A

abiri [from Ara cabara] = cross, travel v.

abudu [from Ara cabada] = worship v.
acha [Her yaha, Kon lasa, Sot lahla, Ven lata, Zul lahla, from PBan *dac-] = leave v.
achama [Bem asama, Gan asama, Kik athania, Ven atama, Xho akhama, PBan *jacam-]
= open mouth v.
ada [from Ara ada] = performance; care; fee
adabu [from Ara adab] = manners
adha [from Ara adha] = annoyance
adhana [from Ara adhan] = call to prayer
adhuhuri [from Ara al dhuhr] = the midday
adili [from Ara cadil] = just adj.
adui [from Ara cadw] = enemy
afa [from Ara afa] = calamity
afu [from Ara cafw] = amnesty; deliverance
afya [from Ara cafya] = health
afyuni [from Ara afyun from Gre opion] = opium
aga [Her raya, Kon ilaga, San laga, Sot laya, Ven laya, Zul laya, from PBan *dag-] =
leave, abandon v.
agana [Gan lagaana, Mwe lagana, from PBan *dagaan-] = agree v.
agiza [Gan lagira, from PBan *dagid-] = order, direct, admonish v.
agua [Gan lagula, Kik ragura, from PBan *dagud-] = divine, charm v.
ahadi [from Ara cahd] = accord, contract
ahera [from Ara akhira] = next world
ahidi [Arab ahada] = promise v.
ahsante [from Ara ahsanta] = well done, bravo
aibu [from Ara cayb] = disgrace
ajabu [from Ara cajab] = wonder
ajali [from Ara ajal] = fate
ajili [from Ara ajli] = sake
ajiri [from Ara ajara] = rent, hire v.
ajizi [from Ara cajz] = weakness
aka [Bem mwaka, Kik aka, Sot aga (ngwaga), Tsw aga, Zul akha, from PBan *jak-] =
build, work as mason v.
ake [Benda akwe, Kik ake, Ven we, Zul khe, from Ban] = his
akili [from Ara caql] = mind, sense
ala [from Ara ala] = tool
alama [from Ara calama] = mark, sign
alasiri [from Ara al casr] = the afternoon
alfajiri [from Ara al fajr] = the daybreak
alhamisi [Kik aramithi from Ban from Ara al khamisi 'the fifth'] = Thursday
alika [from PBan *dad-] = crack v.
alika [from PBan *daadik-] = invite v.
allah [from Ara allah] = god
almasi [Kik aramathi from Ban from Ara almas from Gre adamas] = diamond
amali [from Ara camal] = action
amana [from Ara amana] = pledge
amani [from Ara aman] = peace
amara [from Ara amr] = business
amba [see ambia] = that, who
amba [from PBan *jamb-] = slander, abuse v.
ambia [Bem amba, Lub amba, Ven amba, Zul amba, from PBan *gamb-] = speak, tell v.
ambua [Gan ambulula, Zul ambula, from PBan *jambud-] = peel off v.
ambukiza [from PBan *jambukid-] = spread, infect v.
amini [from Ara] = believe v.
amka [Kik ramuka, from PBan *damuk-] = get up, wake v.
amri [from Ara] = command
amua [Che lamula, Gan lamula, from PBan *damud-] = arbitrate, judge v.
amwa [Lub amua, Ven damu, from PBan *jamu-] = suckle v.
andama [Dua anda, Her randa, Lin landa, Sot latela, Zul landa, from PBan *dand-] =
follow v.
andika [Gan wandika, Kik andika, Mwe andika, Rwa andika, from PBan *jandik-] =
write v.
anga [see angaa; Zul langa] = sky, light n.
angaa [Lub anga, from PBan *dangad-] = shine, light; open; clear v.
angalia [from PBan *dangadi-] = look, care, pay attention v.
angavu [see angaa] = shining, light, clear adj.
angika [from PBan *jangik-] = hang up v.
anika [Bem anika, Gan anika, Her nyaneka, Kik anika, Kon anika, Lub anika, Mwe
anikila, San yanika, Sot anega, Ven enetshedza, from PBan *janik-] = spread, put out to
dry v.
anua [see anika; Ven anea] = take in from rain v.
anwani [from Ara cunwan] = title, address
anza [Lub anza, Mwe andya, from PBan *jand(i)-] = begin v.
apa [Bem lapa, from PBan *dap-] = swear v.
arabuni [from Ara carabun] = deposit, guarantee
ardhi [from Ara ardh] = soil, ground
arifu [from Ara carafa] = inform v.
aroba [from Ara arbac] = four
arobaini [from Ara arbacin] = forty
arusi [from Ara carusi] = wedding
asali [from Ara casal] = honey
asante [see ahsante; Bem santi] = thanks
ashiki [from Ara cashq] = desire
ashiria [from Ara ashara] = give a sign v.
asili [from Ara asl] = origin
askari [Kik muthigari from Ban from Ara caskar from Lat exercitus] = soldier
askofu [Kik muthikabu from Ban from Ara askuf from Gre episkopos] = bishop
asubuhi [from Ara al subh] = the morning
athari [from Ara athar] = mark, blemish
aula [from Ara awla] = first
auni [from Ara cawn] = help
awali [from Ara awwal] = first
aya [from Ara aya] = verse
azali [from Ara azali] = eternal
azima [Bem ashima, Sot adima, Tsw adima, Ven adzima, from PBan *jadim-] = borrow
v.
azima [from Ara cazima] = talisman
azizi [from Ara caziz] = valued, dear

B
baa [see balaa] = calamity
baa [from Eng] = bar n.
baada [from Ara bacad] = after
baadhi [from Ara bacadhi] = some
baba [Kik baba, Mwe vava, Sho baba, Ven baba, Zul baba, from PBan *baba] = father
badala [from Ara badal] = substitute
bafta [from Ara bafta from Per] = calico
bahari [from Ara bahr] = sea
bahasha [Gan basa, Kik mbahaca, Rwa bahasha] = envelope
bahati [Mwe bahati from Per bakht] = luck
bahili [from Ara bakhil] = miser
baina [from Ara bayn] = between
bakshishi [from Ara baqshish from Per] = tip
bakuli [Kik mbakuri, Mwe ibakuli, Rwa bakure] = bowl, dish, basin
balaa [from Ara bala] = calamity
balehe [from Ara balagha] = reach (puberty) v.
balozi [Kik baruthi from Per balyuz] = consul; ambassador; governor
balungi [from Per] = pomelo
bamba [Zul bamba, from PBan *bamb-] = hold v.
banda [Kik kibanda from Gre mandra from Skt manda] = shed, barn
bandari [from Ara bandar from Per] = port
bandika [from PBan *bandik-] = stick v.
bandua [from PBan *bandud-] = strip, tear v.
bangi [Kik bangi, Sot patshe, Ven mbanzhe from Hin bhang] = hemp
barabara [Lin balabala, Mwe ibalabala from Per] = road, highway
barafu [from Per barf] = ice
baraka [from Ara baraka] = blessing
baraza [Lin barza, mbalasa, Lub balasa, from Ban] = veranda
baridi [from Ara barid] = cold
barua [Kik marua, Rwa baruwa, from Ban] = letter, note
baruti [Bem maluti, Kik mbaruti from Ban from Ara barut from Gre pyrotes] =
gunpowder
bashiri [from Ara bashara] = bring news v.
basi [Che basi, Kik mbathi, Zul bhasi from Ban from Eng] = bus
bastola [Kik mbathitora from Ban from Por pistola] = pistol
bata [Bem ibata, Kik mbata, Lin libata, Lub bata, Mwe mbata, Rwa bata from Ban from
Ara bat] = duck
bati [Bem mbata, Kik ibati, Mwe ibati, from Ban] = tin (sheets for roof)
batili [from Ara batal] = void adj.
bawa [Fan fap, Lub papa, puapua, Rwa baba, Umb vava, Ven lufhafha, from PBan
*papa] = wing
bawabu [from Ara bawwab] = doorkeeper
baya [Mwe vaya, from Ban] = bad
beba [Sot pepa, Ven beba, Zul beba, from PBan *beb-] = carry child v.
bega [Bem kubeya, Che phewa, Gan bega, Lub veka, Mwe ivega, Nya phewa, from
PBan *bega] = shoulder
bei [Kik mbei from Ban] = price, cost
bem [from PBan *bemb-] = entice, seduce v.
