ikóɔ́ka n.; ɔka ikáe n.
cowdung ɦyɔ̀ètsʼa n.; ŋɔta n. crap ntsʼáƙón v.
cowfly lótsótsa n. crash (sound) tɔtɔanón v.
cowherd còòkààm n. crash through brush ɗáɗítésa ríʝáe v.
cowhide ɦyɔjejé n. Crataeva adansonii ɲéyoroeté n.

316
craving (have a) cross-eyed

craving (have a) ɨrɔ́rɔ́kánón v. cricket ʝòrìʝòr n.

craw ɡwà n. cricket (armoured) ɨkɔ́kɔ́yà n.
crawl akúkúròn v.; tolíón v. crier weretsíám n.
crawl up ikókórés v. crime tɛ́ŋɛ́r n.
crawl up this way ikókóretés v. criminal ɲɔ́mɔkɔsáàm n.; tɛ́ŋɛ́rìàm n.
craziness leɡé n.; lejé n.; lejéèda n.; crimp zeketa n.
lejénánès n.; ŋkérépa n. crimson tsòn ideo.
crazy iworós v. cringe ŋaxɛ́tɔ́n v.
crazy (go) doʝánónuƙota v. crinkle zeketa n.
crinkled rʉʝanón v.; turúʝón v.; za-
crazy person lejéàm n.
mʉʝánón v.
cream off ɨʝɨlɛtɛ́s v.
crinkly turuʝúrúʝánón v.
crease zeketa n. cripple ŋwàxɔ̀nìàm n.
creased rʉʝanón v.; rʉʝʉrʉ́ʝánón v.; crippled ŋwàxɔ̀n v.
turúʝón v.; zamʉʝánón v.
crock (soot) ɲémúɗetsa n.; ɲémúɗuɗu n.
creasy turuʝúrúʝánón v. crocodile ɲetíɲáŋ n.
create ɨɗɨmɛtɛ́s v.; iroketés v.; tɔsʉɓɛs v. crombec (woodland) natúɗusé n.
create peace fítésa kíʝáe v.; ɨlɔ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta crook itúkúɗètòn v.; itúkúɗòn v.;
kíʝáe v. tukuɗes v.
created ɨɗɨmɔtɔ́s v. crook (cane) ɲótooɗó n.
creation kíʝá na ɨɗɨmɔtɔ́s n. crook (climbing) ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀ta n.
creator ɨɗɨmɛ́síàm n.; ɨɗɨmɛtɛ́síàm n.; crook (staff) ɲɛ́sɛɛɓɔ́ n.
tɔsʉɓɛtɛ́síàm n. crooked ɡɔ́lɔ́ɡɔlánón v.; ríbiribánón v.;
creature ɨɗɨmɔtɔ́s n. tukúɗón v.
credible tɔnʉpam n. crooked (corrupt) iƙurúƙúròn v.
credit iɗenes v.; iɗenetés v.; kál n. crooked neck (have a) lɔkɔɗíkɔ́ɗɔ́n v.
creek ìàwìàwa n. crop ɡwà n.; isésélés v.
creep aƙʉ́ƙʉ́rɔ̀n v.; ƙʉtsʼáám n.; totséɗón crop up tʉwɛ́tɔ́n v.; tʉ̀wɔ̀n v.
v. crops (nearly ripe) porór n.
creep up íbɛ̀ɗìbɛ̀ɗɔ̀n v. cross kámáránón v.; kámáránónuƙota v.;
ŋʉrɛ́s v.; ɲémusaláɓà n.; tɔkɛ́ɛ́rɛ́s v.
creep up on tɔlɛ́lɛ́ɛtɛ́s v.
cross over ɡórés v.; íɡorés v.;
creeper ɲɛ́lɔ́kɨlɔka n. íɡorésúƙota v.
crescent-shaped toɗóánètòn v. cross over a spear ɡóriesá ɓɨsáɛ v.
crest (bird) ɲálem n. cross repeatedly ɡóriés v.; íɡoriés v.
crested tsowírímòn v. cross to that side aronuƙota v.
crevice (rock) tsarátán n. cross to this side arétón v.
crew ɲáʝore n. cross-eyed kámáránón v.; ríbiribánón v.

317
crossing cup

crossing àrònìàwa n. crunchily xàu ideo.

crossing (river) ôda n.; ódèèkwa n. crunchy karʉ́tsʼʉ́mɔ̀n v.
crossroad bézèkètìkìn n. crunchy (in sound) xaúdòn v.
Crotalaria lachnocarpoides ɨɛƙɨɛƙa n. crush iɗoses v.; ɨlɛɗɛs v.; ɨtsakɛs v.
crotch lɔkɔ́r n. crush (win) kɔrɨtɛtɛ́s v.
crotch of a tree bɔ̀ka n.; bɔ̀kɛ̀da n. crush into powder itsomes v.
crush up ɨtsakítsákɛ́s v.
Croton dichogamus ɓólìs n.
crust ɔmɔ́x n.
crouch dɛ́ɡɛ̀mɔ̀n v.; rábʉ̀xɔ̀n v.; tsɔ́nɔ́n v.
crusted over rɔ́bɔ̀ɗɔ̀mɔ̀n v.
crow ikwóón v.
crusty rɔ́bɔ̀ɗɔ̀mɔ̀n v.
crow (pied) kʉ́ràka n.
cry ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀n v.; weretsa n.
crowbar ɲotolim n.
cry (make) ƙɔɗɨtɛs v.
crowd itsuɗútsúɗés v.; ituɗútúɗés v.; cry breathily xíƙwítós v.
ɲéɓúku n.; ɲerípírìpa n.; òdìòs n.
cry easily dzálón v.; ɨɲɛ́ɛ́mɔ̀n v.
crowded together lolotánón v.; tu-
cry out bɔ́rɔ́rɔ̀n v.; werétsón v.;
tukánón v.
werétsónuƙota v.
crown (bird) ɲálem n.
crystallize ɲaʉ́dɔnʉƙɔta v.
crown of head ikáɡwarí n. crystallized ɲaʉ́dɔ̀n v.
crud tsʼâɡa n. crystallizedly ɲà ᶶ ideo.
cruddy itútsón v.; tsʼáɡòn v. cucumber kɔlɨl n.
crumble ɗukúmétòn v.; ɗukúmón cucumber grass kɔlɨlíkú n.
v.; ɲalámétòn v.; ɲalámónuƙota cucumber juice kɔlɨlícúé n.
v.; taɲáléetésá así v.; taɲálóòn v.;
cucumber seed kɔlɨlíékwa n.
tɔpwaɲípwáɲɛ́s v.
Cucumis dipsaceus tsɔ́ráɗoɗôba n.
crumble off pɛsɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.
Cucumis figarei loɗeɗa n.
crumbly bùɲ ideo.; buɲádòn v.;
cultivatable tɔkɔbam n.
ɨwɛlɛ́wɛ́lánón v.; pɛsɛ́pɛ́sánón v.
cultivate tɔkɔ́bɛs v.
crumbly dry tsaʉ́dɔ̀n v.
cultivate (make) tɔkɔ́bɨtɛtɛ́s v.
crumbly substance búɲèn n.
cultivate early ɨɗɔ́rɛ́ʉƙɔta v.
crumbly-dryly tsà ᵘ ideo.
cultivated tɔkɔ́bɨtɔtɔ́s v.
crumby ŋʉmʉ́ŋʉ́mánón v.
cultivation tɔ̀kɔ̀ba v.
crumple laʝámétòn v.; tʉmʉɗʉŋɛs v. cultivation (early) ìɗɔ̀r n.
crumple up tʉmʉɗʉŋɛtɛ́s v. cultivator tɔ̀kɔ̀bààm n.
crunch ɨʉmʉ́íʉ́mɛ́s v. cumbersome pɔsɔ́kɔ́mɔ̀n v.
crunch (food) iruɓes v. cuneal lɨkíɗímɔ̀n v.
crunch (sound) ɨrɔʝírɔ́ʝɛ́s v. cunning nɔɔ́s n.; nɔɔsánón v.
crunch crunch ƙɛ̀ƙɛ ideo.; tsʉ̀bɛ̀ɗɛ ideo. cup ɲókópo n.

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cupboard Cyperus alternifolius

cupboard ɲákábàta n. cut a ring in ɨlíŋírɛ́s v.

Cupressus lusitanica asʉnán n. cut across piɗés v.
cure maraŋítésuƙota v.; mínɛ́s v. cut around ɨlíŋírɛ́s v.; ɨlɨrɛs v.
curl ilúƙúretés v. cut away iƙémíƙémés v.; ŋʉrɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
curl around imanímánés v. cut bluntly ifitífítés v.
curl up ilúƙúrètòn v.; tusuketés v.; cut down ruɓutetés v.
tusúkón v. cut dully iŋulúŋúlés v.
curl up (to rest) touríánòn v. cut in (verbally) itoɓes v.
curled up ilúƙúròn v. cut in chunks ʝulés v.
current issues kíʝámɛ̀n n. cut in conversation itoɓítóɓésa tódàe v.
current of air suɡur n. cut in pieces ŋurutiés v.; ŋurutiós v.
curse ébetiés v.; ìlàm n.; ɨlamɛs v.; it- cut in slices írés v.; irikíríkés v.
senes v.; kɔ́tɛ́s v. cut in strips ɨɗɨɗɛs v.
curse with a difficult birth ɨkɛɗɛs v. cut in two ɨwáwáɗɛ́s v.
cursed ɨlamɔs v. cut into hoetés v.
cursed (of a birth) ɨkɛɗɔs v. cut noisily ɨwɔxíwɔ́xɛ́s v.
cut off ŋʉrɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; ŋurúmétòn v.
curser of natural resources tɛ́bɛsɨama
kíʝáe n. cut off (branches) iteɗes v.
curses ŋítsen n. cut off (verbally) iƙofes v.
curtain (doorway) ɲétiriƙá n. cut off completely fùtu ideo.
cut out ɓilés v.; hoetés v.
curve ilúkúɗòn v.
cut out (exlude) tɔlʉ́kɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
curve backward (of horns) toryóŋón v.
cut out respiratory organs itórópés v.
curved forward soƙolánón v.
cut short ŋurúmétòn v.
curvy tukúɗúkuɗánón v.
cut through ɓʉ́nɛ́s v.; ɓʉnɛtɛ́s v.
cushion ɲápalís n.; ɲápalís n.
cut up hoetés v.; ŋʉrɛtɛ́s v.;
cuspid bàdìàm n. ŋʉrʉ́ŋʉ́ránón v.
cuss out ébetiés v.; kɔ́tɛ́s v. cut up in pieces ɨŋɨlíŋílánón v.; ɨŋɨlíŋílɛ́s
Cussonia arborea boxoƙoréta n. v.; ŋurutiesúƙota v.
custom ɲatal n.; ɲeker n. cut with a blade kawés v.
customer dzíɡwààm n.; dzíɡwèsìàm n. cuttable ɓʉnɛtam n.
cut ɗɛsɛ́mɔ́n v.; ɗusúmón v.; ɗusutes v.; cutting of grass sɨláxìŋ n.
hoés v.; ɨkɛ́ŋɛ́ɗɛ́s v.; ŋʉrɛ́s v.; ŋʉrɔ́s v.; cycle ɨrɔmɛs v.
tɔŋɛɗɛs v. cylindrical ɗatáɲámòn v.
cut (of meat) ɲekiner n. Cynachium species ɲákamɔ́ŋɔ n.
cut (vegetation) ɨɗɛtɛs v.; ɨrɛʝɛs v. Cynodon dactylon mʉrɔn n.
cut a circle tɔlʉkɛtɛ́s v. Cyperus alternifolius bùsùbùs n.

319
Cyperus distans daze

Cyperus distans ɡòmòʝòʝa n. dappled ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ̀n v.; ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ́s v.

Cyphostemma junceum ɲɛ́caal n. dark buɗámón v.
daily life zɛƙwa n. dark (of many) buɗamaakón v.
dam tábàr n.; tɨtsʼɛ́s v. darken kaikóón v.; kurukúrétòn v.; wit-
dam up itéƙélés v.; tɨtsʼɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; titsʼ- siwítsétòn v.
ímétòn v. darkness bùɗàm n.
damage kwɛtsʼɛ́s v. darkness (pitch) ɲákámus n.
damaged (get) kwɛtsʼɛ́mɔ́n v. dart ɓɨsáím n.; ɨrʉtsɛsa así v.
dammed tɨtsʼɔ́s v. dart away ɨpʉ́mɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
damn ɨlamɛs v. dart off ɨpʉ́mɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
damned ɨlamɔs v. dart out ɨpʉ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.
damnǃ ɗʉ̀rʉ̀ n. dash dzɛ̀rɔ̀n v.
damp ɗɔ̀ƙɔ̀n v. dash away ɨpʉ́mɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
dash off ɨpʉ́mɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
damp (become) ɗɔƙɔnʉƙɔta v.
dash out ɨpʉ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.
dampen ɗɔƙítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
dassie kwɨnɨƙa n.
dance dikwa n.; dikwétón v.
date sitsʼés v.
dance (clapping) ɲókorota n.
date (desert) òwà n.
dance (ecstatic) ʝàkàlʉ̀kà n.
date each other sítsʼímós v.
dance (like to) dikwidikos v.
Datura stramonium lɔmɔ́ya n.
dance (stork-style) dikwa na tsokóbè n.
daub ɨwarɛs v.
dance (style of) ɲɛ́lɛmá n.
daubed ɨwarɔs v.
dance and sing óìdìkwòn v.
daughter ʝàɡwa n.; ɲàràm n.
dance at danceground dikwétóna daughter (his/her) ʝáɡwèda n.
ŋabɔ́bɔ̀ɔ̀ v.
daughter-in-law bɔƙátín n.; imácéka n.
dance hall dikwáhò n.
daughters ɲèr n.
dance toward ilépón v.
dauntless itítíŋòn v.
dance with singing wááka dikwitíní n.
dawn ɓelémón v.; ítóna kíʝée tsʼɛɛ v.;
dance with stomping ìpàs n. pɛlɛ́mɔ́na fetí v.; tsòòn v.; tsoonuƙota
dance-walk ɨpásɛ́tɔ̀n v. v.; walámón v.
danceground ŋabɔ́bɔ̀ n. dawn cooly wéreƙéƙón v.
dancing ɲaɓolya n. dawn red ɨpɨrípírɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
danger ɡaánàs n.; ɲárém n. day ódòwa n.
dangerous ɡaanón v. day after tomorrow kétsóibarátsa n.
dangle alólóánitetés v.; alólóánón v.; day before yesterday nótsóò nòko n.
alólóés v. daybreak pɛlɛ́mɔ́na fetí v.
dapple ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɛ́s v. daze ɨrakɛs v.; ɨrákɛ́sʉƙɔta v.

320
dazed dejected

dazed ɨʝárɔ́n v.; ʝarámétòn v.; decorate isires v.; naƙwídɛtɛ́s v.

tɔmɛrímɛ́rɔ̀n v. decorate with beads ɨɗɛrɛs v.
deacon ɨrɨtsɛ́síàm n. decorated isiros v.
dead (almost) inunúmónuƙota v. decorated with beads ɨɗɛrɔs v.
dead people tsʼóóniika n. decoration ŋásír n.; ɲewale n.
dead person bàdònìàm n. decrease rárímetés v.; rárímòn v.
deaf ilios v.; mìɲɔ̀n v. decrease in number ƙwaɗonuƙota v.
deaf person ámá nà mìɲ n.; bositíníàm decrease in size kwátsónuƙota v.
n. decrease size kwatsítésuƙota v.
deal out ɨmɔlɛs v. decreased bɨráʉ́tɔ̀n v.
deal with nɛɛ́s v.; nɛɛsʉ́ƙɔta v.; totseres decrepit ɡɔ́ɡɔ̀rɔ̀mɔ̀n v.
v.
decrepitly ɡɔ̀ɡɔ̀r ideo.
deal with each other totsérímós v. deep ɓòɓòn v.
death (natural) badona ná jèjèⁱ n. deep (very) wòò ideo.
debate nɛpɛƙánón v. deep asleep nʉsʉ́dɔ̀n v.
debile bʉláʝámɔ̀n v.; daƙwádòn v. deepen ɓoɓonuƙota v.
debt amʉ́tsa n.; kál n. deeper (become) ɓoɓonuƙota v.
debtor amʉ́tsáàm n.; amʉ́tsáàm n. deeply dùù ideo.
decay ɗutúɗútánónuƙota v.; lolómónuƙota defame itúrúmés v.
v.; masánétòn v.; mʉsánétòn v.
defeat ɨlɔɛs v.; ɨlɔɛtɛ́s v.; ipíyéésuƙota v.;
decayed ɗatáɗátánón v.; ɗutúdòn v. kurés v.; kurésúƙota v.
decayed (very) ɗùtu ideo. defeated iloimétòn v.
decaying ɗutúɗútánón v. defecate ntsʼáƙón v.
decease ɨríɗɛ́tɔ̀n v. defecate often iɓutúɓútòn v.
deceased bàdònìàm n.; tás n. defecation spot ntsʼáƙáàwa n.
deceive ɨmɔɗɛs v. defend cookés v.; ɨɛtɛ́s v.
decelerate tosipetés v. defender còòkààm n.; ɨɛtɛ́síàm n.
December Ìɓùɓù n.; Raraan n. deficient ɨɗákɔ́n v.; taɗatsánón v.
decide on ɲʉmɛtɛ́s v. deflate ɓilímón v.; tɔ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
decked out naƙwídɔ̀n v. deflated fɔrɔ́tsʼɔ́mɔ̀n v.; tɔ́ɗɔ́n v.
declare síránòn v. deflect ɨɓatɛs v.; ɨƙɨɛs v.
decline míʝés v.; rárímòn v. deflect repeatedly ɨɓatíɓátɛ́s v.
decompose ɗutúɗútánónuƙota v.; deformed rétón v.
mʉsánétòn v. deformed (of an eye) ɗooɲómòn v.
decomposed ɗatáɗátánón v.; ɗutúdòn v. degree kêda n.
decomposing ɗutúɗútánón v. dejected ɨsɔ́nɛ́sɔ̀n v.

321
delay desk

delay asínón v.; inípónítésúƙota v.; ɨtíɔ́n departed (dead) tás n.

v.; itúmésuƙota v.; titiretés v. depend on ɨƙɔŋɛs v.
delegate irotes v. dependable ikékéɲòn v.
deliberate iyótsóós v. dependant ɦyekesíám n.
delicacy ɡwadam n.; ɲɛmʉna n. dependence bɔnánés n.
delicate yɛmɛ́dɔ̀n v. dependent bɔnán n.
delicate (thin) bɛɗɛ́dɔ̀n v. depict iwetés v.
delicately yɛ̀m ideo. depleted ikarímétòn v.
delicious ritídòn v. deplore topóɗón v.
deliciously rìtⁱ ideo. deploy eréɡes v.
depraved ɨráŋʉ́nánón v.
delight ɨlákásítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨmʉ́mʉ́ɨtɛtɛ́s v.
depress luɗés v.
deliver a child ƙwaatetés v.
depressed ɨsɔ́nɛ́sɔ̀n v.; sìŋòn v.
demolish ipáríés v.; ɨtɔ́tɔ́ɛ́s v.
deprive rébès v.
demon ɲɛkípyɛ́ n.
deprived rébìmètòn v.
demon possession leɡé n.; lejé n.; lejéèda
deracinate ɗués v.; ɗuetés v.; rués v.
n.; lejénánès n.; ŋkérépa n.
deranged iworós v.
demon-possessed person lejéàm n.
derelict kɔlɔlánón v.
demons ŋípyɛn n.
deride with a sucking sound tsʼʉ́ʉ́tɛ́s v.
demonstrate ɗoɗésúƙota v.; itétémés v.
descend ɗipímón v.; kídzìmòn v.
den aka n.
descend (out of sight) lakámétòn v.;
denied rébìmètòn v. lakámón v.
denigrate itúrúmés v. descend (that way) kídzimonuƙota v.
denizen zɛƙɔ́ám n. descend (this way) kídzìmètòn v.;
denomination (religious) ɲéɗíni n. tsíɡìmètòn v.
dense rɔ́mɔ́n v. descend into chaos iŋóɗyáìmètòn v.
dense (become) moɡánétòn v. desert ɡóózés v.; ɡóózesuƙota v.;
nalɔŋɨzata n.
dense (of a thicket) moɡánón v.
desert date tsʉm n.
dense (of undergrowth) bòmòn v.
desert date (fruit) òwà n.
dent luɗés v.; rábaɗamitésúƙota v. desert dated (ripe) kwílɨlí n.
dented luɗúmón v.; rábàɗàmòn v. desert rose dɛrɛ́ƙa n.; ʝɔta n.
dented (get) rábaɗamonuƙota v. deserted ɡóózosuƙota v.
dentifrice ɲókólíƙèta n. designs ŋáƙɨran n.
dentist tolésíàm n. desire ƙanetés v.; wíránés v.
denuded sɨlɔ́ʝɔ́mɔ̀n v. desist bɔlɔnʉƙɔta v.
deny dimés v.; rébès v. desk ɲéméza na íƙìràɛ n.

322
despise diesel

despise ɨlɛ́lɛ́ɛ́s v.; tsʼábès v.; tsíítés v.; dew siƙa n.

takaɗes v. dewlap ɓòlìɓòl n.
despise each other ɨlɛ́lɛ́ɨmɔ́s v.; Dhaasanac people Ŋíɗóŋiro n.
tsʼábunós v. diagnose ɨpɨmɛs v.
despoil taɓales v. diaper etsʼíƙwâz n.
dessicated seƙelánón v. diaphragm kàɓa n.
destitute ikúrúfánón v.; iɓúlíánón v. diarrhate harítɔ́n v.
destitute person iɓúlíánónìàm n.; diarrhea hár n.
ikúrúfánóníàm n. diarrhea (chunky) hárá na ɡwɛrɛʝɛ́ʝa n.
destroy ináƙúés v.; ináƙúetés v.; ipáríés diarrhea (have explosive) ifulúfúlòn v.
v.; ɨtɔ́tɔ́ɛ́s v. diarrhea (have liquidy) harítɔ́na pɨɔ v.
destroy violently ɡaɗɛ́s v. diarrhea (have) harítɔ́n v.
destroyed ináƙúós v.; ináƙúotós v. diarrhea (liquid) hárá na tílɨwa n.
detachment (military) ɲɛ́ɗɨtác n. diarrhea (severe) hárá ná zè n.
detain itúmésuƙota v. diarrheal dulúmón v.
detect takanités v. diarrheal mucus háríɡaɗár n.
detective tɨrɨfɛtɛ́síàm n. dice ŋurutiés v.
detergent ɲásaɓuní n. dice up ŋurutiesúƙota v.
detergent (laundry) hómò n.; ɲéómò n. diced ŋurutiós v.
determined ɨkázànòòn v.; ɨmʉ́káánón v. Dichrostachys cinerea ɡʉ̀r n.
detest ɨlɛ́lɛ́ɛ́s v.; tsʼábès v.; tʉlʉŋɛs v. dictionary ɲéɗíkìxònàrì n.
detest each other tsʼábunós v. did not máa adv.
detour wɛ́dɔ̀n v. Didinga language Ŋííɗɨŋátôda n.
Didinga man kɛ́xɛ́sìàm n.
detour widely ƙeƙérón v.
Didinga person lɔ́tɔ́ɓààm n.; Ŋííɗɨŋáám
devastate ɨsílíánɨtɛtɛ́s v.
n.; ɲémurúŋ́ɡùàm n.
develop bɛrɛ́s v.; zeites v.; zeitésuƙota v. die bàdòn v.; badonuƙota v.; tɛ́zɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
developed ikeimétòn v. die (make) badítésuƙota v.
deviate imámáɗós v.; itípéés v.; iwitités die (of many) tsʼóón v.
v.
die down ɗipímón v.
devil Siitán n. die off bulonuƙota v.; raraanón v.
devilry badiréta n. die off (of many) tsʼóónuƙota v.
devise iroketés v. die out bulonuƙota v.
devote onself ɨmíɗítsɛ́sa así v. die out (of fire) tsʼoonuƙota v.
devotee mínɛ́sìàm n.; túbèsìàm n. die out (of many) tsʼóónuƙota v.
devour ɗáɗítés v.; ŋƙáƙésuƙota v. die suddenly ɨtʉ́lɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.
devout person ɲakuʝíám n. diesel ceím n.

323
differ disc (aluminum)

differ ʝalánónuƙota v. ding rábaɗamitésúƙota v.

different ʝaláʝálánón v.; ʝalánón v. dinged rábàɗàmòn v.
different (become) ʝalánónuƙota v. dinged (get) rábaɗamonuƙota v.
differentiate ʝalanites v. dining area ŋƙáƙáàya n.
difficult imákóòn v.; itíónòn v. dinner ŋƙáƙá na wídzòe n.
difficult (become) imákwéètòn v.; Dioscorea species ewêda n.
kurósúƙota v. Diospyros scabra ɡodiywa n.
difficult (make) imákóitetés v. dip ilumes v.; ilúmésuƙota v.; iúpón v.
difficulty ŋátíónis n. dip away iúpónuƙota v.
dig úɡès v. dip down iúpétòn v.
dig (for water) tawaɗes v. dip into iɗipes v.
dip out (liquid) ábʉbʉƙɛ́s v.
dig by scratching ikúkúrés v.
dipper ƙɔ́r n.
dig out ikuɗúkúɗés v.; tukuretés v.;
tukutetés v.; úɡetés v. dipteran dililitsʼa n.
dig randomly ɨtsɛɗítsɛ́ɗɛ́s v. direct ɨtsírítɛtɛ́s v.; iyoes v.; tsírítɛtɛ́s v.;
tɔɓɛɨtɛtɛ́s v.; tɔɓɛ́ɔ́n v.
dig up tukures v.; tukutes v.; úɡetés v.
direction xán n.
digest ŋɔ́ɛ́s v.
dirt ʝʉm n.
digested ŋɔ́ɔ́s v. dirt (red) boŋórén n.
digger ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɨtaa na kwɛtáɛ n.; dirt mixed with grain ɓɔɗáʝʉ́m n.
tɛ́bɛsɨama ʝʉmwí n.
dirt-poor iɓúlíánón v.
digging stick fen n.
dirt-poor person iɓúlíánónìàm n.
digit kɔrɔ́ka n. dirtiness tsʼâɡa n.
digit (number) ɲánamɓá n. dirty buɗámón v.; ɨráŋʉ́nánón v.;
digress hakonuƙota v.; ɨɓátɛ́sʉƙɔta kaɓúrútsánón v.; ŋɔrɔ́ɲɔ́mɔ̀n v.;
mɛnáɛ v. ɲɔŋɔ́rɔ́mɔ̀n v.; tsʼáɡòn v.
dik-dik (Gunther’s) ɲól n. dirty (of many) buɗamaakón v.
dik-dik mushroom ɲólíkɨnám n. disability ŋwaxás n.
dik-dik thornbush ɲólíkàf n. disabled ŋwàxɔ̀n v.
dilapidated kɔlɔlánón v. disabled person ámá nà ŋwàx n.;
ŋwàxɔ̀nìàm n.
dilate ɨmɨɗímíɗɛ́s v.
disagree nɛpɛƙánón v.
diluted sɨlaɓánón v.
disappear buanónuƙota v.; ɨíɗɔ́n v.;
dim kaikóón v.
kúbonuƙota v.; wɨɗímɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
dim (in intellect) buɗámón v. disappear (make) buanítésuƙota v.;
dim (of eyesight) buɗámón v. iwítésuƙota v.
dim (of many) buɗamaakón v. disappeared buanón v.
diminish rárímetés v.; rárímòn v. disc (aluminum) ɲépéɗe n.

324
discard displease

discard hábatsésúƙota v.; hábatsetés v. dish out ɡárés v.; ɨmɔlɛs v.

discern ɦyeités v. dish up ɡárés v.
discharge ɓɔ́rítɔ̀n v.; ídzès v.; ídzesuƙota dish-rack lɔpɨtáá na ƙófóikóe n.
v.; ídzòn v.; taŋasɛs v. dishevel imóɲíkees v.; imóɲíkeetés v.
discharge (mucupurulent) dɔ̀x n. dishonest yʉanón v.
discharge continuously ídziidziés v. disintegrate ɗukúmétòn v.; ɗukúmón v.
disciple dɛáám n. disintegrating ɨɲɨlíɲílánón v.
disclose ilééránitetés v. dislocate toletés v.
disco dikwáhò n. dislocate (joint) ƙwɨʝɛ́s v.
discontent lɔlɔanón v. dislocated ƙwɨʝímɔ́n v.
discord ɲéƙúruƙur n.; ɲɛ́píɗɨpɨɗa n. dislocated (become) tolómétòn v.
discourage faɗites v.; ɨkarɛtɛ́s v.; dislocated (get) ɓuumón v.
ɨlɔ́ítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. dislodge iloílóés v.; toletés v.
discover enés v.; takanités v. dislodged (become) tolómétòn v.
discovery nòìn n. dismantle ɨʝʉƙʉ́ʝʉ́ƙɛ́s v.
discriminate ɨlɔ́ɗíŋɛ́s v. disobedience ɲɛ́sɛ́ƙɔ n.
disobedient ɨsɛ́ƙɔ́ánón v.
discrimination ɲoloɗiŋ n.
disobedient person ɲɛ́sɛ́ƙɔ́ám n.
discriminatory ɨlɔ́ɗíŋánón v.
disorderly lɔŋɔanón v.
discuss ɨɛ́nɛ́tɔ̀n v.; ɨɛ́nɔ́n v.
disorderly (become) lɔŋɔanónuƙota v.
discuss details ituetésá tódàe v.
disorientation (topographical) ŋíjokopí
discuss matters (as a group) itukanetésá n.
mɛnáɛ v.
dispel itwares v.
discussion ɲékukwá n.
dispense kisanes v.; kísés v.; tɔkɔrɛs v.;
disdain ɨlɛ́lɛ́ɛ́s v.; tsíítés v.; takaɗes v. tɔkɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; tɔkɔ́rʉ́kɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
disease màywa n.; ɲeɗeke n. disperse alámááránón v.; ɓʉnʉ́mɔ́n v.;
disease (liver) ɲeɗekea sakámáe n. ɓʉnʉtɛ́s v.; ɨlámááránón v.; itwares v.;
disease (mild) ɲeɗekéím n. ɨwɛ́ɛ́lánón v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́s v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́sʉƙɔta
v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛtɛ́s v.; kisanes v.; kísés v.;
disease of chest ɲeɗekea bákútsìkàe n. toɓwaŋes v.; tɔkɔrɛs v.; tɔkɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
disembowel ɓilésúƙota v. tɔkɔ́rʉ́kɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
disgorge xerétón v. dispersed ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɔ́s v.
disgrace iryámítetésá ŋiléétsìke v.; dispersion kís n.
ŋiléétsa n. displace dzuƙés v.; ilóʝésuƙota v.; ɨlɔ́líɛ́s
disgraced (become) iryámétona v.
ŋiléétsìke v. displace away dzuƙésúƙota v.
disgracefulness ŋiléétsìnànès n. displace this way dzuƙetés v.
disgust ɨlɛ́lɛ́ítɛtɛ́s v. displease íɡaɗɛ́s v.

325
disprove division (space)

disprove ɨsalɛs v.; ɨsalɛtɛ́s v.; ɨsalɨtɛ́s v. distractible dʉmɛ́ɗɛ́mɔ̀n v.

disproven ɨsálímétòn v. distressed (become) ɨlárímétòn v.; ɨl-
disputation ɲelerum n. wárímétòn v.
dispute dèƙwa n. distribute kisanes v.; kísés v.; tɔkɔrɛs v.;
tɔkɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; tɔkɔ́rʉ́kɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
dispute (of many) ilérúmùòn v.
distribution kís n.
disregard bálábálatés v.; balɛ́s v.; balɛtɛ́s
v. distributor kísáàm n.; kisanesíám n.
disrespect tatés v. district ɲéɗísítùrìka n.
disrupt íbʉbʉŋɛ́s v.; íbʉbʉŋɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. District Commissioner ɗiisí n.
disruptive rɛ́bɔ̀n v. disturb ɨtsanɛs v.
dissatisfied lɔlɔanón v. disturbed walɨwálɔ́n v.
dissatisfy íɡaɗɛ́s v. disunited with each other teretiinós v.
ditch cúémúcè n.; hábatsésúƙota v.; há-
dissect pakés v.
batsetés v.
dissimilar ʝalánón v.
diverse ʝaláʝálánón v.
dissipate alámááránón v.; ɨlámááránón
diversionary tactic ɲépípa n.
v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lánón v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛtɛ́s v. divert itípéés v.; iwitités v.
dissipated ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɔ́s v. divide pakés v.; taɲáléés v.; terés v.
dissolve ɨlɔƙɛs v.; laʝámétòn v. divide in two tɔŋɛ́ɛ́rɛ́s v.
dissolve (in mouth) ɨnʉƙʉ́nʉ́ƙwɛ́s v. divide mathematically tɔkɔrɛs v.
dissuade táŋɛ́s v.; taŋɛtɛ́s v. divide out kisanes v.; kísés v.; tɔkɔrɛs v.;
tɔkɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; tɔkɔ́rʉ́kɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
distance ɨɛƙás n.; ɨɛƙítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; zikíbàs
n. divide up hoetés v.; kisanes v.; kísés
v.; taɲáléetés v.; terétéránitésúƙota v.;
distance (in miles) máìrɔ̀ɛ̀da n.
tereties v.; tɔkɔrɛs v.; tɔkɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
distant ìɛ̀ƙɔ̀n v. tɔkɔ́rʉ́kɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
distant (slightly) ɨɛƙíɛ́ƙɔ̀n v. divide up an animal teretiesá ínóe v.
distended teɓúsúmòn v. divided amongst each other teretiinós
distill tsɨpɨtsípɔ́n v. v.
distinguish ʝalanites v. divided in pieces ŋurutiós v.
distort imákóitetés v. divided up terétéránón v.; teretiós v.
distort (truth) isuɗes v.; isuɗetés v. divination faɗás n.
distorted imákóòn v.; rétón v. divine fàɗòn v.
distorted (become) imákwéètòn v. diviner fàɗònìàm n.
distract ɡwelítésuƙota v.; hakaikitetés v.; divinity ɲakuʝínánès n.
itúmúránitésúƙota v. division (military) ɲéɗivíxìòn n.
distracted itúmúránón v. division (space) naƙʉ́lɛ́ n.

326
divorce door

divorce hoɗés v.; terémón v.; dodge repeatedly iwitíwítòn v.

terémónuƙota v. Dodoth County Ɗàsòƙa n.
divulge kwɛtsʼɛ́s v. Dodoth dialect Gwáɡwaicétôda n.
divulged kwɛtsʼɛ́mɔ́n v. Dodoth people Cɔ́ƙɔ́tɔ̀m n.
divvy up hoetés v. Dodoth person Cɔ́ƙɔ́tɔ̀mɛ̀àm n.;
dizziness taítayó n. Gwáɡwààm n.
dizzy imáúròn v. doe (goat) rieŋwa n.
do itíyéés v.; itíyéetés v. dog ŋóka n.
do again iɓóŋón v.; iɲaƙes v.; iɲoƙes v.; dog (female) ŋókíŋwa n.
iɲóƙésuƙota v. dog (male) ŋókícikwa n.
do aimlessly ɨpɛípɛ́ɛ́s v. dog (wild hunting) tsoe n.
do away with ɡʉtsʼʉrɛs v.; ɡutsʼuriés v.; dog poop ŋókíètsʼa n.
itsúrúés v. dogfly ŋókítsùtsa n.
do business dzíɡwès v.; itsúrútseés v. dole out ɨɲíɲínɛ́s v.
do faster ɨmʉ́mʉ́rɛ́s v. Dolichos kilimandscharicus túḿbàba n.
do in ɨtsʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v. Dolichos oliveri dàlìs n.
do in patches xʉ́rɛ́s v. dollar ɲɔɗɔ́la n.
do like iretes v. Dombeya goetzenii xuxûba n.
do not eʝá adv.; máa adv. Dombeya quinqueseta warɨwar n.
do partially ɨlɨŋɛs v. domestic animal ínwá na awáe n.
do patchily xʉ́rɛ́s v. domestic violence ɡaɗa n.
do poorly ɨtáƙálɛ́s v. domesticate bɔnɛ́s v.
domical loŋórómòn v.
do properly iyomes v.
dominate ɔ́bɛ̀s v.
do quickly ɨɓʉrʉ́ɓʉ́rɔ̀n v.
donate dónés v.; dónésuƙota v.
do streakily ɨlɨŋɛs v.
donate sporadically donitiésuƙota v.
do wrongly hamʉʝɛ́s v.
done itíyáìmètòn v.
do(es) not ńtá adv.
done (finished) ŋábɔnʉƙɔta v.;
do-nothing ɲakárámɨta n. nábɔnʉƙɔt v.a

doable ikásíetam v.; itíyéetam n. done (get) itíyéetés v.

doctor ɗakɨtárìàm n. donkey ɗìɗa n.
doctor (animal) ɗakɨtárɨama ínóe n. donkey (female) ɗiɗeŋwa n.
document kàbàɗa n.; ɲákaratás n. donkey (male) ɗiɗecúrúka n.
doddering kamudurudádòn v. donkey (young) ɗìɗèìm n.
doddery dúnésòn v.; itúléròn v. donor dónésìàm n.
doddery (become) itúléronuƙota v. doomed ɨlamɔs v.
dodge kɨɗɔnʉƙɔta v. door àsàka n.

327
door body dresser (fine)

door body àsàkànèba n. drag away béberésúƙota v.

doorframe ɲɛ́fɨrɛ́m n. drag off béberésúƙota v.
doorstep lòkìtòŋ n.; lòrìòŋòn n. drag oneself ɨfɔɛsa así v.
a
doorway àsàk n. dragonfly ɗàɗàɡwà n.
dormouse ɲáaɲún n. drain ídzòn v.
dot bàsɔ̀n v.; iɗolíɗólés v. drain blood tsʼolítésuƙota séàe v.
dotted iɗolíɗólòn v.; merixánón v. drainage area ɲɛrɛ́ta n.
double-crosser tolúónìàm n. drama wááka na támɔtɔ́s n.
doubt iŋáyéés v.; itóŋóòn v. drape ɨlɔ́ɡɔtsɛ́s v.
doubt matters itóŋóiesá mɛnáɛ v. draw eminés v.; ɨƙɛrɛs v.; iwetés v.
doubtful iƙóƙós v. draw (attract) tɔmɨnɛs v.
dough dʉbam n. draw (signs) ɨƙɨrɛs v.
doughily nìr ideo. draw apart eminiés v.
doughy nɨrídɔ̀n v. draw away eminésúƙota v.
douse ɨɛ́ɓítɛtɛ́s v. draw back ɨsʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n v.
dove bîba n. draw near ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
dove (red-eyed) túrúƙuƙú n. draw off eminésúƙota v.
down ɡíɡìròke n.; kíʝáke n.; kɔ́ɔ́ kíʝo n.; draw out béberés v.; eminetés v.
nɔ́ɔ́ kíʝo n.
draw out speech ɨɛ́nítɛtɛ́s v.; tóítetés v.
down (drink) ɨʝíírɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
draw saliva ɨmʉʝʉ́mʉ́ʝɔ̀n v.
down (food) lakatiés v.; lukutiés v.
draw up eminetés v.
down (gulp̠) itúlákáɲés v.
DRC Kóŋɡò n.
down-striped ɨƙwɛrɔs v.
dread paupáwón v.
downcast iʝúrúròn v.; ɨsɔ́nɛ́sɔ̀n v.
dream asínítòn v.
downcast (of eyes) iʝúrúʝúròn v.
dreamer asínítònìàm n.
downfall rumeta n.
dregs ɗʉká n.; dàʝa n.
downgrade rárímetés v.
drenched tsʼalídòn v.
downward ɡíɡìròke n.; iʝúrúròn v.; kɔ́ɔ́
kíʝo n. drenchedly tsʼàl ideo.
downward (gaze) iʝúrúʝúròn v. dress ŋábès v.; ɲékiteitéya n.
downward place ɡíɡìr n. dress up ŋábitetés v.; naƙwídɛtɛ́s v.
doze off ɨlʉ́zɛ̀tɔ̀n v. dressed (get) ŋábitetés v.
draff ɗʉká n.; dàʝa n. dressed up naƙwídɔ̀n v.
drag fɔ́fɔ́tɛ́s v.; ɨfɔɛs v. dressed up (very) nàƙwɨ ideo.
drag along béberiés v. dresser (fine) ɲásírìàm n.

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dribble drunkard

dribble ɨɗɔ́nɔ́n v.; ɨmɨlɛtɛ́s v.; ɨpɨnípínɔ̀n drive out (here) hɔnɛtɛ́s v.
v.; tsʼolites v.; tsʼolítésuƙota v.; tsʼòlòn drive out animals hɔnɛtɛ́sá ínóe v.
v.; tɔlɛ́lɛ́ɔ̀n v. drive through ututetés v.; xutés v.;
dried out mɔ̀sɔ̀n v.; seƙelánón v. xutésúƙota v.
dried up kɔlɔlánón v. drive through repeatedly ututiés v.
drift ɨlɔ́líɛ́sá así v. driven ɨmʉ́káánón v.
drift away ilélébonuƙota v. driver ŋíɗɛrɛpáìàm n.
drift off hakonuƙota v. driver’s license kabaɗa na hɔnɛ́síɛ̀ kàèè
drifter botibotosíám n. n.
drill ɨpɨrípírɛ́s v.; pulutiés v. driving permit kabaɗa na hɔnɛ́síɛ̀ kàèè
n.
drilled tsàpòn v.
drizzle ɨlɨmílímɔ̀n v.; ɨsɛ́ísɛ́ɔ̀n v.;
driller pulutiesíàm n. itáɓóòn v.; ɲɛ́límɨlɨm n.; tsʼolites v.;
Drimia altissima bʉlʉbʉláta n. tsʼolítésuƙota v.; tsʼòlòn v.
drink wetam n.; wetés v. drongo (fork-tailed) bɛ̀ʉ̀r n.; mɛ̀ʉ̀r n.
drink (carbonated) ɲɔ́sɔ́ɗa n. drool iʝókón v.
drink (give) wetités v.; wetitésuƙota v. droop ɨƙɔ́nɔ́nɔ̀ɔ̀n v.
drink (orange) ɲɛ́kwɨɲcá n. droop (of eyelids) irwápón v.
drink (strong) kombóta n.; tule n. droopy ratatáɲón v.
drink a lot of tolepetés v. drop ɗaɗátésuƙota v.; ɨmɨlɛtɛ́s v.; tɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n
v.; tɛɨƙɔ́tɔ̀n v.; tɛɨtɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; tɛɨtɛtɛ́s v.;
drink like a cow bútés v.
tuɓutes v.
drink slowly ɨwɛtɛs v.
drop down ɨɗíɔ́n v.
drink to last drop ɨʝíírɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
drop in numbers tsakitésúƙota v.
drink too much wɔ̀ɔ̀n v.
drop into iɗoes v.
drink with a straw ɓíɓítɛ́s v. drop off rárímòn v.
drinkable wetam n. drop-off látsó n.
drinker wetésíàm n. droppings etsʼa n.
drinking straw ɲálamorú n. dropsy sír n.
drip ɨƙɨlíƙílɔ̀n v.; ɨlɨmɛsa así v.; ɨlímɔ́n v.; drought ɲɔrɔn n.; tsóóna kíʝáe v.
ɨmɨlɛtɛ́s v.; itáɓóòn v.; tsʼòlòn v. drowsy ɨlʉ́zɔ̀n v.; iyalíyálòn v.
drip (of rain) tatíón v. drug cɛ̀mɛ̀r n.
drip continuously ɨɗɔ́nɔ́n v. drum iwótsa n.; ɲéɓur n.
drive ɨfalífálɛ́s v. drum (large) ɲépípa n.
drive (a vehicle) hɔnɛ́s v. drum (plastic) ɲékakúŋ́ɡù n.
drive (animals) hɔ́nɛ́s v. drum (talking) ɲɛ́ɗíɨta n.
drive away hɔnɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. drunk ɛ́sáàm n.; ɛsánón v.
drive off hɔnɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. drunkard ɛ́sáàm n.

329
drunken talk dye black

drunken talk ɛ́sátòda n. dull (of blades) fitídòn v.

drunkenness ɛ́s n. dully lì ideo.; tùf ideo.
dry tsáítés v.; tsóón v. dully (of blades) fìtⁱ ideo.
dry (partially) mɔsímɔ́sɔ̀n v. dumb ɨɓááŋɔ̀n v.; mɨɲɔna íkèdè v.
dry and crumbly tsaʉ́dɔ̀n v. dump ƙúdès v.
dry and dusty puɗádòn v. dump (garbage) bɔlɔl n.
dry and thick (of grass) sakátánòn v. dump out iɓutúɓútés v.; ixóxóƙés v.; ix-
dry by cooking kɛ́xɛ́s v. uƙúxúƙés v.; ixúxúƙés v.; ƙúdesuƙota
v.; ƙúdetés v.
dry out lolómónuƙota v.; mɔsɔnʉƙɔta v.;
tsáítésúƙota v.; tsóónuƙota v. dump over bukúrésuƙota así v.
dry over fire ɨlílíɛ́s v. dump truck ƙúdèsìàm n.; ɲétípa n.
dry season ôdza n.; ódzatsóya n. dung etsʼa n.
dry season leaves ódzàkàka n. dung (cow) ɦyɔ̀ètsʼa n.; ŋɔta n.
dunk (baptize) iɓátíseés v.
dry season rain ódzadidí n.
duplicate toputes v.; toputetés v.
dry up tsaiƙótòn v.; tsáítésúƙota v.;
tsóónuƙota v. duramen ɡúréda dakwí n.
drying rack lɔɓaɓal n. during the day ódòo n.
dryly ɗàka ideo.; wòròƙòƙo ideo.; yɛ̀l during the evening wîdzo n.
ideo. during the night mukú n.
dryly as dust pùɗa ideo. during twilight xɨŋatɔ n.
dubious iƙóƙós v. dusk xɨŋata n.; xɨŋatétón v.
duck iúpón v.; ɲáɓata n.; rʉʝɛ́tɔ́n v. dusky míɡiriɡíránón v.
duck away iúpónuƙota v. dust bur n.; ízuzués v.; kabas n.; kábàsìn
duck down dɛ́ɡɛ̀mɔ̀n v.; iúpétòn v. n.; xɛɛ́s v.; xɛɛsʉ́ƙɔta v.; xɛɛtɛ́s v.
duck up and down iupúúpòn v. dust (airborn) bú n.
dude ɲɛ́ɛ́s n. dust (of chaff) ŋawíl n.
due to ikóteré prep.; kóteré prep. dust bath (of birds) bùtsa n.
due to (the fact that) ɗúó pro. dust cloud bú n.
due to the fact that ikóteré subordconn.; dust devil lòtàbùsèn n.
kóteré subordconn. dust off itútúés v.; itútúésuƙota v.
duel ɲèùrìà n.; ɲeuríétòn v. duster ɲáɗasɨtá n.
duiker (common) ŋamur n. dusty-dry puɗádòn v.
dull duŋúlúmòn v.; iʝíŋáánón v.; líídòn duty (work) ɲetitsa n.
v.; tufádòn v. dwarfish puusúmòn v.
dull (boring) itópénòn v.; ʝɔ̀lɔ̀n v. dwelling zɛƙɔ́áwa n.
dull (in intellect) buɗámón v. dye black tɛwɛrɛs v.

330
dying eggshell

dying inunúmétòn v.; inunúmónuƙota v. easterner fetíékùàm n.

dying in numbers rutukuɲ ideo. easy batánón v.; ɔfɔ́dɔ̀n v.
dynamite ɲáɓarúta n. easy (to seduce) batánón v.
dyspepsia dimésá bubue ŋɔɛsí n. easy to manage olódòn v.
each one kéŋán n.; kíníŋàn n.; ŋàn pro. eat ŋƙáƙés v.; ŋƙɛ́s v.
eager olódòn v. eat a lot of tolepetés v.
eagle loƙól n. eat all átsʼɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
eat gingerly ɨláláŋɛ́s v.
eagle (long-crested) kílíkɨlɨká n.
eat live termites ƙídzɛsa dáŋáe v.
ear bòs n.
eat too much wɔ̀ɔ̀n v.
ear hair bòsìsìtsʼa n.
eat up átsʼɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ŋƙáƙésuƙota v.
ear hole bòsìèkwa n.
eatable ŋƙam n.
ear infection ɲɛ́míɗɨmɨɗa n.
eatery ɲéótèl n.
earler wàxʉ̀ n.
eating ŋƙáƙa n.
earlier ŋɔ́rɔ́n v. eating place ŋƙáƙáàya n.
earlier time wàx n. eclipse (lunar) badona aráɡwaní n.
earlier today náka adv. eclipse (solar) badona fetí n.
earlobe scar ɲɛ́tɛ́lɨtɛl n. economize ɨmɨnímínɛ́s v.
early ɛ̀kwɔ̀n v. ecstasy (be in) ɨrákɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.
earn a living bɛ́ɗɛ́sa ɦyekesí v. ecstatic (become) ɛfɔnʉƙɔta v.
earring ɲɛ́tílɨtɨl n. edema sír n.
earth ʝʉm n.; kíʝa n. edge itsóɗón v.; kwaywa n.; kweeda n.;
earth (scorched) kàròƙa n. ɲimanitésíàwa n.
edge (cliff) látsó n.
earthquake ɲéríkirika n.
edge over here itsoɗiétòn v.
earthworm ídèmèìm n.
edges kwàìn n.
earwax ŋókíètsʼa n.; ɲéɗípor n.
edgy rukurúkón v.
earwig natélétsìò n.
edible ŋƙam n.
ease (in place) ɨɛpɛs v.
educate isómáitetés v.
ease down ɨɛpɛtɛ́s v.
education ɲósomá n.
ease off ɨɛ́pɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.; ɨɛ́pɔ́nʉƙɔta v. effloresce ɲaʉ́dɔnʉƙɔta v.
ease off with ɨɛ́pɛ́sʉƙɔta v. egg ɓìɓa n.
ease over ɨɛpɛsa así v. egg on ɨsʉ́sʉ́ɛ́s v.; itsótsóés v.
ease up iŋáléètòn v.; ɨwɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta v. egg yolk ɗukes n.
ease up on someone ɨɛpɛsa asíɛ́ ámáke v. eggplant tùlèl n.
east fetíékwa n. eggsack ɓiɓáhò n.
easterly direction fetíékuxan dem. eggshell ɔfɔrɔƙa n.

331
egocentric embrace each other

egocentric reídòn v. elected xɔ́bɔtɔ́s v.

egress pulúmétòn v. elephant òŋòr n.
egret ɲɛɓɔŋ n. elephant (female) oŋoriŋwa n.
Egyptian thorn kɨlɔ́ríta n. elephant bull kílíŋìta n.
eight tude ńdà kìɗì àɗe num. elephant grass òŋòrìkù n.
eight o’clock ɲásáatɨkaa leɓetsátìke n. elephant gun ɲáturuɡéya n.
eighteen toomíní ńda kiɗi túde ńdà kìɗì elephant trunk ɡìɡa n.; òŋòrìkwɛ̀ta n.
àɗe n. elephant tusk òŋòrìkwàywa n.
eighty toomínékwa túde ńdà kìɗì àɗe n. Eleusine coracana rêba n.
either … or … mísɨ … mísɨ … coordconn. elevate ɓuƙés v.; íbokés v.; ɨkɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
ɨkɛɛtɛ́s v.
ejaculate ƙúdetésá ɗíróe v.
elevate (make) ɨkɛ́ítɛtɛ́s v.
elaborate ɨmɨɗímíɗɛ́sa mɛnáɛ v.
elevated ɨkɔɔtɔ́s v.
elaborate on ɨɲɛɛs v.; taɲɛɛs v.
eleven ńda nébèè kɔ̀n n.; toomíní ńdà
eland basaúr n. kɛ̀ɗì kɔ̀n n.
eland (female) dzàbùl n. eleven o’clock ɲásáatɨkaa tudátìke n.
eland (male) karám n. elicit tɔɓɛ́ɲɛ́tɔ̀n v.
eland visceral fat tʉkán n. elicit speech ɨɛ́nítɛtɛ́s v.; tóítetés v.
elbow ƙʉlɛ́ n. elliptical semélémòn v.
elder dìyòàm n.; ʝákám n.; ŋurutiesíama elude ɨɓʉtsɛs v.; ɨɓʉtsɛtɛ́sá así v.
tódàe n. emaciated iróƙóòn v.; itóƙóƙòòn v.;
elder (chief) ámázeáma awáe n.; lotímálèmòn v.
diyoama ná zè n. embankment ɓɔ́kɔ̀ɲ n.
elder who judges bɨlamʉ́síàm n. embarrass ɓetsʼitetés v.; iryámítetésá
elder’s first food tʉ́wa n. ŋiléétsìke v.
elderliness ʝákámànànès n. embarrassed kweelémòn v.
elderly dúnésòn v. embarrassed (become) ɨɛ́ɓɛ́tɔ̀n v.;
iryámétona ŋiléétsìke v.
elderly (of many) dunaakón v.
embellish daites v.; íɡwɨɡwɨʝɛ́s v.; isires
elderly (the) dunaakóniika n. v.
elderly person dúnésìàm n. embellished isiros v.
elders ʝáka n. ember bʉbʉn n.
elders (obese) ɨʝʉkɛsííka búbùìkàe n. embitter faɗites v.
eldership ʝákámànànès n. emblems ŋáƙɨran n.
eldest child tíɡàràmàtsa n. embodiment nébùnànès n.
elect ƙanotós v.; tɔsɛɛtɛ́s v.; xɔ́bɛtɛ́s v. embrace ɨrʉmɛs v.; tɔtʉnɛs v.
elect government officials xɔ́bɛtɛ́sá embrace each other ɨrʉ́mʉ́nɔ́s v.;
ɲápukání v. tɔtʉ́nʉ́mɔ́s v.

332
embrocate enmity

embrocate kwírɛ́s v.; tsáŋés v. encounter imánétòn v.; imánónuƙota v.;

embroider isires v. ŋimánétòn v.; ɲimánétòn v.; ɲimánón
v.
embroidered isiros v.
encourage ɨmʉ́káitetés v.
embryo eɗeda n.
encroach sáítòn v.
emerge lɛlɛmánétòn v.; lɛlɛ́tɔ́n v.;
pɛlɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.; pulúmétòn v. encrusted rɔ́bɔ̀ɗɔ̀mɔ̀n v.
emerge (of termites) ƙídzɔ̀n v. encumber ɨnʉɛs v.; isites v.
emerging lɛlɛmánón v. end ŋurúmétòn v.; ɲémíso n.
emissary eréɡesíám n. end of the world tasálétona kíʝáe n.
emit ɓɔ́rítɔ̀n v.; ídzès v.; ídzesuƙota v.; ending ɲémíso n.
ídzòn v.; itsues v.; itsuetés v. endure ɨmʉ́kɔ́ɔ̀n v.; nɛɛ́s v.; nɛɛsʉ́ƙɔta v.;
emit continuously ídziidziés v. taɗaŋes v.; topíánètòn v.
emit nocturnally (semen) ƙúdesa ɗíróe enemies lɔŋɔ́ta n.
así v. enemy lɔŋɔ́tɔ́m n.
employ ɓuƙítésuƙota v.; eréɡes v.; energetic ɨɓɛ́rɔ́ánón v.; ɨkwɨɲíkwíɲɔ́n v.;
ikásíitetés v.; teréɡanitetés v. iona ńda sea ni itsúr v.; kʉrʉ́kʉ́rɔ́s v.;
employee ɲákásìàm n.; teréɡìàm n. kwɨɲídɔ̀n v.
employer ámázeáma teréɡì n.; ɓuƙíté- energetically kwìɲ ideo.
suƙotíám n. enfold tʉmʉɗʉŋɛs v.; tʉmʉɗʉŋɛtɛ́s v.
employment ɲákási n.; terêɡa n. engage sitsʼés v.
empty bótsón v.; bùlòn v. engage each other sítsʼímós v.
empty by shaking ɨwɔkɛs v. engagement ìʉ̀m n.
empty out bulonuƙota v.; bulútésuƙota engine ɡúr n.
v.
English language Ɓetsʼoniicétôda n.;
empty sound fùù ideo. Ŋímusukúìtòda n.
empty-handed kwɛtíkínɔ n.; seáto n. enhaloed itówóòn v.
e
empty-handedly ɡwèlèʝ ideo. enhance maraŋités v.; maraŋítésuƙota v.
emulate iŋitiés v. enjoy iyóómètòn v.; tsamɛ́s v.
emulsify ɨlɔƙɛs v. enlarge ɨɲɛɛs v.; iwanetés v.; iwánétòn
en route múkò n. v.; taɲɛɛs v.; zeites v.; zeitésuƙota v.
encampment ɲákamɓí n. enlarge (a hole) iƙúƙúrés v.
a enlarge (a small hole) ɨmɨɗímíɗɛ́s v.
encircle ɨrɨkɛs v.; ɨríkɛ́sʉƙɔt v.; ɨrɨkɛtɛ́s
v.; tamanɛs v.; tamanɛtɛ́s v. enlarge slightly ɓarɨɓárítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
encircle repeatedly tamaniés v. ɓarɨɓárɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
enclose ɨpʉ́pʉ́ŋɛ́s v.; ɨpʉ́pʉ́ŋɛtɛ́s v. enlist xɔ́bɛtɛ́sá así v.
enclose (termites) mɔkɛ́s v. enmity lɔŋɔ́tánànès n.

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enough escalate

enough itémón v.; ŋábɔnʉƙɔta v.; envious (make oneself) ɨrakɛsa así v.
nábɔnʉƙɔta v. environment kíʝa n.
enrich barítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. envision asínítòn v.
enroll xɔ́bɛtɛ́sá así v. envoy eréɡesíám n.
ensared (become) kotsonuƙota v. envy ɨrákáánás n.
enshroud ikáburés v. enwrap ikáburés v.; tʉmʉɗʉŋɛs v.;
tʉmʉɗʉŋɛtɛ́s v.
enslavement ŋiléɓúìnànès n.;
ŋɨpɔ́táìnànès n. Ephesians (biblical) Ŋíepesóíka n.
ensnare kotsítésuƙota v.; sáɡwès v. epicardium máxìŋ n.
epistle ɲáɓáruwa n.
ensnared kòtsòn v.
equal iríánòn v.
entangle sáɡwès v.
equal (become) iríánonuƙota v.
entangled sáɡoanón v.
equal (make) iríánitetés v.
enter ɓuƙétón v.; ɓuƙítésuƙota v.; ɓùƙòn
equalize ikwáánitetés v.; iríánitetés v.
v.; ɓuƙonuƙota v.; ilumetésá así v.
equate ikwáánitetés v.; iríánitetés v.;
enter (make) ɓuƙítésuƙota v. iríánonuƙota v.
entertain fekitetés v.; ɨmʉ́mwárés v. eradicate bulútésuƙota v.
entertaining ɛ̀fɔ̀n v. Eragrostis braunii ɦyɔ̀ʝàn n.
enthusiastic olódòn v. Eragrostis superba ɲamaɗaŋíkú n.
entice ɨmɔɗɛtɛ́s v.; ɨsʉ́ŋʉ́rɛ́s v. erase iɲíɲíés v.
entire ɗàŋìɗàŋ quant.; mùɲ quant.; eraser ɲáráɓa n.
mùɲùmùɲ quant.; tsíɗɨ quant.; eraser (chalkboard) ɲáɗasɨtá n.
ɨ
tsíɗɨtsíɗ quant. erect ɨtsírítɛtɛ́s v.; ɨtsírɔ́n v.; tsírítɛtɛ́s v.;
entirely ɓutu ideo.; botedo n. tsírɔ́n v.; wasɨtɛs v.
entities kúrúɓâda n. erection (have an) kwídètòn v.; kwídòn
entity kɔ́rɔ́ɓâda n. v.
entourage member túbesiama erode iƙúƙúrés v.
ámázeámàe n. erosion bɔ̀rɔ̀tsa n.; dìdìàka n.
entrails (inspect) ɦyeitésá arííkàɛ v. err hakonuƙota v.; tɔsɛ́sɔ́n v.
entrance aka n. errand-runner eréɡesíám n.
error ɲasécón n.; ɲɔ́mɔkɔsá n.
entrap kotsítésuƙota v.
erudite nɔɔsánón v.
entrapped kòtsòn v.; sáɡoanón v.
erudition nɔɔ́s n.
entrapped (become) kotsonuƙota v.
erupt ɓilímón v.; dulúmón v.; toɗúón v.;
entreat iƙenes v. tuƙúmétòn v.
enumerate ɨmaarɛ́s v. erupt (in flames) lɛ́ʝɛ́tɔ́n v.
envelope ɲáɓaasá n. Erythrina abyssinica ɨtítí n.
envious ɨrákáánón v. escalate iɗíkétòn v.; iɗikitetés v.

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escape exchange words

escape iɓutsúmétòn v.; iwálílòn v.; even ɨkʉlɛs v.; ɨkwalɛs v.; nááƙwa n.;
tɔpɛ́ɔ́n v.; ùtòn v.; utonuƙota v. tònì prep.
escape (and come) tɔpɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v. even if átà subordconn.; tònì subordconn.
escape (and go) tɔpɛ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta v. even out ɨkʉlɛtɛ́s v.
escarpment ɓo n. evening wîdza n.
escarpment edge ɓóáka n. evening near sunset wídzèèkwa n.
escort iníámésuƙota v. evening time wîdzo n.
ever tsʉ̀t ᶶ adv.
escort (government) túbesiama
ámázeámàe n. every person kéám n.; níám n.
esophagus moróká na kwátsa n. everywhere tsʼíínúó n.
evidence ɲekísíɓìta n.
especially zùku adv.
evident takánón v.
essence ekweda n.
evidently tsábò adv.
etchings ŋáƙɨran n.
evil ɡaánàs n.; ɡaanón v.
Ethiopia Isópìà n.; Sópìà n.
evil (of many) ɡaanaakón v.
ethnic group dìywa n.; ɲákaɓɨlá n. evil eye (having the) ekúnánès n.
Ethur language Ŋítéɓurítôda n. evil-eye gazer ekúám n.
eucalypt ɲɛ́pɔrɛ́sìtà n. eviscerate ɓilésúƙota v.
Eucalyptus species ɲɛ́pɔrɛ́sìtà n. evoke tɔɓɛ́ɲɛ́tɔ̀n v.
Euclea schimperi èmùsìà n. Evolvus alsinoides ídocɛmɛ́r n.
Euphorbia bussei isókóya n. ewe ɗóɗoŋwa n.
Euphorbia candelabrum mʉ̀s n. exacerbate rúbès v.
Euphorbia prostrata lóɗíkórócɛmɛ́r n. exactly dàn adv.; rò adv.
Euphorbia tirucalli ɨnwa n. exaggerate ɨmɨɗímíɗɛ́sa mɛnáɛ v.;
tasaɓesa mɛnáɛ v.
Europe Ɓetsʼoniicékíʝa n.; Uláyà n.
exalt itúrútés v.
European ɓètsʼònìàm n.; ɲémúsukita n.
examination ɲɛ́tɛ́sìta n.
European language Ɓetsʼoniicétôda n.;
examination room ɦyeítésihò n.
Ŋímusukúìtòda n.
exasperate ɨwíwínɛ́s v.
evade ɨɓʉtsɛs v.; ɨɓʉtsɛtɛ́sá así v.; iɓut-
súmétòn v. excavate úɡès v.; úɡetés v.
excavator ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɨtaa na kwɛtáɛ n.;
evade repeatedly iwitíwítòn v.
òŋòrìkwɛ̀ta n.; tɛ́bɛsɨama ʝʉmwí n.
evaluate iniŋes v.
exceed ɨlɔɛs v.; ɨsʉkɛs v.; sʉ́kɛ́s v.
evangelist ɨtátámɛ́síàm n. exchange ilókótsés v.; ɨxɔtsɛs v.; xɔ́tsɛ́s
evangelize ɨtátámɛ́s v. v.
evaporate buanónuƙota v.; ipúréètòn v.; exchange (money) toɓwaŋes v.
tsaiƙótòn v.; tsóónuƙota v. exchange words bezekanitetésá tódàe v.;
evasive firifíránón v.; wíríwíránón v. ilókótsésa mɛnáɛ v.

335
excise exude

excise ɓilés v. expend isítíyeés v.

excise (teeth) tɛŋɛlɛs v. expense ɲéɓéya n.
exclude tɔlʉ́kɛ́sʉƙɔta v. expensive itíónòn v.; ŋìxɔ̀n v.
excrement etsʼa n. experience (gain) nɔɔsánétòn v.
excuse óɡoés v. expiate iɓutes v.
excused óɡoós v. expire bitsétón v.; ɨríɗɛ́tɔ̀n v.
expire (die) tɛ́zɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
exempt óɡoés v.; óɡoós v.
explain enitetés v.
exercise itétémés v.
explode ɓilímón v.; toɗúón v.
exercise (the body) ƙɔƙatés v.
exploit ɨnɔmɛtɛ́s v.
exhalation sʉ̀pa n.
expose ɗoɗésúƙota v.; ilééránitetés v.;
exhale sʉ́pɔ́nʉƙɔta v. ilététaitetés v.
exhaust tsʼûda n. exposed ilééránón v.; ilététòòn v.;
exhaust pipe tsʼúdemucé n. tuɗúsúmòn v.
exhausted bitsétón v.; ikarímétòn v.; expound on ɨɲɛɛs v.; taɲɛɛs v.
ziálámòn v.; zíkímétòn v.; ziláámòn v. exsufflate rʉ́tɛ́s v.
exhausted (become) ziláámètòn v. extend zikíbitésúƙota v.
exhaustion baƙáíka n.; ɲɛ́kítɔ́wɔ́ n. extend (hands) taɓɛɛs v.
exhibit ɲekísíɓìta n. extend up zikíbitésúƙota v.; zikíbonuƙota
v.
existence ɦyekes n.; zɛƙwa n.
extensor (muscle) ɲépísikitíém n.
exit pulúmón v.
exterminate kánɛ́s v.
exonerate ɨɛtɛ́sá ɨsíítɛ́sʉ́ v.
extinct (go) bulonuƙota v.; kanímétòn v.
exorbitant, high in price itíónòn v.
extinguish tsʼeites v.; tsʼeítésuƙota v.
exorcist kɔ́tɛ́sìàm n.
extirpate ɗués v.; ɗuetés v.; rués v.
exorcize hɔnɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; kɔ́tɛ́s v.; extol itúrútés v.; tamɛɛs v.
tɔɗɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
extort rɛ́ɛ́s v.; rɛɛtɛ́s v.; tɔrɛɛs v.
exorcize spirits kɔ́tɛ́sa súɡùrìkàe v.
extorted toreimétòn v.
expand ɨɲɛɛs v.; iwanetés v.; iwánétòn v.;
extra ɨɓámɔ́n v.; ʝɛʝɛ́tɔ́n v.
taɲɛɛs v.; taɲɛ́ɔ́n v.; tʉwɛ́tɔ́n v.; tʉ̀wɔ̀n
v.; xuanón v.; xuxuanón v. extract béberés v.; faɗetés v.; tɔkɛtɛs v.;
tɔkɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; tɔkɛtɛtɛ́s v.; tolés v.; to-
expand on the issues ɨmɨɗímíɗɛ́sa letés v.; tuɓutetés v.; tuutes v.; tuutetés
mɛnáɛ v. v.
expanded ɨatɔs v. extract (evil charms) totues v.
expect kɔɛ́s v.; kɔɛtɛ́s v. extract brideprice buƙitetés v.
expedition ɲásápari n. extract repeatedly tolotiés v.
expel ídzès v.; ídzesuƙota v.; ɨlɔ́líɛ́s v. extremity (arm-like) kwɛta n.
expel continuously ídziidziés v. exude tɔfɔ́ɗɔ́n v.

336
exult falls

exult iwóŋón v.; taɓólón v. faint-hearted ʝaƙwádòn v.; wúrukukánón

exultant taɓolos v. v.
exuviate fòlòn v. fair dòòn v.
eye ekwa n.; iséméés v.; iséméetés v. fairy kíʝáìm n.
eye disease lokiyo n. faith ɲanʉ́píta n.

eye jaundice xídɔna ekwitíní v. faith (religion) ɲéɗíni n.

faith in (have) tɔnʉpɛs v.
eyeball ɡɔ̀ka n.
fake ɨtsárʉ́ánón v.; láŋ n.
eyebrow ekúkɔ́ɔ́kwarósítsʼa n.; ekúsítsʼa
n. falcon tsìtsa n.
eyeglasses ɲékiyóìka n. fall ruɓétón v.; ruɓonuƙota v.; rúmánòn
v.; rumeta n.; tɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v.; tɛɨƙɔ́tɔ̀n v.
eyelash ekúsítsʼa n.
fall (make) rúmánitésúƙota v.;
eyelid ɡɔrɔ́x n. a
tɛɨtɛ́sʉƙɔt v.; tɛɨtɛtɛ́s v.
eyesight (have poor) múɗúkánón v.;
fall apart ɗukúmétòn v.; ɗukúmón v.
ŋwaxɔna ekwitíní v.
fall back isíɗéètòn v.; maɗámón v.
fable (animal) emuta ínóe n.
fall behind isíɗéètòn v.
face takár n.; takárɛ̂da n.
fall continuously in numbers tsákíètòn
face back to back ƙʉƙʉmánón v. v.
face each other maímós v. fall down laʝámétòn v.
face in one direction ɨtɛ́ɛ́rɨtɛtɛ́s v. fall down (crumble) ɲalámétòn v.;
face one direction ɨtɛ́ɛ́rɔ̀n v. ɲalámónuƙota v.; taɲáléetésá así v.;
facial incisions (make) dzeretiés v. taɲálóòn v.
fade buanónuƙota v. fall down repeatedly téíètòn v.
fade (of color) kitsonuƙota v.; fall for (in love) isémúreés v.
sɛkɔnʉƙɔta v. fall from up high xɛ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.;
Fadigura species fàɗìɡùr n. xɛmɔnʉƙɔta v.
fail ɨlaʝíláʝɛ́s v.; iɲétsóòn v.; iyétsóòn fall gently raraanón v.
v.; rúmánitésúƙota v.; rúmánòn v.; fall in love with isémúreés v.
totóánonuƙota v. fall in numbers tsakétón v.
fail (make) rúmánitésúƙota v. fall off tolómétòn v.
fail to cross paths bezekánón v. fall out tolómétòn v.
fail to get fàlòn v. fall sick meetón v.
fail to meet bezekánón v. fall upon (attack) toɗóón v.
failure rumeta n. falling apart ɨɲɨlíɲílánón v.
failure of a season tasálétona kíʝáe n. falling sound hyeaa ideo.
faint ɨɲʉ́ɲʉ́ánón v.; rèŋòn v. falls látsóìka n.

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false information fearfully

false information isuɗam n. faster (do) ɨmʉ́mʉ́rɛ́s v.

falsehood yʉɛ n. fat ceím n.; ɛfás n.; zízòn v.
falsely accuse each other tɔrɛ́mʉ́nɔ́s v. fat (congealed) ɡwadam n.
falsify isuɗes v.; isuɗetés v. fat (epicardial) máxìŋ n.
familiarize naínɛ́ɛtɛ́s v.; naítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. fat (intra-abdominal) sábà n.
fat (organ) sábà n.
familiarize oneself with ɦyeités v.
fat (visceral) sábà n.
family tsʼaɗíékwa n.
fat person zízònìàm n.
famine ɲɔrɔƙɔ n.
fat slug bɛ́bam n.
famished ɲɛƙánón v.
fat-ass bɛ́bam n.
famous arútón v.; ɦyoós v. father (his/her/its) babata n.
fan ipukes v. father (my) abáŋ n.
fancy ɨmáráɗàɗòòn v. father (your) bábò n.
fang ƙídzɛ̀sìkwàywa n. father-in-law (her) bɔbata n.
fang (snake) ídèmèkwàywa n. father-in-law (his) ntsíémetá n.
far ìɛ̀ƙɔ̀n v. father-in-law (his/her sibling’s
far (a bit) ɦyàƙàtàka n. spouse’s father) babatíɲóta n.
far (slightly) ɨɛƙíɛ́ƙɔ̀n v. father-in-law (my sibling’s spouse’s fa-
ther) abáŋìɲòta n.
far from each other ɨɛ́ƙímɔ́s v.
father-in-law (my, of men) ɲ́ciemetá n.
faraway ɦyàƙàtàka n.
father-in-law (my, of women) bɔbá n.
farm tɔkɔ́bɛs v. father-in-law (of men) emetá n.
farmable tɔkɔbam n. father-in-law (your sibling’s spouse’s
farmer tɔ̀kɔ̀bààm n. father) báboɲóta n.
farming tɔ̀kɔ̀ba v. father-in-law (your, of men) biemetá n.
farming season tɔkɔbatsóya n. father-in-law (your, of women) bɔ́bɔ̀ n.
farmland ɲámanikór n. fatherhood babatínánès n.
farness ɨɛƙás n. fatherliness babatínánès n.
fart fèn n.; fenétón v. fatigue (extreme) ɲɛ́kítɔ́wɔ́ n.
fatso bɛ́bam n.
fashionable titianón v.
fatten zízités v.
fashionista ɲásírìàm n.
fatten up tuɓútitésúƙota v.; tuɓútónuƙota
fast ɗàmʉ̀s adv.; ɗɛ̀mʉ̀s adv.; ɨkáɲɔ́n v.; v.; zízitésúƙota v.; zízonuƙota v.
itírónòn v.; torónón v.; wɛ́ɛ́nɔ̀n v.
fault ɲɔ́mɔkɔsá n.
fasten iwetés v.; zíkɛ́s v.
fear mòròn v.; xɛɓás n.
fastened zíkɔ́s v. fearful ʝaƙwádòn v.; wúrukukánón v.;
fastened tightly ŋɔ̀tsɔ̀n v. xɛ̀ɓɔ̀n v.
faster (be) ɨmʉ́mʉ́rɔ̀n v. fearfully ʝàƙwa ideo.

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fearless fidgety

fearless itítíŋòn v. fence (wooden) marɨŋ n.

feasible ikásíetam v.; itíyéetam n. feral ɨsílíánón v.
a
feast írésiŋƙáƙ n. ferment ɓaronuƙota v.
feather tùka n. ferocious ɦyɛtɨɦyɛtɔs v.; ɦyɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
February Ɓètsʼòn n.; Lokwaŋ n. ferocity ɦyɛtás n.
a
feces etsʼ n. ferry iríítés v.
feces (loose) eruxam n. fertile bòmòn v.; ɨɔ́kɔ́n v.
a
feces (Rhus natalensis) mɨsáíètsʼ n. fertile (of soil) zízòn v.
feckless ɨkáláʝaránón v. fertile soil ʝʉma na zîz n.
feeble dɛrɛ́dɔ̀n v.; ɨpáláƙɔ̀n v.; ʝuódòn v. fertilize (plants) zízités v.; zízitésúƙota
feebly dɛ̀r ideo.; ʝùo ideo. v.
feed bɔnɛ́s v.; ŋƙáƙítetés v.; ŋƙɨtɛtɛ́s v. festering tatifíánón v.
feed (fire) iríréés v.; iríréetés v. fetch tɛ́bɛtɛ́s v.
feed nocturnally aúɡòn v. fetch (water) kotsés v.; kotsetés v.
feeding ŋƙáƙa n. fetid ɗɛtsɨɗɛ́tsɔ́n v.
feel enés v.; ɨmɨnímínɛ́s v.; mɨnímínatés fetidly ɗɛ̀tsɛ ideo.
v.; tábès v. fetus ɗʉ́r n.
feel around ɨtapítápɔ̀n v. fever hábona nébwì n.; suɡur n.
feel bad (make) ɓarites v.; ɓarítésuƙota fever tree lɛ̀r n.
v. feverish titianón v.
feel faint tikítíkona ɡúróe v. few ɨmaarɔ́s v.; ƙwàɗe quant.; ƙwàɗòn v.
feel mercy cucuéétòn v. fewer ƙwaɗiƙwáɗón v.
feel weak tikítíkona ɡúróe v. fewer (become) ƙwaɗonuƙota v.
feign iɲétsóòn v.; iyétsóòn v. fiber ŋísɨl n.
fell ruɓutetés v. fiber (twiste) sim n.
fell (trees) toukes v.; touketés v. fibrous simánón v.
fellow ɛbam n. fickle at work ɨpáláƙɔ̀n v.
felt (on the skin) fiifíón v. Ficus ingens namʉ́ɗɨta n.
felted kémúsánón v. Ficus platyphylla barata n.
female (animal) ŋwa n. Ficus species náínɛnɛ́ n.; ɲákárata n.;
female (young) wâz n. ɲékerum n.
femininity cekínánès n. Ficus sycomorus átsʼa n.
femur ɡubesíɔ́ka n. fiddle ɲakawa n.
fence iriwes v.; mɛtsɛ́s v. fiddle with íɡuʝuɡuʝés v.
fence (outer thorny) ɲéríwi n. fidgety kakáánón v.

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field finish off (crops)

field rɔwa n. filthiness tsʼâɡa n.

field (ball) ɲakwaanʝa n. filthy itútsón v.; ŋorótsánón v.; tsʼáɡòn
field (large) ɲámanikór n. v.
field glasses ɲáɓaraɓín n. filthy person tsʼáɡààm n.
fierce ɦyɛtɨɦyɛtɔs v.; ɦyɛ̀tɔ̀n v.; ɨɲɛ́ɛ́mɔ̀n fin taban n.
v. final to arrive irúpóòn v.
fierceness ɦyɛtás n. final to come irúpéètòn v.
fifteen toomíní ńda kiɗi tûde n. finance kaúdzòmɛ̀n n.
fifth (one) ɗa túdònì pro. financial matters kaúdzòmɛ̀n n.
fifty toomínékwa tûde n. find ɨtɛ́tɔ́n v.; ɨtɔ́ɔ́n v.; nòìn n.; takanités
v.
fig tree base baratídɛ̀ n.
find a way into útétòn v.
fig tree species átsʼa n.; barata n.; náínɛnɛ́
n.; namʉ́ɗɨta n.; ɲákárata n.; ɲékerum n. find a way through utés v.; utésúƙota v.
fight cɛ̀mɔ̀n v.; déƙwítetés v.; ɨƙaíƙɛ́ɛ́s v.; find an entrance to útétòn v.
ɨƙáƙɛ́ɛ́s v.; ɨƙáƙɛ́ɛtɛ́s v.; iƙúmúnós v. find each other missing ítínós v.
fighter cɛmáám n. find missing ítés v.
fighter (be a) cɛmɛkánón v. find proof enésá mɛnáɛ v.
figs (dried out) kòsòwa n. find refuge in rɨmɛ́s v.
figure out hoetés v. find remains of ítés v.
filch ɨtíɗíɗɛ́s v. fine dòòn v.; ɲáfaín n.
file tɔɗʉ́pɔ́n v.; torópón v. fine for impregnation ɨtsʉ́lítɛtɛ́s v.; fine
(impregnation) ɲɛkɨtsʉl n.
file in torópétòn v.
fine (marital) ɲápaín n.
filiariasis ɲɛkwɨ n.
fine for sexual misconduct kasurúɓé n.
fill cɨɨtɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; éétòn v.; ɨmíɗítsɛ́s v.
fine! maráŋ interj.
fill completely lʉʝʉlʉ́ʝɛ́s v.
finger ɨmɨnímínɛ́s v.; kɔrɔ́ka n.;
fill in imetsités v. mɨnímínatés v.
fill in for imetsés v. finger bone kɔrɔ́kɔ́ɔ̀ka n.
fill mouth aukes v. finger out (food) tsʼálóbiés v.
fill up éítésuƙota v.; éítetés v.; ilílíés v.; finger sexually tsʼálóbiés v.
iluʝúlúʝés v.; ʝɨríʝírɛ̀tɔ̀n v.; ʝɨríʝírɔ̀n v. fingernail tíbòlòkòɲ n.
fill with air xuxuanitetés v. fingers (extra) ɲɛ́ɗɔ́nɨɗɔn n.
fillet iƙémíƙémés v. finish ɨríkɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ŋábɛsʉƙɔta v.
film (movie) kúrúkúríka ni ɓɛƙɛ́s n.; finish off ɨmʉ́ɲɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨmʉɲɛtɛ́s v.;
ɲévíɗyo n. iɲóɗésuƙota v.; ɨríkɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨtsʉtɛs v.;
filter ɨʝɨwɛs v.; ɨtɨwɛs v. ɨtsʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
filth tsʼâɡa n. finish off (crops) iróríkés n.

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finished flared up (of skin)

finished ŋábɔnʉƙɔta v.; nábɔnʉƙɔta v.; fit ɗoxódòn v.

tɛ́zɛ̀tɔ̀n v. fit (physically) itsyátón v.
finished (totally) kwɛ̀rɛ̀tɛ ideo. fitly ɗòx ideo.
finished off imúɲúmétòn v.; it- fitting itémón v.
sútúmétòn v. five tùde num.; tùdòn v.
fire hoɗésúƙota v.; ídzès v.; ídzesuƙota v.; five o’clock ɲásáatɨkaa mɨtátie toomíní
ɨtsʉŋɛs v.; tsʼaɗa n. ńdà kɛ̀ɗì kɔ̀n n.
fire (a weapon) tɔɗɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v. five times tùdo num.
fire a weapon tɔɗɛtɛsa ɛ́bàɛ v. fix ɨɗɨmɛ́s v.; ɨɗɨmɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; ɨɗɨmɛtɛ́s v.;
fire herb tsʼaɗícɛ́mɛ̀r n. ramɛtɛ́s v.; zɔ́bɛ̀s v.
fire lily bʉlʉbʉláta n. fix a handle on xɔ́ŋɛ́s v.
fire on ɗamatés v.; tɔƙʉmʉ́ƙʉ́mɛ́s v. fix on mínɛ́s v.
fixed ɨɗɨmɔ́s v.
fire repeatedly ídziidziés v.
fixer ɨɗɨmɛ́síàm n.
firearm ɛ̂ba n.
fixture (tool) mínɛ́sìàwa n.
fireboard tsakúdècèka n.
fizz tabúón v.
firebreak (make a) ɨɗɛɨɗɛ́ɛ́s v.
fizz up tabúétòn v.
firedrill tsakûda n.; tsakúdèèàkwa n.
flabbily lùʝu ideo.
firefinch lòtsòr n. flabby ɡerúsúmòn v.; luʝúdòn v.;
firefly lɔ́ɗʉ́mɛ́l n. rexúkúmòn v.
fireplace tsʼaɗíékwa n. flaccid luʝúdòn v.
firewood dakwa n.; ɡamam n.; flaccid (become, of the penis) ziláámè-
tsʼaɗídàkwa n. tòn v.
firing pin mʉtʉ n. flaccidly lùʝu ideo.
firmament lúl n. flag ɨwɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta v.; ɲébenɗéra n.
first ɛ̀kwɔ̀n v.; wàxʉ̀ n. flagging ɨwɔ́ɔ́n v.
first (be the) mɨtɔna ɗíɛ́ wàxì v. flake (wood) kíɓɛ́zam n.
flame arír n.; tsʼaɗíáka n.
first (one) ɗa kɔ́nɔ̀nì pro.; ɗa wáxì pro.
flame tree ɨtítí n.
first person wàxìàm n.
flank ŋábèrèda n.
firstborn tíɡàràmàtsa n.; wàxìàm n.
flap ipukúpúkés v.; iwakúwákòn v.;
fiscal bílɔɔrɔ́ n. wɛɗɨwɛ́ɗɔ́n v.
fish ŋkɔ́líà n. flapping pɛɗɛ́pɛ́ɗánón v.
fish out tukuretés v.; tukutetés v. flare ɨmɛ́ɗɔ́n v.
fissured médemedánón v.; takátákánón flare up dulúmón v.; ɨmɛ́ɗɛ́tɔ̀n v.;
v. tuƙúmétòn v.
fist ɨlʉlʉŋam n.; mʉkʉtam n. flare up (of skin) iŋárúrètòn v.
fistful ɨlʉlʉŋam n. flared up (of skin) iŋárúròn v.

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flash flip away

flash ɨmɛ́ɗɛ́tɔ̀n v.; ɨmɛ́ɗɔ́n v.; flavorless ɗɛ̀ƙwɔ̀n v.; ʝɔ̀lɔ̀n v.;
itweɲítwéɲòn v. muʝálámòn v.
flash! lɛ́ʝɛ ideo. flea (chigoe) túkútùka n.
flashlight ɲótótsa n. flea (sand) túkútùka n.
flashy ɨmáráɗàɗòòn v. flea(s) naɗɛ́pa n.
flask (butter) ɲéɓur n. fleas ŋíkaɗɛpíɗɛ́pa n.
flask (gourd) nasɛmɛ́ n.; ɲekúrúm n. fleck bàsɔ̀n v.
flask (small gourd) ɲékútàm n. flecked ɨlɨmílímɔ̀n v.
flat ɨpáɗáɲɔ̀n v.; pʉ̀nʉ̀k ᶶ ideo. flecked with fat kábìlànètòn v.
flat (deflated) fɔrɔ́tsʼɔ́mɔ̀n v. flee duƙésúƙota mòràe v.; moronuƙota v.
flat (of an area) kalápátánón v. flee (of many) iɗúzòn v.
flat (of land) ɗàsòn v. fleece ɗóɗòsìtsʼa n.
flesh em n.
flat (of objects) ɗapálámɔ̀n v.
flesh dried on hide xáƙwa n.
flat area lopem n.
flesh left on hide ɲɔpɔɗɛ n.
flat buttocks (have) taɓóɲómòn v.
flex itúkúɗètòn v.; itúkúɗòn v.;
flat-topped tɔpɛ́tɔ́n v.
nɔƙɨnɔ́ƙɔ́n v.
flatbed tsídzèsìàwa n. flex (muscles) xuxuanitetés v.
flatland rɔwa n. flexible naƙwádòn v.; naúdòn v.;
flatly ɓɛlɛlɛtsɛ ideo.; ɗɛ̀ɲ ideo. nɔƙɔ́dɔ̀n v.
flatly concave ɓɛtɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n v.; fɛtɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n v. flexibly nàƙwa ideo.; nàu ideo.; nɔ̀ƙɔ ideo.
flatten epitésúƙòtà ɗèɲ v.; iɲíkéésuƙota flexor (muscle) ɲépísikitíém n.
v.; ɲaɗés v. flick tɔɗɛtɛs v.; towates v.; towatetés v.
flatten out kalápátánitetés v.; flick away tɔɗɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
ɲaɗésúƙota v. flick off tɔɗɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
flatten out (an area) kalápátánónuƙota flicker ɨmɛɗímɛ́ɗɔ̀n v.; ɨmɛlɛs v.;
v. itweɲítwéɲòn v.; tɔɗɛtɛs v.
flatten repeatedly ɲaɗiés v. flicker (of light) tɔɗɛtɛsa así v.
flatulence fèn n. flinch ŋaxɛ́tɔ́n v.
flatulent fɛnɛ́dɔ̀n v. flinch (make) iniŋíníŋés v.
flatulently fɛ̀n ideo. fling ɨpákɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨrʉtsɛs v.; towates v.
flaunt ƙɔƙɔanón v. fling away towátésúƙota v.
flavor ɛfɨtɛs v.; íbutsurés v.; iwéwérés v. fling off towátésúƙota v.
flavorful ɛ̀fɔ̀n v. fling water ɨpakɛsa cué v.
flavorful (become) ɛfɔnʉƙɔta v. flip ɨʝʉlɛs v.; ɨʝʉlɛtɛ́s v.; tɔɗɛtɛs v.
flavoring ɲɛ́ɓɨsár n. flip away tɔɗɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.

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flip off fold in half

flip off tɔɗɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v. flu ɲarʉ́kʉ́m n.; suɡur n.

flip over aɓúlúkánón v. fluctuate iɲíkétòn v.; iɲikiétòn v.;
flipped ɨʝʉlɔs v. iɲikíɲíkòn v.; iɲíkón v.
fluid cuanón v.
flit ɨkaɨkɛ́ɛ́s v.
flump down rɛfɛ́kɛ́ɲɔ̀n v.
flit around ɨpɛrípɛ́rɔ̀n v.
flunk rúmánòn v.
flitter ɨmɛlɛs v.; ɨpɛrípɛ́rɔ̀n v.;
flush ɓʉnʉ́mɔ́nà sèàe v.
iwolíwólòn v.; tɔɗɛtɛs v.
flush out tsídzètòn v.; tsídzitetés v.
flitter (of termites) érítòn v.
flushed iyaŋíyáŋòn v.
float ilélébètòn v.
flustered iyaŋíyáŋòn v.
float away ilélébonuƙota v. flute ɲálamorú n.
flock bàr n. flutter ipukúpúkés v.; iwolíwólòn v.;
flock (small) bàròìm n. pɛɗɛpɛ́ɗɔ́n v.; wɛɗɨwɛ́ɗɔ́n v.
flock of birds ɡwábàr n. flutter (of termites) érítòn v.
flock of goats riébàr n. fluttering pɛɗɛ́pɛ́ɗánón v.
flock of sheep ɗóɗòbàr n. fly bʉrɛ́tɔ́n v.; bʉ̀rɔ̀n v.; iwálílòn v.; tsútsa
n.
flocks ŋíɓarɛn n.
fly (biting) lɔŋɨzɛta n.; lótsótsa n.;
flog iɓúŋéés v. ɲɔ́pɔɗɔkʉ́ n.
flood íswa n. fly (flee, of many) iɗúzòn v.
flood rubbish ɲérímama n. fly (tsetse) ɲɛ́ɗíɨta n.
floodplain ɲéɓúruɓur n. fly away bʉrɔnʉƙɔta v.
floor dziŋ n.; kíʝa n. fly off bʉrɔnʉƙɔta v.
flop! kùm ideo. fly species (green) tukéya n.
flour kabas n. flycatcher (paradise) iboboya n.
flour (dry) ŋápʉpa n. foal ɗìɗèìm n.
foal (female) ɗìɗèwàz n.
flour (moist) ŋámírɔ̀ n.
foam ɡuf n.; tabúón v.
flourish ɨɔ́kɔ́n v.
foam up tabúétòn v.
flourish (of plants) ɡáruɓúɓón v.;
fodder wà n.
karuɓúɓón v.
foe lɔŋɔ́tɔ́m n.
flow isépón v.
foes lɔŋɔ́ta n.
flow (menses) iona aráɡwaníkɛ v.
fog ɡóʒòwa n.
flow away isépónuƙota v. foil kwaɲɛ́s v.; kwaɲɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
flow in waves ídulumona cué v. foist tɔnɛɛtɛ́s v.
flower ɨɔ́kɔ́n v.; ŋátur n. foist oneself tɔnɛɛtɛ́sá así v.
flower (sorghum) ƙádetésá kadɨxáɛ v. fold iwoles v.; tɔɓɨlɛs v.
flower bud tún n. fold in half ikóóbés v.; ikóóbetés v.

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fold over forceps

fold over iwoletés v. foolishness ɨɓááŋàs n.

fold up ikóóbés v.; ikóóbetés v.; tɔɓɨlɛtɛ́s foot dɛ n.; dɛɛda n.
v.; tusuketés v.; tusúkón v. foot (non-animal) dɛ n.; dɛɛda n.; dziŋ n.
folded over tɔɓɨlɛsa así v. foot of a boulder taɓádɛ̀ n.
folk ròɓa n. foot of a fence marɨŋídɛ̀ n.
folks! òɓà interj.; ròɓà interj. foot of a mountain kwarádɛ̀ n.
follicle (hair) sítsʼádɛ̀ n. foot of a tree dakúdɛ̀ n.
follow iɗupes v.; tɔmɛɛs v.; tɔmɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta football ɲɛ́pɨɨrá n.
v.; túbès v. footer dɛ̀ɛ̀dà hòe n.
follow (in doing) itáƙúòn v. footfall kímátsa n.
follow after elánónuƙota v. footing of a borehole ɲatsʉʉmádɛ̀ n.
follow away túbesuƙota v. footman dɛáám n.
follow each other túbunós v. footpath (fresh) fʉ́fʉ́ta n.
follow here tɔmɛɛtɛ́s v. footprint dɛ n.
follow in line tɔtʉ́pɔ́n v. footstep kímátsa n.
follow off túbesuƙota v. footsure tsɛ́rɛkɛ́kɔ́n v.
follower dɛáám n.; túbèsìàm n. for good kìŋ ideo.
folly ɨɓááŋàs n. for nothing ŋálàka ideo.
fondle ídadamɛ́s v.; ɨwáwɛ́ɛ́s v.; tárábes for the reason that ikóteré subordconn.;
v. kóteré subordconn.
fondle all over tárábiés v. for what? isiɛníkɛ n.
fontanelle baɗɨbaɗas n.; bɔɗɨbɔɗɔs n. forager ɡaɗikamáám n.
food ŋƙáƙa n. forager (of greens) wààm n.
food (for elders first) tʉ́wa n. foraging ɡaɗikam n.
food (give) ŋƙáƙítetés v.; ŋƙɨtɛtɛ́s v. foraging in the valleys fátárààkànànès
n.
food (gnawable) atsʼam n.
forbid dimités v.; dimitetés v.; itáléés v.
food (peelable) ɨsɨmam n.
forbidden itáléánón v.; itálóós v.
food (ready) aeam n.
force ɨtíŋɛ́ɛ́s v.; ɨtɨŋɛs v.; rɛ́ɛ́s v.; rɛɛtɛ́s v.;
food (ripe) aeam n.
tɔrɛɛs v.
food (sippable) abutiam n. force oneself ɨtɨŋɛsa así v.
food (slurpable) ɨsɔrɔɓam n. force out ɨlɔ́líɛ́s v.
food residue ɲéɗúruɗur n. force through ututetés v.; xutés v.;
food slices (dried) iram n. xutésúƙota v.
fool! ɗʉ́rʉɗɔ́ɔ̀ interj. force through repeatedly ututiés v.
fool’s gold ɲésiɓalitútu n. force together rɔɲɛ́s v.
foolish ɨɓááŋɔ̀n v. forceps ɲɔkɔ́ɲɛ́ta n.

