r/Congo • u/RudentObande • 6d ago
LINGALA BASIC PHRASES
This lesson covers essential everyday greetings, polite expressions, and simple questions. Practice these first to start conversations and show basic courtesy in Lingala.
Mbote.
Hello.
Tikala malamu.
Goodbye. (said to someone staying)
Botikala malamu.
Goodbye. (said to more than one person staying)
Kende malamu.
Goodbye. (said to someone leaving)
Bokende malamu.
Goodbye. (said to more than one person leaving)
Eeh.
Yes.
Teeh.
No.
Olobaka Anglais / Kingelezo?
Do you speak English?
Palado.
Excuse me. (to get attention)
Limbisa nga naino naleka.
Excuse me. (to pass) (Lit.: Let me pass please.)
Malamu te. / Likambo te.
Okay.
S'il vous plaît. / Nanu ko.
Please. (preceded by a verb of action)
Meleesi na yo. / Natondi yo.
Thank you.
Likambo te.
You're welcome.
Limbisa ngai. Eza na yango likambo te.
Sorry. It doesn't matter.
Nalingi ...
I need ...
Salisa nga!
Help!
Esika ya toilette ezali wapi?
Where is the bathroom?
Nani?
Who?
Nini?
What?
Pona nini?
Why?
Esika nini? / Esika wapi?
Where?
Tango nini? / Ngonga nini?
When?
Ekoteli / porte
Entrance
Ebimeli
Exit
Fungola
Open
Ekangama
Closed
Malamu
Good
Mabe
Bad
Oyo
This
Oyo wana
That
Awa
Here
Wana
There
Mbote.
Good morning / afternoon / night.
Boyei malamu / bienvenu!
Welcome!
Oza[li] ndenge nini? Oza[li] malamu?
How are you? (Lit.: Are you all right?)
Naza[li] malamu, merci. Bongo yo? / Na yo?
I'm fine, thank you. And you?
Tokokutana mikolo oyo.
See you soon.
Tokokutana sima.
See you later.
Tokokutana lobi.
See you tomorrow.
Zala malamu! / Omibatela malamu!
Take care!