bendera [Che mbendera, Kik mbendera, Rwa bendera from Ban from Por] = flag,
banner
benki [Kik bengi from Ban from Eng] = bank
beteri [Kik mbeteri from Ban from Eng] = battery
biashara [Kik ubiacara from Ban from Ara] = commerce
bibi [Kik bibi from Ban] = lady
bichi [Bem bishi, Kik ithi, Lub bishi, Mwe visi, Rwa bisi, Sho mbishi, Sot lebese, Ven
vhisi, Zul bisi, from PBan *bici] = raw, unripe
biga [Fan vii, from PBan *bega] = pot (earthenware beer-pot)
bikari [from Ara birkar from Per pirkar] = compass
bikira [Rwa bikira from Ban from Ara bikr] = virgin
bila [from Ara bila] = without
bilauri [Gan rawuli, Kik mbirauri, Lub laudi, Rwa rahuri from Ban from Ara billur from
Gre beryllion] = crystal, glass
bilingani [Che biringanya, Gan biringanya from Ban from Ara badhinjan from Per] =
eggplant
bin [from Ara bin] = son
binti [from Ara bint] = daughter
birika [Kik mbirika from Ban from Ara birka] = pond; kettle
bivu [Kik iru, Ven vhibva, from PBan *bidu] = ripe
bizari [from Ara bizr] = seed, corn (of pepper etc.)
blanketi [Bem bulangeti, Kik murengeti from Ban from Eng] = blanket
blausi [Kik kaburauthi from Ban from Eng] = blouse
boga [Rwa boga, from PBan *boga] = pumpkin
boma [Kik mboma, from Ban] = fort
bomba [Kik mbomba from Por] = pump
bomoa [from PBan *bomud-] = break v.
bonde [Rwa bande, Sangu band-, from PBan *banda] = valley
bovu [Bem bola, Kik oru, Lub bola, Mwe vola, from PBan *bod-] = rotten v.
bubu [Mwe mumu, from PBan *bubu] = dumb
buibui [Bem bube, Kik mbumbui, Sot bobi, Tsw bobi, Ven buvhi, from PBan *buibui or
*bubi] = spider
buluu [Gan bbululu, Kik bururu, Mwe vululu, Rwa ruru, Sho bhuruu from Ban from
Eng] = blue
bumba [see umba; Bem ibumba, Kik kiumbwa] = lump, cluster, swarm
bunduki [Lin bondoki from Ban from Ara bunduq from Gre pontikos] = gun, rifle
bungu [Sot seboko, Ven luvhungu, vungu, Zul bungu, from PBan *bungu] = insect
(boring)
buni [Kik mbuni from Ban from Ara bunn from Eth] = coffee beans
buni [from Ara bana] = build; invent v.
burashi [Kik mburaci, Zul bhulashi from Ban from Eng] = brush
busara [from Ara basira] = prudence
bustani [from Ara bustan from Per] = garden
busu [from Ara basa] = kiss v.
buu [see bungu] = grub, maggot
buyu [from PBan *pudo] = calabash
bwana [Kik bwana from either Per ban or rather Ara abuna 'our father'] = master

C
cha [Bem ca, Gan kya, Her tkha, Kik kia, Kon khya, San kha, Sot masa, Ven tsha, Zul
hla, sa, from PBan *ke(a)] = dawn v.
chacha [from PBan *cac-] = ferment, go sour v.
chache [from PBan *keekee] = few
chagua [Che sankhula, Her hora, Kon sagula, Lub sungula, Mwe sagula, San hagula,
Sot hlaola, Ven taula, from PBan *caagud-] = pick, choose v.
chai [Gan cayi, Kik cai, Rwa ayi from Ban from Ara shay from Chi] = tea
chakula [see la 'eat'; Bem cakulya, Che chakudya, Nya chakudya] = food
chambo [Ven vhuanzwo, from PBan *jambo] = bait
chana [Kik canura, Lin sanola, from PBan *can-] = comb v.
chandalua [Bem candaluwa, from Ban] = mosquito net
changa [Bem sanga, Dua sanga, Gan sanga, Her hanga, Kon sangana, Lub sangana,
Mwe sanga, Sot hlakanya, Ven tangana, Zul hlangana, hlangabeza, from PBan *cang-]
= collect, assemble v.
changamka [from PBan *cangamuk-] = pleased, cheerful v.
changanya [see changa] = mix v.
chanuo [see chana; Kik gicanuro] = comb n.
chapa [Kik caba from Ban from Hin chap] = print n.
chatu [Bem lusato, Mwe nsato, Sot hlware, Tsw tlhware, Ven tharu, Xho tlwathi, Zul
hlathu, from PBan *cato] = python
checha [from PBan *ceec-] = cut (into small pieces) v.
cheche [Bem lusase, Mwe isasi, Sot hlase, Ven thase, from PBan *cece] = spark
cheka [Bem seka, Gan seka, Her nyeka, Kik theka, Kon seka, Lin seka, Lub seka, Mwe
seka, Nya seka, Rwa seka, San hekha, Sho seka, Sot sega, Tsw tshega, Ven sea, Zul
hleka, from PBan *cek-] = laugh v.
chekecha [from PBan *cec-] = sift v.
cheki [Kik ceki from Ban from Eng] = cheque
chelewa [see cha; Gan ceerewa] = late v.
chemua [Bem tesemuna, Gan asimula, Sot ethimola, Xho thimla, Zul ethimula, Ven
atsamula, from PBan *tiemud-] = sneeze v.
cheo [from PBan *jedo] = rank, measure
cheti [from Eng from Hin citthi] = chit, note n.
chemka [Gan camuka, Kik camukia, from PBan *camuk-] = boil, bubble v.
cherehani [Kik cerehani] = sewing machine
cheza [Bem cila, Kik cetha, from PBan *jida] = play, dance v.
chimba [Bem imba, Gan simba, Kik cimba, Mwe simba, Sot epa, Zul mba, from PBan
*cimb-] = dig, hoe v.
chindi [Ven tshisindi, from PBan *cindi] = squirrel
chini [see nchi and ni 'place'] = below
chinja [Bem cinja, Kik thinja, Zul hlinza, from PBan *cenj-] = slaughter v.
chocha [Ven toda, tota, Sot hlotla, Zul hlohla, from PBan *cooc-] = prod, probe v.
choka [Zul shuka, from PBan *cok-] = tire out v.
chokaa [Kik cokaa from Ban from Eng] = chalk, lime
chokoa [Gan sokola, Sot hlogo, Ven thoho, Xho hloko, tloko, Zul hloko, from PBan
*cokuud-] = pull out, pick out, poke out v.
choma [Bem soma, Sot hloma, Ven toma, Zul hloma, from PBan *com-] = pierce, stab,
prick v.
chombo [from PBan *jombo] = boat, vessel
chomoa [Ven tomola, from PBan *comud-] = draw out, pull out, poke out v.
chonga [Dua songa, Her honga, Kon songa, from PBan *cong-] = cut (into shape),
carve, pare, sharpen v.
chongoa [Gan songola, from PBan *congud-] = cut to point, sharpen v.
choo [Kik kioro] = faeces; lavatory, urinal, cesspit
choroa [Kik coroa] = oryx
chovya [Kik coria, from PBan *dub-] = dip v.
chubua [from PBan *cub-] = graze, rub v.
chuguu [Nwezi gulu, from PBan *gudu] = ant-hill, ant-heap
chui [Dua ndyo, Her ongwe, Lin nkoi, Mwe suvi, Sot nkwe, Umb ngue, nzhui, Ven
nngwe, Zul ngwe, from PBan *cubi] = leopard
chuja [Sot hlotla, Ven tuda, Zul hluza, from PBan *cuuj-] = filter v.
chukia [from PBan *cok-] = dislike v.
chuma [Gan kyuma, Mwe chuma, Nko ekyoma, Rwa ichyuma, Sangu ishoma, from
PBan *cuma] = iron
chuma [from PBan *cum-] = earn, gain, trade, buy food v.
chumba [see nyumba; Kik kanyumba, Mwe chumba, Rwa umba] = room
chumvi [Kik cumbi] = salt
chuna [from PBan *cun-] = skin, take off v.
chunga [from PBan *cung-] = look after, shepherd v.
chunga [Kik cunga, Kon sungula, Mwe yunga, Zul hlunga, from PBan *cung-] = sift v.
chungu [Zul hlungu, from PBan *cungu] = bitter, painful
chungu [Bem nongo, Dua wongo, Her onyungu, Mwe nungu, Ven dzungu, Zul ngungu,
from PBan *jungu] = pot
chupa [Gan cupa, Her onjupa, Kik cuba, Lub supa, Mwe suha, Rwa cupa, from PBan
*cupa] = jar, bottle
chura [Bem cula, Che chule, Kik kiura, Mwe chula, Nya chule, Sot tlola, Ven dula, Zul
dlula, from PBan *juda] = frog
chwa [Kik thua, Zul hlwa, from PBan *co] = set (sun) v.