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ford four times

ford àrònìàwa n.; ôda n.; ódèèkwa n. forgotten ɡwèlòn v.; hakaikós v.;
forearm ƙɔ́dɔ̀l n.; ɲepísíkita n. hakonuƙota v.; iɓíléròn v.
forearm muscle ɲépísikitíém n. forgotten (become) iɓíléronuƙota v.
forego bɔlɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; tasálétòn v.; tasálón fork ɲácaƙwaráta n.; ɲɔ́fɔ́ka n.; taŋat-
v. sárón v.; tɛlɛ́tsɔ́n v.; toŋélón v.
forehead takár n. fork (of a tree) bɔ̀kɛ̀da n.
foreign ʝalánón v. fork of a tree bɔ̀ka n.
foreign child ɦyòìm n. form bɛrɛtɛ́s v.; itues v.; ituetés v.;
ituetésá así v.
foreign language ɦyɔɛn n.; ɦyɔ̀tòda n.
form droplets tsɨpɨtsípɔ́n v.
foreign woman ɦyɔ̀cèka n.
form rainclouds mɔƙɨmɔ́ƙɔ́n v.
foreigner ámá na biyáe n.; ɦyɔ̀àm n.;
kíʝíkààm n.; ŋíɓúkúìàm n.; ɲeɓúkúita n. forsake ɡóózés v.; ɡóózesuƙota v.
foreleg ɲepísíkita n. forsake each other ɡóózinósúƙota v.
foreleg muscle ɲépísikitíém n. forsaken ɡóózosuƙota v.
foreman ámázeáma teréɡì n. fortify ŋɨxítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
foremilk ɲóɗós n. fortunate tírɨríŋɔ́n v.
foreskin kwanítsʼɛ́ n.; tsʼɛa na kwaní n. fortune muce n.; ɲaɓááta n.
forest dakúáƙwa n.; fɔrɔ́sìtà n.; ríʝa n. fortune (decent) mucea na ɓárɨɓár n.
forest (cleared) tsɛ̀f n. fortune (good) mucea na títìàn n.;
a
forest (dense) lolíts n. ɲaréréŋ n.
forest (planted) ɲɛ́pɔrɛ́sìtà n. fortune (ill) mucea ná ʝɔ̀l n.
forest dombeya xuxûb n. a fortune (terrible) mucea na ináƙúós n.
forest entrance ríʝáàk n. a forty toomínékwa tsʼaɡús n.
forestall titikes v. forward wàxìkɛ n.
forever ʝɨkî adv.; mʉ̀kà adv.; pákà adv. foster zeites v.; zeitésuƙota v.
forever and ever kaíníka ńda kaíníka n. foul ɗɛtsɨɗɛ́tsɔ́n v.; ɨmʉ́sɔ́ɔ̀n v.
forfeit kuritésúƙota así v. foul (become) ɨmʉ́sɛ́ɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
forge ityakes v. foul-smelling wízɨlílɔ́n v.
forger ìtyàkààm n. foully ɗɛ̀tsɛ ideo.
forget hakaikés v. foundation dɛ̀ɛ̀dà hòe n.
forget (make) ɡwelítésuƙota v.; fountain ɲɛɨtánɨta n.
hakaikitetés v. four tsʼaɡús num.; tsʼaɡúsón v.
forgetful imáɗíŋánón v. four o’clock ɲásáatɨkaa mɨtátie toomín
forging stone ityakesíɡwàs n. n.
forgive iƙenes v.; óɡoés v. four times tsʼaɡúso num.

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four years ago frowning (begin)

four years ago kaɨnɔ nɔɔ kɛ n.; nɔkɛɨna Friday Ɲákásíá tùdìke n.
kenóó ke n. friend (agreer) tsámʉ́nɔtɔ́síàm n.
four-by-four tsʼaɡusátìke v. friend (foreign) ɲòta n.
fourteen toomíní ńda kiɗi tsʼaɡús n. friend (his/her foreign) ntsíɲóta n.
fourth (be a) kɔnɔna tsʼaɡúsónù v. friend (in-group) ɛbam n.
fourth (one) ɗa tsʼaɡúsónì pro. friend (my foreign) ɲ́cìɲòta n.
fowl ɡwa n. friend (my) nádzàƙa n.
fox (bat-eared) bùràtsa n. friend (sharer) tɔ̀mɔ̀rààm n.
fractured takátákánón v. friend (your foreign) biɲóta n.
fragile tɛɛmɛ́mɔ̀n v.; yɛmɛ́dɔ̀n v. friendliness (in-group) ɛbamánánès n.
fragilely yɛ̀m ideo. friendliness (out-group) ɲotánánès n.;
fragment ɡúɗúsam n. ɲótíkónánès n.
fragrant tukukúɲón v. friends (make foreign) ɲotánónuƙota v.
frail dɛrɛ́dɔ̀n v.; ɨpáláƙɔ̀n v.; ʝuódòn v. friendship (in-group) ɛbamánánès n.
frailly dɛ̀r ideo.; ʝùo ideo. friendship (out-group) ɲotánánès n.;
ɲótíkónánès n.
frame (door) ɲɛ́fɨrɛ́m n.
frighten kitítésuƙota v.; ŋaxɨtɛtɛ́s v.;
francolin (crested) bílíkɛrɛtɛ́ n. xɛɓɨtɛs v.; xɛɓɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
francolin (Jackson’s) kwítsíladidí n. frighten away ɨrɛmɛs v.
francolin (scaly) tìkɔ̀rɔ̀tsa n. frighten off ɨrɛmɛs v.
frayed ɲɛɗɛ́dɔ̀n v. frightened ŋaxɛ́tɔ́n v.
frayedly ɲɛ̀ɗɛ ideo. frigid (sexually) ɨɛ́ɓɔ́n v.
freak ƙʉtsʼáám n. fringe kwaywa n.; kweeda n.
freak out doʝánónuƙota v. frog ƙwaáta n.
free ɓàŋɔ̀n v.; bùlòn v.; hoɗés v.; from nàpèì prep.; nɛ́ɛ́ prep.; ɲàpèì prep.
hoɗésúƙota v.; hoɗetés v.; ɨɓámɔ́n v.; ta- from the heart ɡúróɛ́nɔ n.
lakes v.
from there tsʼɛ́dɔ́ɔ́ kɔ̀nà pro.
free of charge ɨɓámɔ́n v.
from when nàpèì subordconn.; ɲàpèì sub-
free oneself hoɗetésá así v. ordconn.
free to walk zíbos v. from where? ndéé n.
freeload lɛŋɛ́s v. front takárɛ̂da n.; wàx n.
freeloader lɛŋɛ́síàm n. frontal bone (upper) matáŋíɡwarí n.
freeloading olíɓó n. froofy bʉlʉbʉlɔs v.
freer hoɗetésíàm n. froth ɡuf n.; tabúón v.
fresh erútsón v. froth up tabúétòn v.
fret alólóŋòn v. frown iɲíkón v.
friar purutél n. frowning (begin) iɲíkétòn v.

346
frozen (in fear) garden

frozen (in fear) dodimórón v. funny (become) ɛfɔnʉƙɔta v.

frozen (still) lɛrɛ́dɔ̀n v. funny (make) ɛfɨtɛs v.
fruit of tsʼɔƙɔm fɔfɔ́ʝa n.; ŋalúɓa n. fur ínósìtsʼa n.
fruit(s) eɗin n. furnace (brick) ɲéripipí n.
fruit-laden bɔ́ŋɔ́n v. furrow ɲɛ́pɛ́lʉ n.
furry tsèkòn v.
fruitless (become) ɨkárímétòn v.
furthermore naɓó coordconn.; toni naɓó
frustrate ɨkarɛtɛ́s v.; ɨlɔ́ítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
n.
fry kɛ́xɛ́s v. fury ɡaánàs n.; ɲɛlɨl n.
fryer kɛ́xɛ́sìàm n. fuse iɲales v.
fuck ɨtɛpɛs v. futile (become) ɨkárímétòn v.
fuel ceím n. future fàr adv.
fuel (fire) iríréés v.; iríréetés v. future (distant) tsò adv.
Fuerstia africana kʉláɓákàka n. fuzzy saúkúmòn v.
fulfill ɨríkɛ́sʉƙɔta v. gabby mɔɲɨmɔɲɔs v.
full cìɔ̀n v.; eódòn v. gag ʝaƙátós v.; toukes v.; touketés v.;
xáƙátòn v.
full (become) cɨɔnʉƙɔta v.; éétòn v.
gain ground on iɗiles v.
full (completely) tsɛ̀kɛ ideo.
gain weight tuɓútónuƙota v.; zízonuƙota
full (very) pìc ideo.; tìr ideo. v.
full completely lʉʝʉlʉ́ʝɔ́n v. galago (lesser) ɡwan n.
full of it (lying) isuɗesa mɛnáɛ v. Galatians (biblical) Ŋíɡalatíaika n.
fully fìr ideo. gall bìɗa n.
fumble around ɨtapítápɔ̀n v. gallbladder bìɗa n.; bìɗàhò n.
fume ipúróòn v. game ɲaɓolya n.; wááka n.
fume (angrily) siŋírón v. game (Ludo) ɲélúɗo n.
fumes tsʼûda n. gang ɲáʝore n.
gang up on ɨŋáŋárɛtɛ́s v.
fumigate ipúréés v.; iwaŋíwáŋés v.; tsʼu-
dités v. gangly sawátsámòn v.
fun ɛ̀fɔ̀n v. gap ɨkálámɛ́s v.; tsàŋ n.
gaping hádòlòmòn v.; laɓáɲámòn v.;
fun (become) ɛfɔnʉƙɔta v.
lafárámòn v.
fun (have) iyóómètòn v.
gappy (teeth) ɲaŋálómòn v.
fun (make) ɛfɨtɛs v. garbage tsʼʉtsʼʉ n.
function ɲákásìèda n. garbage dump tsʼʉtsʼʉ́áwa n.
funerary goat kɔ̀pa n.; ɲépúɲa n. garble ƙʉʝʉ́dɔ̀n v.
funerary-goat killer ɲépúɲáám n. garble speech iŋolíŋólésa tódàe v.
funny ɛ̀fɔ̀n v. garden sêda n.

347
garden (multi-year) get away from

garden (multi-year) ŋwan n. gathering (big) zɛƙɔ́áwa ná zè n.

garden (newly cleared) kɨwíl n. gauche betsínón v.
garden (newly plowed) túbùr n. gaudy ɨmáráɗàɗòòn v.
garden (tiny) fɔ́ɗa n. gaunt ɨkárɔ́n v.; kɔrɔ́ɗɔ́mɔ̀n v.;
lotímálèmòn v.
garden (vegetable) waicíkásèda n.
gaze at emptily itelesa bàrìrrr v.
garden boundary ɲókorimíta n.
gazelle kodowa n.
garden camp ɲóɓóota n.
gearshift cɛbɛn n.; ɲɛ́sɛɛɓɔ́ n.
garden edge lɔkɨram n.
gearstick cɛbɛn n.; ɲɛ́sɛɛɓɔ́ n.
garden rain shelter lɔtɔ́ƙa n.
gecko lókíɓoɓó n.
garment ƙwàz n. gecko (dwarf) kíɓíɓìta n.
gas (intestinal) fèn n. gecko species? léɗa n.; ɲámɨlɨɔŋɔ́r n.
gas (petrol) ceím n. gel tɔsɔ́ɗɔ́kɔ̀n v.
gas (propane) ɲáɡás n. gelatinous milílón v.
gash dzɛrɛ́s v. generosity daás n.
gasoline ɲépetorón n. generous dòòn v.; waŋádòn v.
gassily fɛ̀n ideo. generous person dòònìàm n.
gassy fɛnɛ́dɔ̀n v. genet lɔ̀rìƙìlà n.
gate ɔ́dɔ̀ka n. genitalia (female) didis n.
gateway ɔ́dɔ̀ka n. gentle batánón v.
gather ikóóbés v.; ɨrírɛ́ɛ́s v.; ɨtsʉnɛs v.; genuflect kutúŋétòn v.
ɨtsʉnɛtɛ́s v.; ɨtsʉ́nɛ́tɔ̀n v.; itukánón v.; germ ƙʉtsʼa n.
itukes v.; ɨʉɗɛs v.; ɨʉɗɛtɛ́s v. German shepherd ɲeryaŋíŋóka n.
gather (contributions) bɔsɛtɛ́s v. germinate ɓúrukúkón v.; morétón v.;
gather (glean) ɨrárátés v.; ɨrarɛs v.; rʉ́bɛ̀tɔ̀n v.; rʉ́bɔ̀n v.; tʉwɛ́tɔ́n v.; tʉ̀wɔ̀n
tarares v. v.; xúbètòn v.; xúbòn v.
germinate (of grain) xokómón v.
gather and move ɲʉ́ɲɛ́s v.
germinate fully (of grain) yɛlíyɛ́lɔ̀n v.
gather and remove ɲʉ́ɲɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
get iryámétòn v.; ɨtɛ́tɔ́n v.; ɨtɔ́ɔ́n v.;
gather oneselves ɗɔtsɛtɛ́sá así v.;
ƙanetés v.; tɛ́bɛtɛ́s v.
ɨrírɛ́ɛtɛ́sá así v.
get (cause to) ƙanitetés v.
gather saliva ɨmʉʝʉ́mʉ́ʝɔ̀n v.
get (water) kotsés v.; kotsetés v.
gather socially ɨtsʉnɛtɛ́sá así v.
get a rise out of ɨtɔ́ŋɔ́ɛ́s v.
gather up ikóóbetés v.; ɨrírɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; get away iɓutsúmétòn v.; iwálílòn v.;
ituketés v. ùtòn v.; utonuƙota v.
gather up and move ɲʉɲɛtɛ́s v. get away (from home) ɨpɛ́ɛ́rɔ̀n v.
gatherer (of greens) wààm n. get away from ɨɓʉtsɛs v.; ɨɓʉtsɛtɛ́sá así
gathering kur n.; ɲatʉ́kɔ́ta n. v.

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get close to give in

get close to rɔɲɛ́sá así v. gimpy ŋoɗólómòn v.

get cloudy kupétón v.; kupukúpón v. gin (Sunny) ɲásáníjìn n.
get dark witsiwítsétòn v. gingiva diriʝiʝa n.
get down rʉʝɛ́tɔ́n v. giraffe ɡwaítsʼa n.
get going ɗóɗésa muceé v. giraffe bull ɡwaítsʼícikwa n.
get here ɨtaɨtɛtɛ́s v. giraffe calf ɡwaítsʼíìm n.
get light (of sun) ítóna kíʝée tsʼɛɛ v. giraffe cow ɡwaítsʼíŋwa n.
a
get lost hakonuƙot v. giraffe-tail cap ɲɔ́tsɔ́ɓɛ n.
a
get on otsés v.; otsésúƙot v. girl ɲàràm n.
a
get out tɔpɛ́ɔ́n v.; utonuƙot v. girl (baby) cue n.
get out of the way ècòn v.; èkòn v. girl (little) ɲàràmàìm n.
get payback ɲaŋés v. girls’ company ɲèrààƙwa n.
get ready to go súɓánòn v.; suɓétón v. girl-crazy iɲéráánón v.
get rid of ɡʉtsʼʉrɛs v.; ɡutsʼuriés v.; it- girlfriend ɲàràm n.
súrúés v. girls ɲèr n.
get rid of (kill) ɨɗɛɛs v.; ɨɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v. girls (little) ɲerawika n.
get saved hoɗetésá así v. girls’ grass ɲèràkù n.
get shady kurukúrétòn v. give bírɛ́s v.; iʝokes v.; iʝókésuƙota v.;
get sick meetón v. meés v.; meetés v.
get there ɨtaɨtɛ́s v. give (chewing tobacco) matáŋɨtɛtɛ́s v.
a
get through utonuƙot v. give a ride to ɨɛ́bɛ̀s v.; ɨɛ́bɛsʉƙɔta v.;
get to know ɦyeités v. ɨɛ́bɛtɛ́s v.
get together ɨtsʉnɛtɛ́sá así v. give across íɡorésúƙota v.
get up ŋkáítetés v.; ŋkéétòn v.; ŋkóón v. give away maƙésúƙota v.
get up (of many) ŋkaíón v. give back raʝésúƙota v.; raʝetés v.
ghost kúrúkúr n.; lopéren n.; tás n. give birth ƙwaatón v.
ghoul lopéren n.; tás n. give birth (help) ƙwaatítetés v.
a
giant bàd n.; kébàdà n.; nábàdà n.; give birth to ƙwaatetés v.
nébàdà n. give birth to prematurely ɨsɔɛtɛ́s v.
gift meetam n.; tɔ́rɔ́bɛs v. give chace irúkésuƙota v.
gifts meetésíicíka n. give drink wetités v.
giggle ɡaɡaanón v. give each other maímós v.
giggly fekifekos v. give food relief bɔnɛ́s v.
gimp ɨsɛ́pɔ́n v.; ɨtɔ́ƙɔ́ɔ̀n v.; itsúkúkòn v. give gifts to tɔ́rɔ́bɛs v.
gimpily itsúkúku ideo. give in kuritésúƙota así v.

349
give marching orders to go after each other

give marching orders to taŋasɛs v. glide ɨfɛlɛsa así v.; ɨfɛ́lɔ́nʉƙɔta v.; ɨɔ́ɔ́rɛ́s
give medicine wetitésá cɛmɛ́ríkàɛ v. v.; ɨɔ́ɔ́rɔ̀n v.
give off itsues v.; itsuetés v. glide through ɨsɛ́lɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.
give oneself away maƙésúƙota así v. glimmer riɓiríɓón v.
give out dónés v.; dónésuƙota v.; glimmer when wet tsalɨtsálɔ́n v.
maƙésúƙota v. glint tɔɗɛtɛsa así v.
give over íɡorésúƙota v. glisten parɨpárɔ́n v.; piripírón v.
give rectally ɨtʉrɛs v. glistening ɓalídɔ̀n v.
give suck to naƙwɨtɛs v. glitter ɨmɛɗímɛ́ɗɔ̀n v.
give up bɔlɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; kuritésúƙota así v.; glitterily mìl ideo.
taʝales v.; taʝálésuƙota v.; taʝaletés v. glittery mɨlídɔ̀n v.
given moós v. gloat taɓólón v.
giver meesíám n. gloating taɓolos v.
giving birth ƙwaáta n. globe kíʝa n.
gizzard ŋìl n. gloomy sìŋòn v.
glad ɨlákásɔ̀n v. glorious dòòn v.
glad (become) ɨlákásɔ́nʉƙɔta v. glory daás n.
glade ɓɔɗa n.; ɗípɔ̀ n. glow (of fire) lɔɔrán n.
glance ɨɛ́bɛ̀s v.; ɨɛ́bɛsʉƙɔta v.; ɨɛ́bɛsʉƙɔta glue ɲáɡám n.
v.; ɨɛ́bɛtɛ́s v. gluey ɗɔmɔ́dɔ̀n v.; ɨríítánón v.
glance (bump) toyeres v. gluily ɗɔ̀m ideo.
glance off iɗótón v. glut iwótsóòn v.
glance sidelong at ɨŋɔ́ɓɛ́lɛ́s v. glutton lòkòɗòŋìròàm n.; loƙeƙes n.
gland ƙùtsʼàtsʼa n. gluttonousness lokoɗoŋironánés n.
glandular swelling lɔ́mílɨmíl n. gluttony aeásá bùbùì n.; lòkòɗòŋìrò n.
gnarled lɛrɛ́kɛ́mɔ̀n v.
glans penis eɗeda n.; kwaníéɗa n.
gnat dililitsʼa n.
glare ɨraírɔ́ɔ̀n v.
gnaw átsʼɛ́s v.
glare at ŋɔ́zɛ̀s v.; ŋóziés v.
Gnidia subcordata mɨsíás n.
glare at each other ŋɔ́zɨnɔ́s v.
go ƙòòn v.
glarer ŋɔ́zɛ̀sìàm n.
go [a sound] kʉ̀tɔ̀n v.; kʉtɔnʉƙɔta v.
glasses ɲékiyóìka n.
go across ɡórés v.; íɡorés v.; íɡorésúƙota
gleam parɨpárɔ́n v.; piripírón v. v.; kámáránón v.; kámáránónuƙota v.
gleam when wet tsalɨtsálɔ́n v. go across repeatedly ɡóriés v.; íɡoriés v.
gleaming ɓalídɔ̀n v.; pirídòn v. go after ɨlɔŋɛs v.; ɨlɔ́ŋɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
glean ɨrárátés v.; ɨrarɛs v.; tarares v. túbesuƙota v.
gleeful taɓolos v. go after each other ríínós v.

350
go ahead go under (water)

go ahead ƙoona wáxìkɛ v. go for a walk ɨɗámɔ́n v.; zíbòn v.

go along the side ƙoona ruteto v. go get ƙáidetés v.
go around ɨlɔ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔta v.; ɨsʉkɛs v.; go head-over-heels tíbìɗìlɔ̀n v.
sʉ́kɛ́s v.; tamanɛs v.; tamanɛtɛ́s v.; go horizontally kámáránónuƙota v.
tamánɛ́tɔ̀n v. go hungry torónón v.
go around in irimes v. go in ɓuƙétón v.; ɓùƙòn v.; ɓuƙonuƙota
go around repeatedly tamaniés v. v.
go around restlessly ɗotíɗótòn v. go in a rage tʉlʉ́ŋɔ́n v.
go asleep (of limbs) isálílètòn v. go in convoy ɨtílɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
go astray hakonuƙota v.; itwáŋón v. go in front ƙoona wáxìkɛ v.
go at dawn ifúlón v. go in procession ɨtílɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
go away forever ƙòònà ʝìr v. go into exile totóánonuƙota v.; xàtsɔ̀n v.
go back iɓóɓóŋòn v.; itéón v.; itíón v.; go late íbànòn v.; irípón v.
ƙoona ʝírìkɛ v. go near ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɔnʉƙɔta v.
go behind ƙoona ʝírìkɛ v. go off (rot) masánétòn v.; mʉsánétòn v.
go behind clouds ƙooná ɡìdààƙɔ̀kɛ v. go off course kwɛ́dɔ̀n v.
go bring ƙáidetés v. go off in a rage tʉlʉ́ŋɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
go off one-by-one kónionúƙota v.
go broke ŋʉrʉ́mɔ́n v.
go off topic hakonuƙota v.
go by ɨɛ́bɛ̀s v.; ɨɛ́bɛsʉƙɔta v.; ilúɲón v.;
ilúɲónuƙota v. go off track imámáɗós v.
go by way of tɔmɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v. go on pórón v.
go on (to do) itáƙúòn v.
go crazy doʝánónuƙota v.; itwáŋón v.
go on a trip ɨlɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
go directly ɨtsírɔ́n v.; iyoesa así v.; tsírɔ́n
v. go out pulúmón v.
go down ƙoona ɡíɡìròke v.; kídzimo- go out (of fire) tsʼoonuƙota v.
nuƙota v.; raʝámón v.; raʝánón v. go out of sight kúbonuƙota v.
go down (of sun in afternoon) tɔɔsɔ́ŋɔ́n go over ɡórés v.; íɡorés v.; íɡorésúƙota v.
v. go over matters bɛrɛ́sá mɛnáɛ v.
go down (of sun) itsólóŋòn v.; tɔɔnʉƙɔta go past ɓʉnɔnʉƙɔta v.
v. go quickly ikómóonuƙota v.
go down (out of sight) lakámétòn v.; go round and round ɨlɔɗílɔ́ɗɔ̀n v.
lakámón v. go straight isérérèòn v.
go down low ɗipímón v. go through ɨlámɔ́n v.; piɗés v.; pʉtʉ́mɔ́n
go early isókón v. v.
go extinct bulonuƙota v. go to seed eɡésá ekwí v.; tutufánón v.
go for a visit ɨlɔ́ɔ́n v.; ɨlɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta v.; go to sleep eponuƙota v.
ipásóòn v. go under (water) ɓuƙonuƙota v.

351
go up gourd (small round)

go up ƙooná dìdìke v.; tóbìrìbìròn v.; good (make) maraŋités v.; maraŋítésuƙota
totírón v. v.
go via tɔmɛɛs v.; tɔmɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v. good (of many) dayaakón v.; maráŋaa-
go with elánónuƙota v. kón v.
go-away bird (white-bellied) ƙwáaƙwá good person maráŋónìàm n.
n. good! maráŋ interj.
goad ɨʝʉkʉ́ʝʉ́kɛ́s v. good-looking dòòn v.
goat (female) rieŋwa n. goodness maráŋás n.
goods kúrúɓâda n.; kúrúɓáicíka n.
goat (funerary) kɔ̀pa n.; ɲépúɲa n.
gooey ɗɔmɔ́dɔ̀n v.; nɨrídɔ̀n v.; xɔrɔ́dɔ̀n v.
goat flock riébàr n.
gooily ɗɔ̀m ideo.; nìr ideo.; xɔ̀r ideo.
goat kid riéím n.
goop ɡaɗár n.
goat(s) ri n.
goopily xɔ̀r ideo.
goat-leather bag riéófúr n. goopy ɓɔrɔ́tɔ́mɔ̀n v.; bɔrɔ́tsɔ́mɔ̀n v.;
goatee ɲɛ́pɛ́nɛka n.; tɛ̀mʉ̀r n. xɔrɔ́dɔ̀n v.
gobble down ifáfúkés v.; ŋɔfɛ́s v. goose ɲáɓata n.
gobbler (of food) lòkòɗòŋìròàm n.; gorge fòtsa n.; ɲɔ́kɔ́pɛ̀ n.
loƙeƙes n. gorged itéɓúkòn v.
gobbling (of food) lòkòɗòŋìrò n. goshawk tsìtsa n.
God áméda kíʝáe n.; didiɡwarí n.; Ɲakuʝa gossamer bɛɗɛ́dɔ̀n v.
n. gossip about mɔ́ɲɛ́s v.
god Ɲakuʝa n. gossiper ɡáʒadɨŋwa n.; sɛsɛanónìàm n.
godhood ɲakuʝínánès n. gossipy mɔɲɨmɔɲɔs v.
godly person ɲakuʝíám n. gourd kàŋɛ̀r n.
gods ɲakuʝíícíka n. gourd (big oblong) ɲátúɗu n.
goer ƙòònìàm n. gourd (big round) ɓoló n.; ɲápaɗɛr n.
going for good wìʉ̀ ideo. gourd (bitter) óbìʝòkwàtsa n.
goiter ɓòlìɓòl n. gourd (broken) ƙwɛsɛ́ n.
gold ɡɔ́lìɗa n. gourd (butter) ɗɛ̀ka n.
gourd (cracked) naturutur n.
gold dust ɲɛ́ɲɨɲí n.
gourd (dried) ìƙòlòta n.
gold flecks ŋkaɗɛɛɗɛ́ya n.
gourd (edible) lomuƙe n.; lɔ́pʉ́l n.
golden earring ɲámaritóíta n.
gourd (flask) ɲekúrúm n.
goliath bàda n.
gourd (funnel-stemmed) lɔkʉtʉ́r n.
Gomphocarpus fruticosus lɔsaláta n. gourd (milking) ɲelépíta n.
goo ɡaɗár n. gourd (round) ƙɔfɔ́ n.
good maráŋón v. gourd (small round) dúlúƙuƙú n.;
good (become) maráŋónuƙota v. ƙɔfóìm n.; túkuléta n.

352
gourd (small-mouthed) grasping

gourd (small-mouthed) loƙú n. grade (school) hò n.

gourd (wide-bottom) ɗùta n. grader (of roads) séɓésìàm n.
gourd (wide-mouthed) ƙoƙó n.; rìƙòŋ n. grain eɗa n.
gourd basin sèrèya n. grain (fallen) sɛkɛmán n.
gourd bowl ƙɔfɔ́ n. grain (new) eɗa ni erútsa n.
gourd enema bulukéta n. grain (regrown) lɔ́ʝɔʝɔ́ n.; ɲópoté n.
gourd flask bòrèn n.; nasɛmɛ́ n. grain beer eɗímɛ́s n.
gourd flask (small) ɲékútàm n. grain disease lɔɓɛlɛɲ n.
gourd flesh ɗɔ̀xɔ̀ƙa n. grain harvest (first) ƙɔfɔ́èɗa n.
gourd ladle (broken) tebeleƙes n. grain thief lokoɓél n.
grain-filled dirt ɓɔɗáʝʉ́m n.
gourd leaves ŋátuɓe n.
grainy sɨƙɨsíƙánétòn v.; síƙísɨƙánón v.
gourd plug akatɛ́ta n.
Gramineae species ʝaya n.; kɔlɨlíkú
gourd pulp ɗɔ̀xɔ̀ƙa n.
n.kwɨnɨƙíkú n.; ; lɔ̀tàfàr n.; máyákù n.;
gourd rattle ɲɛ́ɛ́ƙɨɛ́ƙa n. mɨlíár n.; ɲálaaʝáíta n.; ɲámá n.; ɲèràkù
gourd scoop ɓòlòkòtsa n. n.; ɲokoɗopeya n.; sòlìsòl n.; tɨɓa n.
gourd seed kàŋɛ̀rèèkwa n. granary loɗúrú n.
gourd spout sɔ́ka n. granary (small) lɔkʉ́ɗa n.
gourmand lòkòɗòŋìròàm n.; loƙeƙes n. granary base loɗúrúdɛ̀ n.
govern ipúkéés v. granary cover ɲésóto n.; ɲósóto n.
government ɲápukán n.; ɲeryaŋ n. granary reed loɗúrúkɔ̀ka n.
government (British colonial) ɡɛrɛ́sà n. granary reed (vertical) ɲétémetsa n.
government employee ɲápukáníàm n. grand zòòn v.
government official ámázeáma ɲápuka- grandchild lobá n.
ní n.; túbesiama ɲápukání n. grandchild (his/her) ntsílóbà n.
governor ipúkéésíàm n.; tòtwàrààm n. grandchild (my) ɲ́cilobá n.
gown ɲékiteitéya n. grandchild (your) bilóbà n.
grab ídadamɛ́s v.; ɨkamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; grandfather (his/her) bɔbata n.
ɨkamɛtɛ́s v.; ɨrɛɗɛs v.; ŋusés v.; grandfather (my) bɔbá n.
ŋusésúƙota v.; taŋates v.; tokopes v. grandfather (your) bɔ́bɔ̀ n.
grab away taŋátésuƙota v.; tokópésuƙota grandmother (his/her) dádàta n.
v. grandmother (my) dadáŋ n.
grab repeatedly ɨkamíkámɛ́s v. grandmother (your) dádò n.
grabbiness dzɔɗátínànès n. granite rikíríka n.
grabby ɨtɔ́kɔ́ánòn v.; tsʼítsʼɔ́n v. grapes ɲéviiní n.
grace (Catholic) ɲɛ́ɡɨrasíà n. grasp ŋɔtsɛ́s v.; tɔkɔɗɛs v.
grade (roads) séɓés v. grasping ɨtɔ́kɔ́ánòn v.

353
grass grime

grass kù n. gravitate irídòn v.

grass (cow-broom) ɦyɔ̀ʝàn n. gravy ɲɔ́ɓɔ́ka n.
grass (matted) kémús n. gray ɔŋɔ́ránètòn v.
grass (soft) ûda n. gray (of weather) kùpòn v.
grass (thick dry) sakátán n. gray-brown ɔŋɔ́ránètòn v.
grass hut ɲérwám n. gray-haired kwɛrɛ́xɔ́n v.
graze waitetés v.
grass patch xʉram n.
grazing wà n.
grass shelter ɲɛ́kɨsakáta n.
grease ŋiites v.
grass species fàɗìɡùr n.; ʝaya n.;
grease up ŋiitésúƙota v.
kaxɨta n.; kwɨnɨƙíkú n.; loiɓóròka n.;
lɔ́mɔ́ɗaáta n.; lɔ̀tàfàr n.; lɔ́tílɨtíl n.; lɔt- greasy kùx ideo.
sɔ́ɡɔ̀m n.; máyákù n.; mèlèta n.; mɨlíár great zòòn v.
n.; mʉrɔn n.; ɲálaaʝáíta n.; ɲámá n.; greatness zeís n.
ɲamaɗaŋíkú n.; ɲaɲɛnɨʝɛ́n n.; ɲeɗuar n.; greediness dzɔɗátínànès n.
ɲèràkù n.; ɲéuɗuúɗu n.; ɲokoɗopeya
greedy tsʼítsʼɔ́n v.; tírésa dzɔɗátí v.
n.; ɔlí n.; òŋòrìkù n.; sòlìsòl n.; tɨɓa n.
greedy person kìɓèɓèàm n.
grass stub rumurúm n.
greedyguts loúka n.
grasshopper ƙɛƙɛ́r n.
Greek language Ŋíɡɨríkìtòda n.
grassland dús n. Greek person Ŋíɡɨríkìàm n.
grate fɔ́fɔ́tɛ́s v.; ɨfɔɛs v. green ɨlíɓɔ́n v.
gratifyingly wìɲ ideo. green (of many) ɨlɨɓaakón v.
gratifying (sensually) wɨɲídɔ̀n v.; green (turn) ɨlíɓɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
wɨɲɨwíɲɔ́n v. green (turn, of many) ɨlɨɓaakónuƙota v.
gratis tsàm n. green (very) ƙwɨxídɔ̀n v.; xídɔ̀n v.
gratuitousness tsàm n. greenly ƙwìx ideo.
grave ripa n.; tás n.; tásɛ̂da n. greens wà n.
grave (pile of stones) ɡwàsìkàkìtsa n. greet ɨmáxánɛ́s v.
gravedigger muɗésíàm n.; tʉnʉkɛsíám greet each other ɨmáxánínɔ́s v.
n. Grewia bicolor ʝàwa n.
gravedigger prayer wáána na muɗésíà- Grewia tenax alárá n.; ɔɡɔn n.
màe n. Grewia villosa mɔ̀z n.
gravel aŋaras n. grieve turúnón v.
gravelly ŋàr ideo.; ŋarʉ́dɔ̀n v.; grill ɨtɔlɛs v.
rakákámòn v. grill (of vehicle) sarísárìka n.
gravelly area aŋarasááƙwa n. grilled ɨtɔlɔs v.
graverobber tukutesíáma tsʼóóniicé n. grimace ɨɲɛ́ɓɛ́rɛ́s v.
gravesite tás n.; tásɛ̂da n. grime tsʼâɡa n.

354
grimy growl

grimy tsʼáɡòn v. grouchy ɡaƙúrúmòn v.; ŋízìmɔ̀ɔ̀n v.

grin ɨmʉ́mʉ́ɔ̀n v. ground ʝʉm n.; ŋɔ́ɔ́s v.
grind ŋɔ́ɛ́s v. ground (anchor) ɲólóita n.
grind (make) ŋɔítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. ground (burnt) kàròƙa n.
grind again iŋáɓúkés v. ground (newly broken) túbùr n.
grind coarsely ɨkaŋíkáŋɛ́s v.; ɨŋáámɛ́s v.; ground bee mɔ́ɗa n.
ɨŋaíŋɛ́ɛ́s v.; ɨŋáŋɛ́ɛ́s v. ground bee species ɲásaŋáɲo n.; ɲésíìta
grind finely ɨwɨɗɛs v. n.
grind quickly ɨpʉnɛs v. ground beehive kùkùsèn n.
grind well hamʉʝɛ́s v. ground finely ɨwɨɗɔs v.
ground level (be at) ràtòn v.
grindable ŋɔam n.
groundnut(s) ɲépulé n.; taráɗá n.
grinding mill ŋɔɛsíɡwàs n.; ɲámasín n.
grounds awááƙwa n.
grinding stone ɡwas n.; ŋɔɛsíɡwàs n.
groundwater ʝʉmʉ́cúé n.
grinding stone (hand-held) imeda
groundwork dɛ̀ɛ̀dà hòe n.
ɡwasáe n.; kɨnata n.
group ɲáʝore n.; ɲéɡurúf n.
grinding stone (lower) ŋwááteda
ɡwasáe n. group (social) kábùn n.
grip ɨkamɛs v.; ɨkamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; ɨkamɛtɛ́s group discussion natúka n.
v.; ɨtɔkɔɗɛs v.; tírésìàwa n. grove ɡwi n.
grip repeatedly ɨkamíkámɛ́s v. grow ɨatímétòn v.; morétón v.; zeites v.;
zeitésuƙota v.
grist kabas n.
grow back ʝɔɓɛ́tɔ́n v.; tɔrʉ́ɓɔ́n v.
grist (dry) ŋápʉpa n.
grow bigger zoonuƙota v.
grist (moist) ŋámírɔ̀ n.
grow bushy tsekétón v.
gristle ŋɔrɔɓɔɓa n.
grow furry tsekétón v.
gristlely rɔ̀ɓɔ ideo.
grow hairy tsekétón v.
gristly rɔɓɔ́dɔ̀n v.
grow high zikíbètòn v.
gritty ɡwɛrɛ́ʝɛ́ʝɔ̀n v.
grow in age zoonuƙota v.
grizzly kwɛrɛ́xɔ́n v. grow limber tsutsukúmétòn v.
groan éɓútòn v.; ɛ́mítɔ̀n v.; émúròn v. grow long zikíbètòn v.
groggy mususánón v. grow old dunétón v.
groin lɔkɔ́r n. grow over tsekétón v.
groom bɔƙátíníèàkwa n. grow supple tsutsukúmétòn v.
grope ídadamɛ́s v. grow tall tɔwʉ́tɔ́n v.; zikíbètòn v.
grope (sexually) tárábes v. grow up iríétòn v.; zeetón v.
grope all over tárábiés v. grow up and back (of horns) tʉ́zʉ̀ŋɔ̀n v.
groping ídadamɔ́s v. growl ŋɔ́rɔ́rɔ̀n v.

355
growl (of stomach) hacksaw

growl (of stomach) ɗuɗuanón v. gulp áɡʉʝɛ́s v.; ɡéɡès v.; itúlákáɲés v.
grown underground ɨʝɛ́ɛ́lɔ̀n v. gulp down lakatiés v.; lukutiés v.
grown up (of many) zeikaakón v. gulp! ɡʉ̀lʉ̀ʝ ᶶ ideo.
grown-up ámáze n. gum ɲáɡám n.
grub ƙʉtsʼa n. gum (chewing) ɗɔtɔ́ n.
grub (food) ŋƙáƙa n. gum (food) iŋulúŋúlés v.
grub (rhinocerus beetle) lóɓúlukúɲ n. gum (of mouth) diriʝiʝa n.
gruel ŋáítɔ̀ n.; ɲéúʝi n. gum (of trees) ɗòs n.
gruff (of voice) ƙoƙórómòn v.; gum (rubbery) ɗɔtɔ́ n.
rɔ́ƙɔ́rɔƙánón v. gummily ɗɔ̀s ideo.
grumble ɨŋʉrʉ́ŋʉ́rɔ̀n v. gummy ɗɔsɔ́dɔ̀n v.; mɨníkímɔ̀n v.
grumble (of stomach) ɗuɗuanón v. gun ɛ̂ba n.
grumble to oneself ɲɛɓɛ́sá tódàe v. gun (homemade) ɲamatiɗa n.
grume ŋazul n. gun (large-bore) ɲáturuɡéya n.
grumpy ɡaƙúrúmòn v.; ŋízìmɔ̀ɔ̀n v. gun (long-barreled) ɲɛ́pɛn n.
grunt ɨɗíɲɔ́n v. gun sight ɲɛ́lɨmɨrá n.
gun type ɲáɗúle n.
grunt in pain rúɓón v.
gunkily xɔ̀r ideo.
guard còòkààm n.; cookés v.; ɨrɨtsɛ́s v.;
ŋasíƙáárìàm n. gunky ɓɔrɔ́tɔ́mɔ̀n v.; xɔrɔ́dɔ̀n v.
guard (local council) ŋíɲampáràyàm n. gunny sack ɲɛ́ɗɛpɨɗɛ́pa n.; ɲéɡuniyá n.
guard (prison) cookaama zíkɛ́siicé n. gunny sack (large) lomóŋin n.;
ɲáwaawá n.
guarded cookotós v.
gunpowder leúzìn n.
guardian còòkààm n.
gunstock ɛ́bàdɛ̀ n.
guava ɲóɡóva n.
gurgle ábʉ̀bʉ̀ƙɔ̀n v.
guest wáánààm n.
gurgle (of stomach) ɗuɗuanón v.
guest (long-term) ɦyekesíám n. gut ɓilésúƙota v.; bùbù n.; bùbùàƙwa n.
guide ɨtsírítɛtɛ́s v.; tsírítɛtɛ́s v.; tɔɓɛɨtɛtɛ́s gutter sɔ́ka n.
v.; tòrìkààm n.; torikes v.; torikesíám n.
guy ɲɛ́ɛ́s n.
guide away toríkésuƙota v.
guzzle áɡʉʝɛ́s v.; ɡéɡès v.; íɡʉʝɛ́s v.
guide this way toriketés v.
gwuf gwuf tsèfètsèf ideo.
guile nɔɔ́s n. habit ɲɛpɨtɛ n.
guileful nɔɔsánón v. habitation zɛƙɔ́áwa n.
guineafowl (helmeted) ʝáɓúɡwà n. habituate ɨtalɛs v.; naínɛ́ɛtɛ́s v.;
guitar ɲéɡitá n. naítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
gullet moróká na kwátsa n. habituated ɨtalɔs v.
gully ɲéƙúrumota n.; urúr n. hacksaw ɲɛ́mʉsʉmɛ́n n.

356
haggard hang up

haggard ɨkárɔ́n v.; kɔrɔ́ɗɔ́mɔ̀n v. hand-crafted ɨɗɨmɔtɔ́sá kwɛ̀tìkɔ v.

hail tìkɔ̀r n. hand-held radio dʉrʉdʉra na tímoí n.
a
hair sítsʼ n. handbag ɲáníɓàka n.
hair (of a baby) imásítsʼa n. handful ɨlʉlʉŋam n.
a
hair (of head) ikásítsʼ n. handgrip ɲɔkɔ́ɗɛ́ta n.; tírésìàwa n.
hair (pubic) didisísítsʼa n.; ɔ́zàsìtsʼa n.; handgun ɲɛ́písítɔ̀l n.
tɛ̀mʉ̀r n. handicap ɨɓatɛs v.; ŋwaxás n.
hair (stiff) ɲéɡetsa n. handicap repeatedly ɨɓatíɓátɛ́s v.
hair column ɲotókósita n. handicapped ɨɓatíɓátɔ̀n v.; ŋwàxɔ̀n v.
hair follicle sítsʼádɛ̀ n. handicapped person ŋwàxɔ̀nìàm n.
hair jewelry ɲéméle n. handkerchief ɲákitamɓára n.
hair ridge sìɡìrìɡìr n. handle dɛɛda n.; ɨkamɛs v.; ɲɔkɔ́ɗɛ́ta n.;
hair-patch (styled) nàɗìàka n. tírés v.; tírésìàwa n.
hairstyle ɲékiɲés n. handle (borehole) ɲatsʉʉmákwɛ́ta n.
hairy saúkúmòn v.; tsèkòn v. handle (hoe) ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́dàkwa n.
half ɲɛ́nʉ́s n.; xɔnɔ́ɔ́kɔn n. handle (manage) totseres v.
half (be a) kɔnɔna leɓétsónù v. handle carefully ɨɓáɓɛ́ɛ́s v.
half-asleep state mɔɗɔ́ɗɔ́èkwa n. handmade ɨɗɨmɔtɔ́sá kwɛ̀tìkɔ v.
a
half-awake state mɔɗɔ́ɗɔ́èkw n. handmade object kwɛtákɔ́rɔ́ɓáda n.
half-cooked tsɛɓɛ́kɛ́mɔ̀n v. handsaw ɲɛ́ƙɨrɨƙír n.
half-striped ŋurutiós v. handsome dòòn v.
ɛ
halfway sɨsɨkák n. handsomeness daás n.
halfway point sɨsíkɛ̂da n. handyman ŋífunɗíàm n.
a
halt wasɨtɛs v.; wasítɛ́sʉƙɔt v.; hang (kill) ɨkɛtɛs v.
wasɔnʉƙɔta v. hang around toƙízòòn v.; tɔʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n v.
halting was n. hang back isíɗóòn v.
hammer ityakes v.; ɲɛ́ɲɔnɗɔ́ n.; tɔ́tsʼɛ́s v. hang by tucking rʉ́bɛ̀s v.
hammerstone (black) sàbàɡwàs n. hang freely alólóánón v.
hamper ɨɓatɛs v. hang in there taɗáŋón v.
hamper repeatedly ɨɓatíɓátɛ́s v. hang low with weight xuƙúmánòn v.
hampered ɨɓatíɓátɔ̀n v. hang on to ɨrɨtsɛ́s v.
hand ɨkɔɓɛs v.; kwɛta n. hang oneself ɨkɛtɛsa así v.
hand (left) betsínákwɛ̀ta n. hang out ɨtɛ́mɔ́ɔ̀n v.; itúmétòn v.
hand over here ɨkɔɓɛtɛ́s v. hang up inénéés v.; inénéésuƙota v.;
a
hand over there ɨkɔ́ɓɛ́sʉƙɔt v. xɨkɛ́s v.; xɨkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.

357
hang up (in storage) have fun

hang up (in storage) tɨkɨɛtɛ́s v. Harrisonia abyssinica kèlèrwa n.

hang up by tucking rʉ́bɛsʉƙɔta v. harrumph hákátòn v.; xaƙarés v.
hankering (have a) ɨrɔ́rɔ́kánón v. harry isyees v.
Haplocoelum foliolosum ŋʉrʉ́sá n. haruspicate ɦyeitésá arííkàɛ v.
happen ikásíìmètòn v.; itíyáìmètòn v. harvest ɨrárátés v.; ɨrarɛs v.; karɔŋ n.;
happen again tɔrʉ́ɓɔ́n v. tarares v.; watsóya n.; weés v.
happen quickly ɗoriɗórón v. harvest (honey) ɗusés v.
happen upon bunétón v.; bùnòn v.; harvest (wild food) hakwés v.
ŋawɨlɛs v.; taƙámón v. harvest bountifully cɛɛtɛ́s v.
happiness ɲalakas n. harvest millet ɨrábɛs v.
happy eaŋanes v.; ɨlákásɔ̀n v. harvest of new grain eɗa ni erútsa n.
a
happy (become) ɨlákásɔ́nʉƙɔt v. harvest termites hakwésá dáŋáe v.
a
happy (make) ɨlákásítɛ́sʉƙɔt v. harvest time karɔŋ n.; watsóya n.
harass isyees v.; tɛɲɛfɛs v. harvester weésíàm n.
harass each other tɛɲɛ́fʉ́nɔ́s v. has not máa adv.
hard ŋìxɔ̀n v.; tɔrɔ́dɔ̀n v. hassle tɛɲɛfɛs v.
hard (difficult) itíónòn v. hassle each other tɛɲɛ́fʉ́nɔ́s v.
hard (filled) dirídòn v. hasten ɨɓʉrʉ́ɓʉ́rɔ̀n v.; ikómóòn v.
hard (impenetrably) ɡɔɓɔ́dɔ̀n v. hasten here ikóméètòn v.
a
hard (make) ŋɨxítɛ́sʉƙɔt v. hasten there ikómóonuƙota v.
hard (of wood) dèwòn v. hat ɲákopiyá n.
hard (of a substance) lɛrɛ́dɔ̀n v. hat (wide-brim) ɲákakar n.
hard-of-hearing ilios v. hatch (of chicks) ɓɛkɛ́tɔ́n v.; ɨɓɛ́ɓɔ́ɔ̀n v.
hard-working ɨɓɛ́rɔ́ánón v. hatch out (of chicks) ɨɓɛ́ɓɛ́ɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
harden ŋɨxítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ŋɨxɔnʉƙɔta v. hatchet dzibér n.
harder (become) ŋɨxɔnʉƙɔta v. hatchet (traditional) kuɲukúdzibér n.
hardheadedness ŋɨxɔna ikáe v. hate tsʼábès v.; takaɗes v.
hardly ɡɔ̀ɓɔ ideo.; lɛ̀r ideo. hate each other dɛŋʉ́ɲʉ́nɔ́s v.; tsʼábunós
hardship ŋítsan n. v.
hare tulú n. have ɡirés v.; iona ńdà v.; tírés v.
hare nickname bositíníàm n. have been around kɔ̀wɔ̀n v.
harm tawanes v.; tawánítetés v. have circles tɔlʉkʉ́lʉ́kɔ̀n v.
harmfulness ƙʉtsʼánánès n. have contractions wúrukukánón v.
harmonious ɨsílɔ́n v. have free time ipásóòn v.
a
harmonize ɨsílítɛ́sʉƙɔt v. have fun iyóómètòn v.

358
have hidden motives heave away

have hidden motives dzoluɡánón v. healer (traditional) cɛmɛ́ríkààm n.;

have mercy on iƙenes v. irésíàm n.; ŋƙwa n.; wetitésíàm n.
have multiples ramɛ́s v. health center ɗakɨtár n.
have not máa adv. healthily ɗòx ideo.
have pain toryáɓón v. healthy ɗoxódòn v.; iŋáléòn v.;
nɛsɛƙánón v.; zízòn v.
have problems iona ŋítsaníkɛ v.
healthy (get) zízonuƙota v.
have sex èpòn v.
healthy (keep) ɨrɨtsɛ́sá ɲeɗekéícíkáo v.
have sex (frequently) ɓútánés v.
healthy person zízònìàm n.
have sex with tirés v.
heap ɨnʉkʉ́nʉ́kɛ́s v.; itukes v.; kìtsa n.;
have sex with each other tirímós v.
ɲatúkíta n.; tutukesíáwa n.
have time to walk around zíbos v.
heap on iɗóɗókés v.
have unprotected sex tsʼítsʼɔ́n v.
heap up iruketés v.; ituketés v.; kitsetés
hawk hákátòn v.; tsìtsa n.; xaƙarés v. v.; tutuketés v.
hawker ŋímutsurúsìàm n. heaped up iɗóɗókánón v.; tutukánón v.
hawker (being a) ŋímutsurúsìnànès n. hear nesés v.; nesíbes v.
haze (atmospheric) súm n. heart (physical) ɡúróèɗa n.
hazy imítíròn v. heart (soul) ɡúr n.
he ntsa pro. heart fat máxìŋ n.
head ika n.; ikeda n. heart-rot (have) ɓʉɓʉsánón v.
head of beer ikeda mɛ́sɛ̀ n. heartache átsʼɛ́sa ɡúróe n.
head of trail mucédɛ̀ n. heartburn átsʼɛ́sa ɡúróe n.; kíɓɔ́ɔ̀z n.
head honcho ámáze n.; ámázeám n. hearth tsʼaɗíékwa n.
head-butt tɔɗɔ́pɔ́n v.
hearthstone caál n.
head-pad ɨkɨta n.
heartsick moona ɡúróe v.
headband (beaded) ɲɛ́wakɔ́l n.
heartwood ɡúréda dakwí n.
headband (men’s) ɲɛcááta n.
heat ɨmaɗɛs v.
heading ikeda n.
heat up hábètòn v.; hábitésúƙota
a
headlight ɲómotokéèkw n. v.; hábonuƙota v.; ɨmáɗɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
headmaster ámázeáma ɲésukúluⁱ n. ɨmɔ́lɔ́ŋɛtɛ́s v.
headrest dɨƙwam n.; kàràtsa n. heated (angry) ɨlílíɔ̀n v.
headstart (get a) iɗílón v. heated (become) ɨlílíɔnʉƙɔta v.
headway on (make) iɗiles v. heathen ŋíkafírìàm n.
heal maraŋítésuƙota v.; maráŋónuƙota heave ʝaƙátós v.; ɲɛɲɛrɛs v.; toremes v.;
v.; mínɛ́s v. xáƙátòn v.
heal up iŋáléètòn v.; toíónuƙota v. heave away ɨtsɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.

359
Heaven hide away

Heaven awa ná zè n.; awa Ɲákuʝí n.; hemp ɲábaŋɡí n.

didiɡwarí n.; ɡìdòɔ̀ka n. hen ɡwaŋwa n.
heavens lúl n. henhouse ɲɔ́kɔkɔrɔ́hò n.
heavily lìr ideo. her ntsa pro.
heavy ìsòn v. herald síráàm n.; síránòn v.
heavy (make) ɨnʉ́ítɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; isites v. herb (medicinal) cɛ̀mɛ̀r n.
heavy-laded ɨʉ́ƙɔ́n v. herbalist cɛmɛ́ríkààm n.; wetitésíàm n.
Hebrew language Ŋíyuɗáítòda n. herd bàr n.
Hebrew person Ŋíyuɗáíàm n. herd (small) bàròìm n.
Hebrews (biblical) Ŋíeɓuráiika n. herd of cattle ɦyɔ̀bàr n.
hedge itsóɗón v. herds ŋíɓarɛn n.
hedgehog (four-toed) náabʉ́s n. here naíké dem.; náíta na dem.; nayá n.;
hedging in (of prey) nakítsòɗa n. nayé dem.; nayé na dem.; nɔ́ɔ́ dem.
hee-haw werétsón v. here you go! ne interj.
heed nesíbes v. hereǃ ne interj.
hermitic iɓóótánón v.
heedlessly càcɨ adv.; fùtsʼàtsʼa ideo.; tsàr
ideo. herniate ɨtsʉ́bʉ̀ɗɔ̀n v.
heel tɨtíʝa n. herniated ɨtsʉ́bʉ̀ɗʉ̀mɔ̀n v.
heft ɲɛɲɛrɛs v.; toremes v. herpes (of lips) ɲótótsa n.
heftily bɛ̀f ideo. hers ntsɛ́n pro.
hefty bɛfʉ́dɔ̀n v.; bɛfʉ́kʉ́mɔ̀n v. herself nébèda n.; ntsínêba n.
height zikíbàs n. hesitate ɨmɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.; isíƙóòn v.; itóŋóòn
v.; mɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.; wasɛ́tɔ́n v.
heir ɨrɨtsɛ́síàm n.
hex ipeɗes v.; sʉɓɛ́s v.
heist ɨmɔ́ɗɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
hexer ìpèɗààm n.; sʉɓɛ́síàm n.
Helianthus species ɲɛ́kɨɗɛkɨɗɛ́ n.;
hey! hèz interj.
ɲɛ́tɔɔkíɗɛ́ n.
hibernate ɨtáƙálɛ́sá así v.
Helichrysum odoratissimum ɲéúlam n.
Hibiscus cannbinus ɔ́bɛ̀r n.
helicopter naƙílɨƙíl n.
Hibiscus esculentus ɲɔlɔlɔta n.
help bírɛ́s v.; ɨŋaarɛ́s v.
hiccough xíƙón v.; xìƙwa n.; xíƙwítòn v.
help each other ɨŋáárínɔ́s v.
hiccup xíƙón v.; xìƙwa n.; xíƙwítòn v.
help give birth ɨŋaarínɔ́sá ƙwaatéo v.
hidden budésón v.; búdòs v.
helped ɨŋaarímétòn v.
hidden (become) budésónuƙota v.
helper ɨŋaarɛ́síàm n.
hide buanítésuƙota v.; búdès v.;
hem kweeda ƙwázàe n. búdesuƙota v.; ɨɗɛɛs v.; ipáŋwéés v.;
hem (bottom) sɔka na ƙwázàɛ n. tsʼɛ̀ n.
hemispherical loŋórómòn v. hide away ɨɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; iwítésuƙota v.

360
hide oneself hold by the mouth

hide oneself budés v. hire temporarily ɨlɛʝílɛ́ʝɨtɛtɛ́s v.

hide poorly itárákáɲés v. hired hand teréɡìàm n.
hide repeatedly ɨɗaiyes v. hirer ɓuƙítésuƙotíám n.
hideous itópénòn v.; làlòn v. his ntsa pro.; ntsɛ́n pro.
high zikíbòn v. his/her cousin tatata n.
high (get oneself) ɨrákɛ́sʉƙɔta así v. hiss fúútòn v.
high (grow) zikíbonuƙota v. history emutíká nùù kɔ̀wa n.
a
high (make) zikíbitésúƙot v. hit ɗálútés v.; íbaɗɛ́s v.; iwés v.;
high (of many) zikíbaakón v. iwésúƙota v.
high-pitched ɓòɓòn v. hit (exploit) ɨnɔmɛtɛ́s v.
higher than ileŋes v. hit from behind kɔnɨtɛtɛ́s v.
highway ɲerukuɗe n. hit repeatedly íbaɗiés v.; ɨramírámɛ́s v.
a
hill kùɓ n. hit the target ɨtsírɔ́n v.; tsírɔ́n v.
hillside ruteta n. HIV lóɓúlukúɲ n.; sílím n.
hillside (unseen) kûba n. hive kànàxà n.
hilltop kuɓaɡwarí n. hoard irwanes v.
hilltop (flat) kùɓààƙw n.a hoarse ƙoƙórómòn v.; rɔ́ƙɔ́rɔƙánón v.
hilly ƙumúƙúmánón v. hoary kwɛrɛ́xɔ́n v.
him ntsa pro. hobble ɨsɛ́pɔ́n v.; ɨtɔ́ƙɔ́ɔ̀n v.; itsúkúkòn v.
a
himself nébèd n.; ntsínêb n. a hobbling ŋoɗólómòn v.
hind-apron (leather) dek n. a hobblingly itsúkúku ideo.
hinder ɨɓatɛs v.; itítírés v. hodgepodge ɲɔ́tsɔ́ɓɨtsɔɓa n.
hinder repeatedly ɨɓatíɓátɛ́s v. hoe ɲákakurá n.; ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́ n.
hindered ɨɓatíɓátɔ̀n v. hoe (push type) kʉ́bɛ̀l n.
hindleg (right) ɲálán n. hoe handle ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́dàkwa n.
hinge ɲɛ́pɛtá n. hoe up (grass) íɛ́s v.; ireɲes v.
hip obólén n. hoed up (of grass) íɔ́s v.
hip joint socket loŋóléhò n. hog ɲéɡuruwé n.
hipbone (lower) obólénìɔ̀ka n. hog-tie ɨtʉsɛtɛ́s v.
hipbone (upper) róróìɔ̀k n. a hogwash ɨɓááŋàsìtòda n.
hippo ɲépírìà n. hold ɨkamɛs v.; tírés v.; tírésìàwa n.
Hippocratea africana míʒìʒ n. hold back ɨƙalíƙálɛ́s v.; isíƙéés v.; itítíkés
hippopotamus ɲépírìà n. v.; itítíketés v.; raʝés v.; titikes v.
hire ɓuƙítésuƙota v.; ikásíitetés v.; hold by handle tɔkɔɗɛs v.
ipáŋƙeés v.; teréɡanitetés v. hold by the mouth taʝakes v.

361
hold down hopscotch

hold down ɗaɗátésuƙota v.; itikes v. home life awááƙwa n.

hold each other tírínós v. homebody awáám n.
hold fast itííròòn v. homeless person tsɔnɨtsɔnɔsíám n.
hold hands tírínósá kwɛ̀tìkàɔ v. homestead awa n.
hold in ɨƙalíƙálɛ́s v. homestead (abandoned) ɲóɓóota n.; on
n.; oníáwa n.
hold inside ipáŋwéés v.
honest person easíám n.
hold off raʝés v.
honesty eas n.
hold onto ɨkamíkámɛ́s v.; ŋɔtsɛ́s v.
honey ɗàɗa n.; tsʼɨƙa n.
hold out (hands) taɓɛɛs v.
honey (crystallized) sʉ̀ƙʉ̀tɛ̀là n.
hold religious service wáán v.
honey (liquid) lɛ̀ɓa n.
hold up alólóés v.; ɨƙaŋɛs v.; itúmésuƙota
honey badger lɛŋ n.
v.; titiretés v.
honey bag ɗàɗèèwa n.; èwa n.
hold with teeth titikes v.
honey beer sɨs n.; tsʼɔƙam n.
hole aka n.; iɓólóɲés v.; itoɓes v.; ripa n.
honey hunter lɛŋɛ́síàm n.
hole (in river) ɲétsúur n.
honeybee tsʼɨƙa n.
hole (in tree) kotím n. honeycomb ɗàɗàhò n.; tsʼɨƙáhò n.
hole repeatedly itoɓítóɓés v. honeycomb (crystallized) dòkìr n.
hole up (hide) ɨtáƙálɛ́sá así v. honeycomb (dry) ɔfɔrɔƙa n.
holiday ɲákarám n. honeycomb (new) lòmìl n.
holiday (national) ɲésukukú n.; ódowa honeycomb (old black) bɔkɔ́ka n.
ná zè n. honeyguide tsítsa n.
holiness daás n. honor tɔ́rɔ́bɛs v.; xɛ̀ɓɔ̀n v.
holler ɨkílɔ́n v.; iƙúétòn v.; iƙúón v.; hood (of a snake) ɓòlìɓòl n.
iƙúónuƙota v.
hoof ɡɔ̀rìɡɔ̀r n.; sɔka n.
hollow bótsón v.; ripa n. hook (metal) sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sítsɨrím n.
hollow (in tree) kotím n. hook-shaped lɔkɔ́ɗɔ́n v.
hollow out iɓóɓórés v.; iróróƙés v. hooked lɔkɔ́ɗɔ́n v.; sokóɗómòn v.
hollowed out iɓóɓórós v. hooklike sokóɗómòn v.
holy ɓètsʼòn v.; dòòn v. hoopoe (green wood-) ƙáraƙár n.
Holy Communion Ŋƙáƙá Komúnióe n. hoot (of owls) rúɓón v.
holy ground ɲɛkíwɔ́rìta n. hop iɗótón v.
Holy Spirit Suɡura ná Dà n. hop along iɗotíɗótòn v.
home awa n.; zɛƙɔ́áwa n. hop on one leg ɨtsɔ́ɗɔ́kɔ̀n v.
home (big) awa ná zè n. hope ítánòn v.
home (clean, orderly) zɛƙɔ́áwa na hope for ítánésuƙota v.
maráŋ n. hopscotch cédicedí n.

362
horizontal hunch over

horizontal kámáránón v. hotheaded ɡúránòn v.; ɡúránós v.

horizontalize kámáriés v.; kámáriésúƙota hour ɲásáata n.
v. house hò n.
horizontalized kámáriós v. house help teréɡiama awáe n.
horn ɛ̂ba n. house of prayer wáánàhò n.
horn (musical) ɛ̂ba n.; ɲɛ́rʉpɛpɛ́ n. house of worship itúrútésiho n.;
ɲakuʝíhò n.
horn (oryx) tsarʉ́kʉ́ɛ̀ba n.
house rat ɗérá na áwìkàe n.
horn (voice-amplifying) ɲárʉpɛpɛ́ n.
housecat púùs n.
hornbill (African grey) tìlòkòtsa n.
housewarming (host a) fáídomés v.
hornbill (red-billed) ƙɔ̀ƙɔ̀ta n. housing hò n.
hornet dɛrɛ́ƙa n. how (it is) naítá subordconn.
hornless lemúánètòn v. how many? tanɔ́ɔ́n v.
horny (sexually) kwídikwidós v. how? ńtí adv.
horrify ɨɓálɛ́tɔ̀n v.; lilétón v.; toɓules v. howitzer ɲómóta n.
horrifying ɨɓálɔ́n v.; toɓúlón v. howl iƙúétòn v.; iƙúón v.; iƙúónuƙota v.;
horse ɲaŋólé n. irúrúmòòn v.
hsss! rìrrr ideo.
Hoslundia opposita ɲɛ́rɨkɨríka n.
hug ɨrʉmɛs v.; tɔtʉnɛs v.
hospital ɗakɨtár n.
hug each other ɨrʉ́mʉ́nɔ́s v.; tɔtʉ́nʉ́mɔ́s
hospital ward mayaakóniicéhò n. v.
hostel epúáwa n.; ɲólóʝa n. huge zòòn v.
hostility lɔŋɔ́tánànès n. huge (of many) zeikaakón v.
hot hábòn v. huh! yeéʼ interj.
hot (become blazing) ririanétòn v. hulky ɓutúrúmòn v.
hot (become) hábètòn v.; hábonuƙota v. human being buɗámónìàm n.
hot (blazing) ririanón v. humanitarian lɔʝɔkɔtáwa n.
hot (make) hábitésúƙota v. humanitarians roɓa ni ɡúrítínía dayaáka
n.
hot (of the ground) tábʉrʉbʉ́rɔ́n v.
humanness ámánànès n.
hot (piping) titianón v.
humble batánón v.
hot (very) pìrrr ideo.; titianón v. humble oneself kwatsitésúƙota así v.
hot weather hábona kíʝáe n. humerus ɲorótónitíɔ́ka n.
hot-tempered ɡúránòn v.; ɡúránòn v.; humiliate ɓetsʼitetés v.
ɡúránós v.; ɡúránós v. humiliated kweelémòn v.
hot-tempered person ɡúróàm n. humor céŋ n.
hotel epúáwa n.; ɲólóʝa n. hump (animal) rʉka n.
hothead ɡúróàm n. hunch over dʉ́ɡʉ̀mɛ̀tɔ̀n v.

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hunched I

hunched mʉƙʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n v. husband eakwa n.

hunched over dʉ́ɡʉ̀mɔ̀n v.; ɡʉ́ɡʉ̀rɔ̀n v.; husband (her) ntsíéákwa n.
rʉ́ɡʉ̀ɗʉ̀mɔ̀n v. husband (my) ɲ́cìèàkwa n.
hundred ŋamíá n. husband (of my wife’s sister) kʉɓá n.
hunger ɲɛ̀ƙa n. husband (tabooed) tsʼìnɔ̀àm n.
hunger for meal mush tɔbɔŋɔ́ɲɛ́ƙa n. husband (your) biéákwa n.
hunger for meat bisáka n. husbands ɲɔta n.
hungover mususánón v. hush ɦyakwés v.; ɨʝɛ́mítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
hungriness ɲɛ̀ƙa n. hush up ɨʝɛ́mɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
hungry (be quickly) hɔɓɔ́mɔ́n v. hushed ɨʝɛ́mɔ́n v.
hunker rábʉ̀xɔ̀n v. hushedly ʝìr ideo.
hunt ƙàƙa n.; ƙaƙés v.; tɔɓɛlɛs v. husk bɔɗɔ́ka n.; poɗés v.; poɗetés v.
husks nakariɓa n.
hunt (honey) lɛŋɛ́s v.
husky (of voice) ƙoƙórómòn v.;
hunter ƙàƙààm n.
rɔ́ƙɔ́rɔƙánón v.
hunters’ call for help waín n.
hussy dekitíníàm n.
hunting ƙàƙa n. hut hò n.
hunting ground itsóɗónìàwa n. hut (grass) ɲérwám n.
hunting with ropes ƙaƙa ŋúnítíno n. hut (Toposa) Kɔrɔmɔtáhó n.
hurdle itúlúmòòn v. hyena haú n.
hurl ɨmasɛs v.; ɨrʉtsɛs v. hyena (spotted) atɔŋ n.; natɨŋá n.
hurl (vomit) ɦyɛnɛ́tɔ́n v.; ɦyɛ̀nɔ̀n v.; hyena (striped) ɲetutu n.
ɨlɔ́ɓɔ́tɛtɛ́s v. hyena rider otsésíama haúùⁱ n.
hurl away ɨmásɛ́sʉƙɔta v. hyena species oyóŋ n.
hurl this way ɨmasɛtɛ́s v. hygienic nɛsɛƙánón v.
hurry ɨɓʉ́ŋɔ́n v.; ɨɓʉrʉ́ɓʉ́rɔ̀n v.; Hymenodictyon floribundum sésèn n.
ɨkɨríkírɔ̀n v.; ikómóòn v. hyperbolize ɨmɨɗímíɗɛ́sa mɛnáɛ v.;
hurry over there ikómóonuƙota v. tasaɓesa mɛnáɛ v.
hurry this way ikóméètòn v.; ŋusetésá hypocritical ɨtsárʉ́ánón v.
así v. Hypoxis obtusa ɲɛ́sʉ́tɛ̀ n.
hurt átsʼɛ́s v.; dódòn v.; ɨríɗɔ́n v.; hyrax kwɨnɨƙa n.
tawanes v.; tawánítetés v. hyrax (bush) ɔlír n.
hurt (begin to) dódètòn v. hyrax (rock) barís n.
hurt (in the chest) iláfúkòn v. hyrax grass kwɨnɨƙíkú n.
hurt (of an injury) wɨlímɔ́n v. hyrax half irutumén n.
hurt (of teeth) isálílòn v.; itóŋílés v. hyrax nickname lotúɗuzé n.
hurt intermittently átsʼietés v. I ŋ́ka pro.

364
I guess impede

I guess tsàm adv. Ik language Icéɛ́n n.; Icénáƙáf n.; Icétôda

I suppose tsàm adv. n.
I.D. ɓɛƙɛ́síkabáɗa n. Ik people Ika n.; Tɛʉ́sɔ̀ n.
i.e. tàà comp. Ik person Icéám n.
Ik tobacco kwílɨlí n.
ice tìkɔ̀r n.
Ik tribe Icédìywa n.
ichneumon mútètsa n.
Ikland Icékíʝa n.
identification card (Kenyan) ɲɛkɨpanɗɛ
Iklikeness Icénánès n.
n.
Ikness Icénánès n.
identity car ɓɛƙɛ́síkabáɗa n.
ill mòòn v.
idiocy ɨɓááŋàs n.
ill (make) ɨnʉɛs v.
idiot bóx n.; ɨɓááŋàsìàm n.
ill (nauseated) iláƙízòn v.
idiot! ɗʉ́rʉɗɔ́ɔ̀ interj.
ill (of many) mayaakón v.
idiotic ɨɓááŋɔ̀n v. ill-fitting nalóʝón v.
idle ɨlárɔ́n v.; ɨlwárɔ́n v. illegal toɗyakos v.
idler ɲakárámɨta n. illegitimate child ŋabɔ́bòìm n.
idol kúrúkúr n. illiteracy ɨɓááŋàs n.
if mísì subordconn.; na subordconn. illiterate ɨɓááŋɔ̀n v.
if … had (a while ago) nànòò subord- illness màywa n.; ɲeɗeke n.
conn. illness (mental) lejénánès n.
if … had (earlier) nanáá subordconn. illness (mild) ɲeɗekéím n.
if … had (yesterday) nábèè subordconn. illusion of movement lɔ́wírɨwír n.
if … would naƙánàka subordconn. illustrate ɗoɗésúƙota v.; itétémés v.
if … would have (a while ago) naƙánòko imagine tamɛtɛ́s v.
subordconn. imbecile ɨɓááŋàsìàm n.
if … would have (earlier) naƙánàka sub- imbibe béberetés v.; wetés v.
ordconn. imbiber wetésíàm n.
if … would have (yesterday) naƙásàm imitate iŋitiés v.
subordconn. immaculate xɔ́dɔ̀n v.; xɔtánón v.
ignite dulúmón v.; lɛ́ʝɛ́tɔ́n v.; tsapés v.; immediately wɛrɛƙɛs ideo.
tuƙúmétòn v.
immerse ilumes v.; ilúmésuƙota v.
ignition aeitetésíàwa n. immerse oneself ilumetésá así v.
ignore bálábálatés v.; balɛ́s v.; balɛtɛ́s v. immigrant botáám n.
Ik country Icékíʝa n. immovable diriɓóón v.
Ik county Icékíʝa n. immunize ɨtsɨpítsípɛ́s v.
Ik dance Icédìkwa n. imp kíʝáìm n.
Ik day Icéódòwa n. impede ɨɓatɛs v.

365
impede repeatedly inadequate (make)

impede repeatedly ɨɓatíɓátɛ́s v. in large denominations (of cash)

impel ɨfalífálɛ́s v. ɗukúdòn v.
impenetrable rɔ́mɔ́n v. in order that ikóteré subordconn.; kánì
subordconn.; kánɨ náa táa subordconn.;
impervious itsyátón v. kóteré subordconn.
impetuous ɨɓɛ́lɛ́ánón v.; ɨɓɛ́lɔ́ɔ̀n v. in order that … not kánɨ mookóo subor-
impliable ɡɔkɔ́dɔ̀n v. dconn.
implore wáán v. in pain toryáɓón v.
a
import zeísêd n. in shape ɗoxódòn v.; itsyátón v.
importance zeís n. in shock ɨʝárɔ́n v.; ʝarámétòn v.
important itíónòn v. in shreds dzɛ́rɛ́dzɛránón v.
impose tɔnɛɛtɛ́s v. in that direction kɔ́ɔ́ kɛ dem.
impose oneself tɔnɛɛtɛ́sá así v. in the back ʝìrʉ̀ n.
impoverishment ŋókínànès n. in the center sɨsɨkákɛ n.
imprecate ɨlamɛs v. in the future fàr adv.
imprecation ìlàm n. in the hellǃ ɲáka adv.
impregnated (recently) sɨbánón v. in the middle sɨsɨkákɛ n.
imprison eɡésá hòòke v.; eɡésá zíkɛ́sìkɛ in the morning baratso n.
v.; zíkɛ́s v.; zíkɛ́sʉƙɔta v. in the rear ʝìrʉ̀ n.
imprisoned zíkɔ́s v. in the same way tsʼɛ̀tà kɔ̀nà n.
a
improve doonuƙot v.; iŋáléètòn v.; in the worldǃ ɲáka adv.
maraŋités v.; maraŋítésuƙota v.; in this direction nɔ́ɔ́ dem.; nɔ́ɔ́ na dem.
maráŋónuƙota v.; xɔ́dɔnʉƙɔta v. in three years nakaɨna far n.
improve slightly ŋwaníŋwánɨtɛ́s v. in two years nakaɨna tso n.
impudent ɲɔmɔránón v. in twos leɓetsíón v.
impulsive ɨɓɛ́lɛ́ánón v.; ɨɓɛ́lɔ́ɔ̀n v. in unison ilíróòn v.
in addition ʝìkɛ adv. in vain ŋálàka ideo.
in charge wàsɔ̀n v.; zeísíàm n.; zòònìàm in-law ceŋetíám n.
n.
in-law (my child’s spouse’s parent)
in charge of things wasɔna kúrúɓádù v. ɲ́cìɲòta n.
in charge of work zoona teréɡù v. in-law (parent) emetá n.
in concert ikéé kɔ̀n n. in-law (removed) ɲòta n.
in flux iɲíkón v. in-laws (being) ceŋetínánès n.
in front ɛ̀kwɔ̀n v.; wàxìkɛ n.; wàxʉ̀ n. inactive ɨlárɔ́n v.; ɨlwárɔ́n v.
in labor koríón v. inadequate luƙáámòn v.
in labor (difficult) imákóòn v. inadequate (make) luƙáámitésúƙota v.

366
inattentive influencer

inattentive ɓotsódòn v. indentureship ŋiléɓúìnànès n.

inaugurate tsáŋés v. Independence Day Úrù n.
inaugurate (new year) itówéés n. Indian Ŋímiiɗíàm n.
inbreeder kɔ́nísìàm n. Indian jujube ɨláŋ n.
inbreeding kɔ́nís n. Indian jujube grove ɨláŋíɡwì n.
incarcerate zíkɛ́s v. indicate ɗóɗés v.; ɗoɗésúƙota v.
incarcerated zíkɔ́s v. indigestion dimésá bubue ŋɔɛsí n.
incest kɔ́nís n. Indigofera arrecta ɲɛʉrʉlatsa n.
incestuous person kɔ́nísìàm n. indistinct (visibly) imítíròn v.
inch itsóɗón v. indolent ɓʉɓʉsánón v.
inch over here itsoɗiétòn v. induct tasápánitetés v.
incinerate wuɗétón v. inducted tasapánón v.
incinerated wùɗòn v.; xawíítsʼɨ ideo. inducted (get) tasápétòn n.
incisor ƙídzɛ̀sìkwàywa n. industrious ɨɓɛ́rɔ́ánón v.
inebriated ɛsánón v.
incite ɓɛkɛtɛ́s v.; ɨsʉ́sʉ́ɛ́s v.; itsótsóés v.
inebriation ɛ́s n.
incite (verbally) ɨtɔ́ŋɔ́ɛ́s v.
inept betsínón v.; hádaadánón v.;
incite desire ɨɓʉ́rɛ́tɔ̀n v.
ɨkáláʝaránón v.
incited iƙúrúmós v.
infant ɗiaka n.
incitement ɓɛkam n.
infection (urinary) lɔríɗa n.
incitive ɓɛkánón v. inferno kómétsʼàɗa n.
inclined sémédedánón v. infertile ikólípánón v.; osorosánón v.
inclose íbʉbʉŋɛ́s v.; íbʉbʉŋɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. infertile (animal or person) ɲokólípa n.
include ɓuƙítésuƙota v. infertile person òsòròs n.
including nááƙwa n. infiltrate sáítòn v.
incorrectly kèɗè adv. infirmary ɗakɨtár n.
increase bɨtɛ́tɔ́n v.; bɨtɨtam n.; bɨtɨtɛtɛ́s infix otés v.
v.; ɨatɛs v.; ɨatímétòn v.; komítésuƙota
inflammatory ɓɛkánón v.
v.; tasaɓes v.
inflate ɨsɨkɛs v.; xuanón v.; xuxuanitetés
increase (size) zeites v.; zeitésuƙota v.
v.; xuxuanón v.
increased ɨatɔs v. inflated teɓúsúmòn v.
incubate tɔʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n v. inflexible ɓotsódòn v.; kɛtɛ́rɛ́mɔ̀n v.
indeed rò adv. influence ɲɛsʉpa n.; sʉ́bɛ̀s v.; sʉ́bɛsʉƙɔta
indefinitely pákà adv. v.
indent luɗés v. influence each other sʉ́bʉnɔ́s v.
indented luɗúmón v. influencer sʉ́bɛ̀sìàm n.

367
inform insufficient (make)

inform ɦyeitésúƙota v.; ɦyeitetés v. insect ƙʉtsʼa n.

informant tsítsa n. insect (cloth-eating) kurukur n.
information emuta n.; emútíka n. insect (wood-boring) lɔ́pírɨpír n.
infrequent búúbuanón v. insect species tsʼanán n.
infuse waatɛ́s v. insecticide ƙʉtsʼácɛ́mɛ́r n.
ingest béberetés v. insecure (of an area) tsakátsákánón v.
ingratiate rɔɲɛ́sá así v. insecurity ɲárém n.
insecurity (create) irémóòn v.
inhabit ínés v.; ínésuƙota v.
inseminate ɨtɛpɛs v.
inhabitant zɛƙɔ́ám n.
insensitive ɨlɛtílɛ́tɔ̀n v.; ɨlɛ́tʉ́ránón v.
inhalation sʉ̀pa n.
inseparable upánón v.
inhale sʉpɛ́tɔ́n v.
insert íbʉbʉŋɛ́s v.; íbʉbʉŋɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.;
inhale (food) ɗáɗítés v.; lakatiés v.; luku- iwoɗíwóɗés v.; otés v.; zɔ́bɛ̀s v.
tiés v.
inside aƙwa n.; áƙwɛ̂da n.
inherit imetsés v.
inside (a house) hoaƙwa n.
inheritor ɨrɨtsɛ́síàm n. insincere ɨtsárʉ́ánón v.
inhume búdès v.; muɗés v.; tʉnʉkɛs v. insolent dirídòn v.; ɲɔmɔránón v.
initiate tasápánitetés v. insomnia ɡòka n.
initiate (a dance) iwees v. insomnia (have) ɡòkòn v.
initiated tasapánón v. inspect ɡonés v.; ɨpíʝíkɛ́s v.; iséméés v.;
initiated (get) tasápétòn n. iséméetés v.
initiation ɲékipeyés n. inspect (here) ɡonetés v.
inject ilúkútsés v. inspect (there) ɡonésúƙota v.
injuredly wìl ideo.; wìlìwìl ideo. inspect entrails ɦyeitésá arííkàɛ v.
injury ɲárʉ́má n. install (a beehive) rɔ́ƙɛ́s v.
instantly wɛrɛƙɛs ideo.
ink ɲéwiinó n.
instead (of) àkìlɔ̀ prep.
inkpad ɲezeí n.
institute (educational) ɲésukúl n.
inn epúáwa n.; ɲólóʝa n.
instruct ɨtátámɛ́s v.; ɨtsɨkɛs v.; nɔɔsan-
inner ear bone bòsìɔ̀ka n. itetés v.
innocence ɨɓááŋàs n. instructor ɨtátámɛ́síàm n.; ŋímaalímùàm
innocent ɨɓááŋɔ̀n v. n.
inquire esetés v.; esetésúƙota v.; esetetés instrument (stringed) aɗúŋkú n.
v. insubordinate ɨsɛ́ƙɔ́ánón v.
inquiry esetés n. insubordination ɲɛ́sɛ́ƙɔ n.
insane talk lejétòda n. insufficient ɡàɗɔ̀n v.; ɨɗákɔ́n v.;
insanity leɡé n.; lejé n.; lejéèda n.; luƙáámòn v.; taɗatsánón v.
lejénánès n. insufficient (make) luƙáámitésúƙota v.

368
insult it

insult iyaŋes v.; risés v.; tatés v. intestine (large) bɔ̀ n.; ɲétenús n.
integrity eas n. intestine (small) arí n.
intelligence akílìka n.; nɔɔ́s n. intimidate ɨɔ́ɓɔ́rɛ́s v.; kitítésuƙota v.;
xɛɓɨtɛs v.; xɛɓɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
intelligence officer tsítsa n.
intoxicated ɛsánón v.
intelligent nɔɔsánón v.
intravenous drip ɲɛ́ɗʉrípa n.
intelligent person nɔɔsáàm n.
intrepid itítíŋòn v.
intend (to do) bɛ́ɗɛ́s v.; ɨwɔ́ŋɔ́n v.
introduce ɗoɗésúƙota v.
intend to do kʉ̀tɔ̀n v. inunct kwírɛ́s v.; tsáŋés v.
intense iɗíkón v. invade sáítòn v.
intensify iɗíkétòn v.; iɗikitetés v. invent iroketés v.
intentional iyótsóós v. inventor ɨɗɨmɛ́síàm n.
inter búdès v.; muɗés v.; tʉnʉkɛs v. invert ɨtsʉ́bʉ̀ɗɔ̀n v.; tuɗúlútés v.
intercede terés v. inverted ɨtsʉ́bʉ̀ɗʉ̀mɔ̀n v.; tuɗúlón v.
intercourse (sexual) epa n. investigate esetiés v.; ɨpíʝíkɛ́s v.; tɨrɨfɛs
v.; tɨrɨfɛtɛ́s v.; tirifiés v.; tɨrɨfírífɛ́s v.
interesting ɛ̀fɔ̀n v.
investigator tɨrɨfɛtɛ́síàm n.
interfere íbʉbʉŋɛ́s v.; íbʉbʉŋɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
investigator (government) tirifiesíáma
interior aƙwa n.; áƙwɛ̂da n. ɲápukání n.
interject ilúkútsés v. invisible kúbòn v.
interlace ɨlɔ́ƙɛ́rɛ́s v. invite óés v.
interlock ɨlɔ́ƙɛ́rɛ́s v. Ipomoea spathulata tʉkʉtʉkán n.
interpose ilúkútsés v. Ipomoea wightii kapʉrata n.
interpret ŋʉrɛtɛ́s v. irascible ɡúránòn v.; ɡúránós v.
interred tʉnʉkɔs v. iron disulfide ɲésiɓalitútu n.
interrogate esetiés v.; ɨnɨnɛ́s v. iron sheets kua ni ɲeryaŋí n.
interrupt iƙofes v.; itoɓes v. ironstone ŋaríám n.
irresponsible ɨkáláʝaránón v.
interrupt conversation itoɓítóɓésa
tódàe v. irrigate wetités v.; wetitésuƙota v.
interruptive rɛ́bɔ̀n v. irritate ɨtsanɛs v.
irritating fìfòn v.; ɨtsánánòn v.
interspace ilores v.
Islam Ŋísɨlám n.
intersperse iɗomes v.
isolate ɨlɔ́ɗíŋɛ́s v.; ɨpátsɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
interspersed iɗómíòn v. tɔlʉ́kɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
intertwine ɨmɔ́ʝírɛ́s v. isolate oneself ɨpátsɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.
intervals (do in) iɗomes v. issue pulutetés v.
interweave ɨlɔ́ƙɛ́rɛ́s v. issues mɛn n.
intestine nasoroɲ n. it ntsa pro.

369
it seems join

it seems íkwà adv.; ókò adv. jealous (make oneself) ɨrakɛsa así v.
it’s likely ntsúó tsʼɔɔ pro. jealousy ɨrákáánás n.
itch sʉ́ƙɔ́n v. jeer tɔʝɛmɛs v.
item kɔ́rɔ́ɓâda n. jelly-like milílón v.
items kúrúɓâda n. jenny ɗiɗeŋwa n.
its ntsa pro.; ntsɛ́n pro. jerk iɓwates v.; ɨlɨkílíkɛ́s v.; ipoles v.
jerk (react) tokúétòn v.; tokúréètòn v.
itself nébèda n.; ntsínêba n.
jerk out ipoletés v.
ivory òŋòrìkwàywa n.
jerk up ipoletés v.
jab ɡafarɛs v.; ɡɛfɛrɛs v.; ɨɓaɲɛs v.;
iƙumes v. jerky ŋátɔɔsa n.
jerrycan ɲɛ́ʝɨrɨkán n.
jab repeatedly ɡafariés v.
jerrycan (1-liter) túkuléta n.
jabber ilemílémòn v.
jerrycan (half) ɲéɓukuɓúka n.
jack ɗiɗecúrúka n.
Jesus Yésù n.
jackal isér n.
jet (plane) loɗúwa n.
jackal (golden) ɲekiliriŋ n.
Jew Ŋíyuɗáíàm n.
jacket ɲɛ́ʝákɛ̀ta n. jewelry (hair) ɲéméle n.
Jacob Yakóɓò n. Jie dialect Fetíícétôda n.
jagged ríbiribánón v. Jie person Fetíám n.
jail eɡésá hòòke v.; eɡésá ɲáʝálaáke v.; jigger túkútùka n.
eɡésá zíkɛ́sìkɛ v.; lɔʝála n.; ɲáʝála n.; jiggily lòko ideo.
zíkɛ́s v.; zíkɛ́sìàwa n.; zíkɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
jiggle iɓokes v.; ɨlɨkílíkɛ́s v.; ɨyɔŋíyɔ́ŋɛ́s
jailed zíkɔ́s v. v.
jam ɨɗɨlɛs v.; ɨɗɔ́tsɔ́n v.; rʉtsɛ́s v.; jiggly lokódòn v.
rʉtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. jinx ipeɗes v.; sʉɓɛ́s v.
jam into ipúkútsésuƙota v. jinxed ɨɲʉ́ɲʉ́ánón v.
James Yakóɓò n. jinxer ìpèɗààm n.
James (biblical) Yakóɓò n. jittery rukurúkón v.; tsʉɗʉtsʉɗɔ́s v.
jammed together lolotánón v. job ɲákási n.; ɲetitsa n.; terêɡa n.
January Kùpòn n.; Lomuka n. jobless ɨlwárɔ́na teréɡù v.
jar kurétón v. jog isipísípòn v.; ɨsɔƙísɔ́ƙɔ̀n v.;
jaundice ɲaŋáánètòn v. ɨsʉmʉ́sʉ́mɔ̀n v.
jaundice (of eyes) xídɔna ekwitíní v. John Yoánà n.
John (biblical) Yoánà n.
jaw ƙálítsʼa n.
join ɗɛsɛ́mɔ́n v.; ɗɔtsɛ́s v.; ɗɔtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta
jawbone ƙálítsʼìɔ̀ka n.
v.; ɗɔtsɛtɛ́s v.; ɲimanites v.; ramɛtɛ́s
jawbone corner ƙaƙúŋ n. v.; tɔŋɛtɛs v.; toropes v.; tɔrʉtsɛs v.;
jealous ɨrákáánón v. xɔ́bɛtɛ́sá así v.

370
join end-to-end keep an eye on

join end-to-end ƙídzɨtɛtɛ́s v. jumbled up ɨmɔrímɔ́rɔ́s v.

join in ɓuƙonuƙota v. jumbled up (become) lɔŋɔanónuƙota v.
join together ɗɔtsánónuƙota v. jump íbòtòn v.; iɗótón v.
join up imánónuƙota v.; tɔŋɛ́tɔ́nʉƙɔta v.; jump (attack) tonyámónuƙota v.
zɔ́tɛ́tɔ̀n v. jump (make) íbotitésúƙota v.; íbotitetés
joined ɗɔtsɔ́s v. v.
joined together ɗɔtsánón v.; kumuts- jump (startle) tsídzitetés v.
ánón v. jump down apííròn v.; ipííròn v.
joint ɲékel n.; ɲimanitésíàwa n. jump excitedly ɗamɨɗámɔ́n v.
joint (costovertebral) ŋábèrìkàdɛ̀ n. jump off apííròn v.; ipííròn v.
joke céŋ n. jump rope íɡoriesá simáe v.
joke around ceŋánón v. jump to it apííròn v.; ipííròn v.
joker céŋáàm n. jump up ɨɗɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v.; ɨɗɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v.
jumping out ɨɗɛ́ɔ́n v.
jokester céŋáàm n.
jumping up ɨɗɛ́ɔ́n v.
joking céŋ n.
jumpy rukurúkón v.; tsʉɗʉtsʉɗɔ́s v.
jolt kurétón v.
junction bézèkètìkìn n.
jounce íbotitésúƙota v.; íbotitetés v.
June Nàmàƙàr n.; Yɛlíyɛ́l n.
journey ɲásápari n.
jungle lolítsa n.
jowl bòkìbòka n.
jury member kárátsìkààm n.
joyful eaŋanes v. just ʝá adv.; ɲáka adv.; tsàm adv.
Jude (biblical) Yúdà n. just there néda ne dem.; néíta ne dem.
judge ŋʉrɛ́s v.; ŋʉrɛtɛ́s v.; ŋʉrɛtɛsíàm Justicia species ʉrʉ́sáya n.
n.; ŋurutiés v.; ŋurutiesíàm n.;
jut rúɡètsa n.
ŋurutiesúƙota v.
Kaabong Road Kaaɓɔ́ŋɨmucé n.
judge (pardoning) óɡoesíám n.
Kaabong town Kaaɓɔ́ŋ n.
judged ŋurutiós v.
Kaakuma town Káákuma n.
judging elder bɨlamʉ́síàm n.
kabob rɔam n.
jug ɲéʝá n.
kaboom! pààɗòko ideo.
jug (wooden) ɲɛkʉlʉmɛ n. kalah (game) ɲékilelés n.
juice ɲéʝúùs n. Kamion Kámíón n.
juicily kwìtsʼⁱ ideo. Kamion Road Kámíónomucé n.
juicy kwitsʼídòn v. Kathile town Kàsìlè n.
juicy (of meat) dulátsʼámòn v. keeled toŋórómòn v.; toróŋómòn v.
July Ilíŋéètsʼa v.; Lomoɗokoɡéc n. keen (of eyesight) tsɔ́tsɔ́n v.
jumble up ɨmɔrímɔ́rɛ́s v. keep ɡirés v.; ɨrɨtsɛ́s v.
jumbled lɔŋɔanón v. keep an eye on ɨfátɛ́sʉƙɔta v.

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keep aside kite (black)

keep aside óɡoɗés v.; óɡoɗésúƙota v.; kids wika n.

oƙésúƙota v. Kigelia africana sosóbòs n.
keep away tatsáɗésuƙota v. kill (many) sáɓés v.
keep back itúmésuƙota v.; tatsáɗésuƙota kill (singly) cɛɛ́s v.; cɛɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
v. kill each other sáɓúmós v.
keep calling óísiés v. kill for ipéyéés v.; topues v.
keep company itúmétòn v. kill for (make) ipéyéitésúƙota v.
keep going pórón v. kill more than one (make) sáɓítetés v.
keep on itemes v.; itemetés v.; taɗáŋón kill off ɨɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
v.
kill serially ɨkɛɲíkɛ́ɲɛ́s v.
keep one’s mouth shut iɓótóŋésá akáe v.
kill time ipásóòn v.
keep the beat ɨrɛɛsa dikwáe v.
killed (pay to have) ɨlʉŋʉ́lʉ́ŋɛ́s v.
keep the law ɡirésá ìtsìkàɛ v.
killer sèààm n.
keep thoughts secret ɡirésá mɛnáɛ v.
killer (of many) sáɓésìàm n.
keep to oneself ɡirésá así v.
killer (serial) ɨkɛɲíkɛ́ɲɛ́síàm n.
keep waiting ɨlarɨtɛtɛ́s v.; ɨlwarɨtɛtɛ́s v. killer (singly) cɛɛsíám n.
keeper ɨrɨtsɛ́síàm n. killing one-by-one kɛ̀ɲ ideo.
keloid ɲépóros n. kiln ɲéripipí n.
Kenya Kéɲà n. kin ɦyeímós v.; ɦyeínós v.
kernel eɗeda n.; kernel ekweda n. kind batánón v.; bònìta n.; maráŋón v.;
kernels (hollowed) dololoƙa n.; ɲákaɓɨlá n.
dololotsʼa n. kind person maráŋónìàm n.
kerosene ceím n. kindle ɡamés v.
kerplunk! rìtⁱ ideo. kindle a fire ɡamésá tsʼaɗí v.
key ɲófuŋƙúwo n. kindling ɡamam n.; lúulú n.
khat ɲémurúŋ́ɡù n. kindling (small) ɗɛ̀rɛ̀tsa n.
khat-chewer ɲémurúŋ́ɡùàm n. king ɲéríósita n.
kick tɛtsɛ́s v. kingfisher kílootór n.
kick hides tɛtsɛ́sá jéjèìkàe v. kinship by birth ɦyeínósá na ƙɔ́ɓàɛ v.
kick off (a dance) iwees v. kinship by blood ɦyeínósá na séàe v.
kick off (new year) itówéés n. kiosk ɗʉkán n.; ɲáɗʉkán n.
kick repeatedly tetsítétsiés v. kiss tsʼʉnɛ́s v.
kid (child) im n. kiss each other tsʼʉ́nʉ́nɔ́s v.
kid (goat) riéím n. kitchen itiŋésíàwa n.; ɲéʝiɡón n.
kidnap ɨɛpɛtɛ́s v. kitchen (camp) ŋƙáƙáhò n.
kidney ɲaŋalúr n. kite (black) ʝolíl n.