D
daawa [from Ara dacwa] = lawsuit
dada [Zul dade] = sister
daftari [from Ara daftar from Per] = account-book, register
dafina [from Ara dafina] = treasure
dai [from Ara daca] = claim
daima [from Ara daim] = always, constantly, continuing
dakika [Gan dakika, Kik ndagika, Rwa dakika from Ban from Ara daqiqa] = minute
daktari [Bem ndokotala, Kik ndagitari, Zul dokotela from Ban from Eng] = doctor
dalali [from Ara dallal] = broker
dalasini [from Ara dar al sini] = cinnamon
dalili [from Ara dalil] = sign
damu [from Ara dam] = blood
daraja [from Ara daraja] = steps
darasa [from Ara dars] = class, lesson
dari [from Per] = ceiling
darubini [Kik ndarubini, Rwa durubindi from Ban from Ara darbin from Per durbin] =
telescope
dau [from Ara dhaw] = dhow
dawa [Kik ndawa from Ban from Ara dawa] = medicine, drug
debe [Bem itepe, Mwe idebe from Hin] = tin, can
dengu [Kik ndengu] = lentils
deni [from Ara dain] = debt
dereva [Gan dereva, Kik ndereba from Ban from Eng] = driver
desturi [from Ara dastur from Per] = custom
dhabihu [from Ara dhabh] = sacrifice
dhahabu [Gan zabu, Kik thahabu, Mwe zahabu from Ban from Ara dhahab] = gold
dhahiri [from Ara dhahir] = evident
dhaifu [from Ara dhacif] = weak
dhakari [from Ara dhakar] = penis
dhalimu [from Ara dhalim] = unjust
dhamana [from Ara dhamana] = surety
dhambi [from Ara dhanb] = sin
dhamiri [from Ara dhamir] = conscience
dhara [from Ara dharra] = harm
dhihaka [from Ara dhahika] = ridicule
dhiki [from Ara dhayq] = distress
dhili [from Ara dhalla] = humiliate v.
dhoruba [from Ara dharb] = blow n.
dia [from Ara diya] = ransom
dibaji [from Ara dibaja] = preface
didimia [from PBan *didimid-] = sink v.
dini [Kik ndini from Ban from Ara din] = religion
dira [Kik ndira from Per daira from Ban from Ara daira 'circle'] = compass
dirisha [Kik ndirica, Lub didisha, Mwe indilisha, Rwa dirishya from Per dariche] =
window
divai [Bem ndifai, Kik ndibei, Sot tsefa, Ven difha] = wine
diwani [from Ara diwan from Per] = counsillor
dobi [Kik ndubi from Hin dobi] = washerman
dogo [from PBan *dodo] = small
dola [from Ara dawla] = government
doria [from Ara dawriya] = patrol
dua [from Ara duca] = prayer
duara [from Ara dawra] = circle
dubu [Kik ndubu from Ban from Ara dubb] = bear n.
dudu [from Ara dud] = worm
duka [Gan duka, Kik nduka, Mwe duka from Ban from Ara dukkan] = shop
duni [from Ara duna] = low, inferior
dunia [from Ara dunya] = world
dutu [Mwe duta] = wart, pimple

E
eda [from Ara cidda] = counting; days of mourning
edashara [from Ara wahda cashara] = eleven
egama [from PBan *yegam-] = lean v.
ekundu [Zul nsundu, from PBan *kundu] = red
elea [Her yera, yerekera, Kon ela, gela, Mwe ela, San jela, Sot seetsa, eletsa, Umb yela,
from PBan *jed-] = clear v.
elea [Bem elela, Kik reria, Mwe elela, from PBan *ded-] = float v.
eleka [Her vereka, Sot belega, Zul beleka, from PBan *bedik-] = carry v.
eleza [see elea] = clarify, explain v.
elfu [from Ara alf] = thousand
elimu [from Ara cilm] = knowledge
ema [Kikerebe zima, from PBan *juam-] = good v.
embe [Bem iyembe, Kik riembe, Gan yembe, from PBan *jembe] = mango
enda [Bem enda, Che yenda, Dua enda, Gan genda, Her yenda, Kik genda, Kon enda,
Lub enda, Nya yenda, Rwa genda, San jenda, Sho enda, Sot eta, Umb enda, Ven enda,
Zul enda, from PBan *jend-] = go, travel, fare v.
enea [from PBan *jan(i)-] = spread v.
engua [Bem vengula, Kik engura, Lub engula, Mwe engula, Zul engula, from PBan
*jengud-] = skim v.
enu [Bem -enu, Lub enu, from PBan *nu] = your
enye [see mwenye; Ven -ne] = having
enyewe [see mwenye] = self
epa [from PBan *jep-] = avoid v.
erevu [see eleza] = cunning
etu [Bem esu, Kik itu, Lub etu] = our
eupe [see elea 'clear'; Mwe pe, Ven tshena] = white
eusi [Kik iru, from PBan *jidu] = black

F
fa [Bem fwa, Gan fwa, Kik kua, Kon fwa, Lin kufa, Lub fua, Mwe fa, Rwa gupfa, San
fwa, Sho fa, Sot hwa, Tsw swa, Umb fa, Ven fa, ifa, Zul fa, from PBan *ku-] = die v.
faa [see nafuu] = useful v.
fadhaa [from Ara fadhaca] = disgust, dismay
fadhili [from Ara fadhl] = favour, kindness
fagia [Bem pyanga, Her pyanga, Kon phyagila, Mwe pyagula, San fyajila, Sot swiela,
Tsw feela, Ven swiela, from PBan *piagid-] = sweep v.
fahali [from Ara fahl] = stallion, bull
fahamu [from Ara fahama] = understand v.
fahari [from Ara fakhar] = honour, splendour
faharisi [from Ara fihris from Per fehrest] = index
faida [from Ara fayda] = profit
faini [Kik baini from Ban from Eng] = fine n.
fali [from Ara fal] = good omen
fanana [Dua wana, Her sana, Kik huana, Kon fwana, Lub fuana, San khwana, Sot Tsw,
Tsw tshwana, Zul fana, from PBan *puan-] = resemble v.
fanusi [from Ara fanus from Gre] = lantern
faradhi [from Ara faridha] = duty, obligation
faragha [from Ara faragh] = leisure; seclusion
faraja [from Ara faraj] = joy; consolation
faraka [from Ara firqa] = party, division
faranga [from Por franga from Ara farruj] = chicken
farasi [Lin farasa, Gan balasi, Kik mbarathi, Mwe falasi from Ban from Ara faras] =
horse
farisi [from Ara faris] = hero; expert
faru [see kifaru; Kik kibaru] = tank, armored car
fasaha [from Ara fasaha] = eloquence
fasiki [from Ara fasiq] = immoral person
fasiri [from Ara fasara] = interpret v.
fataki [Per fesh-feshak] = rocket, firecracker
fatiha [from Ara fatih] = opening prayer
faulu [from Ara fala] = have good omen, succeed v.
fedha [Gan ffeza from Ban from Ara fidha] = silver
fedheha [from Ara fadhiha] = shame
feleji [Kik muberethi from Per puladh] = steel; pipe
feli [from Ara ficl] = act n.
ficha [Bem fisa, Kik hitha, Kon fisa, Mwe visa, San fiha, Sot fihla, Tsw fitlha, Ven
swita, Xho fihla, Zul fihla, sisa, from PBan *pic-] = hide v.
fidhuli [from Ara fudhuli] = curious, insolent
fidia [from Ara fidya] = ransom
figo [Bem lufyo, Che impsyo, Gan sigo, Her osyoti, Kik higo, Kon ulufigo, Lub fio,
Mwe mfigo, Rwa pyiko, Sho itsvo, Sot pshio, Tsw philo, Ven tswio, Xho tso, Zul nso,
from PBan *pigo] = kidney
fika [Bem fika, Che fika, Her seka, Kon fika, Lub fika, Mwe shika, Nya fika, San fikha,
Sot fihla, Ven swika, Zul fika, from PBan *pik-] = arrive v.
fikara [from Ara fikr] = thought
fikicha [see pekecha] = rub v.
filimbi [Kik thirimbi, Lub fidimbi] = whistle n.
filisi [from Ara falasa] = bankrupt v.
fimbo [from PBan *pimbo] = cane, stick
finga [Zul finga, from PBan *ping-] = protect by charms v.
finya [Zul finyela, from PBan *pini-] = pinch, squeeze v.
fisadi [from Ara fasid] = corrupt person
fisi [Kik hiti, Mwe mbiti, Sot phiri, Tsw phiri, Xho pisi, Zul phisi, from PBan *piti] =
hyena
fisidi [from Ara fasada] = corrupt v.
fitina [from Ara fitna] = discord
foka [from Ara faqa] = burst v.
forodha [from Ara furdha; see faradhi] = duty, custom
fua [Bem fula, Dua lule, Her tura, Kik tura, Lub fula, Mwe sula, Rwa cura, Sot rula
(mothudi, morudi), Tsw mothudi, Ven fula, from PBan *tud-] = work (iron), forge,
smith v.
fua [see fua; Kik hura] = wash clothes v.
fuga [Kon funga, Sot rua, Ven fuwa, Zul fuya, from PBan *cung-] = tend, keep (cattle)
v.
fukara [from Ara faqir] = poor person
fukia [Bem fukila, Gan oteza, Lub fuka, from PBan *jokid-] = smoke v.
fuko [from PBan *puko] = dig n.
fuko [see fuko 'dig'; Bem mfuko, Kik huko, Ven pfuko] = mole
fukua [Lub fukula, Rwa pfukura, from PBan *pukud-] = dig up, dig out, uncover v.
fukuto [Zul juluka, from PBan *duku] = sweat n.
fulana [Kik burana from Ban from Eng] = flannel, vest, cardigan
fulani [from Ara fulan] = so and so
fuma [Fan tsim, Kik tuma, Lub fuma, Sot ruma, from PBan *tum-] = sew, knit, weave v.
fumba [Bem fumbata, Kik humba, Kon fumba, Sot hupara, Zul fumbatha, from PBan
*kumb-] = close, cover v.
fumbata [see fumba] = grasp v.
funda [Zul funda, from PBan *kund-] = gulp v.
funda [Bem funda, Kon funda, San funda, Sot ithuta (ruta), Ven funza, Zul funda, from
PBan *tund-] = teach, instruct v.
fundi [see funda; Kik bundi] = craftsman, artisan
fundika [see kifundo; Gan fundika, Kik kundika] = make a knot v.
fundo [Bem cifundo, Kik ikundo, Mwe igundo, Sot lehuto, Ven pfundo, Zul findo, from
PBan *kundo] = knot
funga [Dua longa, Her tunga, Kik hinga, Kon thunga, Lin funga, Mwe tunga, Rwa
funga, Sot roka, Ven runga, Zul thunga, funga, from PBan *tung-] = tie, close, fasten,
sew, string v.
fungate [from PBan *pungati] = seven; a seven-day period
fungo [Bem mfungo, from PBan *tungo] = civet
fungua [Kik hingura, Lin fungola, from PBan *tungud-] = untie, open v.
funika [Kik kunika, from PBan *kunik-] = cover v.
funua [Kik kunura, from PBan *kunud-] = uncover v.
fupi [Bem ipi, Kik kuhi, Lub ipi, Mwe guhi, San fupi, Sot khutso-, Ven pfufhi, Zul
fuphi, from PBan *kupi] = short, low
furaha [from Ara farha] = joy
futa [Bem futa, Kik hura, Mwe futa, Ven huta, from PBan *kut-] = wipe, scour v.
futa [see vuta; Dua kulumane, Kik ruta, Sot khuruma] = unsheathe v.
fuzi [Fan tsil, from PBan *tudi] = shoulder
fyonza [from PBan *piont-] = suck v.

G
gamba [from PBan *gamba] = bark, scale, scab
ganda [Bem nkanda, Ven ganda, from PBan *kanda] = shell, skin, peel
ganda [from PBan *gand-] = coagulate v.
ganga [Bem nganga, Dua bwanga, Gan ganga, Her onganga, Kon unganga, Lin
monganga, Lub nganga, Mwe ganga, Rwa ganga, Sot ngaka, Tsw ngaka, Umb ganga,
Ven nanga, Zul anga, nyanga, from PBan *gang-] = heal, treat v.
gao [from PBan *gado] = handful
gari [Che gali, Gan gali, Kik ngari, Lub kalu, Nya gali, Rwa gari from Hin gari] = cart,
vehicle
gati [from Hin ghat] = landing gate
gauni [Zul gawuni from Ban from Eng] = gown
gawa [Dua aba, Fan koo, Kik gaya, Kon yava, Mwe gava, Sho gova, Sot aba, Ven avha,
Zul aba, from PBan *gab-] = divide, share v.
gazeti [Rwa gazeti from Eng from Fre gazette] = magazine
gego [Kik igego, Rwa jigo, Ven dzeu, from PBan *gego] = tooth, molar
gereji [Kik ngereci from Ban from Eng] = garage
gereza [Rwa gereza from Por igreja 'church' from Gre ekklesia] = prison
geuka [Kik garika, from PBan *gaduk-] = turn v.
geuza [Kik gariura, Mwe galula, from PBan *gadud-] = turn v.
ghadabu [from Ara ghadhab] = anger
ghafula [from Ara ghafla] = careless; suddenly
ghairi [from Ara ghayr] = beyond, without
ghali [from Ara ghali] = expensive
ghamu [from Ara ghamm] = grief
gharama [Kik ngarama from Ban from Ara gharama] = cost, expense
gharika [from Ara ghariqa 'sink v.'] = flood
ghofira [from Ara ghafra] = pardon, absolution
giza [from PBan *jidia] = dark n.
gogo [Kik mugogo, from PBan *gogo] = log
gololi [from Per gulule] = marbles
goma [from PBan *gom-] = strike, revolt v.
gomba [from PBan *jomb-] = contradict, quarrel v.
goti [Sot khuru] = knee
gudi [from Hin godi] = dock n.
gugumiza [from PBan *gugumid-] = stammer v.
guguna [Mwe gegena, Tsw kokona, from PBan *gugun-] = gnaw v.
gumba [Bem ngumba, Lub kumba, Mwe gumba, Sot moopa, Ven nyumba, Zul nyumba,
from PBan *gumba] = sterile, barren
gumu [Bem uma, Gan guma, Kik umu, Kon uma, San yuma, Sho oma, Sot oma, Ven
oma, Zul oma, from PBan *gum-] = hard, solid
guna [from PBan *gun-] = rumble, grunt v.
gunia [Kik mgunia from Hin gona] = sack
gushu [Kik ngucu, from Ban] = vulture
H
habari [from Ara khabar] = news
habeshi [from Ara habashi] = Ethiopian
hadaa [from Ara khadca] = trick, cheat v.
hadhari [from Ara hadhar] = caution
hadithi [from Ara hadith] = news, story
hafifu [from Ara khafif] = light, easy
hai [from Ara hayy] = alive
haiba [from Ara hayba] = noble bearing
haja [from Ara haja] = need, request
haji [from Ara hajj] = pilgrimage
haki [from Ara haqq] = justice, law
hakika [from Ara haqiqa] = truth
hakimu [from Ara hakim] = judge, ruler, governor
halaiki [from Ara halq] = people, crowd
halali [from Ara halal] = lawful
hali [from Ara hal] = state, position
halifu [from Ara khalafa] = disobey, rebel v.
hamaki [from Ara hamaqa] = angry v.
hamali [from Ara hammal] = porter
hamamu [from Ara hammam] = hot bath
hamira [from Ara khamir] = dough, yeast
hamsini [from Ara khamsin] = fifty
handaki [from Ara khandaq from Per] = trench
hapa [see pa 'on'; Kik haha] = here
hara [from Ara kharia] = empty (bowels) v.
haraka [from Ara haraka] = move v.
haramia [from Ara haramiya] = bandit
haramu [from Ara haram] = unlawful
harara [from Ara harara] = heat, fever
hari [from Ara harr] = heat
haribu [from Ara kharaba] = ruin, destroy v.
hariri [Kik hariri from Ban from Ara harir] = silk
harufu [from Ara hirif] = pungent
hasa [from Ara khass] = special
hasara [Kik athara from Ara khasara] = loss, damage
hata [from Ara hata] = until
hatamu [from Ara khitam] = bridle
hatari [from Ara khatar] = danger
hatia [from Ara khata] = sin, guilt
hatima [from Ara khatm] = end n.