372
Kleinia species lake

Kleinia species kìmɔ̀ɗɔ̀rɔ̀tsa n.; knowledge nɔɔ́s n.

loɓóŋiɓóŋ n. knowledgeable nɔɔsánón v.
kleptomania kɔrɔ́kíkànànès n. known ɦyoós v.
kleptomaniac kɔrɔ́kíkààm n. kob máyá n.
klipspringer tʉ́s n. kob grass máyákù n.
klipspringer rat tʉ́síɗèr n. kraal ɓór n.
klop klop kùr ideo. kudu (female greater) kòtòba n.
knap pɛsɛlɛs v.; wɛtsʼɛ́s v.; wɛtsʼɛtɛ́s v. kudu (greater) akín n.
knap repeatedly ɨwɛtsʼíwɛ́tsʼɛ́s v. kudu (lesser) àbɛ̀ta n.
knead dʉbɛ́s v.; ɨɗaŋíɗáŋɛ́s v. kudu (male greater) anás n.
knee kútúŋ n. Kuliak people Ŋkúláka n.
knee (posterior) ƙór n. label ɨmátsárɛ́s v.
kneecap bùrùkùtsa n. labia (vulval) kwàìn n.
kneel kutúŋétòn v. labor (be in) koríón v.
kneeling kutúŋón v. labor (difficult) ƙwaata ná ɡààn n.
a a
knife ɗàw n.; rutésúƙot v. laboriously ziál ideo.
a
knife (wrist) ɲáɓaarát n. labret ɡwaláta n.
knitting needle ɲɛ́sɨlɨɓá n. labret combo ɲétépes n.
knobby lɛrɛ́kɛ́mɔ̀n v. Labwor Teɓur n.
knock íbaɗɛ́s v.; ɨɲatɛs v.; tanaŋes v. Labworian Ŋítéɓuríám n.
a
knock around tanaŋínáŋesuƙot v. lack bɨrɔ́ɔ́nìmɛ̀n n.; ɨɗakɛ́s v.
knock back ɨɓatɛs v. lacking bɨrɔ́ɔ́n v.; ɡàɗɔ̀n v.; ɨɗákɔ́n v.;
knock back repeatedly ɨɓatíɓátɛ́s v. luƙáámòn v.; taɗatsánón v.
knock down íbatɛ́s v.; íbatɛtɛ́s v.; ɨpʉtɛs lacking (make) luƙáámitésúƙota v.
v. lackluster ʝɔ̀lɔ̀n v.
knock down repeatedly íbatiés v. ladder ɲáláɗa n.
knock off ɨpʉtɛs v. ladle ƙɔ́r n.
knock on ɨɗɔŋíɗɔ́ŋɛ́s v.; ikoŋíkóŋés v. ladle (broken) tebeleƙes n.
knock over íbatɛ́s v.; íbatɛtɛ́s v. lag isíɗéètòn v.; isíɗóòn v.
knock over repeatedly íbatiés v. Lagenaria species lomuƙe n.; lɔ́pʉ́l n.
knock repeatedly íbaɗiés v.; ɨɲatiés v. Lagenaria sphaerica óbiʝoetsʼa n.
knot simááƙáta n. laid flat fatsámánòn v.
a a
knot (in wood) ɡɔ̀ɓ n.; ɔ́ʝ n. laid to rest tʉnʉkɔs v.
know enés v.; ɦyeés v.; íyeés v. lair aka n.
know (come to) ɦyeésúƙota v. lake ɲánam n.

373
lamb lay waste to

lamb ɗóɗòìm n. last (one) ɗa ʝírì pro.

lame ŋwàxɔ̀n v. last (unit of time) bàtse adv.
lame person ŋwàxɔ̀nìàm n. last born (being the) eŋúnúnànès n.
lameness ŋwaxás n. last person ʝìrìàm n.
lament itseniés v.; ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀n v. last to show up irúpéètòn v.; irúpóòn v.
lamp (oil) ɲɔ́tɔɗɔpá n. last year kaɨnɔ sɨn n.; nótso kaɨnɔ sɨn n.;
land kíʝa n.; toɗóón v.; zɛƙwɛ́tɔ́n v. sakɛɨn n.
land deed ʝʉmʉ́kábaɗa n. lastborn eŋún n.; ʝìrìàm n.
land title ʝʉmʉ́kábaɗa n. late (dead) tás n.
land transformation beniitesa kíʝáe n. later ʝìrʉ̀ n.
landowner áméda kíʝá n. e latest person ʝìrìàm n.
a
landslide bɔ̀rɔ̀ts n.; dìdìàk n. a latrine etsʼíhò n.; ɲótsorón n.
language naƙaf n.; tôda n. laud tamɛɛs v.
language (European) Ɓetsʼoniicétôda n.; laugh fèkòn v.
Ŋímusukúìtòda n. laugh (make) fekitetés v.
language (foreign) ɦyɔɛn n.; ɦyɔ̀tòda n. laugh a lot fekifekos v.
lanky sawátsámòn v.; sʉrʉsʉ́rɔ́n v. laugh uproariously ɗɛtɛ́ɗɛ́tánón v.
a
Lannea schimperi ekoɗit n.; meleke n. launch ɨɗɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v.; itówéés n.
Lantana trifolia tíkòŋ n. law ɨtsɨkɛs n.
lantern ɲátaayá n. law of God ɨtsɨkɛsa Ɲákuʝí v.
lap up ɨʝaƙíʝáƙɛ́s v. lawbreaker tɛ́ŋɛ́rìàm n.
lappet ɲɛ́tɛ́lɨtɛl n. lawbreaking tɛ́ŋɛ́r n.
larceny dzú n. lawful order ŋíkísila n.; ɲɛkɨsɨl n.
large zòòn v. laws (local) ɨtsɨkɛsíícíká kíʝáe v.
large (of many) zeikaakón v. laws of the land ɨtsɨkɛsíícíká kíʝáe v.
large numbers (in) ɓʉlɛs ideo. lay (eggs) ɨɓɛ́ɓɛ́ɛsʉƙɔta v.
large tin can ɲákaɓurúr n. lay down epítésuƙota v.
largeness zeís n. lay flat epitésúƙòtà ɗèɲ v.
a
larva (bee) sîd n. lay it out (issues) tɔlɔɛsa mɛnáɛ v.
larva (tiger beetle) sikusába n. lay loosely laʝetés v.
a
larynx ɡɔ̀k n. lay out ɨpɛ́pɛ́tɛ́s v.; tɔlɔɛs v.
lash iɓúŋéés v.; ɨɗɨtsɛs v. lay over ɨlɔ́ɡɔtsɛ́s v.
last topíánètòn v. lay prostrate bukites v.
last (be the very) ɨtsʼíɗɛ́ɛ̀tɔ̀n v. lay to rest búdès v.; muɗés v.; tʉnʉkɛs v.
last (be the) mɨtɔna ɗíɛ́ ʝìrì v. lay waste to ɨsílíánɨtɛtɛ́s v.

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laying of eggs leg

laying of eggs ƙwaata ɓíɓàe n. leather clothing ínóƙwàz n.

lazy ɨtátsámánón v.; karámóòn v.; leather leggings ŋapokóya n.
wéésánón v. leather mat jèjè n.
lazy eye (have a) pɨlírímɔ̀n v. leather shawl xɔŋɔŋ n.
LCI ámázeáma na kɔ́nɔ̀nì n.; arasí n. leather shoe ŋáɓʉʉrá n.
lead torikes v. leather strap ƙíwa n.
lead astray hakítésuƙota v.; itwáŋítésúƙota leather strips ŋamɔ́lɔ́l n.
v. leather tassel ƙíítínísɔ̀ka n.
lead away toríkésuƙota v. leatherily tùɗa ideo.
lead group prayers taƙates v. leathery tuɗádòn v.
lead off toríkésuƙota v. leave óɡoés v.
lead slowly ɨɛmɛs v. leave (go) ƙòòn v.
lead this way toriketés v. leave a mess ntsʼáƙóna sèrèìke v.
leader tòrìkààm n.; torikesíám n. leave aside ɨnápɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
leaders roɓazeika n. leave behind ilaŋés v.
leadership (of many) roɓazeikánánès n. leave early ɡáƙón v.
leaf kaka n. leave gaps in ɨkálámɛ́s v.
leaflike katálámòn v. leave home xàtsɔ̀n v.
leak ɨpɨnípínɔ̀n v.; tɔ̀wɔ̀n v. leave in a huff ɡwaítón v.; íɡwìʝìrɔ̀n v.
leave in the open ilététaitetés v.
lean liƙés v.
leave one’s memory hakonuƙota v.
lean against ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́s v.; ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
tonokes v. leave open iŋáɓólés v.
lean on ɨƙɔŋɛs v.; tébinés v. leave to iʝokes v.; iʝókésuƙota v.
lean over íboɗolés v. leaven sîba n.
leaves (dry) ódzàkàka n.
leaned against ɨƙɔ́ŋítɔ́s v.
leaves (Hibiscus cannabinus) ɔ́bɛ̀ràkàka
leaned on ɨƙɔ́ŋítɔ́s v.
n.
leap íbòtòn v.; iɗótón v.; íɡɔ̀rɔ̀bɔ̀n v.
leech kɔ́ɛ́s v.
leap into action ipííròn v. left óɡoós v.
leapfrog íɡoriés v. left alone ɗòwòn v.
learn ɦyeésúƙota v.; nɔɔsánétòn v. left hand betsínákwɛ̀ta n.
lease ipáŋƙeés v. left in the open ilététòòn v.
leash rɔɓa n. left rib betsínáŋabér n.
leather jèjè n. left-handed betsínón n.
leather (cow) ɦyɔjejé n. leftover ʝɛʝɛ́tɔ́n v.; ʝírɛ̂da n.; óɡoɗesam n.
leather brassiere ɲákɨláƙa n. leftovers ʝírín n.; ɲomokoʝo n.
leather cloak xɔŋɔŋ n. leg dɛ n.; dɛɛda n.

375
leg (of furniture) lie face-up

leg (of furniture) sɔka n. let slide ɨsɔɛs v.; ɨsɔɛtɛ́s v.

leg-meat taboo dɛ n. let slip ɨsɔɛs v.; ɨsɔɛtɛ́s v.
leggings (leather) ŋapokóya n. letter béɗíbeɗú n.; bóɗíboɗú n.;
leggy tsáƙólómòn v.; tsɔ́ɡɔ̀rɔ̀mòn v. ɲáɓáruwa n.
legible isómáìmètòn v. letter (alphabetical) ɲéɡutá n.; ɲéɲuɡutá
n.
legion miƙídòn v.
level ɗàsòn v.; ɨpáɗáɲɔ̀n v.; lopem n.;
leisure ɲɛ́tɛmá n. ɲaɗés v.; ɲolókér n.; towutses v.
leisure (be at) ɨtɛ́mɔ́ɔ̀n v. level (of an area) kalápátánón v.
leisurely wɛ̀wɛ̀ɛ̀s ideo. level (roads) séɓés v.
lemon ɲámucúŋ́ƙà n. level (school) hò n.
length zikíbàs n. level out kalápátánitetés v.; ɲaɗésúƙota
lengthen zikíbètòn v.; zikíbitésúƙota v.; v.
zikíbonuƙota v. level out (an area) kalápátánónuƙota v.
lengthy zikíbòn v. level repeatedly ɲaɗiés v.
lengthy (of many) zikíbaakón v. levy ɲéutsúr n.
lentils ɲɔ́ɓɔɔ́ n. lexicon ɲéɗíkìxònàrì n.
Leonotis species ɲétúlerú n. liaise terés v.
leopard ɡʉɓɛ́r n. liar yʉɛ́ám n.
leopard (male) nʉs n. liar (be a) yʉanón v.
less bɨráʉ́tɔ̀n v. liberal waŋádòn v.
less than ɨlɔɛs v. liberate hoɗés v.; hoɗésúƙota v.; hoɗetés
v.
less-than-full kíón v.
lice tsʼan n.
lest náa táà subordconn.
lice egg(s) ɨnaka n.
let óɡoés v.; óɡoós v.
lick kánɛ́s v.
let down iyolíyólés v.
lick (of flames) ɨnɛpínɛ́pɔ̀n v.
let down (milk) cɛ̀rɔ̀n v. lick clean tɨmɨɗɛs v.
let go talakes v. lick up tɨmɨɗɛs v.
let go of taʝales v.; taʝálésuƙota v.; lid (flat) ɲápár n.
taʝaletés v.
lie isuɗam n.; isuɗesa mɛnáɛ v.; itoŋetésá
let know ɦyeitésúƙota v.; ɦyeitetés v. tódàe v.; yʉanitetés v.; yʉanón v.; yʉɛ
let loose itsues v.; itsuetés v. n.
let not eʝá adv. lie (legs straight) ɨtɛ́ɛ́lɔ̀n v.
let oneself be known ɗóɗítetésá así v. lie around flat fatsifatsos v.
let out itsues v.; itsuetés v. lie down eponuƙota v.; itsólóŋòn v.
let out (secret) kwɛtsʼɛ́mɔ́n v.; kwɛtsʼɛ́s lie down prostrate bukonuƙota v.
v. lie face-up fátsón v.

376
lie in wait for listener

lie in wait for ɨɗaarɛ́s v. like (to do) ɨtáŋátɔ̀n v.

lie on the back fátsón v.; ɨɗɛ́ɗɔ́ɔ̀n v. like each other tsámʉ́nɔ́s v.
lie on the side epona ŋabéro v. like thatǃ ńtí interj.; ńtíà ʝà adv.; ńtía ʝɨkî
lie prostrate bùkòn v.; bukukánón v. adv.
like this ƙámónà tsʼɛ̀ɛ̀n v.
life ɦyekes n.
like this! ńtí adv.
life (daily) zɛƙwa n.
liken ƙámítetés v.
lift ɓuƙés v.
likewise tsʼɛ̀tà kɔ̀nà n.
lift (make) ɨkɛ́ítɛtɛ́s v.
lily (fire) bʉlʉbʉláta n.
lift (steal) ɨtíɗíɗɛ́s v.
limb (of a tree) dakúkwɛ́ta n.
lift carefully takiés v. limber ɡwidídòn v.; tsutsukes v.
lift off ɓuƙetés v. limberly ɡwìdⁱ ideo.
lift together ilélébés v. limbless ŋʉɗʉ́sʉ́mɔ̀n v.
lift up ɨkɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨkɛɛtɛ́s v. limit cíkóroya n.; ɨrɨɗɛs v.; ɨrɨɗɛtɛ́s v.
lifted ikeimétòn v. limited ɨrɨɗɔs v.
lifted up ɨkɔɔtɔ́s v. limp itsóɗón v.
ligament kon n. line ɲálaín n.; ɲériŋƙís n.
ligament (iliolumbar) ɛkɛwa n. line (furrow) ɲɛ́pɛ́lʉ n.
light aeitetés v. line (level) ɲolókér n.
light (fire) ɡamés v.; tɔƙɛrɛtɛ́s v. line (raised) zeketa n.
light in color bɛɗɛ́dɔ̀n v.; ɓètsʼòn v. linger ɓaɓaránón v.; tɔʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n v.
link tɔŋɛtɛs v.; toropes v.; tɔrʉtsɛs v.
light (in color, of many) ɓetsʼaakón v.
link up tɔŋɛ́tɔ́nʉƙɔta v.; zɔ́tɛ́tɔ̀n v.
light (slightly) ɓètsʼìɓètsʼòn v.
linked zɔ́tɔ́n v.
light a fire ɡamésá tsʼaɗí v.
lion máwa n.
light up aeétón v.; iléúrés v.; inwakes v.
lip akákwáywa n.
lightbeam bás n.; sʉ́wa n.
lip herpes ɲótótsa n.
lightheaded imáúròn v. lip plug ɡwaláta n.
lightheadedness taítayó n. lip plug (combo) ɲétépes n.
lightly (in color) bɛ̀ɗɛ ideo. liquid cuanón v.; cue n.; tsɔlílɔ́n v.
lightning ɨmɛ́ɗɔ́nà dìdìì n. liquid (become) cuanónuƙota v.
lightweight fɔkɔ́dɔ̀n v.; ɔfɔ́dɔ̀n v.; olódòn liquify cuanónuƙota v.
v. liquor kombóta n.; tule n.
lightweightly fɔ̀kɔ ideo. list ɗɔtsɛtɛ́s v.
like ɗítá prep.; ƙámón v.; tsamɛ́s v. list of names éditíníkabáɗa n.
like (a lot) ɡaanón v. listen nesíbes v.
like (it is) naítá subordconn. listener nesíbesíám n.

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lit look at

lit àèòn v. local áméda kíʝáe n.

literacy nɔɔ́s n. Local Councillor I ámázeáma na kɔ́nɔ̀nì
literate nɔɔsánón v. n.; arasí n.
locality ɲɛ́tɛɛr n.
lithe ɡwidídòn v.
location aya n.; ɡwarí n.; kíʝa n.; xán n.
lithely ɡwìdⁱ ideo.
lock iɓótóŋés v.; iwetés v.; ɲékifúl n.
litter ƙʉ́ƙín n.
lock up eɡésá hòòke v.; eɡésá zíkɛ́sìkɛ v.
little (become) kwátsónuƙota v.
lock up (imprison) zíkɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
little (of many) kwátsíkaakón v.
locked up (imprisoned) zíkɔ́s v.
little in amount ƙwàɗòn v. lockjaw ɲeɗekea na ɨtɛnítʉ́ƙɔta ámáka n.
little in size kwátsón v. locust ɡirú n.
little in volume tilótsʼómòn v. locust (milkweed) ɓɔlɔrɔtsa n.
live ɦyekes v.; zɛ̀ƙwɔ̀n v. lodge epúáwa n.; ɲólóʝa n.
live in ínés v. Lodwar town Lóɗwàr n.
live long ikoŋíkóŋòn v. log ƙúl n.
live on ʝɛ̀ʝɔ̀n v. log (door-barring) naƙólíta n.
live solitarily iɓóótánón v. loincloth fɔ́ɗa n.
live through pʉ̀rɔ̀n v. loincloth (beaded) lèta n.; tìlàlèta n.
live together ínínós v. loincloth (tâb-shrub) tábòlèta n.
loincloth (women’s) ɲákáɗeŋo n.
livelihood ɦyekes n.
loiter ɓaɓaránón v.
lively tsuwoós v.
Lokichokio town Lokicókio n.
liver sakám n.
lonely tisílón v.
liver disease ɲeɗekea sakámáe n.
lonesome tisílón v.
livestock ŋíɓarɛn n. long ítánòn v.; zikíbòn v.
livestock pen ɓór n. long (of many) zikíbaakón v.
living ɦyekes n. long ago kaíníkò nùko n.; kɔ̀wɛ̀ nòko
lizard pɔ̀pɔ̀s n. v.; nòko adv.; ódowicíká kì nùù kì n.;
lizard (Nile monitor) náɡanâɡa n. ódowicíkó nùku n.
long for ítánésuƙota v.; wíránés v.
lizard sp. lúulú n.
long since kwààkè nòko n.
load bota n.
long-legged tsáƙólómòn v.; tsɔ́ɡɔ̀rɔ̀mòn
load a load ɓuƙésá botáe v. v.
loaded down ɨʉ́ƙɔ́n v. long-necked loƙózòmòn v.
loader ŋiɓóóìàm n. longer (become) zikíbonuƙota v.
loafer ɲakárámɨta n. look around tɨrɨfírífɛ́s v.
loan kál n. look around cautiously imwáŋón v.
loathe tʉlʉŋɛs v. look at ɡonés v.

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look at (here) low (of many)

look at (here) ɡonetés v. lose (drop) tuɓutes v.; tuɓútésuƙota v.

look at (there) ɡonésúƙota v. lose (sth. valuable) iɲekes v.; iɲékésu-
look at each other ɡónímós v. ƙota v.
look down turúnétòn v.; turúnón v. lose interest bɔrɛ́tɔ́n v.; kitsonuƙota v.
look for bɛ́ɗɛ́s v.; bɛɗɛtɛ́s v.; ɨkʉʝɛs v. lose one’s mind itwáŋón v.
look like topútétòn v. lose red-brown color teɓúránétòn v.
look out tɔtsɔ́ɔ́n v. lose the way hakonuƙota v.; itwáŋón v.
look over iséméés v.; iséméetés v. losing teeth tolótólánón v.
looking great naƙwídɔ̀n v. loss (take a) totóánonuƙota v.
looking very good nàƙwɨ ideo. lost buanón v.; ɡóózosuƙota v.;
a
totóánonuƙot v.
lookout dìywa n.
lost (get) buanónuƙota v.; itwáŋón v.;
loop ɨnɔɛs v. totóánonuƙota v.
loop around ɨnɔɛtɛ́s v. lot muce n.; ɲaɓááta n.
loose ɓàŋɔ̀n v.; dolódòn v.; ɨɓámɔ́n v.; lots kom n.
lokilókón v.; lokódòn v.; nalóʝón v.;
roiróón v. loud bɔrɔ́ɔ́n v.; ilélémùòn v.
loud person nɔ̀sààm n.
loose (of stool) dulúmón v.; erúxón v.
lounge iríƙímánón v.
loose (sexually) ɨmáláánón v.
louse tsʼan n.
loosely dòl ideo.; hàʝa ideo.; làʝa ideo.;
lòko ideo. lousiness pásìnànès n.
loosely tied haʝádòn v. lousy pás n.
loosely tied down laʝádòn v.; yaŋádòn love mínɛ́s v.
v. love (make) èpòn v.
loosen hoɗómón v.; ɨlaʝíláʝɛ́s v.; iloílóés love child ŋabɔ́bòìm n.
v.; ɨnɔɨnɔɛ́s v. love each other mínínɔ́s v.
loosen (soil) iwúlákés v. love of neighbors mínínɔ́sá na áwìkàe v.
looseness ɓaŋás n. love that is feigned mínínɔ́sá na ɨɓám v.
loot taɓales v. loveliness daás n.
lop isésélés v. lovely dòòn v.
lop off (branches) iteɗes v. lovely (make) daites v.
lope isipísípòn v.; ɨsɔƙísɔ́ƙɔ̀n v.; lover epúám n.; mínɛ́sìàm n.;
ɨsʉmʉ́sʉ́mɔ̀n v. mínínɔ́síàm n.
lord ámáze n.; ámázeám n. lover of sleep epúám n.
Lord’s Prayer Ɲakuʝíwáán n. low kúɗón v.; ŋʉɗʉ́sʉ́mɔ̀n v.;
lorry lóórì n.; ɲolórì n. ŋʉsʉ́lʉ́mɔ̀n v.
lose buanítésuƙota v.; ɡóózesuƙota v.; low (of cows) erutánón v.
iloimétòn v.; rúmánòn v. low (of many) kúɗaakón v.

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lower make a racket

lower ɓuƙetés v.; iyolíyólés v. mad person lejéàm n.

lower oneself iyééseetésá así v. made ɨɗɨmɔ́s v.; ɨɗɨmɔtɔ́s v.
lowland ɡíɡìr n. madness leɡé n.; lejé n.; lejéèda n.;
lowland living dziŋánànès n. ŋkérépa n.
lowness kuɗás n. Maerua angolensis lóɗíwé n.
lubricant ceím n. Maerua pseudopetalosa ɡomóí n.
lubricate ŋiites v.; ŋiitésúƙota v. Maerua triphylla iroroya n.
Lucifer Siitán n. magazine (of a gun) ɲókópo n.
magnanimity daás n.
luck muce n.; ɲaɓááta n.
magnanimous dòòn v.
luck (average) mucea na ɓárɨɓár n.
magnanimous person dòònìàm n.
luck (awful) mucea na ináƙúós n.
maiden ɲàràm n.
luck (bad) mucea ná ʝɔ̀l n.
maidens ɲèr n.
luck (good) mucea na títìàn n.; ɲaréréŋ
n. maintain ɨsáɓísɨŋɛɛ́s v.
lucky tírɨríŋɔ́n v. maintain poorly ɨsɔ́ɓɔ́lɛ́s v.
Ludo (game) ɲélúɗo n. maize màlòr n.; màlòrìèɗa n.; ɲaɓʉra n.
Luganda Ŋímúɡanɗáétòda n. maize (unripe) íɡùm n.; káruɓú n.;
ɲaŋárʉ́tɛ̀ n.
luggage botitín n.
maize cob ɲaɓʉraídàkwa n.
Luke Lúkà n.
maize deformity ŋƙwa n.; tsɔ́rákwɛ̀ta n.
Luke (biblical) Lúkà n.
maize kernels (milky) îdwa n.
lukewarm muʝálámòn v.
maize kernels (tough) lúɡùm n.
lunar eclipse badona aráɡwaní n.
maize variety áɡɨrɨkácà n.; aráɡwànà
lung ɡàfìɡàf n. kɔ̀n n.; ɲóɗòmòŋòlè n.
lurch ɡakímón v.; nɛ́rɨnɛ́rɔ́n v. maize variety (black and white)
lurch (of heart) mulúráŋòn v. lɔkíríɗɨɗí n.
lure ɨmɔɗɛtɛ́s v.; ɨsʉ́ŋʉ́rɛ́s v. maize variety (multicolored) katólìkà n.
lure (bees) sɨsɨɓɛs v. maize variety (white) katʉmán n.;
luxate ƙwɨʝɛ́s v. nakatʉmán n.
luxated ƙwɨʝímɔ́n v. make bɛrɛ́s v.; ɨɗɨmɛ́s v.; ɨɗɨmɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.;
ɨɗɨmɛtɛ́s v.; itues v.; ituetés v.; tɔsʉɓɛs
Lycopersicon esculentum ɲɛ́ɲaaɲá n. v.
lying down èpòn v. make a sh-sh sound wɔxɔ́dɔ̀n v.
lymph node ƙùtsʼàtsʼa n. make a hole in iɓólóɲés v.; itoɓes v.
machete ɲápaŋká n. make a mistake hakonuƙota v.; tɔsɛ́sɔ́n
machine ɲámasín n. v.
machine gun (belt-fed) zɔ̀tɛ̀ɛ̀ba n. make a racket nɔsátón v.

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make a way through manyatta

make a way through utés v.; utésúƙota malleable lumúdòn v.

v. malleably lùm ideo.
make blocks iwésá ɲéɓulókìkàe v. malnourished child dódòka n.
make bricks iwésá ɲéɓulókìkàe v. malt ìkɔ̀ŋ n.
make excellently iyomes v. mamba míɔ̀ka n.
make fun of tɔʝɛmɛs v. man eakwa n.
make hole in pulés v. man (old) ʝákám n.
make holes in repeatedly itoɓítóɓés v. man (young) ŋímɔ́kɔkáám n.;
make ill ɨnʉɛs v. ŋísɔ́rɔkɔ́ám n.
make into one kɔnítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. manage ɨrɨtsɛ́s v.; totseres v.
make into porridge iúʝietés v. manage each other totsérímós v.
make like iretes v. manageable ɔfɔ́dɔ̀n v.; olódòn v.
make money itsúrútseés v. manager ɨrɨtsɛ́síàm n.
mancala (game) ɲékilelés n.
make noise arútón v.; fútón v.
mandible ƙálítsʼa n.
make oneself look good daitetésá así v.
mandibular angle ƙaƙúŋ n.
make peace apápánɛ̀ɛ̀tɔ̀n v.; apápánɔ̀ɔ̀n
v. mandibular bone ƙálítsʼìɔ̀ka n.
make plans ipáŋƙeés v. mane sìɡìrìɡìr n.
make poorly ɨtáƙálɛ́s v. maneuver (manually) ƙɔxɛ́s v.
mange ɲɛ́kʉ́rara n.
make roadblock teɡelesa ɲerukuɗeé v.
manger itúɓa n.
make to collect firewood waitésuƙota
dakwí v. Mangifera indica ɲɛ́mɨɛ́ḿɓɛ̀ n.
make trouble for ɨtsánítɛtɛ́s v. mangle ɨɛmíɛ́mɛ́s v.
make up (invent) iroketés v. mango ɲɛ́mɨɛ́ḿɓɛ̀ n.
make up (lies) isuɗes v.; isuɗetés v. manhood eakwánánès n.
Manihot species ɲómoŋɡó n.
make use of eréɡes v.
manioc ɲómoŋɡó n.
maker ɨɗɨmɛtɛ́síàm n.; tɔsʉɓɛtɛ́síàm n.
manipulate (manually) ƙɔxɛ́s v.
maladroit hádaadánón v.
manliness eakwánánès n.
malady màywa n.
manmade ɨɗɨmɔtɔ́sá ròɓo v.
malar akáƙúm n.
manner ɲɛpɨtɛ n.
malaria suɡur n.
manure ɦyɔ̀ètsʼa n.; ŋɔta n.
male cúrúka n.
many kom n.; kòm quant.; kòmòn v.;
male animal cikwa n. tʉ̀mɛ̀ɛ̀ n.
malediction ìlàm n. many (become) ítónà dìdìke v.;
malicious person ɲɛ́kɨsɨránìàm n. komonuƙota v.
maliciousness ɲɛ́kɨsɨrán n. manyatta awa n.

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manyness may …

manyness komás n. massacre ɡɨʝɛtɛ́s v.

map ɲámápa n. massage ʝʉ́rɛ́s v.
maraud toɓés v. massage out ʝʉ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ʝʉrɛtɛ́s v.
marauder toɓésíàm n. massager ʝʉ́rɛ́sìàm n.
march iríánònà dɛ̀ìkàɛ v.; ɲéperéta n.; tɛt- masseuse ʝʉ́rɛ́sìàm n.
sɛ́sá ɲéperétì v. master ámáze n.; ámázeám n.
March Dáŋ n.; Lɔɗʉ́ŋɛ n. masterpiece iyomam n.
marching orders tàŋàs n. masticate ɨɲáɗʉ́tɛ́s v.
marginalization ɲoloɗiŋ n. masticate (tobacco) ɨmátáŋɛ́s v.;
marginalize ɨlɔ́ɗíŋɛ́s v. mataŋɛs v.
marginalizing ɨlɔ́ɗíŋánón v. mastitis ídoɲeɗeké n.
marijuana lɔ́tɔ́ɓa ná zè n. masturbate ɨʝɔƙíʝɔ́ƙɛ́sá kwaní v.
Mark Máríkò n. mat ɲámáta n.
mat (leather) jèjè n.
mark ɨƙɛrɛs v.; ɨmátsárɛ́s v.; ɨsɛɓɛs v.;
itwelítwélés v.; iwetés v.; ɲámátsar n.; mat (small leather) ɗɛ́f n.
totsetes v. mat (termite-drying) uré n.
Mark (biblical) Máríkò n. match ɲékiɓiríta n.; topútétòn v.
mark (on skin) tás n. matchstick ɲékiɓiríta n.
mark (signs) ɨƙɨrɛs v. mate with tirés v.
marked ɨsɛɓɔs v.; itwelítwélós v. mate with each other tirímós v.
market dzíɡwààwa n.; ɲámákɛ̀ta n. math ɲámára n.
market (Kenyan) ɲɛ́fíl n. mathematics ɲámára n.
market (open air) ɗípɔ̀ n. matted kémúsánón v.
maroon kɨpʉ́ránètòn v. matted hair kémús n.
married (of a bride) buƙós v. matters mɛn n.
Matthew Matéò n.
marrow hɛ̀ɡa n.
Matthew (biblical) Matéò n.
marry by taking ɨʉmɛs v.
mattress ɲápalís n.
marry by taking away ɨʉ́mɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
mature iríétòn v.; kɔkɔsánón v.; zòòn v.;
marry polygamously ramɛ́s v.
zoonuƙota v.
marsh ɲéʝem n.
mature (of many) zeikaakón v.
marsh (seasonal) ɲɛkípɔ́r n.; ɲotóbòr n. mature sexually teɓúránétòn v.
marshily fɔ̀tsʼɔ ideo. mature sexually (of boys only)
marshy fɔtsʼɔ́dɔ̀n v. ɨɓʉyákòn v.
masculinity eakwánánès n. maturity zeís n.
mash (grist) mʉrɛ́s v. May Kɨnám n.; Titímá n.
mash (sour) ɓaram n. may … kóʝa adv.

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maybe mend with mud

maybe ƙámá kiɗíé v.; ndóó ɦyè n. mediate terés v.

Maytenus undata múrotsíò n. medicate irés v.
mbira lokemú n. medicine cɛ̀mɛ̀r n.
a mediocre ŋwanɨŋwánɔ́n v.
me ŋ́k pro.
mead sɨs n.; tsʼɔƙam n. medium-sized ɓarɨɓárɔ́n v.; ʝɔ̀ƙɔ̀n v.;
meadow (flat) rɔw n. a lerúkúmòn v.
meal mush ɨlɨram n.; tɔbɔŋ n.; tʉɗʉtam medulla spinalis lɔ́ɓírɨɓír n.
n. meek ɨɛ́ɓɔ́n v.
meal mush (solid) lúɡùm n. meet ikíkóanón v.; imánétòn v.; itóyéésa
meal mush (watery) ɓɔtí n. así v.; ɨtsʉnɛtɛ́sá así v.; ɨtsʉ́nɛ́tɔ̀n v.;
itukánón v.; ŋimánétòn v.; ɲimánétòn
mealy ɡwɛrɛ́ʝɛ́ʝɔ̀n v. v.; ɲimánón v.
mean ɦyɛtɨɦyɛtɔs v.; ɦyɛ̀tɔ̀n v.; tákés v. meet together ɗɔtsánónuƙota v.;
mean to do ɨwɔ́ŋɔ́n v. iryámíryámètòn v.
mean talker hákátònìàm n. meet up imánónuƙota v.
meander ɨkɔɗíkɔ́ɗɔ̀n v.; iƙulúƙúlòn v.; meet while dancing ilépón v.
meander/weave lúkúɗukuɗánón v. meet with iryámétòn v.
a
meaning zeísêd n. meeting kur n.; ɲékíìkò n.; ɲémítìŋ n.
meaningful zízòn v. melange ɲalíɲalí n.; ɲɔ́tsɔ́ɓɨtsɔɓa n.
meaningless buɗámón v. melon species nàdɛ̀kwɛ̀l n.
meanness ɦyɛtás n. melt cuanónuƙota v.; laʝámétòn v.
measles púrurú n. melt (in mouth) ɨnʉƙʉ́nʉ́ƙwɛ́s v.
a
measure ɨpɨmɛs v.; kêd n. melt away rìmòn v.
measure words íziɗesa tódae v. memorize tamɨtɛtɛ́s v.
meat em n. memory (have a good) ɨpííríánón v.
meat (charred) kɔr n. men ɲɔta n.
meat (dried) ŋátɔɔsa n. men (old) ʝáka n.
meat (rib) ŋábèrìkèèm n. men (young) karatsʉ́na n.; ŋímɔ́kɔka n.;
meat (skewered) rɔam n. ŋísɔ́rɔka n.; pànɛ̀ɛ̀s n.
meat dried on hide xáƙwa n. men-crazy ɨɲɔ́táánón v.
meat hunger bisáka n. menace zízɛ̀s v.
meat hunger (satisfy) ɨtsɔ́ítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; mend ɲimanites v.; rátsɛ́s v.; taɗapes v.
ɨtsɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta v. mend repeatedly rátsiés v.
meat-carrying call waín n. mend up taɗapetés v.
mechanic ɨɗɨmɛ́síàm n.; ŋífunɗíàm n. mend with fire ɨtsʉŋɛs v.
medal ɡwas n. mend with mud nutsés v.

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mended milled

mended taɗapos v. microbe ƙʉtsʼa n.

mendicant purutél n. midday ikáɡwaríìke n.; ódoo bɨrɨr n.
Mening language Ŋímeniŋítôda n. middle sɨsɨka n.; sɨsíkɛ̂da n.
Mening person Ŋímeniŋíám n. middle child sɨsɨkáám n.
meningitis ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɛ́ƙɛ n.; tɛ́rɛƙɛ́ƙɛ n. middle of path mucéáka n.; mucéékwa n.
menopause ŋʉrʉ́mɔ́na ƙwaatéo v. middle part bakútsêda n.
menstruate iona aráɡwaníkɛ v.; itáléés v. midget puusúmòn v.
mental illness leɡé n.; lejé n.; lejéèda n.; midnight mukúásísíka n.
lejénánès n.; ŋkérépa n. midrib ɡòɡòròʝa n.
mention ilímítés v.; tákés v. midriff kàɓa n.
mentum tatʉ́n n. midwife ʝʉ́rɛ́sìàm n.; ƙwaatítetés v.;
ƙwaatítetésíàm n.
merchandise dzíɡwam n.; dzíɡwetam n.;
dzííƙotam n. might zeís n.
merciful isyónón v. migraine headache ɨɗíɔ́na ikáe v.
merciful (become) isyónónuƙota v. migrant botáám n.; botibotosíám n.
migrate bòtòn v.; ilotsesa zɛƙɔ́ɛ v.
mercy on (have) isyones v.
migrate away botonuƙota v.
mesh ɨlɔ́ƙɛ́rɛ́s v.; ƙídzatiés v.
migrate this way botétón v.
mess up hamʉʝɛ́s v.; imóɲíkees v.; imóɲí-
keetés v. migration bota n.
mess with (in fun) wáákitetés v. migratory botibotos v.
mild ɨɛ́ɓɔ́n v.
message ɲéripóta n.
mildew lóburuʝa n.; ɲóróiroya n.
message (morning) sír n.
mile máìrɔ̀ n.
message (send out a) mɛnɔnʉƙɔta v.
mileage máìrɔ̀ɛ̀da n.
messenger dɛáám n.
milk îdwa n.; ʝʉ́tɛ́s v.
metabolism (have a high) hɔɓɔ́mɔ́n v.
milk (cow) ɦyòìdwa n.
metal tsɨrɨm n.
milk (fresh) ŋalɛ́pán n.
metal pot tsɨrɨmʉ́dòm n.
milk (from breast) ámáìdwa n.
metal ringlet àɡìta n. milk (sour) ídwà nì ɓàr n.
metalworker ìtyàkààm n. milk bush ɨnwa n.
mete out ɨɲíɲínɛ́s v. milk tea tábarɨcue n.
meteor ɗɔ́xɛatá na tsúwà n. milk tooth ídòkwàywa n.
meter ɲémíta n.; ɔkɔ́tsa n. milk-leaf ídòkàka n.
method muce n.; ɲɛpɨtɛ n. milking gourd ɲelépíta n.
metropolis zɛƙɔ́áwa ná zè n. mill ŋɔ́ɛ́s v.; ŋɔɛsíɡwàs n.; ɲámasín n.
mewl ɨɲɨɨɲíɔ̀n v.; ɨɲíɲíɔ̀n v. mill (gastric) ŋìl n.
Meyna tetraphylla lòŋìr n. milled ŋɔ́ɔ́s v.

384
millet (brown) mix in

millet (brown) ŋɔta n. mishmash ɲɔ́tsɔ́ɓɨtsɔɓa n.

millet (finger) rêba n. mislay ɨtáƙálɛ́s v.
millet (harvest) ɨrábɛs v. mislead hakítésuƙota v.; itwáŋítésúƙota
millet beer ŋamarʉwáya n.; rébèmɛ̀s n. v.
millet left in field kírérebú n. misplace buanítésuƙota v.; ɡóózesuƙota
v.; ɨtáƙálɛ́s v.
million dakwa kɔn n.; ɲémílìòn n.
misplaced buanón v.; ɡóózosuƙota v.;
millipede iƙórú n.
iɓíléròn v.
Mimusops kummel lokum n.
misplaced (become) iɓíléronuƙota v.
mind akílìka n.; ɨkatsɛs v.; ɨmɨsɛs v.;
miss fàlòn v.; ɨɗakɛ́s v.
ŋátámɛta n.
miss (a shot) ɨsɛɛs v.
mine ɲjɛ́n pro.
miss narrowly iwitses v.
mingle in íburuburés v.
miss out on fàlòn v.
mingle until stiff tʉɗʉtɛtɛ́s v.
miss repeatedly ɨsaɨsáyées v.
mingled stiff tʉɗʉtɔs v.
miss the point ɨsɛɛsa mɛnáɛ v.
mingling stick tʉɗʉtɛsídàkwa n.
misscary repeatedly iyétséyeés v.
mingling stick (pronged) ŋɛ́r n.
missing (of an eye) ɗooɲómòn v.
miniature tɔ́ɗɔ́n v.
mission ɲémíxòn n.
miniscule dununúòn v.; tɔ́ɗɔ́n v.
missionary lɔʝɔkɔtáwa n.
minister pásìtà n.
missive béɗíbeɗú n.; bóɗíboɗú n.;
ministry terêɡa n. ɲáɓáruwa n.
mira ɲémurúŋ́ɡù n. mist ɡóʒòwa n.
miracle (perform a) ikúʝíánón v. mistake ɲasécón n.; ɲɔ́mɔkɔsá n.
miracles itíónàs n. mistake (make a) hakonuƙota v.
miracles (do) itíónòn v. mistake for ilotses v.
mirage ɲéríɓiriɓa n. mistakenly kèɗè adv.
mire dɔ̂ba n. mister ámázeám n.
mirror ɲɛ́ɡɨlás n.; ɲɛ́rʉ́ɛ́ta n. mistletoe lɛ̂z n.
misbehave imákwéètòn v. misuse ɨɓalíɓálɛ́s v.; ɨlarɛs v.; ɨlwarɛs v.
misbehave (get to) imákóitetés v. mix iɗyates v.; iɲales v.; ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɛ́s v.;
misbehaving imákóòn v. itsulútsúlés v.
miscarry iɲétséetés v.; iyétséetés v.; mix (grains) ikáɗóés v.
ƙúdetés v.; otés v.; otetés v. mix (honey and termites) ƙɛ́ƙɛ́rɛ́s v.
miscreant ɲárásíám n. mix (porridge and mash) toremes v.
miserable tsʉ́kʉɗʉ́ɗɔ́n v. mix in ɗɔtsɛ́s v.; ɗɔtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; ídulés v.;
mishap (have a) rúmánòn v. íduludulés v.

385
mix up moron

mix up ɨmɔrímɔ́rɛ́s v. mongoose (Egyptian) mútètsa n.

mix up (confuse) ilotses v. mongoose (gray) mútètsa n.
mixed ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ̀n v.; ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ́s v. mongoose (slender) sílɔlɔ́ʝa n.
mixed up ɨmɔrímɔ́rɔ́s v. mongoose (white-tailed) lóɓíliwás n.
mixture ɲalíɲalí n. moniliasis losúka n.
mixture of fat and meat (be a) tsokó- monitor ɨfátɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
tsókánón v. monkey (colobus) ɲɛ́cʉma n.
moan éɓútòn v.; ɛ́mítɔ̀n v.; émúròn v. monkey (female) ɔɡɛraŋwa n.
mob ɲéɓúku n. monkey (male) ɔ̀ɡɛ̀r n.
mobile ɓɛƙɛsɔs v. monkey (patas) koliméwa n.
mobile phone dʉrʉdʉr n.; ɲásím n. monkey (vervet) kaɗokóya n.
mobilize iríréetés v. monocular vision (have) ɗooɲómòn v.
mobilizer ìʉ̀ɗààm n. monotonous itópénòn v.
mock tɔʝɛmɛs v. monster ɲaŋu n.
model ikwáánitetés v. monster (of a) kébàdà n.; nábàdà n.;
modern building ɲeryaŋíhò n. nébàdà n.
modern society ɲeryaŋ n. month aráɡwan n.
modernity ɲeryaŋ n. month of bad honey Lotséto n.
moist ɗɔ̀ƙɔ̀n v. month of honey Nakaɓinín n.
moist (become) ɗɔƙɔnʉƙɔt v. a month of weeding Lɔɓalɛl n.
a
moisten ɗɔƙítɛ́sʉƙɔt v.; ɨpápɛ́ɛ́s v. moo erutánón v.
moisture-resistant pʉrákámòn v.; moo! buúù ideo.
pʉráŋámòn v.; pʉsɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n v. mooch lɛŋɛ́s v.
moisturize (skin) ɨwasɛs v. moocher lɛŋɛ́síàm n.
molar tiróŋ n. mooching olíɓó n.
mold lóburuʝa n.; ɲóróiroya n. moody kwitsʼíkwítsʼánón v.
mole ɲɛ́nʉkʉnʉ́kʉ n. moon aráɡwan n.
a
molecule kiɗoɗots n. moon (full) aráɡwaníékwa n.
molest tarates v. moon (new) aráɡwaníɛ́bɨtín n.
molt fòlòn v. more kúbam n.; sa pro.
molting ɗaráɗáránón v. more than ɨlɔɛs v.
ɛ
Monday Ɲáɓarásà n.; Ɲákásíá kɔ̀nìk n. moreover naɓó coordconn.; toni naɓó n.
a
money kaûdz n.; ŋárɔpɨyá n. morning baratsa n.
a
money tree kaûdz n. morning glory lòɓòlìà n.
mongoose (dwarf) múɗèr n. moron bóx n.; ɨɓááŋàsìàm n.

386
morrow move in

morrow baratsa n. mount otsés v.

mortar iwótsa n.; ɲómóta n. mount (a beehive) rɔ́ƙɛ́s v.
mortar bottom iwótsíɔ̀z n. mount an offensive iríɓéés v.
mortar mouth iwótsíàka n. mount up otsésúƙota v.
mosquito kímʉ́r n. mountain kwar n.
mosquito (small) tsorokoní n. mountain dweller kwàrìkààm n.
most likely kárɨká adv. mountain saddle kwaréékwa n.
mote símíɗiɗí n. mountainside ruteta n.
motel epúáwa n. mountaintop kwaráɡwarí n.
mother (his/her/its) ŋwááta n. mourn ilúrón v.; turúnón v.
mother (my) yáŋ n. mourner turúnónìàm n.
mother (your) ŋɔ́ n. mouse ɗér n.
mother-in-law (her) dádàta n. mouse species naɓálámorú n.
mother-in-law (his) ntsíémetá n. mousebird (speckled) tsówír n.
mother-in-law (his/her sibling’s mouth aka n.; akɛda n.
spouse’s mother) ŋwáátìɲòta n. mouth cover ɲákáparata n.
mother-in-law (my sibling’s spouse’s move ɓɛƙɛ́s v.; dzuƙés v.; ɨlɔpɛs v.; ilot-
mother) yáŋìɲòta n. sesa zɛƙɔ́ɛ v.; ɨsʉ́tɔ́n v.; rités v.
mother-in-law (my, of men) ɲ́ciemetá move (an object) ɨsʉtɛs v.
n.
move (emotionally) tábès v.
mother-in-law (my, of women) dadáŋ
n. move (migrate) bòtòn v.
mother-in-law (of men) emetá n. move after dark buɗamés v.
mother-in-law (your sibling’s spouse’s move around ɨlɨrɛs v.; ɨlɔmílɔ́mɔ̀n v.;
mother) ŋɔ́ɲóta n. irímón v.; ɨwaríwárɛ́s v.
mother-in-law (your, of men) biemetá move around in ɨlɔpílɔ́pɛ́s v.
n. move around repeatedly ɨlɨrílírɛ́s v.
mother-in-law (your, of women) dádò move aside ècòn v.; èkòn v.
n. move away botonuƙota v.; dzuƙésúƙota
motherhood ŋwáátìnànès n. v.; ɨsʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ritésúƙota v.
motherliness ŋwáátìnànès n. move away on buttocks dɔ́dɔrɔnʉƙɔta v.
motor ɡúr n. move back raʝánón v.
mottle ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɛ́s v. move blindly ɓɛƙɛ́sá buɗámíke v.
mottled ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ̀n v.; ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ́s v. move down kídzìmòn v.
mould bɛrɛ́s v. move emotionally kʉpɛ́s v.
mound ɨnʉkʉ́nʉ́kɛ́s v.; kìtsa n.; ɲatúkíta move in ínésuƙota v.; toƙízeesá así v.;
n. toƙízèètòn v.; zɛƙwɛ́tɔ́n v.

387
move in single file muscle (sacral)

move in single file ɨʝíílɔ̀n v.; tɔɗʉ́pɔ́n v.; mug ɲámáƙa n.

torópón v. Muganda Ŋímúɡanɗáéàm n.
move off ɨsʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v. mull over ɲɛɓɛ́s v.; tamátámatés v.;
move on all fours tolíón v. tamítámiés v.
move on buttocks dɔ́dɔ̀rɔ̀n v. multi-patterned mɛrɨmɛ́ránètòn v.
move oneself rhythmically ɨtɨnítínɛ́sá multiplicity komás n.
así v. multiply bɨtɛ́tɔ́n v.; bɨtɨtɛtɛ́s v.;
move out ritetés v. komítésuƙota v.
multiply oneselves komitésá así v.
move past ɓʉ̀nɔ̀n v.
multitude kom n.; ɲerípírìpa n.; òdìòs n.;
move quickly ikómóòn v.
tʉ̀mɛ̀ɛ̀ n.
move rhythmically ɨtɨnítínɛ́s v.
multitudinous kòmòn v.
move slowly inípónòn v. mumble (food) iŋulúŋúlés v.
move straight ɨɗírírɔ̀n v. munch happily ɨlʉ́mʉ́lʉ́mɛ́s v.
move this way botétón v.; dzuƙetés v.; munchy haʉ́dɔ̀n v.
ɨsʉtɛtɛ́s v. murder ɨɗɛɛs v.
move to a point irídòn v. murder (many) sáɓés v.
move together toríkínós v. murder (singly) cɛɛ́s v.; cɛɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
move up and down alternately iy- murder each other ɨɗáínɔ́s v.
opíyópòn v. murder repeatedly ɨɗaiyes v.
movement (migration) bota n. murderer sèààm n.
movie kúrúkúríka ni ɓɛƙɛ́s n.; ɲévíɗyo n. murderer (of many) sáɓésìàm n.
mow ɨɗɛtɛs v.; ɨrɛʝɛs v. murderer (singly) cɛɛsíám n.
much iruɓes v. murky kaɓúrútsánón v.
muchomo kɔr n. murmur ídʉlɨdʉlɛ́sa tódàe v.;
mucilage ɗòs n. ɨŋʉrʉ́ŋʉ́rɔ̀n v.
muck dɔ̂ba n. Musa species ɲómototó n.
muck things up ntsʼáƙóna sèrèìke v. muscle em n.
muscle (abdominal) ɲákwálɨkwal n.
mucus ɗɔ̀ƙɔ̀n n.; ɲarʉ́kʉ́m n.
muscle (cowl) ɲálaƙamáíta n.
mucus (cervical) ɡaɗár n.
muscle (external oblique) ɲɔpɔl n.
mucus (dried) dɔ̀x n.
muscle (intercostal) kileleɓú n.
mud dɔ̂ba n.
muscle (mylohyoid) mukéta n.
mud (plaster) tanaŋes v.
muscle (perineal) ɲalamatsar n.;
muddled talk dɔ́bàtòda n. ɲekiɗoŋita n.
mudflap fɔ́ɗa n. muscle (plantaris) ƙóróèm n.
mudslide bɔ̀rɔ̀tsa n.; dìdìàka n. muscle (rhomboid) ɲɛ́sílɨsɨl n.
muffler tsʼúdemucé n. muscle (sacral) ɲɛtsɨr n.

388
muscle twitching name (hill/mountain)

muscle twitching bàɗa n. naked ilérón v.; lemúánètòn v.;

mush (meal) ɨlɨram n.; tɔbɔŋ n.; tʉɗʉtam leŋúrúmòn v.; sɨlɔ́ʝɔ́mɔ̀n v.; tuɗúsúmòn
n. v.
mushily bùr ideo.; dàbu ideo.; dùl ideo.; naked (totally) wɛ̀r ideo.
dùx ideo. name êda n.; kʉ̀tɔ̀n v.; óés v.
mushroom kɨnám n. name (hill/mountain) Aŋatár n.;
mushroom (dik-dik) ɲólíkɨnám n. Aŋolekóka n.; Cùcùèìka n.; Curuka
n.; Curukúdɛ̀ n.; Ɗʉmánámérìx n.;
mushroom (elephant) oŋorikɨnám n. Dímánìàka n.; Dúnémoróka n.; Gàlàtsa
mushroom species lɔmɔ́ya n.; ŋíɓalɛl n.; n.; Gomóíàwa n.; Góʒòwìka n.; Ìmɛ̀r
ŋitsʼe n. n.; Iwar n.; Kaacikóya n.; Kaakámár
mushy burádòn v.; dabúdòn v.; dulúdòn n.; Kaatíríám n.; Kaɓʉ́tákurí n.;
v.; duxúdòn v. Kádzàn n.; Kakaɗa n.; Kàkʉ̀tà n.;
Muslim tuɗúlónìàm n. Kàlèànàŋìrò n.; Kàlèwèr n.; Kalɔbɛɲɛ́ɲ
n.; Kaloŋoléárɛ́ŋan n.; Kamɔ́rɔ́mɔráta
must ɨtámáánón v. n.; Kanamútó n.; Kanatárúka n.;
must have … (earlier today) nábàtse Kàpɛ̀tà n.; Kapɛtapʉ́s n.; Karéɲaŋ n.;
adv. Karʉmɛmɛ́ n.; Kátárʉkɔ́ta n.; Katsakól
must have … (long ago) nánòko adv. n.; Katsolé n.; Kàxìɛ̀rà n.; Keepáka
must have … (yesterday) násàm adv. n.; Kɛ́tɛ́l n.; Kilóróŋ n.; Kɔ́cɔ́kɨɔ n.;
Kocom n.; Kòfòè n.; Kókósowa n.;
muster iríréetés v. Kɔ̀pàkwàr n.; Kotorúbé n.; Kùɓààwa
mute mìɲɔ̀n v. n.; Kʉráhò n.; Laatso n.; Lɔbɛɛ́l n.;
mutilate ɨɛmíɛ́mɛ́s v. Lɔcáráƙwata n.; Locom n.; Lɔcɔ́ríàlɔ̀sìà
n.; Lɔ́ɗɔ́wɔ̀n n.; Lɔɗʉ́r n.; Lɔkaaƙɨlɨta
mutter ídʉlɨdʉlɛ́sa tódàe v.
n.; Lòkìlè n.; Lokinéne n.; Lokipáka n.;
mutton ɗóɗòèm n. Lɔkɨtɔ́ya n.; Lɔkwakaramɔ́ya n.; Lɔ́mɛ́ʝa
muzzle (of weapon) akɛda n. n.; Loméríɗoka n.; Lɔmíʝa n.; Lɔ́mɨl
my ŋ́ka pro. n.; Lomoɗóɲ n.; Lɔɲákwa n.; Lɔ́ŋʉ́sʉl
n.; Loocíkwa n.; Lɔɔɗíŋ n.; Lòòɗòs
my cousin child totóìm n.
n.; Looɗóya n.; Lopéɗó n.; Lɔpɛ́ta n.;
my friend nádzàƙa n. Lopokóka n.; Lopúwà n.; Lɔ̀sɛ̀rà n.;
myopic mumúánón v. Lósíl n.; Lòsòlìà n.; Lotim n.; Lotíyá n.;
myself ɲ́cìnèba n. Lòtsòròɓò n.; Loukómor n.; Lowákuʝa
n.; Mɔƙɔrɔ́ɡwàs n.; Morúaɲáo n.; Moru-
mythical beast ɲaŋu n.
aŋákiné n.; Morúaŋápɨɔn n.; Moru-
nah ńtóodó interj.; ńtóondó interj. aŋípi n.; Morúaŋítà n.; Morúápólón
nail ɡóɡès v.; ɲɔ́sʉmár n. n.; Morúárɛ́ŋán n.; Morúatapa
a
nail (finger) tíbòlòkòɲ n. n.; Morúédikay n.; Morúéris n.;
Morukoyan n.; Morúlem n.; Morúɲaŋ
nailrod ìsìka n.
n.; Morúŋole n.; Mùƙè n.; Ŋasɛpa
naive ɨɓááŋɔ̀n v. n.; Ŋusuman n.; Náápoŋo n.; Naɡo-
naivete ɨɓááŋàs n. mocóm n.; Naiɗíɗa n.; Náìtà n.;

389
name (personal) name (place)

Náɨtáya n.; Nakaɗapaláíta n.; Nakalalé sul n.; Lɔ̀tʉ̀ɗɔ̀ n.; Lotuka n.; Lotukéya
n.; Nakíríkɛ̀ta n.; Nàkòrìtààwa n.; n.; Lotyaŋ n.; Lourien n.; Loyaŋoroka
Nakɔrɔɗɔ́ n.; Naŋóléɓoka n.; Napi- n.; Lúkà n.; Maarʉka n.; Mamʉkíria
tiro n.; Napóroto n.; Narúkyeɲ n.; Na- n.; Máríkò n.; Matéò n.; Matsú n.;
surukéɲ n.; Natípem n.; Natsíátà n.; Moɗiŋ n.; Moɗó n.; Ŋiriko n.; Ŋoya
Naʉrata n.; Nawáɗowa n.; Ɲakwáca n.; Nacapíò n.; Naɗóóɲ n.; Nàɗù n.;
n.; Ɲèràdzòɡa n.; Ɲèràtàɓa n.; Ɔrɔ́m Nakíŋa n.; Nákírù n.; Nakɔŋ n.; Nakyéɲ
n.; Ɔ́pʉs n.; Paalakán n.; Páɗɛ̀rɛ̀hò n.; Namɔ́ya n.; Naŋetéɓa n.; Náŋólì
n.; Palúùkùɓa n.; Pílíkìtsa n.; Pútá n.; n.; Nápíyò n.; Napoliso n.; Naróta
Rɔ́ɡɛ̀hò n.; Ròŋòta n.; Sààŋìròàwa n.; n.; Nátɔmɛ́ n.; Natsapúó n.; Natsíámu
Seɡeríkwár n.; Séíkwàr n.; Séítíníkokór n.; Nàwà n.; Nayaón n.; Ɲáɓátsa n.;
n.; Sɛkɛɗíáwa n.; Soƙoɡwáás n.; Ɲáɓoliɡúr n.; Ɲakalees n.; Ɲákamʉ
Tsakɨrɨka n.; Tsakúdèɓò n.; Tsíɡàka n.; n.; Ɲákáya n.; Ɲálem n.; Ɲaŋasir n.;
Tsɔŋɔ́rán n.; Tsɔ́ráàwa n.; Taɓákókór n.; Ɲaŋoroka n.; Ɲékuɗuɗa n.; Ɲéléle n.;
Tòlòyà n.; Tòòrwààka n.; Tutéta n. Ɲɛlɛtsa n.; Ɲémuƙa n.; Ɲɛpʉlɔ n.; Ɲé-
tayoŋ n.; Ɲókoɗós n.; Ɲoŋoleɓóka n.;
name (personal) Acóka n.; Acúkwa Ɲɔ́rɔ́cɔm n.; Océn n.; Ɔŋɔr n.; Pelén n.;
n.; Àɗùpà n.; Aemun n.; Akaɗééróta Píipí n.; Pʉlʉkɔ́l n.; Rúfa n.; Saŋaɲ n.;
n.; Akɔl n.; Akóóro n.; Akúɗúkori Sɛʉsɛ́wa n.; Silóya n.; Síré n.; Suɡur n.;
n.; Apáálokiɓúka n.; Apáálokúka n.; Tsɨlá n.; Tekó n.; Timatéwa n.; Títò n.;
Apáálomúƙa n.; Apáálòŋìrò n.; Apáásiá Tɔ̀kɔ̀ba n.; Topér n.; Tówotó n.; Yakóɓò
n.; Apéríta n.; Apʉs n.; Aramasán n.; n.; Yarán n.; Yoánà n.
Aríkó n.; Áryánkòrì n.; Asiróya n.;
Ceɡem n.; Ɗɔan n.; Dakáya n.; Ɛ́kìtɛ̀là name (place) Árápííʝí n.; Ɓèlèkwa
n.; Erupe n.; Gutí n.; Íʝéekwa n.; Ilʉ́kɔ́l n.; Ɓetsʼoniicékíʝa n.; Bɔ̀rɔ̀tsààka n.;
n.; Irwátà n.; Itírá n.; Ìʉ̀ɗà n.; Kali n.; Buɗámóniicékíʝa n.; Burukáya n.;
Kalɨmapʉ́s n.; Kalɔyáŋ n.; Kawes n.; Caalíím n.; Ɗàsòƙa n.; Ɗìɗèàwa n.;
Kinimé n.; Kocí n.; Kɔɛ́s n.; Kɔkɔ́ n.; Ɗómòka n.; Dímán n.; Gàràʝìàwa n.;
Kokóya n.; Koríye n.; Koroɓé n.; Ko- Icékíʝa n.; Ilúúkori n.; Irikakokor n.;
ryaŋ n.; Kɔsɔŋ n.; Kúrúlè n.; Kʉsɛ́m Isókóìàƙwa n.; Íwá n.; Íwɔlɔ́ n.; Jʼàòàwa
n.; Kʉwám n.; Lemú n.; Loɓúɓúwo n.; Kaaɓɔ́ŋ n.; Káákuma n.; Kaaláɓè
n.; Lɔcám n.; Lɔcápa n.; Locíyo n.; n.; Kaehíƙɔ́ n.; Kaɨkɛm n.; Kaɨkɔ́ɓà
Locóm n.; Locómín n.; Lɔɡyɛ́l n.; Loíkí n.; Kámíón n.; Kanarɔ́ n.; Kapalú n.;
n.; Lóʝérè n.; Lokapel n.; Lɔ̀kàtsa n.; Kapísima n.; Kàsìlè n.; Kawalakɔ́l
Lokauwa n.; Lokéɲériɓɔ n.; Lɔkíʝʉká n.; Kiɓíca n.; Koror n.; Kʉ́ràìàƙwa
n.; Lókírù n.; Lɔkɔl n.; Lɔ̀kʉ̀ɗà n.; n.; Kùrùmò n.; Kwarikabubúíka n.;
Lɔkʉwám n.; Lokwaŋ n.; Lolém n.; Lɛ̀rààƙwa n.; Lɔɓʉráka n.; Locóto n.;
Lɔmɛ́r n.; Lomoŋin n.; Lɔmɔ́ya n.; Lóɗwàr n.; Lòìtà n.; Lokicókio n.;
Lɔmʉ́ɲɛ́n n.; Lómúrìà n.; Lomutsú n.; Lɔkíŋɔ́l n.; Lɔkɨtɛlɛ́ɛ́lɔɓa n.; Lɔ́kɔ̀l n.;
Loɲá n.; Loɲáŋálem n.; Lɔ̀ɲàŋàsʉ̀wà Lòkòrìkìpì n.; Lɔ́kʉ́rʉ́ka n.; Loƙúm
n.; Loŋóle n.; Lòŋòlè n.; Loŋólépalɔ́r n.; Lɔlɛ́líà n.; Lolítsíàƙwa n.; Lɔmálɛ́r
n.; Loŋólì n.; Lopeleméri n.; Lopéyóka n.; Lomataŋaáwa n.; Lɔpɛlɨpɛl n.; Lo-
n.; Lopíè n.; Lopúsór n.; Lópúwà n.; porukɔlɔ́ŋ n.; Lɔrɛŋ n.; Loriɓóɓó n.;
Lorukuɗe n.; Losíke n.; Losíroya n.; Lot- Losíroíáwa n.; Losor n.; Lotíɲam n.;

390
name (river) neckbone

Lotirém n.; Lɔtɔ́ƙíkààwa n.; Lɔtɔlɛ́r Tùrùmàrààka n.

n.; Loúsúnà n.; Loyóro n.; Morí- name a newborn óésa édie imáe v.
coro n.; Móróɗa n.; Ŋʉraka n.; name of honor éda na moranâde n.
Náápoŋo n.; Nacákʉ́nɛ̀ta n.; Nakalelé
nanny (goat) rieŋwa n.
n.; Naɔyakíŋɔ́l n.; Natɔ́rɔ́kɔkítɔ́ n.;
Nayapan n.; Ɲálámʉɲɛna n.; Òŋòrìàwa nape (of neck) fètìfèta n.
n.; Òŋòrìpàkwa n.; Píré n.; Rɔ́ƙɔ́dɛ̀ nape of neck (fatty) nìtsìnìtsa n.
n.; Sèɡààwa n.; Siƙáke n.; Tsʼaɗíáwa Napore person Kàrɛ̀ŋààm n.;
n.; Tsùtsùkààwa n.; Takaniƙʉlɛ́ n.; Ŋíkátapʉ́ám n.; Nàpɔ̀rɛ̀ààm n.;
Tasapetíáwa n.; Teɓur n.; Tɔrɔŋɔ́ n.; tɔbɔŋɔ́ám n.
Tulútúl n.; Wús n. nappy etsʼíƙwâz n.
name (river) Cakalatɔ́m n.; Cerûba narrate isíséés v.
n.; Ɗóɗò n.; Dìdìàka n.; Dímánìàka narrative emuta n.; ɲáɗís n.
n.; Dɔ́dɔ̀f n.; Dúlél n.; Gɔrɨs n.; narrator emútíkààm n.; isíséésíàm n.
Íbotokoka n.; Iraf n.; Iryɔ́kɔ́ n.; Ísɛ́ narrow ɨɗíŋɔ́n v.; ɨrɨɗɔs v.; riɗímétòn v.;
n.; Iwam n.; Ƙolomúsábá n.; Kàƙòlò rɔ́ƙɔ́rɔƙánón v.
n.; Kàlɔ̀ʝɔ̀kɛ̀ɛ̀s n.; Kalɔtʉ́kɔ́ n.; Kalo- narrow (of an opening) tɨɨtsʼímɔ̀n v.
turum n.; Kalouwan n.; Kámíónòàka
nasal bridge sarɨsar n.
n.; Kanaɗápa n.; Kanákɛ́rɛta n.;
Kaɲíkààl n.; Kàrɛ̀ŋà n.; Katoposiɲaŋ nasty itútsón v.; ŋorótsánón v.
n.; Kátɔ́rɔ̀sà n.; Katsakól n.; Kátsápeto nation kíʝa n.
n.; Kàwàlɛ̀ɛ̀s n.; Kéékoŋa n.; Kerûba n.; native áméda kíʝáe n.
Kiɗorinamóta n.; Kɔ́cɔ́kɨɔ n.; Kumeta nature kíʝa n.
n.; Lɔɓɔsɔɔŋɔ́r n.; Lɔcɔ́ríàlɔ̀sìà n.; Lɔɗʉ́r
naughty tarates v.
n.; Lɔɨsíká n.; Lɔɨtánɨta n.; Lòkààpèlòta
n.; Lɔkasaŋatɛ́ n.; Lòkìlè n.; Lokipáka naughty (habitually) taratiés v.
n.; Lɔkɨtɔ́ya n.; Lɔkʉ́ma n.; Lóloya nauseated iláƙízòn v.; talóón v.
n.; Lɔmaaníkɔ n.; Lɔmacarɨwárɛta navel ƙɔ̀ɓa n.
n.; Lómìl n.; Lɔŋása n.; Lɔɔsɔ́m n.; navel hair ƙɔ̀ɓàsìtsʼa n.
Loteteleíta n.; Lòtsòròɓò n.; Meletis- near ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɔ̀n v.; ɨtɔ́mɔ́n v.
abá n.; Mɔƙɔ́ríka n.; Mukulita n.; Mʉtʉ́-
near death inunúmétòn v.
nan n.; Nakamemeota n.; Nakoɗíle n.;
Nàkwàŋà n.; Namerí n.; Namétúròn n.; near maturity (of grain) titímóonuƙota
Namórú n.; Naŋóléɓoka n.; Napitiro n.; v.
Natɔkɔ́ɔ́ŋɔr n.; Natsuƙúl n.; Natʉrʉkan near to each another ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɨmɔ́s v.
n.; Nòf n.; Ɲerasabá n.; Ɲɔrɔbata n.; nearby ɦyàtàka n.
Oŋorisabá n.; Oŋórîz n.; Óríɓò n.; nearly ripe bɔ́ŋɔ́n v.
Óríɓosabá n.; Pakósábà n.; Palú n.; neb loɓôz n.
Popá n.; Puɗápúɗa n.; Sabaa Damán
necessary ɨtámáánón v.
n.; Saloloŋ n.; Saŋar n.; Sɛkɛɗíáwa
n.; Sɛkɛta n.; Síɔ̀ɔ̀ta n.; Sɔ́ɡɛsabá n.; neck ɦyʉƙʉm n.
Tsakúdèɓò n.; Tamateeɓon n.; Tíríkɔ̀l neckband ɦyʉƙʉma ƙwázàe n.
n.; Tòòrwààka n.; Turakwareekwa n.; neckbone bɔkɔ́s n.; ɦyʉƙʉmʉ́ɔ́ka n.

391
neckrest next year

neckrest kàràtsa n. nephew (my husband’s sibling’s son)

neckring (metal) ɦyʉƙʉmʉ́tsírím n. ɲ́cinamúíìm n.
necktie ɲátáya n. nephew (my sister’s son) yeáìm n.
necktie (money-keeping) ɲɛƙɨl n. nephew (sororal) momó n.
necrophilist tirésíama tsʼóóniicé n. nephew (your brother’s son) biím n.;
léóím n.
necrotize iɗéɗéŋés v.
nephew (your husband’s sibling’s son)
nectar ɨɔka n.
binamúíìm n.
need bɛ́ɗɛ́s v. nephew (your sister’s son) yáóím n.
needle mʉtʉ n.; ɲɛ́sɨnɗán n. nephew-in-law (his/her child’s
needle (knitting) ɲɛ́sɨlɨɓá n. spouse’s brother) ntsíɲótàìm n.
needle-thin tɨwídɔ̀n v. nephew-in-law (my child’s spouse’s
needle-thinly tìw ideo. brother) ɲ́cìɲòtàìm n.
neglect balɛ́s v.; balɛtɛ́s v.; hakaikés v.; nephew-in-law (your child’s spouse’s
ɨlaʝíláʝɛ́s v. brother) biɲótáìm n.
neglect (property) ɨsɔ́ɓɔ́lɛ́s v. nerve ŋísɨl n.
neglect oneself balɛ́sá así v. nervous rukurúkón v.
neglected hakaikós v. nest ɡwáho n.
negligent ɨtátsámánón v. net (trap) sáɡòsìm n.
negotiate ɗɔtsɛtɛ́sá tódàe v. net-trapping sâɡwa n.
neighbor ɨtɔ́mɔ́nìàm n.; ŋƙáƙínósíàm n.; network (cellular) ɲénétìwàka n.; suɡur
narúétìàm n. n.
neighbor (agreer) tsámʉ́nɔtɔ́síàm n. never ʝɨkî adv.; mʉ̀kà adv.; tsʉ̀t ᶶ adv.
neighbor (close) ɦyɔtɔ́ɡɔ̀nìàm n. never-ending rítsírɨtsánón v.
neighbor (sharer) tɔ̀mɔ̀rààm n. new erútsón v.
neighbor each other narúétinós v. new (of foliage) ɨlíɓɔ́n v.
neighborhood narúéta n. new (plant growth) lìtɔ̀n v.
neighbors (be) ɨtɔ́mʉ́nɔ́s v. new thing ŋípyà n.
Neotonia wightii simísímàta n. news emuta n.; emútíka n.; ɲéripóta n.
nephew (her husband’s sibling’s son) next tɔtʉ́pɔ́n v.
ntsínámúíìm n. next (be the) mɨtɔna ɗíɛ́ tûba v.
nephew (his brother’s son) ntsíím n. next (time) táá adv.
nephew (his/her brother’s son) leatíím next to ɨɓákɔ́n v.; ɨtɔ́mɔ́n v.
n. next to (move) ɨɓákɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
nephew (his/her sister’s son) yeatíím n. next to each other ɨɓákínɔ́s v.; ɨtɔ́mʉ́nɔ́s
nephew (my brother’s son) ɛdéìm n.; v.
ɲ́cììm n. next year kaɨnɔ na táà n.; kɛɨnatsa n.

392
NGO (non-governmental organization) north

NGO (non-governmental organiza- night-walker ɓɛƙɛ́síama mukú n.

tion) lɔʝɔkɔtáwa n.; toráƙádòs n. nightjar bóx n.
nibble ɨɲɨbɛs v.; ɲɛ́ɲɛ́s v. nighttime mukú n.
nibble off tɔʝɨpɛs v. nighty-night! bubú nurs.
nice dòòn v. nimble pɔɗɔ́dɔ̀n v.
nice (make) daites v. nimbly pɔ̀ɗɔ ideo.
nice (of many) dayaakón v. nine tude ńda kiɗi tsʼaɡús num.
nicely maráŋíke v. nine o’clock ɲásáatɨkaa aɗátìke n.
niceness daás n. nineteen toomíní ńda kiɗi túde ńda kiɗi
tsʼaɡús n.
nick ɨtɛɓɛs v.
ninety toomínékwa túde ńda kiɗi
nickname tamɛɛs v.
tsʼaɡús n.
nickname (affectionate) tamɛɛsíêda n.
nipple ídòkàtsa n.
nictate íbɛ̀ɗìbɛ̀ɗɔ̀n v.; irwapírwápòn v. nit(s) ɨnaka n.
niece (her husband’s sibling’s daugh- no ńtóodó interj.; ńtóondó interj.
ter) ntsínámúíìm n.
no-no! kɔkɔ́ nurs.
niece (his brother’s daughter) ntsíím n.
nocturnal emission ɗír n.
niece (his/her brother’s daughter) nod itéƙítéƙés v.
leatíím n.
nod off ɨlʉ́zɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
niece (his/her sister’s daughter)
noise nɔ̀s n.
yeatíím n.
noise (make a) arútónuƙota v.
niece (my brother’s daughter) ɛdéìm n.;
ɲ́cììm n. noise (make) arútón v.
niece (my husband’s sibling’s daugh- noise (make, of a vehicle) fútón v.
ter) ɲ́cinamúíìm n. noisy ilélémùòn v.
niece (my sister’s daughter) yeáìm n. nomad botibotosíám n.
niece (your brother’s daughter) biím n.; nomadic botibotos v.
léóím n. nominate for office wasɨtɛs v.;
niece (your husband’s sibling’s son) bi- wasítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
namúíìm n. nomination was n.
niece (your sister’s daughter) yáóím n. nominee wasɔ́ám n.
niece-in-law (his/her child’s spouse’s non-governmental organization lɔʝɔkɔ-
sister) ntsíɲótàìm n. táwa n.; toráƙádòs n.
niece-in-law (my child’s spouse’s sis- nonchalant faɗétón v.
ter) ɲ́cìɲòtàìm n. nonsense dɔ́bàtòda n.; ɨɓááŋàsìtòda n.
niece-in-law (your child’s spouse’s sis- noon ikáɡwaríìke n.; ódoo bɨrɨr n.
ter) biɲótáìm n. normal (return to) xɔ́dɔnʉƙɔta v.
night mukú n. north kɔ́ɔ́ kwarɔ n.; nɔ́ɔ́ kwarɔ n.

393
North America obvious

North America Amérìkà n.; number ɨmaarɛ́s v.; ɲánamɓá n.

Ɓetsʼoniicékíʝa n. number (large) tʉ̀mɛ̀ɛ̀ n.
northerly direction ɡwárixan dem. numbered ɨmaarɔ́s v.
northerner kɔ́ɔ́kwarɔ́ám n. numbness (of body) ɲɛ́mʉnʉkʉ́ n.
northward kɔ́ɔ́ kwarɔ n. numerous miƙídòn v.
nose aƙata n. numerously mìƙⁱ ideo.
nosebleed (have a) ƙòlòn v. nun ɓíkìrà n.
nosebone aƙatíɔ́ka n. nurse ɗakɨtárìàm n.
nostril aƙata n.; aƙatíékwa n. nurse (the sick) maitetés v.
not eʝá adv.; máa adv.; mòò adv.; ńtá adv. nurture (newborn) tɔʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n v.
not be beníón v.; bɛnɔ́ɔ́n v. Nyangatom people Ŋíóyatom n.
Nyangatom person Ŋísaakɔ́lìàm n.
not be (somewhere) bɨrɔ́ɔ́n v.
Nyangʼia language Ŋíɲaŋíyátòda n.
not enough ɡàɗɔ̀n v.
Nyangʼia person Ŋíɲaŋíyáàm n.
not full kíón v.
nylon náìlòn n.
not make sense ɗɛ̀ƙwɔ̀n v.
obese iɓutúɓútòn v.
not sit well tsʼábès v.
obey nesíbes v.
not there bɨrɔ́ɔ́n v. obey (habitually) nesíbiés v.
not yet be sárón v. object kɔ́rɔ́ɓâda n.
notch ɨsɛɓɛs v.; ɨtɛɓɛs v. object (large) òrìkìrìka n.
notch (ears) tɔmʉɲɛs v.; topones v. object (surveiled) rɔtam n.
notch (jugular) tɔ̀ka n. objects kúrúɓâda n.
notched ɨsɛɓɔs v. obligation amʉ́tsa n.
note (monetary) kaúdzokabáɗa n.; obliquely ŋabéro n.
ɲónóta n. obliterate ɨƙɔmɛs v.
notice ewanes v.; ewanetés v. oblong sʉlʉ́tʉ́mɔ̀n v.
novelty ŋípyà n. obscure ɨɲʉ́ɲʉ́ánón v.
November Kawés n.; Loipo n. observatory dìywa n.
now nápáka na adv.; názɛ̀ƙwà n.; tsʼɔ̀ɔ̀ observe tɨrɨfɛs v.; tɨrɨfɛtɛ́s v.; tɨtɨmɛs v.
adv. observe (ceremony) ɨnʉmʉ́nʉ́mɛ́s v.;
now now! tíɔ̀ interj.; tíɔ ʝɔ́ɔ̀ interj. ɨnʉ́nʉ́mɛ́s v.
nowadays ódowicíkó nì n.; ódowicíkó nì obsessed with girls iɲéráánón v.
kɔ̀nà n. obsessed with men ɨɲɔ́táánón v.
nude ilérón v.; lemúánètòn v.; obstinate ɨɗíkílɔ̀n v.
leŋúrúmòn v.; tuɗúsúmòn v. obstruct ɗɨnɛ́s v.; itítírés v.
nugget ɡwas n. obstructed ɗɨnɔ́s v.
numb (of body parts) ɨmʉ́nʉ́kʉ̀kʉ̀ɔ̀n v. obvious takánón v.

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obviously one o’clock

obviously tsábò adv. oil (seed) útɔ̀ n.

occupy ɔ́bɛ̀s v. oily kùx ideo.
occur ikásíìmètòn v.; itíyáìmètòn v. okay! maráŋ interj.
ocean ɲánam n. okra ɲɔlɔlɔta n.
ocher ŋɔr n. old dúnésòn v.; kɔ̀wɔ̀n v.; zòòn v.
Ochna species ɲéleɓuléɓu n. old (of many) dunaakón v.
October Lɔlɔɓáya n.; Terés n. old man ʝákám n.
odd jobs ɲɛ́lɛ́ʝɨlɛʝa n. old men ʝáka n.
odd jobs (do) ɨlɛʝílɛ́ʝɛ́s v. old people dunaakóniika n.
odds with each other (be at) ɗúlúnós v. old person dúnésìàm n.
odor ɔn n.; ɔnɛda n. old woman dúnéìm n.
Oenanthe palustris ŋálómóyá n. old-fashioned kɔ̀wɔ̀n v.
of age zòòn v. oldness zeís n.
off (kill) ɨɗɛɛs v. Olea europaea (africana) dèmìywa n.
Olinia rochetiana ɓetsʼakáwa n.
off (rotten) masánón v.
omasum ɲémékweɲ n.
off limits itáléánón v.; itálóós v.
on ɡwaríédeke n.
offend risés v.
on all fours tíɡàkòn v.
offender ɲɔ́mɔkɔsáàm n.; tɛ́ŋɛ́rìàm n.
on empty stomach kùku ideo.
offense tɛ́ŋɛ́r n.
on foot dɛ̀ìkɔ n.
offering (animal) ɲapʉɔ́ta n.
on that day ódeedóó n.
offerings meetésíicíka n.
on the feet dɛ̀ìkàɔ n.
office ɲápís n.
on the legs dɛ̀ìkàɔ n.
officer ŋurutiesíama tódàe n.
on the move ɓɛƙɛsɔs v.
official ŋurutiesíama mɛnáɛ n.
on the way múkò n.
official (government) ámázeáma
on top ɡwaríédeke n.
ɲápukaní n.; túbesiama ɲápukání n.
once kɔnɔ num.
offload a load ɓuƙetésá botáe v.
once and for all kɔ́nítɨáke pro.
offspring kwatsa n.
once upon a time kónító ódòwì n.
oh my God! Ɲakuʝa interj.
one kɔ̀n num.; kɔ̀nɔ̀n v.
oh my goodness hóítá kwí interj.
one (make into) kɔnítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
oh my wordǃ hóítá kwí interj.
one at a time kóníátìke v.; kóníón v.
oh! ábaŋ interj.; té interj.; yáŋ interj.
one day kónító ódòwì n.; na tsóíta kɔní
oh, I see nés adv. n.
oh, you mean nés adv. one o’clock ɲásáatɨkaa tudátie ńda kiɗi
oil ceím n. léɓètse n.

395
one time ourselves (exclusive)

one time kɔnɔ num. order ɨɗɔ́bɛ̀s v.; ɨɗɔ́bɛtɛ́s v.; ɨnábɛs v.;
one-by-one kóníátìke v.; kóníón v. ɨnábɛtɛ́s v.; itíbès v.; itíbesúƙota v.; ɨt-
sɨkɛs v.
onion ɲékuduŋƙúru n.
order out taŋasɛs v.
only ɛɗá adv.
orders (for marching) tàŋàs n.
onward wàxìkɛ n.
organ fat sábà n.
ooze tɔfɔ́ɗɔ́n v.
organization máɗíŋ n.; ɲéɡurúf n.
opaque (thick) tìnòn v. organize ɨɗɨmɛ́s v.; ɨɗɨmɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; iɗim-
open bɔrɔ́ɔ́n v.; bótsón v.; fotólón v.; iés v.; iɗimiesúƙota v.; ipáŋƙeés v.;
ŋáɲámòn v.; ŋáɲɛ́s v.; ŋáɲɔ́s v.; ŋawíɔ́n itukanitetés v.
v. organized ɨɗɨmɔ́s v.
open (completely) ùwòò ideo. organizer iɗimiesíàm n.; ìʉ̀ɗààm n.
open fire on ɗamatés v.; tɔƙʉmʉ́ƙʉ́mɛ́s organs (ritual) ɲorópúò n.
v. orgasm (have an) ɨrákɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.
open up tɛlɛɛs v. orgasmic (become) ɛfɔnʉƙɔta v.
open up (that way) ŋáɲɛ́sʉƙɔta v. oribi kɔtɔ́r n.
open up this way ŋaɲɛtɛ́s v. origin itsyákétònìàwa n.
open wide hádoletés v. Ormocarpum trichocarpum mozokoɗa
open-topped lɛɓɛ́ɲɛ́mɔ̀n v. n.
opening aka n.; akɛda n. orphan bɔnán n.
opening (center) wɛ̀lèèkwa n. orphaned ikókíánón v.
opening (small) wɛ̀l n. orphanhood bɔnánés n.
oryx (Beisa) tsarʉ́ka n.
operate on hoés v.; hoetés v.
oryx (male) tènùs n.
operating room hoesího n.
oryx horn tsarʉ́kʉ́ɛ̀ba n.
operation (conduct an) iríɓéés v.
os temporale bòsìɔ̀ka n.
operation (military) ɲériɓá n.
oscillate iŋolíŋólés v.
operator ŋíɗɛrɛpáìàm n.
ostrich lèwèɲ n.
oppose ɨƙaíƙɛ́ɛ́s v.; ɨƙáƙɛ́ɛ́s v.; ɨƙáƙɛ́ɛtɛ́s Osyris abyssinica tsereɗeɗí n.
v.
other(s) kiɗíása pro.
opposite side jíjè n.
otherwise náa táà subordconn.
or kèɗè coordconn.; kòrì coordconn.
ouch! aaii interj.; áí interj.
OR (operating room) hoesího n. ought ɨtámáánón v.
oracle ɲakuʝíícíkáàm n. our (exclusive) ŋɡwa pro.
orange ɲámucúŋ́ƙà n. our (inclusive) ɲjín pro.
orange drink ɲɛ́kwɨɲcá n. ours (exclusive) ŋɡóɛ́n pro.
orbit ɨríŋɔ́n v. ours (inclusive) ɲjíníɛ̀n pro.
orchestrate itukanitetés v. ourselves (exclusive) ŋɡónébitín n.

396
ourselves (inclusive) oxpecker (red-billed)

ourselves (inclusive) ɲjínínebitín n. overeat iwótsóòn v.; ɲaɗésá ŋƙáƙáe v.;

oust ɨlɔ́líɛ́s v. wɔ̀ɔ̀n v.
out (finished) tɛ́zɛ̀tɔ̀n v. overflow ɨlápɛ́tɔ̀n v.
out (of stars) ʝʉ̀ɔ̀n v. overfull ɨsʉ́wɔ́ɔ̀n v.
out of sight kúbòn v.; lwàŋ ideo. overgrown sɔɓɔ́lɔ́mɔ̀n v.; tsèkòn v.
out of work ɨlwárɔ́na teréɡù v. overlook hakaikés v.; ɨlaʝíláʝɛ́s v.
out-of-joint (get) ɓuumón v. overlooked hakaikós v.
outbuilding ɲésitó n. overpower itikes v.
outcrop rikíríka n. override ilotsesa mɛnáɛ v.
outcropping kúca n. overrun ƙídzɛ̀s v.
outcry weretsa n. oversee ɨrɨtsɛ́s v.
outdo ɨlɔɛs v.; ɨlɔɛtɛ́s v.; ipíyéésuƙota v. oversleep towúryánòn v.
outer part kanɛda n. overtake ilaŋés v.; ɨsʉkɛs v.; rítsɛ́s v.;
sʉ́kɛ́s v.
outer stomach kɨrarapa n.
overthrown rúmánònà kàràtsʉ̀ v.
outfit ɲéyúnìfòm n.
overturn bukures v.; bukúrésuƙota v.;
outhouse etsʼíhò n.; ɲótsorón n. bukúrésuƙota así v.; buƙusítésuƙota v.;
outlaw mɛnáám n. iɓéléés v.; iɓéléetés v.; iɓéléìmètòn v.;
outmoded kɔ̀wɔ̀n v. iɓélúkáìmètòn v.; iɓélúkéés v.; pukés v.;
puketés v.
outside biya n.; biyáxán n.; kànɛ̀dɛ̀kɛ n.
overturn away pukésúƙota v.
outsider ámá na biyáe n.; ɦyɔ̀àm n.;
kíʝíkààm n.; ŋíɓúkúìàm n.; ɲeɓúkúita n. overweight iɓutúɓútòn v.
oval semélémòn v. overwhelm kurés v.; kurésúƙota v.
ovary ɓiɓáhò n. overwhelming (become) kurósúƙota v.
over here nɔ́ɔ́ na dem. ovum ɓìɓa n.
over there kéda ke dem.; kéíta ke dem.; ow! aaii interj.; áí interj.
kíxána ke n.; kɔ́ɔ́ kɛ dem. oware (game) ɲékilelés n.
overabundance (here) níbàdà n. owl (African scops-) ƙórór n.
overabundance (there) kíbàdà n. owl (eagle-) lófúka n.
a
overall (skin) kɔ́lɔ́ts n. owner ámêda n.
overcast kùpòn v. owner (of land) áméda kíʝáe n.
overcast (become) ɡobétón v. ox râɡwa n.
overcast weather kùpààƙwa n. ox name ráɡòèda n.
overcome iloimétòn v.; ipíyéésuƙota v. ox plow ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́à nà ɦyɔ̀ɔ̀ɛ n.
overcrowd ƙídzɛ̀s v. ox song ráɡòdìkwa n.
overdo taɗɛɛs v. oxpecker (red-billed) dzàr n.

397
Ozoroa insignis (reticulata) parent

Ozoroa insignis (reticulata) mókol n. pan (small) dómáìm n.

pace off ɨmaarɛ́sá dɛ̀ìkàɛ v. pan bottom dómóɔ̀z n.
Pachycarpus schweinfurthii lóúpè n. pancreas lópeya n.
pacify ɨkanɛ́s v.; ɨkaníkánɛ́s v. pandemonium ɲɔ́ŋɔtsán n.
pack ɨɗɨlɛs v.; ɨsɨkɛs v. pandemonium (go into) doʝánónuƙota
pack down ɨɗɛŋɛs v. v.; lɔŋɔanónuƙota v.
pack down personally ɨɗɛŋíɗɛ́ŋɛ́s v. panel (solar) ɲɔ́sɔ́la n.
package méya n. panga ɲápaŋká n.
pangolin mɛkɛmɛkán n.
packed down tɔrɔ́dɔ̀n v.
panic doʝánónuƙota v.; lɔŋɔanónuƙota
packed down (become) iɗéŋímètòn v.
v.; ɲɔ́ŋɔtsán n.
packet méya n.
Panicum maximum òŋòrìkù n.
paddle iƙures v.
panties (pair of) ɲekúrúm n.
paddle (spank) ipíkéés v.
pants (pair of) ɲétorós n.; ɲótorós n.
padlock ɲékifúl n.
papaya ɲápaɨpáya n.
pagan ŋíkafírìàm n.
paper kàbàɗa n.; ɲákaratás n.
pail ɲáɓákɛ̀ta n.; ɲɛ́ɓákɛ̀ta n. paper (file) ɲɛ́páìl n.
pail (metal) ɲépeelí n. Pappea capensis dzôɡa n.
pain (cause sharp) ɨrɛɓírɛ́ɓɛ́s v. parable taɗápítotós n.
painful dódòn v. parade ɲéperéta n.; tɛtsɛ́sá ɲéperétì v.
painfully wìl ideo.; wìlìwìl ideo. parade about inésóòn v.
paint ŋɔrɨtɛtɛ́s v.; ɲáraŋɡí n.; tsáŋés v. paraffin ceím n.
paintbrush tsɨtsín n. paralyzed (from fear) dodimórón v.
painted tsáŋós v. parasite ƙʉtsʼa n.
palate aƙár n. parasitic plant lɛ̂z n.
palate (cleft) akátsʼɛ́a na pakós n. parasitic plant species ɲáɓús n.; tìlàlɛ̀z
palm (African fan) ŋíɗʉkan n. n.
palm (African wild date) lɔ̀kàtàta n. parcel taɲáléés v.
palm (Borassus) ŋíɗʉkan n. parcel out ɨɲíɲínɛ́s v.; taɲáléetés v.
palm (of hand) kwɛtááƙwa n. parch mɔsɔnʉƙɔta v.
palm tree species ɲétenɗé n. parched mɔ̀sɔ̀n v.; paupáwón v.
palpebra ɡɔrɔ́x n. parched (lightly) mɔsímɔ́sɔ̀n v.
palpitate dìkwòn v. pardon iƙenes v.; óɡoés v.
pan dóm n.; ɨlaƙɛs v.; ɨlaƙíláƙɛ́s v.; pare ɨlɨmɛs v.; ɨpɛlɛs v.
ɨláláƙɛ́s v.; ɲákalááta n. pare down ɨlɨmɛtɛ́s v.
pan (metal) ɲásipiryá n.; ɲésipiriyá n. parent ƙwaatetésíàm n.

398
parent-in-law patch up

parent-in-law emetá n. pass by ɓʉ̀nɔ̀n v.; ilúɲón v.; ilúɲónuƙota

parent-in-law (his) ntsíémetá n. v.
parent-in-law (my, of men) ɲ́ciemetá n. pass by going ɓʉnɔnʉƙɔta v.
parent-in-law (your, of men) biemetá n. pass gas fenétón v.
pass here via ɨɛ́bɛtɛ́s v.
parenthesia (be in) isálílòn v.
pass off iʝokes v.; iʝókésuƙota v.
paresthesia (go into) isálílètòn v.
pass on iʝokes v.; iʝókésuƙota v.
parish ɲápárìx n.
pass on here ɨkɔɓɛtɛ́s v.
parish chief ámázeáma ɲépárìxì n.;
pass on problems iʝokesa mɛnáɛ v.
ɲékúŋuta n.
pass on there ɨkɔ́ɓɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
parish security officer tsítsá na kwátsa
pass out rèŋòn v.
n.
pass over ɡórés v.; íɡorés v.; íɡorésúƙota
parking place ɨnábɛ̀sìàwa n.
v.
parrot loki n. pass over a spear ɡóriesá ɓɨsáɛ v.
parry ɨɓatɛs v. pass over repeatedly ɡóriés v.; íɡoriés v.
parry repeatedly ɨɓatíɓátɛ́s v. pass round to each other ɨkɔ́ɓínɔ́s v.
part bácíka n.; xɔnɔ́ɔ́kɔn n. pass through ɓuƙonuƙota v.; pʉtʉ́mɔ́n v.
part (back) ʝírɛ̂da n. pass time ɨtɛ́mɔ́ɔ̀n v.
part (body) ɲekiner n. pass via ɨɛ́bɛ̀s v.; ɨɛ́bɛsʉƙɔta v.
part (inner) áƙwɛ̂da n. passageway wɛ̀l n.
part (middle) bakútsêda n. passageway (center) wɛ̀lèèkwa n.
part (straight, middle) ɡòɡòròʝa n. passport ɓɛƙɛ́síkabáɗa n.; kabaɗa na
ɓɛƙɛ́sí n.
part (top) ɡwaríêda n.; ikeda n.
past (distant) tsò adv.
part ways terémétòn v.; terémón v.;
terémónuƙota v. paste ilies v.; iliílíés v.
participate ɓuƙonuƙota v. pasted iliílíós v.; ilios v.
pastor pásìtà n.
particle kiɗoɗotsa n.; símíɗiɗí n.
pasture wà n.; waitetés v.
partition naƙʉ́lɛ́ n.
pat iturútúrés v.
party iyóómètòn v.; ɲápáti n.
pat down ɨnatsínátsɛ́s v.; tárábes v.;
pass ɨkɔɓɛs v.; ɨlámɔ́n v.; ilaŋés v.; ilúɲón tárábiés v.
v.; ilúɲónuƙota v.
patch rátsɛ́s v.; taɗapes v.
pass (a test) ɡórés v. patch (bare) ɲapatsole n.
pass (time) dzuƙés v. patch (hard) ɲapáyál n.
pass a law eɡésá ɨtsɨkɛsí v. patch of cleared forest tsɛ̀f n.
pass along here ɨkɔɓɛtɛ́s v. patch of grass xʉram n.
pass along there ɨkɔ́ɓɛ́sʉƙɔta v. patch repeatedly rátsiés v.
pass away bitsétón v. patch up taɗapetés v.