hawa [from Ara hawa] = desire
haya [from Ara haya] = shame, modesty
hayawani [from Ara haywan] = animal
hazina [from Ara khazna] = treasury
hedaya [from Ara hadia] = gift
hedhi [from Ara haydh] = menstruation
hekalu [Kik hekaru, Rwa hekaru from Ban from Ara haykal] = statue, temple,
synagogue
hekaya [from Ara hikaya] = story, legend
hekima [from Ara hikma] = wisdom
hema [Kik hema from Ban from Ara khayma] = tent
heri [from Ara khayr] = goodness, benefit
herufi [from Ara harf] = sign, character, letter
hesabu [Kik ithabu from Ban from Ara hisab] = account, number
hewa [from Ara hawa] = air
hiari [from Ara khiyar] = choice, option
hidi [from Ara hada] = guide, convert v.
hifadhi [from Ara hafidha] = protect v.
himaya [from Ara himaya] = protection
himidi [from Ara hamida] = praise v.
hirizi [from Ara hirz] = amulet
hisa [from Ara hisa] = share n.
hizi [from Ara khizi] = shame, disgrace
hofu [from Ara khawf] = fear n.
hoja [from Ara hujja] = dispute
homa [Kik homa, Mwe homa from Ban from Ara humma] = fever
hospitali [Kik thibitari from Ban from Eng] = hospital
hotuba [from Ara khutba] = sermon
huba [from Ara hubb] = love n.
hudhuri [from Ara hudhur] = presence
huduma [from Ara khidma] = service
hukumu [from Ara hukm] = order, judgement
hulka [from Ara khulq] = character, nature
huluku [from Ara khalaqa] = create v.
huru [from Ara hurr] = free
husudu [from Ara hasad] = envy
hususa [from Ara khususi] = special
huzuni [from Ara huzn] = grief

I
iba [Bem iba, Che ba, Dua iba, Fan zii, Gan bba, Kik iya, Kon iva, Lin yiba, Lub iba,
Mwe iva, Nya ba, Sho ba, Sot utswa, Tsw utswa, Ven tswa, Xho ba, Zul eba, from
PBan *jib-] = steal v.
ibada [from Ara cibada] = service, worship n.
ibilisi [from Ara iblis] = devil
idadi [from Ara cadad] = number
idara [from Ara idara] = direction, administration
idhini [from Ara idhn] = permission
idi [from Ara cid] = festival
iga [Sangu yik-, from PBan *jig-] = imitate v.
ijara [from Ara ijara] = hire, rent, wages
ijumaa [Kik njumaa from Ban from Ara jumca] = Friday
iktisadi [from Ara iqtisad] = economy
ilani [from Ara iclan] = announcement
imamu [from Ara imam] = priest
imani [from Ara iman] = faith
imba [Bem imba, Che yimba, Gan yimba, Her yimba, Kon imba, Lin yemba, Lub imba,
Mwe imba, Nya yimba, Rwa ririmba, San lujimbo, Sho imba, Sot opela, Tsw opela,
Umb imba, Xho ombela, from PBan *jimb-] = sing v.
imla [from Ara imla] = spelling
inama [Bem inama, Gan vunama, Kik inama, Lub inama, Mwe inama, Sot inama, from
PBan *jinam-] = bow, bend, stoop, lean v.
inchi [Kik inji from Ban from Eng] = inch
ingi [Bem ingi, Gan nji, Her ingi, Kik ingi, Kon ingi, Lin mingi, Lub ngi, Nko ingi,
Mwe ingi, Rwa nshi, San inji, Sho zhinji, Sot ntsi, Tsw ntsi, Ven nzhi, Xho ninzi, Zul
ningi, from PBan *jingi] = much, many
ingia [Bem ingila, Dua ingea, Gan yingira, Kik ingira, Kon ingila, Lin yingela, Mwe
ingila, Sot tsena, tsenya, Tsw tsena, Ven dzhena, Zul ngena, from PBan *jingid-] =
enter v.
ini [Kik ini, Rugungu inihi] = innards; liver
injili [from Ara injil from Gre evangelion] = gospel
injini [Bem ingini, Sho injini, Zul injini from Ban from Eng] = engine
inuka [Bem inuka, Xho nyuka, Zul enyuka, from PBan *jinuk-] = rise v.
inzi [Bem lunshi, Dua ngingi, Her onde, Kik ngi, Lub njiji, Mwe isazi, Sho nhunzi, Sot
ntshi, Tsw ntsi, Umb nyi, from PBan *gi] = fly n.
isha [Che tha, from PBan *cid-] = finish v.
ishara [from Ara ishara] = signal
ishi [from Ara casha] = live v.
ishirini [from Ara cishrina] = twenty
islamu [from Ara islam] = Islam
ita [Bem ita, Che itana, Gan yita, Kik ita, Lub ita, Mwe itana, Rwa ita, Zul etha, from
PBan *jit-] = call v.
itika [Dua alabe, Gan yitaba, Her itavera, Kik itika, Kon ithika, Lub itaba, San yithikha,
Sot araba, Tsw araba, Ven aravha, from PBan *jitik-] = answer (when called) v.
iva [Lub boba, from PBan *bob-] = ripe v.

J
ja [Dua ya, Gan jja, Her ya, Kon isa, Lin ya, Mwe iza, Rwa za, San yinza, Sho uya, Sot
ya, Tsw ya, Umb eya, Ven da, Zul ya, from PBan *jija] = come v.
jaa [Sho zara, Sot tlala (letlala), Ven dala (daladala), Zul zala, from PBan *jaad-] = be
full v.
jabali [from Ara jabal 'mountain'] = rocky prominence
jadili [from Ara jadala] = argue v.
jahazi [from Ara jihaz] = equipment, device; ship
jaji [Kik njanji from Ban from Eng] = judge n.
jalidi [from Ara jild] = leather; book cover; volume
jamaa [from Ara jamaca] = people, crowd; public, community, family
jamala [from Ara jamal] = beauty; courtesy
jambo [Fan am, from PBan *jambo] = affair, thing
jamhuri [from Ara jumhuri] = republic
jamii [from Ara jamica] = society, group, club, union, party
jamvi [Kik gicambi] = mat
jana [from PBan *jana] = yesterday
jani [see majani] = leaf n.
jaribu [from Ara jarraba] = test, try, examine v.
jasho [from PBan *doko] = sweat n.
jasiri [from Ara jasur] = bold, daring
jasisi [from Ara jasus] = spy
jawabu [from Ara jawab] = reply, answer, response
jehanum [from Ara jahannam] = hell
jela [Kik njera from Ban from Eng] = jail
jemadari [from Ara jamacadar] = officer
jembe [Kik icembe, Mwe igembe, Sot selepe, letshepe, Ven dzembe, Xho zembe, Zul
lembe, zembe, from PBan *jembe] = hoe n.
jeneza [from Ara jinaza] = corpse; burial; bier
jenga [Mwe zenga, from PBan *jeng-] = build v.
jeraha [from Ara jarh] = injury, wound
jeshi [from Ara jaysh] = army
jibini [Kik njibini from Ban from Ara jubn] = cheese
jicho [Bem linso, Che diso, Dua diso, Fan ir, Gan iso, Her eho, Kik ritho, Lin liso, Lub
so, Mwe liso, Rwa jisho, San liho, Sho ziso, Sot leihlo, Umb so, Ven ito, Xho so, Zul
iso, from PBan *jico] = eye
jifya [Kik higa, Lub pia, Mwe figa, Ven tswia, from PBan *piga] = cooking-stone
jike [see mke] = female animal
jiko [Bem ishiko, Kik riko, Lub diko, Mwe liko, Rwa ziko, Zul ziko, from PBan *jiko]
= hearth, fireplace, stove
jikoni [see iko and ni 'place'] = kitchen
jina [Bem ishina, Dua dina, Gan innya, Her ena, Lub dina, Mwe lina, Nya dzina, Rwa
zina, Sot leina, Ven dzina, from PBan *jina] = name
jini [from Ara jinn] = genie
jinsi [from Ara jins from Gre genos] = kind, sort; how
jino [Bem lino, Gan innyo, Her eyo, Kon ilino, Lin lino, Lub dino, Mwe lino, Rwa inyo,
Sho bata, Sot leino, Tsw leino, Ven ino, Zul zinyo, from PBan *jino] = tooth
jitu [see mtu] = giant
jiwe [Bem ibwe, Her ewe, Kon ilivwe, Lub bue, Mwe iwe, Rwa buye, Sot lebje, Umb
eve, Ven ive, Xho tye, Zul tshe, from PBan *bue] = stone
johari [from Ara jawhar] = essence; jewel
joka [see nyoka] = snake
joko [see jiko] = kiln
jongoo [Bem ciyongolo, Zul shongololo, from PBan *jongodo] = millipede
joto [see ota] = fire, heat
jozi [from Ara jawz from Gre zeugon] = pair
jua [Bem ishiba, Che dziwa, Kon isi, Lin yeba, Sho ziva, Sot tseba, Ven divha, Zul azi,
from PBan *jijib-] = know v.
jua [Bem kasuba, Dua loba, Her eyuva, Kik riua, Kon ilisuva, Lub diba, Mwe lyuva,
Rwa zuba, San lijuva, Sho zuva, Ven duvha, from PBan *juba] = sun
juhudi [from Ara jahd] = effort; zeal
juma [see ijumaa] = week
jumamosi [see juma and moja] = Saturday
jumanne [see juma and nne; Kik njumanne] = Tuesday
jumapili [see juma and mbili; Kik njumambiri] = Sunday
jumatano [see juma and tano; Kik njumatano] = Wednesday
jumatatu [see juma and tatu; Kik njumatatu] = Monday
jumba [see nyumba] = large house
jumla [from Ara jumla] = sum, total; sentence
juu [Bem mulu, Kik iguru, Lub diulu (peulu), Rwa juru (hejuru), Sot tletlolo, Ven dulu
(tadulu), Zul zulu (phezulu) , from PBan *gudu] = top, sky, upside, above

K
kaa [Bem ikala, Che khala, Dua ja, Her kara, Kik ikara, Lin zala, Lub kala, Sho gara,
Sot sala, Umb sala, Ven sala, Zul sala, hlala, from PBan *jikad-] = sit, remain v.
kaa [Lub kala, Mwe mhala, Zul ngala, from PBan *kada] = crab
kaa [Dua dikala-, Her ekara, Kon ingala-, Lin makala, Lub kala, Mwe makala, Rwa
kara, Sot legala, magala, Ven sala, from PBan *kada] = charcoal, coal, ember
kaanga [Bem kanga, Dua anga, Fan kang, Kik karanga, Kon khasinga, Lin kalanga,
Mwe kalanga, Rwa karanga, Sho kanga, Sot gadika, Ven hadzinga, Zul gazinga, from
PBan *kang- and *kadang-] = fry v.
kabati [Bem kabati, Kik kabati, Lub kapati, Rwa kabati, Zul khabhathi from Ban from
Eng] = cupboard
kabila [Mwe kabila from Ban from Ara] = tribe
kabili [from Ara qabila] = face
kabla [from Ara qabl] = before, earlier
kaburi [Mwe kavuli from Ban from Ara qabr] = grave n.
kadha [from Ara kadha] = so, so and so
kadhi [from Ara qadhi] = judge, magistrate
kadiri [from Ara qadr] = amount, quantity; value; honor
kafara [from Ara kaffara] = repentance; sacrifice
kafi [Bem nkafi, Fan kap, from PBan *kapi] = paddle
kafiri [from Ara kafir] = infidel, unbeliever
kaga [from PBan *kag-] = protect by charms v.
kahaba [from Ara qahba] = prostitute
kahawa [Kik kahawa from Ban from Ara qahwa] = coffee
kaimu [from Ara qaym-maqam] = representative, agent
kalamu [Kik karamu, Rwa karamu from Ban from Ara qalam from Gre kalamos] = pen,
pencil
kale [Bem kale, Lin kala, Lub kale, Mwe kale, from PBan *kade] = old times
kali [Bem kali, Kon khali, San khalala, Sot gale, Ven muhali, Zul khali, from PBan
*kadi] = fierce, sharp, severe
kama [Bem kama, Che kama, Gan kama, Her kama, Kik kama, Kon khama, Nya kama,
San khama, Sot gama, Ven ama, hama, Zul khama, from PBan *kam-] = squeeze out,
milk v.
kamari [from Ara qumar] = gambling
kamata [from PBan *kamat- from Ara qamata] = tie up; seize v.
kamba [?] = rope
kambi [Kik kambi, Sho kamba, from PBan *kambi] = camp n.
kamili [from Ara kamil] = perfect
kamua [Gan kamula, from PBan *kamud-] = squeeze v.
kamusi [from Ara qamus from Gre okeanos 'ocean (of words)'] = dictionary
kana [Bem kana, Che kana, Her kana-, Kik kaana, Kon khana, Mwe kana, Rwa hana,
San khana, Sot gana, Ven hana, from PBan *kaan-] = deny, rebuke; refuse v.
kanda [Bem kanda, Her kanda, Kik kanda, Mwe konda, Sot gata, Zul khanda, from
PBan *kand-] = knead v.
kando [Rwa kandi] = beside
kanga [Bem ikanga, Dua kang, Her onganga, Kik nganga, Kon ilikhanga, Mwe mhanga,
San likhanga, Sot kgaka, Umb kanga, Ven khanga, from PBan *kanga] = guinea-fowl
kanisa [Kik kanitha from Ban from Ara kanisa] = church; synagogue
kano [Kik ikano] = sinew
kanu [from PBan *kanu] = marten
kanuni [from Ara qanun from Gre kanon] = law, rule; principle
kanyaga [from PBan *kaany-] = trample v.
kao [see kaa 'sit'] = dwelling n.
kaputula [Bem kaputula, Che kabudula, Lub kaputula, Nya kabudula, Rwa kabutura] =
shorts
karafuu [from Ara qaramfil from Gre karyophyllon] = cloves; carnation
karaha [from Ara karh] = disgust, detestation
karama [from Ara karama] = generosity
karanga [Kik ngaranga, Lin nkalanga, Mwe lukalanga, from PBan *kadanga] =
groundnut
karani [Gan kalani, Kik karani] = clerk
karata [Bem kalata, Kik karata from Por carta from Gre khartes] = card
karatasi [Kik iratathi from Ban from Ara qartas from Gre khartes] = paper
karibu [from Ara qarib] = near
karimu [from Ara karim] = noble, generous
kariri [from Ara karara] = repeat, recite
karne [from Ara qarn] = horn; century
kasha [from Por caixa] = chest, box
kasi [from Ara qasi] = hard, forceful
kasidi [from Ara qasdi] = intentionally
kasiri [from Ara qasr 'failure' or kasr 'breach'] = anger
kasisi [Kik mugathithi from Ban from Ara qisis] = priest
kaskazi [from Ara] = north monsoon
kaskazini [see kaskazi and ni 'place'; Kik gathigathini] = north
kasuku [Kik gathuku, from PBan *cuku] = parrot
kaswende [from PBan *cuende] = syphilis
kata [Lin kata from Ban from Ara qataca] = cut
kataa [from Ara qatci] = decisive, final
kati [Bem kati, Gan wakati, Her opokati, Kik gatagati, Kon phakhathi, Lin kati, Mwe
mgati, Rwa hagati, Sho mukati, Sot bogare, Tsw gare, bogare, Ven vhukati, Zul
phakathi, from PBan *kati] = middle
katibu [from Ara katib] = scribe, clerk, secretary
kauka [see kavu] = dry v.
kauli [from Ara qawl] = word, speech, opinion; promise
kavu [Her kahe, Kon khafu, Lin koka, Mwe kazu, Sot gahla, from PBan *kadu] = dry
adj.
kawaida [see kiada] = custom, habit
kaya [Zul khaya, from PBan *kaaja] = village
kaza [Fan see, from PBan *cad-] = work, exert; emphasize v.
kazi [see kaza; Fan see, Lub kazi, Sangu salu] = work n.