399
patched pencil

patched komolánón v.; koríánètòn v.; pebble ɡwas n.

tábàsànètòn v.; taɗapos v. pec làf n.
pate ikáɡwarí n. peck itoɗítóɗés v.; ɨtɔ́tɔ́ŋɛ́s v.
patella bùrùkùtsa n. pectoral muscle làf n.
path muce n. pectus bakutsa n.
pathetic pás n. pedal a bicycle takwésá ɲamɨɨlɨí v.
patheticness pásìnànès n. peddler ŋímutsurúsìàm n.
patients mayaakóniika n. peddler (being a) ŋímutsurúsìnànès n.
patriclan àsàka n.; ɔ́dɔ̀ka n. pedestrian ɓɛƙɛ́síàm n.
paunch ɡwàʝa n. pee kʉtsáƙón v.; kwatsa n.
paunchy heɓúlúmòn v. pee-pee kwàà nurs.
pause ɨmɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.; isíƙóòn v.; mɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀n peek at ikórímés v.; ilóíkés v.
v.
peek out tsʼʉ̀fɔ̀n v.
pawpaw ɲápaɨpáya n.
peek through tɛkɛɲɛs v.
pay taatses v.
peek through repeatedly tekeɲiés v.
pay (tax) ƙúdès v.
peel ɨpɛlɛs v.; ɔmɔ́x n.; poxés v.
pay a fine unjustly taatsesa káwí v. peel off ɨwalɛtɛ́s v.; moxés v.;
pay brideprice buƙés v.; buƙetés v. poxésúƙota v.
pay fine (for impregnation) ɨtsʉlɛs v. peel with teeth ɨsɨmɛs v.
pay haphazardly taatsesá bùɗàmàke v. peelable food ɨsɨmam n.
pay in vain taatsesa tsam v. peeling ɨpɛlɛtam n.
a
pay off ɨlʉŋʉ́lʉ́ŋɛ́s v.; taatsésuƙot v. peep at ikórímés v.; ilóíkés v.
pay out brideprice buƙésúƙota v. peep out tsʼʉ̀fɔ̀n v.
pay tax taatsesa ɲéutsúrùⁱ v. peer at tɨrɨfɛs v.; tɨrɨfɛtɛ́s v.
pay toward tɔ́ƙɛ́s v. peer at over ɨrɨnɛs v.
a
payback (get) ɲaŋésúƙot v. peer through tɛkɛɲɛs v.
a
payment tààts n. peer through repeatedly tekeɲiés v.
a
payment slip taatsakabáɗ n. peg ɡóɡès v.; kìnòròta n.
peace ŋíkísila n.; ɲɛkɨsɨl n. Pellaea adiantoidea tsʼaɗícɛ́mɛ̀r n.
peace (make) ɨsílítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. pelt ídʉrɛ́s v.; ínósìtsʼa n.; tsʼɛ̀ n.
peaceful ɨsílɔ́n v.; tisílón v. pelvis róróìɔ̀ka n.
peaceful (become) ɨsílɔ́nʉƙɔta v. pen ɲákalám n.
peaceful person ɨsílɔ́nìàm n. penalty (financial) ɲáfaín n.
peak kwaráɡwarí n. penance (Catholic) penitésìyà n.
peanut(s) ɲépulé n.; taráɗá n. pencil ɲɛ́pínísìl n.

400
penetrate (area) Philippians (biblical)

penetrate (area) utés v.; utésúƙota v. perplexed iɓíléròn v.; ɨcɔ́ŋáimetona ikáe
penile shaft ɲɛ́sɛɛɓɔ́ n. v.
penis kwan n. Persea americana ɲóvakáɗò n.
penis hole kwaníékwa n. persevere ɨɗaŋíɗáŋɔ̀n v.; ɨmʉ́kɔ́ɔ̀n v.
penitentiary zíkɛ́sìàwa n. persist ɨɗaŋíɗáŋɔ̀n v.; taɗáŋón v.
penny ŋáɓɔ́ɔla n. person ám n.
person (indigenous) áméda kíʝáe n.
Pentarrhinum insipidum urém n.
person (surveiled) rɔtam n.
Pentecost pɛntɛkɔ́stɛ̀ n.
person in authority topéɗésuƙotíám n.
Pentecostal Ŋímorokóléìàm n.
person who prays wáánààm n.
people ròɓa n.
personal item ámákɔrɔ́ɓâda n.
people (tribe) dìywa n.; ɲákaɓɨlá n.
personal property ámákɔrɔ́ɓâda n.
people! òɓà interj.; ròɓà interj.
personhood ámánànès n.
pepper ɲépilipíli n.
perspiration kirota n.
pepper (red) ɲákamʉlára n.
perspire kirotánón v.
perceive enés v.
persuade sʉ́bɛ̀s v.; sʉ́bɛsʉƙɔta v.
perch itsélélèòn v.
perturbed walɨwálɔ́n v.
perfect xɔ́dɔ̀n v.; xɔtánón v.
pervert ɲárásíám n.
perforate ɓɛkɛ́s v.; ɓɛkɛtɛ́s v.; húbutés v.;
pester ilúlúés v.
pulés v.; ruɗés v.
pestilence koɗó n.
perforate (with a tool) ɡóɡès v.
pestle àʝa n.; iwótsídàkwa n.; kuɲuka n.
perforate noisily rɔɗɛ́s v.
pet (have as a) totores v.
perforate repeatedly pulutiés v.
Peter Pétèrò n.
perform a miracle ikúʝíánón v.
Peter (biblical) Pétèrò n.
perfume (natural) ɓʉ́ɓʉ́s n.
petite tsaʉ́ɗímɔ̀n v.
perhaps ƙámá kiɗíé v.; ndóó ɦyè n.
petrol ceím n.; ɲépetorón n.
peril ɡaánàs n.
phallus kwan n.
perilous ɡaanón v.; ɨpáríŋánón v.
phantom lopéren n.; tás n.
perineal muscle ɲalamatsar n.;
philanthropic dòòn v.
ɲekiɗoŋita n.
philanthropist dónésìàm n.; lɔʝɔkɔtáwa
peripheral vision ɗoɗékwa n. n.
perish bitsétón v.; ɨríɗɛ́tɔ̀n v. philanthropists roɓa ni ɡúrítínía
perjure isuɗes v.; isuɗetés v. dayaáka n.
perjury ɲɔ́pɔkɔca n. philanthropy daás n.
permanently kìŋ ideo. Philemon (biblical) Pɨlɛmɔ́nɛ̀ n.
permit talakes v. Philippians (biblical) Pilípoika n.

401
phlebotomize pinch off

phlebotomize kɔ́ɛ́s v. picture kúrúkúr n.; ɲɛ́pítsa n.

phlegm ɗɔ̀ƙɔ̀n n.; ɲarʉ́kʉ́m n. piece ʝulam n.
phlegm (newborn) kíɓɔ́ɔ̀z n. piece (small) ʝulamáím n.; pɛsɛlam n.;
Phoenix reclinata lɔ̀kàtàta n. pɛ́sɛ́lameda n.
phone dʉrʉdʉr n.; ɲásím n. piece of junk ƙwɛsɛ́ n.
phone in iwetés v. pierce itsumés v.; pulés v.
pierce noisily rɔɗɛ́s v.
phone out iwésúƙota v.
pierce repeatedly pulutiés v.
phony ɨtsárʉ́ánón v.; láŋ n.
piercer pulutiesíàm n.
phoot! pʉ̀ʉ̀t ᶶ ideo.; rɛ̀s ideo.
pig ɲéɡuruwé n.
photo(graph) kúrúkúr n.; ɲɛ́pítsa n.
pig out iwótsóòn v.; ɲaɗésá ŋƙáƙáe v.
photograph iwetés v.
pigeon bîba n.
Phymateus species ɓɔlɔrɔtsa n.
pigeon (green) orómó n.
physical therapist ʝʉ́rɛ́sìàm n.
pigeon (olive) lótúrum n.
physically fit itsyátón v.
pigeon (speckled) rutúdùm n.
physician ɗakɨtárìàm n.
pigment ɲáraŋɡí n.
pick ɗʉmɛtɛ́s v.; iɗókóliés v.; ɲésurúr n.
pile ɨnʉkʉ́nʉ́kɛ́s v.; itukes v.; kìtsa n.;
pick (choose) xɔ́bɛtɛ́s v. ɲatúkíta n.; tutukesíáwa n.
pick (nibble) ɲɛ́ɲɛ́s v. pile (of dry branches) ràm n.
pick (teeth) mínɛ́s v. pile on iɗóɗókés v.
pick at itoɗítóɗés v. pile on (add) tasaɓes v.
pick categorially ɨsíílɛtɛ́s v. pile up iruketés v.; ituketés v.; kitsetés v.;
pick clean iúréés v. tutuketés v.
pick fight with itoʝiés v. piled up iɗóɗókánón v.; tutukánón v.
pick off ɨkáábɛs v.; ɨkákápɛ́s v.; moxés v. pilfer ɨtíɗíɗɛ́s v.
pick out ikuɗúkúɗés v.; ɨƙɛlɛs v.; ɨƙɛlɛtɛ́s pill cɛ̀mɛ̀rìèkwa n.
v.; ƙɛ́lɛ́s v.; tɔsɛɛtɛ́s v. pillage toɓésúƙota v.
pick up ɗʉmɛ́s v.; ɗʉmɛtɛ́s v.; ɨɗɛpɛs v.; pillage and bring toɓetés v.
ɨɗɛpɛtɛ́s v. pillow dɨƙwam n.
pick up (multiply) ɨɗɛpíɗɛ́pɛ́s v.; pimples ŋ́kaŋóka n.
ɨɗɛpíɗɛ́pɛtɛ́s v. pin mʉtʉ n.
pick up a scent wetésá kɔínáɛ v. pin (safety) ɲákwác n.
pick up and bring ɨɛ́bɛtɛ́s v. pinch rɨɗɛ́s v.; tʉnɛ́s v.
pick up and take ɨɛ́bɛsʉƙɔta v. pinch all over tʉnʉ́tʉ́natés v.
pick-pocket ɗíɗítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɗíɗítɛtɛ́s v. pinch each other tʉ́nítʉ́nímɔ́s v.
pickaxe ɲésurúr n. pinch flirtatiously tunútúniés v.
picked (chosen) xɔ́bɔtɔ́s v. pinch off ƙɨtɛ́s v.; tɔɲɨmɛtɛ́s v.

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pinch up (granules) plastered

pinch up (granules) tʉsɛ́s v. plague koɗó n.

pinkish-red ɗiwiɗíwón v. plain ɓàŋɔ̀n v.; dús n.; ɨɓámɔ́n v.
pinnacle (of hut) lómoloró n. plainness ɓaŋás n.
pinpoint ɗóɗiés v. plait bɛrɛ́s v.; sikwés v.
pinworms lɔkɨtʉ́r n. plait up sikwetés v.
pipe (borehole) ɲatsʉʉmáárí n. plan iɗimiés v.; iɗimiesúƙota v.;
pipe (tobacco) làr n. ipáŋƙeés v.
plan a time hoetésá ɲásáatí v.
pipe-stem laradakwa n.
plane (air-) iɗékè n.
piquant ɓariɓárón v.; ɓárikíkón v.
plane (even) ɨkʉlɛs v.; ɨkʉlɛtɛ́s v.; ɨk-
PISO (parish intelligence and security
walɛs v.
officer) tsítsá na kwátsa n.
plane off ɨkʉ́lɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
pissed off ɨlílíɔ̀n v.
plank ɲáɓáo n.
pissed off (become) ɨlílíɔnʉƙɔta v.
plant dakwa n.; íbɨtɛ́s v.
pistol ɲɛ́písítɔ̀l n.
plant (unknown) kɔ́rɔ́ɓáìdàkwa n.
pistol grip ƙɔ̀ɓa n.
plant disease xoúxoú n.
pit (trapping) ɲɔ́sɔ́ɔ́ƙata n.
plant species bɛfácɛ́mɛ́r n.; bʉlʉbʉláta
pitch tɔrɛ́s v. na sábàìkàe n.; bùsùbùs n.; dàlìs n.;
pitch (mead) tsʼɔƙɛ́s v. dodíka n.; ɡàsàràkwàtsa n.; ɡòmòʝòʝa n.;
pitch (soccer) ɲakwaanʝa n. ɡùʝa n.; ídemecɛmɛ́r n.; ídèmèdàkwa n.;
ídocɛmɛ́r n.; ɨɗaka n.; ʝálátsa n.; ʝɨʝîda
pitch away tɔrɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
n.; ʝʉ̀ʝʉ̀ n.; kèlèrwa n.; kìmɔ̀ɗɔ̀rɔ̀tsa
pitch this way tɔrɛtɛ́s v. n.; kòkòròtsa n.; kɔmɔ́m n.; komótsa
pitcher ɲewataʝá n. n.; loɓóŋiɓóŋ n.; lomerúka n.; lɔmɔ́ya
pitcher (wooden) ɲɛkʉlʉmɛ n. n.; lɔsaláta n.; mɛ́rɛ́ɗɛɗɛ́ n.; múmùta
n.; ŋálómóyá n.; ŋímáarɔya n.; ŋítɛ́sʉrɔ
pitcherful ɲewataʝá n.
n.; ɲáɓáɓú n.; ɲálamorú n.; ɲápata n.;
pitfall trap ɲɔ́sɔ́ɔ́ƙata n. ɲasal n.; ɲɛcaɓoya n.; ɲɛ́ɛkɨmá n.; ɲékil-
pitted tsakátsákánón v. itón n.; ɲesuƙuru n.; ɲɛ́sʉ́tɛ̀ n.; ɲétúlerú
Pittosporum viridiflorum ɲékwaŋa n. n.; ɲéúɗe n.; ɲéúlam n.; ɲɛʉrʉlatsa n.;
ɲɛ́ʉrʉmɛmɛ́ n.; ɲoɗokole n.; ɔ́bɛ̀r n.;
pity (have) isyónón v. ɔ́ʝítínícɛmɛ́r n.; òŋòrìkwàtsa n.; ráɡàn
pity on (take) isyones v. n.; sʉ́ƙʉ́sʉƙá n.; tsʼaɗícɛ́mɛ̀r n.; tsákàtsa
placate ɨkanɛ́s v.; ɨkaníkánɛ́s v. n.; tsamʉya n.; tâba n.; túḿbàba n.
place awa n.; bácíka n.; eɡés v.; eɡetés v.; plantain ɲómototó n.
kíʝa n. plaster ɨlɔɓílɔ́ɓɛ́s v.; ɨpʉtsɛs v.; ɨwarɛs v.
place of honor zɛƙɔ́áwa na maráŋ n. plaster (mud) tànàŋ n.
placenta ŋaxɔ̂ba n. plaster (with mud) tanaŋes v.
placid tisílón v. plastered ɨwarɔs v.

403
plate point downward (of horns)

plate ɲásaaní n. plowing season tɔkɔbatsóya n.

plateau lopem n. pluck sɔrɛ́s v.; tɔtsʉɗɛs v.; tʉtsʉɗɛs v.
platform lɔpɨtá n. pluck off ɓotsetés v.
platform (make a) ɨpɛ́tɛ́ɛ́s v. pluck off repeatedly ɓotsotiés v.
platoon ɲépalatún n. plug ɨmíɗítsɛ́s v.; tsʼʉ́bʉláta n.; tsʼʉ̂ba n.;
tɨtsʼɛ́s v.; tʉ́zʉɗɛ́s v.
play ɲaɓolya n.; wááka n.; wááka v.
plug (chewable) tsʼàf n.
play (dramatic) wááka na támɔtɔ́s n. plug (lip) ɡwaláta n.
play around with wáákitetés v. plug oneself in ɨmíɗítsɛ́sa así v.
play the field (sexually) weesa kíʝáe v. plug up tɨtsʼɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; titsʼímétòn v.;
play with ɨmɨnímínɛ́s v.; mɨnímínatés v. tʉ́zʉɗɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
player wáákààm n. plugged tɨtsʼɔ́s v.
playful wáákós v. plume tùka n.
plead with iƙenes v. plumed tsowírímòn v.
plump dɛʝɛ́dɔ̀n v.; zízòn v.
pleasant dòòn v.
plump person zízònìàm n.
pleasantness daás n.
plumply dɛ̀ʝɛ ideo.
please ɨlákásítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨmʉ́mʉ́ɨtɛtɛ́s v.;
plunder iɓolíɓólés v.; iɓolíɓólésuƙota v.;
kóʝa adv.
taɓales v.; toɓésúƙota v.
Plecthranthus species ɡàsàràkwàtsa n. plunder and bring toɓetés v.
plentitude (here) níbàdà n. plural kòmòn v.
plentitude (there) kíbàdà n. plurality komás n.
plenty ŋábɔnʉƙɔta v.; nábɔnʉƙɔta v.; tàn pneumonia ɲeɗekea bákútsìkàe n.
n. pock itwelítwélés v.
pliable lumúdòn v. pocked itwelítwélós v.; tsakátsákánón v.
pliably lùm ideo. pocket ofur n.
pliers ɲɔkɔ́ɲɛ́ta n. pocket (back) ofura na ʝírì n.
plop down rɛfɛ́kɛ́ɲɔ̀n v. pocket (front) ofura na wáxì n.
plop! pùs ideo. pockmarked tsakátsákánón v.
plot (owned) ɲeɗúkór n. podium lɔpɨtá n.
plot against ɨmanɛs v. point ekwa n.; ekweda n.; náƙáfɛ̀da n.
point (topic) mɛnéékwa n.
plow tɔkɔ́bɛs v.
point (word) tódèèkwa n.
plow (make to) tɔkɔ́bɨtɛtɛ́s v.
point at ɗóɗés v.; ɗoɗésúƙota v.
plow (ox-) ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́à nà ɦyɔ̀ɔ̀ɛ n.
point at sunset ɗóɗiesá tsòònì v.
plowed tɔkɔ́bɨtɔtɔ́s v. point backward kámáránón v.
plower tɔ̀kɔ̀bààm n. point downward (of horns) ɨlʉ́kánètòn
plowing tɔ̀kɔ̀ba v. v.

404
point of departure post (police)

point of departure wàxɛ̀da n. pool (rock) sáta n.

point out ɗóɗés v.; ɗoɗésúƙota v. poop etsʼa n.; ntsʼáƙón v.
point to ɗóɗés v.; ɗoɗésúƙota v. poor bùlòn v.; ikúrúfánón v.
point to secretly ɗóɗiés v. poor as a dog iŋókíánón v.
pointed ɨwítsɔ́n v.; tsʼítsʼɔ́n v. poor eyesight (have) múɗúkánón v.;
ŋwaxɔna ekwitíní v.
pointless buɗámón v.
poor person ikúrúfánóníàm n.; ŋóka n.
pointless talk ɨɓámɔ́nìtòda n.
poorly ɡàànìke v.
points áƙátìkìn n.; ekwin n.
pop (soda) ɲɔ́sɔ́ɗa n.
pointy tsuɓáánètòn v.
pop (sound) ɗɛɗɛanón v.; rɛɗɛɗánón v.
poison cɛ̀mɛ̀r n.; ɨŋaalɛ́s v.; ɲekísórìta n. pop out ɨpírísɛtɛ́s v.
poisoner ɨŋaalɛ́síàm n. pop! pɨrɨs ideo.
poke iƙumes v.; itsemes v. pope abáŋ n.; pápà n.
poke around on itsemítsémés v. populate ínésuƙota v.
Pokot person Ŋúupéám n. population ɲɛkɨmar n.
pole (forked) titír n. porch hodzíŋ n.
pole (horizontal) rìkwa n. porcupine tɔ̀rɔ̀mìɲ n.
pole (wooden) dakwa n. porridge ŋáítɔ̀ n.; ɲéúʝi n.
polecat ɲewuruŋoroka n. porridge (fermented) rùta n.
police pólìs n. porridge (thick) ízotam n.
police post ɲɛ́pɔ́sìta n. portion taɲáléés v.; xɔnɔ́ɔ́kɔn n.
portion (best) ɲopol n.
polish iríƙéés v.
portion (first) ɲopol n.
politick sʉ́bɛ̀s n.
portion (of meat) ɲekiner n.
pollen ɗukes n.; ɨɔka n.
portion out taɲáléetés v.
polling station ɡóózésíàwa n.
Portulaca quadrifida ɨɗaka n.
pollywog ŋʉ́ɗʉ́ŋʉ́ɗa n.
posho tɔbɔŋ n.
polydactyly ɲɛ́ɗɔ́nɨɗɔn n. posho (solid) ɨlɨram n.; lúɡùm n.
pond tábàr n. posho (stiff) tʉɗʉtam n.
pond water tábarɨcue n. posho (watery) ɓɔtí n.
ponder ɲɛɓɛ́s v.; tamátámatés v.; tamɛtɛ́s position was n.
v.; tamítámiés v. position (social) zeís n.; zeísínànès n.
poo-poo! dí nurs. possess ɡirés v.
pooched out ɓotólómòn v. possession (demonic) lejénánès n.
poofy bʉlʉbʉlɔs v. possessions ɲámáli n.
pool ɨmɨlímílɔ̀n v.; tábàr n. possible itíyéetam n.
pool (riverbed) ɲéɓwál n. post (police) ɲɛ́pɔ́sìta n.

405
postpone precipitation

postpone íbokés v. pour out (noisily) ídʉlɨdʉlɛ́s v.

postpone repeatedly dzúƙudzuƙiés v.; pour out into otetés v.
irotírótés v. pour out to last drop ɨʝíírɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
posture was n. pour to last drop ɨʝíírɛ́s v.
pot dóm n. pout ɨɓʉ́tʉ́ŋɔ̀n v.; imutúmútòn v.
pot (metal) ɲásipiryá n.; ɲésipiriyá n.; pouty ɨmʉtʉ́mʉ́tɔ́s v.
tsɨrɨmʉ́dòm n. poverty ŋókínànès n.
pot (of beer) mɛ̀sɛ̀dòm n. poverty-stricken ikúrúfánón v.
pot (small clay) ɲeƙulu n. poverty-stricken person ikúrúfánóníàm
pot (small) dómáìm n. n.
pot bottom dómóɔ̀z n. powder kabas n.; kábàsìn n.
pot of edible termites (first) wàxìdòm n. powderily lyàm ideo.
pot-belly ɡwàʝa n. powdery ɨwɨɗɔs v.; lyamádòn v.
pot-holed ƙumúƙúmánón v. power ŋɡúf n.; ŋɨxás n.; ɲapéɗór n.; zeís
n.
potable wetam n.
powerful ŋìxɔ̀n v.
potato (wild) keîdza n.
practice itétémés v.
potato(es) ɲɛ́ɓɨás n.
praise itúrútés v.; tamɛɛs v.
potbellied heɓúlúmòn v.
praise oneself itúrútésá así v.
potsherd tɔɓɔka n.
prattle ilemílémòn v.
potter bɛrɛ́síama dómítíní n.
pray wáán v.
pottery (broken) tɔɓɔka n. pray (call-and-response) taƙates v.
pouch ofur n. pray against taƙátésuƙota v.
poultry ɲɔ́kɔkɔr n. pray away taƙátésuƙota v.
pounce tonyámónuƙota v. prayer wáán n.
pound ɗúlútés v.; ɨɗatɛs v.; iɗoses v.; tɔ́- prayer (call-and-response) tàƙàta n.
tsʼɛ́s v. prayer (closing) wáána na tɛ́zɛ̀tɔ̀nì n.
pound (in a mortar) iwotses v. prayer book ɲáɓúka wáánàe n.
pound (with a pestle) íɲɛ́s v. prayer for gravedigger wáána na
pound repeatedly itsomítsómés v. muɗésíàmàe n.
pounded (with a pestle) íɲɔ́s v. prayerful person wáánààm n.
pour ƙídɨƙídɔ̀n v.; ƙúdès v. praying mantis tʉ́wa n.
pour down iyééseetés v. preach ɨtátámɛ́s v.
pour from small opening ádʉdʉƙɛ́s v. preacher ɨtátámɛ́síàm n.
pour into ɨtʉrɛs v.; otés v.; otésúƙota v. precarious ɨpáríŋánón v.
pour out furúdòn v.; iyééseetés v.; precipice látsó n.
ƙúdesuƙota v.; ƙúdetés v. precipitation dìdì n.

406
precipitous proceed (to do)

precipitous iwósétòn v.; kʉ́bɛ̀lɛ̀mɔ̀n v. pressured toreimétòn v.

precisely dàn adv. pressurize ɨsɨkares v.
predator loúka n. pretend iɲétsóòn v.; iyétsóòn v.
a
predawn eúzòn v.; ɲaɓáít n. prettiness daás n.
preeminence zeís n. pretty dòòn v.
pregnancy taboo tsʼìn n. prevail taɗáŋón v.
pregnant taríɔ́n v. prevaricate isuɗesa mɛnáɛ v.; itoŋetésá
pregnant (newly) ƙeɗétón v. tódàe v.; yʉanitetés v.; yʉanón v.
pregnant (prohibitively) tsʼìnɔ̀n v. prevarication yʉɛ n.
pregnant (recently̠) sɨbánón v. prevent ɨrɛtɛs v.; isíƙéés v.; itítírés v.
premeditate ɨwɔ́ŋɔ́n v. prey on tɔɓɛlɛs v.
preoccupied íɡùʝùɡùʝòn v.; itúmúránón price dzîɡwa n.; dzíɡwèsèda n.; ɲéɓéya n.
v.; wasɨtɛsa ikáe v. prick tsʼɔɗɨtɛs v.
a
preoccupy itúmúránitésúƙot v. priest (Catholic) páɗɛ̀r n.
a
preparation (for travel) sùɓèt n. primate (female) ɔɡɛraŋwa n.
a
prepare ɨɗɨmɛ́s v.; ɨɗɨmɛ́sʉ́ƙɔt v.; iɗim- primate (half-grown) kukáta n.
iés v.; iɗimiesúƙota v.; itemités v. primate (male) ɔ̀ɡɛ̀r n.
prepare (food) itiŋés v. primate infant kíɗɔlɛ́ n.
prepare oneself iɗimiesá así v. primer (ignition) ɔ́zɛ̀da n.
prepare to go súɓánòn v.; suɓétón v. principal ámázeáma ɲésukúluⁱ n.
prepared ɨɗɨmɛ́sɔ́n v. print ipíríntiŋeetés v.
presence ɡwarí n. print a book iwetésá ɲáɓúkwì v.
present dónés v.; dónésuƙota v.; takánón prison zíkɛ́sìàwa n.
v.; tɔ́rɔ́bɛs v.
prison guard cookaama zíkɛ́siicé n.
presently nápáka na adv.
prisoner ŋímamɓʉ́sìàm n.
press bízès v.; ɨɗɔtsɛs v.; ɨsɨkares v.
pristine ɗòwòn v.; tɨlíwɔ́n v.; xɔ́dɔ̀n v.;
press all over bízibizatés v.
xɔtánón v.
press for details ɨnɨnɛ́s v.
private búdòs v.
press on ɨɗaŋíɗáŋɔ̀n v.; ɨmʉ́kɔ́ɔ̀n v.;
probably kárɨká adv.; ntsúó tsʼɔɔ pro.
ʝʉ́rɛ́s v.
probe ɨnɨnɛ́s v.
press out bízetés v.; ʝʉ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ʝʉrɛtɛ́s
v. problems mɛn n.; ŋítsan n.
press repeatedly ɨɗaŋíɗáŋɛ́s v. proboscis (elephant) òŋòrìkwɛ̀ta n.
pressed rɔ́ƙɔ́rɔƙánón v. procedure ɲɛpɨtɛ n.
pressure ɨsɨkares v.; rɛ́ɛ́s v.; rɛɛtɛ́s v.; proceed pórón v.
tɔrɛɛs v. proceed (to do) itáƙúòn v.

407
process issues provocativeness

process issues bɛrɛ́sá mɛnáɛ v. propeller blade ɗàwa n.; suɡuráɗáwa n.

procession ɲɛɗʉpɛ n. proper itémón v.
prod iƙumes v.; itsemes v. proper (of many) dayaakón v.
produce ƙwaatítetés v.; pulutetés v. property kíʝa n.; ɲámáli n.
produce a lot of cɛɛtɛ́s v. prophecy faɗás n.
produce seeds eɡésá ekwí v. prophesy fàɗòn v.; ikúʝíánón v.
product dzíɡwam n.; dzíɡwetam n.; prophet fàɗònìàm n.; ɲakuʝíícíkáàm n.
dzííƙotam n. propolis sɔs n.
profit bɨtɨtam n.; ɨkɛ́ítɛtɛ́s v. propped against ɨƙɔ́ŋítɔ́s v.
profit from raʝetés v. propped on ɨƙɔ́ŋítɔ́s v.
progeny kwatsa n. proprietor ámêda n.
prohibit dimités v.; dimitetés v.; itáléés proscribe dimités v.; dimitetés v.
v. prosecutor ɨsíítɛ́sìàm n.
prohibited itáléánón v.; itálóós v. prospect ɦyeités v.
prohibition ɲatal n. prosperity ídzànànès n.; zɛƙwa ná dà n.
project ɨrʉtsɛs v.; ɲɛ́prɔ́ʝɛ̀kìta n. prostitute ɲamáláɨta n.
project anorectum doletésá ɔ́zàɛ v. prostrate bùkòn v.; bukukánón v.
Protea gaguedi ɲícwéɲé n.
prolapse ɨtsʉ́bʉ̀ɗɔ̀n v.
protect cookés v.
prolapsed ɨtsʉ́bʉ̀ɗʉ̀mɔ̀n v.
protected cookotós v.
prolific bòmòn v.
protector còòkààm n.
prolong zikíbètòn v.; zikíbitésúƙota v.
protest nɛpɛƙánón v.
prolonged (become) zikíbonuƙota v.
Protestant sɛ́mìs n.
promenade tasɔ́ɔ́n v.
protract zikíbitésúƙota v.
promiscuous (sexually) furés v.; protracted (become) zikíbonuƙota v.
ɨmáláánón v.
protrude tɨbíɛ́tɔ̀n v.
promise iɓoletés v.
protrude (of ears) kweelémòn v.
promise each other iɓólínós v.
protruding ɓotólómòn v.; tɨbíɔ́n v.
promote zeites v.; zeitésuƙota v.
protrusion rúɡètsa n.
pronely ɓɛlɛlɛtsɛ ideo. protuberance rúɡètsa n.
pronounce kʉtɔnʉƙɔta v. proud itúrón v.
prop ɨƙɔŋɛs v.; titirés v. proverb taɗápítotós n.
prop (the head) díƙwɛ́s v. provide for bɔnɛ́s v.; íɡɔɲɛ́s v.
prop against ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́s v.; ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. provider bɔnɛ́ám n.
prop on ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́s v.; ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. provision bɔn n.
prop up ɨƙaŋɛs v.; titiretés v. provocation ɓɛkam n.
propane gas ɲáɡás n. provocativeness ʝʉ́ránànès n.

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provoke pummel

provoke ɓɛkɛtɛ́s v.; ɨsʉ́sʉ́ɛ́s v.; itsemes v.; pull béberés v.; eminés v.; iɓwates v.;
itsótsóés v. ɨʝʉkɛtɛ́s v.; ipoles v.; ɨtsɔrɛtɛ́s v.
provoke (verbally) ɨtɔ́ŋɔ́ɛ́s v. pull (make) ɨʝʉ́kítɛtɛs v.
provoking ɓɛkánón v.; ʝʉ́ránòn v. pull along béberiés v.
prowl tonyámón v.; totséɗón v. pull apart ɗusés v.; ɗusésúƙota v.;
ɗusutes v.; eminiés v.; ɨkɛ́ŋɛ́ɗɛ́s v.;
prune ɨƙwáƙwárɛ́s v.; isésélés v.
tɔŋɛɗɛs v.
pry apart ɓereɲiés v.
pull away béberésúƙota v.; eminésúƙota
pry bar ɲotolim n. v.
pry open ɓereɲiés v. pull back dolés v.; doletés v.; rʉʝɛ́s v.
pseudo- láŋ n. pull back foreskin doletésá kwaní v.
Pseudocedrela species ɲókotita n. pull down inietés v.; lɔkɔɗɛtɛ́s v.
Psidium guajava ɲóɡóva n. pull forcefully iɓwatetés v.
psyche ɡúr n. pull in béberetés v.
ptooey! tʉ̀ ideo. pull off ɓotsetés v.; eminésúƙota v.;
tɔkɛtɛs v.; tɔkɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; tolés v.; to-
puberty (enter) teɓúránétòn v.
letés v.
puberty (enter, of boys) ɨɓʉyákòn v. pull off (bark) iɓóɓólés v.
pubic area didis n. pull off repeatedly ɓotsotiés v.; tolotiés
pubic bone didisíɔ́ka n. v.
pubic hair didisísítsʼa n.; ɔ́zàsìtsʼa n.; pull on ɗʉ́rɛ́s v.; ɗʉtɛ́s v.
tɛ̀mʉ̀r n. pull oneself away ƙɛlɛtɛ́sá así v.
pubis didisíɔ́ka n. pull oneself back rʉʝɛtɛ́sá así v.
public ŋáɲɔ́s v. pull out ɗʉrɛtɛ́s v.; ɗʉtɛtɛ́s v.; eminetés
publish a book iwetésá ɲáɓúkwì v. v.; faɗetés v.; ipoletés v.; ritetés v.;
ruutésuƙota v.; ruutetés v.; tɔkɛtɛs v.;
puddle ɨmɨlímílɔ̀n v.
tɔkɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; tɔkɛtɛtɛ́s v.; tolés v.; to-
pudendum didis n. letés v.; tɔtsʉɗɛs v.; tʉtsʉɗɛs v.; tuutes
pudgily lèɓu ideo. v.; tuutetés v.
pudgy ɡerúsúmòn v.; leɓúdòn v.; pull out repeatedly tolotiés v.
rexúkúmòn v. pull over ɨtɨlɛtɛ́s v.
puff adder bɛf n. pull this way béberetés v.
puff up xuanón v.; xuxuanitetés v.; xux- pull up ɗués v.; ɗuetés v.; eminetés v.;
uanón v. ipoletés v.; rués v.
puffily bɔ̀f ideo.; lèɓu ideo. pulsate dìkwòn v.; ƙádiƙádòn v.
puffy bɔfɔ́dɔ̀n v.; bʉlʉbʉlɔs v.; dú- pulse ƙádiƙádòn v.
duránón v.; leɓúdòn v. pulverize itsomes v.
puke ɦyɛnɛ́tɔ́n v.; ɦyɛ̀nɔ̀n v. pummel ɗúlútés v.

409
pump put on

pump íɲɛ́s v. push along ɨʝʉkʉ́ʝʉ́kɛ́s v.

pump up ɨsɨkɛs v. push aside repeatedly iʝúkúmiés v.
pumpkin kaiɗeya n. push away ɨʝʉ́kɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ritésúƙota v.
pumpkin (oblong) naperorwá n.; push buttons (provoke) itsemes v.
tsòkòlòr n. push down ɗaɗátésuƙota v.
pumpkin (small unripe) ɗɔ̀l n. push in and out irúrúƙés v.
pumpkin (unripe) ŋíkalʉtʉ́rɔ n. push into ipúkútsésuƙota v.; lakates v.
pumpkin juice kaiɗeícúé n. push into repeatedly lakatiés v.
pumpkin piece kaiɗeíbɔrɔƙɔ́ƙa n. push near to bɨɲɛ́s v.
push on bízès v.
pumpkin ring ɨbɔta n.
push over ɨtílɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
pumpkin seed kaiɗeíékwa n.
push over side lakates v.
pumpkin stem base kaiɗeíáƙáta n.
push over side repeatedly lakatiés v.
punch tanaŋes v.
pushing ʝʉ́ránòn v.
punch (a hole) húbutés v.; pulés v.; ruɗés put eɡés v.; eɡetés v.
v.
put ahead ɛkwɨtɛs v.; ɛkwítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
puncture ɓɛkɛ́s v.; ɓɛkɛtɛ́s v.; itsumés v.;
put alongside ɨnapɛs v.
pulés v.; ruɗés v.
put aside ɨnápɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨŋáɗɛ́ɛ́s
puncture repeatedly pulutiés v.
v.; ɨŋáɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; óɡoɗés v.;
punish iɗoŋes v. óɡoɗésúƙota v.; oƙésúƙota v.
puny ɡɔɗírímɔ̀n v. put away óɡoɗés v.; óɡoɗésúƙota v.;
pupil isóméésíàm n.; ɲósomáám n. oƙésúƙota v.
pupil (of eye) tiléŋ n. put back raʝésúƙota v.; raʝetés v.
puppy ŋókíìm n. put beside ɨnapɛs v.
pure ɓètsʼòn v.; tɨlíwɔ́n v.; xɔ́dɔ̀n v.; put in ɓuƙítésuƙota v.; imetsités v.
xɔtánón v. put in a sling íbatalɛ́s v.
purity (of food) lɛtsɛ́kɛ́ɛda n. put in front ɛkwɨtɛs v.; ɛkwítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
purplish-red kɨpʉ́ránètòn v. put in jail eɡésá ɲáʝálaáke v.
put in order ɨnábɛ̀sʉ̀ƙɔ̀ta v.; itíbès v.;
purpose ɲákásìèda n.
itíbesúƙota v.
purr ŋɔ́rɔ́rɔ̀n v.
put in twos leɓetsítésuƙota v.
purse ɲáníɓàka n. put inside xutésúƙota v.
pursue ɨlɔŋɛs v.; ɨmítíŋɛɛ́s v. put nearby taraŋés v.
pursue after ɨlɔ́ŋɛ́sʉƙɔta v. put off íbokés v.
pursue each other sexually ríínós v. put off odor mídzòn v.
pus bátsʼa n. put off repeatedly dzúƙudzuƙiés v.;
push ɨɗɔtsɛs v.; ɨʝʉkɛs v.; ɨpʉnɛs v.; rités irotírótés v.
v. put on iwales v.; ŋábès v.

410
put on (beads) rain

put on (beads) otés v. quelea (red-billed) kimír n.

put on a feather iwalesa túkàe v. quench tsʼeites v.; tsʼeítésuƙota v.
put out tsʼeites v.; tsʼeítésuƙota v. question esetés n.; esetiés v.; iŋáyéés v.
put to sleep epítésuƙota v. question things itóŋóiesá mɛnáɛ v.
put to work ikásíitetés v.; teréɡanitetés quibble ɨɲʉ́ɲʉ́rɔ̀n v.
v. quick itírónòn v.; wɛ́ɛ́nɔ̀n v.
put together itóyéés v. quickly ɗàmʉ̀s adv.; ɗɛ̀mʉ̀s adv.
put two-by-two leɓetsítésuƙota v. quiet ɨʝɛ́mɔ́n v.; líídòn v.; tisílón v.
put up íbokés v. quiet down ɨʝɛ́mítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
a
put up with taɗaŋes v. ɨʝɛ́mɔ́nʉƙɔt v.
put upright ɨtsírítɛtɛ́s v.; tsírítɛtɛ́s v. quietly ʝìr ideo.; lì ideo.; sokósíìke v.
put weight on tuɓútitésúƙota v. quish! pìs ideo.; tùs ideo.
put in otés v. quit kuritésúƙota así v.
putrefy mʉ́mʉ́tɛ̀tɔ̀n v. quiver kìtòn v.; kwalíkwálɔ̀n v.;
nɛ́rɨnɛ́rɔ́n v.
putrid mʉ́mʉ́tɔ̀n v.; ŋorótsánón v.
quiver (begin to) kitétón v.
pyrosis kíɓɔ́ɔ̀z n.
quiver (make) kitítésuƙota v.
python ɲomórótòta n.
rabbit tulú n.
python tail-tip ɲéɡetsa n.
rabbit nickname bositíníàm n.
quaff itúlákáɲés v.
race ɨrʉtsɛsa así v.; tsùwà v.; tsuwa na
quail ɲélúru n. ɨɓákɔ́nì n.
quake irikíríkòn v.; kwalíkwálɔ̀n v.; rack (drying) lɔpɨtá n.
ɲéríkirika n. racket nɔ̀s n.
quaking sound ɓʉlʉɓʉl ideo. racket (make a) ilélémùòn v.
qualms (have) paupáwón v. radiance daás n.
quarrel dèƙwa n. radiant dòòn v.
quarrel (of many) ilérúmùòn v. radiator ɡàfìɡàf n.
quarrel with (start a) déƙwítetés v. radio dʉrʉdʉr n.; ɲéréɗi n.
quarreler deƙwideƙosíám n. rafter stick tɨmɛ́l n.
quarreling ɲelerum n. rag kàbàɗa n.
quarrelsome deƙwideƙos v. rage ɡaánàs n.; ɨlɛ́ɔ́n v.; ɲɛlɨl n.
quarter (area) nabɨɗɨta n. ragged ɨkárɔ́n v.; kɔrɔ́ɗɔ́mɔ̀n v.;
quartzite séya n. rídziridzánón v.; rúɡuruɡánón v.
queasy iláƙízòn v.; itikítíkòn v.; talóón v. raid toɓés v.; toɓésúƙota v.
queen bee lókílóróŋ n.; okílóŋór n. raid and bring toɓetés v.
queen termite dádata dáŋáe n.; raider toɓésíàm n.
dáŋádadáta n.; ŋwááta dáŋáe n. rain dìdì n.; wata n.; wàtòn v.

411
rain (drizzling) razorblade

rain (drizzling) ɲɛ́límɨlɨm n. rankle ɓɛkɛtɛ́s v.

rain (dry season) ódzadidí n. rankling ɓɛkánón v.
rain (gentle) ɗéródɛíka n. ransack iɓolíɓólés v.; iɓolíɓólésuƙota v.;
rain (light) kʉ́f n.; rɛ̀ba n. taɓales v.
rain elsewhere ɨtsɛ́ɛ́rɔ̀ɔ̀n v. rap on ɨɗɔŋíɗɔ́ŋɛ́s v.; ikoŋíkóŋés v.;
ɨtɔ́tɔ́ŋɛ́s v.
rain from the west tsóéàm n.
rap on repeatedly ɨlɛrílɛ́rɛ́s v.
rain sickness didiɲeɗeké n.
rap repeatedly ɨɗɛɨɗɛ́ɛ́s v.
rain-stopper tuɗúlónìàm n.
rapaciousness lokoɗoŋironánés n.
rainbow nàtɔ̀lɔ̀kà n.
rape itikiesúƙota v.
rains (eastern) obólén n.
rapturous (become) ɛfɔnʉƙɔta v.
rains (intermittent) ɲerupe n.
rare búúbuanón v.
rainy season diditsóya n.; ɔtáya n.
rashy katúrúturánón v.; sómomóʝón v.
raise ɓuƙés v.; ŋkáítetés v.; tasɛɛs v.;
rat ɗér n.
zikíbitésúƙota v.
rat (giant Gambia) lòlòta n.
raise (make) ɨkɛ́ítɛtɛ́s v.
rat (house) ɗérá na áwìkàe n.
raise buttocks tsúdòn v.
rat (striped ground) nàtsɛ̀r n.
raise the head wasɨtɛsa ikáe v.
rat poison ɗérócɛmɛ́r n.
raise to kick dɛŋɛlɛs v.
rat species natélewá n.; tiŋátiŋá n.; tufúl
raise up ɨkɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨkɛɛtɛ́s v. n.; tʉ́síɗèr n.
raise up (develop) bɛrɛ́s v. ratel lɛŋ n.
raised up ikeimétòn v.; ɨkɔɔtɔ́s v. ration ɨmɨnímínɛ́s v.
rake ɨƙwɛrɛs v.; ŋírés v.; ɲaƙwárɛ́ta n. rattily rɛ̀s ideo.
rake (with nails) soƙóríties v. rattle (animal-hoof) lotsʼilotsʼa n.
rally iríréetés v.; sùtòn v. rattle (gourd) ɲɛ́ɛ́ƙɨɛ́ƙa n.
ram rʉtsɛ́s v.; rʉtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. rattle (leg) coór n.
ram (goat) bɔfɔƙɔr n. ratty rɛsɛ́dɔ̀n v.
ram (sheep) ɗóɗocurúka n. ravage ɨsílíánɨtɛtɛ́s v.
ram (young goat) kɔl n. raven (fan-tailed) kʉ́ràka n.
ram into ipúkútsésuƙota v. ravine fòtsa n.; ɲɔ́kɔ́pɛ̀ n.
rampage ɨlɛ́ɔ́n v. ravine (river) ɔrɔr n.
ramshackle kɔlɔlánón v. raw tsʼáɡwòòn v.
ranger (game) lɔɡɛ́m n. ray of light bás n.; sʉ́wa n.
rank ɗɛtsɨɗɛ́tsɔ́n v.; ɨmʉ́sɔ́ɔ̀n v.; raze ɡɨʝɛtɛ́s v.; ɲaɗésúƙota v.; towutses
mʉ́mʉ́tɔ̀n v.; wízɨlílɔ́n v.; zeís n.; v.
zeísínànès n. razor (handmade) ɡìʝìta n.
rank (become) ɨmʉ́sɛ́ɛ̀tɔ̀n v. razorblade ɲɔ́ŋɔmɓɛ́ n.

412
reach (a destination) recur

reach (a destination) ɨtɔ́ɔ́n v. rear end ʝírɛ̂da n.; ɔ́zɛ̀da n.

reach (make) ɨtaɨtɛ́s v. reassign ɨlɔpɛs v.
reach a consensus ɗɔtsɛtɛ́sá tódàe v. rebel mɛnáám n.; ɲɛkɛsʉpan n.; terémón
reach and pull down likiɗes v. v.
rebels (Sudanese) Ŋɨɲɛ́ɲɛ́ya n.
reach here (make) ɨtaɨtɛtɛ́s v.
rebound íbòtòn v.; iɗótón v.
react against toƙíróòn v.
rebuff ɨmɛ́ɗɛ́lɛ́s v.
react suddenly tokúétòn v.; tokúréètòn
rebuke dɔxɛ́s v.; dɔxɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
v.
recall anɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; anɛtɛ́s v.; tamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta
read isóméés v.
v.; tamɛtɛ́s v.
read (teach to) isómáitetés v. recall repeatedly aniesúƙota v.
readable isómáìmètòn v. recce irimírímés v.
reader isóméésíàm n. recede raʝámón v.; raʝánón v.
readings ɲósomáicíka n. receipt taatsakabáɗa n.
ready ɨɗɨmɛ́s v.; ɨɗɨmɛ́sɔ́n v.; receive tɛ́bɛtɛ́s v.
ɨɗɨmɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; iɗimiés v.; iɗimiesúƙota recent erútsón v.
v.; itemités v.
recently tsʼɔ̀ɔ̀ adv.
ready (make) itemités v. reclaim ɨrapɛs v.; ɨrápɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
ready (to eat) àèòn v. recline eponuƙota v.; ɨɗɛ́ɗɔ́ɔ̀n v.; it-
ready oneself iɗimiesá así v. sólóŋòn v.
ready to eat (become) aeonuƙota v. recognize ɦyeités v.
ready to fight iríríƙòn v. recoil from itírákés v.
ready to go (get) súɓánòn v.; suɓétón v. recollect anɛtɛ́s v.; tamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.;
tamɛtɛ́s v.
ready, set, go! mérímeritsíò interj.
reconcile apápánɛ̀ɛ̀tɔ̀n v.; apápánɔ̀ɔ̀n v.;
readying for harvest (of gardens)
ɨsílítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
aeonuƙota kíʝáe n.
reconnoiter irimírímés v.
real estate kíʝa n.
record ɨrɛ́kɔ́ɗɨŋeés v.; tamɨtɛtɛ́s v.
realize walámón v.
record of attendance éditíníkabáɗa n.
really easíke n.; kárɨká adv.; mʉ̀kà adv.
recorded (on paper) ɨƙɨrɔs v.
really (much) pʉ́n ideo. recount isíséés v.
ream out irúútés v. recover ɨrapɛs v.; ɨrápɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨrapɛtɛ́s
reanimate ɦyekitetés v. v.; ɨrapɛtɛ́s v.
reap ɨrárátés v.; ɨrarɛs v.; tarares v.; weés rectify ɨtsírítɛtɛ́s v.; tsírítɛtɛ́s v.;
v. tɔɓɛɨtɛtɛ́s v.
reaper weésíàm n. rector pásìtà n.
rear ʝìr n.; kanɛda n.; ɔ́zɛ̀da n.; ɔ̂z n.; rectum dzɔɗáta n.
tasɛɛs v. recur tɔrʉ́ɓɔ́n v.

413
recycle remain

recycle ɨrɔmɛs v. regalia ɲɛ́nɨs n.

red ɗìwòn v. regime ɲápukán n.
red (become) ɗiwonuƙota v. region ɲɛ́tɛɛr n.
red (make) ɗiwítésuƙota v. regress raʝánón v.
red (of many) ɗiwaakón v. regret anɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
regrind iŋáɓúkés v.
red (very) tsòn ideo.
regrow ʝɔɓɛ́tɔ́n v.; tɔrʉ́ɓɔ́n v.
red-pod terminalia ɡáʒàda n.
regrow (of hair) ŋʉrʉrʉ́ɲɔ́n v.
redden ɗiwítésuƙota v.; ɗiwonuƙota v.
regrowing ʝɔ̀ɓɔ̀n v.
reddish-brown bɔɨbɔ́ɔ́n v.
regurgitate ɦyɛnɛ́tɔ́n v.; ɦyɛ̀nɔ̀n v.;
redeemer hoɗetésíàm n. xerétón v.
redo iɲaƙes v.; iɲoƙes v.; iɲóƙésuƙota v. reign over ipúkéés v.
reduce raʝámón v.; raʝánón v. reject dimés v.; ɨmɛ́ɗɛ́lɛ́s v.; míʝés v.
reed kɛ̀ɗa n. rejoin ɗɛsɛ́mɔ́n v.; tɔŋɛ́tɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
reed (granary) ɲétémetsa n. rekindle (with breath) fútsʼiés v.
reed ring nàtsìkwa n. related ɦyeímós v.; ɦyeínós v.
reed species sɔ́ɡɛ̀kàka n.; sɔ̂ɡa n. related by birth ɦyeínósá ƙwaatéo v.
related by marriage ɦyeínósá sitsʼésú v.;
reed wreath nàtsìkwa n.
ɲotánánès n.
reedbuck (Bohor) ɲeɓuri n.
relations (sexual) epa n.
reedbuck (female mountain) rɔ́ɡɛŋwa n. relax torwóónuƙota v.
reedbuck (male mountain) cúkúɗùm n. relaxed torwóón v.
reedbuck (mountain) rɔ̂ɡa n. relay ilotses v.
reedmace ìsìka n. relay tower ɲéɓusitá n.
reeds (small) kɔ̀ka n. release hoɗés v.; hoɗésúƙota v.; hoɗetés
reek ilíánòn v.; mídzona ɗɛtsɨɗɛ́tsíkɛ v.; v.; itsues v.; itsuetés v.; talakes v.
mídzònà ɗùku v. releaser hoɗetésíàm n.
reel ɡakímón v.; ɨtɛrítɛ́rɔ̀n v. reliable ikékéɲòn v.
reenact ɨŋɨtɛs v. religion ɲéɗíni n.
refer to tákés v. religious matters ɲakuʝímɛ́n n.
relinquish bɔlɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; taʝales v.;
reflection kúrúkúr n.
taʝálésuƙota v.; taʝaletés v.
reform cicianón v.
relocate dzuƙés v.; ilóʝésuƙota v.
refuse dimés v.; tsʼʉtsʼʉ n.; wasɛ́tɔ́n v. relocate away dzuƙésúƙota v.
refuse treatment béberésuƙota así v. relocate one’s home ilotsesa zɛƙɔ́ɛ v.
refute ɨsalɛs v.; ɨsalɛtɛ́s v.; ɨsalɨtɛ́s v. relocate this way dzuƙetés v.
refuted ɨsálímétòn v. rely on ɨƙɔŋɛs v.
regale ɨmʉ́mwárés v. remain ʝɛʝɛ́tɔ́n v.; ʝɛ̀ʝɔ̀n v.

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remain behind resistent

remain behind maɗámón v. repeat endlessly íɡuʝuɡuʝésa tódàe v.

remainder ʝírɛ̂da n.; óɡoɗesam n. repel ɨɗáfɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨtíílɛ́s v.
remainder (of food) ɲomokoʝo n. repelled ɨɗáfɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.
remainders ʝírín n. repent cicianón v.; fítésuƙota ɡúróe v.
remains (find) ítés v. repent of sins tʉlʉŋɛsa tɔsɛ́sɔ́nì v.
remember anɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; anɛtɛ́s v.; replace imetsés v.; imetsités v.
tamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; tamɛtɛ́s v. replant (a garden) iɓures v.
remember clearly ɨpííríánón v. replicate toputes v.; toputetés v.
remember often aniesúƙota v. reply raʝés v.; raʝetés v.; taatses v.;
remind tamɨtɛtɛ́s v. taatsésuƙota v.; taatsetés v.
remove hoɗésúƙota v.; hoɗetés v.; report ɗoɗésúƙota v.; ɲéripóta n.
ƙanésúƙota v.; ƙanetés v.; tsʼálés v.; repose ɨɗɛ́ɗɔ́ɔ̀n v.
tsʼaletés v.; tɔkɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; tɔkɛtɛtɛ́s v.; representative tódààm n.
tuɓutes v.; tuɓútésuƙota v.; tuɓutetés reprimand dɔxɛ́s v.; dɔxɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
v.; tuutes v.; tuutetés v. reprobate ɲárásíám n.
remove a bird ƙanésúƙota ɡwaáe v. reproduce (copy) toputes v.; toputetés v.
remove gingerly ɗítɛ́s v.; ɗítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. repulse ɨlɛ́lɛ́ítɛtɛ́s v.; ɨtíílɛ́s v.
remove shoes hoɗetésá taƙáíkàɛ v. repulse each other ɡʉtsʼʉ́rínɔ́s v.
remove the jaw of taʝakes v. reputed ɦyoós v.
removed from office rúmánònà kàràtsʉ̀ request wáánɛtɛ́s v.
v. rescue ɨɛtɛ́s v.
remunerate taatses v. rescuer ɨɛtɛ́síàm n.
remuneration tààtsa n. resect ɓilés v.
rend dzɛrɛ́s v. resemble ikwáánòn v.; ƙámón v.;
render ɨkɔɓɛs v. topútétòn v.
rendezvous (sexual) tirésíàwa n. reserved toikíkón v.
renounce claim over óɡoés v. residence zɛƙɔ́áwa n.
rent ipáŋƙeés v. resident zɛƙɔ́ám n.
rent (torn) dzɛrɔ́sɔ́n v. residue (beer) ɗʉká n.; dàʝa n.
repair ɨɗɨmɛ́s v.; ɨɗɨmɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; ɨɗɨmɛtɛ́s residue (food) ɲéɗúruɗur n.
v.; ɲimanites v.; rátsɛ́s v.; taɗapes v.; resile rʉʝɛ́s v.
taɗapetés v. resilient itsyátón v.
repair repeatedly rátsiés v. resist ɨƙaíƙɛ́ɛ́s v.; ɨƙáƙɛ́ɛ́s v.; ɨƙáƙɛ́ɛtɛ́s v.;
repaired ɨɗɨmɔ́s v.; taɗapos v. ɨrɛtɛs v.; kwɛ́rɛɗɛ́ɗɔ́n v.; raʝés v.
repay taatsésuƙota v. resistant nɨkwídɔ̀n v.
repeat iɓóŋón v.; iɲaƙes v.; iɲoƙes v.; resistantly nìkwɨ ideo.
iɲóƙésuƙota v. resistent itsyátón v.

415
resolve revive

resolve itemités v. retain itítíkés v.; itítíketés v.;

resolve an issue epitésúƙota tódà v. e tatsáɗésuƙota v.
resound arútón v. retaliate ɲaŋés v.; ɲaŋésúƙota v.
respect mòròn v.; xɛ̀ɓɔ̀n v. retard inípónítésúƙota v.
respect each other mórímós v. retch ʝaƙátós v.; toukes v.; touketés v.;
xáƙátòn v.
respire ɨɛ́ŋɔ́n v.; sʉ́pɔ́n v.
retell ɨŋɨtɛs v.
resplendent dòòn v.
retire rumétón v.
respond raʝés v.; raʝetés v.; taatses v.;
retort taatses v.; taatsésuƙota v.; taat-
taatsésuƙota v.; taatsetés v.
setés v.
respond as a group sùtòn v.
retrace one’s steps ɨƙʉlʉ́ƙʉ́lɔ̀n v.
respond repeatedly tébitebiés v.
retract dolés v.; doletés v.; rʉʝɛ́s v.
responsible ámêda n.; wàsɔ̀n v.
retract foreskin doletésá kwaní v.
responsible for things wasɔna
retract oneself rʉʝɛtɛ́sá así v.
kúrúɓádù v.
retreat ɨpɛ́ɛ́rɔ̀n v.; raʝánón v.; rumétón v.
resprout ʝɔɓɛ́tɔ́n v.
retrieve tukuretés v.; tukutetés v.
resprouting ʝɔ̀ɓɔ̀n v.
retrieve (food) lɛkɛ́s v.
rest ɨɛ́ŋɔ́n v.
retriever (of food) lɛkɛ́síàm n.
rest (the head) díƙwɛ́s v.
return iɓóɓóŋòn v.; raʝés v.; raʝésúƙota
rest against ɨƙɔŋɛs v.; ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́s v.; v.; raʝetés v.; tɔrʉ́ɓɔ́n v.
ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; tonokes v.
return bride xɛɛsʉ́ƙɔta v.
rest on ɨƙɔŋɛs v.; ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́s v.;
return here itétón v.
ɨƙɔ́ŋítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
return there itéón v.; itíón v.
rest up ɨɛ́ŋɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
return this way iɓóɓóŋètòn v.
restaurant ŋƙáƙáhò n.; ɲéótèl n.
return to normal xɔ́dɔnʉƙɔta v.
rested against ɨƙɔ́ŋítɔ́s v.
reveal ɗoɗésúƙota v.; ɗóɗítetés v.;
rested on ɨƙɔ́ŋítɔ́s v.
enitésúƙota v.; enitetés v.; ilééránitetés
resting place ìɛ̀ŋààwa n. v.; kwɛtsʼɛ́s v.
restless ɗɛɲɨɗɛɲɔs v. revealed kwɛtsʼɛ́mɔ́n v.
restless (unsettled) tsɔnɨtsɔnɔ́s v. Revelation (biblical) Enitetés n.
restrain ɨƙalíƙálɛ́s v.; isíƙéés v.; itítíkés revenge ɲaŋés v.; ɲaŋésúƙota v.
v.; itítíketés v. revere itúrútés v.; mòròn v.
restrict ɨrɨɗɛs v.; ɨrɨɗɛtɛ́s v. reverse ikutúkútés v.; ikutúkútòn v.
restricted ɨrɨɗɔs v. revert raʝánón v.
resurrect ɦyekétón v.; ɦyekitetés v. revive fútsʼiés v.; ɦyekétón v.; ɦyekitetés
resuscitate fútsʼiés v.; ikwárétòn v. v.; ikwárétòn v.

416
revolt rip

revolt ɨlɛ́lɛ́ítɛtɛ́s v. ridged toŋórómòn v.; toróŋómòn v.

revolve ɨríŋɔ́n v. ridges in (make) itóróɲés v.
reward tɔ́rɔ́bɛs v.; tɔ́rɔ́bɛsa na ílɔɛsí n. ridgetop (vertical) fátárààka n.
rheum (dried) dɔ̀x n. ridicule tɔʝɛmɛs v.
rhinoceros (black) óbìʝa n. rifle (bolt-action) lomucir n.
rifle (short bolt-action) ɲápaŋƙaláíta n.
rhomboid muscle ɲɛ́sílɨsɨl n.
rifle through iɓolíɓólés v.; iɓolíɓólésuƙota
Rhus natalensis mɨsá n.
v.
Rhynchosia hirta ɲéŋéso n. rifled iyérón v.
rib ŋabér n. right ɨtsírɔ́n v.; iyóón v.; tsírɔ́n v.; tɔɓɛ́ɔ́n
rib (lefthand) betsínáŋabér n. v.
rib (lowest) sʉ̀ɗa n. right (make) ɨtsírítɛtɛ́s v.; tsírítɛtɛ́s v.;
rib (meat) kileleɓú n. tɔɓɛɨtɛtɛ́s v.
right (typically) toɓéíón v.
rib (righthand) ŋƙáƙáŋabér n.
right away ɗìr adv.
rib (upper) tsɛ̀tsɛ̀kwa n.
right hand ŋƙáƙákwɛ̀ta n.
rib bone ŋabéríɔ̀ka n.
right here nayé kɔ̀nà dem.
rib meat ŋábèrìkèèm n.
right hindleg ɲálán n.
rich bàrɔ̀n v.; iʝákáánón v. righthand rib ŋƙáƙáŋabér n.
rich (get) bárɛ́tɔ̀n v.; barɔnʉƙɔta v. rigid ɓotsódòn v.; kɛtɛ́rɛ́mɔ̀n v.;
rich (in taste) wɨɲídɔ̀n v.; wɨɲɨwíɲɔ́n v. tsɛ́rɛkɛ́kɔ́n v.
rich (make) barítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. rigidly ɓòtso ideo.
rich person bàrɔ̀àm n.; bàrɔ̀nìàm n. rind bɔɗɔ́ka n.
riches bàr n. ring ɨlíŋírɛ́s v.; ɨlɨrɛs v.
richly in taste wìɲ ideo. ring (a bell) iwés v.
ring (finger) ɲákaɓɔɓwááta n.
Ricinus communis ɨmánán n.
ring (of ears) iwákón v.
rickety ɗɔxɔ́dɔ̀n v.; ɡɔ́ɡɔ̀rɔ̀mɔ̀n v.
ring (stick) ɲókokor n.; ɲɔkɔlɔɓɛr n.
ricochet iɗótón v.
ring hollow ɗɛʉɗɛ́wɔ́n v.
rid oneself of ɡʉtsʼʉrɛs v.; itsúrúés v.
ring of reeds nàtsìkwa n.; ɲéleƙeré n.
riddle taɗápítotós n. ring-beam ɲolóɗo n.
ride otsés v. ring-tone dikwa n.
ride (a bicycle/motorcycle) hɔnɛ́s v. ringed itówóòn v.
ridge ɡòɡòròʝa n.; itóróɲés v.; kokór n.; ringlet (metal) àɡìta n.
zeketa n. ringworm aɗáɗá n.
ridge (of hair) sìɡìrìɡìr n. rinse ɨlaɨlɛ́ɛ́s v.; ɨlɔ́lɔ́tsɛ́s v.
ridge (vertical) fátár n.; ɲɔɗɔ́kɛ́ta n. rinse (mouth) íɡʉʝʉɡʉʝɛ́s v.; ɨmʉ́mʉ́ʝɛ́s v.
ridge base tsɨɨr n. rip dzɛrɛ́s v.

417
rip off (cheat) Romans (biblical)

rip off (cheat) ɨmɔɗɛs v.; ɨmɔ́ɗɛ́sʉƙɔta v. robber lotáɗá n.; ŋuésíàm n.
ripe àèòn v. robbery lotáɗánànès n.
ripe (nearly) ɨtsʼɔ́ƙɔ́n v. robe ɲákaasó n.
ripen aeonuƙota v.; ƙádòn v. robin-chat loƙírota n.
ripen quickly hataikánón v. rock (crumbly) lɔkabʉ́ás n.
ripen up aeétón v. rock (large) taɓa n.
ripening kɔ̀ɓɔ̀n v. rock (sedimentary) sáɲamáta n.
ripped dzɛrɔ́sɔ́n v.; láládziránón v. rock (small) ɡwas n.
rise ŋkéétòn v.; ŋkóón v.; zikíbonuƙota rock (soft) ɲékúkuse n.; sáɲamáta n.
v. rock (table) ɡɨzá n.
rise (of sun) tsòòn v.; tsoonuƙota v. rock back and forth iikííkés v.; iukúúkés
rise (of voice) ɔ́bɛ̀s v. v.
rise up (rebel) terémón v. rock crevice tsarátán n.
rock pool sáta n.
risk ɡaánàs n.
rock pool water sátíkócue n.
risky ɡaanón v.
rock well mɔƙɔr n.
ritual (do a) írés n.
rock well water mɔƙɔrɔ́cúé n.
ritual killing sítsʼa n.
rockily ɡàtsa ideo.; ŋàr ideo.
river sàbà n.
rocky ɡatsádòn v.; ŋarʉ́dɔ̀n v.;
river (small) ɔrɔr n. rakákámòn v.
river basin ɲɛrɛ́ta n. rocky outcrop kúca n.; rikíríka n.
river bottom sàbààƙwa n. rod ʝʉrʉm n.
riverbank (opposite) ƙìròta n. rod (cleaning) sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sítsɨrím n.
riverbed sàbààƙwa n. roil íbɔtsɛ́sá así v.; íɡùlàʝòn v.
riverbed pool ɲéɓwál n. roll kaɓéléɓelánón v.; tsitsikes v.
roach lɔmɛ́ʝɛ́kɛlɛ́ n. roll a root tsitsikesa ʝɔtɛ́ v.
road muce n.; ɲerukuɗe n. roll around aɓíɓílánón v.
road grader séɓésìàm n. roll around (in mouth) ɨŋɔ́lɔ́ɓɔ́ɲɛ́s v.
roam iwórón v.; tɛ́rɛ́s v. roll away tsitsíkésuƙota así v.
roamer ɓɛƙɛsɔsíám n.; irimesíám n.; roll between hands tsutsukes v.
iwórónìàm n. roll over iɓéléés v.; iɓéléìmètòn v.
roar ábʉ̀bʉ̀ƙɔ̀n v.; béúrètòn v.; erutánón roll repeatedly tsitsikiés v.
v.; irúrúmòòn v.; xérón v. roll this way tsitsiketésá así v.
roast ʝʉɛ́s v. roll up ɨpɔ́pírɛ́s v.; kakɨrɛ́s v.; tɔɓɨlɛtɛ́s v.
roast lightly ɨɔ́ɓɔ́rɛ́s v. rolling sound dɛ̀rɛ̀dɛ̀r ideo.; kùrùkùr
roasted ʝʉɔ́s v. ideo.
roasting ground nakíríkɛ̀ta n. Romans (biblical) Ŋírɔmánɔ́niika n.

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roof rumble off

roof hoɡwarí n. round (and thick) baƙúlúmòn v.

roof (of mouth) aƙár n. round (make) ɗukúditésúƙota v.;
roof ring (of reeds) ɲéleƙeré n. ɨlʉ́lʉ́ŋɛ́s v.
roof tip (woven) tsùta n. round up ikoŋetés v.; ɨkwɛtíkwɛ́tɛ́s v.;
ƙalíƙálɛ́s v.; sáɡwès v.
roofing sheet ɲámaamɓáta n.
roundly ɗùku ideo.
rooftop (inner) lɔɓîz n.
roused iƙúrúmós v.
room naƙʉ́lɛ́ n.
rove tɛ́rɛ́s v.
room (space) zɛƙɔ́áwa n. rover ɓɛƙɛsɔsíám n.; irimesíám n.
roomy ɨlɔ́lɔ́mɔ̀n v.; lalʉ́ʝɔ́n v. row iƙures v.
roost itsélélèòn v. rub iríƙéés v.; ʝʉ́rɛ́s v.; ŋííɗɛ́s v.
rooster ɡwácúrúka n. rub around iwulúwúlés v.
root dakúsɔ́ka n.; sɔka n.; sɔkɛda n. rub between fingers sɨmɨɗímíɗɛ́s v.
root (of a tooth) kwayɔ́ɔ́ka n. rub down/out ʝʉ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ʝʉrɛtɛ́s v.
rope ŋún n.; ún n. rub in hands tsutsukes v.
rope (braided) natɨɓa n. rub off iɲíɲíés v.; ŋííɗɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
rope (tree bark) tɔ̀fɔ̀l n. rub vigorously ídʉlɨdʉlɛ́s v.
rot ɗutúɗútánónuƙota v.; masánétòn v.; rubber ɗɔtɔ́ n.
mʉsánétòn v. rubber (eraser) ɲáráɓa n.
rotate ɨlɨrɛs v.; irímétòn v.; irímítetés v.; rubberily rɔ̀ɓɔ ideo.
irímón v. rubbery rɔɓɔ́dɔ̀n v.
rotate around in irimes v. rubbish tsʼʉtsʼʉ n.
rotate repeatedly ɨlɨrílírɛ́s v. rubbish pile tsʼʉtsʼʉ́áwa n.
rotted ɗatáɗátánón v. rubeola púrurú n.
rotten ɗutúdòn v.; masánón v. ruffle dʉbɛ́s v.
rotten (very) ɗùtu ideo. rugged rúɡuruɡánón v.
rotten at core ɓʉɓʉsánón v. ruin imóɲíkees v.; imóɲíkeetés v.; in-
áƙúés v.; ináƙúetés v.; ɨraŋɛs v.;
rotting ɗutúɗútánón v.
ɨraŋɛtɛ́s v.
rotund pʉŋʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n v. ruined ináƙúós v.; ináƙúotós v.; ɨraŋɔs
rough ƙumúƙúmánón v.; rúɡuruɡánón v.; ɨráŋʉ́nánón v.
v. ruined (become) ɨraŋímétòn v.
rough (of a road) ƙumúƙúmánón v. ruinousness ƙʉtsʼánánès n.
rough (of a surface) ŋaráɓámòn v. rule ipúkéés v.; ɨtsɨkɛs n.
roughen cɛ́bɛ̀s v. ruler ipúkéésíàm n.; tòtwàrààm n.
roughly ɡwɛ̀ʝɛ ideo. rumble ɗukuɗúkón v.; ɨkílɔ́n v.;
round ɗukúditésúƙota v.; ɗukúdòn v.; tɔtɔanón v.
ɨlʉ́lʉ́ŋɔ́s v.; ɲásápari n. rumble off itíƙíròòn v.; itíríƙòòn v.

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rumen salivate

rumen ɲɛ́pʉnʉka n. rusty sɨmɨránón v.

ruminate ɨɲáɗʉ́tɛ́s v.; ɲɛɓɛ́s v. rusty (get) iɗolíɗólòn v.
rumple imóɲíkees v. Saba comorensis ɲamalil n.
rumple up imóɲíkeetés v. sack hoɗésúƙota v.
run tsùwà v. sack (gunny) ɲɛ́ɗɛpɨɗɛ́pa n.; ɲéɡuniyá n.
run (a direction) ŋàtɔ̀n v. sack (huge leather) tun n.
run (multiply) ŋatíón v. sack (large gunny) lomóŋin n.;
ɲáwaawá n.
run after irukes v.; irúkésuƙota v.
sack (leather) lokóoɗo n.
run after each other ríínós v.
sack (nylon) ɲɛ́kɨsɛsɛ́ n.
run away duƙésúƙota mòràe v.;
moronuƙota v.; ŋatɔnʉƙɔta v. sack (small plastic) ɲápaalí n.
run away (of many) iɗúzòn v. sacrament ɲásakaraméntù n.
run cold (of blood) ɓʉnʉ́mɔ́nà sèàe v. sacred place ɲɛkíwɔ́rìta n.
sacrifice sítsʼa n.
run hot (of blood) ɓʉnʉ́mɔ́nà sèàe v.
sacrifice against enemies loŋɔ́tásìtsʼa n.
run into íbaɗɛ́s v.; imánónuƙota v.;
ɲimánétòn v. sacrifice (funeral goat) ipúɲéés v.; sɛ́ɛ́s
v.
run into (meet) imánétòn v.
sacrifice (wedding) ɲɛ́kílama n.;
run into repeatedly íbaɗiés v.
ɲɛkʉma n.
run off ikutses v.; ikútsésuƙota v.; sacrifice a goat cɛɛsá rié sàbàke v.
ŋatɔnʉƙɔta v.
sacrum ɲɛtsɨr n.; ɲɛtsɨríɔ́ka n.
run out ídzòn v.
sad itásónòn v.; sìŋòn v.; tasónón v.
run this way ŋatɛ́tɔ́n v.
saddle (donkey) ɲásaaʝa n.
run-down kɔlɔlánón v.
saddle (of a mountain) kwaréékwa n.
running (send off) ŋatítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
safari ant ƙúduƙûda n.
running jump (get a) itseɗítséɗòn v. safe ɲébeŋɡí n.; toikíkón v.
running naked lèdèr ideo. safe-box ɲébeŋɡí n.
running water lɔkáʝʉ́ n. safety (gun) bɔɗɔ́ka n.; ŋáɲɛ́sìàwa n.
runt ƙʉ́ƙa n. safety pin ɲákwác n.
runty sɛ́rɛ́ƙɛƙánón v. sag ɨƙɔ́nɔ́nɔ̀ɔ̀n v.
rush ɨɓʉ́ŋɔ́n v.; ɨkɨríkírɔ̀n v. sag (of eyelids) irwápón v.
rush into things ŋamɨŋámɔ́n v. saggy ratatáɲón v.
rush off ɨpʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta así v. sail ɨɔ́ɔ́rɛ́s v.; ɨɔ́ɔ́rɔ̀n v.
rush out tsídzètòn v. saintly dòòn v.
rust iróróòn v.; sɨmírɔ́n v. saliva tata n.
rustle ɓɛkɨɓɛ́kɔ́n v. salivary glands ƙutsʼátsʼíka ni tatí n.
rustle up (food) ɨɗɔ́ɗɔ́ɛ́s v. salivate mʉ́lʉƙʉ́ƙɔ́n v.

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saloon scar (big)

saloon ɲáɓá n. saucepan dóm n.; ɲásipiryá n.;

salt didiɡwarí n.; ɲémíli n. ɲésipiriyá n.
Salvadora persica ɓaláŋ n. saucepan (small) dómáìm n.
same iríánòn v. saucer ɲásaaní n.
same (be the) ikwáánòn v. saunter ɨpɛ́ɛ́ɲɛ́sá así v.
sample kaites v. sausage tree sosóbòs n.
sample from ɨsɛkísɛ́kɛ́s v.; ɨsɛ́sɛ́kɛ́s v. savage ɦyɛtɨɦyɛtɔs v.; ɦyɛ̀tɔ̀n v.;
ɨɲɛ́ɛ́mɔ̀n v.; ɨsílíánón v.
sample many hamomos v.
savagery ɦyɛtás n.
sanctity daás n.
savannah dús n.
sand ʝʉmʉʝʉmás n.; séɓés v.; sʉ́ʉ́tɛ́s v.
save ɡirés v.; ɨɛtɛ́s v.
sand spring ɲakúʝá n.
save (spiritually) hoɗetés v.
sandal ŋaɗɛ́tá n.
save oneself ɨɛtɛ́sá así v.
sandal (rubber) ɲásánɗɔ̀l n.
saved (get) hoɗetésá así v.
Sansevieria robusta màlòr n.
savior hoɗetésíàm n.; ɨɛtɛ́síàm n.
Sansevieria species barata n.; ʝɔ̂da n.
saw iriƙíríƙés v.; ɲɛ́ƙɨrɨƙír n.
sanza lokemú n.
saw away at ifitífítés v.
sapless bʉláʝámɔ̀n v.; daƙwádòn v.
say kʉ̀tɔ̀n v.; kʉtɔnʉƙɔta v.; tódètòn v.
Satan Siitán n.
say hello to ɨmáxánɛ́s v.
sate cɨɨtɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
saying taɗápítotós n.
sated cìɔ̀n v.
scab ɔmɔ́x n.
sated (become) cɨɔnʉƙɔta v.; top-
scabby sómomóʝón v.; tɔmɔ́tɔ́mánón v.
watímétòn v.
scabby person tɔmɔ́tɔ́mánìàm n.
satellite ɗɔ́xɛatá na ɓɛƙɛ́s n.
scabies kɔ́tsa n.
satiate cɨɨtɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
scaffolding (make) ɨpɛ́tɛ́ɛ́s v.
satiated cìɔ̀n v.
scald kʉpɛ́s v.; kʉpɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
satiated (become) cɨɔnʉƙɔta v.; top-
watímétòn v. scale fâda n.; ikókórés v.; kɔmɔ́m n.
satisfied cìɔ̀n v. scale (weighing) ɲératíl n.
a
satisfy cɨɨtɛ́sʉƙɔt v. scale this way ikókóretés v.
satisfy hunger topwátón v. scales ɲératíl n.
satisfy meat hunger ɨtsɔ́ítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨt- scaly saŋáŋóòn v.
sɔ́ɔ́n v.; ɨtsɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta v. scamper up ɨtsɛ́tsɛ́ɛ́s v.
saturated ilébìlèbètòn v. scapula sawatɔ́ɔ́ka n.
Saturday Ɲárámɨram n. scar ƙwár n.; ɔ́ʝátàs n.; tás n.; tásɛ̂da n.
Satureja species òŋòrìkwàtsa n. scar (big) ɲépóros n.

421
scarce scrape off

scarce búúbuanón v. scoop cɛbɛn n.; tɛ́bɛ̀s v.

scare kitítésuƙota v.; xɛɓɨtɛs v.; scoop off ɨlaɓɛtɛ́s v.
xɛɓɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. scoop out (water) ɗalés v.
scare away ɨrɛmɛs v. scoop out/up tɛ́bɛtɛ́s v.
scare off ɨrɛmɛs v. scoop up cɛɓɛ́s v.; towoɗetés v.
scarified ɨsɛɓɔs v. scoop with fingers ɡafariés v.
scarify ɓunutiés v.; ɨsɛɓɛs v.; ɨsɛɓísɛ́ɓɛ́s scoot béberésuƙota así v.
v. scorch kɔrɛtɛ́s v.; kɔrɨtɛtɛ́s v.
scarlet tsòn ideo. scorched kɔrɛ́tɔ́n v.
scarred ɓulúrúmòn v. score ɨsɛɓɛs v.
scarred up seɓuránón v. score (a goal) iƙólésuƙota v.
scat etsʼa n. scored ɨsɛɓɔs v.
scatter ɓʉnʉ́mɔ́n v.; ɓʉnʉtɛ́s v.; ɨɗɛrɛs scorn míʝés v.; tsíítés v.
v.; itwares v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lánón v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́s v.; scorpion lóɗíkór n.
ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛtɛ́s v.; toɓwaŋes
scorpion (water) lòcòrò n.
v.
scorpion herb lóɗíkórócɛmɛ́r n.
scatter (seeds) tɛwɛɛs v.
scour (an area) ɨɗɛŋɛs v.
scatter around ɨɗɛríɗɛ́rɛ́s v.
scoured iɗéŋímètòn v.
scattered ɨɗɛrɔs v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɔ́s v.; kazaanón
v. scourge iɓúŋéés v.
scout irimesíám n.; rɔtɛ́ám n.
scattered around apɛ́tɛ́pɛ́tánón v.;
ɨɗɛríɗɛ́rɔ́s v. scout bee páupáwa n.
scavenge furés v.; iúréés v. scout out irimírímés v.
scavenger furésíàm n. scowl iɲíkón v.
scent kɔín n. scowling (begin) iɲíkétòn v.
schlip! ʝʉ́rʉ́t ᶶ ideo.; sɛ̀lɛ̀tɛ ideo. scraggy ɡɔ́ɡɔ̀rɔ̀mɔ̀n v.
school ɲésukúl n. scramble ɨfáfáɲɛ́s v.; ɨlɛ́pɔ́n v.
scramble down kukuanón v.
school (technical) tɛ́kɛ̀nìkɔ̀l n.
scramble up ɨfɛ́ɗɛ́lɛ́s v.; ɨlɛ́pɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
school (vocational) tɛ́kɛ̀nìkɔ̀l n.
ɨmɔrímɔ́rɛ́s v.
schooling ɲósomá n.
scrambled up ɨmɔrímɔ́rɔ́s v.
schunk! pùrùs ideo.
scrap ƙwɛsɛ́ n.
science ɲɛ́sɛ́ànìs n. scrap metal (piece of) ɲɛpɛlɛrɛŋ n.
scissors ɲámakás n. scrape fɔ́fɔ́tɛ́s v.; ɨfɔɛs v.; wówóʝés v.
Sclerocarya birrea tsʼɔƙɔ́m n. scrape clean tikitetés v.
scold dɔxɛ́s v.; dɔxɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. scrape off bátsɛ́s v.; ɨwalɛtɛ́s v.; rɛ́kɛ́s v.;
scoliosis (have) toíɗón v. tʉkʉrɛs v.

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scratch section (military)

scratch ɡweɡweritiés v.; sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́s v.; scurfy saŋáŋóòn v.

sʉ́ʉ́tɛ́s v. scurry up ɨfɛ́ɗɛ́lɛ́s v.; sekweres v.
scratch (with claws) soƙóríties v. sea ɲánam n.
scratch off sɛkɛ́s v.; sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. seal ilies v.; iliílíés v.
scratch up ikúkúrés v.; tukures v.; sealed iliílíós v.; ilios v.
tukutes v. seamless iliílíós v.
scratch vigorously koxésúƙota v. seamster tʉfɛ́síàm n.
scratched ɡweɡweritiós v. seamstress tʉfɛ́síàm n.
scrawl ɡweɡweritiés v.; wíziwizetés v. sear iɓues v.
scrawled ɡweɡweritiós v. search (an area) ɨɗɛŋɛs v.
scrawny kalɛ́ɛ́tsɛránón v.; rɛƙɛ́ɲɛ́mɔ̀n v. search (pat down) tárábes v.
scream ɨkwílílɔ̀n v. search all over (pat down) tárábiés v.
screech iyíyéés v. search for bɛ́ɗɛ́s v.; bɛɗɛtɛ́s v.; ɨkʉʝɛs v.
screw around on errand ɗipímón v. search in vain iróʝíés v.
screw up hamʉʝɛ́s v. searched over iɗéŋímètòn v.
scribble ɡweɡweritiés v.; wíziwizetés v. season ɛfɨtɛs v.; íbutsurés v.; iwéwérés
scribbled ɡweɡweritiós v. v.; tsóya n.
season (dry) ôdza n.; ódzatsóya n.
scripture (Christian) Ɲáɓáíɓɔ̀l n.
season (rainy) diditsóya n.; ɔtáya n.
scrotal swelling ɲɛkwɨ n.
seasoning ɲɛ́ɓɨsár n.
scrounge for furés v.
seat kàràtsa n.; zɛƙɔ́áwa n.
scrub ríʝa n.; sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́s v.; sʉ́ʉ́tɛ́s v.
seated zɛ̀ƙwɔ̀n v.
scrub brush ɲecaaƙo n.
seated (of many) ɡóƙón v.
scrub off sɛkɛ́s v.; sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
sebum îdwa n.
scrubby kalɛ́ɛ́tsɛránón v.
secede tatsáɗón v.
scrubland ɲáɓwa n.; ríʝíkaaʝíka n.
seclude ɨpátsɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
scruff fètìfèta n. seclude oneself ɨpátsɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.
scruff (fat) nìtsìnìtsa n. second (be the) mɨtɔna ɗíɛ́ leɓétsónì v.
scrumptious ɗɔkɔ́dɔ̀n v.; ritídòn v. second (one) ɗa leɓétsónì pro.
scrumptiously ɗɔ̀kɔ ideo. secret búdòs v.
scrunch ɨʉmʉ́íʉ́mɛ́s v. secretary karan n.
scrunch up ɨtʉsɛtɛ́s v.; tusuketés v.; secrete ɓɔ́rítɔ̀n v.
tusúkón v. secretor ƙùtsʼàtsʼa n.
scrutinize ɨpíʝíkɛ́s v. section bácíka n.; itiɓes v.; itiɓítíɓés v.;
sculpt bɛrɛtɛ́s v.; sotés v.; sotetés v. ʝulés v.; ƙɔ́dɔ̀l n.
scum kɨrarapa n. section (area) nabɨɗɨta n.
scurf kɔmɔ́m n. section (military) ɲésékíxìòn n.

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section (plant) send back

section (plant) ɲékel n. segment itiɓes v.; itiɓítíɓés v.; ʝulam n.;
section (space) naƙʉ́lɛ́ n. ʝulés v.
secure toikíkón v. segment (plant) ɲékel n.
Securinega virosa ɲalakas n. segment (small) ʝulamáím n.
security ŋíkísila n.; ɲɛkɨsɨl n. segregate ɨlɔ́ɗíŋɛ́s v.; tereties v.
segregated teretiós v.
security officer (government) tiri-
fiesíáma ɲápukání n. segregation ɲoloɗiŋ n.
seduce sʉ́bɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta así v. segregative ɨlɔ́ɗíŋánón v.
see enés v.; enésúƙota v.; walámón v. seism ɲéríkirika n.
seize ɛ́nɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨkamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.;
see stars ɨmɛ́ɗɛ́tɔna ekwí v.
ɨrakiesúƙota así v.; ɨrákímétòn v.;
see-through tsaórómòn v. ɨrɛɗɛs v.; tokopes v.; tokópésuƙota v.
seed eɗeda n.; eɡésá ekwí v.; ekwa n.; seize frequently reŋíónuƙota v.
ekweda n.; iŋárúrètòn v.
seizure (have a ) ɨrákímétòn v.
seed butter ɲówoɗí n. seizures (have) ɨrakiesúƙota así v.;
seed mixture (nuptial) loŋazuta n. reŋíónuƙota v.
seed oil útɔ̀ n. Selaginella phillipsiana múmùta n.
seed(s) kiɲom n. select ɗʉmɛtɛ́s v.; iɗókóliés v.; ɨƙɛ́ƙɛ́ɛ́s v.;
seedeater (yellow-rumped) ʝɨlíwa n. ɨƙɛlɛs v.; ɨƙɛlɛtɛ́s v.; ƙɛ́lɛ́s v.; tɔsɛɛtɛ́s v.;
xɔ́bɛtɛ́s v.
seeded iŋárúròn v.
select categorially ɨsíílɛtɛ́s v.
seeds ekwin n.
select iteratively ƙélíetés v.
seeds (have) iŋárúròn v.
selected xɔ́bɔtɔ́s v.
seeds of ʝàwa ílekó n.
self as pro.; nêba n.
seeing as how naítá subordconn.
self-centered reídòn v.
seek bɛ́ɗɛ́s v.; bɛɗɛtɛ́s v.; ɨkʉʝɛs v.;
self-cleanse fítésuƙota ɡúróe v.
ɨmítíŋɛɛ́s v.
self-controlled ɨrɨtsɛ́sá así v.; toikíkón v.
seemingly íkwà adv.; ókò adv.
self-important ɨwɔ́ƙɔ́n v.
seen lɛ́lɔ́n v.; takánón v.
selfish hábòn v.
seen (make) kɛtɛ́lɨtɛtɛ́s v.
selfish person kìɓèɓèàm n.
seen clearly ilééránón v.; kɛtɛ́lɔ́n v. selfishness hábàs n.
seen dimly misimísón v. sell dzíɡwès v.; dzíɡwesuƙota v.
seen faintly misimísón v. seller dzíɡwesuƙotíám n.
seep tɔfɔ́ɗɔ́n v. semen ɗír n.
seer ɲakuʝíícíkáàm n. semester ɲátám n.
seesaw iyopíyópòn v. seminar ɲésémìnà n.
seethe tabúón v. send eréɡes v.
seethe over tabúétòn v. send back raʝésúƙota v.

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send early sewing machine

send early isókítésuƙota v. service (religious) wáán n.

send in a message mɛnɛ́tɔ́n v. sesame kaɲʉm n.
send off running ŋatítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. Sesamum indicum kaɲʉm n.
send out a message mɛnɔnʉƙɔta v. set (joint) raʝés v.
send soaring ɨɔ́ɔ́rɛ́s v. set (of sun) itsólóŋòn v.; tɔɔnʉƙɔta v.
send straight to tɔɓɛɨtɛtɛ́s v. set agape hádoletés v.
senile dúnésòn v.; itúléròn v.; kamudu- set aside ɨŋáɗɛ́ɛ́s v.; ɨŋáɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
rudádòn v. set fire to ɗamatés v.
senile (become) itúléronuƙota v. set free hoɗés v.; hoɗésúƙota v.; hoɗetés
v.
sense ƙanetés v.
set loose itsues v.; itsuetés v.
sensitive (to light) tɔtsɔ́ɔ́n v.
set nearby taraŋés v.
sentry itelesíám n.; itelesíáma kíʝáe n.
set oneself apart ƙɛ́lɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.;
separate ɗusés v.; ɗusésúƙota v.; terésúƙota así v.
terémétòn v.; terémón v.; terémón v.;
set out ɗóɗésa muceé v.
terémónuƙota v.; terés v.; tereties v.
set record straight ɨtɛ́nɨtɛtɛ́sá tódàe v.
separate by shaking ɨkákɛ́ɛ́s v.
set straight ɨtɛ́nɨtɛtɛ́s v.
separate oneself terésúƙota así v.
set up ɨnábɛtɛ́s v.
separate out terétéránitésúƙota v.
set up (a beehive) rɔ́ƙɛ́s v.
separate out by shaking ɨkákɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
set up (gel) tɔsɔ́ɗɔ́kɔ̀n v.
separated teretiós v.
set upright ɨtsírítɛtɛ́s v.; tsírítɛtɛ́s v.
separated out terétéránón v. settle ínésuƙota v.; zɛƙwɛ́tɔ́n v.
September Lotyaka n.; Nakariɓa n. settle a dispute epitésúƙota tódàe v.
sequester ɨpátsɛ́sʉƙɔta v. settle down ɗipímón v.; epítésuƙota v.;
sequester oneself ɨpátsɛ́sʉƙɔta así v. toíésuƙota v.; zɛƙwɛ́tɔ́n v.; zɛƙwɨtɛtɛ́s v.
serial killer ɨkɛɲíkɛ́ɲɛ́síàm n. settle in toƙízeesá así v.; toƙízèètòn v.
serious (be) mɨtɔna sírìàs v. settle on ɲʉmɛtɛ́s v.
seriously ɓau ideo. seven tude ńda kiɗi léɓètse num.
serous fluid tséta n. seven o’clock ɲásáatíá kɔ̀nìkɛ n.
serpent ídèm n. seventeen toomíní ńda kiɗi túde ńda
kiɗi léɓètse n.
serum tséta n.
seventy toomínékwa túde ńda kiɗi
serval ɲálukutúʝu n.
léɓètse n.
servant ŋípáƙásíàm n. sever ɗusés v.; ɗusésúƙota v.; ɗusutes v.;
servant (domestic) teréɡiama awáe n. ɨkɛ́ŋɛ́ɗɛ́s v.; tɔŋɛɗɛs v.
servant (indentured) ŋiléɓúìàm n. several ʝaláʝálánón v.
serve (food) ɡárés v. sew tʉfɛ́s v.
service ɨsáɓísɨŋɛɛ́s v.; terêɡa n. sewing machine ɲájarán n.

425
sex shawl (leather)

sex epa n. shake up and down itéƙítéƙés v.

sex (have frequent) ɓútánés v. shake vigorously íbɔbɔtsɛ́s v.; íbɔtsɛ́s v.
sex (have unprotected) tsʼítsʼɔ́n v. shaking sound ɓʉlʉɓʉl ideo.
sex (have) èpòn v. shallow tɛ́ƙɛ́dɛ̀mɔ̀n v.; tɛ́ƙɛ́zɛ̀mɔ̀n v.;
tiƙódzòmòn v.
sexual afterglow (feel) ɨrákímétòn v.
shallowly concave ɓɛtɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n v.;
sexual intercourse epa n. fɛtɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n v.
sexual relations epa n. shame ɓetsʼitetés v.; iryámítetésá
sexually insatiable (of a woman) ɓòɓòn ŋiléétsìke v.; ŋiléétsa n.
v. shameful person ŋiléétsìàm n.
sexually-transmitted disease ɲamakaʝe shamefulness ŋiléétsìnànès n.
n. shape bɛrɛtɛ́s v.; itues v.; ituetés v.
shade kur n.; kúrúkúr n. shape (with a blade) bɔ́tɛ́s v.
shadeless sáɡwàràmòn v. shard ɡúɗúsam n.
shades (glasses) ɲékiyóika ni fetí n. share tɔmɔram n.; tɔmɔrɛs v.
shadow ikókótés v.; kúrúkúr n. share with each other tɔmɔ́rínɔ́s v.
shaft moróka n. shareable tɔmɔram n.
shaft (arrow) ɲámalídàkwa n. sharp tsʼítsʼɔ́n v.
shaft (borehole) ɲatsʉʉmáhò n. sharp (of eyesight) tsɔ́tsɔ́n v.
sharp (make) tsʼítsʼítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
shaft (penile) ɲɛ́sɛɛɓɔ́ n.
tsʼítsʼítɛtɛ́s v.
shaft of light bás n.; sʉ́wa n.
sharp in taste ɓariɓárón v.; ɓárikíkón v.
shaggy ɡaúsúmòn v. sharpen banɛ́s v.; tsʼítsʼítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
shake iɓokes v.; kìtòn v.; kwalíkwálɔ̀n v. tsʼítsʼítɛtɛ́s v.
shake (begin to) kitétón v. shart ɨɓíɔ́n v.
shake (make) kitítésuƙota v. shatter ɓɨlíɓílɛ́s v.; kwɛtsʼɛ́s v.
shake back and forth ɨlílíŋɛ́s v.; ɨlɨŋílíŋɛ́s shattered (get) kwɛtsʼɛ́mɔ́n v.
v.; ilitsílítsés v. shave bɔ́tɛ́s v.; ɨpɛlɛs v.
shake in a pan ɨlaƙɛs v.; ɨlaƙíláƙɛ́s v.; shave (even) ɨkʉlɛs v.; ɨkʉlɛtɛ́s v.; ɨk-
ɨláláƙɛ́s v. walɛs v.
shake off iɓókésuƙota v.; ilílítsés v.; shave (hair) ɡíʝɛ́s v.
iwatíwátés v. shave off ɨƙwɛ́ƙwɛ́rɛ́s v.
shake out iɓutúɓútés v.; ilílítsés v.; shave off (hair) ɡɨʝɛtɛ́s v.
ixóxóƙés v.; ixuƙúxúƙés v.; ixúxúƙés v. shaving ɨpɛlɛtam n.
shake out noisily ɨxaxɛɛs v. shaving (wood) bɔtɛtam n.
shake side to side ilitsílítsés v. shawl ɲáléso n.; ɲáwáro n.
shake to separate ɨkákɛ́ɛ́s v.; shawl (cotton) ɲákamarɨkán n.
ɨkákɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v. shawl (leather) xɔŋɔŋ n.