kefu [see kifu] = sufficiency
kenda [Kik kenda, Mwe kenda, Rwa cyenda, from PBan *kenda] = nine
kengele [Bem nyenjele, Kik ngengere, Lub ngengele, Mwe hengele, from PBan
*kengede] = bell
kesho [Bem lucelo, from PBan *keido] = morning; tomorrow
kesi [Mwe kesi, Zul khesi from Ban from Eng] = case
kiada [see ada] = with care
kianga [see anga] = sunshine
kiangazi [see kianga] = hot season, summer
kiapo [see apa; Bem mulapo] = oath
kiarabu [from Ara carab] = Arabic
kiasi [see risasi] = ammunition; amount
kiatu [Bem ndyato, Kik kiratu, Lub lato, Mwe kilatu, from PBan *datu] = shoe, sandal
kiazi [Kik ngwaci, Rwa rayi] = potato
kibali [from Ara qabul] = acceptance, favor, reception
kibanzi [Sangu pasi, Ven fhanza, from PBan *pace] = splinter
kiberiti [Bem cibiliti, Gan biriti, Kik kibiriti, Rwa briti from Ban from Ara kibrit] =
sulphur; matches
kiboko [Che bhoko, Nya bhoko] = hippopotamus
kiburi [from Ara kibr] = pride, arrogance
kichaa [Bem bushilu, Mwe sala, from PBan *cada] = insanity
kichaka [Kik githaka, Ven daka, from PBan *caka] = bush, copse
kicheko [see cheka; Bem nseko, Kik mitheko, Ven maseo, tsetshwa] = laughter
kichwa [Bem mutwe, Che mutu, Fan lo, Gan twe, Kik mutwe, Lub twe, Nko omutwe,
Mwe mtwe, Rwa twe, from PBan *tue] = head
kidau [from Ara dawa] = inkpot
kidevu [Bem kalefulefu, mwefu, Dua maselu, Gan levu, Her oruyezu, Kik kireru, Kon
indefu, Lin ndefu, Mwe kilezu, Sho kidevu, Sot seledu (leledu), Ven tshitefu, Zul levu,
devu, from PBan *dedu] = chin
kidole [?] = finger, toe
kidonda [Bem cilonda, Kik kironda, Mwe ilonda, Ven tshilonda, Zul londa, from PBan
*donda] = wound, ulcer, sore; pain
kifaranga [see faranga] = chicken
kifaru [?] = rhinoceros
kifo [see fa; Bem mfwa, Kik gikuu, Lub fu, Mwe lufu, Sho rufu, Ven lufu, Zul fa] =
death
kifu [from Ara kaf] = sufficiency
kifua [Bem cifuba, Che chifuwa, Gan fuba, Her suva, Mwe kikuva, Sot sehuba, Zul
fuba, from PBan *kuba] = chest, bosom
kifundo [see fundo] = knot
kifungo [see funga; Bem cifungo] = prison
kifuniko [see funika; Kik gikuniko, Lub finiko, Rwa funiko] = cover, lid n.
kiga [from PBan *jiga] = thigh (of killed animal)
kigego [see gego] = child with large molars; bad omen
kigingi [Kik gikingi] = peg
kigwe [Che chingwe] = string
kiingereza [Kik kingeretha from Por ingles from Ban from Eng] = English (language)
kiini [see ini] = core
kiinimacho [see kiini and macho] = jugglery
kijicho [see jicho] = jealousy, envy
kijiji [see mji] = village
kijiko [see mwiko; Kik giciko] = teaspoon
kikapu [Kik gikabu, Mwe kigapu, Rwa kapu] = basket
kikoa [see koa] = team
kikombe [see kombe] = cup
kikosi [see kosi] = troop
kila [Bem cila, Mwe kila] = every
kilele [from Ara qulla] = peak, tip
kilemba [Kik kiremba, Lin elamba, Ven tshilemba, from PBan *demba] = turban, cloth
kileo [see lewa] = intoxicant, alcohol
kilima [see mlima; Kik kirima] = hill
kilimo [see lima; Bem bulimi, Ven tshilimo, Zul limo] = hoeing season; agriculture
kilindi [see lindi] = deep water
kilio [see lia; Benda cililo, malilo, Kik kiriro, Ven malila, tshililo, Zul lilo] = mourning
kima [Dua kema, Her onjima, Kik ngima, Umb sima, from PBan *kima] = monkey
kimbia [from PBan *kimbid-] = run v.
kimo [Bem cimo, from PBan *jimo] = height
kinanda [Bem cinanda, Kik kinanda] = stringed instrument, piano, harp
kinara [see nuru] = candlestick
kinga [Bem cinga, Mwe kinga, from PBan *king-] = bar, obstruct; protect v.
kingama [Ven tshingama, from PBan *kingam-] = lie across v.
kinu [Her otshinu, Lub nu, from PBan *nu] = mortar
kinyesi [see nya 'defecate'] = excrement
kinyo [see nya 'defecate'] = anus
kinyozi [see nyoa; Gan nyozi] = barber
kinywa [Bem kanwa, Fan ou, Gan mwa, Kik kanua, Lub mwa, Nko akanwa, Rwa nwa,
from PBan *nua] = mouth
kinywaji [see nywa; Bem cakunwa, Kik unyuo, Ven tshinwiwa] = drink n.
kioo [see ola; Bem cilola, mulolani, Kik kiroro] = looking glass, mirror
kipande [see pande] = piece
kipawa [see pa; Bem bupe, Kik kiheo, Lub pi, Ven mpho, tshifhiwa, Zul pho] = gift
kipawa [Lub pawa, from PBan *pawa] = ladle
kipeo [Zul phelo, from PBan *pedo] = summit, end
kipimo [see pima; Bem cipimo, Lub pimo, Rwa pimo, Ven phimo] = measure n.
kipindi [Kik hindi, from PBan *pindi] = time, period
kiriba [from Ara qirba] = water-skin
kirihi [from Ara kariha] = detest, abhor
kirimu [from Ara karuma] = generous v.
kisa [from Ara qisa] = story
kisasi [from Ara qisas] = revenge
kisima [Bem cishima, Dua musima, Her omusema, Kam kidima, Kik githima, Lin
etima, Sho tsime, Ven tshisima, from PBan *tima] = well n.
kisiwa [Sho chitsuwa] = island
kisu [Her oruvyo, Kik ruhiu, Mwe lushu, Sho chisvo, from Ban] = knife, blade
kisua [from Ara kiswa] = covering; clothes, garment
kitabu [Bem citabo, Lub tabo, Rwa tabo from Ban from Ara kitab] = book
kitambaa [see tambaa; Kik gitambaya] = handkerchief
kitanda [see tanda; Bem butanda, Gan tanda, Kik gitanda, Lin etanda, Lub tanda, Rwa
tanda] = bed
kitani [Kik gatani from Ban from Ara katan] = linen
kithiri [from Ara kathira] = increase
kiti [Kik giti, Lin kiti, Lub kici] = chair
kitovu [Bem mutoto, from PBan *todu] = navel
kitoweo [see towea] = side dish
kitu [Bem cintu, Che chinthu, Gan ntu, Kik kindu, Lub ntu, Mwe kinhu, Sho chinhu, Sot
ntho, Xho to, Zul thomuntu, from PBan *ntu] = thing, article
kitunguu [Gan katungulu, Kik gitunguru, Lin lituagulu, Lub tungulu, Mwe kitungulu,
Rwa tunguru] = onion
kituo [see tua; Lub tulo, Rwa turo] = resting (place), pause
kiume [see mume 'husband'; Kik ndume, Ven tshilume] = male
kiungo [see unga; Zul lungu] = joint
kiungulia [see ungulia; Kik kirungurira] = heartburn n.
kiuno [Rwa buno, Ven vunu, mavhunu, Zul bunu, from PBan *buno] = waist, loin
kivuli [see vuli] = shadow
kiwanja [Bem Lubnsa, Kik kiwanja, from PBan *banja] = courtyard, plot (of ground)
kiwele [see mbele] = udder
kiyama [from Ara qiyama] = resurrection
kiyoga [Bem mowa, Che bowa, Lub owa, from PBan *joga] = mushroom
kizazi [see zaa; Kik ruciaro] = generation
kizibo [see ziba; Kik githibo] = stopper, plug
kizio [see zia] = hemisphere
kizunguzungu [see zunguka; Ven dzungu] = dizziness
koa [?] = belt
kobe [Lin nkoba] = tortoise
kodi [Kik igoti] = tax n.
kofi [Bem ikofi, Kik ruhi, Kon ilikhofi, Sot legofe, from PBan *kopi] = palm (of hand)
kofia [Gan kufira, Kik ngubia, Mwe ngofila, Rwa gofero from Ban from Ara kufiya] =
hat, head covering
kohoa [Bem kola, Dua osea, Gan kolola, Her korora, Kik korora, Kon khoso-, Lin
kosola, Lub kosola, Mwe kolola, Rwa korora, Sangu kosul-, Sho -kosoro, Sot gohlola,
Umb kusola, Ven hotola, Zul khohlela, from PBan *kocud-] = cough v.
kojoa [Gan kojoba, from PBan *kojud-] = urinate v.
kokoleka [from PBan *kokudik-] = cackle v.
kokota [Her koka, Lub koka, Sot goga, Ven hoha, Xho khoka, Zul khokha, from PBan
*kok-] = draw, pull v.
koma [Mwe koma, from PBan *kom-] = stop v.
komba [Dua ombo, Her komba, Sot gopa, Zul khombe, from PBan *komb-] = hollow
out, scoop v.
kombe [see komba; Bem cikombe, Che khombe, Kik gikombe, Kon ingombe, Rwa
kombe, Sot kgopa, Ven khumba, Xho kumba, Zul khombe] = seashell; spoon, bowl,
dish; cup, mug
kombora [from Ara qunbura] = shell, grenade, bomb
konda [Bem onda, from PBan *kond-] = thin v.