426
sheaf shortness

sheaf zɨkam n. shine forth (of heavenly bodies) ʝʉ́ɛ́tɔ̀n

sheaf (of crops) ɲénéne n. v.
sheath nakɨrɔ́r n.; ɲaɓʉ́rɛ́ta n. shinny up ɨfɛ́ɗɛ́lɛ́s v.
shiny pirídòn v.
shed fòlòn v.; ɲésitó n.; tuɓutes v.;
tuɓútésuƙota v. ship irotes v.; tsídzès v.
shed blood tɔyɔ́ɔ́n v. ship away tsídzesuƙota v.
ship off tsídzesuƙota v.
shedding ɗaráɗáránón v.
ship repeatedly irotírótés v.
sheep ɗóɗò n.
shirt ɲásáti n.
sheep tail ɗóɗotimóya n.
shish kebab rɔam n.
sheep-leather clothing ɗóɗòƙwàz n.
shit ntsʼáƙón v.
sheep-leather skirt ɗóɗòƙwàz n. shitǃ ɗʉ̀rʉ̀ n.
sheet of paper kàbàɗa n. shiver kìtòn v.; kwalíkwálɔ̀n v.
sheet of roofing ɲámaamɓáta n. shiver (begin to) kitétón v.
shell fâda n. shiver (make) kitítésuƙota v.
shell (casing) ɲéɓurocó n.; ɲɛsɛpɛɗɛ n. shock ɨɓálɛ́tɔ̀n v.; lilétón v.; toɓules v.
shell (of a beehive) ɗòl n. shocking ɨɓálɔ́n v.; toɓúlón v.
shell (snail) irex n.; tɔƙɔtɔƙáhò n. shoe taƙáya n.
shell (tortoise) ròɡìròɡa n. shoe (cow-leather) ɦyɔtaƙáya n.
shelter kur n.; rɨmɛ́s v. shoe (elephant leather) oŋoritaƙáya n.
shoe (leather) ŋáɓʉʉrá n.
shelter (grass) ɲɛ́kɨsakáta n.
shoe (open-toed) taƙáá na ŋáɲɔ́s n.
shelter from rain rɨmɛ́sá dìdìù v.
shoe (tire rubber) ɲómotokátáƙáya n.
shepherd còòkààm n.; cookés v.
shoe-strap lɔkaapín n.
shield ɨƙɨɛs v.; kesen n.
shoelace lɔkaapín n.
shift iméérés v.; irotes v.; ɨsʉ́tɔ́n v. shoot ídzès v.; ídzesuƙota v.; ƙádès v.;
shift (position) ɨsɔ́sɔ́ŋɔ́s v. ƙádesuƙota v.
shift repeatedly irotírótés v. shoot across ídzesa así v.
shilling kaúdzèèkwa n.; ŋásɛntáìèkwa n. shoot over ídzesa así v.; toɓésá así v.
shillings ŋásɛntáya n. shoot repeatedly ídziidziés v.;
ƙádiƙadiés v.
shimmer riɓiríɓón v.
shop ɗʉkán n.; ɲáɗʉkán n.
shin ɓɔ́l n.
short kúɗón v.; ŋʉɗʉ́sʉ́mɔ̀n v.;
shinbone tsɛrɛ́ka n. ŋʉsʉ́lʉ́mɔ̀n v.
shindig ɲápáti n. short (make) kuɗítésuƙota v.
shine ɨwírɔ́n v. short (of many) kúɗaakón v.
shine (begin to) ɨwírɛ́tɔ̀n v. shorten kuɗítésuƙota v.
shine brightly ɨraírɔ́ɔ̀n v. shortness kuɗás n.

427
shorts shut (make)

shorts ɲosoƙoloké n. shrew ɗɔ́f n.

shorts (pair of) ɲésiriwáli n. shrewd nɔɔsánón v.
shortsighted mumúánón v. shrewdness nɔɔ́s n.
should ɨtámáánón v. shriek ɨkwílílɔ̀n v.; iyíyéés v.
shoulder sawata n. shrike bílɔɔrɔ́ n.
shoulder bone sawatɔ́ɔ́ka n. shrike (white-crested) kíyɔɔrɔ́ n.
shout bofétón v.; bófón v.; ɨkílɔ́n v.; shrill ɓòɓòn v.
iƙúétòn v.; iƙúón v.; iƙúónuƙota v.; shrimpy sɛ́rɛ́ƙɛƙánón v.
nɔsátón v. shrink kɨɗɔnʉƙɔta v.; tɔ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
shout at ɨyáyɛ́ɛ́s v. shrink back rìmòn v.
shout triumphantly iwóŋón v. shrink back from itírákés v.
shouter nɔ̀sààm n. shrink down kwatsítésuƙota v.;
kwátsónuƙota v.
shouting nɔ̀s n.
shrink up hɛ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
shove ɲékitiyó n.; ɲɛɲɛrɛs v.; toremes v.
shrivel kɨɗɔnʉƙɔta v.; tɔ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
shove away iɓwátésuƙota v.;
a shrivel up hɛ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔta v.; lolómónuƙota
ɨtsɔ́rɛ́sʉƙɔt v.
v.
shovel (power-) ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɨtaa na kwɛtáɛ n.
shriveled bɔrɔ́ɗɔ́mɔ̀n v.; ƙɔ́rɔmɔmɔ́n v.;
show ɗóɗés v.; ɗoɗésúƙota v.; ɗóɗítetés mɨtírímɔ̀n v.; tɔ́ɗɔ́n v.
v.; enitésúƙota v.; enitetés v.; shrub dakwa n.
ilééránitetés v.; itétémés v.
shrub species alárá n.; ɓetsʼakáwa n.;
show appreciation to caregiver(s) taat- ɓóéɗa n.; dìdì n.; ɡɛbɛʝa n.; ɡomóí
sesa ɗoɗóbòe v. n.; ikitínícɛmɛ́r n.; ʝàwa n.; lócén
show favoritism tereties v. n.; loʝeméya n.; loríta n.; lóúpè n.;
show hospitality to ewanes v.; ewanetés marʉ́kʉ́cɛmɛ́r n.; méta n.; milékwa n.;
v. mɨsá n.; mɨsíás n.; mɔ̀z n.; múrotsíò n.;
show off inésóòn v. ɲɛ́rɨkɨríka n.; ɲónomokére n.; ɔɡɔn n.;
suɡur n.; súr n.; tsʼʉ́ɡʉram n.; tâba n.;
show oneself ɗóɗítetésá así v. tíkòŋ n.; turuneta n.
show to be wrong ɨsalɨtɛ́s v. shrug ɨmímíʝɛ́s v.
show up takánétòn v. shrunk tɔ́ɗɔ́n v.
show up unwelcomely imíŋóòn v. shrunken bɔrɔ́ɗɔ́mɔ̀n v.
shower féíàwa n.; féón v. shuck poɗés v.; poɗetés v.
shower (bombard) ídʉrɛ́s v. shudder nɛ́rɨnɛ́rɔ́n v.; tsábatsabánón v.
showering féya n. shuffle iyaŋíyáŋés v.
shred dzɛrɛ́s v.; dzeretiés v.; shush ɦyakwés v.
dzeretiésuƙota v.; kàbàɗa n. shut kɔkɛ́s v.; kɔkɛtɛ́s v.; kokímétòn v.;
shredded dzɛ́rɛ́dzɛránón v.; dzɛrɔ́sɔ́n v.; mʉtsʼʉtɛs v.
láládziránón v. shut (make) kɔkɨtɛtɛ́s v.

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shut down singe

shut down kɔkɛtɛ́s v. sift (make) ɨsalɨtɛ́s v.

shut oneself in kɔkɛ́sá así v. sight (front, of a weapon) ɲeteeɗe n.
shut out kɔkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. sight (weapon) ɲɛ́lɨmɨrá n.
shut up iɓótóŋésá akáe v.; ɨʝɛ́mítɛ́sʉƙɔta sign eɡésá kwɛtáɛ v.; ɨsáánɨŋeés v.;
v.; ɨʝɛ́mɔ́nʉƙɔta v.; mʉtsʼʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v. iwetés v.; ɲámátsar n.
shut up (lock) iɓótóŋés v. sign the cross iwésá ɲémusaláɓàe v.
shut up repeatedly mutsʼutiesúƙota v. sign up for xɔ́bɛtɛ́sá así v.
shy xɛ̀ɓɔ̀n v. signal ŋízɛ̀s v.
shy person xɛɓásíàm n. signal (smoke) tsʼûda n.
shyness xɛɓás n. significance zeísêda n.
sibling ŋɡóím n. significant itíónòn v.; zízòn v.
silence ɨʝɛ́mítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
sick mòòn v.
silent ɨʝɛ́mɔ́n v.; líídòn v.
sick (of many) mayaakón v.
silently ʝìr ideo.; lì ideo.
sick (queasy) itikítíkòn v.
silk ŋísɨl n.
sickle bush ɡʉ̀r n.
silkily ʝàm ideo.
sickness màywa n.; ɲeɗeke n.
silky-smooth ʝamúdòn v.
sickness (kind of) loɓáya n.
similar ikwáánòn v.
sickness (mild) ɲeɗekéím n.
simmer wádòn v.
sickness spirit ɲeɗekéím n.
simple ɓàŋɔ̀n v.; batánón v.; ɨɓámɔ́n v.
side aya n.; kwaywa n.; kweeda n.; xán n. simplicity ɓaŋás n.
side (of hill or mountain) ruteta n. simsim kaɲʉm n.
side of clothing ŋabérá ƙwàzàɛ n. simulate ikwáánitetés v.
side part ŋábèrèda n. simultaneously ikéé kɔ̀n n.
side-striped kámáriós v. sin ɲasécón n.; tɔsɛ́sɔ́n v.
sidearm ɲɛ́písítɔ̀l n. since kwààke n.; naítá subordconn.;
sides kwàìn n. nàpèì subordconn.; ɲàpèì subordconn.
sidestep kɨɗɔnʉƙɔta v. since earlier today kwaake náka n.
sideswipe ɨɛ́bɛ̀s v. since long ago kwààkè nòko n.
sidetrack a discussion ɨɓátɛ́sʉƙɔta since yesterday kwààkè sìn n.
mɛnáɛ v. sincerely ɡúróɛ́nɔ n.
sideways ŋabéro n. sinew kon n.
sidle up to rɔɲɛ́sá así v. sinewy simánón v.
sieve ɨsalɛs v.; ɨsalɛtɛ́s v.; ɲékeikéya n.; sing irúkón v.
rɔrɛ́s v. sing and dance óìdìkwòn v.
sieve (make) ɨsalɨtɛ́s v. sing while walking tofóróƙánón v.
sift ɨsalɛs v.; ɨsalɛtɛ́s v.; rɔrɛ́s v. singe iwííɲés v.

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singer sit (legs straight)

singer ìrùkààm n.; irukósíàm n. sister-in-law (his wife’s sister)

singing ìrùka n. ntsúɡwám n.
singing ants ʝɔrɔr n. sister-in-law (his/her child’s spouse’s
mother) ntsíɲóta n.
singing hall ìrùkàhò n.
sister-in-law (his/her sister’s hus-
single file ƙídzɨnɔ́s v.
band’s sister) ntsúɡwám n.
single out tereties v.
sister-in-law (husband’s brother’s
singled out teretiós v. wife) ɛán n.
sinistral betsínón n. sister-in-law (husband’s sister) námúí
sink ɓuƙonuƙota v. n.
sink (of heart) mulúráŋòn v. sister-in-law (my brother’s wife’s sis-
sink teeth into titikes v. ter) ɲ́cuɡwám n.
sip abʉtɛtɛ́s v.; ɨwɛtɛs v.; tsʉɓɛ́s v.; sister-in-law (my brother’s wife) ɲ́ci-
tsʉɓɛtɛ́s v. namúí n.
sip continually abutiés v. sister-in-law (my husband’s sister) ɲ́ci-
namúí n.
sippable food abutiam n.
sister-in-law (my wife’s sister)
sir ámáze n.; ámázeám n. ɲ́cuɡwám n.
sire cúrúka n. sister-in-law (my) ɛdɛ́cèka n.
a
sire (dog) ŋókícikw n. sister-in-law (sister’s husband’s sister)
sisal rope baratísím n.; màlòr n. uɡwam n.
sisal species bàdònìsìm n.; barata n.; ʝɔ̂da sister-in-law (wife’s sister) uɡwam n.
n.; màlòr n. sister-in-law (your brother’s wife’s sis-
sister (Catholic) ɓíkìrà n. ter) buɡwám n.
sister (his/her/its) yeáta n. sister-in-law (your brother’s wife) bi-
sister (my) yeá n. namúí n.
sister (your) yáó n. sister-in-law (your child’s spouse’s
mother) biɲóta n.
sister’s husband’s sibling (my)
ɲ́cuɡwám n. sister-in-law (your husband’s sister) bi-
namúí n.
sister-in-law (brother’s wife’s sister)
uɡwam n. sister-in-law (your sister’s husband’s
sister) buɡwám n.
sister-in-law (brother’s wife) námúí n.
sister-in-law (your wife’s sister)
sister-in-law (her husband’s sister)
buɡwám n.
ntsínámúí n.
sisterhood yeatínánès n.
sister-in-law (his brother’s wife’s sis-
ter) ntsúɡwám n. sisterliness yeatínánès n.
sister-in-law (his brother’s wife) sit zɛƙwɛ́tɔ́n v.
ntsínámúí n. sit (legs straight) ɨtɛ́ɛ́lɔ̀n v.

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sit (make) slashing of grass

sit (make) zɛƙwɨtɛtɛ́s v. skin bump sítsʼádɛ̀ n.

sit alone (silently) zɛ̀ƙwɔ̀nà lìòò v. skin off poxésúƙota v.
sit around iríƙímánón v. skin on milk kɨrarapa n.
sit decently ɨɗɨmɛ́sá así v. skink lɔ́mɨlí n.
sit dejectedly tatónón v. skip out tɔpɛ́ɔ́n v.
sit down zɛƙwɛ́tɔ́n v.; zɛƙwɨtɛtɛ́s v. skip out (and come) tɔpɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v.
skip out (and go) tɔpɛ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
sit down (of many) ɡoƙaakétòn v.
skip rope íɡoriesá simáe v.
sit indecently iŋáúánón v.; tafakésá así
v. skirmish iƙúmúnós v.
sit legs apart iŋátsátsóòn v. skirt itsóɗón v.; ɲɛ́mɨríńɗà n.; tamanɛs
v.; tamanɛtɛ́s v.
sit on a stool ɨƙárárɔ̀n v.
skirt (sheep-leather) ɗóɗòƙwàz n.
sit on the ground ɨpáʝɔ́n v.
skirt repeatedly tamaniés v.
sitting zɛ̀ƙwɔ̀n v. skit wááka na támɔtɔ́s n.
sitting (of many) ɡóƙón v. skitter up sekweres v.
sitting as a group ɡóƙa n. skull ikóɔ́ka n.; ɔka ikáe n.
sitting place dìywa n.; ɡóƙáàwa n.; skullcap (nylon) nàɗìàka n.
zɛƙɔ́áwa n. skunk-like animal ɲɔ́kʉɗɔmʉ́tʉ̀ n.
sitty-sit! dʉʉdʉ́ nurs. sky didiɡwarí n.; ɡwa n.; lúl n.
six tude ńdà kɛ̀ɗì kɔ̀n num. sky (clear) dìdìɔ̀ka n.; ɡìdòɔ̀ka n.
six o’clock ɲásáatɨkaa mɨtátie toomíní slab (stone) lalatíɓón n.
ńda kiɗi léɓètse n. slack ɓàŋɔ̀n v.; ɨtátsámánón v.
sixteen toomíní ńda kiɗi túde ńdà kɛ̀ɗì slack off ɨwɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
kɔ̀n n.
slacker ɲakárámɨta n.
sixty toomínékwa túde ńdà kɛ̀ɗì kɔ̀n n. slacking ɨwɔ́ɔ́n v.
skeletal iróƙóòn v.; itóƙóƙòòn v.; slackness ɓaŋás n.
kwédekwedánón v.; lotímálèmòn v.
slander itúrúmés v.
skeleton ɔkɨtín n. slanderer ŋítúrumúám n.
skewer rɔ́ɛ́s v. slant outward (horns) tɔpɛ́tɔ́n v.
skewered rɔ́ɔ́s v. slap ɨɗafɛs v.; ɨɗáfɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
skid béberésuƙota así v.; ɨfɛ́lɔ́nʉƙɔta v. slap around ɨɗafiés v.
skill akílìka n. slap the shoulders ɨɗafesa sáwátìkàɛ v.
skim off ɨkáábɛs v.; ɨkákápɛ́s v.; ɨƙáálɛ́s slash dzɛrɛ́s v.
v.; ɨlaɓɛtɛ́s v.; iripetés v. slash (vegetation) ɨɗɛtɛs v.; ɨrɛʝɛs v.
skin hoés v.; poxés v.; tsʼɛ̀ n. slash firebreak ɨƙɛɓíƙɛ́ɓɛ́sa tsʼaɗí v.
skin (cracked) kɔmɔ́m n. slasher ɲɛ́sɨláx n.
skin (plant) ɔmɔ́x n. slashing of grass sɨláxìŋ n.

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slather slipperily

slather ɨmɔɗímɔ́ɗɛ́s v.; ɨmɔ́mɔ́ɗɛ́s v. sliced food (dry) iram n.

slaughter hoés v.; tɔŋɔlɛs v. slick ɗɔrɔ́dɔ̀n v.; ɨpɛlípɛ́lɔ̀n v.; ʝʉrʉ́tʉ́mɔ̀n
slaughterer tɔ̀ŋɔ̀lààm n. v.; ʝʉrʉtʉ́tɔ́n v.; kwirídòn v.; ŋìòn v.;
pɛlɛ́dɔ̀n v.; pɨɗídɔ̀n v.; pɔtɔ́dɔ̀n v.
slaughterhouse hoesího n.
slickly ɗɔ̀r ideo.; kwìr ideo.; pɛ̀l ideo.; pìɗɨ
slave ŋípáƙásíàm n.; ŋɨpɔ́táìàm n.;
ideo.; pɔ̀tɔ ideo.
ɲɔpɔ́táya n.
slide ɨfɛlɛsa así v.; ɨfɛ́lɔ́nʉƙɔta v.; ɨsɔɛs v.;
slavery ŋiléɓúìnànès n.; ŋɨpɔ́táìnànès n. ɨsɔɛtɛ́s v.
slay tɔŋɔlɛs v. slide off ɗarámɔ́n v.
slay (many) sáɓés v. slide oneself through ɨsɔɛtɛ́sá así v.
slay (singly) cɛɛ́s v. slide out sɛlɛ́tɛ́tɔ̀n v.
slayer (of many) sáɓésìàm n. slide through ɨsɛ́lɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.
sleek ɨpɛlípɛ́lɔ̀n v.; mɨlɔ́dɔ̀n v.; pɨɗídɔ̀n v. slight kiɗíwítsánón v.
sleekly mìl ideo.; pìɗɨ ideo. slight (with food) itáósés v.
sleep epa n.; èpòn v.; mɔɗɔ́ɗa n. slightly numerous komikómón v.
sleep (of many) baráʝónuƙota v. slim kaɗótsómòn v.; kiɗíwítsánón v.;
sleep (put to) epítésuƙota v. sídɔ̀rɔ̀mɔ̀n v.; tɔ̀kɔ̀n v.
sleep a lot epopos v. slime ɡaɗár n.; kɨrarapa n.
sleep around (sexually) epopos v.; slimly kaɗótso ideo.
weesa kíʝáe v. sling íbatalɛ́s v.; ɲapaaru n.
sleeper epúám n. sling over toryoŋes v.
sleeping èpòn v. slingshot ɲapaaru n.; ɲɛ́pɨɨrá n.
sleeping deeply nʉ̀s ideo.; nʉsʉ́dɔ̀n v. slink ɨtíɗíɗɛ́sá así v.
sleeping place epúáwa n. slink away/off nʉ́nʉ́tɔ̀n v.
sleeping skin jèjè n. slip ɨfɛlɛsa así v.; ɨsɔɛs v.; ɨsɔɛtɛ́s v.
sleepless ɡòkòn v. slip away ɨfɛlɛsa así v.
sleepnessness ɡòka n. slip in sɛrɛpɛs v.
slip into íbʉbʉŋɛ́s v.; íbʉbʉŋɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.;
sleepy ɨlʉ́zɔ̀n v.; iyalíyálòn v.
sɛrɛ́pɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
sleeve kwɛta n.
slip off ɨfɛlɛsa así v.
slender kaɗótsómòn v.; kiɗíwítsánón v.;
slip oneself through ɨsɔɛtɛ́sá así v.
sídɔ̀rɔ̀mɔ̀n v.; tɔ̀kɔ̀n v.
slip out sɛlɛ́tɛ́tɔ̀n v.
slenderly kaɗótso ideo.
slip through ɨsɛ́lɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.; sɛrɛpɛs
sleuth rɔtɛ́ám n. v.; sɛrɛ́pɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
sleuth on rɔ́tɛ́s v. slipknot lɔ̀ʝʉ̀rʉ̀tà n.
slice hoés v.; írés v. slipper ŋaɗɛ́tá n.
slice away iƙémíƙémés v. slipperily ɗɔ̀r ideo.; kwìr ideo.; pɛ̀l ideo.;
slice up irikíríkés v. pɔ̀tɔ ideo.

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slippery smoothly

slippery ɗɔrɔ́dɔ̀n v.; ʝʉrʉ́tʉ́mɔ̀n v.; small (of many) kwátsíkaakón v.

ʝʉrʉtʉ́tɔ́n v.; kwirídòn v.; pɛlɛ́dɔ̀n v.; small (opening) tɨɨtsʼímɔ̀n v.
pɔtɔ́dɔ̀n v. small-bodied tsaʉ́ɗímɔ̀n v.
slippy kwirídòn v.; sɛlɛ́tɛ́mɔ̀n v. smaller (make) kwatsítésuƙota v.
slither lúkúɗukuɗánón v. smash ɨlɛɗɛs v.; ɨtsakɛs v.
slithery sɛlɛ́tɛ́mɔ̀n v. smash up ɨtsakítsákɛ́s v.
slitted mɨʝílímɔ̀n v. smear ɨlɔ́lɔ́rɛ́s v.; ɨmɔɗímɔ́ɗɛ́s v.;
slope ɓɔ́kɔ̀ɲ n. ɨmɔ́mɔ́ɗɛ́s v.
sloped sémédedánón v. smear (goat dung) síɛ́s v.
slosh ɨpɔkɛs v.; tsʼálúbòn v. smear (reputation) itúrúmés v.
slosh through water íbuɗésá cué v. smear with clay ŋɔrɨtɛtɛ́s v.
slothful ɓʉɓʉsánón v.; wéésánón v. smell mídzatés v.; mídzatetés v.; mídzòn
v.; ɔn n.; ɔnɛda n.; wetésá kɔínáɛ v.
slouch rʉ̀ʝɔ̀n v.
smell fetid mídzona ɗɛtsɨɗɛ́tsíkɛ v.
slough off ɗarámɔ́n v.
smell rotten mídzònà ɗùku v.
slow inípónòn v.
smell to death mídzatés v.
slow (mentally) mɨɲɔna íkèdè v.
smelly ɨmʉ́sɔ́ɔ̀n v.
slow down inípónítésúƙota v.;
a smelly (become) ɨmʉ́sɛ́ɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
ɨwɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔt v.; tosipetés v.
smelly (make) mídzitésúƙota v.
slowing ɨwɔ́ɔ́n v.
smelly (very) ɗùku ideo.
slowly hɨíʝa adv.; hɨíʝɔ adv.; kédie kwátsa
n.; wɛ̀wɛ̀ɛ̀s ideo. smile ɨmʉ́mʉ́ɔ̀n v.; tamáísánón v.
slowly (very) pààì ideo. smile (make) ɨmʉ́mʉ́ɨtɛtɛ́s v.
sludgily yàŋ ideo. smock (leather) kɔ́lɔ́tsa n.
smoke ipúróòn v.; iwaŋíwáŋés v.; tsʼûda
sludgy bɔrɔ́tsɔ́mɔ̀n v.; yaŋádòn v.
n.; tsʼudités v.; wetés v.
slug tanaŋes v.; tɔƙɔtɔƙa n.
smoke (a cigarette) ɨsɔ́kɔ́teés v.
slug (bullet) bʉbʉn n.
smoke (begin to) ipúréètòn v.
sluggish iʝíŋáánón v. smoke (ritually) ipúréés v.
slumber epa n.; èpòn v.; mɔɗɔ́ɗa n. smoke out ipúréés v.
slump rʉ̀ʝɔ̀n v. smoke signal tsʼûda n.
slur ɗáƙón v.; iŋáʝápánón v. smolder iɲipíɲípòn v.
slurp ɨsɔ́rɔ́ɓɛ́s v.; xáɓútés v. smooth lɨwídɔ̀n v.; pɨlɔ́dɔ̀n v.
slurp continually. abutiés v. smooth (make) pɨlɔ́dɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
slurpable food ɨsɔrɔɓam n. smoothen ipiipíyeés v.
smack ídirés v. smoothen (with water) iláɓúés v.
small kwátsón v. smoothen out pɨlɔ́dɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
small (become) kwátsónuƙota v. smoothly ʝàm ideo.; lìw ideo.; pìl ideo.

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smother so

smother tʉɓʉnɛ́s v. snaring sâɡwa n.

smudge ɨlɔ́lɔ́rɛ́s v. snarl ɨɲɛ́ɛ́mɔ̀n v.
smuggle ɨɛpɛtɛ́s v. snatch ɨrɛɗɛs v.; ŋusés v.; ŋusésúƙota v.;
smut fungus lósínáka n. taŋates v.; tokopes v.; toreɓes v.
snail tɔƙɔtɔƙa n. snatch away taŋátésuƙota v.;
a
tokópésuƙot v.
snail shell irex n.; tɔƙɔtɔƙáhò n.
sneak ɗíɗítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɗíɗítɛtɛ́s v.;
snake ídèm n. ɨsʉ́mɔ́n v.; ɨtíɗíɗɛ́s v.; ɨtíɗíɗɛ́sá así v.;
snake (blind) lokaliliŋ n. totséɗón v.
snake (rufous beaked) oŋerepa n. sneak away dzuesésúƙota así v.; ɨfɛlɛsa
snake (sand) nakɔlɨtáka n. así v.
snake (small green) ílebéɗa n. sneak off dzuesésúƙota así v.; ɨfɛlɛsa así
v.; ɨsʉ́mɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
snake fang ídèmèkwàywa n.
sneak up íbɛ̀ɗìbɛ̀ɗɔ̀n v.; ɨsʉ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.
snake venom ídèmètàta n.
sneak up on tɔlɛ́lɛ́ɛtɛ́s v.
snake-bite ídemeƙɨdzɛ́s n.
sneaky iɗásón v.
snap ɗusúmón v.
sneeze síƙón v.; sìƙwa n.
snap (react) tokúétòn v.; tokúréètòn v. sniff mídzatés v.
snap (snarl) ɨɲɛ́ɛ́mɔ̀n v. sniff (tobacco) ʝʉ́rɛ́s v.
snap a photo iwetésá ɲɛ́pítsaáɛ v. snip iɲipes v.; ɨrɛɓɛs v.
snap a photo of iwetés v. snip off ɨrɛ́ɓɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
snap off ɨɓɛkíɓɛ́kɛ́s v.; wakés v. snitch ɗíɗítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɗíɗítɛtɛ́s v.
snap off in pieces wakatiés v.; snitch on ilíítés v.
wakáwákatés v. snoop around tɨrɨfírífɛ́s v.
snap! ɓɛkɛ ideo.; ɗì ideo.; tɛ̀ ideo. snore ŋɔ́rɔ́rɔ̀n v.
snapshot kúrúkúr n.; ɲɛ́pítsa n. snort síƙón v.; sìƙwa n.
snare kotsítésuƙota v.; sáɡòsìm n.; snort at ifúƙúfuƙés v.
sáɡwès v.
snot ɗɔ̀ƙɔ̀n n.; ɲarʉ́kʉ́m n.
snare (neck) ɲákol n. snout loɓôz n.
snare (wire neck) ɲáwáya n. snub ɨmɛ́ɗɛ́lɛ́s v.
snare rope lozikineta n.; lozikita n. snub (with food) itáósés v.
snare spring kàswa n. snuff wetés v.
snare stick tɨmɛ́l n. snuff (tobacco) ʝʉ́rɛ́s v.; ʝʉ́rɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
snare stick (bent) tɔmɔƙɔrɛs n. snuff container ɲeɓuryaŋ n.
snare trigger kwanɛda n. snuff out (life) tsʼeítésuƙota v.
snared kòtsòn v.; sáɡoanón v. snuffle at ifúƙúfuƙés v.
snared (become) kotsonuƙota v. so kòto coordconn.

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so that some (singular)

so that ikóteré subordconn.; kánì subord- softly bùɗu ideo.; dàbu ideo.; hèɓu ideo.;
conn.; kánɨ náa táa subordconn.; kóteré lùm ideo.; ɲìpⁱ ideo.; sokósíìke v.; xàɓu
subordconn. ideo.
so that … not kánɨ mookóo subordconn. softly (of soil) yù ideo.
so then ɓàz interj.; kíná coordconn. softly inside yùm ideo.
so there! ɓàz interj. soggy fɔtsʼɔ́dɔ̀n v.
so-and-so tatanám n. soil ʝʉm n.
so-so ŋwanɨŋwánɔ́n v. soil (colored) ɲálámʉɲɛna n.
soil (fertile) ʝʉma na zîz n.
soak ɨɛ́ɓítɛtɛ́s v.
soil (red) boŋórén n.; ɲapala n.
soak (grist) mʉrɛ́s v.
soiled ɨráŋʉ́nánón v.; ŋɔrɔ́ɲɔ́mɔ̀n v.;
soaked tsʼalídòn v. ɲɔŋɔ́rɔ́mɔ̀n v.
soap dàlìs n.; ɲásaɓuní n. Solanum incanum tùlèl n.
soap (laundry) hómò n.; ɲéómò n. solar eclipse badona fetí n.
soar ɨɔ́ɔ́rɔ̀n v. solar panel ɲɔ́sɔ́la n.
sober (not drunk) bótsóna ikáe v. soldier ʝɔrɔrɔ́ám n.; kéààm n.
soccer ɲɛ́pɨɨrá n. soldier ant lókóka n.
sock ɲósóƙis n. soldier termite lókóka n.
soda ɲɔ́sɔ́ɗa n. soldiers dìdì n.; ʝɔrɔr n.
soda ash ɲaɓáláŋɨta n.; ɲámakaɗí n. sole ɗòku adv.
sodium carbonate ɲaɓáláŋɨta n.; ɲá- sole (of foot) dɛááƙwa n.
makaɗí n. solely ɛɗá adv.
Sodom apple tùlèl n. solicit tɔɓɛ́ɲɛ́tɔ̀n v.; wáán v.
soft bubuxánón v.; buɗúdòn v.; burádòn soliciting wáán n.
v.; dabúdòn v.; heɓúdòn v.; ʝaulímòn v.; solidified iɗíkón v.
ɲipídòn v.; xaɓúdòn v. solidify iɗíkétòn v.; iɗikitetés v.
soft (become) bubuxánónuƙota v. solitary ɗòku adv.
soft (make) buɗúditésúƙota v. solvable problem itémítuƙotam n.
soft (of metal) lumúdòn v. solve hoetés v.; itemités v.; ŋurutiés v.;
ŋurutiesúƙota v.
soft (of soil) yuúdòn v.
solved ŋurutiós v.
soft (powdery) ɲapíɗímòm v.
Somali Oríáé n.
soft and tender dabúdòn v.
Somali language Ŋísʉmálìtòda n.;
soft inside yumúdòn v. Oríáénítòda n.
soft spot baɗɨbaɗas n.; bɔɗɨbɔɗɔs n. Somali person Ŋísʉmálìàm n.
soften bubuxánónuƙota v. Somalia Somálìà n.
soften (emotionally) isyónónuƙota v. some (plural) kíníɛ́n pro.
soften up buɗúditésúƙota v. some (singular) kɔ́níɛ́n pro.

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some more southerner

some more sa pro. sorghum variety (purplish) serínà n.

some other sa pro. sorghum variety (red) ŋámá nà ɗìwa n.;
some other (sg.) kɔn pro. ɲɛmɛraya n.
somebody kɔ́nɛ́ɛ́ná ámáe n. sorghum variety (round-headed) nalíɨlí
n.
someone kɔ́nɛ́ɛ́ná ámáe n.; kɔníám pro.
sorghum variety (Toposa) Kɔrɔmɔtáŋám
somersault aɓúlúkánón v.; tíbìɗìlɔ̀n v. n.
something kɔ́nɛ́ɛ́ná kɔ́rɔ́ɓádì n. sorghum variety (Turkana) ɲékimyéta
sometimes (hours) sayó ɲásáàtìkàɛ n. n.; Pakóícéŋám n.
somewhere else kɔ́náya pro. sorghum variety (white) ŋámá nà ɓètsʼa
son dzàƙa n.; sore n. n.
son (his/her) dzàƙɛ̀da n. sorghum variety (yellow) ɗókótsa n.;
natɛ́ɓa n.; oɲaŋ n.
son (of my father) abáŋídzàƙa n.
sorghum varity (tall) walá n.
son (young) soréím n.
sorrowful itásónòn v.; tasónón v.
song dikwa n.; ìrùka n.
sort ɨsalɛs v.; ɨsalɛtɛ́s v.; rɔrɛ́s v.
Soo language Ŋítépesítôda n.
sort (make) ɨsalɨtɛ́s v.
Soo people Ŋítépes n.
soul ɡúr n.
soon názɛ̀ƙwà n.; tsʼɔ̀ɔ̀ adv. sound arútón v.
soot ɲémúɗetsa n.; ɲémúɗuɗu n. sound an alarm iwákón v.
soot (tobacco) ɲéɗípor n. sound empty ɗɛʉɗɛ́wɔ́n v.
sooty ɨmɔ́ɗɔ́rɔ̀n v. sound out arútónuƙota v.
sopping tsʼalídòn v. sounding alarm iwáákós v.
soppingly tsʼàl ideo. sounding like sh-sh wɔ̀x ideo.
sorcerer bàdìàm n. soup seekwa n.
sorcerer (who stops rain) tuɗúlónìàm n. sour ɓàròn v.
sorcery badiréta n.; badirétínànès n.; ƙʉt- sour (become) ɓaronuƙota v.
sʼánánès n. sour (make) ɓarites v.; ɓarítésuƙota v.
sore ɔ́ʝa n. sour (of malt) mʉránón v.
sore (small) ɔ́ʝáìm n. sour mash ɓaram n.
sorghum ŋám n. source itsyákétònìàwa n.
sorghum flowers kadɨx n. source of water cuááka n.
sorghum variety (black) ŋámá na souse ɨɛ́ɓítɛtɛ́s v.
buɗám n. south kɔ́ɔ́ kíʝo n.; nɔ́ɔ́ kíʝo n.
sorghum variety (brownish-gray) South Sudan Sʉɗán n.
ɗìɗèŋàm n. southerly direction ɡíɡiroxan dem.
sorghum variety (droopy) loʝúulú n. Southern Cross Ɲémusaláɓà n.
sorghum variety (hairy) ɲákaɓír n. southerner kɔ́ɔ́kíʝóàm n.

436
southward sphenoid bone

southward kɔ́ɔ́ kíʝo n. spear (of many) bɛrɛ́s v.

sovereign ipúkéésíàm n.; tòtwàrààm n. spear (sharpened stick) ʝìrɔ̀ka n.
sow íbɨtɛ́s v.; tɛwɛɛs v. spear a tree toɓésá dakwí v.
space ɨlɔ́lɔ́kɛ́s v.; ilores v.; zɛƙɔ́áwa n. spear bluntly iŋulúŋúlés v.
space (outer) didiɡwarí n. spear from afar ɨtsɛ́tsɛ́ɛ́s v.
space too closely itsuɗútsúɗés v.; spear repeatedly toɓítóɓiés v.
ituɗútúɗés v. spear shaft (long) narwá n.
spacious ɨlɔ́lɔ́mɔ̀n v.; lalʉ́ʝɔ́n v. spear shaft (short) erumén n.
spade ɲakáɓɛ́ta n.; ɲékitiyó n. spear through ɲɛ́ŋɛ́s v.
spade (wooden) nakúta n. spearhead ɓɨsááka n.
spank ipíkéés v. spearhead (long-necked) ɲɛlɨráta n.
spar ɲèùrìà n.; ɲeuríétòn v. spearhead (short-necked) ɲɛ́ɓítɨ n.
spare ɨɓámɔ́n v. spearhead neck ɓɨsáɓóló n.
sparklely mìl ideo. speartip (rear) ɲɛ́rʉ́matsa n.
special ƙanotós v.
sparkly mɨlídɔ̀n v.
specialty ɲɛmʉna n.
sparks ŋkaɗɛɛɗɛ́ya n.
species bònìta n.; ɲákaɓɨlá n.
sparrow (parrot-billed) mɨdɨƙa n.
speck kiɗoɗotsa n.; símíɗiɗí n.
spatter ɨratírátɛ́s v.; irwaírwéés v.; ir-
wates v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lánón v.; tɔfɔ́ɗɔ́n v. speckle iɗolíɗólés v.; itwelítwélés v.
speckled iɗolíɗólòn v.; itwelítwélós v.
spatula (wooden) cɛbɛn n.; ɲémiikó n.
spectacles ɲékiyóìka n.
speak ɨɛ́nɔ́n v.; tódètòn v.; tódòn v.
spectator enésúƙotíám n.
speak (begin to) tódonuƙota v.
specter kúrúkúr n.
speak about tódetés v.
speech tôda n.
speak eloquently isiresa akáe v.
speech (careless) múɗúkánónìtòda n.
speak harshly ɡutsʼuriesá tódàe v.
speech (muddled) tóda ni buɗám n.
speak harshly to doƙofiés v.
speed ɨrʉtsɛsa así v.; ɲésipíɗa n.
speak indistinctly ɗáƙón v.; iŋáʝápánón speedy itírónòn v.; wɛ́ɛ́nɔ̀n v.
v.
spell it out tɔmɛɛtɛ́sá tódàe v.
speak meanly ɡutsʼuriesá tódàe v.
spend the day iríóonuƙota v.
speak pointlessly ɨpɛípɛ́ɛ́sá tódàe v.
spend time iríóòn v.; iríóonuƙota v.
speak slowly ízìɗòn v.
spend wildly ɨkwaríkwárɛ́s v.
speak to each other tódinós v. spent (tired) ziálámòn v.; zíkímétòn v.;
speak vaguely ɨŋaɨŋɛ́ɛ́sa tódae v. ziláámòn v.
speaker taatsaama tódàe n.; tódààm n. sperm ɗír n.
spear ɓɨs n.; toɓés v. spew ɨlɔ́ɓɔ́tɛtɛ́s v.
spear (long-headed) ɲátúm n. sphenoid bone matáŋíɔ̀ka n.

437
spherical spoil everything

spherical ɨlʉ́lʉ́ŋɔ́s v. spit-inducer tatitésuƙotíám n.

spherical (make) ɨlʉ́lʉ́ŋɛ́s v. spit-pestle plant tatíáʝa n.
sphincter (anal) ɔ́zàhò n. spiteful person ɲɛ́kɨsɨránìàm n.
spice ɛfɨtɛs v. spitefulness ɲɛ́kɨsɨrán n.
spice up ɛfɨtɛs v. spitter tatiesíám n.
spider abûba n. spittle tata n.
spiderweb abûba n. splash tsʼálúbòn v.
spike omén n. splash! bùlùƙu ideo.
spill ɗaɗátésuƙota v.; ƙúdès v.; splat! pìɔ̀ ideo.
ƙúdesuƙota v.; ƙúdetés v. splatter ɨratírátɛ́s v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lánón v.;
spill all over ɨtsʉ́rʉ́tsʉ́rɛ́s v.; tɔfɔ́ɗɔ́n v.
ɨtsʉ́rʉ́tsʉ́rɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. spleen máɗíŋ n.
spill over bukúrésuƙota así v.; ɨlápɛ́tɔ̀n splendid dòòn v.
v.
splendor daás n.
spin irímítetés v.; irímón v.; ɨríŋítɛ́s v.;
splint íbunutsés v.
ɨríŋɔ́n v.
splish-splash! calúɓu ideo.
spinach ɲásalátà n.
split ɓɛlɛ́s v.; ɓɛlɛtɛ́s v.; ɓɛlɔ́s v.; taŋat-
spinal cord lɔ́ɓírɨɓír n.
sárón v.; tɛlɛ́tsɔ́n v.; terés v.; tɔɓɛlɛs v.;
spindly sawátsámòn v. toŋélón v.
spine ɡòɡòròʝa n.; ɡòɡòròʝòɔ̀ka n. split apart ɓɛ́ɓɛ́lɛ́s v.; ɓɛ́ɓɛ́lɔ́s v.; itotoles
spiral ilúƙúretés v.; iyérónuƙota v. v.; terémón v.; tɔɓɛ́lɛ́sʉƙɔtaa v.
spiraled iyérón v. split apart multiply ɓeletiés v.
spirit suɡur n.; sʉ̀pa n. split in pieces ɨɓɛ́ɓɛ́lɛ́s v.
spirit (earth) ɲɛkípyɛ́ n. split in two pakámón v.; pakés v.
spirit (evil) ɲɛkípyɛ́ n. split multiply pakatiés v.
spirit (sickness-causing) ɲeɗekéím n. split open ɓɛ́ɓɛ́lɛ́s v.; ɓɛ́ɓɛ́lɔ́s v.;
spirit dance ʝàkàlʉ̀kà n. ɓɛlɛ́ɓɛ́lánón v.; ɓelémón v.
spirits (earth) ŋípyɛn n. split open (of pods) kwɛ́dɔ̀n v.
spirits (evil) ŋípyɛn n. split up terémétòn v.; terémón v.;
terémónuƙota v.; terétéránitésúƙota v.;
spit tata n.; tatés v.; tàtòn v.
terétéránón v.; tereties v.; teretiós v.;
spit (skewer) rɔ́ɛ́s v. tɔɓɛ́lɛ́sʉƙɔtaa v.
spit far tsɨrɨtɛs v. splitch! rùtu ideo.
spit on ɨmwaímwɛ́ɛ́s v. splosh ɨpɔkɛs v.
spit out tatésúƙota v. spoil imóɲíkees v.; imóɲíkeetés v.; ɨraŋɛs
spit out repeatedly tatíésuƙota v. v.; ɨraŋɛtɛ́s v.; masánétòn v.
spit repeatedly tatiés v. spoil everything ntsʼáƙóna sèrèìke v.

438
spoiled sprout (of leaves)

spoiled ɨraŋɔs v.; ɨráŋʉ́nánón v.; spread apart tɛlɛɛs v.

masánón v. spread around ɓátsɛ́s v.; ɨkwákwárɛ́s
spoiled (become) ɨraŋímétòn v. v.; ɨkwaríkwárɛ́s v.; ɨkwaríkwarɔ́s v.;
spokesperson taatsaama tódàe n.; iríríʝés v.; iwies v.
tódààm n. spread circularly ɨmalímálɛ́s v.
sponge lɛŋɛ́s v.; lɛŋɛ́síàm n. spread oneself open ɓátsɛ́sa así v.
spongily bùf ideo. spread out ɨwɛ́ɛ́lánón v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́sʉƙɔta v.;
sponging olíɓó n. ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛtɛ́s v.; ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɔ́s v.; tɔlɔɛs v.; tɔpɛtɛs
v.; tɔpɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
spongy bufúdòn v.
spread out under tafakés v.
spongy bone ɲɛ́ɲam n.
spread over (an area) ɨkáyɛ́ɛ́s v.
spooky thing bàdìàm n.
spread soil ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́sá ʝʉmwí v.
spoon (metal) ɲékiʝikó n.
spring íbòtòn v.; ɨɗɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v.; iɗótón v.;
spoon (wooden) ƙolom n. íɡɔ̀rɔ̀bɔ̀n v.
spoot! pìɔ̀ ideo. spring (feather-holding) ɲeteeɗe n.
sport ɲaɓolya n.; wááka n. spring (of a trap) ɨɗálɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.
spot bàsɔ̀n v.; ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɛ́s v. spring (in sand) ɲakúʝá n.
spot (bare) ɲapatsole n. spring (a trap) ɨɗalɛs v.
spot (claimed) ɲeɗúkór n. spring (of water) ɲɛɨtánɨta n.; ɲɛlɛ́lyá n.
spot (hard) ɲapáyál n. spring mechanism (of weapons) zɔ̀ta n.
a
spot (place) bácík n. springily tùf ideo.; tùs ideo.
spotless xɔ́dɔ̀n v.; xɔtánón v. springing ɨɗɛ́ɔ́n v.
spotted iɗolíɗólòn v.; ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ́s v.; ko- springy tufádòn v.; tusúdòn v.
molánón v.; merixánón v.; tsɨpɨtsípɔ́n
v.; tábàsànètòn v. sprinkle irwaírwéés v.; irwates v.; iyikes
v.; towates v.; towatetés v.; xɛɛ́s v.;
spotted (black-and-white) ŋorokánón xɛɛsʉ́ƙɔta v.; xɛɛtɛ́s v.
v.; ŋorókón v.
sprinkle (granulates) ízuzués v.
spotter weretsíám n.
sprinkle (rain) kʉ́f n.
spotty ɨtsɔɓítsɔ́ɓɔ̀n v.
sprinkle ashes on paths ƙúdesa káúe
sprawl ɨpɛ́pɛ́tánón v. mucéíkàke v.
sprawl out ɨpɛ́pɛ́tánónuƙota v. sprite kíʝáìm n.
spray bítés v. spritz iyikes v.
spray (bombard) ídʉrɛ́s v. sprout ɓúrukúkón v.; morétón v.; rʉ́bɔ̀n
spread ɨmɔɗímɔ́ɗɛ́s v.; ɨmɔ́mɔ́ɗɛ́s v.; v.; tɔɓɔ́rɔ́kánón v.; tʉwɛ́tɔ́n v.; tʉ̀wɔ̀n v.;
ɨwɛ́ɛ́lɛ́s v. xúbètòn v.; xúbòn v.
spread (legs) apart dɛŋɛlɛs v. sprout (of grain) xokómón v.
spread about ɨpɛ́pɛ́tɛ́s v. sprout (of leaves) ŋʉrʉrʉ́ɲɔ́n v.

439
sprout (of maize cobs) stalk

sprout (of maize cobs) ɨsínákòn v. squelchy rɔʝɔ́dɔ̀n v.

sprout up ŋʉrʉ́ɲʉ́ɲɛ̀tɔ̀n v.; rʉ́bɛ̀tɔ̀n v. squiggle ŋʉɗʉŋʉ́ɗɔ́n v.
spry pɔɗɔ́dɔ̀n v. squint ɨmʉɗʉ́mʉ́ɗɔ̀n v.; wízɨlɛ́s v.
spryly pɔ̀ɗɔ ideo. squint at katsés v.
spud ɲɛ́ɓɨás n. squinted pelérémòn v.
spur ɨʝʉkʉ́ʝʉ́kɛ́s v.; ɲéɡetsa n. squinty pelérémòn v.; wízìlìmɔ̀n v.
squinty-eyed wízìlìmɔ̀n v.
spur on ɨmʉ́káitetés v.
squirm away ɡwìrɔ̀n v.
spurfowl (yellow-necked) kɔ̀dza n.
squirmy wʉlʉ́kʉ́mɔ̀n v.
spurn ɨmɛ́ɗɛ́lɛ́s v.
squirrel (striped ground) taráɗá n.
spurt tsʼírítɔ̀n v.
squirrel (tree) luka n.
sputum ɗɔ̀ƙɔ̀n n.; ɲarʉ́kʉ́m n. squirt tsʼírítɔ̀n v.
spy irimesíám n.; rɔtɛ́ám n. squish ɓirés v.; ɓírítésuƙota v.; rɛɗɛ́s v.;
spy on láɡalaɡetés v.; rɔ́tɛ́s v.; toreɓes v. rɨɗɛ́s v.
spy on from afar towates v. squished (get) ɓirímón v.
spy out láɡalaɡetés v. squishily ɓìr ideo.; ɲàl ideo.; rɔ̀ʝɔ ideo.
squabble iƙúmúnós v.; ɨɲʉ́ɲʉ́rɔ̀n v.; squishy ɓirídòn v.; dulúdòn v.; duxúdòn
ŋʉ́zʉmánón v. v.; ɲalídòn v.; rɔʝɔ́dɔ̀n v.
squander eletiésuƙota v.; iɲekes v.; stab ɡafarɛs v.; ɡɛfɛrɛs v.
iɲékésuƙota v.; iɲekíɲékés v. stab repeatedly ɡafariés v.
squash ɓirés v.; ɓírítésuƙota v.; ɨlɛɗɛs v.; stabile diriɓóón v.
lomuƙe n.; lɔ́pʉ́l n.; rɛɗɛ́s v. stability ŋíkísila n.; ɲɛkɨsɨl n.
squashed (get) ɓirímón v. stabilize ɨrʉ́rʉ́ɓɛ́s n.; ɨsílɔ́nʉƙɔta v.;
squashily ɓìr ideo.; ɲàl ideo.; rɔ̀ʝɔ ideo. ƙaƙates n.
squashy ɓirídòn v.; ɲalídòn v.; rɔʝɔ́dɔ̀n v. stable ikékéɲòn v.
stack up ɨnábɛ̀sʉ̀ƙɔ̀ta v.; ɨnábɛtɛ́s v.
squat tsɔ́nɔ́n v.
stack up on iɗóɗókés v.
squeak squeak! tswíítswí ideo.
stacked up iɗóɗókánón v.
squeaky voice (have a) ɨsɨrísírɔ́n v.
staff ʝʉrʉm n.
squeezable heɓúdòn v.
staff (hook-necked) ɲɛ́sɛɛɓɔ́ n.
squeezably hèɓu ideo. stagger ɡakímón v.; ɨtɛrítɛ́rɔ̀n v.;
squeeze bízès v.; ɨrɨɗɛs v.; ɨrɨɗɛtɛ́s v.; nɛ́rɨnɛ́rɔ́n v.
ʝʉ́tɛ́s v.; rɨɗɛ́s v.; tʉtsʉɛs v. stagnant wàsɔ̀n v.
squeeze all over bízibizatés v. stair lopemúím n.
squeeze out bízetés v.; ɨpírísɛtɛ́s v.; stake kìnòròta n.
ʝʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; tʉtsʉ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v. stale cucuéón v.
squeezy heɓúdòn v. stalk arʉ́rʉ́bɔ̀n v.; kasír n.; moróka n.;
squelchily rɔ̀ʝɔ ideo. tonyámón v.

440
stall steadily

stall titikes v. starling (blue-eared) lɔɔmʉ́yá n.

stammer ɗɔkɔ́lɔ́mɔ̀n v.; ɨƙʉʝʉ́kʉ́ʝɔ̀n v. start iséétòn v.; isóón v.; itsyákétòn v.;
stammering ɡaʝádòn v.; kaŋádòn v. toɗóón v.
stammering speech ɡaʝádònìtòda n. start (fire) ɡamés v.; tsapés v.
stammeringly ɡàʝa ideo. start a fight with itoʝiés v.
stamp itirítírés v. start a fire ɡamésá tsʼaɗí v.
start early ɛkwɛ́tɔ́n v.
stamp down iɲíkéésuƙota v.
start first ɛkwɛ́tɔ́n v.
stamp pad ɲezeí n.
start off (a dance) iwees v.
stance was n.
start raining tosípón v.
stand taɗaŋes v.; wàsɔ̀n v.
starting point wàxɛ̀da n.
stand (for nomination) bɛ́ɗɛ́sa wasɔ́ɛ v.
startle iniŋíníŋés v.; ŋaxɨtɛtɛ́s v.
stand (of many) ɡwámón v.
startle awake tsídzètòn v.
stand (of trees) ɡwi n.
startled ŋaxɛ́tɔ́n v.; toúmón v.
stand apart iwásíòn v.
starvation ɲɔrɔƙɔ n.
stand around síbɔ̀n v.; towóón v.;
starving ɲɛƙánón v.
towóónuƙota v.
stash irwanes v.; laɓa n.
stand around (make) síbɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
stash (small) papaɗós n.
stand around as a group síbiónuƙota v.
state kíʝa n.
stand by each other tɔmɛ́ínɔ́s v.
state the verdict tódetés v.
stand firm itííròòn v.
Stathmostelma peduncalatum ŋímáa-
stand out kɛtɛ́lɔ́n v. rɔya n.
stand still wasɔna tsʼír v.; wasɔnʉƙɔta v. station (missionary) ɲémíxòn n.
stand up ŋkáítetés v.; ŋkéétòn v.; ŋkóón stationary diriɓóón v.; wàsɔ̀n v.
v.; wasɨtɛs v.; wasítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. status zeís n.; zeísínànès n.
stand up (of many) ɡwamétón v. stay ʝɛ̀ʝɔ̀n v.; zɛ̀ƙwɔ̀n v.
stand upright wasɔna tsʼír v. stay a while toƙízeesá así v.; toƙízòòn v.;
standard of living (high) zɛƙwa ná dà n. tɔʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n v.
star ɗɔ́xɛáta n. stay behind isíɗóòn v.
star (evening) Ɗɔ́xɛatá xìŋàtàe n. stay in ínés v.
star (morning) Ɗɔ́xɛatá na baratsóe n.; stay lying towúryánòn v.
Ɗɔ́xɛatá tsòònì n. stay on ʝɛʝɛ́tɔ́n v.
star (shooting) ɗɔ́xɛatá na tsúwà n. stay put iɗúkóós v.
stare at ŋɔ́zɛ̀s v.; ŋóziés v. stay together ínínós v.
stare at each other ŋɔ́zɨnɔ́s v. stay-at-home person awáám n.
stare at emptily itelesa bàrìrrr v. STD ɲamakaʝe n.
starer ŋɔ́zɛ̀sìàm n. steadily ɓau ideo.

441
steady stinginess

steady ikékéɲòn v. stick (mingling) tʉɗʉtɛsídàkwa n.

steal dzuesés v.; dzuesetés v. stick (net-holding) naƙwín n.
stealer dzúám n. stick (round-headed) ɲéɓiró n.
stealthy iɗásón v. stick (small hooked) pòròta n.
steam lɔkapʉ́r n. stick around iɗúkóós v.; toƙízòòn v.
steep ɨɔ́lɔ́lɔ̀n v.; kʉ́bɛ̀lɛ̀mɔ̀n v.; waatɛ́s v. stick in and out ɨʝɔƙíʝɔ́ƙɛ́s v.
steep (dangerously) iwósétòn v. stick insect tʉ́wa n.
steer (a vehicle) aŋɨrɛs v. stick out sábʉ̀rʉ̀rɔ̀n v.; tɨbíɛ́tɔ̀n v.
steer clear ƙeƙérón v. stick out (of ears) kweelémòn v.
steering clear firifíránón v.; wíríwírá- stick out of sight ɨkíɗítsɛ́s v.
nón v. stick out/up lɛɛmɛ́tɔ̀n v.
steering wheel ɲókokor n. stick ring ɲókokor n.; ɲɔkɔlɔɓɛr n.
Steganotaenia araliacea seɡer n. stick to iɗupes v.; ɨnɔtsɛs v.
stench ɔn n.; ɔnɛda n. stick to (keep on) ɗɛlɛ́mɔ́n v.
step kímátsa n.; lopemúím n.; ɔkɔ́tsa n. stick with tɔmɛɛs v.
stick with (keep on) ɗɛlɛ́mɔ́n v.
step all over takwitakwiés v.
sticker kàf n.
step off (measure) ɨmaarɛ́sá dɛ̀ìkàɛ v.
stickily nɔ̀tsɔ ideo.
step on takwés v.
sticking out tɨbíɔ́n v.
Sterculia stenocarpa ɡàràʝa n.
sticky ɨríítánón v.; mɨníkímɔ̀n v.; nɔt-
Stereospermum kuntianum seínení n. sɔ́dɔ̀n v.
sterile ikólípánón v.; ɨsʉ́wɔ́ɔ̀n v.; os- stiff ɓotsódòn v.; ɡɔkɔ́dɔ̀n v.; kɛtɛ́rɛ́mɔ̀n
orosánón v. v.; tsɛ́rɛkɛ́kɔ́n v.
sterile (animal or person) ɲokólípa n. stiffen by stirring tʉɗʉtɛtɛ́s v.
sterile person òsòròs n. stiffly ɓòtso ideo.; ɡɔ̀kɔ ideo.
sternum ɡɔɡɔm n.; toroɓa n. stifling (weather) laŋádòn v.
sternutate síƙón v. still ɨʝɛ́mɔ́n v.; lɛrɛ́dɔ̀n v.; wàsɔ̀n v.
sternutation sìƙwa n. still (become) ɨʝɛ́mɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
stich tʉfɛ́s v. still be sárón v.
stick ɗɛlɛ́mɔ́n v.; dakwa n.; ɨɗɔ́tsɔ́n v.; still if tònì subordconn.
ɨnábɛs v.; ʝʉrʉm n.; ƙídzɔ̀n v.; nɔtsɔ́mɔ́n stimulate digitally ɨkɛɗíkɛ́ɗɛ́s v.;
v.; pokés v.; sɛ̀wa n.; tsʼɔɗɨtɛs v. ɨkwatíkwátɛ́s v.
stick (climbing) ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀ta n. sting átsʼɛ́s v.; ƙídzɛ̀s v.
stick (honey) tsɨtsín n. sting (of pain) ɓɛɨɓɛ́ɔ́n v.
stick (hooked) lɔkɔ́ɗa n. sting thoroughly átsʼɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
stick (long digging) ɲéɗiŋ n. stinger kwan n.
stick (metal-tipped) ɲákálɨrɨkɨta n. stinginess hábàs n.

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stingy store

stingy hábòn v.; mɨníkímɔ̀n v. stone that way zébesuƙota v.

stink ilíánòn v.; mídzòn v.; mídzona stone this way zébetés v.
ɗɛtsɨɗɛ́tsíkɛ v.; mídzònà ɗùku v. stone-deaf ɗɨnɔ́s v.
stink bug (green) loɡeréɲo n. stone-still lɛrɛ́dɔ̀n v.
stinking wízɨlílɔ́n v. stonily ɡàtsa ideo.
stinky ɨmʉ́sɔ́ɔ̀n v. stony ɡatsádòn v.
stinky (become) ɨmʉ́sɛ́ɛ̀tɔ̀n v. stool kàràtsa n.
stinky (very) ɗùku ideo. stool (fecal) etsʼa n.
stipple iɗolíɗólés v. stool (loose) eruxam n.
stir iƙures v.; ɨlɔ́lɔ́ŋɛ́s v. stool (three-legged) dɛ̀ìkà àɗe n.; lɔ̀cɛ̀ɡɛ̀r
n.
stir (emotionally) tábès v.
stool (two-legged) ɗìɗèsɔ̀ka n.; ɲáma-
stir (restlessly) ɨsɔ́sɔ́ŋɔ́s v. kuka n.
stir around ɨfáfáɲɛ́s v. stool carver kárátsìkààm n.
stir in íburuburés v. stoop over rɔ́rɔ́tɔ̀n v.
stirred stiff tʉɗʉtɔs v. stooped mʉƙʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n v.
stirred up iƙúrúmós v. stooped over ɡʉ́ɡʉ̀rɔ̀n v.; rʉ́ɡʉ̀ɗʉ̀mɔ̀n v.
stock (gun) ɛ́bàdɛ̀ n. stop bɔlɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; ɨmɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.;
stock-still lɛrɛ́dɔ̀n v. mɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.; wasɨtɛs v.; wasítɛ́sʉƙɔta
stocky kikímón v. v.; wasɔ́áwa n.; wasɔnʉƙɔta v.
stop (blowing or boiling) tilímón v.
stomach ɡwà n.
stop (plug) tʉ́zʉɗɛ́s v.
stomach (first, of ruminants) ɲɛ́pʉnʉka
n. stop beating toɗúón v.
stomach (third, of ruminants) ɲémé- stop doing bɔlɔnʉƙɔta v.
kweɲ n. stop hurting toíónuƙota v.
stomach ache átsʼɛ́sà bùbùì n. stop swarming (of termites) ɡwɛɛ́-
tsʼɛ́mɔ̀n v.
stomach contents eya n.
stop up ɗɨnɛ́s v.; ɨmíɗítsɛ́s v.;
stomach fluid (elephant) lɔpɔ́tsa n.
tʉ́zʉɗɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
stomp itirítírés v. stopover wasɔ́áwa n.
stone ɡwas n.; zébès v. stoppage was n.
stone (cooking) caál n. stopped up ɗɨnɔ́s v.
stone (flat) lalatíɓón n. stopper tsʼʉ́bʉláta n.; tsʼʉ̂ba n.
stone (hard black) lokítoɲí n. stopping was n.
stone (sharpening) lósùàɲ n. storage hole kùkùsèn n.
stone (supporting) caál n.; titirésíɡwàs storage place ɡirésíàwa n.
n. store ɗʉkán n.; ɡirés v.; ɡirésíàwa n.;
stone repeatedly turues v.; turuetés v. ɲáɗʉkán n.; ɲésitó n.; óɡoɗés v.

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store away stripe

store away óɡoɗésúƙota v.; oƙésúƙota v. straw (drinking) ɲálamorú n.; ɲeɓune n.
storehouse loɗúrú n.; lótsúm n. stray iwórón v.; iwórónìàm n.
storeroom ɲésitó n. stray off hakonuƙota v.
storey lopem n. streaked ɨlíŋánètòn v.; ɨlíŋɔ́n v.
stork (Abdim’s) tsokôba n. stream ƙídɨƙídɔ̀n v.
stork-style dance dikwa na tsokóbè n. stream (large) ɔrɔr n.
storm itúúmés v. stream (small) ìàwìàwa n.
storm (attack) bóɡès v. stream out furúdòn v.
streaming out fùr ideo.
storm off ɡwaítón v.; íɡwìʝìrɔ̀n v.;
tʉlʉ́ŋɔ́n v.; tʉlʉ́ŋɔ́nʉƙɔta v. streamlined mɨlɔ́dɔ̀n v.
story emuta n.; ɲáɗís n. strength ŋɡúf n.; ŋɨxás n.; ɲaƙóƙóŋ n.
storyteller emútíkààm n.; isíséésíàm n. strengthen ŋɨxítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ŋɨxɔnʉƙɔta v.
stressed out (become) ɨlárímétòn v.; ɨl-
storytelling emútíka n.
wárímétòn v.
stout laŋírímòn v.; laŋírón v.
stretch eminiés v.; ƙɔɛ́s v.; ƙɔƙatés v.;
stove (cooking) ɲɛsɨŋƙɨrɨ n. ƙɔƙɔanón v.
strabismic kámáránón v.; ríbiribánón v. stretch across ɨkámárɛ́s v.
straddle dɛŋɛlɛsá dɛáɛ v. stretch out (to rest) torwóónuƙota v.
straight ɨɗírɔ́n v.; ɨtɛ́nɔ́n v.; sʉrʉsʉ́rɔ́n v.; stretched out (resting) torwóón v.
tɔɓɛ́ɔ́n v. strew ɨɗɛrɛs v.
straight (horizontally) isérérèòn v. strew about ɨɗɛríɗɛ́rɛ́s v.
straight (set) ɨtɛ́nɨtɛtɛ́s v. strewn ɨɗɛrɔs v.; kazaanón v.
straight (vertically) iséréròn v. strewn about apɛ́tɛ́pɛ́tánón v.;
straight away ɗìr adv. ɗɛtɛ́ɗɛ́tánón v.; ɨɗɛríɗɛ́rɔ́s v.
straight part ɡòɡòròʝa n. stride dɛŋɛlɛsá dɛáɛ v.; ɔkɔ́tsa n.
straighten ɨɗírítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨtɛ́nɨtɛtɛ́s v.; strife ɲéƙúruƙur n.; ɲɛ́píɗɨpɨɗa n.
ƙɔɛ́s v.; ƙɔƙatés v. strike ɗálútés v.; iwés v.; iwésúƙota v.;
strain ɨɗíɲɔ́n v.; ɨʝɨwɛs v.; ɨtɨwɛs v. toɓés v.
strain (muscles) ɗukés v. strike (a match) dzɛrɛ́s v.
striking ɨɗɛ́ɔ́n v.
strainer ɲékeikéya n.
string rɔ́ɛ́s v.; sim n.
strange talk kínítòda n.
string (nylon) ɲákol n.
stranger kɔ́nɔ́m n.
stringy simánón v.
strangers kíníám n.
strip dzeretiés v.; dzeretiésuƙota v.;
strangle iketiés v. ɨtakɛs v.
strap ƙíwa n. strip off ɨɓɔ́lɔ́tsɛ́s v.; ɨɓɔtɛs v.;
strap across ízokomés v. ɨtákɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; tɔɲílíɲílɛ́s v.
strasbismal pɨlírímɔ̀n v. stripe dzeretiés v.

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striped sucked up

striped ɡweɡweritiós v.; ɨƙɨrɔs v.; stun ɨrakɛs v.; ɨrákɛ́sʉƙɔta v.

ɨlíŋánètòn v.; ɨlíŋɔ́n v.; wíziwizatós v. stunned ɨʝárɔ́n v.; ʝarámétòn v.
striped down the spine kɔlánétòn v. stunted rɛƙɛ́ɲɛ́mɔ̀n v.; sɛ́rɛ́ƙɛƙánón v.
stroke ɨwáwɛ́ɛ́s v. stunted growth lɔɓʉ́kɛʝɛ́n n.
stroke affectionately ɨɓɔníɓɔ́nɛ́s v.; stupefied tɔmɛrímɛ́rɔ̀n v.
iɓoníɓóniés v. stupid ɨɓááŋɔ̀n v.
stroll ɨtɛ́mɔ́ɔ̀n v.; tasɔ́ɔ́n v.; zíbòn v. stupid person bóx n.; ɨɓááŋàsìàm n.
strong ŋìxɔ̀n v. stupidity ɨɓááŋàs n.
stronger (become) ŋɨxɔnʉƙɔta v. sturdy ikékéɲòn v.
struggle kóríètòn v.; kɔrɔanón v. stutter ɗɔkɔ́lɔ́mɔ̀n v.; ɨƙʉʝʉ́kʉ́ʝɔ̀n v.
struggle against cɛ̀mɔ̀n v. stuttering ɡaʝádòn v.; kaŋádòn v.
struggle for ŋués v. stutteringly ɡàʝa ideo.
struggle into ɨɓɨtsíɓítsɛ́s v. stylish titianón v.
struggle over ŋués v. stymie ɨɓatɛs v.
strung rɔ́ɔ́s v. stymie repeatedly ɨɓatíɓátɛ́s v.
strut ɨƙɔ́ɔ́rɛ́sá así v.; ƙɔ̀rɔ̀n v. subcounty ɲásáɓúkáúntì n.
stub (grass) rumurúm n. subdue ɨɗáfɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; itikes v.
subdued ɨɗáfɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.
stubble (plant) sʉ́s n.
submerge ilumes v.; ilúmésuƙota v.
stubborn ɨɗíkílɔ̀n v.
subparish ɲásáɓúpárìx n.
stubby ŋɨríɓímɔ̀n v.; poŋórómòn v.
subsist topíánètòn v.
stubby-toothed ŋɨríɓímɔ̀n v.
substitute imetsités v.
stuck ɨpɔ́kɔ́n v.
substitute for imetsés v.
stuck (become) bokímón v.
subtract ƙanésúƙota v.
stud cúrúka n. subversion ɲéƙúruƙur n.
student isóméésíàm n.; ɲósomáám n. subverter ɲɛkɛsʉpan n.
studies ɲósomá n. succeed ɨlámɔ́n v.
study isóméés v.; tɨtɨmɛs v. success ídzànànès n.
stuff ɨsɨkɛs v.; kúrúɓáicíka n.; mɛnáícíka succession ɲɛɗʉpɛ n.
n.; rʉtsɛ́s v.; rʉtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v. suck ƙʉɗɛ́s v.
stuffed itéɓúkòn v. suck on ƙʉɗɛ́s v.
stumble rúmánòn v. suck on each other ƙʉ́ɗʉ́nɔ́s v.
stumble (make) ɨlɛ́ƙwɛ́rɛ́s v.; ɨlɛ́ƙwɛ́rɛtɛ́s suck out ƙʉɗɛtɛ́s v.; tsʼʉ́tsʼʉ́tɛ́s v.; tsʼʉ́ʉ́tɛ́s
v. v.
stumble ahead ɓɛƙɛ́sá turúùke v. suck up tsʼʉ́tsʼʉ́tɛ́s v.; tsʼʉ́ʉ́tɛ́s v.
stumble repeatedly iɲatiesá kíʝáe v. sucked dry tsʼʉ́ʉ́tɔnʉƙɔta v.
stump ɡɔn n. sucked up tsʼʉ́ʉ́tɔnʉƙɔta v.

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suckle survival

suckle naƙwɛ́s v.; naƙwɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; sunbeam fetíbàs n.

naƙwɨtɛs v. sunbird itsóka n.
suckling ɗiaka n. Sunday Ɲásaɓéta n.
Sudan (South) Sʉɗán n. sunflower ɲɛ́kɨɗɛkɨɗɛ́ n.; ɲɛ́tɔɔkíɗɛ́ n.
Sudan gum arabic ɗeréta n.; lofílitsí n. sunglasses ɲékiyóika ni fetí n.
Sudanese rebels Ŋɨɲɛ́ɲɛ́ya n. sunray fetíbàs n.
suddenly ŋàm ideo.; ùrùƙùs ideo. sunrise pɛlɛ́mɔ́na fetí v.
suffer ɨríɗɔ́n v. superiority zeís n.
suffer internally ɗuƙúkón v. supervise ɨrɨtsɛ́s v.
supper ŋƙáƙá na wídzòe n.
suffer quietly ɗuƙúkón v.
supple ʝaulímòn v.; tsutsukes v.
suffering tawanímétòn v.
supplication wáán n.
sufficient ŋábɔnʉƙɔta v.; nábɔnʉƙɔta v.
supply íɡɔɲɛ́s v.
suffocate tʉɓʉnɛ́s v.; tuɓunímétòn v.
support ɨƙaŋɛs v.; titirés v.; titiretés v.;
sugar ɲósukarí n. tɔmɛɛs v.; wasɨtɛs v.
sugar ant ɗɔ́ɡɨɗɔ̂ɡa n. support each other tɔmɛ́ínɔ́s v.
sugar bush ɲícwéɲé n. suppress ɨɗáfɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; itikes v.
sugary diridírón v. suppressed ɨɗáfɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.
suit (legal) ɲékés n. suppurating tatifíánón v.
suitable itémón v. suppuration bátsʼa n.
Suk person Ŋúupéám n. suprapubic area heʝú n.
sulk ɨɓʉ́tʉ́ŋɔ̀n v.; imutúmútòn v.; siŋírón surefooted tsɛ́rɛkɛ́kɔ́n v.
v. surface takánétòn v.
sulky ɨmʉtʉ́mʉ́tɔ́s v. surgeon hoesíàm n.
sultry (weather) laŋádòn v. surgery hoesího n.
sum up bɔsɛtɛ́s v.; ɗɔtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta mɛnáɛ v. surgery (perform) hoés v.; hoetés v.
summarize bɔsɛtɛ́s v.; ɗɔtsɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta mɛnáɛ surpass ɨlɔɛs v.; ɨlɔɛtɛ́s v.; ɨsʉkɛs v.; sʉ́kɛ́s
v.; ɨtsʉnɛtɛ́s v. v.
surpass in height ileŋes v.
summit kwaráɡwarí n.
surprise bóɡès v.; itúúmés v.
summon iríréetés v.; óés v.
surrender taʝales v.; taʝálésuƙota v.;
summon by whistling iwéwérés v.; taʝaletés v.
iwówórés v.
surround ɨrɨkɛs v.; ɨríkɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨrɨkɛtɛ́s
summon here oetés v. v.; itsóɗón v.
sun feta n. surrounding (of prey) nakítsòɗa n.
sun range fetíhò n. surveil rɔ́tɛ́s v.; toreɓes v.
sun watcher itelesíáma fetí n. survey ɦyeités v.
sun-watching point itelesíáwa fetí n. survival ɦyekes n.

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survive switch

survive ʝɛ̀ʝɔ̀n v.; pʉ̀rɔ̀n v.; topíánètòn v. sweet-talk ɨmámɛ́ɛ́s v.

survive (a mishap) ɨsɛɛs v. sweeten ɛfɨtɛs v.
suspect each other ɨpíʝíkɨmɔ́s v. sweetly nìƙwɨ ideo.
suspend in air alólóánitetés v.; alólóés v. swell èmòn v.; itéɓúkòn v.; tʉ̀wɔ̀n v.; xu-
swagger ɨƙɔ́ɔ́rɛ́sá así v.; ƙɔ̀rɔ̀n v. anón v.; xuxuanón v.
Swahili language Ŋákiswahílìtòda n. swell (make) emites v.
swallow luƙés v. swell (of many) emitaakón v.
swallow (bird) loménio n. swell up ʝɨríʝírɛ̀tɔ̀n v.; ʝɨríʝírɔ̀n v.;
tʉwɛ́tɔ́n v.
swamp ɲéʝem n.
sweltering ririanón v.
swamp (seasonal) ɲɛkípɔ́r n.; ɲotóbòr n.
sweltering (become) ririanétòn v.
swampily fɔ̀tsʼɔ ideo.
swerve iwítón v.
swampy fɔtsʼɔ́dɔ̀n v.
swerve repeatedly aŋiriesón v.;
swap ilókótsés v.; ɨxɔtsɛs v.; xɔ́tsɛ́s v. iwitíwítòn v.
swarm of bees (mobile) tsʼɨƙábòta n. swift (bird) loménio n.
swarm over iwówéés v. swift (white-rumped) tsòrìàm n.
sway ɲɛsʉpa n.; sʉ́bɛ̀s v.; sʉ́bɛsʉƙɔta v. swim ɨlʉ́lʉ́mʉ̀ɔ̀n v.
sway gently ʝikiʝíkón v. swindle ɨmɔɗɛs v.
swear ikóŋón v. swine ɲéɡuruwé n.
swear (make) ikóŋítetés v. swing aƙóláánón v.; lóƙólíl n.
swear an oath tsamɛtɛ́sá ikóŋónì v. swing by ɨɛ́bɛ̀s v.; ɨɛ́bɛsʉƙɔta v.; ɨɛ́bɛtɛ́s v.
a
sweat kirot n.; kirotánón v. swing side to side iŋolíŋólés v.
sweep séɓés v. swipe ɨɛ́bɛsʉƙɔta v.; ɨɛ́bɛtɛ́s v.; ɨpakɛs v.;
sweep aside ɨpalípálɛ́s v. toyeres v.
sweep away séɓésuƙota v. swipe away ɨpákɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
sweep off séɓésuƙota v. swipe clean ɨƙʉ́ʉ́lɛ́s v.
sweep up séɓetés v. swipe off ɨpákɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
sweeper séɓésìàm n. swirl ɨwaríwárɛ́s v.
sweet diridírón v.; ɡwétsʼón v.; ɲá- swirl up tɔpɨrípírɔ̀n v.
tamɨtám n. swish ɨɗííɗɛ́s v.
sweet (slightly) nɨƙwídɔ̀n v. swish (mouth) íɡʉʝʉɡʉʝɛ́s v.; ɨmʉ́mʉ́ʝɛ́s
sweet potato ɲakaíta n. v.
sweet potato leaves ɲakaítákáka n. swish swish kòrrr ideo.
sweet-and-sour mɨtɨmítɔ́n v.; taasámòn swish! swèèè ideo.
v. switch aeitetésíàwa n.; ɨʝʉlɛs v.; ɨʝʉlɛtɛ́s
sweet-smelling tukukúɲón v. v.; kíxwa n.

447
switch (whip) take in hand

switch (whip) ízaɓɨzaɓɛ́s v.; zaɓatiés v. tail-tip (of a python) ɲéɡetsa n.

switch off (electrically) tsʼeítésuƙota v. tailor tʉfɛ́s v.; tʉfɛ́síàm n.
switch off (of electricity) tsʼoonuƙota v. take (somewhere) duƙésúƙota v.
switch on (electrically) aeitetés v. take (swallow) béberetés v.
switch on (of electricity) aeétón v. take a break ɨɛ́ŋɔ́nʉƙɔta v.; ɨmɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.;
mɔ́mɛ́tɔ̀n v.
switch! ɗì ideo.
take a diversion wɛ́dɔ̀n v.
switched ɨʝʉlɔs v. take a loss totóánonuƙota v.
swollen dúduránón v.; itéɓúkòn v. take a picture iwetésá ɲɛ́pítsaáɛ v.
swoon rèŋòn v. take a picture of iwetés v.
swoosh ɨɗííɗɛ́s v. take a seat zɛƙwɛ́tɔ́n v.
symmetrical ikwáánòn v. take a shot at ídzesuƙota v.
sympathize cucuéétòn v. take a sip abʉtɛtɛ́s v.; tsʉɓɛtɛ́s v.
synchronize ilíráitetés v. take a trip ɨlɔ́ɔ́n v.
synchronized ilíróòn v. take advantage of ɨnɔmɛtɛ́s v.
table ɲéméza n. take aim ɨɗírɔ́n v.
take all of ɨsʉɲɛs v.
tableland lopem n.
take an oath ikóŋón v.; tsamɛtɛ́sá
tablet cɛ̀mɛ̀rìèkwa n. ikóŋónì v.
tabletop ɲémézaɡwarí n. take apart ɨʝʉƙʉ́ʝʉ́ƙɛ́s v.
taboo itáléánón v.; itálóós v.; ɲatal n. take away ɨákɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ƙanésúƙota v.
taboo (make) itáléés v. take away all of ɨsʉ́ɲɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
taboo of eating first isóón n. take away gingerly ɗítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
taboo of eating prematurely ifófóés n. take back raʝésúƙota v.
taboo of leg meat dɛ n. take by force ɛ́nɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; toreɓes v.
taboo of sitting on elders’ stools take by surprise bóɡès v.; itúúmés v.
zɛƙwɔna karatsɔɔ ʝákáe n. take care of ɨrɨtsɛ́s v.
taboo of watching mother-in-law ite- take far away ɨɛƙítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
lesa ceŋetíámàe n. take flight bʉrɛ́tɔ́n v.
taboo of water cue n. take for a walk ɨláítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨtátɛ́ɛ́s v.
tadpole ŋʉ́ɗʉ́ŋʉ́ɗa n. take form ituetésá así v.
tag pilís n. take gingerly ɗítɛ́s v.
take hold of ɨkamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; ɨkamɛtɛ́s v.;
tahini ɲówoɗí n.
ƙanetés v.; ŋusés v.; ŋusésúƙota v.
tail ikókótés v.; timóya n.
take hold of each other ɨkámʉ́nɔ́sʉ́ƙɔta
tail (chicken) bòrèn n. v.
tail (of a bird) tsʉ́ɓa n. take in ɓuƙítésuƙota v.
tail-hair lɔ̀da n. take in hand ƙanés v.

448
take medicine tarry

take medicine wetésá cɛmɛ́ríkàɛ v. talkative ɗɛmɛ́dɔ̀n v.; ɗɛmɨɗɛ́mɔ́n v.;

take nearly all kɔnɨtɛtɛ́s v. ɨkʉ́tʉ́kánón v.; poxódòn v.
take note of ewanetés v. talkatively ɗɛ̀m ideo.; pòx ideo.
take note off ewanes v. talker akáám n.; tódààm n.
take off ɗóɗésa muceé v.; hoɗésúƙota tall zikíbòn v.
v.; hoɗetés v.; laʝetés v.; tuɓutes v.; tall (grow) tɔwʉ́tɔ́n v.; zikíbonuƙota v.
tuɓútésuƙota v. tall (make) zikíbitésúƙota v.
take off (running) ɨpʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta así v.; tall (of many) zikíbaakón v.
tsídzonuƙota v.
tall anthill kìtsa n.
take off flying bʉrɛ́tɔ́n v.; bʉrɔnʉƙɔta v.
tallness zikíbàs n.
take off hopping itseɗítséɗòn v.
tallow ɲéɗíol n.
take off shoes hoɗetésá taƙáíkàɛ v.
talon tíbòlòkòɲ n.
take office itsyákétòn v.
tamarind rɔ́ƙɔ́ n.
take on credit iɗenes v.; iɗenetés v.
tamarind seeds ɗɛ̂ɡa n.
take out ƙanetés v.; pulúmítésúƙota v.;
tsʼálés v.; tsʼaletés v.; tuɓutetés v. Tamarindus indica rɔ́ƙɔ́ n.
take over for imetsés v. tame bɔnɛ́s v.
take place ikásíìmètòn v.; itíyáìmètòn v. tamp ɨɗɛŋɛs v.; itirítírés v.
take shape ituetésá así v. tamp repeatedly ɨɗɛŋíɗɛ́ŋɛ́s v.
take shelter in rɨmɛ́s v. tamped down (become) iɗéŋímètòn v.
take time iríóòn v. tan ŋirotsánón v.
take to court wasɨtɛs v.; wasítɛ́sʉƙɔt v. a tangible tabam n.
take to pasture waitetés v. tangle imóɲíkees v.
take up tɛ́bɛ̀s v. tangle up imóɲíkeetés v.
taken off guard toúmón v. tangled sáɡoanón v.
tale emuta n. tangy mázɨmázɔ̀n v.
a
talent akílìk n. tank (military) ɡaso n.
a
talk ɨɛ́nɛ́tɔ̀n v.; ɨɛ́nɔ́n v.; tôd n.; tódòn v. tap on ɨtɔ́tɔ́ŋɛ́s v.
talk (get to) ɨɛ́nítɛtɛ́s v.; tóítetés v. tap out ɨtɔŋítɔ́ŋɛ́s v.
talk (reckless) múɗúkánónìtòda n. tap repeatedly ɨɗɛɨɗɛ́ɛ́s v.
talk about mɔ́ɲɛ́s v.; tódetés v. tapeworm apéléle n.
talk at once (crowds) réɡiréɡòn v. Tarenna graveolens tsɛ̀tsɛ̀kwa n.; tsɨkwa
talk foreignly ɨɗímɔ́n v. n.
talk straight to the issue ɨtɛ́nɨtɛtɛ́sá target ɨpɨmɛs v.
tódàe v. tarp ɲéema n.
talk to each other tódinós v. tarry tɔʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n v.

449
tart tend (garden)

tart ɓariɓárón v.; ɓárikíkón v.; ɓàròn v.; teardrop rain ekúcúédidí n.
mázɨmázɔ̀n v. tears ekúcé n.
task ɲákási n.; ɲetitsa n.; terêɡa n. tease ceŋánón v.
tassel (animal-tail) lɔ̀da n. teaser céŋáàm n.
tassel (giraffe-tail) ɡwaítsʼílɔ̀da n. teat îdwa n.
tassel (of maize) kâʒwa n. technical school tɛ́kɛ̀nìkɔ̀l n.
taste kaites v. teclea (small fruited) kɛ́láya n.; ɲɛmaɨlɔŋ
n.
tasteless ɗɛ̀ƙwɔ̀n v.; ʝɔ̀lɔ̀n v.; muʝálámòn
v. Teclea nobilis kɛ́láya n.; ɲɛmaɨlɔŋ n.
tasty ɛ̀fɔ̀n v.; ɡwétsʼón v. teem ƙídɨƙídɔ̀n v.
tasty (become) ɛfɔnʉƙɔta v. teem around iwówéés v.
teetering nɛrɛ́dɔ̀n v.
tattered rídziridzánón v.
teeteringly nɛ̀rɛ̀ ideo.
tattily rɛ̀s ideo.
telephone ɲásím n.
tattle on ilíítés v.
television kúrúkúríka ni ɓɛƙɛ́s n.;
tattoo ɨtsɨpítsípɛ́s v. ɲévíɗyo n.
tatty rɛsɛ́dɔ̀n v. tell ɦyeitésúƙota v.; ɦyeitetés v.; isíséés
tawny ŋirotsánón v. v.; tódètòn v.; tódòn v.
tax ɲéutsúr n. tell apart ɦyeités v.
tax collector ɲéútsuríám n. tell each other tódinós v.
tchagra kíɗɔ̀ n. tell on ilíítés v.
tea ɲécáya n. tell the time ɗoɗésúƙota ɲásáatí v.; ite-
lesa fetí v.
tea (African) tábarɨcue n.
tell the truth ɨtsírɔ́na tódàke v.
tea (black) kotímácùè n.
teller tódààm n.
tea (milk) tábarɨcue n.
telling tôda n.
teach ɨtátámɛ́s v.; nɔɔsanitetés v.
temperature (high) hábona nébwì n.
teach to read isómáitetés v. tempermental kwitsʼíkwítsʼánón v.
teacher ɨtátámɛ́síàm n.; ŋímaalímùàm n. temple area (of head) matáŋ n.
teacher (head) ámázeáma ɲésukúluⁱ n. temple area (upper) matáŋíɡwarí n.
team ɲétím n. temple bone matáŋíɔ̀ka n.
tear ɗusés v.; ɗusúmón v.; ɗusutes v.; tempt sʉ́bɛ̀s v.; sʉ́bɛsʉƙɔta v.;
dzɛrɛ́s v.; ɨkɛ́ŋɛ́ɗɛ́s v.; tɔŋɛɗɛs v. sʉ́bɨtɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta así v.
tear off ɗusésúƙota v.; dzeretiés v.; tempter sʉ́bɛ̀sìàm n.
dzeretiésuƙota v.; dzɛ̀rɔ̀n v. ten toomín n.
tear off (running) tsídzonuƙota v. ten o’clock ɲásáatɨkaa tsʼaɡúsátìke n.
tear off in strips tɔɲílíɲílɛ́s v. tenacious ɨkázànòòn v.
tear out ruutésuƙota v.; ruutetés v. tend (garden) kɔɛ́s v.

450
tend (livestock) that

tend (livestock) cookés v. termite mound base dáŋádɛ̀ n.

tend (to do) ɨtáŋátɔ̀n v. termite mound chamber ɓarán n.
tended cookotós v. termite opening dáŋáàka n.
tender rɛɓɛ́dɔ̀n v.; rɛɗɛ́dɔ̀n v.; rusúdòn v. termite outlet dáŋéèkwa n.
tender (of plants) xɛɓɛ́dɔ̀n v. termite paste (edible) másálúka n.
tenderly dàbu ideo.; rɛ̀ɗɛ ideo.; rùs ideo. termite queen dádata dáŋáe n.;
ɛ
tenderly (of plants) xɛ̀ɓ ideo. dáŋádadáta n.; ŋwááta dáŋáe n.
tendon kon n. termite rain dáŋádidí n.
tendon (Achilles) tɨtíʝíkòn n. termite season dáŋátsóya n.
tent ɲéema n. termite soil keretsʼa n.
tenth (be a) kɔnɔna toomínú v. termite trap akarér n.
Tepeth language Ŋítépesítôd n. a termite wings sítsʼa n.
Tepeth people Ŋítépes n. termite worker nateɓú n.
tercel ɡwácúrúka n. termite(s) ɛs n.
teres major ɡuféém n. termite-and-honey dish ƙɛƙɛram n.
term (school) ɲátám n. termite-drying mat uré n.
term of endearment mínɛ́sìèd n. a termites (dried, wingless) tɔƙam n.
Terminalia brownii ɡáʒàd n. a termites (first pot eaten) wàxìdòm n.
terminate hoɗésúƙota v.; iɲétséetés v.; termites (late-flying) ɓɛʝɛ́kwa n.
iyétséetés v. termites (pounded) iwótsíɔ̀z n.
termite (early-flying) erún n. terrapin sídilé n.
termite (edible noctural) mukúádàŋ n. Teso person Ŋítésóàm n.
termite (edible) dáŋ n. test esetés v.; iniŋes v.; ɨpɨmɛs v.; kaites
termite (first eaten portion) kʉ́tʉ́k n. a v.; ɲɛ́tɛ́sìta n.
termite (small worker) sokometa n. testicle mítsʼa n.
termite (soldier) lókóka n.; tɛƙɛram n. testify to itsáɗénés v.
a testimony (false) ɲɔ́pɔkɔca n.
termite (tiny) léts n.
termite colony (active) abér n. testis mítsʼa n.
termite colony (inactive) wàrɔ̀ta n. tetanus ɲeɗekea na ɨtɛnítʉ́ƙɔta ámáka n.
termite column dáŋámoróka n. Teuso Tɛʉ́sɔ̀ n.
termite dirt dáŋáʝʉ̀m n. textured sɨƙɨsíƙánétòn v.; síƙísɨƙánón v.
termite housing dáŋáhò n. thank ɨlákásítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
termite mound kutúta n. thank (with grain) otés v.
termite mound (holey) lòkòsòs n. thankful ɨlákásɔ́nʉƙɔta v.
termite mound (old) dáŋákìtsa n. that tòìmɛ̀n n.

451
that (a while ago) thick (undesirably)

that (a while ago) nótsò dem.; nótsò rel. theirs ńtíɛ̀n pro.
that (a while ago, pl.) nútsù rel. them ńta pro.
that (already known) déé dem. themselves ńtínebitín n.
that (earlier) náka dem.; náka rel. then ɓàz interj.; ʝá adv.; kíná coordconn.;
kòto coordconn.; tsʼɛ́dɔ́ɔ́ kɔ̀nà pro.
that (earlier, pl.) níkⁱ rel.
theology ɲakuʝímɛ́n n.
that (is) tàà comp.
there ƙɛ́daikén dem.; kɔ́ɔ́ dem.; tsʼɛ́-
that (just there) ne dem. daikén dem.
that (long ago) nòko dem.; nòko rel. there (already known) tsʼɛ́dɛ́ɛ́ dem.;
that (long ago, pl.) nùku rel. tʉmɛdɛ́ɛ́ dem.
that (over there) ke dem. there (far) kéda ke dem.; kéíta ke dem.;
that (plural) ni rel. kɔ́ɔ́ kɛ dem.
that (singular) na rel. there (near) nayé ne dem.; nédà dem.;
néda ne dem.; néíta ne dem.
that (yesterday) sìn dem.; sìn rel.
there there! tíɔ̀ interj.; tíɔ ʝɔ́ɔ̀ interj.
that (yesterday, pl.) sìn rel.
therefore kòto coordconn.
that direction kɛ́xána kɛ dem.
thermometer ɲátamóómìtà n.
that is (to say) tòìmɛ̀n n. these ni dem.
that one ɗa ne pro. these areas/places niyá ni dem.
that one (just there) kɛɗá pro. these days ódowicíkó nì n.
that one (over there) kɛɗa pro. these guys, I tell you! ɲɔto ni interj.
that way kɛ́xána kɛ dem.; kíxána ke n. these kids, I tell you! wice ni interj.
that way! ńtía ʝɨkî adv. these ones ɗa pro.; ɗa ni pro.; niɗa ni pro.
that wayǃ ńtíà ʝà adv. these very days ódowicíkó nì kɔ̀nà n.
thatch dosés v. Thessalonians (biblical) Ŋítesalóníkaika
thatching (first layer) ɲáɓarasán n. n.
they ńta pro.
thatching layer kerêba n.
thick rɔ́mɔ́n v.; tetíŋón v.
the coming year kɛɨnatsa n.
thick (and round) baƙúlúmòn v.
the good life zɛƙwa ná dà n.
thick (become) moɡánétòn v.
the others kiɗíása pro.
thick (flat) maŋídòn v.
the very person/thing nébèda n.
thick (mentally) mɨɲɔna íkèdè v.
the whole day ódàtù n. thick (of brush) moɡánón v.
the whole night tsoíko n.; tɛrɛƙɛs ideo. thick (of undergrowth) bòmòn v.
theater (movie) ɲévíɗyòhò n. thick (opaque) tìnòn v.
theater (surgery) hoesího n. thick (optimally) lɔɓɔ́dɔ̀n v.
theft dzú n. thick (sludgy) yaŋádòn v.
their ńta pro. thick (undesirably) maŋádòn v.

452
thicken threaten

thicken iɗíkétòn v.; iɗikitetés v. third (be a) kɔnɔna áɗònù v.

thicken up (optimally) lɔɓɔ́dɨtɛtɛ́s v. third (be the) mɨtɔna ɗíɛ́ áɗònì v.
thickened iɗíkón v. third (one) ɗa áɗònì pro.
thicket tsekís n.; tsekísíàƙw n. a third time aɗoniɛn n.; àɗònìke n.
thicket (dense) môɡa n. thirst feta n.
thicket (round) ɲalʉ́kɛ́ta n. thirsty paupáwón v.
thickly lɔ̀ɓɔ ideo.; màŋ ideo. thirteen toomíní ńdà kìɗi àɗe n.
thickset kikímón v. thirty toomínékwà àɗe n.
thief dzúám n. this na dem.
thief (of grain) lokoɓél n. this direction náxána na dem.
thieve dzuesés v.; dzuesetés v. this kid, I tell you! ima na interj.
thievery dzú n.; dzúnánès n. this one ɗa pro.; ɗa na pro.; naɗa na pro.
thieving dzúnánès n. this way náxána na dem.
thigh ɡubes n. this year kaɨnɔ na n.; nakaɨn n.
thigh meat ɲámoɗ n. a thorax bakutsa n.
thighbone ɡubesíɔ́ka n. thorn kàf n.
thin ɨkárɔ́n v.; kɔrɔ́ɗɔ́mɔ̀n v. thornbush (dik-dik) ɲólíkàf n.
thin (delicately) bɛɗɛ́dɔ̀n v. those (a while ago) nútsù dem.
thin (needle-) tɨwídɔ̀n v. those (already known) díí dem.
thin (of a surface) kwɛxɛ́dɔ̀n v. those (earlier) níkⁱ dem.
thin (too) ɗɛpɛ́dɔ̀n v. those (long ago) nùku dem.
thin out ɨlɔ́lɔ́kɛ́s v. those (over there) ki dem.
a
thing kɔ́rɔ́ɓâd n. those (yesterday, pl.) sìn dem.
a
things kúrúɓâd n.; mɛnáícík n. a those areas kiyá ki dem.
things (newly discovered) kúrúɓáìnòìn those days ódowicíkó nùku n.
n. those ones (just there) kiɗá pro.
think tamɛ́s v. those ones (over there) kiɗa pro.
think about tamɛtɛ́s v. those places kiyá ki dem.
think about each other támínɔ́s v. thoughts ŋátámɛta n.
a
think back on tamɛ́sʉ́ƙɔt v. thousand álìf n.
think on ɲɛɓɛ́s v.; tamátámatés v.; thrash ipés v.
tamítámiés v. thread iléƙwéries v.; ɲéúsi n.; rɔ́ɛ́s v.
thinker tamɛ́síàm n.; turúnónìàm n. threaded rɔ́ɔ́s v.
thinly bɛ̀ɗɛ ideo.; ɗɛ̀pɛ ideo.; kwɛ̀x ideo. threaten ɨŋaalɛ́s v.; kitítésuƙota v.; zízɛ̀s
thinned out sɨlaɓánón v. v.

453
threaten to displace tie up

threaten to displace ɨlɔ́líɛtɛ́s v. throw stones turues v.; turuetés v.

three àɗe num.; àɗòn v. throw this way ɡóózetés v.; ɨmasɛtɛ́s v.
three days from now kétsóita ke n. thrower (of meat) ɡóózésíàm n.
three o’clock ɲásáatɨkaa tudátie ńda kiɗi thrush (rock-) nàlèmùdzòɗà n.
tsʼaɡús n. thrust ututetés v.; xutés v.; xutésúƙota v.
three times àɗo num. thrust (a knife) rutésúƙota v.
three years ago kaɨnɔ nɔkɔ n.; nɔkɛɨna thrust repeatedly ututiés v.
ke n. thud ƙádiƙádès v.
three years from now kaɨnɔ na far n.; thud! ɗùl ideo.
nakaɨna far n. thumb kɔrɔ́ká ná zè n.
thresh ipés v. thumb piano lokemú n.
threshing floor ɓɔɗa n.; ɗípɔ̀ n. thump dìkwòn v.; ɨɲatɛs v.; ƙádiƙádès v.
threshold lòkìtòŋ n.; lòrìòŋòn n. thump a tree iwésá dakwí v.
thump repeatedly ɨɲatiés v.
threshold consciousness mɔɗɔ́ɗɔ́èkwa
n. thump thump kímátsa ideo.; kùku ideo.
Thunbergia alata ɲápata n.
thrice àɗo num.
thunder ɗukuɗúkón v.; ɨkílɔ́n v.;
thrifty toikíkón v.
irúrúmòòn v.; ƙìròn v.; ƙironuƙota v.;
thrive (of plants) ɡáruɓúɓón v.; tɔtɔanón v.
karuɓúɓón v. thunder off itíƙíròòn v.; itíríƙòòn v.;
throat moróka n. ƙironuƙota v.
throat infection tòmàlàɗò n. Thur person Ŋítéɓuríám n.
throb dìkwòn v. Thursday Ɲákásíá tsʼaɡúsíke n.
throng ɲéɓúku n.; ɲerípírìpa n. thus kòto coordconn.
throttle iketiés v. thwart kwaɲɛ́s v.; kwaɲɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
tibia tsɛrɛ́ka n.
through nɛ́ɛ́ prep.
tick ɲamaɗaŋ n.
throw ɡóózés v.; ɨmasɛs v.
tick (mark) totsetes v.
throw a spear toɓésúƙota ɓɨsáɛ v.
tick grass ɲamaɗaŋíkú n.
throw a stone zébès v.
tickbird dzàr n.
throw a stone that way zébesuƙota v. tickle ɨkwɨlíkwílɛ́s v.
throw a stone this way zébetés v. tie ɲátáya n.; zíkɛ́s v.
throw away ɡóózesuƙota v.; tie around kɛkɛrɛs v.
a
ɨmásɛ́sʉƙɔt v. tie off ɨlɨɗɛ́s v.; ɨlɨɗɛtɛ́s v.
throw down ɡwarés v. tie off umbilical cord zíkɛ́sà ƙɔ̀ɓàɛ v.
throw down carelessly futsʼátsʼésuƙota tie tightly ɨrɨʝɛs v.
v. tie up inénéés v.; inénéésuƙota v.;
throw off iɓókésuƙota v. zíkɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; zɨkɛtɛ́s v.

454
tied toe (big)

tied zíkɔ́s v. tipper ƙúdèsìàm n.; ɲétípa n.

tied down loosely yaŋádòn v. tiptoe ɨtíɗíɗɛ́sá así v.; itseɗítséɗòn v.
tied down tightly tokódòn v. tiptop (of hut) lómoloró n.
tied off ɨlɨɗɔ́s v. tire bɔrɛ́tɔ́n v.; dɛ n.
tied tightly ɨrɨʝɔs v.; ŋɔ̀tsɔ̀n v. tire shoe kaetaƙáya n.
tied together zíkízɨkánón v. tire track dɛ n.
tight ɨɗíŋɔ́n v.; ɨpɨtɔs v.; ɨrɨɗɔs v. tired bɔ́rɔ́n v.; ɨlɔ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v.; ɨlɔ́yɔ́n v.
tighten hard ɨpɨtɛs v. tired (become) bɔrɛ́tɔ́n v.
tightened hard ɨpɨtɔs v. tissue (osseous) ɔka n.
tightly tìɓɨ ideo. titillate ɨkɛɗíkɛ́ɗɛ́s v.; ɨkwatíkwátɛ́s v.
till tɔkɔ́bɛs v. title éda na moranâde n.; ikeda n.
till morning tsoíko n.; tɛrɛƙɛs ideo. Titus Títò n.
tillable tɔkɔbam n. Titus (biblical) Títò n.
tilled tɔkɔ́bɨtɔtɔ́s v. to the end ɗʉ̀ɗʉ̀ŋ ideo.; tùtùr ideo.
ɛ
tiller (hand) ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɨtaa na kwɛ́tìkà n. to the rear ʝìrìkɛ n.
tilt ipuŋes v.; liƙés v. toad ƙwaáta n.; ƙwaatá na áwìkàe n.
tilt over ipuŋetés v. toast ɨɔ́ɓɔ́rɛ́s v.
a
time ɲásáat n.; ɲásápari n. tobacco lɔ́tɔ́ɓa n.; tsʼûda n.
time off ɲákarám n. tobacco (long-leaf) loríónómor n.;
timid xɛ̀ɓɔ̀n v. pɛ́lɛ́ɗɛ̀ka n.
timid person xɛɓásíàm n. tobacco (pounded) lɔʉtsʉ́r n.
timidity xɛɓás n. tobacco cone bɔrɔƙɔƙa n.; lɔ́tɔ́ɓabɔrɔƙɔ́ƙa
n.
Timothy Timatéwa n.
tobacco garden lɔ́tɔ́ɓàsèda n.
Timothy (biblical) Timatéwa n.
tobacco garden (grassy) mʉrɔn n.
Timu Road Tímumucé n.
tobacco grinding stone lɔ́tɔ́ɓàɡwàs n.
tinder ɡamam n.; lúulú n.
tobacco horn ɲeɓuryaŋ n.
tinder (small) ɗɛ̀rɛ̀tsa n.
tobacco hunger lɔ́tɔ́ɓàɲɛ̀ƙa n.
tinkerbird (red-fronted) kɔkíríkɔka n.
tobacco leaves aŋawa n.
tiny dununúòn v.; ɡɔɗírímɔ̀n v.;
tsaʉ́ɗímɔ̀n v.; tɔ́ɗɔ́n v. tobacco pipe làr n.
tiny (opening) mɨríɗímɔ̀n v. tobacco user lɔ́tɔ́ɓààm n.
tip eɗa n.; eɗa n.; iɲipes v.; kàtsa n.; today nóódwáá n.
kátsɛ̂da n. Toddalia asiatica lókóɗém n.
tip over íboɗolés v. toe dɛákɔ́rɔ́ka n.; kɔrɔ́ka n.
tipped ɨwítsɔ́n v. toe (big) kɔrɔ́ká ná zè n.

455
toe bone touch each other

toe bone kɔrɔ́kɔ́ɔ̀ka n. topic mɛnéékwa n.; tódèèkwa n.

toe cut lɔ́ŋízɨŋîz n. topics áƙátìkìn n.
toenail tíbòlòkòɲ n. Toposa Kɔrɔmɔta n.
toes (extra) ɲɛ́ɗɔ́nɨɗɔn n. Toposa dialect Kɔrɔmɔtátôda n.
together ikéé kɔ̀n n.; kédìè kɔ̀n n.; kédò Toposa person dzònìàm n.; tɔ́ɓɔ́kìkààm
kɔ̀n n. n.
toilet etsʼíhò n.; ɲótsorón n. topple íbatɛ́s v.; íbatɛtɛ́s v.
tolerate nɛɛ́s v.; nɛɛsʉ́ƙɔta v.; taɗaŋes v. topple repeatedly íbatiés v.
tomato ɲɛ́ɲaaɲá n. topsy-turvy lɔŋɔanón v.
tomb ripa n.; tás n.; tásɛ̂da n. torch kâʒwa n.; ɲótótsa n.
tomorrow (morning) baratso n.; torment ɨtsanítsánɛ́s v.
táábaratsa n.; táábaratso n. torn dzɛrɔ́sɔ́n v.
tomorrow next kétsóibarátsa n. torpid iʝíŋáánón v.
tongs ɲɔkɔ́ɲɛ́ta n. torrent íswa n.
tongue naƙaf n. tortoise kàè n.
too ʝìkɛ adv. tortoise hatchling kàèìm n.
tool (handle-less) lolemukán n. tortoise shell kàèƙwàz n.; ròɡìròɡa n.
tool (hooked stick) pòròta n. torture ɨtsanítsánɛ́s v.
toss ɡóózés v.; ɨmasɛs v.; tɔrɛ́s v.; towates
tooth kwaywa n.
v.
tooth gap (have a) ɲaŋálómòn v.
toss (for divination) ipés v.
toothbrush ɲáɓʉrás n.; sʉ́ƙʉ́tɛ́sídàkwa
toss aside hábatsésúƙota v.; hábatsetés v.
n.; tsɨtsín n.
toss away ɡóózesuƙota v.; ɨmásɛ́sʉƙɔta
toothbrush tree ɓaláŋ n.
v.; tɔrɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; towátésúƙota v.
toothless ŋalólómòn v. toss in mouth iɗómóés v.
toothless gums ŋalúɓa n. toss off towátésúƙota v.
toothpaste ɲókólíƙèta n. toss out of sight ɨsɔmɛs v.
toothpick (grass) kua mínɛ́sɨɛ kwaɨtíní toss this way ɡóózetés v.; ɨmasɛtɛ́s v.;
n. tɔrɛtɛ́s v.
toothy ɨŋísímɔ̀n v. totally ʝɨkî adv.; kɔ́nítɨáke pro.; mʉ̀kà
top ɡwarí n.; ɨsʉkɛs v.; kàtsa n.; kátsɛ̂da adv.; pílè ideo.; tsʉ́tɔ̀ adv.
n.; sʉ́kɛ́s v. tottering nɛrɛ́dɔ̀n v.
top of a gorge fòtsàìka n. touch tábès v.
top of foot dɛáɡwarí n. touch (make) tábitetés v.
top of head ikáɡwarí n. touch all over tábodiés v.
top part ɡwaríêda n.; ikeda n. touch down toɗóón v.
topi ɲémúƙeta n. touch each other tábunós v.

456
touch lightly trap (metal)

touch lightly ɨkɛɗíkɛ́ɗɛ́s v.; ɨkwatíkwátɛ́s trailer iƙórú n.; ɲɛtʉrɛ́ɛ́là n.

v. trailhead mucédɛ̀ n.
touch on (topic) tábès v. train ɨtátámɛ́s v.; iyoes v.; nɔɔsanitetés v.
touchable tabam n. trainer ɨtátámɛ́síàm n.; ŋímaalímùàm n.
touchwood lúulú n. training ɲókós n.
tough dɨrɨɲíɲɔ́n v.; itsyátón v.; nɨkwídɔ̀n trait (personality) ɲɛpɨtɛa ámáe n.
v. traitor tolúónìàm n.
tough (leathery) tuɗádòn v. trample íbuɗés v.; iɲíkéésuƙota v.; takwi-
tough (to chew) kaŋádòn v.; kwaídòn v. takwiés v.
tough when cooked haʉ́dɔ̀n v. trample termites takwiesúƙota dáŋáe v.
toughen ŋɨxítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. trample to pieces fírítsʼés v.
toughly nìkwɨ ideo.; tùɗa ideo. transfer iʝokes v.; iʝókésuƙota v.; ɨkɔɓɛs
tousle dʉbɛ́s v. v.; ilóʝésuƙota v.; ɨlɔpɛs v.; iméérés v.;
iríítés v.; irotes v.
tow béberés v.
transfer here ɨkɔɓɛtɛ́s v.
towel ɲátauló n.
transfer repeatedly irotírótés v.
tower (celluar/radio) ɲéɓusitá n.
transfer there ɨkɔ́ɓɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
town ɲálaín n.; táùn n.
transform beníónuƙota v.; iɓéléés v.;
town-dweller ɲáláínìkààm n. iɓéléìmètòn v.; ilotses v.; ilotsímétòn v.
toxin ɲekísórìta n. transformation of land beniitesa kíʝáe n.
trace iɗupes v.; ɨƙɛrɛs v. transgender person ɲéliwolíwo n.
trachea moróká ná zè n. translate ɨkɔɓɛs v.; ɨkɔɓɛtɛ́s v.; ilotses v.
track tsʼítsʼɛ́s v. translate back and forth ɨkɔ́ɓínɔ́s v.
track footprints tsʼítsʼɛ́sà dɛ̀ìkàɛ v. transmit iʝokes v.; iʝókésuƙota v.
tractor ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɨta n. transmit trouble iʝokesa mɛnáɛ v.
tractor (hand) ɲɛ́tɛrɛƙɨtaa na kwɛ́tìkàɛ n. transparency eas n.
trade dzîɡwa n.; dzíɡwès v.; ilókótsés v.; transparent ɓètsʼòn v.; tsaórómòn v.
ɨxɔtsɛs v.; xɔ́tsɛ́s v. transparent (of many) ɓetsʼaakón v.
trade with each other xɔ́tsínɔ́s v. transpire ikásíìmètòn v.; itíyáìmètòn v.
trader ŋímutsurúsìàm n. transplant irotes v.
trader (being a) ŋímutsurúsìnànès n. transport iríítés v.; irotes v.; tsídzès v.
trading center ɲálaín n.; táùn n. transport away tsídzesuƙota v.
tradition ɲatal n.; ɲeker n. transvestite ɲéliwolíwo n.
traditional healer irésíàm n. trap kotsítésuƙota v.; rʉ́ɛ́s v.; tɔlɔkɛ́s v.
Tragia insuavis sʉ́ƙʉ́sʉƙá n. trap (cage) ɲáɓáo n.
trail ikókótés v.; muce n. trap (large animal) ɲéritá n.
trail (fresh) fʉ́fʉ́ta n. trap (metal) ɲétéƙe n.

457
trap (net) tricky

trap (net) sáɡòsìm n. tree species àɗèŋèlìò n.; ɓàʝa n.; ɓólìs
trap (small-animal) lɔwɨɗa n. n.; ɓòŋ n.; basaúréèkwa n.; boxoƙoréta
n.; ɗewen n.; dzôɡa n.; ekoɗita n.;
trap (spike) ɲátatsa n.
èmùsìà n.; fàìdwa n.; ɡàràʝa n.; ɡodiywa
trap (termite) akarér n. n.; ibéta n.; iroroya n.; isókóya n.;
trap (termites) kokoes v. ƙɔ́ɓʉƙɔ́ɓa n.; kàrɛ̀ n.; kɛ́láya n.; kó-
trap with net sáɡwès v. moló n.; kunéta n.; kùr n.; lóɗíwé n.;
lɔ́kɛ́rʉ́ n.; lokum n.; lɔ́lɔwí n.; lòŋìr n.;
trapezius ɲálaƙamáíta n.
meleke n.; mókol n.; mozokoɗa n.; mʉ̀s
trapped kòtsòn v. n.; ŋʉrʉ́sá n.; naarákɨlɛ n.; ɲáɓata n.;
trapped (become) kotsonuƙota v. ɲákaɓurúr n.; ɲákátɨríɓa n.; ɲamalil n.;
trapping tɔ̀lɔ̀ka n. ɲécaal n.; ɲɛ́caal n.; ɲɛ́kɨsí n.; ɲékwaŋa
n.; ɲéleɓuléɓu n.; ɲɛmaɨlɔŋ n.; ɲéŋéso
trapping pit ɲɔ́sɔ́ɔ́ƙata n. n.; ɲépípa n.; ɲéyoroeté n.; ɲóɗomé
trapping with snares sâɡwa n. n.; ɲókotita n.; ɲóƙoloƙoléta n.; óbìʝòɔ̀z
trash tsʼʉtsʼʉ n. n.; rirís n.; ròr n.; rukûdza n.; seɡer
trash (flashflood) ɲérímama n. n.; seínení n.; sésèn n.; tsʼɔƙɔ́m n.; tsàl
n.; tsereɗeɗí n.; tsɛ̀tsɛ̀kwa n.; tsɨkwa
travel ɓɛƙɛ́s v.; ɨlɔ́ɔ́n v. n.; tɛɛtɛ́ n.; tʉlárɔ́ya n.; tùr n.; tʉ̀tʉ̀f n.;
travel away ɨlɔ́ɔ́nʉƙɔta v. ʉrʉ́sáya n.; warɨwar n.; xuxûba n.
travel here ɨlɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v. tree trunk dakúɓɔ́l n.
travel preparation sùɓèta n. treeless ŋoléánètòn v.
travel together ɓɛƙɛ́sínɔ́s v. tremble kìtòn v.; kwalíkwálɔ̀n v.; tsá-
traveler ɓɛƙɛ́síàm n.; ƙòònìàm n. batsabánón v.
traveler (preparing) súɓánònìàm n. tremble (begin to) kitétón v.
traverse piɗés v.; tɔkɛ́ɛ́rɛ́s v. tremble (make) kitítésuƙota v.
treacherous ɨmaɗímáɗɔ̀n v. tremor irikíríkòn v.
tread on takwés v. trench ɲéƙúrumota n.; urúr n.
treat ɡwadam n.; ɨmʉ́mwárés v.; irés v.; tri-colored ɓokóánètòn v.; eséánètòn v.
ɲɛmʉna n. trial (legal) ɲékés n.
treat (medicinally) wetitésá cɛmɛ́ríkàɛ v. tribe dìywa n.; ɲákaɓɨlá n.
treat a wound ɨmaɗɛsa ɔ́ʝáɛ v. Tribulus cistoides ɲesuƙuru n.
treat equally ikwáánitetés v. tribunal ɲókóta n.
treat gently ɨɓáɓɛ́ɛ́s v. tribute meetésíicíka n.
treat respectfully iríméés v. tricep cwɛtéém n.
treatment cɛ̀mɛ̀r n. tricep (lower) ƙʉlɛ́èm n.
a
tree dakw n. trick ɨmɔɗɛs v.; itwáŋítésúƙota v.
tree (sacred) lɔ́ƙɔ́ŋ n.; ɲɔ́ƙɔ́ŋ n. trickle mɨrɨmírɔ́n v.; tɔlɛ́lɛ́ɔ̀n v.
a
tree (unknown) kɔ́rɔ́ɓáìdàkw n. tricky ɨmaɗímáɗɔ̀n v.

458
trigger turbid

trigger ɲɛɗɛ́sɛ̂da n.; ɲétíƙa n. trust tɔnʉpɛs v.

trigger (trap) ɨɗalɛs v. truster tɔnʉpɛsíám n.
trim ɨƙwáƙwárɛ́s v.; ɨlɨmɛs v. trustworthy tɔnʉpam n.
trim back ɨlɨmɛtɛ́s v.; isésélés v. truth eas n.
trip ɨlɛ́ƙwɛ́rɛ́s v.; ɲásápari n.; truth (be the) mɨtɔna eas v.
rúmánitésúƙota v.; rúmánòn v. truthful person easíám n.
trip (of a trap) ɨɗálɛ́sʉƙɔta así v. try ɨkatɛs v.; kaites v.
trip (trap) ɨɗalɛs v. try in court iniŋes v.
trip repeatedly iɲatiesá kíʝáe v. try repeatedly ɨkatíkátɛ́s v.
tryst tirésíàwa n.
trip up ɨlɛ́ƙwɛ́rɛtɛ́s v.
tsetse fly ɲɛ́ɗíɨta n.
tripod lèwèɲìdɛ̀ n.
tub itúɓa n.
Triumfetta annua lɔ́mɔ́ɗaáta n.
tubby ɡerúsúmòn v.; poŋórómòn v.;
trochanter (greater) obólénìɔ̀ka n. rexúkúmòn v.
tromp íbuɗés v. tuberculosis (pulmonary) ɡafíɡá-
troop (of baboons) kwaár n. fikaɲeɗeké n.; ɲeɗekea bákútsìkàe n.
trophy tɔ́rɔ́bɛsa na ílɔɛsí n. tuck ipuŋes v.
trot isipísípòn v.; ɨsɔƙísɔ́ƙɔ̀n v.; tuck away ɨkíɗítsɛ́s v.
ɨsʉmʉ́sʉ́mɔ̀n v. tuck into íbʉbʉŋɛ́s v.; íbʉbʉŋɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.
troublemaker mɛnáám n. tuck up rʉ́bɛ̀s v.; rʉ́bɛsʉƙɔta v.
troubles mɛn n.; ŋítsan n. tuckered ziálámòn v.; zíkímétòn v.;
ziláámòn v.
trough itúɓa n.; sɔ́ka n.
Tuesday Ɲákásíá lèɓètsìke n.
trounce ipés v.; ɨrɛɛs v.
tuft tsuláta n.
trousers (pair of) ɡwan n.; ɲétorós n.;
tug ɗʉ́rɛ́s v.; ɗʉtɛ́s v.
ɲótorós n.
tug back and forth ɨlɨkílíkɛ́s v.
trowel ɲɛ́tʉráwɛ̀l n.
tumble íbatɛ́s v.; íbatɛtɛ́s v.; ruɓétón v.;
truck lóórì n.; ɲolórì n. ruɓonuƙota v.
truck (small) kàè n. tumble down íbatɛsa así v.
true ɨtsírɔ́n v.; tsírɔ́n v.; tɔɓɛ́ɔ́n v. tumble repeatedly íbatiés v.
true (typically) toɓéíón v. tumefy emites v.; èmòn v.
truly easíke n. tumid bɔfɔ́dɔ̀n v.
trumpet ɨkílɔ́n v.; ɲɛ́rʉpɛpɛ́ n. tune out bálábálatés v.
trunk (elephant) ɡìɡa n.; komótsa n.; tuner ɲéréɗi n.
òŋòrìkwɛ̀ta n. tunnel wɛ̀l n.
trunk (tree) dakúɓɔ́l n. tunnel (center) wɛ̀lèèkwa n.
trunks (pair of) ɲésiriwáli n.; turaco fúluƙurú n.
ɲosoƙoloké n. turbid kaɓúrútsánón v.

459
turgid twist up

turgid bɔfɔ́dɔ̀n v. v.; iɓéléìmètòn v.; iɓélúkáìmètòn v.;

Turkana language Pakóícétôd n. a iɓélúkéés v.; ɨʝʉlɛtɛ́s v.; iwoletés v.
Turkana person ŋɔrɛ́ám n.; Pakóám n.; turn over (soil) iwúlákés v.
rɔwáám n. turn this way ɨríŋɛ́tɔ̀n v.
Turkanaland Burukáy n. a turn up takánétòn v.
turkey ɲékulukúl n. turn upside-down tuɗúlútés v.
turn aŋɨrɛs v.; ɨʝʉlɛs v.; ɨríŋítɛ́s v.; ɨríŋɔ́n turned ɨʝʉlɔs v.
v.; iwoles v. turned on (sexually) iɓurímétòn v.;
turn against tolúétòn v.; tolúónuƙot v.; a kwídikwidós v.
tolúútésuƙota v. turtle sídilé n.
turn against each other tolúúnós v. tusk (elephant) òŋòrìkwàywa n.
turn around iɓóɓóŋòn v.; ɨʝʉlɛtɛ́s v.; tusker òŋòr n.
ɨríŋítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨríŋɔ́nʉƙɔta v. tussock tsuláta n.
turn away ɨríŋítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨríŋɔ́nʉƙɔta tweak tʉnɛ́s v.
v.; ɨtíílɛ́s v. tweak off tɔɲɨmɛtɛ́s v.
turn back this way iɓóɓóŋètòn v. twelve toomíní ńda kiɗi léɓètse n.
turn back to back ƙʉƙʉmánítésuƙota v.; twelve o’clock ɲásáatɨkaa tudátie ńdà
ƙʉƙʉmánónuƙota v. kɛ̀ɗì kɔ̀n n.
turn down ɨmɛ́ɗɛ́lɛ́s v.; míʝés v. twenty toomínékwa léɓètse n.
turn off kɔkɛtɛ́s v. twice lèɓètso num.
turn off (electrically) tsʼeítésuƙota v. twiddle íɡuʝuɡuʝés v.
a
turn off (of electricity) tsʼoonuƙot v. twilight xɨŋata n.; xɨŋatétón v.
turn on (attack) toƙíróòn v. twilit míɡiriɡíránón v.
turn on (betray) tolúétòn v.; turn on twin (be a) ɨmʉ́ɔ́n v.
tolúónuƙota v. twine ɨmɔ́ʝírɛ́s v.; itoŋes v.; natɨɓa n.
turn on (electrically) aeitetés v. twinkle itweɲítwéɲòn v.
turn on (of electricity) aeétón v. twins ŋímúí n.
turn on each other tolúúnós v. twirl tɔpɨrípírɛ́s v.
turn one’s back to ƙʉƙʉmanés v. twirl between hands tsapés v.
turn oneself around iɓéléésuƙota así v. twirlable tsapetam n.
turn oneself over repeatedly iɓilíɓílésá twist aŋɨrɛs v.; ɨmɔ́ʝírɛ́s v.; itoŋes v.;
así v. tɔpɨrípírɛ́s v.
turn out pukés v.; puketés v. twist round ɨtʉ́tʉ́rɛ́s v.
turn out away pukésúƙota v. twist the truth itoŋetésá tódàe v.
a
turn over bukures v.; bukúrésuƙot v.; twist up imákóitetés v.; ɨpɔ́pírɛ́s v.;
buƙusítésuƙota v.; iɓéléés v.; iɓéléetés kakɨrɛ́s v.

460
twisted uncooperative with each other

twisted ɡɔ́lɔ́ɡɔlánón v. unbend ɨɗírítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.

twisted round ɨtʉ́tʉ́rɔ́s v. unbending kɛtɛ́rɛ́mɔ̀n v.
twisted up imákóòn v. unbreakable lɛrɛ́dɔ̀n v.; mɛkɛlɛ́lɔ́n v.
twisted up (become) imákwéètòn v. unbreakably lɛ̀r ideo.
twitch ɨmímíʝɛ́s v.; irikíríkòn v. unburdened bùlòn v.
e
two lèɓèts num.; leɓétsón v. uncertain ɨʉ́ƙɔ́n v.
two (make) leɓetsítésuƙota v. unchewable mɛkɛlɛ́lɔ́n v.; tsʼafʉ́dɔ̀n v.
two o’clock ɲásáatɨkaa tudátie ńdà kìɗì unchewably tsʼàf ideo.
àɗe n.
uncle (his/her father’s brother) babata
two times lèɓètso num. n.
two years ago kaɨnɔ nótso n.; nɔkɛɨn n. uncle (his/her father’s sister’s husband)
two years from now kaɨnɔ na tso n.; tatatíéákwa n.
nakaɨna tso n. uncle (his/her mother’s brother)
two-by-two leɓetsíón v. momota n.
type bònìta n.; ɲákaɓɨlá n. uncle (his/her mother’s sister’s hus-
Typha species bʉlʉbʉláta na sábàìkà n. e band) tototíéákwa n.
udder ídoho n. uncle (mother’s brother) momó n.
udder (cow) ɦyòìdwa n. uncle (mother’s sister’s husband)
totóèàkwa n.
Uganda Uɡánɗà n.
uncle (my father’s brother) abáŋ n.
ugly itópénòn v.; làlòn v.
uncle (my father’s sister’s husband)
uh … ndaicé n.
tátàèàkwa n.
uh-huh, sure! yóói interj.
uncle (your father’s brother) bábò n.
ulcer ɗɔ̀l n.
uncle (your father’s sister’s husband)
ulcer (stomach) bùbùɔ̀ʝa n. tátóéákwa n.
ululate iyíyéés v. unclean ŋɔrɔ́ɲɔ́mɔ̀n v.; ɲɔŋɔ́rɔ́mɔ̀n v.
um … áta n.; ndaicé n. unclear (information) kìtsòn v.
umber tsʼaráfón v. unclouded kánɔ́n v.
umbilical cord ƙɔɓasim n.
uncomfortable ɗɛɲɨɗɛɲɔs v.
umbilical hernia ƙɔɓa na zikîba n.
uncomplicated ɓàŋɔ̀n v.
umbrella thorn tree sèɡa n.
unconscious bàdòn v.; ifáfúkós v.
unadorned ɨɓámɔ́n v.; sɨlɔ́ʝɔ́mɔ̀n v.
unconscious (go) badonuƙota v.; rèŋòn
unaffixed dolódòn v.; roiróón v. v.
unattractive itópénòn v. uncooked tsʼáɡwòòn v.
unavailable bɨrɔ́ɔ́n v. uncooperative with each other ɗúlúnós
unbeliever nɛpɛ́ƙáàm n. v.

461
uncoordinated unseen

uncoordinated hádaadánón v.; uninteresting itópénòn v.; ʝɔ̀lɔ̀n v.

ɨɓaŋíɓáŋɔ̀n v. unique beníón v.; bɛnɔ́ɔ́n v.
uncover ŋáɲɛ́sʉƙɔta v. unison (act in) ilíréètòn v.
undependable iléʝíánón v.; imáɗíŋánón unite kɔnítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
v. universe kíʝa n.
underarm bàbà n. university yunivásìtì n.
underbelly búbùèda n. unkempt sɔɓɔ́lɔ́mɔ̀n v.
underclothes (pair of) ɲekúrúm n. unknowing ɨɓááŋɔ̀n v.
undercook kitsonuƙota v. unlawful toɗyakos v.
undercooked ɨmʉ́ránón v.; kìtsòn v. unless ɗàmʉ̀s subordconn.; ɗɛ̀mʉ̀s subor-
underfoot dɛ̀ìkàɔ n. dconn.
undergird titirés v.; titiretés v. unlidded lɛɓɛ́ɲɛ́mɔ̀n v.
underground ɗis n.; ʝʉmááƙwa n. unliftably ɓa ideo.
underminer ɲɛkɛsʉpan n. unload ɓuƙetés v.
underside búbùèda n. unload a load ɓuƙetésá botáe v.
understand enés v.; nesíbes v.; walámón unmanageable imákóòn v.
v. unmanageable (become) imákwéètòn v.
understand each other nesíbunós v. unmoving wàsɔ̀n v.
understood nesíbos v.; nesíbunós v. unobserved kúbòn v.
underwear (pair of) ɲekúrúm n. unobstructed fotólón v.
undeveloped ikúrúfánón v. unoccupied bùlòn v.; ɨɓámɔ́n v.; ipásóòn
v.
undigestible tsʼafʉ́dɔ̀n v.
unoccupied (become) bulonuƙota v.
undigestibly tsʼàf ideo.
unpierced (ears) mʉɗáŋámɔ̀n v.
undivided (of cash) ɗukúdòn v.
unproductive ɨsʉ́wɔ́ɔ̀n v.
undress hoɗésúƙota v.; hoɗetés v.
unprotected ilététòòn v.
unearth úɡès v.; úɡetés v.
unrelated ʝalánón v.
uneducated ɨɓááŋɔ̀n v. unreliable iléʝíánón v.; imáɗíŋánón v.
unemployed ɨlwárɔ́na teréɡù v. unresponsive ɨlɛtílɛ́tɔ̀n v.; ɨlɛ́tʉ́ránón v.
uneven ƙumúƙúmánón v. unrest ɲárém n.
unfastened dolódòn v.; roiróón v. unrewarded kwɛtíkínɔ n.; seáto n.
unfathomable xakútsúmòn v. unripe tsʼáɡwòòn v.
unfixed ɨɓámɔ́n v. unroll tɔpɛtɛs v.; tɔpɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
unfurl tɔpɛtɛs v.; tɔpɛ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v. unruly (of hair) ɡaúsúmòn v.
uniform ɲéyúnìfòm n. unsafe (of an area) tsakátsákánón v.
unintelligent ɨɓááŋɔ̀n v. unsecured haʝádòn v.; laʝádòn v.
uninterested bɔ́rɔ́n v. unseen kúbòn v.

462
unsettled utter

unsettled ɡokirós v. upset (become) ɡaanónuƙota v.; ɨraŋímé-

unsettled (homeless) tsɔnɨtsɔnɔ́s v. tòn v.
unsighted múɗúkánón v. upset (emotionally) ɓarites v.; ɓarítésu-
ƙota v.
unspoiled ɗòwòn v.
upside-down tuɗúlón v.
unstable ɗatólóɲòn v.; ikáɓóɓánón v.
upward dìdìke n.; kɔ́ɔ́ kwarɔ n.
unsteadily ɗɔ̀x ideo.; ɡwèlèʝe ideo.
urban center zɛƙɔ́áwa ná zè n.
unsteady ikáɓóɓánón v.
urbanite ɲáláínìkààm n.
unstick ɨtakɛs v.; ɨtákɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
urethra xaramucé n.
unsturdy ɗatólóɲòn v.
urethral meatus kwaníékwa n.
unsupple ɡɔkɔ́dɔ̀n v.
urge ɨmʉ́káitetés v.
unsure ɨʉ́ƙɔ́n v.
urge (nicotine) lɔ́tɔ́ɓàɲɛ̀ƙa n.
until akání prep.; ɗàmʉ̀s subordconn.;
ɗɛ̀mʉ̀s subordconn.; ɡònè prep.; pákà urge on ɨsʉ́sʉ́ɛ́s v.; itsótsóés v.
prep.; pákà subordconn. urinate kʉtsáƙón v.
untouched ɗòwòn v. urinating spot kʉtsáƙáàwa n.
untrue to one’s word iméníkánón v. urine kwatsa n.
untrustworthy iméníkánón v. urine (cow) tséta n.
untruth yʉɛ n. us (exclusive) ŋɡwa pro.
unused ɗòwòn v.; ɨɓámɔ́n v.; ɨlárɔ́n v.; ɨl- us (inclusive) ɲjín pro.
wárɔ́n v. use eréɡes v.; isítíyeés v.; ɲákásìèda n.
unusual way kɔ́náxàn n. useable eréɡam n.
unutilized ɨlárɔ́n v.; ɨlwárɔ́n v. used to ɨtalɔs v.
unwanted ɨtsárʉ́ánón v. used to (make) ɨtalɛs v.
unwise ɨɓááŋɔ̀n v. used to each other náínɔ́s v.
unyielding nɨkwídɔ̀n v. used up bitsétón v.; tɛ́zɛ̀tɔ̀n v.
up dìdìke n.; kɔ́ɔ́ kwarɔ n.; nɔ́ɔ́ kwarɔ n. useful eréɡam n.
up to akání prep.; ɡònè prep.; pákà prep.
useless ɨtsárʉ́ánón v.; pás n.
up-up! kukú nurs.
useless thing tsar n.
upchuck ɨlɔ́ɓɔ́tɛtɛ́s v.
uselessness pásìnànès n.; tsarínánès n.
upper end ikeda n.
usher iɗimiesíàm n.
upright iséréròn v.; ɨtsírɔ́n v.; tsírɔ́n v.
usher in (new year) itówéés n.
uproot ɗués v.; ɗuetés v.; rués v.;
uterus epúáwa n.; ɲapéryɛ́ta n.
ruutésuƙota v.; ruutetés v.
uterus (prolapsed) kìɓèɓè n.; kìtʉ̀lɛ̀ n.
upset bukures v.; bukúrésuƙota v.;
buƙusítésuƙota v.; ɡaanítésuƙota v.; utilize isítíyeés v.
ɡaanón v.; iɓélúkéés v.; iŋóyáánón v. utter kʉtɔnʉƙɔta v.

463
uvula veto

uvula ɲoɗokole n. vegetables wà n.

vacant bótsón v.; bùlòn v. vegetation (thick) tsekís n.; tsekísíàƙwa
vacant (become) bulonuƙota v. n.
vacate bulútésuƙota v. vehicle kàè n.; ɲómotoká n.
vacation ɲákarám n. vehicle (small) kàèìm n.
vaccinate ɨtsɨpítsípɛ́s v. vein seamucé n.; tsòrìta n.
vellicate irikíríkòn v.
vacillate iɲikiétòn v.; iɲikíɲíkòn v.
velocity ɲésipíɗa n.
vagabond xikóám n.
velvety ʝamúdòn v.
vagabond (bush) ríʝíkààm n.
vendue ókísèn n.
vagabondage xikwa n.
venerate mòròn v.
vagabondage (in the bush) ríʝíkànànès
venom ɲekísórìta n.
n.
vent (volcanic) ɲáɗúya n.
vagina dòɗa n.
ventriculus ŋìl n.
vagrancy xikwa n.
Vepris glomerata kùr n.
vagrancy (in the bush) ríʝíkànànès n.
veranda hodzíŋ n.
vagrant xikóám n.
verdant ƙwɨxídɔ̀n v.; xídɔ̀n v.
vague ɨɲʉ́ɲʉ́ánón v.; kìtsòn v.
verity eas n.
vague (visibly) imítíròn v.
Vernonia cinerascens mɛ́rɛ́ɗɛɗɛ́ n.
vain itúrón v.
verrucose tɔmɔtsɔkánón v.
vain (become) ɨkárímétòn v. verse àsàka n.
valley (wide) ɲéɓúruɓur n. vertebrae ɡòɡòròʝòɔ̀ka n.
vanish ɨíɗɔ́n v.; kúbonuƙota v.; vertex ikáɡwarí n.
a
wɨɗímɔ́nʉƙɔt v.
vertibrae (upper cervical) bɔkɔ́s n.
vanishingly wìɗɨ ideo.
vertigo taítayó n.
vanquish ɨrɛɛs v.
very ʝɨkî adv.; zùku adv.
vapid ɗɛ̀ƙwɔ̀n v.; ʝɔ̀lɔ̀n v.; muʝálámòn v. very much mbáyà adv.
vapor lɔkapʉ́r n. vesicate bubuxánónuƙota v.; ileɓíléɓòn
varicella ɲɛtʉnɛ n.; puurú n. v.
variety bònìta n.; ɲákaɓɨlá n.; ɲalíɲalí n. vesicated bubuxánón v.
various ʝaláʝálánón v. vespid dɛrɛ́ƙa n.
vary in height iyópón v. vessel (blood) seamucé n.; tsòrìta n.
vault itúlúmòòn v. vessel (water) itúɓa n.
veer iwítón v.; kwɛ́dɔ̀n v. vest ɲábʉlán n.; ɲɛ́bʉlán n.
veer repeatedly aŋiriesón v.; iwitíwítòn vest (beaded) ɲáɓol n.
v. veterinarian ɗakɨtárɨama ínóe n.
vegetable garden waicíkásèda n. veto ilotsesa mɛnáɛ v.

464
viable vroom!

viable ikásíetam v. virginal ɗòwòn v.; tɨlíwɔ́n v.; xɔ́dɔ̀n v.;

vicinity (in the) ɦyàtàka n. xɔtánón v.
vicious ɨɲɛ́ɛ́mɔ̀n v.; ɨsílíánón v. visage takár n.
victual ŋƙam n. viscous naídòn v.
video kúrúkúríka ni ɓɛƙɛ́s n.; ɲévíɗyo n. viscously nàⁱ ideo.
view ɡonés v.; iléúrés v.; inwakes v. visible ilééránón v.; kɛtɛ́lɔ́n v.; lɛ́lɔ́n v.;
takánón v.
view (here) ɡonetés v.
visible (completely) ùwòò ideo.
view (there) ɡonésúƙota v.
visible (make) kɛtɛ́lɨtɛtɛ́s v.
Vigna frutescens ànɛ̀ n.
visit énímós v.
Vigna oblongifolia kìtsàɗɔ̀s n.
visitor wáánààm n.
Vigna species ɗɔsɔ́ n.; málákʉ́r n.
vivacious person ɨɓʉrɛtɛ́síàm n.
village awa n.
vocalist ìrùkààm n.; irukósíàm n.
village (abandoned) on n.; oníáwa n.
vocals ìrùka n.
village (big) awa ná zè n. vocational school tɛ́kɛ̀nìkɔ̀l n.
vine ɲɛ́lɔ́kɨlɔka n. voice moróka n.
vine species àdàbì n.; ànɛ̀ n.; ɗilata n.; voice (loud) moróká ná zè n.
ɗɔsɔ́ n.; ewêda n.; ɨɛƙɨɛƙa n.; ɨnwa
n.; ʝooʝo n.; kapʉrata n.; kìtsàɗɔ̀s voice (soft) moróká na kwátsa n.
n.; kutsúbàè n.; loɗeɗa n.; lókóɗém voicebox ɡɔ̀ka n.
n.; lókúɗukuɗéta n.; lótórobéta n.; void bùlòn v.
málákʉ́r n.; míʒìʒ n.; ɲákamɔ́ŋɔ n.; volcano ɲáɗúya n.
ɲákamʉ́ka n.; ɲalakas n.; ɲéŋeɗo
vomit ɦyɛnɛ́tɔ́n v.; ɦyɛ̀nɔ̀n v.; ɨlɔ́ɓɔ́tɛtɛ́s
n.; óbiʝoetsʼa n.; simísímàta n.;
v.
tsɔ́ráɗoɗôba n.; tìl n.; tiritirikwáya n.;
tɔta n.; tʉkʉtʉkán n.; urém n.; wɛ́ƙɛ́ƙa vomit liquid ɦyɛnɛ́tɔ́na pɨɔ v.
n.; xoúxoú n. vote for ɡóózés v.
vinery ɲéviinísèda n. voter ɡóózésíàm n.
vineyard ɲéviinísèda n. voucher taatsakabáɗa n.
violate sexually itikiesúƙota v. vow to harm ɨmanɛs v.
violence (domestic) ɡaɗa n. vowel sʉ̀pa n.
violent ifulúfúlòn v.; iréɲíánón v. vowels sʉpaicíká tódào n.
violent person ɡaɗɛ́ám n. vowels (heavy) sʉpaicíká ni isaáka n.
violin ɲakawa n. vowels (light) sʉpaicíká ni ɔlɔ́daáka n.
viper bɛf n. vowels (voiced) sʉpaicíká ni nesíbòs n.
viper (Gaboon) bɛfa na ɡóɡòròʝìkàe n. vowels (voiceless) sʉpaicíká ni líîda n.
virgin ɲarama na ɓétsʼa n.; ɲarama na vreevreeew! tíítɨɨtíì ideo.
tílɨwa n. vroom! zììì ideo.

465
vulture warthog boar

vulture kɔ̀pa n. walk on tippytoes itseɗítséɗòn v.

vulture (African white-backed) kɔtɔl n. walk slowly ɨɛ́mɔ́n v.
vulture (lappet-faced) náʉ́mɔ n. walk small-buttocked-ly pɛɛ́ɲɛ́mɔ̀n v.
wa-wa! kó nurs. walk springily ɨŋɔ́písɔ̀ɔ̀n v.
wad tsʼàf n. walk together ɓɛƙɛ́sínɔ́s v.
waffle wasɛ́tɔ́n v. walk with cane itséƙóòn v.
waft ipúróòn v. walker ɓɛƙɛ́síàm n.
wag iwítsíwítsés v. walkie-talkie dʉrʉdʉra na tímoí n.
wag (tail) ɨwɨɗíwíɗɛ́s v. walking stick (insect) tʉ́wa n.
waggle iwítsíwítsés v. walkway bácíka n.
wail iƙúétòn v.; iƙúón v.; iƙúónuƙota v.; wall ɲarátáta n.
iwákón v.; ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀n v. wall (back interior) ɦyʉƙʉ́n n.
wail (make) ƙɔɗɨtɛs v. wallet ɲɔ́pɔ́c n.
wail for itseniés v. wallop inipes v.
wailing iwáákós v. wander ɨlɔ́líɛ́sá así v.; iwórón v.; tɛ́rɛ́s v.
waist róróya n. wander aimlessly ɨpɛípɛ́ɛ́sá kíʝáe v.
waist (of clothing) ikeda ƙwázàe n. wander off imámáɗós v.
waist-cloth riɗiesíƙwàz n. wanderer ɓɛƙɛsɔsíám n.; iwórónìàm n.
waistline róróya n. want bɛ́ɗɛ́s v.; ɲʉmɛ́s v.
wait (for/on) kɔɛ́s v.; kɔɛtɛ́s v. war cɛma kíʝíkàe n.
wait (make) ɨlarɨtɛtɛ́s v.; ɨlwarɨtɛtɛ́s v. warbler (willow) dɛ̀dɛ̀s n.
wait in vain koisiés v. ward ɲáwáɗa n.
ward (hospital) mayaakóniicéhò n.
wake suddenly bʉrɛ́tɔ́n v.; tsídzètòn v.
warden (game) lɔɡɛ́m n.
wake up ɡonésétòn v.
ware dzíɡwam n.; dzíɡwetam n.; dzííƙo-
wakefulness ɡòka n.
tam n.
walk ɓɛƙɛ́s v.; ɨláítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨtátɛ́ɛ́s v.
warm ɨɓʉ́rɔ́n v.; ɨmɛɛs v.
walk (leisurely) ɲɛ́tɛmá n.
warm (make) ɨɓʉ́rítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.
walk crunchily ƙɛƙɛanón v.
warm (unpleasantly) laŋádòn v.
walk feebly ɨsɔ́wɔ́ɔ̀n v. warm up ɨɓʉ́rɛ́tɔ̀n v.; iɓurímétòn v.;
walk hesitantly tsìkòn v. ɨɓʉ́rítɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ikues v.; ikuetés v.;
walk laboriously ɓɛƙɛ́sá ziál v. ɨmɔ́lɔ́ŋɛtɛ́s v.; iwáŋón v.
walk leisurely ɓɛƙɛ́sá wɛwɛɛs v.; warming ìwàŋ n.
ɨtɛ́mɔ́ɔ̀n v. warn zízɛ̀s v.
walk on hands ɓɛƙɛ́sá kwɛ̀tìkɔ v. warthog ɡaso n.
walk on knees ɓɛƙɛ́sá kútúŋìko v. warthog boar bèkwa n.

466
warthog piglet weak

warthog piglet ɡasóím n. water-resistant pʉrákámòn v.;

warthog sow ɡasoŋwa n. pʉráŋámòn v.; pʉsɛ́lɛ́mɔ̀n v.
warty tɔmɔtsɔkánón v. waterbuck (Defassa’s) ɲéɓéɓuta n.
wary iŋolíŋólós v. watercourse cúémúcè n.
wash fítés v.; ɨlɔ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v. watercraft itúɓa n.
wash away fítésuƙota v. waterfall látsóìka n.
wash hands fítésuƙota kwɛ́tìkàɛ v. waterhole tábàr n.
waterily tsàka ideo.
wash up fítésuƙota v.; fitetés v.
watermelon nàdɛ̀kwɛ̀l n.
wasp dɛrɛ́ƙa n.
waters (amniotic) baúcùè n.
wasp (large) oŋoridɛrɛ́ƙa n.
watershed (area) ɲɛrɛ́ta n.
wasp (small) ɲólídɛrɛ́ƙa n.
watershed (ridge) muruta n.
waste eletiésuƙota v.; ɨɓalíɓálɛ́s v.;
ɨlɛkílɛ́kɛ́s v.; iɲekes v.; iɲékésuƙota v.; watershed centerpoint murutéékwa n.
iɲekíɲékés v. waterway cúémúcè n.
waste (time) dzuƙés v. waterworm (red) bìɲ n.
waste time of ɨlarɨtɛtɛ́s v.; ɨlwarɨtɛtɛ́s v. watery tsakádòn v.
wasted away kɔlɔlánón v. wattle ɲɛ́tɛ́lɨtɛl n.
watch feta n.; iteles v.; ɲásáata n. wave ɨmáxánɛ́s v.; ipukes v.
watch (here) iteletés v. wave (of migration) bota n.
watch (spy) toreɓes v. wave around iwítsíwítsés v.
watch (there) itélésuƙota v. wave in eyes iwitsíwítsésá ekwitíní v.
watch each other itélínós v. wave wildly apɛ́tɛ́pɛ́tánón v.
waver isíƙóòn v.; itóŋóòn v.
watch the sun itelesa fetí v.
wax (candle) sɔs n.
watchful itsópóòn v.
wax eloquent isiresa akáe v.
watchman còòkààm n.; itelesíám n.; ite-
lesíáma kíʝáe n. way muce n.
water cue n.; wetités v.; wetitésuƙota v. way (it is) naítá subordconn.
water (borehole) ɲatsʉʉmácúé n. way (method) ɲɛpɨtɛ n.
water (pond) tábarɨcue n. way (of doing) muce n.
water (rock pool) sátíkócue n. wayfarer ɓɛƙɛ́síàm n.
waylay ɨɗaarɛ́s v.; taɗapes v.; taɗapetés
water (rock well) mɔƙɔrɔ́cúé n.
v.
water (tree hollow) kotímácùè n.
we (exclusive) ŋɡwa pro.
water pot cúédòm n.
we (inclusive) ɲjín pro.
water source cuááka n.
weak bʉláʝámɔ̀n v.; cucuéón v.;
water table ʝʉmʉ́cúé n. daƙwádòn v.; ɨɛ́ɓɔ́n v.; ɨpáláƙɔ̀n v.;
water-logged ilébìlèbètòn v. ʝuódòn v.

467
weakly wet

weakly dàƙwa ideo.; ʝùo ideo. week ɲásaɓéta n.

wealth bàr n.; ɲámáli n. weeny ɡɔɗírímɔ̀n v.
wealthy bàrɔ̀n v.; iʝákáánón v. weep ƙɔ̀ɗɔ̀n v.
wealthy (get) bárɛ́tɔ̀n v.; barɔnʉƙɔta v. weep (make) ƙɔɗɨtɛs v.
wealthy person bàrɔ̀àm n.; bàrɔ̀nìàm n. weevil (maize) lɔkaʉɗa n.
weigh ɨpɨmɛs v.
wean topétésuƙota v.
weigh down isites v.
weapon ɛ̂ba n.
weigh words íziɗesa tódae v.
weapons kúrúɓáa ni cɛmáɛ n.
weighed down ɨʉ́ƙɔ́n v.
wear iwales v.; ŋábès v.
weight (gain) tuɓútónuƙota v.
wear (beads) otés v. weight dwon ɨnʉɛs v.
wear a feather iwalesa túkàe v. weighty ìsòn v.
wear across ízokomés v. weird thing bàdìàm n.
wear down ɨlɔ́ítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. weirdo ƙʉtsʼáám n.
wear out atsʼímétòn v. welcome tɛ́bɛtɛ́s v.
weary ɨlɔ́yɔ́n v. welcome warmly ewanes v.; ewanetés v.
weather dìdì n. welcome! (plural) tɛ́bɛtaná bìta v.
weather (cold) ɨɛ́ɓɔ́na kíʝáe v. welcome! (singular) tɛ́bɛtaná bì v.
weather (hot) hábona kíʝáe n. well iŋáléòn v.; maráŋíke v.
weave bɛrɛ́s v.; ɨkɔɗíkɔ́ɗɔ̀n v.; well (get) iŋáléètòn v.
iƙulúƙúlòn v.; tʉtʉkɛs v. well (hand-dug) dzòn n.
weave around iléƙwéries v. well (in rocks) mɔƙɔr n.
weave woof kámáriés v. well (natural) ɲɛlɛ́lyá n.
well up ʝɨríʝírɛ̀tɔ̀n v.; ʝɨríʝírɔ̀n v.
weaverbird tsario n.
well worn (of paths) ɗìwòn v.
web abûba n.
well-cooked (very) ɗʉ̀m ideo.
wedding beer ɲalakʉtsa n.
well-done ɗʉmʉ́dɔ̀n v.
wedding sacrifice ɲɛ́kílama n.; ɲɛkʉma
well-fed zízòn v.
n.
well-known arútón v.; ɦyoós v.
wedge pokés v.; rɨɗɛ́s v.
well-off bàrɔ̀n v.; iʝákáánón v.
wedge-shaped lɨkíɗímɔ̀n v.
well-prepared toikíkón v.
Wednesday Ɲákásíá àɗìke n.
well-seasoned ɛ̀fɔ̀n v.
weed ɗɔanés v. west tábàya n.
weed species karimésém n.; ɲɛ́ʉrɛrɛ́ n. westerly direction tábaɨxan dem.
weed(s) ɗɔan n. western rain tsóéàm n.
weeding ɗɔan n. westerner tábàìàm n.
weedy tsèkòn v. wet ɗɔ̀ƙɔ̀n v.

468
wet (become) whip all over

wet (become) ɗɔƙɔnʉƙɔta v. when … had (a while ago) nànòò subor-

wet (make) ɗɔƙítɛ́sʉƙɔta v. dconn.
whack inipes v.; ɨɲatɛs v. when … had (earlier) nanáà subordconn.
whack repeatedly ɨɲatiés v. when … had (yesterday) nàsàmʉ̀ subor-
dconn.
whack! pùku ideo.; zɨɗáta ideo.
when? ńtóódò n.
whale (of a) kébàdà n.; nábàdà n.;
nébàdà n. where (it is)? ndayúko n.
wham! ɡwàʝa ideo.; kùm ideo. where? ndaíke pro.; ńtá pro.
what about (when) …? ndóó subord- whet banɛ́s v.
conn. whether mísì subordconn.
what about …? ndóó prep. whetstone lósùàɲ n.
what color? kɨtɔ́ɔ́sɔ̀n v. which (a while ago) nótsò rel.
what exactly …? ín adv. which (a while ago, pl.) nútsù rel.
what if (it is) ndóó mìtìɛ̀ v. which (earlier) náka rel.
what shape? kɨtɔ́ɔ́sɔ̀n v. which (earlier, pl.) níkⁱ rel.
what texture? kɨtɔ́ɔ́sɔ̀n v. which (long ago) nòko rel.
what? ìs pro. which (long ago, pl.) nùku rel.
whatcha-ma-callit ndaicé n. which (one)? ńtɛ́ɛ́n pro.
whatever! hà interj.; ndéé interj. which (ones)? ńtíɛ́n pro.
whats-their-name tatanám n. which (plural) ni rel.
whatsoever mùɲ quant. which (singular) na rel.
wheedle ɨmámɛ́ɛ́s v. which (yesterday) sìn rel.
wheel dɛ n. which (yesterday, pl.) sìn rel.
wheel (steering) ɲókokor n. which way? ndayo n.
wheelbarrow ɲáɡaɗiɡáɗa n.; ɲaƙaari n. whiff kɔín n.
wheelchair ɲamɨɨlɨa ŋwáxɔ̀nìàmàe n. while názɛ̀ƙwà n.
wheeze ɛ́mítɔ̀n v.; xíƙwítós v. while (earlier today) tenáka adv.
whelp ŋókíìm n. while (long ago) tènòko adv.
when náà subordconn.; náa táà subord- while (not yet) káɗìò subordconn.
conn.; nɛ́ɛ́ subordconn. while (yesterday) tèsìn adv.
when (a while ago) nótsò subordconn. while hungry ɲɛ́ƙínɔ n.
when (earlier today) náà subordconn. whimper ɨɲɨɨɲíɔ̀n v.; ɨɲíɲíɔ̀n v.
when (hypothetically) na subordconn. whine ɨŋʉ́ŋʉ́nɔ̀n v.
when (long ago) nòò subordconn. whip ɨɗɨtsɛs v.; ɨnɔmɛs v.
when (yesterday) sìnà subordconn. whip (leather) ɲánɨnɔ́ n.
when already térútsù adv.; tórútsù adv. whip all over iléƙwéries v.

469
whip back and forth wild hunting dog

whip back and forth ɨtsɔkítsɔ́kɛ́s v.; whoosh wààà ideo.

nɨƙwíníƙɔ̀n v. whoosh! wùòò ideo.
whip lightly irwatesa kíxo v.; ízaɓɨzaɓɛ́s whooshǃ fùùtu ideo.
v.; zaɓatiés v.
whorl iyérónuƙota v.
whippily lɛ̀tsʼɛ ideo.
whorled iyérón v.
whippy lɛtsʼɛ́dɔ̀n v.
why … of course! ɲáka adv.
whirl around tɔpɨrípírɔ̀n v.
why? isiɛníkɛ n.
whirlwind lòtàbùsèn n.
whydah lɔɔrʉ́ka n.
whisper sɛsɛanón v.
wicked (of many) ɡaanaakón v.
whisperer sɛsɛanónìàm n.
wickedness ɡaánàs n.
whistle fóʝón v.; síƙón v.; sìƙwa n.
wide zòòn v.
whistle (metallic) ɲákápɨrɨta n.
wide (of many) zeikaakón v.
whistle (wooden) ɲétúle n.
wide awake ɡwɛɲɛ́mɔ́n v.
whistle for iwéwérés v.; iwówórés v.
wide open folólómòn v.
white ɓètsʼòn v.
wide-eyed ɡonésá komo v.; ŋɔɓɔ́dɔ̀n v.;
white (glittering) pír ideo. ŋɔ̀ɓɔ̀n v.
white (make) ɓetsʼitetés v. wide-eyedly ŋɔ̀ɓɔ ideo.
white (of many) ɓetsʼaakón v. wide-legged ƙaƙótsómòn v.
white (slightly) ɓètsʼìɓètsʼòn v. wide-mouthed ɓolóɲómòn v.;
white (very) lìà ideo.; pàkⁱ ideo. laɓáɲámòn v.; lafárámòn v.
white person ɓètsʼònìàm n.; ɲémúsukita widen zoonuƙota v.
n. widened ɨatɔs v.
white with black eye patches tulíánètòn widow(er) lóméléwa n.; ɲepúrósita n.
v.
wife ceka n.
white-eye (yellow) baratíɡwà n.
wife (co-) ɛán n.
white-faced ŋoléánètòn v.
wife (his) ntsícéka n.
whiten ɓetsʼitetés v.
wife (last) ʝìrìàm n.; kárátsìkààm n.
whitish ɓètsʼìɓètsʼòn v.; ɓɛtsʼɨɗɔ́ɗɔ́n v.;
wife (my) ɲ́cìcèka n.
xóuxówòn v.
wife (of someone) ámácèka n.
whiz by ídzesa así v.
wife (your) bicéka n.
who knows? ndóó ɦyè n.
wiggle in ɨnɨƙwíníƙwɛ́s v.
who? ǹdò pro.
wiggly lokilókón v.
whoa! otí interj.
wild (area) ɲáraƙɔ́áƙwa n.; ɲáraƙwa n.
whole ɗàŋìɗàŋ quant.; mùɲ quant.;
mùɲùmùɲ quant.; tsíɗɨ quant.; wild animal ínwá na riʝááƙɔ̀ɛ n.
ɨ
tsíɗɨtsíɗ quant. wild hunting dog tsoe n.

470
wild olive tree woman (old)

wild olive tree dèmìywa n. wipe up kánɛ́s v.; ŋííɗɛtɛ́s v.

wilderness ɲáraƙɔ́áƙwa n.; ɲáraƙwa n.; wiped out ikarímétòn v.; kanímétòn v.;
ɲɛ́kítɛla n. ziálámòn v.; zíkímétòn v.; ziláámòn v.
wildfire kómétsʼàɗa n. wire ɲáwáya n.
wildlife authorities cookaika ínóe n.; wiry simánón v.
lɔɡɛ́m n. wisdom nɔɔ́s n.
will not ńtá adv. wise nɔɔsánón v.
willing tsolólómòn v. wise person nɔɔsáàm n.
wilt ɨtɔ́ɗɔ́n v.; laʝámétòn v. wiser (grow) nɔɔsánétòn v.
wimpy kalɛ́ɛ́tsɛránón v.; sikwárámòn v. wish for ƙanetés v.; ɲʉmɛ́s v.; wíránés v.
win ɨlámɔ́n v.; ɨsʉkɛs v.; sʉ́kɛ́s v. witchdoctor ŋƙwa n.
win the support of sʉ́bɛ̀s n. with ńdà prep.
with hunger ɲɛ́ƙínɔ n.
wind ilúƙúretés v.; ɨnɔɛs v.;
lúkúɗukuɗánón v.; suɡur n. Withania somnifera ikitínícɛmɛ́r n.;
ɲónomokére n.
wind around iƙulúƙúlòn v.; ɨlɔkílɔ́kɛ́s v.;
ɨlɔkílɔ́kɛtɛ́s v.; imanímánés v.; ɨnɔɛtɛ́s withdraw ɨpɛ́ɛ́rɔ̀n v.; ɨsʉ́rʉ́mɔ̀n v.
v.; kɛkɛrɛs v.; tamánɛ́tɔ̀n v. wither ɨtɔ́ɗɔ́n v.; laʝámétòn v.
wind up ɨmakímákɛ́s v. wither up mɔsɔnʉƙɔta v.
winding tukúɗúkuɗánón v. withered ƙɔ́rɔmɔmɔ́n v.; mɨtírímɔ̀n v.;
mɔ̀sɔ̀n v.
window (of a house) hòwɛ̀l n.
withheld from rébìmètòn v.
windpipe moróká ná zè n.
withhold from rébès v.
wine ɲéviiní n.
without eating kùku ideo.
wine (Rhus natalensis) mɨsáícùè n.
witness enésúƙotíám n.; itelesíám n.; ŋít-
wing taban n. saɗénìàm n.
wink íbɛ̀ɗìbɛ̀ɗɔ̀n v.; ɨmíʝílɛ́s v.; irwapír- witness (false) kɛ́rínɔ́síàm n.; lóliita n.
wápòn v. wives cɨkám n.
winnow ilélébés v. wizard bàdìàm n.
winnow (by pouring) síkɔ́ɔ́rɛ́s v. wizard (hyena-riding) otsésíama haúùⁱ
winnow (by tossing) fɔ́tɛ́s v. n.
wipe ŋííɗɛ́s v. wizardry badiréta n.; badirétínànès n.;
wipe (rear end) ɨtɔ́tɔ́rɔ̀n v. ƙʉtsʼánánès n.
wobbly ɗɔxɔ́dɔ̀n v.; ɡwèlèʝe ideo.
wipe clean ɨƙʉ́ʉ́lɛ́s v.; ɨtsɨɗɛs v.
wocked ɡaanón v.
wipe off kánɛ́s v.; ŋííɗɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta v.; ɲimirés
v. wolf down (food) ifáfúkés v.; ŋɔfɛ́s v.
wipe out bulútésuƙota v.; ɨƙɔmɛs v.; woman ceka n.
ɨmʉ́ɲɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; ɨmʉɲɛtɛ́s v.; ɨtsʉtɛs v.; woman (foreign) ɦyɔ̀cèka n.
ɨtsʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; kánɛ́s v. woman (old) dúnéìm n.; fɔ́ɗítíníàm n.

471
woman (unmarried) wound (bullet)

woman (unmarried) dekitíníàm n.; work with long tool iƙoríƙórés v.

ɲàràm n. workable ikásíetam v.
womanhood cekínánès n. worked up (sexually) iɓurímétòn v.
womanliness cekínánès n. worker ɲákásìàm n.; teréɡìàm n.
womb epúáwa n.; ɲapéryɛ́ta n. worker termite nateɓú n.
women cɨkám n. working for government ɲeryaŋínánès
women (young unmarried) ɲèr n. n.
wonders itíónàs n. workshop ɲókós n.
wonders (perform) itíónòn v. world kíʝa n.
woo sitsʼés v. World Vision Loúnoya n.
wood dakwa n. world’s end tasálétona kíʝáe n.
wood (piece of) dakwa n. worm ƙʉtsʼa n.
woodland dakúáƙwa n.; ríʝíkaaʝíka n. worm (bee-eating) ɡɔɗɔ́ɛ̀ n.
woodpecker cɛŋ n. worm (biting) hoƙʉtsʼa n.
woods ríʝa n. worm (intestinal) ídèm n.
worn out ɨlɔ́ɛ́tɔ̀n v.; rɛsɛ́dɔ̀n v.; ziálámòn
woodworker ɲáɓáòìkààm n.
v.; zíkímétòn v.; ziláámòn v.
woof íɡòmòn v.
worn out (become) ziláámètòn v.
wool ɗóɗòsìtsʼa n.
worn smooth pikódòn v.
woolly saúkúmòn v.
worried ísánòn v.; tsʉ́kʉɗʉ́ɗɔ́n v.
woozy imáúròn v.; itikítíkòn v.
worried (become) ísánonuƙota v.
word mɛnéékwa n.; tódèèkwa n. worry alólóŋòn v.
work ikásíés v.; ikásíitetés v.; ɲákási worse (become) ɡaanónuƙota v.
n.; ɲetitsa n.; terêɡa n.; tereɡanés v.;
worsen ɡaanítésuƙota v.; ɡaanónuƙota
teréɡanitetés v.
v.; rúbès v.
work (knead) dʉbɛ́s v.
worship itúrútés v.; wáán n.; wáán v.
work (temporary) ɲɛ́lɛ́ʝɨlɛʝa n.
worship leader wáánɨtɛtɛ́síàm n.
work (the soil) tɔkɔ́bɛs v.
worshipper itúrútésìàm n.
work contract teréɡikabáɗa n.
wort (fermenting) ɲɛ́wíɲɨwɨɲ n.
work for pay teréɡa na kaúdzòe n.
worthless thing tsar n.
work in (insert) ɨnɨƙwíníƙwɛ́s v. worthlessness tsarínánès n.
work into iwoɗíwóɗés v. would have … (earlier today) ƙánàka
work of art iyomam n. adv.
work on (beat) iɗiles v. would have … (long ago) ƙánòko adv.
work over (beat) iɗiles v. would have … (yesterday) ƙásàm adv.
work project ɲɛ́prɔ́ʝɛ̀kìta n. wound ɔ́ʝa n.
work temporarily ɨlɛʝílɛ́ʝɛ́s v. wound (bullet) bʉbʉnɔ́ɔ́ʝa n.

472
wow! yellowish color (gazelle)

wow! ín adv.; wúlù interj.; yáŋ interj. wrongdoer ɲɔ́mɔkɔsáàm n.

wowǃ ábaŋ interj. wussy kalɛ́ɛ́tsɛránón v.; sikwárámòn v.
wraith kúrúkúr n.; lopéren n.; tás n. Ximenia americana kunéta n.
wrap ɨpʉ́pʉ́ŋɛ́s v. xiphoid process toroɓóɔ́ka n.
wrap (with clothing) ikáburés v. yank ɗʉ́rɛ́s v.; ɗʉtɛ́s v.; iɓwates v.; ipoles
v.
wrap around ɨlɔkílɔ́kɛ́s v.; ɨlɔkílɔ́kɛtɛ́s v.
yank out ɗʉrɛtɛ́s v.; ɗʉtɛtɛ́s v.; ipoletés
wrap up ɡubésúƙota v.; ɨpʉ́pʉ́ŋɛtɛ́s v. v.
wreath of reeds nàtsìkwa n. yank over iɓwatetés v.
wreck ináƙúés v.; ináƙúetés v.; ipáríés v. yank this way ɨtsɔrɛtɛ́s v.
wrecked ináƙúós v.; ináƙúotós v. yank up ipoletés v.
wrest ŋusés v. yard awááƙwa n.; ɔkɔ́tsa n.
wrestle kóríètòn v.; kɔrɔanón v. yawn áƙáfòn v.
wrestle out ɨkwɛ́rɛ́ɗɔ̀n v. yawning hádòlòmòn v.; laɓáɲámòn v.;
wretched tsʉ́kʉɗʉ́ɗɔ́n v. lafárámòn v.
yeah ee interj.
wretched as a dog iŋókíánón v.
yeah right! hééʼ interj.
wriggle ŋʉɗʉŋʉ́ɗɔ́n v.
yeah! ńtí interj.
wriggle around akwɛ́tɛ́kwɛ́tánón v.
year kaɨn n.
wriggle free ɨkwɛ́rɛ́ɗɔ̀n v.
year after next kaɨnɔ na tso n.
wriggle in ɨnɨƙwíníƙwɛ́s v. year before last kaɨnɔ nótso n.; nɔkɛɨn
wriggle into ɨɓɨtsíɓítsɛ́s v. n.
wriggle out ɡwìrɔ̀n v. Year of Lopíar Lopíar n.
wriggly wʉlʉ́kʉ́mɔ̀n v. Year of Lotííra Lotííra n.
wring ʝʉ́tɛ́s v.; tʉtsʉɛs v. Year of Lɔkʉlɨt Lɔkʉlɨta n.
wring out ʝʉ́tɛ́sʉƙɔta v.; tʉtsʉ́ɛ́sʉƙɔta v. Year of Nawólóʝam Nawólóʝam n.
wrinkled rʉʝanón v.; rʉʝʉrʉ́ʝánón v.; yearn ítánòn v.
turúʝón v.; zamʉʝánón v. yearn for ítánésuƙota v.
wrinkly turuʝúrúʝánón v. years ago kaíníkò nùko n.
wrist kwɛtámóróka n. yeast sîba n.
wrist knife ɨbɔta n.; ɲáɓaaráta n. yell bofétón v.; bófón v.; ɨkílɔ́n v.;
iƙúétòn v.; iƙúón v.; iƙúónuƙota v.;
wristwatch ɲásáata n. nɔsátón v.
write ɨƙɨrɛs v. yell at ɨyáyɛ́ɛ́s v.
writhe around akwɛ́tɛ́kwɛ́tánón v. yeller nɔ̀sààm n.
writing desk ɲéméza na íƙìràɛ n. yellow ɲaŋáánètòn v.
written ɨƙɨrɔs v. yellow color ɗukes n.
wrong thing róŋ n. yellowish color (gazelle) kodowa n.

473
yelp zygomatic area

yelp iƙwéón v. yum-yum! (for milk) nʉʉnʉ́ nurs.

yes ee interj. yummily ɗɔ̀kɔ ideo.
yester- bàtse adv. yummy ɗɔkɔ́dɔ̀n v.; ɡwétsʼón v.
yesterday sáásò sìn n. Zanthoxylum chalybeum rukûdza n.
yesteryear kaɨnɔ sɨn n. zebra zɨn n.
yikes! wúlù interj. Zehneria scabra lótórobéta n.
yip iƙwéón v. zigzag ɨkɔɗíkɔ́ɗɔ̀n v.; lúkúɗukuɗánón v.
yogurt ŋakɨɓʉk n.a zigzagging tukúɗúkuɗánón v.
yolk (egg) ɗukes n. zing! fiuu ideo.; líùù ideo.; pìùù ideo.
a
you (plural) bìt pro. zip over toɓésá así v.
you (singular) bì pro. zipper ɲɛ́ʝípa n.
you dog! ŋóka n. Ziziphus mauritiana ɨláŋ n.
young kwátsón v. Ziziphus mucronata tílàŋ n.
young (of many) kwátsíkaakón v. zlop! pùku ideo.
young children kómósikaa ɓetsʼaakátìke zone ɲɛ́tɛɛr n.
n. zoom! wír ideo.; yír ideo.
young female wâz n. zorilla ɲewuruŋoroka n.
young man karatsʉ́náám n. zucchini lomuƙe n.
young monkeys lɔ́tɔ́ɓàɡwàs n. zygomatic area matáŋ n.
young people yús n.
young tortoise kàèìm n.
youngster im n.
your (plural) bìta pro.
your (singular) bì pro.
yours (plural) bitiɛn pro.
yours (singular) biɛ́n pro.
yourself (singular) binêba n.
yourselves (plural) bitinebitín n.
youth yús n.
youth (be a) ɨsɔ́rɔ́kánón v.
youth (male) karatsʉ́na n.; ŋímɔ́kɔka n.;
ŋímɔ́kɔkáám n.
youthful (of middle-age) toipánón v.
youthful adult toipánónìàm n.
yum-yum! ɓá nurs.; mamá nurs.

474
 Part IV

Grammar sketch
 1 Introduction

1 Introduction
Although the bulk of this book is devoted to the dictionary and reversal index, the
following section offers an overview sketch of Ik grammar that covers most im-
portant features of the total grammatical system. Those who wish to dig deeper
are encouraged to consult the fuller treatment published as A grammar of Ik (Icé-
tód): Northeast Uganda’s last thriving Kuliak language (Schrock 2014), which is
available for free downloading from several websites on the internet.
Linguistic concepts are most easily defined with linguistic terminology. Thus,
due to limitations of time and space, this sketch of Ik grammar is geared in style
toward the general linguist. And yet a primary aim has been to clearly define
some of the key terms used and to describe the grammatical structures in simple,
straightforward language. Unfortunately, some of the discussion may still remain
opaque to non-linguist readers. If such persons wish to know more, I am very
willing to clarify or explain in layman’s terms any point raised in this grammar
sketch. Feel free to contact me any time at: [email protected].
The grammar sketch begins with the language’s sound system (phonology) and
then proceeds to words and word-building strategies (morphology). It ends with
a shallow dip into syntax. Because of its length and technical nature, the gram-
mar sketch is probably most useful as a reference tool. However, should the
reader have the opportunity, it may prove beneficial to read the sketch from
front to back in order to gain a bird’s-eye view of the whole system.
Learning any language from printed sources alone is rarely ideal. Rather, every
learner would ideally have the chance to soak up language naturally as children
do. Sadly, most adult learners do not have that luxury. Because of that, I recom-
mend creatively mixing language-learning approaches to suit one’s personality,
learning style, schedule, and responsibilities. Studying grammar from a book
like this one will not appeal to everyone, yet all learners will occasionally get
stuck on points of grammar during the course of their learning. Just as the fore-
going dictionary can help you fill in gaps where specific words need to be, this
grammar sketch can help fill in holes in your understanding of how Ik works.

2 Phonology
2.1 Consonants and vowels
Ik has an array of thirty consonants and nine vowels, which are presented in
Table 1. In the table’s first column are shown the alphabetical letters used to
represent these sounds. The second column shows the phonetic symbol for the

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Grammar sketch

sound used by the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). Then in the third col-
umn, an approximate English equivalent is given in bold typeface, or else an
explanation of how the sound is made if there is no English approximation.
Those sounds in Table 1 that have a small square under the IPA symbol are
pronounced with the tip of the tongue a bit farther forward than in English. Es-
pecially [d̻], [n̻], and [t ̻] are affected; sometimes they are fronted so much that
they touch the back of the front teeth. It is important not to pronounce [d̻] ex-
actly like an English ‘d’ as this sounds more like the Ik sound [ɗ] which contrasts
with [d̻]. The sounds [ɓ, ɗ, ɠ, ʝ] are called implosives because they are made by
‘imploding’ or sucking air into the mouth rather than expelling air from the lungs.
The sounds [kʼ] and [tsʼ] are called ejectives because they are made by ejecting
air from the throat cavity instead of from the lungs. Lastly, the sound [ɦʲ], unlike
an [h], is made with the vocal chords vibrating, giving it a raspy, throaty sound.
It only occurs at the beginning of words. The nine Ik vowels – [a, e, ɛ, i, ɨ, ɔ, o, ʉ,
u] – operate in a vowel harmony system, which is discussed in §2.5.

2.2 Consonant devoicing

At the end of an Ik word, if silence immediately follows, voiced consonants are
devoiced. In other words, they sound more like unvoiced consonants in that
environment. This is similar to German, for instance, where the word Tag ‘day’
is pronounced as [tak]. Consonant devoicing most noticeably affects /d/ and /g/
in Ik, as when êd ‘name’ sounds like [êt] or when hɛ̀g ‘marrow’ sounds like [hɛ̀k].

2.3 Vowel devoicing

Ik vowels are also devoiced before a pause. This is important because every word
in every grammatical context – without exception – ends in a vowel. If that final
vowel is not immediately followed by another sound, then it is whispered or even
left totally inaudible (for example, after the consonants /f, m, n, ɲ, ŋ, r, s, z, ʒ/).
It has become a tradition in scholarly writing on Ik to write whispered vowels
with the following raised (superscript) symbols: <i , ᶤ,ᵉ, ᵋ, ᵃ, ᵓ, ᵒ, ᶶ, ᵘ>.

2.4 Morphophonology
2.4.1 Deaffrication
The affricates /c/ and /j/ are occasionally deaffricated or ‘hardened’ into their non-
affricate counterparts /k/ and /g/, respectively. This is not a general phonological

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 2 Phonology

Table 1: Ik sound inventory

Alphabetic Phonetic English equivalent

Aa [a] as in ‘father’
Bb [b] as in ‘boy’
Ɓɓ [ɓ] as an English b but with air sucked in
Cc [tʃ] as in ‘child’
Dd [d̻] as in ‘daughter’
Ɗɗ [ɗ] as an English d but with air sucked in
Dz dz [ʣ̻ ] as in ‘adze’
Ee [e] as in ‘bait’ with a shorter, crisper sound
Ɛɛ [ɛ] as in ‘bet’
Ff [f] as in ‘food’
Gg [ɡ] as in ‘good’
Hh [h] as in ‘happy’
Hy ɦy [ɦʲ] as an English h but with a raspy sound
Ii [i] as in ‘beat’ with a shorter, crisper sound
Ɨɨ [ɪ] as in ‘bit’
Jj [ʤ] as in ‘joy’
Jʼ ʝ [ʄ] as a dy sound but with air sucked in
Kk [k] as in ‘karma’
Ƙƙ [kʼ] 1) as an English k with a popping release
[ɠ] 2) as an English g with air sucked in
Ll [l] as in ‘love’
Mm [m] as in ‘man’
Nn [n̻] as in ‘nature’
Ɲɲ [ɲ] as in ‘onion’
Ŋŋ [ŋ] as in ‘sing’
Oo [o] as in ‘boat’ with a shorter, crisper sound
Ɔɔ [ɔ] as in ‘bought’
Pp [p] as in ‘play’
Rr [ɾ] 1) as a Spanish or Swahili flapped r
[r] 2) as a Spanish or Swahili trilled r
Ss [s] as in ‘sorrow’
Ts ts [ʦ] as in ‘blitz’
Tsʼ tsʼ [ʦʼ] as an English ts/tz with a hissing release
Tt [t ̻] as in ‘terror’
Uu [u] as in ‘boot’
Ʉʉ [ʊ] as in ‘put’
Ww [w] as in ‘wonder’
Xx [ʃ] as in ‘shoulder’
Yy [j] as in ‘yes’
Zz [z] as in ‘zebra’
Ʒʒ [ʒ] as in ‘pleasure’

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Grammar sketch

tendency in the language but is, rather, limited to a small handful of words. More-
over, the principle is applied in different ways to different words. For instance,
in the word muceé- ‘path, way’, the /c/ is hardened to /k/ when the word is used
in the instrumental case (see §7.7): muko ‘on the way’. Secondly, as an instance
of idiolectal variation, the plural inclusive pronoun ɲjíní- ‘we all (including ad-
dressees)’ is pronounced idiosyncratically as ŋgíní- by a minority of speakers.
Thirdly, when the words Icé- ‘Ik people’ and wicé- ‘children’ are declined for the
nominative or instrumental cases, their /c/ hardens to /k/. This type of deaffrica-
tion can be clearly seen in a case declension, like the one in Table 2. Note that,
as explained later in §2.4.3, all cases have non-final and final forms:
Table 2: Case declension of Icé- ‘Ik’ and wicé- ‘children’

‘Ik’ ‘children’
Non-final Final Non-final Final
Nominative Ika Ik ᵃ wika wik ᵃ
Accusative Icéá Icék ᵃ wicéá wicék ᵃ
Dative Icéé Icékᵉ wicéé wicékᵉ
Genitive Icéé Icé wicéé wicé
Ablative Icóó Icéᵒ wicóó wicéᵒ
Instrumental Ico/Iko Icᵒ/Ikᵒ wico/wiko wicᵒ/wikᵒ
Copulative Icóó Icékᵒ wicóó wicékᵒ
Oblique Ice Ice wice wice/wicᵉ

2.4.2 Haplology
In Ik, when a consonant in one morpheme is made at the same place of articula-
tion as a consonant in the next morpheme, haplology may occur – the deletion
of the first of the two similar consonants. One example of this involves the ven-
itive suffix {-ét-} and the andative suffix {-uƙot-}, both of which end in /t/. If
another suffix containing /t/, /d/, or /s/ is attached to either of these, their final
/t/ may be omitted. To illustrate this, Table 3 presents a conjugation of the verb
ŋatɛ́tɔ́n ‘to run this way’. Notice how the /t/ in {-ét-} disappears from the suffix
in the forms for 2sg (‘you’), 1pl.inc (‘we all’), and 2pl (‘you all’). The 3pl form
(‘they’) is an exception as it does not drop its final /t/ in the same environment.
A second example of haplology occurs when a verb root ending in /g/, /k/, or
/ƙ/ is followed directly by the andative suffix {-uƙot-}. When this happens, the

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 2 Phonology

Table 3: Haplology in ŋatɛ́tɔ́n ‘to run this way’

1sg ŋat-ɛt-í ŋat-ɛt-í ‘I run this way.’

2sg ŋat-ɛt-îd → ŋat-ɛ́-îd ‘You run this way.’
3sg ŋat-ɛt ŋat-ɛt ‘(S)he/it runs this way.’
1pl.exc ŋat-ɛt-ím ŋat-ɛt-ím ‘We run this way.’
1pl.inc ŋat-ɛt-ísín → ŋat-ɛ-ísín ‘We all run this way.’
2pl ŋat-ɛ́t-ít → ŋat-ɛ́-ít ‘You all run this way.’
3pl ŋat-ɛt-át ŋat-ɛt-át ‘They run this way.’

Table 4: Haplology in verbs ending in a velar consonant

ɦyɔtɔ́g-ʉƙɔt- → ɦyɔtɔ́-ɔƙɔt- ‘go near’

iɓók-uƙot- → iɓó-óƙot- ‘shake off’
ɨpák-ʉƙɔt- → ɨpá-áƙot- ‘swipe off’
kɔk-ʉƙɔt- → kɔ-ɔƙɔt- ‘close up’
ŋƙáƙ-uƙot- → ŋƙá-áƙot- ‘eat up’
oƙ-uƙot- → o-oƙot- ‘put aside’
torík-uƙot- → torí-íƙot- ‘lead away’

final velar consonant of the verb root gets omitted in anticipation of the velar /ƙ/
in {-uƙot-}. Table 4 illustrates this by listing a few verbs ending in /g/, /k/, or /ƙ/,
which disappear when the next morpheme is the andative suffix {-uƙot-}.

2.4.3 Non-final consonant deletion

Ik makes a clear distinction between non-final and final forms of all mor-
phemes and words. Presumably this is to delineate syntactic boundaries, often
with stylistic overtones. Non-final forms are those that occur within a string of
speech, with at least one element immediately following them. Final forms, by
contrast, are those that occur at the end of a string of speech, before a pause,
with nothing immediately following. This basic distinction was already shown
to affect the voicing of vowels in §2.3. In the case of a small number of mor-
phemes, it also affects consonants. Table 5 presents a few of these morphemes
whose final forms contain consonants that are omitted in their non-final forms.
The first column of the table shows the underlying form (uf) of the morpheme
in question. This is followed in the next two columns by the non-final (nf) and

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Grammar sketch

final (ff) forms that actually occur in speech. Notice how the non-final forms are
missing one consonant that is fully present in the uf and the ff.
Table 5: Consonant deletion in non-final forms

uf nf ff Morpheme description
-ka -a -k ᵃ accusative case suffix
-ke -e -kᵉ dative case suffix
-ko -o -kᵒ copulative case suffix
-ˊ ka -ˊ a -ˊ k ᵃ present perfect suffix
-ˊ de -ˊ e -ˊ dᵉ dummy pronoun suffix
nákà náà nák ᵃ ‘earlier today’
bàtsè bèè bàtsᵉ ‘yesterday’
nòkò nòò nòkᵒ ‘long ago’
ʝìkɛ̀ ʝìì ʝìk ᵋ ‘also, too’
ɲákà ɲáà ɲák ᵃ ‘just’

2.4.4 Vowel assimilation

In addition to consonants, Ik vowels also undergo phonological changes at mor-
pheme boundaries. For instance, when two dissimilar vowels come in contact
with each other as a result of two morphemes joining together, there is a pow-
erful urge for them to become more like each other. This vowel assimilation
was already seen at work in Table 4, as when putting the root torík- ‘lead’ and
affix -uƙot- ‘away’ together led to torííƙot- instead of *toríúƙot-. It is also seen
in Table 6 where the ‘yester-’ adverb bàtsè becomes bèè in its non-final form in-
stead of *bàè. Ik vowel assimilation only takes place between morphemes and not
inside morphemes. Inside morphemes, many combinations of dissimilar vowels
are allowed, for example in kaɨn ‘year’, mɛ̀ʉ̀r ‘drongo’, and kɔín ‘scent’.
Ik vowel assimilation can be clearly seen throughout the lexicon, as when the
transitive infinitive suffix {-és} and the intransitive infinitive suffix {-òn} are af-
fixed to verb roots. If the verb root that these suffixes attach to ends in /a/ or /e/,
the vowel of the suffix fully assimilates it. Table 6 offers a few examples of this
kind of vowel assimilation in verbal infinitives.
Another environment illustrating Ik vowel assimilation is the case declension
of nouns. Since all Ik nouns end in a vowel, and since seven of the eight case
suffixes consist of or contain a vowel, case suffixation creates a fertile ground for

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Table 6: Vowel assimilation in verbal infinitives

Transitive
fá-és → féés ‘to boil’
ɨsá-és → ɨsɛɛs ‘to miss’
ɨtíŋá-és → ɨtíŋɛ́ɛ́s ‘to force’
tamá-és → tamɛɛs ‘to extol’
wa-és → weés ‘to harvest’

Intransitive
ƙà-òn → ƙòòn ‘to go’
ŋká-ón → ŋkóón ‘to stand up’
tsá-ón → tsóón ‘to be dry’
tsè-òn → tsòòn ‘to dawn’
zè-òn → zòòn ‘to be big’

Table 7: Vowel assimilation in the declension of ŋókí- ‘dog’

Case nf ff
Nominative ŋók-á ŋók- ᵃ
Accusative ŋókí-à ŋókí-k ᵃ
Dative ŋókí-è ŋókí-kᵉ
Genitive ŋókí-è ŋókí-Ø
Ablative ŋókú-ò ŋókú-Ø
Instrumental ŋók-ó ŋók-ᵒ
Copulative ŋókú-ò ŋókú-kᵒ
Oblique ŋókí ŋókⁱ

vowel assimilation. For example, as Table 7 illustrates, in the declension of the

noun root ŋókí- ‘dog’, the /o/ in the ablative case suffix {-o} and the copulative
case suffix {-ko} partially assimilate the final /i/ of ŋókí- to /u/.
Other vowel assimilation effects are shown in the case declension of a noun like
ŋʉrá- ‘cane rat’, as in Table 8, where the final /a/ of ŋʉrá- is assimilated by the
dative, genitive, ablative, and copulative case suffixes in their non-final forms.

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Grammar sketch

Table 8: Vowel assimilation in the declension of ŋʉrá- ‘cane rat’

Case nf ff
Nominative ŋʉr-a ŋʉr-Ø
Accusative ŋʉrá-á ŋʉrá-k ᵃ
Dative ŋʉrɛ́-ɛ́ ŋʉrá-k ᵋ
Genitive ŋʉrɛ́-ɛ́ ŋʉrá- ᵋ
Ablative ŋʉrɔ́-ɔ́ ŋʉrá-ᵓ
Instrumental ŋʉr-ɔ ŋʉr-ᵓ
Copulative ŋʉrɔ́-ɔ́ ŋʉrá-kᵓ
Oblique ŋʉra ŋʉr

Ik vowel assimilation may be partial, as when the word ŋókí-k ᵒ ‘It is a dog’ is
rendered as ŋókú-k ᵒ. There, the /i/ at the end of ŋókí- ‘dog’ only moves back in
the mouth to become /u/; it does not fully assimilate to become identical to the
/o/ in the suffix. But vowel assimilation can also be total, as when ŋʉrá-ɛ́ ‘of the
cane rat’ becomes ŋʉrɛ́-ɛ́. In that instance, the /a/ at the end of ŋʉrá- becomes
fully identical to the vowel in the suffix.
Ik vowel harmony can be regressive as in both prior examples, where a vowel
exerts pressure on a preceding one. But it can also be progressive, as in the
example of torí-úƙot- becoming torí-íƙot-, where the /i/ acts ahead on the /u/.

2.4.5 Vowel desyllabification

When the back-of-the-mouth vowels /ɔ/, /o/, /ʉ/ or /u/ wind up next to another
vowel across a morpheme boundary, they may lose their status as the nucleus
of a syllable and become the semi-vowel /w/ instead. When such vowel desyl-
labification occurs, the syllabic ‘weight’ of the vowel gets transferred to the
following vowel in a process called compensatory lengthening. This phono-
logical change is evident in the transitive infinitives of verbs ending in a back
vowel. Table 9 depicts how the back vowel at the end of the verb root changes to
/w/ and then lengthens the vowel in the transitive suffix {-és}.
Vowel desyllabification also takes place in the case declensions of nouns. Any
noun root that ends in a back vowel can have that vowel desyllabified to /w/, with
the result that the following case suffix is lengthened. As Table 10 demonstrates,
this happens with a noun like dakú- ‘plant, tree’ which ends with the back vowel
/u/. In five of the eight cases – accusative, dative, genitive, ablative, copulative –

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Table 9: Vowel desyllabification in verbs

tʉtsʉ-ɛs → tʉtswɛɛs ‘to wring’

rɔ́-ɛ́s → rwɛ́ɛ́s ‘to string’
ho-és → hweés ‘to cut’
ó-és → wéés ‘to call’
ru-és → rweés ‘to uproot’

the final /u/ of dakú- changes to /w/ and then lengthens the case suffix. Note that
in the nominative case, the /u/ of dakú- is desyllabified but does not lengthen the
nominative suffix {-a}. This irregularity is a peculiarity of the nominative case
only and is seen in many other noun declensions.
Table 10: Vowel desyllabification in nouns

Case Non-final
Nominative dakw-a
Accusative dakú-á → dakw-áá
Dative dakú-é → dakw-éé
Genitive dakú-é → dakw-éé
Ablative dakú-ó → dakw-óó
Instrumental dak-o
Copulative dakú-ó → dakw-óó
Oblique daku

2.5 Vowel harmony

Ik vowels participate in a phonological system called vowel harmony. This
means that the language’s sound system seeks vocalic ‘harmony’ by ensuring
that all vowels in a single word belong to the same vowel class. The vowel classes
involved are the following: 1) the [+ATR] or ‘heavy’ vowels /i, e, o, u/ that are
made with a larger cavity in the throat, giving them a ‘heavier’, more resonant
sound, and 2) the [-ATR] or ‘light’ vowels /ɨ, ɛ, ɔ, ʉ/ that are made with a smaller
cavity in the throat, giving them a ‘lighter’, less resonant sound. Where the ninth
vowel /a/ fits in with these two classes is a theoretical question that has not been
conclusively resolved. However, what is clear is that in Ik, /a/ sometimes behaves

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Grammar sketch

as a [+ATR] vowel and other times as a [-ATR] vowel. And it certainly is found
together with vowels from both classes within a single word. The Ik vowel classes
anchored by the low vowel /a/ are depicted in Table 11:
Table 11: Ik vowel classes

[+ATR] [-ATR]
i u ɨ ʉ
e o ɛ ɔ
a

Because of vowel harmony, all the vowels in a single word will generally be-
long to one of the vowel classes shown in Table 11. This is clearly evident in the
lexicon where verbs consisting of multiple syllables and morphemes contain ei-
ther [+ATR] or [-ATR] vowels, but not both. Table 12 shows an opposing set of
such verbs. Notice how all the vowels in each word belong to one vowel class.
In some situations though, /a/ blocks vowel harmony from spreading to all the
morphemes in a word. For example, when the stative suffix {-án-} falls between
a verb with [-ATR] vowels and the intransitive suffix {-òn-}, the /a/ in {-án-} pre-
vents the spread of harmony to the whole word. Table 13 gives a few examples
of the harmony-blocking behavior of /a/. Notice how [-ATR] vowels are found
to the left of {-án-} (in bold), while the [+ATR] /o/ in {-òn-} comes after it.
Ik has three suffixes which are said to be dominant in that they always spread
their [+ATR] value as far as they can within a word. These include the plurac-
tional suffix {-í-}, the middle suffix {-ím-}, and the plurative suffix {-íkó-}, all of
which contain the vowel /i/. Unless an /a/ blocks the way, these three suffixes
will cause all the vowels in the word they are found in to harmonize to [+ATR].
This dominant behavior is illustrated in Table 14. Notice how the [-ATR] vow-
els in the first column all become [+ATR] in the third column as a result of the
dominance of the suffixes (in bold typeface).
Two other issues surrounding vowel harmony deserve mention. First, when
two nouns are joined together to form a compound word (§4.3), vowel harmony
does not occur between them. For example, the noun roots rébè- ‘millet’ and
mɛ̀sɛ̀- ‘beer’ can be joined into the compound rébèmɛ̀sɛ̀- ‘millet beer’, in which,
notice, the vowels belong to two different [ATR] vowel classes. An exception to
this rule is when the second noun in the compound begins with the vowel /i/,
in which case /i/ harmonizes the last vowel of the first noun, as when ɲɔ́kɔkɔrɔ-
ímà- ‘chick’ becomes ɲɔ́kɔkɔró-ímà- (where the first noun’s /ɔ/ is harmonized to

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Table 12: Vowel harmony in the lexicon

[+ATR]
béberés ‘to pull’
béberetés ‘to pull this way’
béberésúƙot ᵃ ‘to pull that way’

[-ATR]
bɛ́ɗɛ́s ‘to want’
bɛɗɛtɛ́s ‘to look for’
bɛ́ɗɛ́sʉƙɔt ᵃ ‘to go look for’

Table 13: Vowel harmony blocking behavior of /a/

akwɛ́tɛ́kwɛ́tánón ‘to writhe around’

ɓɛlɛ́ɓɛ́lánón ‘to be cracked’
gɔ́lɔ́gɔlánón ‘to be crooked’
ɨlɔ́ɗíŋánón ‘to be discriminatory’
ŋʉ́zʉmánón ‘to bicker’

Table 14: Ik dominant suffixes

abʉtɛs ‘to sip’ → abutiés ‘to sip continuously

kɔ̀nɔ̀n ‘to be one’ → kóníón ‘to be one-by-one’

ɨlɔɛs ‘to defeat’ → iloimétòn ‘to be defeated’

kɔkɛ́s ‘to close’ → kokímétòn ‘to close (alone)’

ɔrɔr ‘stream’ → oróríkw ᵃ ‘streams’

wɛ̀l ‘opening’ → wélíkw ᵃ ‘openings’

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Grammar sketch

/o/). Second, many of Ik’s clitics take on the [ATR] value of their host word, for
example when the anaphoric pronoun déé becomes dɛ́ɛ́ in the phrase mɔƙɔrɔ́ɛ́=dɛ́ɛ́
‘in that rock pool’. Again, the exception is when the clitic contains /i/, in which
case it becomes dominant, harmonizing its host, as when bárítínʉ́ɔ=díí ‘from
those corrals’ becomes bárítínúo=díí (where the vowels /ʉ́ɔ/ become /úo/).

2.6 Tone
2.6.1 Tone inventory
Ik is a tonal language. In terms of acoustics, this means that every vowel is iden-
tified not only by where it is formed in the vocal chamber but also by the pitch
with which it is uttered. This further entails that every syllable, morpheme, word,
and phrase exhibits a specific and indispensable tone pattern. At a phonologi-
cal (or psychological) level, Ik has just two tones: high (H) and low (L). All
other tones that one hears can be traced back to these two. However, for prac-
tical applications like orthography and language learning, four sub-tones must
be recognized. These include: high, high-falling, mid, and low. High tone
is pronounced with a level, relatively high pitch. High-falling tone falls quickly
from relatively high to relatively low pitch, often in the presence of a depressor
consonant (see §2.6.4). Mid tone is a level, relatively medium-height pitch, while
low tone is either relatively low and flat or tapering off before a pause. Table 15
presents the Ik tones with their names in the first column, pitch profiles in the
second, and the orthographic diacritics for writing them in the third (the same
diacritics employed throughout the foregoing dictionary sections):
Table 15: Ik tones

Tone Pitch Symbol

high [–] Áá
high-falling [\] Ââ
mid [–] Aa
low [–] Àà

2.6.2 Lexical tone

As mentioned above, every word in the Ik lexicon has a tone pattern or ‘melody’.
That is, Ik words are not identified solely on the basis of consonants and vowels

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(as in non-tonal languages like English) but also on their tone pattern, which
must be learned. Since every vowel and therefore every syllable bears a tone,
the combination of many syllables in words produces a large inventory of tone
patterns. And since the tone pattern of a word is totally unpredictable, language
learners must resort to memorizing the pattern with the word. Table 16 gives a
sample of the lexical tone patterns found on some short words in Ik:
Table 16: Ik lexical tone patterns

Nouns
HH ámá- ‘person’
HL ɛ́bà- ‘horn’
MH cekí- ‘woman’
LL ɲèrà- ‘girls’

Verbs
H ŋáɲ- ‘open’
H(L) édˋ - ‘carry on back’
L àts- ‘come’

2.6.3 Grammatical tone

Ik does not have grammatical tone, whereby tone alone can carry out a gram-
matical function. But tone often accompanies other grammatical signals, thereby
reinforcing them. Thus, in that regard, it could be said that Ik has ‘semi-gramma-
tical’ tone. For example, when the suffix {-íkó-} is used to pluralize a singular
noun, the tone over the singular root usually changes, as when kɔl ‘ram’ becomes
kólíkw ᵃ. Similarly, when the venitive suffix {-ét-} is added to a verb stem, it of-
ten changes the overall tone pattern, as when bɛ́ɗɛ́s ‘to want’ becomes bɛɗɛtɛ́s
‘to look for’, whereby the tone of the root bɛ́ɗ- goes from high to mid. Indeed,
many of the suffixes of the language are associated with significant tone changes
to the stem. So even if one learns the tonal melodies of nouns and verbs on their
own, these melodies may change in particular grammatical contexts. This type
of tone changeability is one of the system’s more difficult aspects.
The Ik tone system is challenging for foreigners and is not yet fully understood
from an analytical point of view. Still, the good news is that with lots of practice,
language learners can reasonably expect to develop a certain degree of commu-
nicative competency. For the most complete description of the tone system to

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date, the reader is invited to consult §3.2 in A grammar of Ik (Icé-tód) (Schrock

2014). That section expands on what has been presented here and includes more
detailed discussions of other features of the Ik tone system.

2.6.4 Depressor consonants

In Ik, the voiced consonants /b, d, dz, g, ɦy, j, z, ʒ/ plus /h/ act as depressor
consonants. Depressor consonants are so-called because they ‘depress’ or pull
down the pitch of neighboring vowels. In doing so, they act almost as if they
had a very low tone of their own. The effect of Ik depressors is so strong that,
over time, it led to the creation of a whole new set of lexical tone patterns. For
instance, all Ik verbs with a HL pattern in their roots have a depressor as the first
consonant after the initial high tone: dɛ́gɛ̀m- ‘crouch’, gʉ́gʉ̀r- ‘hunched’, íbòt-
‘jump’, kídzìm- ‘descend’, and tsʼágwà- ‘be raw’. This is because, in anticipation
of the extra-low pitch of the depressor, the language compensated by putting a
high tone before it where there used to be none. As another example, all nouns
with the root tone pattern HL have a depressor as the only consonant between
two vowels, as in: dɔ́bà- ‘mud’, ɛ́bà- ‘horn’, édì- ‘name’, nébù- ‘body’, and wídzò-
‘evening’. And when these types of nouns lose their final vowel due to vowel
devoicing, that is when the high-falling contour tone comes into play, as in
dɔ̂b ᵃ ‘mud’, ɛ̂b ᵃ ‘horn’, êd ᵃ ‘name’, nêb ᵃ ‘body’, and wîdz ᵃ ‘evening’.

3 Morphology
3.1 Overview
morphology is the system by which a language grammar makes words. While
the preceding chapter introduced meaningful sound units (phonemes), the pres-
ent chapter describes larger meaningful units called morphemes. Ik exhibits three
types of morpheme: word, affix, and clitic. A word is defined as a free morpheme
that can meaningfully stand alone. An affix is a bound morpheme that must
attach to a word to maintain its integrity. Affixes are indicated in this grammar
by a hyphen before (and sometimes after) them, as in {-án-}, the stative adjectival
suffix. A clitic is a hybrid: in some constructions it acts like a word standing
alone, while in other constructions, it attaches to a word like an affix. Clitics may
be marked in this grammar by an equals sign, as in {=kì} ‘those’.
Traditionally, languages are described as having word classes, that is, cate-
gories of morphemes that have certain characteristics. These classes include the
familiar major ones like ‘nouns’ and ‘verbs’ but often several others as well. For

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the purposes of this grammar sketch, free-standing words and clitics are consid-
ered ‘words’, while affixes are not. In Ik, thirteen word classes are recognized
and include the following: nouns, pronouns, demonstratives, quantifiers, numer-
als, prepositions, verbs, adverbs, ideophones, interjections, nursery words, com-
plementizers, and connectives (or conjunctions). Each of these word classes is
briefly introduced in the following subsections, while a full list of Ik affixes can
be found later in Appendix A.

3.2 Nouns
Nouns and verbs make up the language’s only two open word classes, meaning
that they may have new members added to them. Nouns make up roughly 47%
of the total Ik lexicon. Noun roots can be short, like eí- ‘stomach contents’, or
long like ɲákaɓɔɓwáátá- ‘finger ring’, but they all have at least two syllables in
their root form. This structural condition is necessary because some case suffixes
delete the last vowel of the noun root when they affix to it. All Ik nouns, without
a single exception, end in a vowel in their root forms. Noun roots are represented
throughout this book with hyphenated forms, indicating that in actual Ik speech,
any noun must have at least a case suffix. In addition to case, nouns may take
singulative or plurative suffixes and may be joined with other nouns to make
compound nouns. §4 is devoted to expounding on Ik nouns.

3.3 Pronouns
Pronouns form a closed word class, incapable of admitting new members. They
‘stand in’ for nouns whose specific names need not always be mentioned or re-
peated. Pronouns make up less than 1% of the Ik lexicon and yet have great
grammatical importance. Most Ik pronouns are free, capable of standing on
their own, while others are inextricably bound to verbs. They may be personal,
capable of specifying grammatical person, or impersonal. Other categories of
pronoun include: indefinite, interrogative, demonstrative, relative, and reflexive.
§5 is devoted to describing the various kinds of pronouns in Ik.

3.4 Demonstratives
Demonstratives form another closed word class, admitting no new members.
They ‘demonstrate’ nouns by ‘pointing them out’, referring to them spatially,
temporally, or discursively. They too make up less than 1% of the lexicon. Many
Ik demonstratives have been analyzed as clitics: They seem sometimes to act

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Grammar sketch

like separate words, and yet in terms of vowel harmony, they act like suffixes.
As clitics, they may be written connected to words in linguistic writing (with
=), whereas in non-linguistic writing, they are written separately. For example,
the phrase ‘these trees’ would be written as dakwítína=ni in linguistic publica-
tions and as dakwítína ni elsewhere. Ik has four kinds of demonstrative: spatial,
temporal, anaphoric, and locative adverbial – all of which are discussed in §6.

3.5 Quantifiers
As their name implies, qantifiers ‘quantify’ the nouns that precede them. That
is, they are separate words that follow nouns and convey the general quantity of
the noun in terms of allness, bothness, fewness, or manyness. Specific, numeric
quantity is expressed by the numerals, which are the topic of the next subsection.
Ik quantifiers sometimes act more like numerals by directly following the noun
they modify without an intervening relative pronoun, as in wika ƙwaɗᵉ ‘few
children’. But other times they act more like adjectival verbs by taking a relative
pronoun between them and the noun they modify, for example, wika ni ƙwaɗᵉ
‘children that (are) few’. In the former function as numerals, they have a distinct,
perhaps more ancient root, as in ƙwàɗè, whereas in their function as adjectival
verbs, they have a truncated root in a verbal infinitive, in this case ƙwàɗ-òn ‘to
be few’. The eight known Ik quantifiers are given in Table 17:
Table 17: Ik quantifiers

Non-final Final
ɗàŋìɗàŋì ɗàŋìɗàŋ ‘all, entire, whole’
mùɲù mùɲ ‘all, entire, whole’
mùɲùmùɲù mùɲùmùɲ ‘all, entire, whole’
tsíɗì tsíɗ ᶤ ‘all, entire, whole’
tsíɗɨtsíɗɨ tsíɗɨtsíɗ ᶤ ‘all, entire, whole’
ɡáí ɡáí ‘both’
ƙwàɗè ƙwàɗ ᵉ ‘few’
kòmà kòm ‘many’

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3.6 Numerals
Numerals convey the specific number of the noun they modify. Ik has a quinary
or ‘base-5’ counting system, meaning that it has individual words for the num-
bers 1-5 and then builds numbers 6-9 by adding the appropriate number to 5, as
in tude ńda kiɗi tsʼagús ‘five and those four’, which is 9. The number 10 is techni-
cally not a numeral, but rather, a noun: toomíní-. Ik numerals directly follow the
noun they modify, without an intervening relative pronoun. Just as the quanti-
fiers ƙwàɗè ‘few’ and kòmà ‘many’ can function as verbs, the numerals 1-5 can
also function as verbs. Table 18 presents Ik numerals 1-9:
Table 18: Ik numerals

# Non-final Final
1 kɔ̀nà kɔ̀n ‘one’
2 lèɓètsè lèɓètsᵉ ‘two’
3 àɗè àɗ ᵉ ‘three’
4 tsʼagúsé tsʼagús ‘four’
5 tùdè tùdᵉ ‘five’
6 tude ńdà kɛ̀ɗì kɔn … ńdà kɛ̀ɗì kɔn ‘five and one’
7 tude ńda kiɗi léɓètsè … ńda kiɗi léɓètsᵉ ‘five and two’
8 tude ńdà kìɗì àɗè … ńdà kìɗì àɗ ᵉ ‘five and three’
9 tude ńda kiɗi tsʼagúsé … ńda kiɗi tsʼagús ‘five and four’

To form numbers 11-19, Ik builds off the noun toomíní- ‘ten’ and then repeats
the quinary system shown in Table 18. For example, the number 17 is expressed
as toomín ńda kiɗi túde ńda kiɗi léɓètsᵉ ‘ten and those five and those two’. Then,
after 19, the numbers 20, 30, 40, etc. are based on the compound toomín-ékù- ‘ten-
eye’, as in toomínékwa léɓètsᵉ ‘ten-eye two’, which is 20. The numbers for 100
(ŋamíáì-) and 1,000 (álìfù-) have both been borrowed from Swahili.

3.7 Prepositions
Prepositions are usually small particles ‘pre-posed’, that is, put in front of a
noun to indicate what its relationship is to another noun or to the wider sen-
tence in which it occurs. Many of the functions that prepositions fulfill in other
languages are handled by cases in Ik (see §7). However, Ik still has a very small,
closed group of prepositions that somehow have survived the hegemony of case.

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Grammar sketch

Nonetheless, they interact closely with case as each preposition selects the case
that its noun head (or host) must take. Table 19 presents all the known Ik prepo-
sitions with their meanings and the cases they require on nouns:
Table 19: Ik prepositions

Preposition Meaning Case required

nàpèì ‘from, since’ ablative
ɗítá ‘as, like’ genitive
nɛ́ɛ́ ‘from, through’ genitive
akání ‘until, up to’ obliqe
àkìlɔ̀ ‘instead of’ obliqe
gònè ‘until, up to’ obliqe
ikóteré ‘because of’ obliqe
ńdà ‘and, with’ obliqe
pákà ‘until, up to’ obliqe
tònì ‘even’ obliqe

The following example sentences (1)-(8) offer an opportunity to see the prepo-
sitions from Table 19 in a variety of natural language contexts:

(1) napei Kaaɓɔ́ŋʉɔ páka awᵃ

from Kaabong:abl up.to home:obl
‘from Kaabong up to home’

(2) Gógese tufúlá ɗítá rié.

peg:pass field.rat:nom like goat:gen
‘And the field rat is pegged up like a goat.’

(3) Atsía nɛ́ɛ́ Tímuaƙwɛɛ nɛ.

come:1sg from Timu:inside:gen that
‘I’m coming from within Timu there.’

(4) Hoɗuƙotᵉ, akɨlɔ cɛɛ́sʉ́ƙɔt ᶤ.

set.free:imp instead.of killing:obl
‘Set (him) free instead of killing (him).’

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(5) Duƙotuo gone hoo déé.

take:seq up.to hut:obl that
‘And she took (it) up to that hut.’

(6) Ƙáátaa Tábayɛɛ ikóteré ɲɛ̀ƙ ᵋ.

go:3pl:prf West:dat because.of hunger:obl
‘They’ve gone west because of hunger.’

(7) tɛwɛɛsa kɔlɨlíɛ́ ńda lomuƙeⁱ

sow:inf:nom cucumber:gen and squash:obl
‘the sowing of cucumber and squash’

(8) toni Pakóíce ʝɨk, góƙánɨkɛ̂d ᵋ

even Turkanas:obl also seated:ips:sim:dp
‘even the Turkanas as well, (were) staying there’

3.8 Verbs
Verbs comprise the second of Ik’s two large open word classes. Like nouns, Ik
verbs make up approximately 48% of the lexicon. Verb roots can be short like ó-
‘call’, long like gwɛrɛʝɛ́ʝ- ‘be coarse’, or reduplicated like diridír- ‘be sugary’ and
ɨpɨrípír- ‘drill’. Verb roots are represented throughout this book with hyphen-
ated forms, indicating that in actual Ik speech, any verb must have at least one
suffix. That minimal suffix may be a subject-agreement suffix or a tense-aspect-
mood (TAM) suffix like an imperative or optative. Ik verb stems can stand alone
as an independent, self-contained clause and can have many suffixes strung to-
gether, as in soƙórítiísínàk ᵃ ‘we all have clawed’ and zeikááƙotinîdᵉ ‘and they all
grew large there’. Among the many suffixes that can derive nouns from verbs or
inflect verbs for different meanings, there are: deverbatives, subject-agreement
markers, directionals, the dummy pronominal, modals, aspectuals, voice and va-
lency changers, and adjectivals. All these verb-related topics (and others) are
treated more fully later on in §8.

3.9 Adverbs
Adverbs make up a catch-all category of words that modify verbs or whole
clauses. The sixty-or-so Ik adverbs make up less than 1% of the total lexicon. They
include ‘manner’ adverbs like hɨíʝɔ́ ‘slowly’ and zùkù ‘very’, epistemic adverbs
like tsábò ‘apparently’ and tsamʉ ‘of course’, and general adverbs like ɛɗá ‘only’

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Grammar sketch

and naɓó ‘again’. Other important categories of adverbs are the tense-marking
adverbs, certainty and contingency markers, and the conditional-hypothetical
adverbs. All these types of Ik adverbs are discussed later in §9.

3.10 Ideophones
Ideophones form a word class that is characterized by highly expressive words
that denote physical phenomena like color, motion, sound, shape, volume, etc.
They are often ‘sound-symbolic’ or onomatopoeic. That means that their very
sound as they are pronounced evokes the physical perception they signify. For
example, the ideophone bùlùƙ ᵘ means ‘the sound something makes when drop-
ping into water’, like ‘splashǃ’ or ‘kersplunkǃ’ in English. At present, one hundred
forty Ik ideophones (1.6% of total) have been recorded, but there are certainly
many more in the language. And they are probably continually created. Table 20
offers a sample of the colorful variety of Ik ideophones on record:
Table 20: Ik ideophones

Animal sounds
bèrrr ‘baaaǃ’
buúù ‘moooǃ’
ƙútú ‘cluckǃ’
Other sounds
ɓɛkɛ ‘snapǃ’
gʉ̀lʉ̀ʝʉ̀ ‘gulpǃ’
pùsù ‘plopǃ’
Colors
pàkì ‘pure white’
tíkí ‘pitch black’
tsònì ‘blood red’
Attributes
ɓa ‘unliftably heavy’
dùù ‘very deep’
tsɛ̀kɛ̀ ‘completely full’

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3.11 Interjections
Like adverbs, interjections form a bit of a catch-all word class. Interjections
include any word that expresses emotions or mental states of any kind, usually
outside the grammar of a sentence. The roughly thirty Ik interjections that have
been recorded make up less than 1% of the total lexicon. Ik interjections may
consist of a single word like aaii ‘ouchǃ’ or wúlù ‘yikesǃ’ or a short phrase like
wika ni ‘these kids (I tell you)ǃ’ or tíɔ ʝɔ́ɔ̀ ‘there, there (it’s okay)ǃ’. Several of the
other interjections on record are provided in Table 21:
Table 21: Ik interjections

ee Ɲakuʝᵃ ‘oh my Godǃ’

ee/éé ‘yeah, yes’
hà ‘whateverǃ’
maráŋ ‘fine, okayǃ’
ɲɔto ni ‘these guys (I tell you)ǃ’
ne ‘here you goǃ’
ńtóo(n)dó ‘nah, no’
otí ‘whoaǃ’
wóí ‘aahhǃ’
yóói ‘uh-huh … sureǃ’

3.12 Nursery words

Nursery words make up a small class of one-word expressions that act as com-
mands or encouragements to babies or toddlers to do something. The ten Ik
nursery words on record are lain out in Table 22 with English glosses.

3.13 Complementizers
Complementizers are words that introduce reported speech or thought. For ex-
ample, in the English sentence ‘She said that she agrees’, the word that is the
complementizer that introduces that reported statement she agrees. Ik has only
two complementizers. One of them, tòìmɛ̀nà- ‘that’, is technically a noun and
thus belongs in the noun word class. But because of its function, it is dealt with
here. The word tòìmɛ̀nà-, a compound of the verb tód- ‘speak’ and mɛná- ‘words’,

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Grammar sketch

Table 22: Ik nursery words

bubú ‘nighty-night’ for going to sleep

ɓá ‘yummy’ for eating
dɨ ‘poo’ for defecating
dʉʉdʉ́ ‘sitty-sit’ for sitting down
kó ‘wa-wa’ for drinking water
kɔkɔ́ ‘no-no’ for not touching
kukú ‘up-up’ for riding on mother’s back
kwàà ‘pee’ for urinating
mamá ‘yum-yum’ for eating
nʉʉnʉ́ ‘yum-yum’ for breastfeeding

is used with a variety of speaking and thinking verbs. The second Ik complemen-
tizer, tàà, is a probably a derivative of the verb kʉta ‘(s)he says’ that has been
reduced over time. Even now it is usually used after the verb kʉ̀t- ‘say’. Example
(9) shows how tòìmɛ̀nà- is used in a sentence to introduce the clause mɨtída bɔnán
‘you are an orphan’. And example (10) shows the complementizer tàà introducing
the clause iya ɲjíníkiʝa kɔ́ɔ́kɛ ‘our land is over there’:

(9) Hyeíá toimɛna mɨtída bɔnán.

know:1sg that:nom be:2sg orphan:obl
‘I know that you are an orphan.’

(10) Kʉta ɲ́cie taa ia ɲjíníkiʝa kɔ́ɔ́kɛ.

say:3sg I:dat that be:3sg we:land:nom there
‘He says to me that our land is over there.’

3.14 Connectives
Connectives or ‘conjunctions’ are words whose function is to join together
other words, phrases, or clauses. If they are coordinating connectives like ńdà
‘and’, then they join grammatical units of equal status, like a word to a word, or
an independent clause to another independent clause. Whereas if they are sub-
ordinating connectives like na ‘if’, then they join grammatical units of unequal
status, usually a dependent clause to an independent one. Even though their role
is to link grammatical units, not all of them come between the units they link.
Many come before both, often as the first word in the sentence. Ik has roughly

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eight coordinating connectives and thirty subordinating ones – making up less

than 1% of the lexicon. The coordinating connectives are presented in Table 23,
while Table 24 offers a sampling of the subordinating connectives:
Table 23: Ik coordinating connectives

kèɗè ‘or’
kíná ‘and then, so then, then’
kòrì ‘or’
kòtò ‘and, but, so, then, therefore’
mísɨ … mísɨ … ‘either … or …’
náàtì ‘and then’
naɓó ‘furthermore, moreover’
ńdà ‘and’

The following natural-language examples illustrate three of the more commonly

used coordinating connectives: kèɗè, kòtò, and ńdà. In example (11), the connec-
tive kèɗè ‘or’ joins two equal constituents, the nouns Tábayɔɔ and Fetíékù. In (12),
the connective kòtò ‘and, but, then,’ links two independent but semantically re-
lated clauses, and in (13), the connective ńdà ‘and’ connects two passive clauses:

(11) Tábayɔɔ keɗe Fetíékù?

West:abl or East:abl
‘From the West or from the East?’

(12) Ɨʉ́mʉƙɔtɨakôdᵉ, moo koto sáɓánɨ ínw ᵃ

marry.forcibly:1sg:seq:dp not:seq but kill:ips animal:nom
‘And from there I took (her) away as my wife, but no animal was killed.’

(13) Sáɓese basaúr ńda kotsana cue.

kill:sps eland:nom and fetch:ips water:nom
‘Elands were killed, and water was fetched.’

In contrast to the coordinating connectives shown in Table 23 and examples (11)-

(13), subordinating connectives join units of unequal status, usually a subordinate
(dependent) clause to a main one. Table 24 provides a sample of the thirty Ik
subordinating connectives, while examples (14)-(16) below illustrate the function
of some of these connectives in a few natural-language environments:

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Grammar sketch

Table 24: Ik subordinating connectives

átà ‘even (if)’

ɗɛ̀mʉ̀sʉ̀ ‘before, unless, until’
ikóteré ‘because’
kánì ‘in order that, so that’
mísì ‘if, whether’
na= ‘if, when’
náà ‘when (earlier today)’
nàpèì ‘since’
nɛ́ɛ́ ‘if, when’
nòò ‘when (long ago)’
nótsò ‘when (a while ago)’
pákà ‘until’
sìnà ‘when (yester-)’
tònì ‘even’

In example (14) below, the subordinating connective ɗɛ̀mʉ̀sʉ̀ ‘before, unless,

until’ introduces a dependent clause that connects semantically to the following
independent one. The same grammatical structure is also evident in (15) and (16),
where the connectives mísì ‘if, whether’ and na ‘if, when’ set off short dependent
clauses that logically lead into main clauses that follow them:

(14) a. Ɗɛmʉsʉ Pakóíce deti riékᵃ,

before Turkanas:obl bring goats:acc
‘Before the Turkanas brought goats,
b. isio noo ŋábìàn?
what:cop pst3 wear:plur:ips
what was typically worn?’

(15) Mísɨ ɨtáána basaúrékᵉ, sáɓes.

if reach:ips eland:dat kill:sps
‘If they reach the eland, it is killed.’

(16) Na átsikᵉ, zɛ́ƙwɛ́tɔɔ nayéé na.

when come:3sg:sim sit:3sg:seq here this
‘When she came, she sat down here.’

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4 Nouns
4.1 Overview
Single Ik nouns in a speaker’s mental lexicon consist minimally of a root. Roots
are words that cannot be analyzed into smaller parts from the perspective of
modern Ik. (Historical research may reveal how roots were put together over
time, but that is the domain of etymology.) When plucked from the lexicon and
put into actual Ik speech, every noun root must receive at least one suffix, which
must be a case suffix. Every noun root ends in a vowel, and case suffixes either
delete or attach to this final vowel. In addition to case suffixes, an Ik noun may
take on a number suffix or may be joined with one or two other nouns to form
a compound. Case suffixes are fully explained later in §7, while number suffixes
and compounds are covered in the rest of this chapter.
Ik number suffixes include pluratives and singulatives. Many noun roots
can be pluralized if they are inherently singular in number. A few others can
be singularized because they are inherently plural. In addition to these standard
number-markers, Ik also has special possessive number suffixes that combine
the notions of number and possession into one suffix. And yet other nouns are
mass nouns, naming entities in the world perceived as inherently plural unities
(like dust or water). These take no suffixes but are treated grammatically as plu-
rals. Finally, some nouns are transnumeral, construed as singular or plural and
given the appropriate singular or plural modifiers, if needed.
Compounding is the primary way Ik acquires or makes new nouns – besides
borrowing them from other languages. Compounds in Ik are made by putting
two or three nouns together into a new composite word with special emergent
characteristics. The first noun describes or specifies the second noun to make an
aggregate meaning that is often different than that of the two separate nouns.
Compounding and types of compounds are discussed below in §4.3.
Ik nominal suffixes differ individually in how they affix to noun roots. With the
exception of five case suffixes, all nominal suffixes first delete the final vowel of
the noun to which they attach. This is known as subtractive morphology. The
case suffixes that preserve the final vowel are the accusative, dative, genitive,
ablative, and oblique. For more on how case suffixes attach to nouns, see §7.

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Grammar sketch

4.2 Number
4.2.1 Pluratives (plur)
Ik has four ways to show that a noun is plural: three plurative suffixes and
suppletive plurals. The three plurative suffixes are: 1) {-íkó-}, 2) {-ítíní-}, and 3)
{-ìkà-}. The first plurative suffix, {-íkó-}, is dominant in terms of vowel harmony,
meaning it changes the vowels of a [-ATR] noun to [+ATR] unless /a/ intervenes
and blocks it. For example, in some instances, the vowel /a/ spontaneously ap-
pears between the singular root and the suffix {-íkó-}. (This /a/ is a relic of an
ancient singulative suffix *-at- that is no longer in use in current Ik.)
The use of {-íkó-} is limited to a small number of nouns (roughly 100); it is not
applied to newly borrowed nouns. Table 25 presents several examples of nouns
pluralized with this suffix. Note how the suffix harmonizes the vowels of the
singular root except where the vowel /a/ blocks the leftward spread of harmony.
Notice also that in some cases the suffix alters the tone of the singular root.
The second plurative, {-ítíní-}, is used to pluralize nouns that have only two
syllables in their root. Table 26 gives a sample of disyllabic nouns pluralized with
{-ítíní-}. Notice that if the singular noun has [-ATR] vowels, then the plurative
suffix harmonizes to {-ítíní-}. Unlike the suffix {-íkó-}, {-ítíní-} never alters the
tone of the root, though its own tone may conform to the tone of the root.
The third plurative, {-ìkà-}, is used primarily to pluralize nouns with three or
more syllables in their lexical root. Table 27 provides a sample of polysyllabic
nouns pluralized with {-ìkà-}. Notice that if the singular noun has [-ATR] vowels,
then the plurative suffix harmonizes to {-ìkà-}. Like {-íkó-}, {-ìkà-} sometimes
alters the tone of the singular noun as well as having its own tone altered.
Secondarily, the plurative {-ìkà-} is used to pluralize a few nouns that have only
two syllables in their lexical root. Why these few nouns do not take {-ítíní-} as a
plurative instead is not known. A bit of speculation on this point might invoke
the notion of mora or the unit of syllable weight. Among the seven examples
shown in Table 28, three of them contain the semi-vowel /w/ which may be
thought to contain its own mora, as a vowel would. Likewise, two of the examples
(hòò- and sédà-) contain depressor consonants which may also count for one
mora. Perhaps in the remaining two (kíʝá- and ríʝá-), the voiced stop /ʝ/ used
to be a depressor consonant. Regardless of the historical explanation, Table 28
presents a few examples of {-ìkà-} being used to pluralize disyllabic nouns.

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Table 25: The plurative suffix {-íkó-}

Singular Plural
abérí- → áberaikó- ‘active termite colonies’
baratsó- → barátsíkó- ‘mornings’
cúrúkù- → cúrúkaikó- ‘bulls’
kɔrɔ́bɛ̀- → kɔrɔ́baikó- ‘calves’
ƙwɛsɛ́ɛ̀- → ƙwéséikó- ‘broken gourds’
mɔƙɔrɔ́- → moƙóríkó- ‘rock wells’
taɓá- → taɓíkó- ‘boulders’

Table 26: The plurative suffix {-ítíní-}

Singular Plural
aká- → akɨtíní- ‘mouths’
bòsì- → bositíní- ‘ears’
ɔ́ʝá- → ɔ́ʝítíní- ‘sores’
ɗòlì → ɗólítíní- ‘carcasses’
ekú- → ekwitíní- ‘eyes’
ídò- → íditíní- ‘breasts’
tsʼʉ́bà- → tsʼʉ́bɨtíní- ‘stoppers’

Table 27: The plurative suffix {-ìkà-} with polysyllabic nouns

Singular Plural
àgìtà- → ágìtìkà- ‘metal ringlets’
arírá- → aríríkà- ‘flames’
bàbàà- → bábàìkà- ‘armpits’
ɔfɔrɔƙɔ́- → ɔfɔ́rɔ́ƙìkà- ‘dry honeycombs’
kútúŋù- → kútúŋìkà- ‘knees’
ɲánɨnɔ́ɔ̀- → ɲánɨnɔ́ìkà- ‘leather whips’
ɲéƙúrumotí- → ɲéƙúrùmòtìkà- ‘gullies’

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Grammar sketch

Table 28: The plurative suffix {-ìkà-} with disyllabic nouns

Singular Plural
awá- → àwìkà- ‘homes’
gwasá- → gwàsìkà- ‘stones’
hòò- → hòìkà- ‘huts’
kíʝá- → kíʝíkà- ‘lands’
kwɛtá- → kwɛ̀tìkà- ‘arms’
ríʝá- → ríʝíkà- ‘forests’
sédà- → sédìkà- ‘gardens’

4.2.2 Suppletive plurals

Ik also has a handful of singular nouns that cannot be pluralized in a productive
way with any of the three suffixes discussed above. Three of these nouns on
record are truly suppletive in that their singular and plural forms bear absolutely
no resemblance to each other. These are the first three in Table 29. The last three
examples in Table 29 represent nouns that are semi-suppletive; even though one
can discern a similarity between the singular and plural forms, the way the two
forms are derived from each other is not productive in the language:
Table 29: Ik suppletive plurals

Singular Plural
ámá- ↔ ròɓà- ‘people’
eakwá- ↔ ɲɔtɔ́- ‘men’
imá- ↔ wicé- ‘children’
cekí- ↔ cɨkámá- ‘women’
ɗɨ- ↔ ɗi- ‘ones’
kɔ́rɔ́ɓádì- ↔ kúrúɓádì- ‘things’

4.2.3 Singulatives (sing)

In contrast to pluratives, singulatives convert an inherently plural noun root
to a derived singular. Ik has one such suffix that may be considered a true singu-
lative in the contemporary grammar of the modern language, and that is {-àmà-}

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or {-ɔ̀mà-}. Since this singulative is only used with personal entities, it seems
likely that it is related etymologically to the word ámá- ‘person’. Table 30 gives
the only four unambiguous examples of when this singulative is used. Note that
its tone pattern may be altered by the tone of the plural root:
Table 30: The Ik singulative {-àmà-}

Plural Singular
ʝáká- → ʝákámà- ‘elder’
kéà- → kéàmà- ‘soldier’
lɔŋɔ́tá- → lɔŋɔ́tɔ́mà- ‘enemy’
ŋímɔ́kɔkaá- → ŋímɔ́kɔká-ámà- ‘young man’

4.2.4 Possessive number suffixes (poss)

In addition to standard pluratives and a singulative, Ik has what may be called
possessive number suffixes. These possessive suffixes – {-èdè-} in the singular
and {-ìnì-} in the plural – each fuse the notions of number and possession into
one morpheme. When they are affixed to a noun, they specify a) the grammat-
ical number of the noun and b) its association with another entity (hence the
‘possession’). They do not specify the number of the possessor(s). For example,
the word aked ᵃ, a stem consisting of aká- ‘den’ and {-èdè-} (nominative case) can
mean both ‘its den’ or ‘their den’. And the word akɨn, consisting of aká- ‘den’
and {-ìnì-} (nominative case), can mean either ‘its dens’ or ‘their dens’.
Within the broad notion of ‘possession’, the possessive number suffixes {-èdè-}
and {-ìnì-} can signify more specific semantic relationships like part-whole, kin-
ship, and association. Table 31 gives some examples of {-èdè-} expressing a part-
whole relationship with the unnamed entity. Note how the meanings of the noun
roots are extended metaphorically to denote structural parts of things. Note also
that the tone of the root may be altered in the presence of {-èdè-}.
The plural possessive suffix {-ìnì-} has two special applications with human pos-
sessors. In the first, it is used to pluralize kinship terms, where a kinship associa-
tion is explicit. In the second, it refers to people associated with a certain person
in general terms. Table 32 illustrates both of these nuances, showing the singular
root in the first column, and in the second, the root plus {-ìnì-}.

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Grammar sketch

Table 31: The Ik singular possessive {-èdè-}

Root Part-whole
bakutsí- ‘chest’ → bakútsédè- ‘its middle part’
bùbùì- ‘belly’ → búbùèdè- ‘its underside’
ekú- ‘eye’ → ekwede- ‘its essence’
kwayó- ‘tooth’ → kweede- ‘its edge’
ŋabérí- ‘rib’ → ŋábèrèdè- ‘its side’

Table 32: The Ik plural possessive {-ìnì-}

Kinship
abáŋì- → abáŋíní- ‘my fathers (uncles)’
dádòò- → dádoíní- ‘your grandmothers’
ŋɔ́ɔ̀- → ŋɔíní- ‘your mothers’
tátàà- → tátaíní- ‘my aunts’
wicé- → wikini- ‘his/her/their/its children’
Association
Àɗùpàà- → Aɗupaíní- ‘the people of Aɗupa’
Dakáì- → Dakáɨní- ‘the people of Dakai’
Lóʝérèè- → Lóʝéreíní- ‘the people of Loʝere’
Ŋirikoó- → Ŋirikoíní- ‘the people of Ŋiriko’
Tsɨláà- → Tsɨláɨní- ‘the people of Tsila’

4.2.5 Mass nouns

A small group of Ik noun roots are classified as non-count mass nouns. These
nouns are inherently, lexically plural. As such, they require plural demonstra-
tives and relative pronouns. This group includes words for powders, liquids, and
gases various particulate substances. Table 33 presents seven examples of mass
nouns. The roots are in the table’s first column, followed in the third column by
the noun in a phrase with the plural demonstrative ni ‘those’. Note that in the
English gloss, the equivalent is provided but with a singular interpretation:

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Table 33: Ik non-countable mass nouns

búré- ‘dust’ búrá ni ‘this dust’

cué- ‘water’ cua ni ‘this water’
kabasá- ‘flour’ kabasa ni ‘this flour’
sèà- ‘blood’ sea ni ‘this blood’
tsʼúdè- ‘smoke’ tsʼúda ni ‘this smoke’

4.2.6 Transnumeral nouns

Another small group of Ik noun roots are inherently transnumeral, meaning
that they can be singular or plural depending on the speaker’s intention. What-
ever number is imputed to them must be reflected in the grammar of the rest of
the sentence, for example in subject-agreement on the verb or in any demonstra-
tives or relative pronouns used to modify them. Ik transnumeral nouns cannot
be pluralized in any of the ways discussed up to this point. But with the bound
nominal morpheme -icíká- (see §4.3.4), they can be given a sense of distributive-
ness or variation. Table 34 presents three examples of Ik transnumeral nouns
with their singular, plural, and distributive interpretations:
Table 34: Ik transnumeral nouns

Root ɓìɓà- ‘egg(s)’

Singular ɓiɓa na ‘this egg’
Plural ɓiɓa ni ‘these eggs’
Distributive ɓiɓaicíká- ‘various kinds of eggs’
Root gwaá- ‘bird(s)’
Singular gwaa na ‘this bird’
Plural gwaa ni ‘these birds’
Distributive gwaicíká- ‘various kinds of birds’
Root ínó- ‘animal(s)’
Singular ínwá na ‘this animal’
Plural ínwá ni ‘these animals’
Distributive ínóicíká- ‘various kinds of animals’

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Grammar sketch

4.3 Compounds
For word-building purposes, Ik relies heavily on compounding, joining two or
more nouns together into a new composite word. The first noun (or pronoun)
in a compound retains its lexical root form (that is hyphenated throughout this
book), including its lexical tone. The last noun in a compound takes whichever
case ending the syntactic context calls for. For example, in the compound riéwík ᵃ
‘goat kids’, the first root rié- ‘goat’ keeps its lexical form, while the second, wicé-
‘children’, has been modified by the nominative case suffix {-ᵃ}. If compounding
changes the tone of its constituent parts, it will be the first noun that affects the
others. In the rare compound with three constituent nouns, the first two stay in
their lexical form (not counting tone), while the third is inflected for case, for ex-
ample in Icémóríɗókàkà- ‘cowpea leaves’, a compound of Icé- ‘Ik’, mòrìɗò- ‘beans’,
and kaká- ‘leaves’. In Icé-móríɗó-kàkà-, note that while the last two elements re-
tain their lexical segments, their tone patterns have changed dramatically due to
the influence of Icé- in spreading H tone throughout the word.
Ik compounds create two kinds of new meaning: 1) a narrower, more spe-
cific meaning in which the first noun specifies the second, or 2) a completely
novel, unpredictable meaning. An example of the first type would be bʉbʉnɔ́ɔ́ʝà-
‘ember-wound’ or ‘bullet wound’ where the first noun bʉbʉná- ‘ember’ narrows
down the possible references of ɔ́ʝá- ‘wound’ to a wound caused by a bullet.
And an example of the second type of compounded meaning would be óbiʝoetsʼí-
, a compound that literally means ‘rhino urine’ but is actually the name of a
species of vine (that nonetheless was apparently the favorite urination spot of
rhinos). Through both types of meaning-making, Ik compounds add a consider-
able amount of expressiveness and color to the language’s vocabulary.
In addition to the two broader semantic categories of compounds discussed
above, five other categories of Ik compounds are recognized. These include the
agentive, diminutive, internal, variative, and relational, all discussed in the sec-
tions to follow.

4.3.1 Agentive (agt)

1 Ik forms agentive compounds by using the root ámá- ‘person’ (for singular)
or icé- (for plural) as the last element in a compound. Although the root Icé- sim-
ply means ‘Ik people’ when standing on its own, in the agentive construction
it denotes plural agents. Here ‘agent’ is understood broadly as any person or
thing that does or is whatever is characterized by the first element in the com-

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pound. The first element may be a noun, as in dɛá-ámà- ‘messenger’, literally

‘foot-person’, or a verb as in ŋwàxɔ̀nì-àmà- ‘lame person’, literally ‘to be lame-
person’. Note, however, that even though ŋwàxɔ̀n is a verb semantically, it has
been deverbalized into a noun by the infinitive suffix {-òn}. Ik agentive com-
pounds can be translated into English in various ways, depending on what is
appropriate. Table 35 presents several examples of agentive compounds:
Table 35: Ik agentive compounds

Singlar Plural
aká-ámà- aká-ícé- mouth-person ‘talker’
ɓɛƙɛ́sí-àmà- ɓɛƙɛ́sí-ícé- walking-person ‘traveler’
itelesí-ámà- itelesí-ícé- watching-person ‘watchman’
kɔŋɛ́sí-àmà- kɔŋɛ́sí-ícé- cooking-person ‘cook’
ɲósomá-ámà- ɲósomá-ícé- studies-person ‘student’
sɨsɨká-ámà- sɨsɨká-ícé- middle-person ‘middle child’
yʉɛ́-ámà- yué-ícé- lie-person ‘liar’

4.3.2 Diminutive (dim)

Ik forms diminutive compounds by using the root imá- ‘child’ (for singular) and
wicé- ‘children’ (for plural) as the second element in a compound. In the more
literal interpretation, the first element is the animate being (animal or human)
of which the second element is the ‘child’ or ‘children’, as in ɗóɗò-ìmà- ‘lamb’
or ɗóɗo-wicé- ‘lambs’. But when the first element is inanimate, the diminutive
construction conveys a sense of ‘a small X’ or ‘small Xs’, for example ƙɔfó-ìmà- ‘a
small gourd bowl’ and ƙɔfó-wicé- ‘small gourd bowls’. Lastly, the two interpreta-
tions can also get blurred, as when an animate being is perceived as smaller than
normal but not as the child of anything. This can be seen, for instance, in the
compound ídèmè-ìmà- ‘earthworm’, literally ‘snake-child’. Table 36 offers sev-
eral more examples of the diminutive compound. Notice that when the whole
construction is pluralized, both elements may get pluralized, as when ámá-ìmà-
‘someone’s child’ becomes roɓa-wicé- ‘someone’s (pl.) children’:

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Grammar sketch

Table 36: Ik diminutive compounds

Singular Plural
ámá-ìmà- roɓa-wicé- person-child ‘someone’s child’
bàrò-ìmà- bárítíní-wicé- herd-child ‘small herd’
ɓɨsá-ímà- ɓísítíní-wicé- spear-child ‘dart’
dómá-ìmà- dómítíní-wicé- pot-child ‘small pot’
gwá-ímà- gwá-wícé- bird-child ‘chick’
ŋókí-ìmà- ŋókítíní-wicé- dog-child ‘puppy’
ɔ́ʝá-ìmà- ɔ́ʝítíní-wicé- sore-child ‘small sore’

4.3.3 Internal (int)

So-called internal compounds are made with the bound nominal root aʝíká-
‘among/inside’. When appended to plural noun, this nominal conveys a sense
of interiority or internality to the noun. The internal compound, which occurs
relatively rarely, is exemplified in Table 37:
Table 37: Ik internal compounds

Plural Internal
àwìkà- ‘homes’ → awika-aʝíká- ‘in/among homes’
ríʝíkà- ‘forests’ → ríʝíka-aʝíká- ‘in/among forests’
sédìkà- ‘gardens’ → sédika-aʝíká- ‘in/among gardens’

4.3.4 Variative (var)

So-called variative compounds are made with the bound nominal root icíká-
‘various (kinds of)’. When appended to a noun – singular or plural – this nomi-
nal morpheme communicates a sense of variety or the multiplicity of a type. As
a kind of pluralizer itself, icíká- is may be called upon to pluralize five kinds of
nouns: 1) transnumeral nouns, 2) nouns not usually pluralizeable in the usual
sense, 3) inherently plural nouns, 4) already pluralized nouns, and 5) verb infini-
tives. Table 38 presents one example for each of these five kinds of nouns that
the variative bound nominal icíká- can be used to pluralize:

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Table 38: Ik variative compounds

Singular/Plural Variative
gwaá- ‘bird(s)’ → gwa-icíká- ‘kinds of birds’
cɛmá- ‘fights’ → cɛmá-ícíká- ‘war’
mɛná- ‘issues’ → mɛná-ícíká- ‘various issues’
dakwítíní- ‘trees’ → dakwítíní-icíká- ‘kinds of trees’
wetésí- ‘to drink’ → wetésí-icíká- ‘drinks’

4.3.5 Relational
Ik compounding is also used to create relational nouns that express the spatial
or structural relationship one thing has to another. In this way, Ik metaphorically
extends body-part terms to other non-bodily relationships. Table 39 presents
some of the Ik body-part terms used metaphorically:
Table 39: Ik body-part terms with extended meanings

Root Lexical meaning Relational meaning

aká- ‘mouth’ ‘entrance, opening’
aƙatí- ‘nose’ ‘handle, stem’
bakutsí- ‘chest’ ‘front part’
bùbùì- ‘belly’ ‘underside’
dɛá- ‘foot’ ‘base, foot’
ekú- ‘eye’ ‘center, point’
gúró- ‘heart’ ‘core, essence’
iká- ‘head’ ‘head, top’
kwayó- ‘tooth’ ‘edge’
ŋabérí- ‘rib’ ‘side’

So then, in an Ik relational compound, terms like those in Table 39 form the

second element in the compound, a position in which they denote the ‘part’ in
a ‘whole-part’ semantic relationship. Accordingly, the first element in the rela-
tional compound represents the ‘whole’ in the structural relationship. Table 40
displays a handful of such ‘whole-part’ compounds:

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Grammar sketch

Table 40: Ik relational compounds

Roots Lexical meaning Relational meaning

aká-kwáyó- mouth-tooth ‘lip’
dáŋá-àkà- termite-mouth ‘termite mound hole’
dòɗì-èkù- vagina-eye ‘cervix’
fátára-bakutsí- ridge-chest ‘front of vertical ridge’
fetí-ékù- sun-eye ‘east’
kaiɗeí-áƙátí- pumpkin-nose ‘pumpkin stem’
kwará-dɛ̀à- mountain-foot ‘base of mountain’
kwaré-ékù- mountain-eye ‘saddle between peaks’
taɓá-dɛ̀à- boulder-foot ‘base of boulder’
tsʼaɗí-ákà- fire-mouth ‘flame’

5 Pronouns
5.1 Overview
Pronouns ‘stand in’ for nouns that are not explicitly mentioned. Most Ik pro-
nouns are free-standing words, but the subject-agreement pronominals and the
dummy pronominal are suffixes that are bound to verbs (and so are treated in
§8 on verbs). In a sentence, free pronouns are handled just like nouns in that
they take case and modifiers. The free pronouns discussed in this section fall
into the following nine categories: personal, impersonal possessum, indefinite,
interrogative, demonstrative, relative, reflexive, distributive, and cohortative.

5.2 Personal pronouns

Ik personal pronouns represent the various grammatical persons that can be
referred to in a sentence. The name is slightly misleading in that the pronouns can
also denote nonpersonal, inanimate entities expressed by ‘it’ and ‘they’ (when
referring to things). The Ik personal pronoun system operates along three axes:
person (1, 2, 3), number (sg, pl), and clusivity (exc, inc). The ‘first person’ refers
to ‘I’ and ‘we’, the second to ‘you’, and the third to ‘she’, ‘he’, ‘it’, and ‘they’.
‘Number’ (singular or plural) obviously has to do with whether the entity is one
or more than one. And ‘clusivity’ (exclusive or inclusive) indicates whether
the addressee of the speech is excluded from or included in the reference of ‘we’.
Table 41 presents the seven Ik personal pronouns in their lexical root forms, while
Table 42 presents the same but in their full case declension:

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 5 Pronouns

Table 41: Ik personal pronouns

1sg ɲ́cì- ‘I’

2sg bì- ‘you’
3sg ntsí- ‘(s)he/it’
1pl.exc ŋgó- ‘we’
1pl.inc ɲjíní- ‘we all’
2pl bìtì- ‘you all’
3pl ńtí- ‘they’

Table 42: Case declension of Ik personal pronouns

‘I’ ‘you’ ‘(s)he/it’

nf ff nf ff nf ff
nom ŋ́kà ŋ́kᵃ bìà bì ntsa ntsᵃ
acc ɲ́cìà ɲ́cìkᵃ bìà bìkᵃ ntsíá ntsíkᵃ
dat ɲ́cìè ɲ́cìkᵉ bìè bìkᵉ ntsíé ntsíkᵉ
gen ɲ́cìè ɲ́cì bìè bì ntsíé ntsí
abl ɲ́cùò ɲ́cù bùò bù ntsúó ntsú
ins ŋ́kò ŋ́kᵒ bùò bù ntso ntsᵒ
cop ɲ́cùò ɲ́cùkᵒ bùò bùkᵒ ntsúó ntsúkᵒ
obl ɲ́cì ɲ́cⁱ bì bì ntsi ntsⁱ

‘we’ ‘we all’ ‘you all’ ‘they’

nf ff nf ff nf ff nf ff
nom ŋgwa ŋgwᵃ ɲjíná ɲjín bìtà bìtᵃ ńtá ńtᵃ
acc ŋgóá ŋgókᵃ ɲjíníà ɲjíníkᵃ bìtìà bìtìkᵃ ńtíà ńtíkᵃ
dat ŋgóé ŋgókᵉ ɲjíníè ɲjíníkᵉ bìtìè bìtìkᵉ ńtíè ńtíkᵉ
gen ŋgóé ŋgóᵉ ɲjíníè ɲjíní bìtìè bìtì ńtíè ńtí
abl ŋgóó ŋgó ɲjínúò ɲjínú bìtùò bìtù ńtúò ńtú
ins ŋgo ŋgᵒ ɲjínó ɲjínᵒ bìtò bìtᵒ ńtó ńtᵒ
cop ŋgóó ŋgókᵒ ɲjínúò ɲjínúkᵒ bìtùò bìtùkᵒ ńtúò ńtúkᵒ
obl ŋgo ŋgᵒ ɲjíní ɲjín bìtì bìtⁱ ńtí ńtⁱ

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Grammar sketch

5.3 Impersonal possessum pronoun (pssm)

Ik also has a special pronoun whose only function is to represent a possessum,
that is, generally, an entity associated with another entity (a possessor). This pro-
noun has the form ɛní- and must be bound to another noun or pronoun as the last
element in a compound construction. It is impersonal in that it communicates
nothing about the possessor or the possessum except for the relationship of pos-
session itself. The impersonal possessum pronoun can be used in a compound
construction with personal pronouns or other nouns. Table 43 shows ɛní- in con-
junction with all seven personal pronouns. It can also be used with full nouns
(including deverbalized verbal infinitives) as the compound’s first element. This
type of possessive construction is illustrated in Table 44:
Table 43: Ik impersonal possessum with pronouns

ɲj-ɛ́ní- I-possessum ‘mine’

bi-ɛ́ní- you-possessum ‘yours’
nts-ɛ́ní- (s)he/it-possessum ‘hers/his/its’
ŋgó-ɛ́ní- we-possessum ‘ours’
ɲjíní-ɛ̀nì- we all-possessum ‘all of ours’
biti-ɛní- you all-possessum ‘all of yours’
ńtí-ɛ̀nì- they-possessum ‘theirs’

Table 44: Ik impersonal possessum with nouns

aɗoni-ɛní- to be three-pssm ‘the third time’

cɨkámɛ́-ɛ́ní- women-pssm ‘the women’s’
ɦyɔ-ɛní- cattle-pssm ‘the cattle’s’
Icé-ɛ́ní- Ik-pssm ‘the Ik’s’
ɲɔtɔ́-ɛ́ní- men-pssm ‘the men’s’
roɓe-ɛní- people-pssm ‘the people’s’
wicé-ɛ́ní- children-pssm ‘the children’s’

5.4 Indefinite pronouns

Pronouns that are indefinite stand for other entities but with a certain degree of
indefiniteness or vagueness. All but one of the Ik indefinite pronouns are based

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 5 Pronouns

on the root kɔní- ‘one’ or its plural counterpart kíní- ‘more than one’. The other
one that is not based on these roots is saí- ‘some more/other’, a root that may not
actually belong with this set but is included on the basis of its English translation.
Table 45 provides a rundown of these Ik indefinite pronouns:
Table 45: Ik indefinite pronouns

kɔní- one ‘another, some (sg)’

kɔ́n-áí- one-place ‘somewhere (else)’
kɔ́ní-ɛ́ní- one-possessum ‘a(n), some (sg)’
kɔní-ámà- one-person ‘somebody, someone’
kɔ́n-ɔ́mà- one-singulative ‘some unknown person’
kíní-ámá- many-person ‘some unknown people’
kíní-ɛ́ní- many-possessum ‘some (pl)’
saí- some ‘some more, some other’

5.5 Interrogative pronouns

The role of interrogative pronouns is to query the identity of the entity they
represent. As a result, they are used to form questions. All but one of the Ik in-
terrogative pronouns incorporate the ancient northeastern African interrogative
particle *nd-/nt-, and the one that does not has the form ìsì- ‘what’. The seven
Ik interrogative pronouns are presented in Table 46. Note that in the table’s first
column, forms are hyphenated when there is a hypothesis as to their internal
morphological composition, which is reflected in the second column:
Table 46: Ik interrogative pronouns

ìsì- what ‘what?’

nd-aí- ?-place ‘where?’
ǹdò- who ‘who?’
ńt- ? ‘where?’
ńtɛ́-ɛ́ní- ?-possessum ‘which (sg)’
ńtí-ɛ́ní- ?-possessum ‘which (pl)’
ńtí ? ‘how?’

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Grammar sketch

In the formation of a question, Ik interrogative pronouns fill the same slot as

the nouns they are representing. It is common for the interrogative pronoun
to be ‘fronted’: moved for emphasis to the first place in the sentence. When
this happens, the interrogative pronoun takes the copulative case (see §7.8), as
exemplified in sentences (17)-(18). Both demonstrated word orders are perfectly
acceptable. For more on how questions are formed in Ik, please see §10.4.3.

(17) a. Bɛ́ɗídà ìs?

want:2sg what:nom
‘You want what?
b. Isio bɛ́ɗîdᵃ?
what:cop want:2sg
‘What do you want?

(18) a. Ia ndaíkᵉ?
be:3sg where:dat
‘It is where?’
b. Ndaíó iâdᵉ?
where:cop be:3sg:dp
‘Where is it?’

5.6 Demonstrative pronouns

Ik also has a set of demonstrative pronouns that referentially ‘demonstrate’
or point to an entity. They are all based on either the singular form ɗɨ- ‘this
(one)’ or the plural form ɗi- ‘these (ones)’ that differ formally only in regard to
their vowel (/ɨ/ versus /i/). The Ik demonstrative pronoun system is divided in
three categories based on spatial distance from the speaker: 1) proximal, mean-
ing near the speaker, 2) medial, meaning a relatively medium distance from the
speaker, and 3) distal, meaning relatively far from the speaker. The medial and
distal forms, for both singular and plural, consist of the root ɗɨ-/ɗi- preceded by
the cliticized distal demonstratives kɨ ‘that’ (derived from ke) for singular and ki
‘those’ for plural. The only difference between the medial and distal pronouns
is the tone pattern whereby the medial form has a high tone on the last syllable,
while the distal form does not. Table 47 presents these pronouns in their six lex-
ical forms, while Table 48 gives their full case declensions. Note that the medial
and distal forms are indistinguishable except in the nom, ins, and obl cases:

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 5 Pronouns

Table 47: Ik demonstrative pronouns

Singular Plural
Proximal ɗɨˊ- ‘this’ ɗiˊ- ‘these’
Medial kɨɗí- ‘that’ kiɗí- ‘those
Distal kɨɗɨˊ- ‘that’ kiɗiˊ- ‘those’

Table 48: Case declensions of the demonstrative pronouns

Proximal Medial Distal

sg pl sg pl sg pl
nom ɗa ɗa kɨɗá kiɗá kɨɗa kiɗa
acc ɗíá ɗíá kɨɗíá kiɗíá kɨɗíá kiɗíá
dat ɗɛ́ɛ́ ɗíé kɨɗɛ́ɛ́ kiɗíé kɨɗɛ́ɛ́ kiɗíé
gen ɗɛ́ɛ́ ɗíé kɨɗɛ́ɛ́ kiɗíé kɨɗɛ́ɛ́ kiɗíé
abl ɗɔ́ɔ́ ɗúó kɨɗɔ́ɔ́ kiɗúó kɨɗɔ́ɔ́ kiɗúó
ins ɗɔ ɗo kɨɗɔ́ kiɗó kɨɗɔ kiɗo
cop ɗɔ́ɔ́ ɗúó kɨɗɔ́ɔ́ kiɗúó kɨɗɔ́ɔ́ kiɗúó
obl ɗɨ ɗi kɨɗí kiɗí kɨɗɨ kiɗi

5.7 Relative pronouns (rel)

The role of relative pronouns is to introduce a relative clause: a clause embed-
ded in a main clause to specify the reference of an entity in the main clause. One
of the most fascinating features of the Ik relative pronoun system is that it is
tensed. That is, it is able to encode the time period at which the statement con-
tained in the relative clause holds or held true. The five time periods covered by
these pronouns are 1) non-past, 2) recent past (earlier today), 3) removed past
(yester-, last), 4) remote past (a while ago), and 5) remotest past (long ago).
The Ik relative pronouns are all enclitics based on the proto-demonstratives
na ‘this’ and ni ‘these’ (see §6.2 below). Those proto-forms are identical to the
non-past relative pronouns na ‘that/which’ and ni ‘that/which (pl)’ shown in
Table 49. The remaining tensed relative pronouns are built from the proto-forms
with a variety of ancient prefixes and suffixes such as sɨ-/si- and -tso/-tsu.
As shown in examples (19)-(20), no matter where an Ik relative clause (rc) ap-
pears in a sentence, the relative pronoun will introduce it as the first element in

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Grammar sketch

Table 49: Ik relative pronouns

Singular Plural
Non-past =na =ni ‘that/which …’
Recent past =náa =níi ‘that/which …’
Removed past =sɨna =sini ‘that/which …’
Remote past =nótso =nútsu ‘that/which …’
Remotest past =noo =nuu ‘that/which …’

the clause. The entity in the main clause that the relative clause is modifying –
called the common argument – must be the last word before the relative clause.
As a clitic, the relative pronoun attaches to the common argument. To learn more
about the syntax of relative clauses, please see §10.3.2.

(19) Atsáá ceka=[náa ƙwaatetᵃ]rc .

come:3sg:prf woman:nom=rel:sg give.birth:3sg
‘The woman [who gave birth today] has come.’

(20) Tɔŋɔ́lano rie=[sini detí]rc .

slaughter:hort goats:obl=rel:pl bring:1sg
‘Let’s slaughter the goats [that I brought yesterday].’

5.8 Reflexive pronoun

Ik has a reflexive pronoun that ‘reflects’ the impact of a verb back onto the
subject of the verb. In other words, with the reflexive, the subject and object of
an action are the same entity. The Ik reflexive pronoun has the form así- in the
singular and ásíkà- in the plural, translated as ‘-self’ and ‘-selves’, respectively.
These reflexive pronouns are used extensively to make semi-transitive verbs:
verbs falling between transitive and intransitive. For example, while the verb
ídzòn ‘to discharge, emit’ is intransitive and the verb ídzès ‘to discharge, emit,
shoot’ is transitive, the verb ídzesa así ‘to shoot across (literally ‘to shoot -self’)’
is ‘semi-transitive’ because the subject and object of the shooting are the same
entity. The full case declensions of the singular and plural reflexive pronouns
are given below in Table 50, and example sentences (21)-(22) illustrate both the
reflexive and the semi-transitive usages of these special pronouns:

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 6 Demonstratives

(21) Kwatsítúƙoe as.

small:caus:comp:imp self:obl
‘Humble yourself (lit: make yourself small).’

(22) Ƙaio dzúíka ɨtíɗíɗátie ásíkàk ᵃ.

go:seq thieves:nom sneak:3pl:sim selves:acc
‘And the thieves went slinking away (lit: sneaking themselves).’

Table 50: Case declensions of the reflexive pronouns

Singular Plural
nf ff nf ff
nom asa as ásíkà ásíkᵃ
acc asíá asíkᵃ ásíkàà ásíkàkᵃ
dat asíɛ́ asík ᵋ ásíkɛ̀ɛ̀ ásíkàk ᵋ
gen asíɛ́ así ásíkɛ̀ɛ̀ ásíkà ᵋ
abl asʉ́ɔ́ asʉ́ ásíkɔ̀ɔ̀ ásíkàᵓ
ins asɔ asᵓ ásíkɔ̀ ásíkᵓ
cop asʉ́ɔ́ asʉ́kᵓ ásíkɔ̀ɔ̀ ásíkàkᵓ
obl asɨ as ásíkà ásíkᵃ

6 Demonstratives
6.1 Overview
Ik’s demonstratives grammatically point to a referent. In the case of nominal
demonstratives, the referent is an entity named by a noun, whereas adverbial
demonstratives point to a scene or situation of some sort, encoded by a whole
clause. The Ik nominal demonstratives are all enclitics that come just after their
host (the referent), as in ámá=nà ‘this person’. Because the locative adverbial
demonstratives function as adverbs, they tend to come at the end of the clause
they are modifying. Unlike demonstrative pronouns (see §5.6), spatial and tem-
poral demonstratives are not nouns and never take case endings.

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Grammar sketch

6.2 Spatial demonstratives (dem)

Ik’s spatial demonstratives locate their referent in physical space in degrees of
distance from the speaker. For singular referents, there are three degrees of dis-
tance: proximal (near), medial (relatively near/far), and distal (more distant).
For plural referents, the language inexplicably only distinguishes between proxi-
mal and distal. The singular demonstratives are usually translated into English as
‘this’ and ‘that’ and the plural ones as ‘these’ or ‘those’. Table 51 below presents
the whole set of spatial nominal demonstratives. Notice that in their final forms
(ff), their final vowels may be whispered or omitted altogether:
Table 51: Ik spatial demonstratives

Singular Plural
nf ff nf ff
Proximal =na =na (=n) =ni =ni (=n)
Medial =ne =ne (=n)
Distal =ke =ke (=kᵉ) =ki =ki (=kⁱ)

Spatial demonstratives usually directly follow their referent, as in (23)-(24):

(23) Eakwóó ɗa=n.

man:cop this.one:nom=dem.sg.prox
‘This one is a man.’

(24) Káwese koto ríʝá=ke.

cut:sps then forest=dem.sg.dist
‘And then that forest over there was cut down.’

6.3 Temporal demonstratives (dem.pst)

The temporal demonstratives, by contrast, locate their referent in five periods
of time: non-past (present and future), recent past (earlier today), removed
past (yester-, last), remote past (a while ago before yesterday), and remotest
past (long ago). Ik has both singular and plural temporal nominal demonstra-
tives, and these are listed below in Table 52. These temporal demonstratives are
usually translated into English as ‘this’ and ‘that’ in the singular, and ‘these’ and
‘those’ in the plural, but with a sense of time rather than physical location. Recall
from Table 49 that Ik’s relative pronouns are identical in form to the temporal

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demonstratives in Table 52, except that because relative pronouns never occur
before a pause, they lack the final forms (ff) of those in Table 52:
Table 52: Ik temporal demonstratives

Singular Plural
nf ff nf ff
Non-past =na =n =ni =n
Recent past =náa =nákᵃ =níi =níkⁱ
Removed past =sɨna =sɨn =sini =sin
Remote past =nótso =nótso =nútsu =nútsu
Remotest past =noo =nokᵒ =nuu =nukᵘ

Just like spatial demonstratives, temporal demonstratives directly follow the

noun they refer to, as example sentences (25)-(26) illustrate:

(25) Ráʝéte ɗɨ=nák ᵃ.

return:ven:imp one:obl=dem.sg.rec
‘Give back the earlier one.’

(26) Gaana kaɨna=nótso Lopíaríɛ́ zùkᵘ.

bad:3sg year:nom=dem.sg.rem Lopiar.gen very
‘That year (a while back) of Lopiar was very bad.’

6.4 Anaphoric demonstratives (anaph)

The anaphoric demonstratives locate their referent not in space or time per
se but rather in shared communicative context. In other words, they point back
to a referent that has either been mentioned already in the same discourse or
is already known by both speaker and hearer by some other means. Ik has a
singular and a plural anaphoric demonstrative which are enclitics that have the
same form in both non-final and final environments (i.e., their final vowels are
not omitted). These invariant anaphoric demonstratives, translated into English
as ‘that’ in the singular and ‘those’ in the plural, are presented in Table 53:
Table 53: Ik anaphoric demonstratives

Singular Plural
=déé =díí

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Grammar sketch

Ik anaphoric demonstratives also directly follow their referents, as in (27)-(28):

(27) Itíóna ɲatala=déé.

be.important:3sg tradition:nom=anaph.sg
‘That tradition (already discussed) is important.’

(28) Atsa=noo roɓa=díí Sópìàᵒ.

come:3sg=pst people:nom=anaph.pl Ethiopia:abl
‘Those people (already mentioned) came from Ethiopia.’

6.5 Adverbial demonstratives

6.5.1 Overview
Besides the three types of nominal demonstratives described above, Ik also has a
set of adverbial demonstratives that involve both locative and anaphoric loca-
tive reference. Unlike the nominal demonstratives, the adverbial demonstratives
are technically nouns themselves in that they are marked for case and can take
their own nominal demonstratives. Their function, however, is adverbial.

6.5.2 Locative adverbial demonstratives

The first type of adverbial demonstrative, the locative adverbial demonstra-
tive, locates the state or event expressed in a clause in physical space. Ik has
three sets of such demonstratives. As shown in Table 54, Sets 1 and 2 are built on
degree of distance, while Set 3, in addition to degree of distance, is also split into
singular and plural. These demonstratives are usually translated into English as
‘here’, ‘there’, and ‘over there’, depending on relative distance:
Examples (29)-(30) illustrate the locative adverbial demonstratives:

(29) Ɨtáía=bee kíxánee=kᵉ.

reach:1sg=pst there=dem.sg.dist
‘I reached there yesterday.’

(30) Ƙaini dzígwaa naíé=ne.

go:seq trade:acc there=dem.sg.med
‘And they went to do trade just right there.’

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 6 Demonstratives

Table 54: Ik locative adverbial demonstratives

Set 1 Set 2
Proximal náxánà- (=na)
Medial nédì- (=ne)
Distal kédì- (ke) kíxánà- (=ke)
Set 3 Singular Plural
Proximal naí- (=na) nií- (=ni)
Medial naí- (=ne)
Distal kɔ́ɔ́ (=ke) kií- (=ke)

6.5.3 Anaphoric locative demonstratives

The second type of Ik adverbial demonstrative are called the anaphoric loca-
tives, which are nouns with a demonstrative function. Like the locative nominal
demonstratives, these demonstratives point to a specific place – or metaphor-
ically, a specific time – while also signifying anaphorically that that place or
time is already known, either from earlier in the discourse or for some other rea-
son. Ik has two such demonstratives with roughly the same meaning: tsʼɛ́dɛ́- and
tʉmɛdɛ́-, both of which are typically translated as ‘there’ or more rarely ‘then’.
Because these words are technically nouns, Table 55 presents them in a full case
declension, while examples (31)-(32) illustrate them in sentences.
Table 55: Case declension of anaphoric locative demonstratives

‘there’ ‘there’
nom tsʼɛ́da tʉmɛda
acc tsʼɛ́dɛ́á tʉmɛdɛ́á
dat tsʼɛ́dɛ́ɛ́ tʉmɛdɛ́ɛ́
gen tsʼɛ́dɛ́ɛ́ tʉmɛdɛ́ɛ́
abl tsʼɛ́dɔ́ɔ́ tʉmɛdɔ́ɔ́
ins tsʼɛ́dɔ tʉmɛdɔ
cop tsʼɛ́dɔ́ɔ́ tʉmɛdɔ́ɔ́
obl tsʼɛ́dɛ́ tʉmɛdɛ́

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Grammar sketch

(31) Ƙaa=noo óŋora=ʝɨɨ tsʼɛ́dɛ́ɛ́.

go:3sg=pst elephant(s):nom=also there:dat
‘Even the elephants went there (place already mentioned).’

(32) Pɛlɛ́mʉɔ saa tʉmɛdɔ́ɔ́.

appear:seq others:nom there:abl
‘And others appeared from there (place already known).’

7 Case
7.1 Overview
Ik has a case system. This means that every noun has a special marking to show
what role it has in the sentence. The language marks this role by means of a set of
case suffixes (endings). Four of the cases are marked with suffixes consisting of
a single vowel, while for three others, the suffix consists of /k/ plus a vowel. An
eighth case, the oblique, is marked by the absence of any suffix. In the following
examples, (33)-(40), notice how the word ŋókí- ‘dog’ at the end of each sentence
has a different ending depending on the case for which it is marked:

(33) Atsa ŋókᵃ.

come:3sg dog:nom
‘The dog comes.’

(34) Cɛa boroka ŋókíkᵃ.

kill:3sg bushpig:nom dog:acc
‘The bushpig kills the dog.’

(35) Maa eméá ŋókíkᵉ.

give:3sg meat:acc dog:dat
‘He gives meat to the dog.’

(36) Mɨta ima ŋókí.

be:3sg child:nom dog:gen
‘It is the child of the dog.’

(37) Xɛɓa ŋókú.

fear:3sg dog:abl
‘He fears the dog.’

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 7 Case

(38) Ƙaa ŋókᵒ.

go:3sg dog:ins
‘He goes with the dog.’
(39) Bɛna ŋókúkᵒ.
not.be:3sg dog:cop
‘It is not a dog.’
(40) Mɨta ŋókⁱ.
be:3sg dog:obl
‘It is a dog.’
Eight examples are given above because Ik has eight cases: nominative, ac-
cusative, dative, genitive, ablative, instrumental, copulative, and oblique. Ta-
ble 56 presents the non-final and final forms of the suffixes that mark all eight
of these cases. Keep in mind that the null symbol <Ø> signifies either 1) that the
case suffix is inaudible or, for the oblique case, 2) that there is no case suffix:
Table 56: Ik case suffixes

Case Abbreviation Non-final Final

Nominative nom -a -ᵃ/-Ø
Accusative acc -a -kᵃ
Dative dat -e -kᵉ
Genitive gen -e -e/-Ø
Ablative abl -o -ᵒ/-Ø
Instrumental ins -o -ᵒ/-Ø
Copulative cop -o -kᵒ
Oblique obl -Ø -Ø

From Table 56, there may appear to be significant ambiguity in the Ik case sys-
tem. For instance, the non-final forms of the nominative and accusative suffixes,
the dative and genitive suffixes, and the ablative, instrumental, and copulative
suffixes all look the same, respectively. In most cases, the key to disambiguat-
ing the suffixes is called ‘subtractive’ morphology. Two of the Ik case suffixes
(namely nominative and instrumental) are subtractive in that they subtract or
delete the final vowel of the noun to which they attach. So, for example, while
the non-final forms of the nominative and accusative are identical, their mor-
phological behavior is not: the nominative {-a} subtracts the noun’s final vowel,

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Grammar sketch

as when ŋókí- ‘dog’ becomes ŋók-á ‘dog:nom’; by contrast, the accusative suffix
is non-subtractive, as in ŋókí-à ‘dog:acc’. Other case ambiguities like genitive
versus dative and ablative versus copulative, in their non-final forms, can be re-
solved in the context of the sentence. Different verbs require different cases.
Since every Ik noun ends in a vowel, and since that vowel can be any of the nine
(/i, ɨ, e, ɛ, a, ɔ, o, ʉ, u/), the collision of nouns and case suffixes gives rise to all
kinds of vowel assimilation (see §2.4.4). The next two tables present declensions
of two nouns illustrating vowel assimilation. Table 57 shows the noun fetí- ‘sun’
declined for all eight cases. In particular, notice how the vowel /o/ in the ablative
and copulative suffixes partially assimilate the /i/ in fetí- to become /u/:

Table 57: Case declension of fetí- ‘sun’

Case Non-final Final

nom feta fetᵃ
acc fetíá fetíkᵃ
dat fetíé fetíkᵉ
gen fetíé fetí
abl fetúó fetú
ins feto fetᵒ
cop fetúó fetúkᵒ
obl feti fetⁱ

While Table 57 shows partial vowel assimilation caused by case suffixation, Ta-
ble 58 reveals an instance of total assimilation. In this table, the noun kíʝá- ‘land’
is declined for all eight cases. Note how the final /a/ of kíʝá- becomes totally
assimilated by the non-final dative, genitive, ablative, and copulative suffixes.

7.2 Nominative (nom)

The nominative case, marked by the suffix {-a}, is the ‘naming’ case, whose role
is to: 1) mark the subject of main clauses, 2) mark the subject of sequential clauses
(see §8.10.7), and 3) mark the direct object of clauses with 1st and 2nd person sub-
jects (‘I’, ‘we’, ‘you’). Three examples ((41)-(43)) are provided below, each one
illustrating one of the three grammatical roles of the nominative case. The third
example contains seven sentences that show how Ik object marking is split: ob-
jects after 3-person subjects ((s)he/it, they) take the accusative case, while 1- or
2-person subjects (you, we) take objects in the nominative case:

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 7 Case

Table 58: Case declension of kíʝá- ‘land’

Case Non-final Final

nom kíʝá kíʝᵃ
acc kíʝáà kíʝákᵃ
dat kíʝéè kíʝákᵉ
gen kíʝéè kíʝáᵉ
abl kíʝóò kíʝáᵒ
ins kíʝó kíʝᵒ
cop kíʝóò kíʝákᵒ
obl kíʝá kíʝᵃ

Subject of a main clause

(41) Atsáá lɔŋɔ́t- ᵃ!
come:prf enemies-nom
‘The enemies have come!’
Subject of a sequential clause
(42) Toɓuo ƙaƙaam-a kʉláɓákᵃ.
spear:seq hunter-nom bushbuck:acc
‘And the hunter speared the bushbuck.’
Object of a clause with a 1/2-person subject

(43) a. Ŋƙíá tɔbɔŋ-a=na.

eat:1sg mush-nom=this
‘I eat this meal mush.’
b. Ŋƙída tɔbɔŋ-a=na.
eat:2sg mush-nom=this
‘You eat this meal mush.’
c. Ŋƙa tɔbɔŋɔ́-á=na.
eat:3sg mush-acc=this
‘She eats this meal mush.’
d. Ŋƙímá tɔbɔŋ-a=na
eat:1pl.exc mush-nom=this
‘We eat this meal mush.’

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Grammar sketch

e. Ŋƙísína tɔbɔŋ-a=na.
eat:1pl.inc mush-nom=this
‘We all eat this meal mush.’
f. Ŋƙítá tɔbɔŋ-a=na.
eat:2pl mush-nom=this
‘You all eat this meal mush.’
g. Ŋƙáta tɔbɔŋɔ́-á=na.
eat:3pl mush-acc=this
‘They eat this meal mush.’

7.3 Accusative case (acc)

The accusative case, marked by the suffix {-ka}, is also split with regard to its
basic function. One of its basic functions, that for which it is named, is to mark
the direct object of any clause with a 3-person subject ((s)he/it, they). Its other
common function is to mark the subject and any object of several kinds of subor-
dinate clauses (including relative and temporal clauses). Each of these functions
is exemplified by one of the sentences in examples (44)-(47). In the first example,
a sentence with a 1-person subject is also given to show the contrast:

Direct object of a clause with a 3-person subject

(44) Wetésátà mɛ̀sɛ̀-à mùɲ.
drink:fut:3pl beer-acc all
‘They will drink all the beer.’

(45) Wetésímà mɛ̀s-à mùɲ.

drink:fut:1pl.exc beer-nom all
‘We will drink all the beer.’

Subject and object of a subordinate clause

(46) Mee kɔ́rɔ́ɓádi=[náa ɲci-a detí.]
give:imp thing:obl=that I-acc bring:1sg
‘Give me the thing that I brought earlier.’

(47) [Noo ŋgó-á bɛ́ɗímɛɛ bi-a], …

when we-acc want:1pl.exc you-acc
‘When we were looking for you, …’

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7.4 Dative (dat)

The dative case, marked by the suffix {-ke}, is the ‘to’ or ‘in’ case, whose role is
to mark indirect objects (also called ‘extended’ or ‘secondary’ objects). These in-
direct objects may encode semantic notions like destination, location, recipient,
experiencer, possession, and purpose. These are illustrated in examples (48)-(53):

Destination
(48) Ƙeesíá awá-kᵉ.
go:fut:1sg home-dat
‘I’m going home.’
Location
(49) Ia sédà-kᵉ.
be:3sg garden-dat
‘She’s in the garden.’
Recipient
(50) Tɔkɔráta kabasáá ròɓà-kᵉ.
divide:3pl flour:acc people-dat
‘They are dividing out flour to people.’
Experiencer
(51) Ɨɓálá ɲcì-è zùkᵘ.
appall:3sg I-dat very
‘It really appalls me.’ (Lit: ‘It is very appalling to me.’)
Possession
(52) Ia ɦyɔa ntsí-kᵉ.
be:3sg cattle:nom he-dat
‘He has cattle.’ (Lit: ‘There are cattle to him.’)

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Grammar sketch

Purpose
(53) Ƙaa ɲera dakúáƙɔ̀-k ᵋ.
go:3sg girls:nom wood:inside-dat
‘The girls go for firewood.’

7.5 Genitive (gen)

The genitive case, marked by the suffix {-e}, is the ‘of’ case, whose role is to en-
code a possessive or associative relationship a noun has with another noun (or,
in rare cases, with a verb). Within the broad notions of possession and associa-
tion are finer nuances such as: ownership, part-whole relationship, kinship, and
attribution. These nuances are illustrated in examples (54)-(57):

Ownership
(54) Hɔ́nɨnɨ ɦyɔa ńtí-e ɓórékᵉ.
drive:seq cattle:acc they-gen corral:dat
‘And they drove their cattle to the corral.’
Part-whole relationship
(55) Wasá dɛɛdɛɛ kwará-ᵉ.
stand:3sg foot:dat mountain-gen
‘He’s standing at the foot of the mountain.’
Kinship
(56) Míná cekíá ntsí-é zùkᵘ.
love:3sg wife:acc he-gen very
‘He loves his wife very much.’
Attribution
(57) Maráŋá muceá bì-Ø .
good:3sg way:nom you-gen
‘Your luck is good.’ (lit: Your way is good.)
The genitive case has two further roles. One is the nominalization of clauses,
that is, the process by which a whole clause is changed into a noun phrase that
can be used as a subject or object in another clause. For example, the clause
Cɛɨƙɔta náa eakwa ídèmèk ᵃ ‘The man killed the snake’ can be compressed into

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 7 Case

the nominalized cɛɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta eakwéé ídèmè ‘the killing of the man of the snake’ or
‘the man’s killing of the snake’. The other secondary role of the genitive has to
do with verb ƙámón ‘to be like’. For unknown historical reasons, this particular
verb requires genitive case marking on its complement, as in Ƙámá ròɓèè mùɲ
‘He’s like all people’, where ròɓè-è is analyzed as ‘people-gen’ or ‘of people’.

7.6 Ablative (abl)

The ablative case, marked by the suffix {-o}, is the ‘from’ case (or in some situa-
tions ‘at’ or ‘in’), whose function is to mark objects with the following semantic
roles: origin/source, cause, stimulus, source of judgment, location of activity (ver-
sus static location, which is covered by the dative case). Each of these semantic
roles of the ablative are illustrated among example sentences (58)-(62):

Origin/source
(58) Atsía awá- ᵒ.
come:1sg home-abl
‘I come from home.’
Cause
(59) Baduƙota=noo ɲɛ́ƙɛ̀- ᵓ.
die:3sg=pst hunger-abl
‘He died from hunger.’
Stimulus
(60) Xɛɓa ɲérà- ᵒ.
fear:3sg girls-abl
‘He’s shy of girls.’
Source of judgment
(61) Daa ɲ́cù-Ø .
nice:3sg I-abl
‘It’s nice to me.’
Location of activity
(62) Cɛmáta sédìkà- ᵒ.
fight:3pl gardens-abl
‘They are fighting in the gardens.’

531
Grammar sketch

7.7 Instrumental (ins)

The instrumental case, marked by the suffix {-o}, is the ‘by’ or ‘with’ case. Un-
like the ablative suffix {-o}, the instrumental suffix is subtractive, meaning that
it first deletes the noun’s final vowel. The function of the instrumental case is
to mark secondary objects with such semantic roles as instrument/means, path-
way, accompaniment, manner, time, and occupation. Each of these nuances are
illustrated by one sentence each in example sentences (63)-(68):

Instrument/means
(63) Toɓíá=noo gasoa ɓɨs- ᵓ.
spear:1sg=pst warthog:nom spear-ins
‘I speared a warthog with a spear.’
Pathway
(64) Ƙaini fots-o gígìròkᵉ.
go:3pl ravine-ins downside:dat
‘And they went down by way of the ravine.’
Accompaniment
(65) Atsímá=naa kúrúɓád-o ŋgóᵉ.
come:1pl=pst things-ins we:gen
‘We came with our things.’
Manner
(66) Ráʝétuo ɲcie gáánàs- ᵓ.
answer:3sg I:dat badness-ins
‘And he answered me with hostility.’
Time
(67) Bɨraa ɲɛƙa ódoicik-ó=ni.
lack:3sg hunger:nom days-ins=these
‘There is no hunger these days.’
Occupation
(68) Cɛma fítés-o ƙwázìkàᵉ.
fight:3sg washing-ins clothes:gen
‘She’s washing clothes.’ (lit: ‘She is fighting with the washing of clothes.’)

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 7 Case

7.8 Copulative (cop)

The copulative case, marked by the suffix {-ko}, is the ‘is’ or ‘coupling’ case,
whose function is to link one noun to another in a relationship of exact identity.
In this function, the copulative marks three kinds of nouns: 1) a focused (fronted)
noun, 2) the complement of a verbless copula (linking verb) clause, and 3) the
complement of a negative copula of identity clause. These different uses of the
copulative are illustrated in examples sentences (69)-(73):

Fronted subject

(69) Ŋgó-ó=naa wetím.

we-cop=pst drink:1pl.exc
‘It was we (who) drank (it).’

Fronted object
(70) Emó-ó bɛ́ɗí.
meat-cop want:1sg
‘It is meat (that) I want.’
Fronted secondary object
(71) Ɲɛƙɔ-ɔ ƙaiátèè ƙàƙààƙɔ̀k ᵋ.
hunger-cop go:plur:3pl hunt:inside:dat
‘It is (due to) hunger (that) they keep going hunting.’
Verbless copula complement
(72) a. Ìsù-k ᵒ? Ámó-o keɗe …?
what-cop person-cop or
‘What is it? A person or …?’
b. Ámá-k ᵒ.
person-cop
‘It’s a person.’
Negative copula complement
(73) Bɛna=náá ɲ́cù-k ᵒ.
not.be:3sg=pst I-cop
‘It was not me!’

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Grammar sketch

7.9 Oblique (obl)

The obliqe case, marked by the absence of any suffix, is the ‘leftover’ case. As
such, it is employed to mark nouns in a variety of disparate grammatical roles
and functions. Among these are the following: 1) The subject and/or object of an
imperative clause, 2) the subject and/or object of an optative clause, 3) the object
of a preposition, and 4) a vocative noun (used when calling someone). Each of
these uses of the oblique case are demonstrated in examples (74)-(78):

Subject and/or object of an imperative clause

(74) Deté bi cue=dííǃ
bring:imp you:obl water:obl=those
‘You bring that water!’
Subject and/or object of an optative clause
(75) Ɲ́ci nesíbine emuti ntsí.
I:obl listen:1sg:opt story:obl he:gen
‘Let me listen to her story.’
Object of a preposition
(76) Túbia ima ɲ́cia páka awᵃ.
follow:3sg child:nom I:acc until home:obl
‘The child follows me up to home.’
(77) Kirotánía kóteré ɦyekesí bì.
sweat:1sg for life:obl you:gen
‘I sweat for your survival.’
Vocative
(78) Éé wice, atsúǃ
hey children:obl come:imp
‘Hey children, come!’

8 Verbs
8.1 Overview
Ik verbs consist of a verbal root (written in this book with a hyphen, as in wèt-
‘drink’) and at least one of a variety of available derivational and inflectional

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 8 Verbs

suffixes. The language has no prefixes except those borrowed centuries ago that
no longer have any active function, for example the /a/ in ábʉ̀bʉ̀ƙ- ‘bubble’ or
the /i/ in iɓóɓór- ‘hollow out’. Reduplicating a verb root, partially or totally, has
long been a strategy for creating a sense of continuousness or repetitiveness, as
when ɨtsán- ‘disturb’ becomes ɨtsanítsán- ‘torment relentlessly’.
Ik employs a large number of suffixes to create longer verb stems. Among these
are the infinitive and other deverbalizing suffixes that change a verb into a noun
that can take case endings, demonstratives, relative clauses, etc. One very key
verb-building strategy of Ik is the directional suffixes that signify the direction
of the verb’s movement to or away from the speaker. These two directionals have
also been extended metaphorically to express the beginning or completion of
actions or processes. Another set of verbal suffixes deal with voice and valency,
that is, the number of objects the verb requires. Among these are the passive,
impersonal passive, middle, causative, and reciprocal.
Once a verb is taken from the mental lexicon and used in speech, it often re-
quires subject-agreement marking, which Ik accomplishes through pronomi-
nal suffixes. Ik also has a special verbal suffix, the dummy pronoun, that goes on
the verb whenever a peripheral argument, like a place or time designation, has
been moved to the front of the clause or removed entirely.
The Ik verbal system has a variety of verbal paradigms based on mood and as-
pect. The basic distinction in mood is between realis and irrealis, or things
that have happened and things that have not. Other modal distinctions include
the optative, subjunctive, imperative, and negative. As for aspect, the speci-
fication of the internal structure of a verb – complete or incomplete – Ik has suf-
fixes that mark present perfect, intentional-imperfective, pluractional,
seqential, and simultaneous. Lastly, Ik exhibits a special set of adjectival
suffixes to cover the language’s need to express adjectival concepts.

8.2 Infinitives (inf)

8.2.1 Intransitive
intransitive verbs allow only a subject and possibly an indirect object – a direct
object does not figure into their semantic schema. The Ik intransitive infinitive
suffix is {-ònì-}. It converts an intransitive verb to a morphological noun that can
be used as a noun in a noun phrase. The infinitive is the citation form of a verb,
the form one cites in a dictionary or in isolation from other words. Table 59 gives
a few examples of intransitive infinitives from the lexicon:

535
Grammar sketch

Table 59: Ik intransitive infinitives

Root Intransitive infinitive

áƙáf- áƙáfòn ‘to yawn’
bòt- bòtòn ‘to migrate’
cì- cìɔ̀n ‘to be satiated’
dód- dódòn ‘to hurt’
ɛ̀f- ɛ̀fɔn ‘to be tasty’
gwìr- gwìrɔn ‘to squirm’
iƙú- iƙúón ‘to howl’

Because the infinitive is a noun morphologically, it can be fully declined for

case as all nouns can. Table 60 gives the case declension of the verb wàtònì- ‘to
rain’, which shows some vowel assimilation effects on [+ATR] vowels, as when
/io/ becomes /uo/ in the ablative and copulative cases. Table 61 does the same for
the [-ATR] verb wɛ́dɔ̀nì- ‘to detour’. Note /ɨɔ/ becoming /ʉɔ/ there as well:

Table 60: Case declension of wàtònì- ‘to rain’

Non-final Final
nom wàtònà wàtòn
acc wàtònìà wàtònìkᵃ
dat wàtònìè wàtònìkᵉ
gen wàtònìè wàtònì
abl wàtònùò wàtònù
ins wàtònò wàtònᵒ
cop wàtònùò wàtònùkᵒ
obl wàtònì wàtòn

8.2.2 Transitive
transitive verbs are those that admit a subject and a direct object into their
schematic of an active event. The Ik transitive infinitive suffix is {-ésí-}. It converts
a transitive verb to a morphological noun that can be used as a noun in a noun
phrase. Table 62 presents a few examples of transitive infinitives:

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 8 Verbs

Table 61: Case declension of wɛ́dɔ̀nì- ‘to detour’

Non-final Final
nom wɛ́dɔ̀nà wɛ́dɔ̀n
acc wɛ́dɔ̀nìà wɛ́dɔ̀nìkᵃ
dat wɛ́dɔ̀nìɛ̀ wɛ́dɔ̀nìk ᵋ
gen wɛ́dɔ̀nìɛ̀ wɛ́dɔ̀nì
abl wɛ́dɔ̀nʉ̀ɔ̀ wɛ́dɔ̀nʉ̀
ins wɛ́dɔ̀nɔ̀ wɛ́dɔ̀nᵓ
cop wɛ́dɔ̀nʉ̀ɔ̀ wɛ́dɔ̀nʉ̀kᵓ
obl wɛ́dɔ̀nì wɛ́dɔ̀n

Table 62: Ik transitive infinitives

Root Transitive infinitive

ágʉ̀ʝ- ágʉʝɛ́s ‘to gulp’
ban- banɛ́s ‘to sharpen’
cɛ́b- cɛ́bɛ̀s ‘to roughen’
ɗóɗ- ɗóɗés ‘to point at’
erég- erégès ‘to employ’
gíʝ- gíʝɛ́s ‘to shave’
ɨlɔ́ƙ- ɨlɔƙɛs ‘to dissolve’

Table 63 gives the case declension of the deverbalized noun wetésí- ‘to drink’,
which shows vowel assimilation effects on [+ATR] vowels. Table 64 does the
same for the [-ATR] verb for the [-ATR] verb wɛtsʼɛ́sí- ‘to knap’.

8.2.3 Semi-transitive
semi-transitive verbs fall between transitive and intransitive in that they take
an object, but the object is the reflexive pronoun así- ‘-self’, referring to the sub-
ject. This means that semi-transitive verbs are morphologically transitive but
almost intransitive semantically. Another name for this is ‘middle’ (although see
another Ik middle verb in §8.6.3). Table 65 provides a sample of semi-transitive
verbs. No case declension is given for these because they decline the same way
as the transitive infinitives shown in Table 63 and Table 64:

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Grammar sketch

Table 63: Case declension of wetésí- ‘to drink’

Non-final Final
nom wetésá wetés
acc wetésíà wetésíkᵃ
dat wetésíè wetésíkᵉ
gen wetésíè wetésí
abl wetésúò wetésú
ins wetésó wetésᵒ
cop wetésúò wetésúkᵒ
obl wetésí wetés

Table 64: Case declension of wɛtsʼɛ́sí- ‘to knap’

Non-final Final
nom wɛtsʼɛ́sá wɛtsʼɛ́s
acc wɛtsʼɛ́síà wɛtsʼɛ́síkᵃ
dat wɛtsʼɛ́síɛ̀ wɛtsʼɛ́sík ᵋ
gen wɛtsʼɛ́síɛ̀ wɛtsʼɛ́sí
abl wɛtsʼɛ́sʉ́ɔ̀ wɛtsʼɛ́sʉ́
ins wɛtsʼɛ́sɔ́ wɛtsʼɛ́sᵓ
cop wɛtsʼɛ́sʉ́ɔ̀ wɛtsʼɛ́sʉ́kᵓ
obl wɛtsʼɛ́sí wɛtsʼɛ́s

Table 65: Ik semi-transitive infinitives

Root Semi-transitive
bal- ‘ignore’ balɛ́sá así ‘to neglect -self’
hoɗ- ‘free’ hoɗésá así ‘to get freed’
ɨríts- ‘keep’ ɨrɨtsɛsa así ‘to control -self’
ɨrʉ́ts- ‘fling’ ɨrʉtsɛsa así ‘to race across’
ɨtíŋ- ‘force’ ɨtɨŋɛsa así ‘to force -self’
kɔk- ‘close’ kɔkɛ́sá así ‘to cover -self’
toɓ- ‘spear’ toɓésá así ‘to shoot across’

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 8 Verbs

8.3 Deverbalizers
8.3.1 Abstractive (abst)
The abstractive suffix {-ásí-} can be used to replace the intransitive suffix {-ònì-}
for converting an intransitive verb to an abstract noun, for example, when hábòn
‘to be hot’ becomes hábàs ‘heat’. Table 66 gives several examples of abstract
nouns derived from intransitive verbs:
Table 66: Ik abstract nouns derived from verbs

Intransitive infinitive Abstract noun

ɓàŋɔ̀n ‘to be loose’ ɓaŋás ‘looseness’
ɛ̀fɔ̀n ‘to be tasty’ ɛfás ‘(tasty) fat’
gaanón ‘to be bad’ gaánàs ‘badness’
ɦyɛ̀tɔ̀n ‘to be fierce’ ɦyɛtás ‘fierceness’
kòmòn ‘to be many’ komás ‘manyness’
ŋwàxɔ̀n ‘to be disabled’ ŋwaxás ‘disability’
xɛ̀ɓɔ̀n ‘to be shy’ xɛɓás ‘shyness’

Because verbs deverbalized by the abstractive suffix are morphological nouns,

they are fully declined for case. Table 67 gives one such case declension of the
abstract noun kuɗásí- ‘shortness’:
Table 67: Case declension of kuɗásí- ‘shortness’

Non-final Final
nom kuɗásá kuɗás
acc kuɗásíà kuɗásíkᵃ
dat kuɗásíɛ̀ kuɗásík ᵋ
gen kuɗásíɛ̀ kuɗásí
abl kuɗásʉ́ɔ̀ kuɗásʉ́
ins kuɗásɔ́ kuɗásᵓ
cop kuɗásʉ́ɔ̀ kuɗásʉ́kᵓ
obl kuɗásí kuɗás

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Grammar sketch

8.3.2 Behaviorative (bhvr)

The behaviorative suffix {-nànèsì-} is a complex suffix possibly consisting of the
stative suffix {-án-} from §8.11.4 and the transitive suffix (§8.2.2) or the abstractive
suffix (§8.3.1). Regardless of its composition, the suffix as a whole creates abstract
concepts based on simple nouns, like ámánànès ‘personhood’ or ‘personality’
from ámá- ‘person’. Table 68 provides a few more examples:
Table 68: Ik behaviorative abstract nouns

Noun root Behaviorative

babatí- ‘his/her father’ babatínánès ‘fatherhood’
cekí- ‘woman’ cekínánès ‘womanhood’
dzɔɗátí- ‘rectum’ dzɔɗátínànès ‘grabbiness’
dzúú- ‘theft’ dzúnánès ‘thievery’
imá- ‘child’ imánánès ‘childhood’
lɔŋɔ́tá- ‘enemy’ lɔŋɔ́tánànès ‘enmity’
ŋókí- ‘dog’ ŋókínànès ‘poverty’

Because behavioratives are nouns morphologically, they are declined for case.
Table 69 gives the case declension for the word eakwánánèsì- ‘manhood’:

Table 69: Case declension of eakwánánèsì- ‘manhood’

Non-final Final
nom eakwánánèsà eakwánánès
acc eakwánánèsìà eakwánánèsìkᵃ
dat eakwánánèsìè eakwánánèsìkᵉ
gen eakwánánèsìè eakwánánèsì
abl eakwánánèsùò eakwánánèsù
ins eakwánánèsò eakwánánèsᵒ
cop eakwánánèsùò eakwánánèsùkᵒ
obl eakwánánèsì eakwánánès

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8.3.3 Patientive (pat)

The patientive suffix {-amá-} converts a verb to a noun that is characterized by
the meaning of the verb. It is called ‘patientive’ because the derived noun usually
has the meaning of ‘patient’ or object of the original verb, as when meetés ‘to give’
produces meetam ‘gift’. Table 70 gives some examples of patientive nouns:
Table 70: Ik patientive nouns

Verb root Patientive noun

áts- ‘chew’ atsʼamá- ‘chewy food’
ɓɛk- ‘provoke’ ɓɛkamá- ‘provocation’
dʉb- ‘knead’ dʉbamá- ‘dough’
dzígw- ‘buy/sell’ dzígwamá- ‘merchandise’
gam- ‘kindle’ gamamá- ‘kindling’
isúɗ- ‘distort’ isuɗamá- ‘falsehood’
ŋƙ- ‘eat’ ŋƙamá- ‘eatable’

Because patientives are nouns morphologically, they are fully declined for case.
Table 71 gives the full declension of the noun wetamá- ‘drink(able)’:

Table 71: Case declension of wetamá- ‘drink(able)’

Non-final Final
nom wetama wetam
acc wetamáá wetamákᵃ
dat wetaméé wetamákᵉ
gen wetaméé wetamáᵉ
abl wetamóó wetamáᵒ
ins wetamo wetamᵒ
cop wetamóó wetamákᵒ
obl wetama wetam

541
Grammar sketch

8.4 Directionals
8.4.1 Venitive (ven)
The venitive suffix {-ét-} denotes a direction toward a deictic center, usually (but
not always) the speaker. It can be translated variously as ‘here’, ‘this way’, ‘out’,
or ‘up’, but it is the Middle English word ‘hither’ that captures its essence nicely.
The venitive suffix comes between the verb root and the infinitive suffix, whether
intransitive or transitive. It can be used to augment any verb whose meaning
includes motion or movement of any kind. Table 72 gives a few examples:
Table 72: Ik venitive verbs

Intransitive Transitive
arétón ‘to cross this way’ béberetés ‘to pull this way’
ɦyɔtɔ́gɛ̀tɔ̀n ‘to approach here’ ɗʉrɛtɛ́s ‘to pull out’
ɨlɛ́ɛ́tɔn ‘to come visit’ futetés ‘to blow this way’
irímétòn ‘to rotate this way’ hɔnɛtɛ́s ‘to drive out’
ŋkéétòn ‘to get up’ ɨrɨŋɛtɛ́s ‘to turn this way’
tɛ́ɛ́tɔ̀n ‘to fall down’ iteletés ‘to watch here’
tʉwɛ́tɔ́n ‘to sprout up’ seɓetés ‘to sweep up’

Venitive infinitives are morphological nouns and thus are declined for case. See
§8.2.1 and §8.2.2 for case declensions that show the relevant endings.

8.4.2 Andative (and)

The andative suffix {-uƙot(í)-} denotes direction away from a deictic center, usu-
ally the speaker (but not always). It can be translated variously as ‘away’, ‘off’,
‘out’, ‘that way’, or ‘there’, but it is the Middle English word ‘thither’ that cap-
tures its essence nicely. Unlike the venitive suffix, the andative comes after both
the verbal root and the infinitive suffix (in an infinitival construction). It can be
used to augment any verb whose meaning includes motion or movement of any
kind. Table 73 provides a few examples of andative verbs.
Because the andative suffix comes after infinitive suffixes, whenever an andative
infinitive is declined for case, it is the andative suffix that takes case endings.
Table 74 gives a declension of the [+ATR] andative verb séɓésuƙotí- ‘to sweep
off’, while Table 75 does the same for the [-ATR] verb sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí- ‘to scrub off’:

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Table 73: Ik andative verbs

Intransitive Transitive
aronuƙotᵃ ‘to cross that way’ hɔnɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtᵃ ‘to drive off/away’
botonuƙotᵃ ‘to move away’ ɨɗɛ́ɛ́sʉƙɔtᵃ ‘to hide way’
bʉrɔnʉƙɔtᵃ ‘to fly off/away’ ídzesuƙotᵃ ‘to shoot (away)’
ɨɓákɔ́nʉƙɔtᵃ ‘to go next to’ ígorésúƙotᵃ ‘to cross over’
isépónuƙotᵃ ‘to flow away’ ƙanésúƙotᵃ ‘to take away’
kúbonuƙotᵃ ‘to go out of sight’ maƙésúƙotᵃ ‘to give away’
tʉlʉ́ŋɔ́nʉƙɔtᵃ ‘to storm off’ tɔrɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtᵃ ‘to toss away’

Table 74: Case declension of séɓésuƙotí- ‘to sweep off’

Non-final Final
nom séɓésuƙota séɓésuƙotᵃ
acc séɓésuƙotíá séɓésuƙotíkᵃ
dat séɓésuƙotíé séɓésuƙotíkᵉ
gen séɓésuƙotíé séɓésuƙotí
abl séɓésuƙotúó séɓésuƙotú
ins séɓésuƙoto séɓésuƙotᵒ
cop séɓésuƙotúó séɓésuƙotúkᵒ
obl séɓésuƙoti séɓésuƙotⁱ

Table 75: Case declension of sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí- ‘to scrub off’

Non-final Final
nom sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔta sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtᵃ
acc sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtíá sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtíkᵃ
dat sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtíɛ́ sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtík ᵋ
gen sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtíɛ́ sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtí
abl sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtʉ́ɔ́ sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtʉ́
ins sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtɔ sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtᵓ
cop sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtʉ́ɔ́ sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtʉ́kᵓ
obl sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtɨ sɛkɛ́sʉ́ƙɔt ᶤ

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Grammar sketch

8.5 Aspectuals
8.5.1 Inchoative (inch)
The inchoative suffix {-ét-} is identical to the venitive suffix described in §8.4.1,
and this is because its meaning is a metaphorical extension of the meaning of
the venitive. That is, the venitive meaning of ‘hither’ was extended to mean the
beginning of a state or activity (for intransitives) or the starting up of some action
or process (for transitives). The inchoative behaves morphologically (including
case declensions) exactly the same as the venitive. Table 76 gives a few examples
of intransitive and transitive verbs in the inchoative aspect:
Table 76: Ik inchoative verbs

Intransitive Transitive
aeétón ‘to start ripening’ balɛtɛ́s ‘to ignore’
dikwétón ‘to start dancing’ ewanetés ‘to take note of’
ɛkwɛ́tɔ́n ‘to start early’ hoɗetés ‘to liberate’
ɨɛ́ɓɛ́tɔ̀n ‘to grow cold’ ináƙúetés ‘to destroy’
lɛ́ʝɛ́tɔ̀n ‘to catch fire’ rɛɛtɛ́s ‘to coerce’
tsekétón ‘to grow bushy’ taʝaletés ‘to relinquish’
wasɛ́tɔ́n ‘to refuse’ tamɛtɛ́s ‘to ponder’

8.5.2 Completive (comp)

The completive suffix {-uƙot(í)-} is identical to the andative suffix described in
§8.4.2, and this is because its meaning is a metaphorical extension of the mean-
ing of the andative. That is, the andative meaning of ‘thither’ was extended to
mean the completion of a change of state or activity (for intransitives) or the
fulfillment of some action or process (for transitives). The completive behaves
morphologically (including case declensions) exactly the same as the andative.
Table 77 gives a few examples of lexical verbs in the completive aspect:

8.5.3 Pluractional (plur)

The pluractional suffix {-í-} denotes an action or state that is construed as in-
herently plural in its realization. This notion of plurality can mean any of the
following: 1) an intransitive action done more than once or done by more than

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Table 77: Ik completive verbs

Intransitive Transitive
aeonuƙotᵃ ‘to become ripe’ anɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtᵃ ‘to remember’
barɔnʉƙɔtᵃ ‘to become rich’ dɔxɛ́sʉ́ƙɔtᵃ ‘to reprimand’
hábonuƙotᵃ ‘to become hot’ ɦyeésúƙotᵃ ‘to learn’
hɛ́ɗɔ́nʉƙɔtᵃ ‘to shrivel up’ kurésúƙotᵃ ‘to defeat’
mɨtɔnʉƙɔtᵃ ‘to become’ ŋábɛsʉƙɔtᵃ ‘to finish up’
sɛkɔnʉƙɔtᵃ ‘to fade away’ ŋƙáƙésuƙotᵃ ‘to devour’
zoonuƙotᵃ ‘to become big’ toɓésúƙotᵃ ‘to plunder’

one subject, 2) a state attributed more than once or of more than one subject, 3) a
transitive action done more than once, done by more than one subject, or done to
more than one object. In short, the pluractional suffix conveys the idea that the
application of the verb is multiple. The pluractional suffix comes just before the
infinitive suffix and is a dominant [+ATR] suffix that harmonizes [-ATR] vowels.
Table 78 gives a few examples of intransitive and transitive pluractional verbs:
Table 78: Ik pluractional verbs

Intransitive Transitive
kóníón ‘to be one-by-one’ abutiés ‘to sip continually’
ŋatíón ‘to run (of many)’ esetiés ‘to interrogate’
ŋkáíón ‘to get up (of many)’ gafariés ‘to stab repeatedly’
toɓéíón ‘to be usually right’ nesíbiés ‘to obey habitually’
tatíón ‘to drip constantly’ tirifiés ‘to investigate’

8.6 Voice and valence

8.6.1 Passive (pass)
The Ik passive suffix {-ósí-} has the unusual distinction of being able to modify
both intransitive and transitive verbs. With intransitive verbs, it adds the nuance
of characteristicness to the meaning of the verb, often with the help of root redu-
plication. With transitive verbs, it has the usual function of a passive, which is

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Grammar sketch

to convert the object of a transitive verb into the subject of an intransitive verb.
Table 79 gives examples of both intransitive and transitive passives:
Table 79: Ik passives

Intransitive Transitive
botibotos ‘to be migratory’ búdòs ‘to be hidden’
ɓɛkɛsɔs ‘to be mobile’ cookós ‘to be guarded’
deƙwideƙos ‘to be quarrelsome’ ɗɔtsɔ́s ‘to be joined’
ɗɛɲɨɗɛɲɔs ‘to be restless’ ʝʉɔ́s ‘to be roasted’
gúránós ‘to be hot-tempered’ ŋáɲɔ́s ‘to be open’
mɔɲɨmɔɲɔs ‘to be gossipy’ ógoós ‘to be left’
tsuwoós ‘to be active’ tsáŋós ‘to be anointed’

Another quirky feature of the Ik passive {-ósí-} is that it can function both as a
passive infinitive suffix (taking case) and as a regular inflectional suffix followed
by subject-agreement pronouns. When it is declined for case, it declines just
like the transitive suffix {-ésí-} in §8.2.2. Example (79) below illustrates this in a
sentence where the passive infinitive búdòsì- ‘to be hidden’ gets the accusative
case. Then, example (80) shows the same passive acting as a verb proper, taking
the 3pl subject-agreement pronominal suffix {-át-}:

(79) Bɛ́ɗáta búdòsì-kᵃ.

want:3pl hidden:pass-acc
‘They want to be hidden.’

(80) Búdos-átᵃ.
hidden:pass-3pl:real
‘They are hidden.’

8.6.2 Impersonal passive (ips)

The impersonal passive suffix {-àn-} behaves like a typical passive in that it elim-
inates the agent of a transitive verb and promotes the object to subject. However,
unlike the passive {-ósí-} described above, the impersonal passive cannot be spec-
ified for the person or number of its subject. Instead, it remains marked for 3sg
regardless of who or what the subject may be. Another strange property of {-àn-}
is that it can be used with intransitive verbs as well (just like the passive). When

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used with intransitive verbs, it has the function of downplaying the identity of
the subject. For this reason, it can often be translated as ‘People …’ or ‘One …’, as
in Tódian ‘People say (it)’. The impersonal passive is a grammatical morpheme
not listed in the lexicon, and so it must be illustrated in examples like (81)-(82):

(81) Ɨnɔ́mɛ́sànà bì.

beat:fut:ips you[sg]:nom
‘You will be beaten.’

(82) Ƙaíánà ƙàƙààƙɔ̀k ᵋ.

go:plur:ips hunt:inside:dat
‘People go hunting.’ (Lit. ‘It is gone for hunting.’)

8.6.3 Middle (mid)

Ik has two middle suffixes: {-m-} and {-ím-}. Like the semi-transitive construc-
tion discussed in §8.2.3, the middle suffixes convert simple transitive verbs into
something in the ‘middle’ of transitive and intransitive. That is, the Ik middle
verbs convey that idea that if an action is done to an entity, it is the entity itself
– if anything – doing it to itself alone, apart from any other explicit agent. The
middles eliminate the agent and promote the patient to subject.
The middle suffix {-m-} always has a vowel between it and the preceding verb
root. This vowel is usually a copy of the root vowel, as when ɗusés ‘cut’ becomes
ɗusúmón ‘to cut (alone/on its own)’, but it can also have a non-copy vowel as in
bokímón ‘to get caught’. For its part, the middle suffix {-ím-} – a dominant [+ATR]
suffix – is always paired with the inchoative suffix {-ét-}, thereby forming the
complex morpheme {-ímét-}. Table 80 below gives some examples of these two
suffixes converting transitive verbs to middle verbs.

8.6.4 Reciprocal (recip)

The reciprocal suffix {-ínósí-} denotes a reciprocal relationship that a verb’s
subject has with itself. That is, the reciprocal collapses the subject and direct
object of a transitive verb, or the subject and a secondary object of an intransitive
verb, into just the subject of a reciprocal verb. In this regard, it is similar to
the semi-transitive verbs from §8.2.3 that use the reflexive pronoun así- ‘-self’.
Table 81 provides a few examples of reciprocals derived from other verbs:

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Grammar sketch

Table 80: Ik middle verbs

Transitive Middle {-m-}

ŋáɲɛ́s ‘to open’ ŋáɲámòn ‘to open (alone)’
pakés ‘to split’ pakámón ‘to split (alone)’
pulés ‘to pierce’ pulúmón ‘to go out’
raʝés ‘to return’ raʝámón ‘to return (alone)’
terés ‘to divide’ terémón ‘to divide (alone)’
Transitive Middle {-ímét-}
átsʼɛ́s ‘to chew’ atsʼímétòn ‘to wear out (alone)’
iɓéléés ‘to overturn’ iɓéléìmètòn ‘to overturn (alone)’
kɔkɛ́s ‘to close’ kokíméton ‘to close (alone)’
rébès ‘to deprive’ rébìmètòn ‘to be deprived (alone)’
tɔrɛɛs ‘to coerce’ toreimétòn ‘to be coerced (alone)’

Table 81: Ik reciprocal verbs

Intransitive Reciprocal
ɓɛƙɛ́s ‘to walk’ ɓɛƙɛ́sínɔ́s ‘to walk together’
ɨɓákɔ́n ‘to be next to’ ɨɓákínɔ́s ‘to be next to each other’
tódòn ‘to speak’ tódinós ‘to speak to each other’
Transitive Reciprocal
ɦyeés ‘to know’ ɦyeínós ‘to be related’
ɨŋaarɛ́s ‘to help’ ɨŋáárínɔ́s ‘to help each other’
mínɛ́s ‘to love’ mínínɔ́s ‘to love each other’

Like the passive {-ósí-} discussed in §8.6.1, the reciprocal suffix can take either
case endings (as a morphological noun) or subject-agreement endings (as a mor-
phological verb). A case declension of ínínósí- ‘to cohabitate’ is shown in Table 82,
and in example (83) below, the reciprocal verb ɨɓákínɔ́sí- ‘to be next to each other’
gets the accusative case. Then, example (84) shows the same verb acting as a verb
proper, with the 3pl subject-agreement marker {-át-}:

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Table 82: Case declension of ínínósí- ‘to cohabitate’

Non-final Final
nom ínínósá ínínós
acc ínínósíà ínínósíkᵃ
dat ínínósíè ínínósíkᵉ
gen ínínósíè ínínósí
abl ínínósúò ínínósú
ins ínínósó ínínósᵒ
cop ínínósúò ínínósúkᵒ
obl ínínósí ínínós

(83) Bɛ́ɗáta ɨɓákínɔ́sí-kᵃ.

want:3pl:real next.to:recip-acc
‘They want to be next to each other.’

(84) Ɨɓákínɔ́s-átᵃ.
next.to:recip-3pl:real
‘They are next to each other.’

8.6.5 Causative (caus)

Ik expresses causativity with a morphological causative, the causative suffix {-ìt-
}. When this suffix is added to a verb with meaning X, it changes the meaning of
the verb to ‘cause/make (to) X’. This suffix can be used to causativize intransitive
and transitive verbs and comes right after the verb root, before the infinitive
marker (if present) and any other suffixes like an inchoative or pluractional. If
the last vowel of the verb root is /u/, the causative may be assimilated to the form
{-ùt-}. Table 83 gives several examples of causativized verbs.

8.7 Subject-agreement
Whenever Ik grammar requires verbs to agree with their subjects, one of the
seven pronominal suffixes in Table 84 are used. Note that if the verb contains [-
ATR] vowels, these suffixes will also be harmonized to [-ATR]. Just like the free
pronouns described back in §5.2, these bound pronominal suffixes are organized
along three axes: 1) person (1/2/3), 2) number (singular/plural), and 3) clusivity

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Grammar sketch

Table 83: Ik causative verbs

Intransitive Causative
bùkòn ‘to be prostrate’ bukites ‘to lay prostrate’
itúrón ‘to be proud’ itúrútés ‘to praise’
xɛ̀ɓɔ̀n ‘to be timid’ xɛɓɨtɛs ‘to intimidate’
Transitive
dimés ‘to refuse’ dimités ‘to prohibit’
naƙwɛ́s ‘to suckle’ naƙwɨtɛ́s ‘to give suckle’
zízòn ‘to be fat’ zízités ‘to fatten’

(exclusive/inclusive). The form these pronominals ultimately take depends on the

grammatical mood of the verb to which they attach. If the verb is in the irrealis
mood (see §8.9.1), the suffixes appear with their underlying forms. Whereas if
they are in the realis mood (see §8.9.2), the realis suffix {-a} first subtracts or
deletes their final vowel. The difference in the two mood-based paradigms is
depicted in Table 84. To see instances of the Ik subject-agreement suffixes in
actual language use, you may refer back to example (43) in §7.2.
Table 84: Ik subject-agreement suffixes

Irrealis Realis
nf ff nf ff
1sg -íí -í -íá -í
2sg -ídì -îdⁱ -ídà -îdᵃ
3sg -ì -i -a -a
1pl.exc -ímí -ím -ímá -ím
1pl.inc -ísínì -ísín -ísínà -ísín
2pl -ítí -ítⁱ -ítá -ítᵃ
3pl -átì -átⁱ -átà -átᵃ

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8.8 Dummy pronoun (dp)

Ik has a special verbal affix called the dummy pronoun because it represents a
secondary (indirect) object that has been (re)moved. That is, the dummy pronoun
is a form of object-marking on the verb, but not of direct object marking. For
example, if an indirect object expressing location or time or means is moved to
the front of a clause for emphasis, it leaves a trace on the verb in the form of the
dummy pronoun. Seen from another perspective, the dummy pronoun is always
a clue that there is a missing syntactic constituent in the clause.
The dummy pronoun has the form {-ˊdè} and is very volatile in terms of allo-
morphy, dramatically changing its form in different morpho-phonological envi-
ronments. Once the /d/ is lost in non-final forms, vowel assimilation and vowel
harmony so distort the dummy pronoun as to make it almost unrecognizable at
times. Table 85 below is given to illustrate its diverse allomorphy:
Table 85: Allomorphs of the dummy pronoun {-ˊdè}

Non-final Final
{-ˊdè} -ˊè -ˊdᵉ
-ˊɛ̀ -ˊd ᵋ
-ˊì
-ˊì
-ˊò
-ˊɔ̀

Examples (85)-(86) illustrate the dummy pronoun in two different morpholog-

ical forms: final and non-final. Note that the tones associated with the pronoun
in these examples do not match what is shown in Table 85; this is because of
local tonal interference. In terms of function, the dummy pronoun in (85) indi-
cates that an indirect object – the destination of the verb ƙáátà ‘they go (went)’
– has been displaced from its usual spot after the verb to a place of focus at the
beginning of the sentence (Ntsúó). Then in (86), the dummy pronoun marks an
indirect object – the location of staying – that is missing from the clause entirely.
Since this sentence was taken out of context from a story, most likely the missing
object had been already mentioned earlier in the discourse:

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Grammar sketch

(85) Ntsúó=noo Icéá ƙáátà-dᵉ.

it:cop=past Ik:acc go:3pl:real-dp
‘It’s where the Ik went (to).’

(86) Jʼɛʝʉkɔ́-ɔ́ sàà ròɓàᵉ.

stay:3sg:seq-dp other:nom people:gen
‘And other people stayed (there).’

8.9 Mood
8.9.1 Irrealis (irr)
A basic distinction in grammatical mood cleaves Ik verbal aspects and modalities
right down the center, and this distinction is between irrealis and realis. As
it applies specifically to Ik, the irrealis mood includes states and events whose
actuality or reality are not expressly encoded in the grammar. Another way of
saying this is that irrealis verbs in Ik can convey anything but whether a state or
event has happened, is happening, or will happen. The morphological manifesta-
tion of the irrealis is that the final suffix of an irrealis verb – a subject-agreement
pronoun – surfaces with its underlying form (see Table 84).
The verbal aspects and modalities that fall under the irrealis mood include the
optative, subjunctive, imperative, negative, seqential, and simultaneous.

8.9.2 Realis (real)

In contrast to irrealis, the realis mood includes states and events whose actuality
or reality are encoded in the grammar. That is to say, realis verbs in Ik include
in their meaning the fact that something has taken place, is taking place, or will
take place in the real world. The morphological manifestation of the realis mood
is seen in the realis suffix {-a} that subtracts or deletes the final vowel of the
subject-agreement suffix to which it attaches (again, see Table 84). In terms of
verb types, the realis mood includes declarative statements in the past or non-
past, questions about the past or non-past, and, rather paradoxically, negative
imperatives (which one might expect to fall under irrealis).

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8.10 Verb paradigms

8.10.1 Intentional-imperfective (int/ipfv)
The intentional-imperfective aspect suffix {-és-} has two functions, hence its
hyphenated title. One is to denote either an intention on the part of animate
subjects or an imminence on the part of inanimate subjects. It is in this role that it
finds use as the usual translation for the English future tense. It is also the answer
to the question, “How do you express future tense in Ik?” A second function is
to denote grammatical imperfectivity: a sense that a state or event is ongoing
or incomplete. The two concepts collapse into one when intention/imminence
is viewed as the incomplete coming-to-be of a future state or event. And even
though intention or imperfectivity may seem to fall under an irrealis mood, {-és-}
can actually be used with verbs in either the realis or irrealis mood. In Table 86,
{-és-} is illustrated with the verb àts- ‘come’ in its imperfective sense with a recent
past tense marker (nák ᵃ) and then in its intentional (English ‘future’) sense:
Table 86: Ik intentional-imperfective aspect

Imperfective
1sg Atsésíà nàkᵃ. ‘I was coming.’
2sg Atsésídà nàkᵃ. ‘You were coming.’
3sg Atsesa nákᵃ. ‘(S)he/it was coming.’
1pl.exc Atsésímà nàkᵃ ‘We were coming.’
1pl.inc Atsésísìnà nàkᵃ. ‘We all were coming.’
2pl Atsésítà nàkᵃ. ‘You all were coming.’
3pl Atsésátà nàkᵃ. ‘They were coming.’
Intentional
1sg Atsésí. ‘I will come.’
2sg Atsésîdᵃ. ‘You will come.’
3sg Atsés. ‘(S)he/it will come.’
1pl.exc Atsésím. ‘We will come.’
1pl.inc Atsésísìn. ‘We all will come.’
2pl Atsésítᵃ. ‘You all will come.’
3pl Atsésátᵃ. ‘They will come.’

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8.10.2 Present perfect (prf)

The Ik present perfect suffix {-ˊka} denotes a state or event recently completed
(‘perfected’) but still relevant in the present. The suffix has a ‘floating’ high tone
that shows up on the preceding syllable of 3sg verbs, for example in Nabʉƙɔták
ᵃ ‘It is finished’. The /k/ in {-ˊka} disappears in non-final environments, making
{-ˊa} an allomorph. Table 87 presents the paradigm of the present perfect with the
verb àts- ‘come’ in both non-final and final environments:
Table 87: Ik present perfect aspect

Non-final Final
1sg Atsíàà … Atsíàkᵃ. ‘I have come’
2sg Atsídàà … Atsídàkᵃ. ‘You have come’
3sg Atsáá … Atsákᵃ. ‘She has come’
1pl.exc Atsímáà … Atsímákᵃ. ‘We have come’
1pl.inc Atsísínàà … Atsísínàkᵃ. ‘We all have come’
2pl Atsítáà … Atsítákᵃ. ‘You all have come’
3pl Atsátàà … Atsátàkᵃ. ‘They have come’

8.10.3 Optative (opt)

The Ik optative mood is used to express wishes, even ironic ones like ‘Let the
enemies comeǃ’. Optative verbs are often introduced with imperative verbs like
Ógoe or Taláké, both of which mean ‘Let …’. And all Ik optative verbs are trans-
lated into English with a sentence beginning with ‘Let …’ or ‘May …’.
Morphologically, the optative is marked by a combination of tone and special ir-
regular suffixes. All optative verbs except 3pl show a kind of high-tone ‘leveling’
in the subject-agreement suffixes. The leveled high tone is pushed out to the end,
creating a floating high tone. This high tone is not seen except in the fact that
the last syllable of the subject-agreement suffixes remains at mid-tone level. Be-
sides tone, special irregular suffixes mark the optative in 1sg, 1pl.exc, and 1pl.inc
verbs, while standard irrealis suffixes are used for the other paradigm members.
Note that the 1pl.inc may also be called the ‘hortative’. Another peculiarity of
the Ik optative is that there is no difference between its non-final and final forms.
Table 88 presents the optative on the verb àts- ‘come’:

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Table 88: Ik optative mood

1sg Atsine. ‘Let me come.’

2sg Atsidi. ‘May you come.’
3sg Atsi. ‘Let her come.’
1pl.exc Atsima. ‘Let us come.’
1pl.inc Atsano. ‘Let us all come.’
2pl Atsiti. ‘May you all come.’
3pl Atsáti. ‘Let them come.’

8.10.4 Subjunctive (subj)

The Ik subjunctive mood is used to encode statements that are somehow con-
tingent or temporally unrealized. In that regard, it is an essentially irrealis verb
form because it captures states or events that have not yet happened. It is also
essentially irrealis in that it is marked simply by the absence of any marking. In
other words, the subject-agreement suffixes surface with their underlying forms
in the subjunctive mood, just as they appear in Table 84. The subjunctive is usu-
ally introduced either by ɗɛmʉsʉ ‘unless, until’ or damu (kóʝa) ‘may’. Table 89
gives the full subjunctive paradigm with the verb àts- ‘come’:
Table 89: Ik subjunctive mood

Non-final Final
1sg ɗɛmʉsʉ atsíí … ɗɛmʉsʉ atsí. ‘unless I come’
2sg ɗɛmʉsʉ atsídì … ɗɛmʉsʉ atsîdⁱ. ‘unless you come’
3sg ɗɛmʉsʉ atsi … ɗɛmʉsʉ atsⁱ. ‘unless she comes’
1pl.exc ɗɛmʉsʉ atsímí … ɗɛmʉsʉ atsím. ‘unless we come’
1pl.inc ɗɛmʉsʉ atsísínì … ɗɛmʉsʉ atsísín. ‘unless we all come’
2pl ɗɛmʉsʉ atsítí … ɗɛmʉsʉ atsítⁱ. ‘unless you all come’
3pl ɗɛmʉsʉ atsátì … ɗɛmʉsʉ atsátⁱ. ‘unless they come’

8.10.5 Imperative (imp)

The imperative mood is used to issue commands or instructions. If the recipient
of the command is singular, then the suffix used is {-eˊ}, and if the recipient is

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Grammar sketch

plural, the suffix is {-úó}. The singular {-eˊ} has a floating high tone that raises any
preceding low tones to mid. Both imperative suffixes are appended to the end of
the verb stem, and no subject-agreement markers are needed. Both imperative
suffixes are subject to vowel devoicing before a pause, as shown in Table 90:
Table 90: Ik imperative mood

Singular Plural
nf ff nf ff
Atse..ǃ Atsᵉǃ ‘Comeǃ’ Atsúó..ǃ Atsúǃ ‘Comeǃ’
Ƙae..ǃ Ƙaᵉǃ ‘Goǃ’ Ƙoyúó..ǃ Ƙoyúǃ ‘Goǃ’
Ŋƙɛ..ǃ Ŋƙ ᵋǃ ‘Eatǃ’ Ŋƙʉ́ɔ́..ǃ Ŋƙʉ́ǃ ‘Eatǃ’
Zɛƙwɛ..ǃ Zɛƙw ᵋǃ ‘Sitǃ’ Zɛƙʉ́ɔ́..ǃ Zɛƙʉ́ǃ ‘Sitǃ’

8.10.6 Negative
Ik negates clauses by means of verblike particles that come first in the negative
clause. If the negated clause has a realis verb, then the negator particle used is ńtá
‘not’. If the negated clause has an irrealis verb, then the negator particle is mòò
or nòò. Lastly, if the negated clause is past tense realis or present perfect realis,
then the negator particle used is máà or náà. In the negated clause, the negator
particle comes first, followed by the subject, and then the verb. Any negated verb
takes the irrealis mood with the appropriate form of subject-agreement suffixes
(see Table 84). To make all this more concrete, Table 91 gives example of the
different negator particles used with different types of clauses.

8.10.7 Sequential (seq)

The Ik seqential aspect expresses states or events that happen in sequence.
Usually a sequence of verbs starts with an anchoring non-sequential verb and/or
time expression, and then a clause chain begins in the sequential aspect. For
example, when someone tells a story, they may start with one or two past tense
realis verbs to set the stage and then continue the narrative with sequential verbs.
Or if someone is giving a set of instructions, they may start with one or two im-
perative verbs followed by a chain of sequential verbs. Because of its versatility,
the Ik sequential aspect is the language’s most frequently used verb form.

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Table 91: Ik negative mood

Realis
1sg Ńtá ɦyeí. ‘I don’t know.’
2sg Ńtá ɦyeîdⁱ. ‘You don’t know.’
3sg Ńtá ɦyèⁱ. ‘She doesn’t know.’
Sequential
1sg … moo ɦyeí. ‘ … and I don’t know.’
2sg … moo ɦyeîdⁱ. ‘ … and you don’t know.’
3sg … mòò ɦyèⁱ. ‘ … and she doesn’t know.’
Past realis
1sg Máa naa ɦyeí. ‘I didn’t know.’
2sg Máa naa ɦyeîdⁱ. ‘You didn’t know.’
3sg Máà nàà ɦyèⁱ. ‘She didn’t know.’

Morphologically, Ik sequential verbs are recognized by a combination of tone, ir-

regular subject-agreement suffixes, and the sequential aspect suffix {-ko}. Specif-
ically, all 1 and 2-person sequential verbs exhibit high-tone leveling in their
subject-agreement suffixes, which pushes a high tone out to the right of the verb.
This floating high raises the preceding low tones to mid. These tone effects, plus
the irregular suffixes, and the sequential marker {-ko} are shown in Table 92.
Note that the sequential paradigm also has an impersonal passive marked with
the suffix {-ese}. Its function is identical to that of the impersonal passive de-
scribed back in §8.6.2. For more on how the sequential aspect works in actual
language contexts, skip ahead to the discussion of clause-chaining in §10.8.2.

8.10.8 Simultaneous (sim)

The Ik simultaneous aspect is used to express states or events that are happen-
ing simultaneously to another state or event. In contrast to the sequential, the
simultaneous aspect can only be used in subordinate clauses. That is to say, si-
multaneous clauses usually cannot stand alone without a main clause (with some
exceptions). Because of its role of supporting sequential clauses, the simultane-
ous aspect is also commonly found in narratives and other longer discourses.
It can be given a perfective interpretation as in ‘when I came’ or an imperfec-
tive one as in ‘while I was coming’. Morphologically, the simultaneous aspect is

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Grammar sketch

Table 92: Ik sequential aspect

Non-final Final
1sg … atsiaa … … atsiakᵒ. ‘and I come’
2sg … atsiduo … … atsidukᵒ. ‘and you come’
3sg … àtsùò … … àtsùkᵒ. ‘and she comes’
1pl.exc … atsimaa … … atsimakᵒ. ‘and we come’
1pl.inc … atsisinuo … … atsisinukᵒ. ‘and we all come’
2pl … atsituo … … atsitukᵒ. ‘and you all come’
3pl … àtsìnì … … àtsìn. ‘and they come’
ips … atsese … … atses. ‘and people come’

marked by the suffix {-ke}, which is affixed to the subject-agreement suffixes in

their irrealis forms. Table 93 presents the simultaneous paradigm of àts- ‘come’:
Table 93: Ik simultaneous aspect

Non-final Final
1sg … atsííkè … … atsííkᵉ. ‘while I was coming’
2sg … atsídìè … … atsídìkᵉ. ‘while you were coming’
3sg … àtsìè … … àtsìkᵉ. ‘while she was coming’
1pl.exc … atsímíè … … atsímíkᵉ. ‘while we were coming’
1pl.inc … atsísínìè … … atsísínìkᵉ. ‘while we all were coming’
2pl … atsítíè … … atsítíkᵉ. ‘while you all were coming’
3pl … atsátìè … … atsátìkᵉ. ‘while they were coming’

8.11 Adjectival verbs

8.11.1 Overview
Since Ik does not have a separate word class of adjectives, it conveys adjectival
concepts with adjectival verbs. These verbs have adjectival meanings but oth-
erwise mostly behave like intransitive verbs. One way they do differ from normal
intransitive verbs, though, is in the specific adjectival suffixes they can take. The
next four subsections briefly describe these special adjectival suffixes.

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8.11.2 Physical property I (phys1)

The physical property i adjectival suffix {-ˊd-} is found on adjectival verbs that
express physical properties like appearance, size, shape, consistency, texture, and
other tangible attributes. As a result, physical property I verbs are some of the
language’s most colorful adjectivals. Physical property I verbs all contain two
syllables with LH tone pattern, and in the infinitive, they take the intransitive
suffix {-ònì-}. Table 94 gives a sample of these colorful descriptive terms:
Table 94: Ik physical property I adjectival verbs

bufúdòn ‘to be spongy’

ɗɔmɔ́dɔ̀n ‘to be gluey’
dirídòn ‘to be compacted’
ʝamúdòn ‘to be velvety’
lɛtsʼɛ́dɔ̀n ‘to be bendy’
pɨɗídɔ̀n ‘to be sleek’
tsakádòn ‘to be watery’

8.11.3 Physical property II (phys2)

The physical property ii adjectival suffix {-m-} is found in adjectival verbs that
also express physical properties like appearance, color, consistency, posture, shape,
and texture. It can also express less tangible attributes like strength, weakness,
quality, or personality traits. Physical property II verbs usually contain two sylla-
bles with a LH tone pattern or three syllables with a LHH tone pattern (without
the infinitive suffix), and in the infinitive, they take the intransitive suffix {-ònì}.
Table 95 gives a sample of these descriptive adjectival verbs in two groupings.

8.11.4 Stative (stat)

The stative adjectival suffix {-án-} forms adjectival verbs that express an ongoing
state characterized by the meaning of a noun or a transitive verb. Because {-án-}
contains the vowel /a/, it prevents vowel harmony from spreading between the
verbal root and any suffixes that follow the stative suffix (for example, infinitive
or subject-agreement suffixes). Table 96 and Table 97 present a few examples of
stative adjectival verbs derived from nouns and verbs, respectively:

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Grammar sketch

Table 95: Ik physical property II adjectival verbs

Bisyllabic
buɗámón ‘to be black’
dʉ́gʉ̀mɔ̀n ‘to be hunched’
firímón ‘to be clogged’
kikímón ‘to be stocky’
kwɛtsʼɛ́mɔ́n ‘to be damaged’
Trisyllabic
bulúƙúmòn ‘to be bulbous’
ʝʉrʉ́tʉ́mɔ̀n ‘to be slippery
pelérémòn ‘to be squinty’
ságwàràmòn ‘to be shadeless’
tɛ́ƙɛ́zɛ̀mɔ̀n ‘to be shallow

Table 96: Ik stative verbs derived from nouns

Noun Stative verb

cué- ‘water’ cuanón ‘to be liquid’
ɛ́sá- ‘drunkenness’ ɛsánón ‘to be drunk’
kirotí- ‘sweat’ kirotánón ‘to be sweaty’
ɲɛ̀ƙɛ̀- ‘hunger’ ɲɛƙánón ‘to be hungry’
ɲèrà- ‘girls’ iɲéráánón ‘to be girl-crazy’

Table 97: Ik stative verbs derived from transitive verbs

Transitive Stative
ɓɛkɛ́s ‘to provoke’ ɓɛkánón ‘to be provocative’
dzɛrɛ́s ‘to tear’ dzɛrɛdzɛránón ‘to be torn in shreds’
itáléés ‘to forbid’ itáléánón ‘to be forbidden’
itukes ‘to heap’ itukánón ‘to be congregated’
ɨraŋɛs ‘to spoil’ ɨráŋʉ́nánón ‘to be spoiled’

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8.11.5 Distributive (distr)

Ik has two distributive adjectival suffixes: {-aák-} and {-ìk-}. These suffixes have
the function of distributing the meaning of an adjectival verb to more than one
subject. The suffix {-aák-} can be used with all kinds of adjectival verbs, including
the physical property and stative varieties, while the suffix {-ìk-} has been found
only with the two verbs of size, kwáts- ‘small’ and zè- ‘large’. Moreover, it com-
monly occurs together with {-aák-}, as in kwátsíkaakón ‘to be small (of many)’
and zeikaakón ‘to be large (of many)’. Table 98 gives a sampling of adjectival
verbs with the distributive suffix:
Table 98: Ik distributive adjectival verbs

buɗúdaakón ‘to be soft (of many)’

ɓetsʼaakón ‘to be white (of many)’
gaanaakón ‘to be bad (of many)’
kúɗaakón ‘to be short (of many)’
maráŋaakón ‘to be good (of many)’
nɔtsɔ́daakón ‘to be adhesive (of many)’
semélémaakón ‘to be elliptical (of many)’

9 Adverbs
9.1 Overview
The word class called adverbs is a catch-all category that includes words and
clitics of various sorts that say something descriptive about a whole clause, for
example, ‘how’ or ‘when’ it takes place, or how the speaker feels about the cer-
tainty or contingency of the clause. Accordingly, Ik adverbs can be divide up
into manner adverbs, temporal adverbs, and epistemic adverbs. The following
subsections take up each of these adverbial categories in a brief discussion.

9.2 Manner adverbs

manner adverbs modify whole clauses by commenting on, for example, the man-
ner in which a state comes across or in which an action is done. Manner adverbs
usually come near or at the end of the clause they modify, as shown in example
sentences (87)-(88) below. Table 99 presents a sampling of these adverbs:

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Grammar sketch

Table 99: Ik manner adverbs

ɗɛ̀mʉ̀sʉ̀ ‘fast, quickly’

hɨíʝɔ́ ‘carefully, slowly’
ʝíìkì ‘always’
ʝíkì ‘really, totally’
kɔntɨákᵉ ‘straightaway’
mʉ̀kà ‘completely, forever’
pákà ‘indefinitely’
zùkù ‘very’

(87) Gaana mɛna=díí zuku ʝík ᶤ.

bad:3sg issues:nom=those very completely
‘Those issues are really very bad!’

(88) Zízaaƙótùò ròɓà mʉ̀kà.

fat:dist:comp:3sg:seq people:nom completely
‘And the people fattened up completely!’

9.3 Temporal adverbs

9.3.1 Overview
The Ik temporal adverbs situate their clause somewhere in the course of time.
Ik has sets of temporal adverbs that deal with past tense, past perfect tense, and
non-past (including future) tense. The past and past perfect tense adverbs are
enclitics that come directly after the verb they modify. The future tense adverbs
are free adverbs that come near the end or at the end of the clause.

9.3.2 Past tense adverbs (pst)

Ik divides past tense into four time periods and marks them with adverbial en-
clitics. They are: 1) recent past that covers the current day and is marked with
=nákà, 2) removed past that covers yesterday (or any last or ‘yester-’ time pe-
riod like ’yesterday’ or ’yesteryear’) and is marked with =bàtsè, 3) remote past
that covers a few days or weeks before yesterday and is marked with =nótsò, and
finally, 4) remotest past that covers everything before the remote past and is
marked with =nòkò. Each of these tense enclitics comes directly after ther verb

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and has a non-final and final form. Table 100 illustrates the Ik tense markers in
all their forms, and examples (89)-(90) illustrate their typical post-verbal position
in a sentence:
Table 100: Ik past tense markers

nf ff
Recent =náà =nákᵃ ‘earlier today’
Removed =bèè =bàtsᵉ ‘last/yester-’
Remote =nótsò =nótsò ‘a while ago’
Remotest =nòò =nòkᵒ ‘long ago’

(89) Ƙáá=bee abáŋa sáásɔ̀sìn.

go:3sg=pst2 my.father:nom yesterday
‘My father went yesterday.’

(90) Maráŋa=noo ɦyekesa Icé.

good:3sg=pst4 life:nom Ik:gen
‘The life of the Ik was good (back then).’

9.3.3 Past perfect tense adverbs (pst.prf)

The past tense can be combined with a perfect aspect to yield the past perfect
tense. Unlike the simple past tense adverbs, Ik past perfect tense adverbs operate
along only three periods of time: recent (earlier today), removed (yester-), and
remote (before yester-). Table 101 presents the Ik past perfect tense adverbs, and
example sentences (91)-(92) illustrate their use in natural contexts:
Table 101: Ik past perfect tense markers

nf ff
Recent =nanáà =nanákᵃ ‘had … earlier today’
Removed =nàtsàmʉ̀ =nàtsàm ‘had … yester-’
Remote =nànòò =nànòkᵒ ‘had … a while ago’

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Grammar sketch

(91) Náa atsíâdᵉ, ƙaa=nanák ᵃ.

when come:1sg:dp go:3sg=pst.prf
‘When I came earlier, she had (already) gone.’

(92) Tsʼɛ́dɔ́ɔ́=nɛ, tsʼéíƙotátà=nànòk ᵒ.

then:ins=dem die.3pl:comp=pst.prf
‘By that (time), they had died out a while ago.’

9.3.4 Non-past tense adverbs

Ik divides the non-past tense into three rather vaguely defined time periods sug-
gested by three adverbs. They are: 1) the distended present that includes just
before and just after the present and is expressed by the adverb tsʼɔ̀ɔ̀, 2) the re-
moved future that includes the next future time period (next hour, next day,
next year) and is expressed by the adverb táá, and 3) the remote future ex-
pressed by the adverb fàrà (occasionally fàrò). Table 102 arranges these adverbs
in a paradigm, while (93)-(94) below illustrates them in natural sentences:
Table 102: Ik non-past tense markers

nf ff
Distended present tsʼɔ̀ɔ̀ tsʼɔ̀ɔ̀ ‘just/recently/soon’
Removed táá táá ‘next____’
Remote fàrà fàr ‘in the future’

(93) a. Atsíá=nàà tsʼɔ̀ɔ̀.

come:1sg=pst just
‘I just came.’
b. Atsésíà tsʼɔ̀ɔ̀.
come:int:1sg soon
‘I will come soon.’

(94) Atsésíma táá baratsᵒ.

come:1pl.exc next morning:ins
‘We will come tomorrow (i.e., next morning).’

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9.4 Epistemic adverbs

9.4.1 Overview
The Ik epistemic adverbs express how the speaker feels or thinks about the cer-
tainty or contingency of the clause. Accordingly, this set of adverbs can be di-
vided into the categories of inferential, confirmational, and conditional-
hypothetical. All of the epistemic adverbs are enclitics that follow the verb in
normal main clauses, but some of them can also be moved in front of the verb.

9.4.2 Inferential adverbs (infr)

Ik can communicate a degree of uncertainty about a situation by means of a set
of inferential tense-based adverbs. This sense of making a tentative inference
based on an observation can be translated into English with such turns of phrase
as ‘Apparently …’, ‘Maybe …’, ‘It seems that …’, ‘must have’, etc. Two of these
inferential particles consist of the proclitic ná plus a past-tense particle, while the
third combines ná with the adverb tsamʉ. Table 103 presents the three inferential
adverbial particles in their final and non-final forms. Note that compared to the
past-tense markers above in Table 100, the inferential time-scale is moved up one
notch more recent. Examples (95)-(96) show the Ik inferential adverbs in context.
Note that they can be placed before or after the main verb.
Table 103: Ik inferential adverbs

nf ff
Recent =nábèè =nábàtsᵉ ‘apparently earlier today’
Removed =nátsàmʉ̀ =nátsàm ‘apparently yester-’
Remote =nánòò =nánòkᵒ ‘apparently long ago’

(95) a. Baduƙota=nábàtsᵉ.
die:comp:3sg=infr
‘It died, apparently.’
b. Nábee baduƙotᵃ.
infr die:comp:3sg
‘Apparently, it died.’

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Grammar sketch

(96) Nánoo teremátᵃ.

infr separate:3pl
‘It looks like they separated.’

9.4.3 Confirmational adverbs (conf)

Ik can also issue a confirmation of a state or event by means of a set of confir-
mational adverbs that are derived from the tensed relative pronouns described
back in §5.7. When used, these adverbs are placed before the verb, and the verb
surfaces in its non-final form, almost like a question rendered in English ‘Why
yes, did X not happen?’ – meaning that, of course, it did happen. These suffixes
are first presented in Table 104 and then demonstrated in (97)-(98):
Table 104: Ik confirmational markers

Recent náa ‘Of course____earlier today.’

Removed sɨna ‘Of course____yester-.’
Remote noo ‘Of course____long ago.’

(97) a. Ŋƙáƙóídà=bèè?
eat:comp:2sg=pst2
‘Did you eat (it) up?’
b. Sɨna ŋƙáƙótíà.
conf eat:comp:1sg
‘Yes, of course I did.’

(98) a. Dètà=nòò?
bring:3sg=pst4
‘Did she bring (it)?’
b. Nòò dètà.
conf bring:3sg
‘Yes, of course she did.’

9.4.4 Conditional-hypothetical adverbs (cond/hypo)

If a state or event has not taken place but could or would take place, Ik can express
that contingency with its conditional-hypothetical adverbs. There are three

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of these adverbs, but they are used to cover four periods of time. The first adverb
covers non-past and recent past, the second removed past, and third remote past.
These conditional-hypothetical adverbs are presented in Table 105:
Table 105: Ik conditional-hypothetical adverbs

nf ff
Non-past =ƙánàà =ƙánàkᵃ ‘would’
Recent =ƙánàà =ƙánàkᵃ ‘would have … earlier today’
Removed =ƙásàmʉ̀ =ƙásàm ‘would have … yester-’
Remote =ƙánòò =ƙánòkᵒ ‘would have … a while ago’

The conditional-hypothetical adverbs come after the main verb:

(99) Tóída=ƙánaa ɲ́cìè?

tell:2sg=hypo I:dat
‘You would tell me?’

(100) Cɛmísína=ƙánòk ᵒ.
fight:1pl.inc=cond
‘We all would have fought.’

10 Basic syntax
10.1 Noun phrases
The Ik noun phrase consists first and foremost of a noun ‘head’, either a lexical
noun or a nominalized lexical verb. As a head-initial language, Ik places its noun
phrase head first in the phrase. Any subordinate, supporting elements follow
the head. These optional elements may include anaphoric demonstratives, pos-
sessive markers, relative pronouns/temporal demonstratives, number markers,
and spatial demonstratives. The Ik noun phrase structure can be formalized as
follows, where elements in parentheses are optional:

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Grammar sketch

(101) Ik NP structure:
head (anaph)(poss)(num)(rel/temp) (dem)
The syntactical structure of noun phrases formalized in (101) is fleshed out
among the real Ik noun phrases presented below in examples (102)-(110):
(102) head
wikᵃ
‘children’
(103) head anaph
wika díí
‘those (specific) children’
(104) head poss
wika ɲ́cì
‘my children’
(105) head anaph poss
wika díí ɲ́cì
‘those (specific) children of mine’
(106) head anaph poss num
wika díí ɲ́cìè lèɓètsè
‘those two (specific) children of mine’
(107) head anaph poss rel
wika díí ɲ́cie [ni leɓetse]rel
‘those (specific) children of mine, two in number’
(108) head anaph poss num rel
wika díí ɲ́cie leɓetse [ní dà] rel
‘those two nice (specific) children of mine’
(109) head anaph poss num rel dem
wika díí ɲ́cie leɓetse [ní daa]rel ni
‘those two nice (specific) children of mine, these’
(110) head anaph poss num temp dem
wika díí ɲ́cie leɓetse níi ni
‘those two (specific) children of mine from earlier, these’

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10.2 Clause structure

10.2.1 Intransitive
Ik intransitive clauses consist minimally of a verb (v) and a subject (s) in a
vs constituent order. The subject may be explicit, in which case it follows the
verb, or it may be implicit, in which case it is merely marked on the verb. Basic
intransitive clause structure is illustrated in example (111):

(111) Epav ŋókᵃs .

sleep:3sg dog:nom
‘The dog sleeps.’

When a tense adverb is needed, it comes directly after the verb and before any
explicit subject. And any other adverbial elements like extended objects (e) or
adverbs, in that order, come after the subject. This word order is shown in (112):

(112) Epáv =beetense ŋókás kurúe .

sleep:3sg=yester- dog:nom shade:abl
‘The dog slept in the shade yesterday.’

10.2.2 Transitive
Ik transitive clauses consist minimally of a transitive verb (v), an agent (a), and
an object (o) in a vao constituent order. The subject may be explicit, in which
case it comes between the verb and object, or it may merely be marked on the
verb with a suffix. The object may also be dropped, in which case it is inferred
from the context. Example (113) illustrates basic transitive clause structure:

(113) Átsʼáv ŋókáa ɔkákᵃo .

gnaw:3sg dog:nom bone:acc
‘The dog gnaws the bone.’

When a tense adverb is needed, it comes directly after the verb and before any
explicit subject. And any other adverbial elements like extended objects (e) or
adverbs, in that order, come after the subject. This syntax is shown in (114):

(114) Átsʼáv =beetense ŋókáa ɔkááo ódàtùe

gnaw:3sg=yester- dog:nom bone:acc day:ins
‘The dog gnawed the bone all day yesterday.’

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Grammar sketch

10.2.3 Ditransitive
Ik ditransitive clauses consist minimally of a ditransitive verb (v), an agent (a),
an object (o), and an extended object (e) in a vaoe constituent order. If the agent
is not mentioned explicitly, then it will still be marked with a suffix on the verb.
The object and extended object may be left implicit but will be understood from
context. The basic ditransitive clause structure is illustrated in (115):

(115) Maav ƙaƙaamaa ɔkááo ŋókíkᵉe .

give:3sg hunter:nom bone:acc dog:dat
‘The hunter gives a bone to the dog.’

10.2.4 Causative
By adding an extra element in the form of a causing agent, Ik causative verbs
change the structure of a clause. If the original clause was a vs intransitive one,
then the causative changes it to a transitive vao. If the original clause was a tran-
sitive vao, then the causative changes it to a ditransitive vaoe. The following
two examples, (116)-(119), show causative verbs making these structural changes:

Intransitive vs → Causative vao

(116) Fekíàv ŋ̀kᵃv .
laugh:1sg I:nom
‘I laugh’.

(117) Fekitéídàva ŋ̀kᵃo .

laugh:caus:2sg I:nom
‘You make me laugh.’

Transitive vao → Causative vaoe

(118) Wetía v ŋkaa cueo .
drink:1sg I:nom water:nom
‘I drink water.’

(119) Wetitéídava ŋkao cuékᵉE .

drink:caus:2sg I:nom water:dat
‘You make me drink water.’

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 10 Basic syntax

10.2.5 Auxiliary
Ik has both true auxiliary verbs and pseudo-auxiliary verbs. Both types mod-
ify sentence syntax. The true auxiliaries, shown in Table 106, function as the
syntactic main verb in a clause, while the semantic main verb follows the sub-
ject (s/a) in a morphologically defective form that consists of the bare verb stem
plus a suffix {-a} (which may be the realis marker from §8.9.2). This means the
constituent order of clauses with true auxiliary verbs is auxSV for intransitives,
auxAVO for transitives, and auxAVOE with extended objects. Again, in all these
constructions, the aux acts as the main verb from a syntactic perspective, while
the defective verb carries the main meaning of the verbal schema. Another way
to analyze this construction would be to say that the auxiliary verb and the de-
fective verb together fill the single verb slot of the clausal syntax.
The true auxiliaries have both lexical and aspectual meanings, which are never-
theless practically identical in their semantics. However, in their lexical function,
the verbs in Table 106 do not require a second, morphologically defective verb to
augment them; in their strictly lexical usage, they stand alone:
Table 106: Ik true auxiliary verbs

Root Lexical Aspectual

erúts- ‘be fresh, new’ recentive
ŋɔ́r- ‘do already/early’ anticipative
sár- ‘be still/not yet’ durative

Example (120) illustrates the use of the recentive aspectual auxiliary verb erúts-
in an intransitive clause with the structure auxSVE:

(120) ErútsímaAuxS atsav sédàᵒe .

recent:1pl.exc come garden:abl
‘We just came from the garden.’

Example (121), on the other hand, shows the use of the anticipative verb ŋɔ́r- in
a transitive clause with the structure auxAVOE:

(121) Ŋɔ́ráAuxA =naa cɛav riááo baratsoe =nákᵃ.

anticip:3sg=pst1 kill goat:acc morn:ins=dem.pst1
‘He already killed the goat earlier this morning.’

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Grammar sketch

Lastly, sentence (122) exemplifies the durative aspectual verb sár- in a simple
transitive clause working with the defective verb tsʼágwa-:

(122) SáráAux sédas tsʼágwàv .

dur:3sg garden:nom unripe
‘The garden is still unripe.’

In contrast to the above examples, the pseudo-auxiliary verbs only mimic true
auxiliaries in that they are fully lexical verbs yet ones with potentially aspectual
meanings, including the completive, inchoative, and occupative. However, be-
cause they are not syntactically auxiliary, they take complements as any lexical
verb would (direct objects for the transitive ones and extended objects for the
intransitive one). The pseudo-auxiliaries are presented in Table 107 with their
lexical and aspectual meanings and the cases required in their complements:
Table 107: Ik pseudo-auxiliary verbs

Stem Lexical Aspectual Case required

náb-ʉƙɔt- ‘end, finish’ completive nom/acc
itsyák-ét- ‘begin, start’ inchoative nom/acc
toɗó- ‘alight, land’ inchoative nom/acc
isé-ét- ‘begin, start’ inchoative nom/acc
cɛ̀m- ‘fight, struggle’ occupative ins

Each of the aspectual meanings listed in Table 107 are given one example in
the following sentences. The brackets in example (123) signify that the bracketed
noun phrase as a whole is the object of the verb:

Completive
(123) Nábʉƙɔtíáava [isóméésá ɲáɓúkwi]o .
finish:1sg:prf to.read:nom book:gen
‘I have finished reading the book.’
Inchoative
(124) Itsyaketátaava wáánàkᵃo .
begin:3pl:prf praying:acc
‘They have begun praying.’

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 10 Basic syntax

Occupative
(125) Cɛmav wikas wáákᵒe .
fight:3 children:nom playing:ins
‘The children are busy playing.’

10.2.6 Copular
Ik copular clauses have relational rather than referential meanings. They link a
copular subject (cs) to a copular complement (cc) which represents an entity
or attribute, depending on the specific copular verb involved. The constituent or-
der of copular clauses is therefore v-cs-cc. Ik has three distinct copular or ‘be’
verbs that can express five copular relationships between them. These copular
verbs are presented in Table 108 below, along with the case markings their sub-
jects and complements are obligated to have:
Table 108: Ik copular verbs

Verb Meaning cs case cc case

ì- Existence nom –
Location nom dat
ìr- Attribution nom (adverb only)
mìt- Identity nom obl
Possession nom gen

The three copular verbs in Table 108 and their five potential meaning are each
exemplified briefly in the example sentences (126)-(130):

Existence
(126) Iav didigwarícs .
be:3sg rain.top:nom
‘Heaven [i.e. God] is (there).’
Location
(127) Iav lɔŋɔ́tács muceékᵉcc .
be:3 enemies:nom way:dat
‘Enemies are on the way.’

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Grammar sketch

Attribution
(128) Iravcs tíyéadv .
be:3sg like.this
‘It is like this.’
Identity
(129) Mɨtíáv ŋkacs bábòcc .
be:1sg I:nom father.your:obl
‘I am your father.’
Possession
(130) Mɨtav [awa=na]cs ŋgóᵉcc .
be:3sg home:nom=this we:gen
‘This house is ours.’

10.2.7 Fronted
Ik can put special emphasis on any core nominal element by moving it to the front
of the clause, before the verb, subject, and other constituents. Doing so obviously
disrupts the usual syntactic structure of main clauses. Two kinds of fronting are
observed in the language: 1) a cleft construction and 2) left-dislocation. In a
cleft construction, the emphasized noun is moved to the front and given the cop-
ulative case. This puts it in an identifying relationship with the original clause
out of which it just came. As a result, the newly arranged clause can be viewed
as a kind of copular clause where the fronted element is the copular subject and
the original clause the copular complement. This can in turn be formulized as:
[NP:cop]cs [clause]cc . To make this more concrete, the next examples show the
cleft construction with a simple transitive clause in (131) whose object (mɛ̀s) gets
fronted and marked with the copulative case in (132):

Cleft construction
(131) Bɛ́ɗímàv ŋ̀gwàa mɛ̀so .
want:1pl.exc we:nom beer:nom
‘We want beer.’
(132) Mɛsɔɔcc [ŋgóá bɛ́ɗím.]cs
beer:cop we:acc want:1pl.exc
‘It is beer (that) we want.’

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 10 Basic syntax

Whereas the cleft construction involves removing a clausal element from a

clause and building a new clause, left-dislocation simply relocates the element
to the front of the clause, but still within the same clause. In this fronted posi-
tion it is given the nominative case. This type of fronting can be formulized as:
[NP:nom ‖ clause]clause , where the double vertical line symbolize a short pause.
This type of left-dislocation is illustrated between example sentences (133)-(134):

Left-dislocation
(133) Mée eníí kaúdza=díí.
not:prf see:1sg money:nom=anaph
‘I haven’t seen that money.’

(134) Kaúdza=díí, mée ení.

money:nom=anaph not:prf see:1sg
‘That money, I haven’t seen (it).’

10.3 Subordinate clauses

10.3.1 Overview
The constituent order of Ik subordinate clauses differs from that of main clauses.
Ik subordinate clauses exhibit an sv order with intransitive verbs, an av order
with transitives, and an ave order with ditransitives – in short ‘sv’ instead of
the usual ‘vs’. Case marking in subordinate clauses is also different: The fronted
subject/agent and every direct object take the accusative case.
The next two subsections deal with two key kinds of Ik subordinate clause, the
relative clause (§10.3.2) and the adverbial clause (§10.3.3).

10.3.2 Relative clauses

relative clauses are subordinate clauses that modify a noun within a main
clause. Ik relative clauses are restrictive, meaning they can only narrow the refer-
ence of their head noun rather than merely adding extra details about it. Relative
clauses are introduced by the tensed relative pronouns discussed back in (§5.7),
which, within the relative clause, stand in for a noun in the main clause called
the common argument (ca). As such, the common argument is a full verbal ar-
gument in the main clause, while in the relative clause, the relative pronoun fills
its syntactic slot.

575
Grammar sketch

As a subordinate clause, an Ik relative clause exhibits a different constituent or-

der than typical main clauses. Specifically, an intransitive relative clause has the
order sv (instead of vs), and a transitive relative clause has the order oav (instead
of vao). In the former (intransitive), the subject slot (s) is filled by the relative
pronoun, and in the latter (transitive), it is the object (o) that is represented by
the relative pronoun. Furthermore, apart for the relative pronouns themselves,
all subjects and direct objects in relative clauses are marked with the accusative
case – another sign of grammatical subordination in Ik.
These attributes of Ik relative clauses are illustrated in examples (135)-(136). In
(135), the common argument in the main clause is emuta ‘story’, which is modi-
fied by the relative clause nɛ ɛ́f ‘that is funny’. Note how the subject slot of the
relative clause is filled by the relative pronoun nɛ (na with its vowel assimilated).
Then, in (136), the common argument of the main clause is ima ‘child’, modified
by the relative clause náa ɲcia tákí ‘that I mentioned’. Since the verb of the rel-
ative clause is transitive (tákés ‘to mean, mention’), it requires an object, which
in this case is fulfilled by the relative pronoun náa representing the noun ima:

Intransitive (sv)

(135) Nesíbimaa emutaca =[nɛs ɛ́f v ]rel .

hear:1pl.exc:prf story:nom=rel sweet:3sg
‘We’ve heard a story that is funny.’

Transitive (oav)
(136) Atsáá imaca =[náao ɲciaa tákív ]rel .
come:3sg:prf child=rel I:acc mention:1sg
‘The child I mentioned earlier has come.’

10.3.3 Adverbial clauses

The category of adverbial clauses is rather broad as it includes any subordinate
clause that modifies a main clause adverbially. Adverbial clause are subordinate
or ‘dependent’ precisely because they cannot stand alone but must be linked to
an independent main clause. As subordinate clauses, adverbial clauses exhibit a
constituent order that differs from both main clauses and relative clauses. Specif-
ically, intransitive adverbial clauses have the order sv, while transitive adverbial
clauses have the order avo. Another correlate of subordination seen in most ad-
verbial clauses – except for the conditional and hypothetical ones – is accusative
case-marking on all core constituents (s/a/o) if they are explicitly mentioned.

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 10 Basic syntax

Among the main kinds of adverbial clause in Ik are the following: temporal,
simultaneous, conditional, hypothetical, manner, reason/cause, and con-
cessive. Most types of adverbial clause – except for manner – have their own
dedicated connective (or ‘conjunction’) or set of connectives, many of which are
listed back in Table 24 under §3.14. Without exception, the subordinating connec-
tives come first in the adverbial clause. Lastly, in terms of position, Ik adverbial
clauses may come before or after the main clause they modify. Each of these
types of adverbial clause is given one example apiece in (137)-(143):

Temporal
(137) [Noo ntsíá baduƙotâdᵉ]temp , ƙɔ́ɗɨakᵒ.
when he:3sg die:3sg:dp cry:1sg:seq
‘When he died, I cried.’
Simultaneous
(138) [Náa ntsíá badúƙótìkᵉ]simul , ƙɔ́ɗɛ́sɨakᵒ.
as he:3sg die:3sg:sim cry:ipfv:1sg:seq
‘As he was dying, I was crying.’
Conditional
(139) [Na ntsa badúƙótùkᵒ]cond , ƙɔ́ɗɨakᵒ.
if he:nom die:3sg:seq cry:1sg:seq
‘If he dies, I’ll cry.’
Hypothetical
(140) a. [Na ƙánoo ntsa badúƙótùkᵒ]hypo ,
if would’ve he:3sg die:3sg:seq
‘If he would’ve died,
b. ƙɔ́ɗɨaa ƙánòkᵒ.
cry:1sg:seq would’ve
I would’ve cried.’
Manner
(141) Badúƙótuo [(ntsíá) tisílíkᵉ]manner .
die:3sg:seq (he:acc) peaceful:3sg:sim
‘And he died peacefully (lit. ‘he being peaceful’).’

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Grammar sketch

Reason/cause
(142) Baduƙotáá [ɗúó ídzanâdᵉ]reason .
die:3sg:prf because shoot:ips:3sg:dp
‘He has died because he was shot.’
Concessive
(143) [Áta ntsíá badúƙótìkᵉ]concess , ńtá ƙɔ́ɗí.
even he:acc die:3sg:sim not cry:1sg
‘Even if he dies, I will not cry.’

10.4 Questions
10.4.1 Overview
Questions in Ik can be formed in two mutually exclusive ways: 1) by leaving the
final word in the question in its non-final form (along with a questioning intona-
tion) or 2) by using interrogative pronouns and often rearranging the syntax of
the sentence. The first method is employed with what is called polar or yes/no
questions: those whose answer is either ‘yes’ or ‘no’. The second method is used
for content or wh-questions: those whose answer is a substantive response to
such interrogative pronouns as who?, what?, when?, where?, etc. These two types
of question are briefly described in the following two subsections.

10.4.2 Polar questions

Polar questions are those that elicit a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ in response. In Ik, they are
formed by leaving the last word or particle of the question in its non-final form
(revisit §2.3 and §2.4.3 for a review). This open-endedness of form is a fascinating
way the grammar reflects the open-endedness of a question – open to a response.
Besides the non-final form of the last word, polar questions are identified by a
change in intonation. This interrogative intonation is enacted by what is called
a boundary low tone: a low tone that attaches to the final syllable. If the final
syllable already has a low tone, then the boundary tone is not audible. But if the
final syllable has a high tone, the boundary tone manifests as a high-low glide.
Examples (144)-(145) illustrate these features of polar questions. Note in the first
part of (144) how the present perfect suffix {-ˊka} shows up in its non-final form
(-ˊà), while in the second part, the final form is used (-ˊk ᵃ). Then, (145) shows the
interrogative boundary low tone attaching to the high tone on the final syllable
of cekúó ‘is a woman’, creating a high-low down-glide (cekúô):

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 10 Basic syntax

(144) a. Nábʉƙɔtáà?
finish:comp:3sg:prf[nf]
‘Is it finished?’
b. Ee, nábʉƙɔtákᵃ.
yes finish:comp:3sg:prf[ff]
‘Yes, it is finished.’

(145) a. Cekúô?
woman:cop[nf]
‘Is it a woman?’
b. Ee, cekúó ntsaᵃ.
yes woman:cop she:nom
‘Yes, it’s a woman.’

10.4.3 Content questions

In contrast to polar questions, content questions cannot logically take ‘yes’ or ‘no’
for an answer. Rather, answers to content questions – as their name implies –
must contain content relevant to the specific interrogative pronoun used to make
the inquiry (Ik interrogative pronouns are listed in Table 46). So if the question
contains the pronoun ǹdò- ‘who?’, the answer must include a person. Or if the
question contains the pronoun ndaí- ‘where?’, the response must refer to a spe-
cific location, and so on. Ik forms content questions by placing an interrogative
pronoun in the syntactic slot of the unknown entity being queried (i.e. a person,
place, time, manner, etc.). For example, in (146), the interrogative pronoun ndaí-
‘where?’ is filling the normal place where an object encoding the destination of
ƙà- ‘go’ would go. A similar thing occurs in (147), where the pronoun ìsì- ‘what?’
fills the direct object slot required by the verb bɛ́ɗ- ‘want’:

(146) Ƙeesída ndaíkᵉ?

go:int:2sg:real where:dat
‘You are going where?

(147) Bɛ́ɗá ìsìkᵃ?

want:3sg:real what:nom
‘He wants what?’

However, what is more common is for the interrogative pronoun to be fronted

for emphasis. As in other instances of fronting in Ik (see §10.2.7), the fronted

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Grammar sketch

element takes the copulative case marker {-ko}. In (148)-(149), examples (146)-
(147) are repeated in their fronted (focused) forms, and two other interrogative
pronouns are used in (150)-(151) to illustrate content questions:

(148) Ndaíó ƙeesídàdᵉ?

where:cop go:2sg:real:dp
‘Where are you going?’

(149) Isio bɛ́ɗᵃ?

what:cop want:3sg:real
‘What does he want?’

(150) Ndoo óá ɲ́cìkᵃ?

who:cop call:3sg:real I:acc
‘Who calls me?’

(151) Ńtɛ́ɛ́nɔ́ɔ́ tákîdᵃ?

which:cop mean:2sg:real
‘Which (one) do you mean?’

10.5 Quotations
Quotations involve reporting someone’s speech (or thought) – the speaker’s own
or someone else’s – directly or indirectly. Ik fulfills this communicative need
through the use of the verb kʉ̀t- ‘say’ followed by the actual quotation treated as
an add-on clause. That is, unlike complements described below in §10.6, a quoted
sentence in Ik is technically not an object of the verb kʉ̀t-. Instead, it is tacked
on ‘extra-syntactically’ and given the oblique case (the ‘leftover’ case). This is
proven by the fact that when the pronoun ìsì- ‘what?’ appears to be the object of
kʉ̀t- with a 3sg or 3pl subject, ìsì- takes the oblique case instead of the accusative
case as one would expect otherwise from case grammar (§7.3).
Many languages, English included, distinguish between direct and indirect quo-
tative formulas, for example the direct “I said, ‘I will come’” versus the indirect
“I said I will come”. By contrast, Ik does not distinguish the two grammatically.
Instead, the proper sense has to be discerned from the context (and possibly from
intonation). So the statement Kʉtíá naa atsésí could mean either “I said, ‘I will
come’” or “I said I will come”, depending on factors other than syntax.
In Ik quotative sentences, if there is an addressee of the quotation, they will
appear in the dative case. And the quotative particle tàà ‘that’ is often inserted

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 10 Basic syntax

just before the quotation, though by all appearances it is optional. The example
sentences (152)-(153) provide a demonstration of the quotative construction:

(152) Kʉtíá bie [Pakóícéo=noo dzígwì]qotation

say:1sg you:dat Turkana:cop=pst4 buy:plur
‘I’m telling you it was the Turkana who used to buy.’

(153) Kʉtana ŋgóé taa [atsúó ɗɛ̀mʉ̀s]qotation

say:ips we.exc:dat that come:imp quickly
‘They are saying to us, ‘Come quickly!’.”

10.6 Complements
Complements are individual clauses that function as an ‘argument’ of the verb –
as either subject or object. In other words, they are clauses within clauses. Unlike
subordinate clauses which are added onto main clauses, complement clauses are
added into other clauses. The main type of Ik complement clause is introduced
by the complementizer tòìmɛ̀nà- ‘that’, which is combination of a form of the
verb tód- ‘speak’ and the noun mɛná- ‘issues, words’. This compound word gives
some evidence that Ik complement clauses (of this particular type) evolved from
quotative clauses like those described above in §10.5.
Because a complement clause fits within the clausal grammar, it must somehow
be declined for case (because all arguments of a verb in Ik take case, without
exception). To meet this requirement, the complementizer tòìmɛ̀nà- bears the
burden of case on behalf of the whole complement clause it is introducing. So
technically, it is the complementizer – not the complement clause alone – that
is the verbal argument. But because tòìmɛ̀nà- plus the complement is a frozen
quotative formula, the whole construction can be analyzed as an argument.
To illustrate this, (154) presents a simple complement clause governed by the
cognitive verb èn- ‘see’. The {curly brackets} indicate the boundaries of the main
clause from the point of view of the syntax, in which the verb èn- ‘see’ selects
its object tòìmɛ̀nà- ‘that’ for the accusative case. The [square brackets] mark the
boundary of the complement clause seen from the point of view of semantics,
for the actual content of ‘seeing’ is the clause that we have become very rich:

(154) {Enáta [toimɛnaa}obj barʉƙɔtímáà zùkᵘ]compl

see:3pl that:acc rich:comp:1pl.exc:prf very
‘They see that we have become very rich.’

581
Grammar sketch

In addition to a direct object, an Ik complement clause can also function as an

indirect object or even the ‘complement’ of a copular clause. For instance, in (155)
below, tòìmɛ̀nà- and by extension the whole complement clause is acting as the
indirect object of the verb xɛ̀ɓ- ‘be afraid of, fear’, which requires the ablative
case. Then, in (156), the verb is the copular verb mìt- ‘be’, which requires its
nominal compliment to be in the oblique case, as is seen with tòìmɛ̀nà-:

(155) Xɛɓíá [toimɛnɔɔ maíá sílím]compl

fear:1sg that:abl ill:1sg AIDS:nom
‘I am afraid that I’m ill with AIDS.’

(156) Mɨta ʝa [toimɛna ńtá nesíbi mɛnákᵃ]compl

be:3sg just that[obl] not hear:3sg words:acc
‘It is just that she doesn’t understand instructions.’

10.7 Comparatives
Comparatives are grammatical constructions that allow the comparison of two
entities on the basis of some shared characteristic. Ik has two strategies for doing
this: 1) the mono-clausal, which involves one simple clause, and 2) the bi-clausal,
which involves a complex clause. Mono-clausal comparatives place the compa-
ree (entity being compared) in the nominative case and the standard (entity
the comparee is being compared to) in the ablative case. Since most comparable
attributes are expressed as intransitive verbs in Ik, the parameter (attribute) of
the comparison is also an adjectival verb in such constructions. For example, in
(157)-(158) below, the intransitive verbs zè- ‘big’ and dà- ‘nice’ are acting as the
parameters, while their subjects are the comparees in the nominative case and
their extended objects the standards in the ablative case:

(157) Zeíá ŋ́kà bù.

big:1sg I:nom you:abl
‘I am bigger than you.’

(158) Daa ɗa=na kɨɗɔ́ɔ́

nice:3sg this.one:nom=this that.one:abl
‘This one is nicer than that one.’

Bi-clausal comparatives, on the other hand, combine a main clause with a subor-
dinate or ‘co-subordinate’ clause (§10.8.2). Both types are introduced by the verb

582
 10 Basic syntax

ɨlɔ́- ‘exceed, surpass’, which acts as the index of the comparison (the gauge of the
degree of difference between compared entities). If the indexical verb introduces
a subordinate clause, it takes the simultaneous aspect, while if it introduces a
co-subordinate clause, it takes the sequential aspect. In such bi-clausal compara-
tives, the comparee is still the subject of the main clause, while the standard is the
object of the dependent clause. The parameter remains with the main clause verb
(as in mono-clausal comparatives). But unlike mono-clausals, bi-clausal compara-
tives can have intransitive or transitive parametric verbs. In other words, actions
as well as attributes can be compared in this type of construction.
In (159), the parameter lies with the verb tɔkɔ́b- ‘cultivate’, and ‘he’ (marked as
3sg on the verb) is being compared with ‘us’ (ŋgó-). The index of the comparison
is the verb ɨlɔ́íɛ ‘he surpassing’, which reveals the inequality of the compared
actions of the two entities. Example (160) follows the exact same logic, only that
the indexical verb ɨlɔ́ɨnɨ is in the sequential aspect instead of the simultaneous:

(159) Tokóbia eɗíá [ɪlɔ́íɛ ŋgókᵃ]sim

cultivate:plur:3sg grain:acc surpass:3sg:sim we:acc
‘He cultivates grain more than us.’

(160) Sáɓúmósáta [ɨlɔ́ɨnɨ toni ɲeryaŋ]seq

kill:recip:3pl exceed:3pl:seq even government[obl]
‘They’re killing each other even more than the government.’

10.8 Clause combining

10.8.1 Clause coordination
Two or more clauses can be linked in Ik through clause coordination. This can
result in clause addition (‘and’), which joins two independent clauses of equal
status. It can result in contrast (‘but’), which joins clauses of equal syntactic sta-
tus, the second of which is a counterexpectation to the first. And thirdly, clause
coordination can result in disjunction (‘or’), in which two clauses of equal sta-
tus are presented as different possible options.
Clause addition is achieved in two ways: 1) simply adjoining the clauses with
a pause in between (represented by a period or comma in writing) or 2) linking
the clauses with a coordinating connective like kòtò ‘and, but, then’ or ńdà ‘and’.
These first two methods are illustrated in (161)-(162). A third way to add one
clause to another is to nominalize it – change all its main parts to nouns, put
them in a noun phrase, and link it up to the other clause with ńdà. Note from

583
Grammar sketch

(163) that with this third method, because the word ńdà ‘and’ is acting as a sort
preposition, it requires its head noun(s) to be in the oblique case. Its head nouns
in (163) are the subject (ŋgo) and infinitive (ŋƙɛ́sí) – both in the oblique case:
(161) Mínía ɲécáyᵃ. Míná ntsa mɛ́sɛ̀kᵃ.
love:1sg tea:nom love:3sg she:nom beer:acc
‘I love tea. She loves beer.’
(162) a. Ƙaƙiésána=noo ńtí,
hunt:plur:ipfv:ips:real=pst how
‘How did people used to go hunting,
b. ńda ƙaíána=noo waa waicíkée ńtí?
and go:plur:ips:real=pst pick:nom greens:gen how
and how did they used to go picking greens?’
(163) a. Itétimaa awákᵉ,
return:1sg:seq home:dat
‘We returned home,
b. ńda ŋgo ŋƙɛ́sí tɔbɔŋɔ́ᵉ.
and we:obl to.eat:obl mush:gen
and we ate mealmush.’
Contrast between two clauses in Ik can be expressed in two primary ways: 1) by
simply adjoining the two clauses with a brief pause in between (marked with by a
comma or period in writing) or 2) by linking the two clauses with the contrastive
connective kòtò, which can mean ‘but’ as well as ‘and, then, therefore, etc.’. These
two types are demonstrated in examples (164)-(165), respectively:
(164) Bɛna ɲ́cùkᵒ. Bùkᵒ.
not:3sg I:cop you:cop
‘It’s not me. It’s you.
(165) a. Bɛɗʉƙɔtía=naa ɲɛ́mɛlɛkʉ́,
search:comp:1sg=pst1 hoe:nom
‘I went and looked for the hoe,
b. koto máa=naa ŋunetí.
but not=pst1 find:1sg
but I did not find (it).’

584
 10 Basic syntax

Lastly, the idea of disjunction is expressed in Ik through the use of the connec-
tives kèɗè ‘or’ or kòrì ‘or’, as illustrated in example sentences (166)-(167):
(166) a. Tɔkɔ́bɛsída eɗa,
farm:ipfv:2sg grain:nom
‘Are you farming grain,
b. keɗe ńtá tɔkɔ́bɛsîd ᶤ?
or not farm:ipfv:2sg
or are you not farming (it)?’
(167) a. Enída mɛna gaanaakátìkᵉ,
see:2sg things:nom bad:distr:3pl:sim
‘Do you see things being bad all around,
b. kori maráŋaakátìkᵉ?
or good:distr:3pl:sim
or as being good all around?

10.8.2 Clause chaining

But in fact, the most common way Ik links independent clauses is through clause
‘co-subordination’ or clause chaining. To create a chain of clauses, the gram-
mar starts with an anchoring phrase or clause to set the stage modally or tempo-
rally, and then it puts all the following mainline verbs in the sequential aspect
(see §8.10.7), creating a chain of two or more clauses. When clause chaining
is used in a story, the temporal ‘anchor’ can be a simple time expression like
kaíníkò nùk ᵘ ‘in those years’ or a tensed statement like Atsa noo ámá ntanée taa
Apáálɔrɛ́ŋ ‘There came a man named Apaaloreng’. In (168), the clause chain is
anchored by the initial adverbial phrase Na kónító ódoue baratsoó ‘One day, in
the morning’, which puts the whole sentence in a temporal frame. Thenceforth,
the clause chain proceeds clause by clause, each marked as seq1, seq2, etc:
(168) a. [Na kónító ódoue baratsoó]adv
when one day:gen morning:ins
‘One day, in the morning,
b. [ipuo taƙáíkakᵃ] seq1
cast:3sg:seq shoes:acc
he cast (his) shoes (in divination),

585
Grammar sketch

c. [eɡuo taƙáíka ɛ́bakᵃ]seq2

put:3sg:seq shoes:nom gun:acc
and the shoes made (the shape of) a gun,

d. [ipuo naɓó]seq3
cast:3sg:seq again
and he cast (them) again,

e. [eɡini ɛ́bakᵃ]seq4
put:3pl:seq gun:acc
and they made a gun.’

Although the sequential aspect and clause chains are common in narratives,
they are also used extensively for other types of discourse, for example, exposi-
tion and instruction. The following expository clause chain in (169) details some
of the steps taken in the process of grinding tobacco leaves. Note that there are
two anchoring adverbial clauses, one at the beginning and one in the third line.
After each one, there is a string of one or more verbs set in the sequential aspect:

(169) a. [Náa iryámétaníɛ́ gwasákᵉ]adv1

when get:ips:sim stone:dat
‘When a stone is acquired,

b. [ŋɔɛ́ɛsɛ ɲaɓáláŋɨtᵃ]seq1
grind:inch:sps soda.ash:nom
soda ash is ground up.

c. [náa ɲaɓáláŋɨtíá iwíɗímètìkᵉ]adv2

when soda.ash:acc pulverize:mid:sim
When the soda ash is ground to powder,

d. [páka ɲapúɗúmùƙòtùk ᵒ]seq4

until powdery:comp:seq
until it becomes fine powder.’

Finally, the sequential aspect and clause chaining is often found operating in
a set of commands or instructions. Such a clause chain may begin with one or
more imperative verbs, followed by the sequential verbs in a chain of further
commands or instructions. This type of clause chain is shown in (170):

586
 10 Basic syntax

(170) a. [Na bɛ́ɗɨdɔɔ bɛrɛ́sá hoe]adv

if want:2sg:seq to.build:nom house:gen
‘If you want to build a house,

b. [kawete titíríkᵃ, kɛɗɨtín, ńda sim]imp2

cut:imp pole:pl reed:pl and fiber
Cut poles, reeds, and fiber,

c. [iréɲuƙoiduo bácíkᵃ]seq1
clear:comp:2sg:seq area:nom
clear away the area,

d. [úgiduo ripitín]seq2
dig:2sg:seq hole:pl:nom
dig holes,

e. [otídukóé titíríkᵃ]seq3
pour:2sg:seq:dp pole:pl:nom
and put the poles into them.’

587
Appendix A: Ik affixes
All of the affixes discussed in the preceding grammar sketch are listed in the table
below for easy reference. When looking for an affix in the list, keep in mind that if
it has two forms (for example the {-e} and {-ɛ} of the genitive case), both forms are
given their own separate entry. Affixes that cannot be the terminal morpheme in
a word have no final form, while those that can, have non-final and final forms.
Table 1: Full list of Ik affixes

Non-final Final Name Section

-Ø -Ø Irrealis modality §8.9.1
-Ø -Ø Oblique case §7.9
-a -ᵃ Nominative case §7.2
-a -ᵃ Realis modality §8.9.2
-a -kᵃ Accusative case §7.3
-a -kᵃ Present perfect aspect §8.10.2
-aák- – Distributive adjectival §8.11.5
-am(a)- -am Singulative §4.2.3
-am(á)- -am Patientive §8.3.3
-án- – Stative adjectival §8.11.4
-an(í)- – Impersonal passive mood §8.6.2
-anoˊ -anoˊ First plural incl. optative §8.10.3
-ás(í)- -ás Abstractive §8.3.1
-át(ì)- -át(ì) Third person plural §8.7
-́d- – Physical property I §8.11.2
-e -ᵉ Genitive case §7.5
-e -kᵉ Dative case §7.4
-e -kᵉ Simultaneous aspect §8.10.8
-́è -́dᵉ Dummy pronoun §8.8
-eˊ -ᵉˊ Imperative singular §8.10.5
-ed(e)- -edᵉ Possessive singular §4.2.4
Appendix A: Ik affixes

Non-final Final Name Section

-és- – Imperfective aspect §8.10.1
-és- – Intentional modality §8.10.1
-és(í)- -és Transitive infinitive §8.2.2
-eseˊ -esᵉˊ Sequential imp. passive §8.10.7
-èt- – Venitive directional §8.4.1
-èt- – Inchoative aspect §8.5.1
-ɛ -ᵋ Genitive case §7.5
-ɛ -k ᵋ Dative case §7.3
-ɛ -k ᵋ Simultaneous aspect §8.10.8
-́ɛ̀ -́dᵉ Dummy pronoun §8.8
-ɛˊ - ᵋˊ Imperative singular §8.10.5
-ɛd(ɛ)- -ɛd ᵋ Possessive singular §4.2.4
-ɛ́s- – Imperfective aspect §8.10.1
-ɛ́s- – Intentional modality §8.10.1
-ɛ́s(í)- -ɛ́s Transitive infinitive §8.2.2
-ɛsɛˊ -ɛs ᵋˊ Sequential imp. passive §8.10.7
-ɛ̀t- – Venitive directional §8.4.1
-ɛ̀t- – Inchoative aspect §8.5.1
-ì -i Third person singular §8.7
-́ì -́dᵉ Dummy pronoun §8.8
-í- – Pluractional aspect §8.5.3
-í(í)- -í(í) First person singular §8.8
-iaˊ - – First singular sequential §8.10.7
-íd(ì)- -íd(ì) Second person singular §8.8
-ìk- – Distributive adjectival §8.11.5
-ìk(à)- -ìkᵃ Plurative §4.2.1
-íkó/-íkw- -íkᵒ Plurative §4.2.1
-ím(í)- -ím(í) First plural exclusive §8.7
-imaˊ - -imaˊ First pl. exc. optative §8.10.3
-imaˊ - – First pl. exc. sequential §8.10.7
-ímét- – Middle II mood §8.6.3
-ìn(ì)- -ìn Possessive plural §4.2.4
-ineˊ -ineˊ First singular optative §8.10.3
-ìnì -ìn Third plural sequential §8.10.7
-ínós(í)- -ínós Reciprocal §8.6.4

590
Non-final Final Name Section
-ísín(ì)- -ísín(ì) First plural inclusive §8.7
-ìt- – Causative mood §8.6.5
-ít(í)- -ít(í) Second person plural §8.7
-ítín(í)- -ítín Plurative §4.2.1
-ì -ᶤ Third person singular §8.7
-́ɨ̀ -́dᵉ Dummy pronoun §8.8
-í(í)- -í(í) First person singular §8.7
-ɨaˊ - – First singular sequential §8.10.7
-íd(ì)- -íd(ì) Second person singular §8.7
-ìk- – Distributive adjectival §8.11.5
-ìk(à)- -ìkᵃ Plurative §4.2.1
-ím(í)- -ím(í) First plural exclusive §8.7
-ɨmaˊ - -ɨmaˊ First pl. exc. optative §8.10.3
-ɨmaˊ - – First pl. exc. sequential §8.10.7
-ìn(ì)- -ìn Possessive plural §4.2.4
-ínɔ́s(í)- -ínɔ́s Reciprocal §8.6.4
-ɨnɛˊ -ɨnɛˊ First singular optative §8.10.3
-ìnì- -ìn Third plural sequential §8.10.7
-ísín(ì)- -ísín(ì) First plural inclusive §8.7
-ìt- – Causative §8.6.5
-ít(í)- -ít(í) Second person plural §8.7
-ítín(í)- -ítín Plurative §4.2.1
-́m- – Middle I mood §8.6.3
-́m- – Physical property II §8.11.3
-nànès(ì)- -nànès Behaviorative §8.3.2
-o -ᵒ Ablative case §7.6
-o -ᵒ Instrumental case §7.7
-o -kᵒ Copulative case §7.8
-o -kᵒ Sequential aspect §8.10.7
-́ò -́dᵉ Dummy pronoun §8.8
-òn(ì)- -òn Intransitive infinitive §8.2.1
-ós(í)- -ós Passive mood §8.6.1
-ɔ -ᵓ Ablative case §7.6
-ɔ -ᵓ Instrumental case §7.7
-ɔ -kᵓ Copulative case §7.8

591
Appendix A: Ik affixes

Non-final Final Name Section

-ɔ -kᵓ Sequential aspect §8.10.7
-́ɔ̀ -́dᵉ Dummy pronoun §8.8
-ɔm(a)- -ɔm Singulative §4.2.3
-ɔ̀n(ì)- -ɔ̀n Intransitive infinitive §8.2.1
-ɔ́s(í)- -ɔ́s Passive mood §8.6.1
-uƙot(í)- -uƙoti Andative directional §8.4.2
-uƙot(í)- -uƙoti Completive aspect §8.5.2
-úó -ú Imperative plural §8.10.5
-ʉƙɔt(í)- -ʉƙɔt ᶤ Andative directional §8.4.2
-ʉƙɔt(í)- -ʉƙɔt ᶤ Completive aspect §8.5.2
-ʉ́ɔ́ -ʉ́ Imperative plural §8.10.5

592
References
Heine, Bernd. 1999. Ik dictionary. Köln: Rüdiger Köppe Verlag.
Schrock, Terrill. 2014. A grammar of Ik (Icé-tód): Northeast Uganda’s last thriving
Kuliak language. Utrecht: LOT.
Schrock, Terrill. 2015. A guide to the developing orthography of Icetod. Lokinene:
SIL Uganda & the Ik Agenda Development Initiative.
Subject index

ablative case, 483, 582 copula, 533

accusative case, 482, 526, 546, 548, copular, 573, 574, 582
575, 576, 580, 581 copulative case, 482, 483, 516, 574,
adjectival, 492, 535, 558–561, 582, 589– 580
591
adverb, 482, 564, 565, 567, 569, 573 dative, 480–484, 501, 525, 526, 531,
adverbial clause, 575, 577 542, 580, 592
agentive, 508, 509 definiteness, 514
allomorphy, 551 depressor consonant, 488, 502
anaphoric, 488, 492, 521–523, 567 devoiced, 478
andative, 542–544 devoicing, 478, 490, 556
aspect, 535, 544, 553, 556, 557, 563, dialect, 3
589–592 diminutive, 508–510
ATR, 7, 485–488, 502, 536, 537, 542, directional, 590, 592
545, 547, 549 disjunction, 585
auxiliary verb, 571 distributive adjectival, 561
dummy pronoun, 482, 551
boundary tone, 578
genitive case, 530, 531, 589
causative, 549, 550, 570
haplology, 480
certainty, 496, 561, 565
clause chaining, 585, 586 ideophone, 496
clause structure, 569, 570 imperative, 495, 534, 554, 556, 586
cleft construction, 574, 575 imperfective, 553, 557
clitic, 488, 490, 518 inchoative, 544, 547, 549, 572
clusivity, 512, 549 infinitive, 8, 9, 482, 492, 509, 535, 536,
common argument, 518, 575, 576 542, 545, 546, 549, 559, 584,
complement, 531, 533, 574, 581, 582 590–592
complementizer, 497, 498, 581 instrumental case, 480, 532
completive aspect, 544 intentional, 553
constituent order, 569–571, 573, 575, interrogative, 491, 512, 515, 516, 578–
576 580
Subject index

intonation, 578, 580 reported speech, 497

intransitive, 482, 486, 518, 535–537,
539, 542, 544–547, 549, 558, semi-vowel, 484, 502
559, 569–572, 575, 576, 582, sequential aspect, 556, 557, 583, 585,
583 586
simultaneous aspect, 557, 583
left-dislocation, 575 singulative, 491, 502, 504, 505
stative adjectival, 490, 559
main clause, 517, 518, 527, 557, 575–
subjunctive mood, 555
577, 581–583
subordinate clause, 528, 575, 576, 583
modality, 589, 590
syllable, 484, 488, 489, 502, 516, 554,
mora, 502
578
negative copula, 533
tense, 553, 556, 562–565, 569
nominative case, 8, 485, 505, 508, 526,
time expression, 556, 585
575, 582
noun phrase, 530, 535, 536, 567, 572, vowel assimilation, 482–484, 526, 536,
583 537, 551
vowel harmony, 7, 478, 484, 486, 492,
oblique case, 525, 534, 580, 582, 584
502, 551, 559
orthography, xi, xii, 488

particle, 515, 556, 565, 578, 580

passive, 499, 535, 545–548, 557, 589,
590
patient, xii, 541, 547
plurative, 486, 491, 502–504
possession, 501, 505, 514, 529, 530
possessor, 505, 514
preposition, 494, 534, 584
proclitic, 565

quotative, 580, 581

recipient, 529, 555

reciprocal, 547, 548
reduplication, 545
reflexive, 491, 512, 518, 519, 537, 547
relative clause, 517, 518, 575, 576
relative pronoun, 492, 493, 517, 518,
575, 576

596
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The Ik language
This book is a dictionary and grammar sketch of Ik, one of the three Kuliak
(Rub) languages spoken in the beautiful Karamoja region of northeastern
Uganda. It is the lexicographic sequel to A grammar of Ik (Icé-tód): North-
east Uganda’s last thriving Kuliak language (Schrock 2014). The present
volume includes an Ik-English dictionary with roughly 8,700 entries, fol-
lowed by a reversed English-Ik index. These two main sections are then
supplemented with an outline of Ik grammar that is comprehensive in its
coverage of topics and written in a simple style, using standard linguis-
tic terminology in a way that is accessible to interested non-linguists as
well. This book may prove useful for language preservation and develop-
ment among the Ik people, as a reference tool for non-Ik learners of the
language, and as a source of data, not only for the comparative study of
Kuliak but also the wider Afroasiatic and Nilo-Saharan language families.

ISBN 978-3-944675-95-4

9 783944 675954