kon [Kik ngundi, from PBan *kon] = fist
kondoo [from PBan *kondodo] = sheep
konga [from PBan *kong-] = old v.
kongoja [from PBan *kongoj-] = hobble, walk feebly v.
kongoni [Sot kgokong, Ven khongoni, Zul nkonkoni, from PBan *kongoni] = antelope,
hartebeest
konokono [?] = snail
konzi [see kon] = fist, handful
koo [Bem cikolo, Sho huro, Ven mukulo, from PBan *kodo] = throat
kopa [Bem kopa, Mwe gopa, from PBan *kop-] = borrow v.
kope [Bem lukopyo, Her umukova, Zul khophe, from PBan *kope] = eyelash
kopo [Bem cikopo, Lub kopo, Mwe igopo, Rwa kopo] = tin, can, mug
korija [from Hin kori] = score
koroga [Gan kologa, Sot hudua, from Ban] = stir v.
koroma [Mwe koloma, from Ban] = snore v.
korongo [Lub ngulungu, Zul nkolongwane, from PBan *kudungu] = roan antelope
korongo [Bem ikolongo, from Ban] = heron, crane
korti [Bem koti, Kik igoti, Rwa koti from Ban from Eng] = court
kosa [Kik gotha, from Ban] = err v.
kosa [see kosa; Mwe ikosa, from Ban] = mistake
kosi [Kik igoti, from PBan *koti] = nape
koti [Gan koti, Kik igoti, Lub koti from Ban from Eng] = coat
kovu [from PBan *kodo] = scar
kua [Bem kula, Dua kola, Gan kula, Her kura, Kik kura, Kon khula, Mwe kula, Rwa
kura, San kula, Sot gola, Ven hula, Zul khula, from PBan *kud-] = grow v.
kuba [from Ara qubba] = dome
kubali [from Ara qabila] = accept, agree v.
kubwa [see kuu] = great
kufuli [Kik kuburi from Ban from Ara qufl] = padlock
kufuru [from Ara kafara] = blaspheme v.
kuhani [from Ara kahin from Heb kohen] = priest
kuku [Bem nkoko, Che nkhuku, Kik nguku, Kon inguku, Lin nsoso, Mwe ngoko, Nya
nkhuku, Rwa koko, San inhuku, Sho huku, Sot kgogo, Tsw kgogo, Ven khuhu, Xho
kuku, Zul khuku, from PBan *kuku] = fowl, hen
kulabu [from Ara qullab] = hook
kule [see le 'that'; Umb kulo] = there
kumbatia [see fumba 'close'; Kik kumbata, Mwe kumbatila, Sho gumbata] = embrace,
hold; grasp, seize v.
kumbuka [Kon khumbuka, San kumbula, Sot gopola, Ven humbula, Zul khumbula,
from PBan *kumbuk-] = remember, recollect v.
kumi [Bem ikumi, Dua dom, Gan kkumi, Kik ikumi, Lin zomi, Lub kumi, Mwe ikumi,
Nya khumi, Rwa cumi, San khumi, Sho gumi, Sot lesome, Tsw some, Umb kunyi, Ven
fumi, Zul shumi, from PBan *kumi] = ten
kuna [Bem kuno, Lin kuna, Umb kuna] = there is
kunde [Lin nkunde, Umb kondi, from PBan *kunde] = beans
kundi [Kik gakundi] = group
kundu [from PBan *kondo] = anus
kunguni [Kik ngunguni, from PBan *kunguni] = bug
kunguru [Her ekwara, Kon ilikhungulu, Sot legokobu (legukubu), Ven funguvhu, Zul
hlungulu, from PBan *kunguudu] = crow
kuni [Bem lukuni, Che nkhuni, Her orokune, Lin nkoni, Lub kuni, Nya nkhuni, Sho
huni, Sot dikgong, Ven khuni, Zul khuni, from PBan *kuni] = firewood
kunja [Kik kunja, from PBan *konj-] = fold v.
kunjua [Kik kunjura, from PBan *konjud-] = unfold, unroll v.
kupe [Bem lukufu, Her ongupa, Kik nguha, Kon inguphi, Sot kgofa, Tsw kgofa, Umb
hopio, Zul khuphe, from PBan *kupa] = tick n.
kura [from Ara qurca] = lot, ballot
kuru [from PBan *kudo] = antelope, waterbuck
kusi [?] = south monsoon
kusini [see kusi and ni 'place'; Kik guthini] = south
kusudi [from Ara qasd] = intention; suicide
kuta [Kik kora, Lin kuta, from PBan *kod-] = find v.
kutega [see mtego] = trap n.
kutana [see kuta; Kik korana; Lin kutana] = meet v.
kutu [from PBan *kutu] = rust
kuu [Bem kulu, Her kuru, Kik kuru, Kon khulu-, Lub kulu, Nko kuru, Sot golo, kgolo,
Umb holo, Ven hulu, Zul khulu, from PBan *kudu] = big, great; old
kuume [see mume] = right side
kuyu [Bem mukunyu, Kik nguyu, Ven fuyu, Zul khiwane, from PBan *kuju] = wild fig
kwaa [Kik gua, Lin kwa] = stumble, fall v.
kwanza [see anza; Mwe kwandya] = first
kwapa [Bem kwapa, Lub apa, kyapa, Mwe apa, Rwa aha, Sot lehwafa, lekgwafi, Tsw
legwafa, Ven bwapwa, gopwa, Zul khwapha, from PBan *japa and *kapua] = armpit
kware [Bem nkwale, Fan kpal, Kik ngware, Lin ekwae, Lub kuadi, Sot kgwale, Xho
kwali, Zul khwali, from PBan *kuade] = partridge
kwasi [Umb kuasi] = rich
kwea [Sho kwira, Ven hwela, Zul khwela, from PBan *koid-] = climb, mount v.
kweli [Umb tyiri] = true

L
la [from Ara la] = no
la [Bem lya, Che dya, Dua da, Fan dzi, Gan lya, Her ria, Kik ria, Kon lia, Lin lia, Lub
dia, Mwe lya, Nya dya, Rwa rya, San lia, Sho dya, Sot ja, Tsw ja, Umb ria, Ven la, Zul
dla, from PBan *di-] = eat v.
laana [from Ara lacna] = curse
ladha [from Ara lidha] = joy, pleasure; flavor, taste
laini [from Ara layn] = soft, smooth
lala [Bem lala, Gan laala, Her rara, Kon lala, Lin lala, Lub lala, Mwe lala, Sho rara, Sot
lala, Zul lala, from PBan *daad-] = sleep v.
lamba [Kik ramba, Mwe lamba, Sot latswa, Zul lamba, from PBan *damb-] = lick v.
lami [Kik rami] = tar
landa [from PBan *dand-] = follow v.
lango [see mlango] = gate
laumu [from Ara lama] = blame
lawama [from Ara lawma] = blame
lazima [from Ara lazim] = necessary
le [Umb lo (palo), Zul le] = that
lea [Kik rera, Lub lela, Mwe lela, Ven lela, Zul leleza, from PBan *ded-] = bring up v.
lemaa [Bem lema, Gan lemala, Mwe lemala, Sho -rema, Zul lima, from PBan *dem-] =
cripple v.
leo [Bem lelo, Gan lero, Lin lelo, Lub lelo, Mwe lelo, Nya lero, from PBan *deedo] =
today
leseni [Kik ritheni from Ban from Eng] = licence
leso [from Por lenco from Lat linteum] = handkerchief
leta [Bem leta, Gan leeta, Her eta, Kik reha, Mwe leta, Tsw lere, Ven ndere, Zul letha,
from PBan *deet-] = bring v.
lewa [Kik riu, from PBan *deb-] = drunk v.
lia [Bem lila, Dua eya, Fan yi, Gan lira, Her rira, Kik rira, Kon lila, Lin lela, Lub dila,
Mwe lila, Rwa rira, San lila, Sot lla, Tsw lela, Umb lila, rira, Ven lila, Zul lila, from
PBan *did-] = weep, cry v.
licha [see likiza] = let alone, not only
likiza [Bem leka, Che leka, Dua dia, Gan leka, Her yeka, Kik reka, Kon leka, Lin leka,
Lub leka, Mwe leka, Rwa reka, San lekha, Sot lesa, Ven litsha, Zul yeka, from PBan
*dek-] = let, leave v.
lima [Bem lima, Che lima, Gan lima, Her rima, Kik rima, Kon lima, Lub dima, Mwe
lima, San lima, Sho rima, Sot lema, Ven lima, Zul lima, dima, from PBan *dim-] =
plough, cultivate v.
limbuka [from PBan *dimbud-] = eat first crop v.
linda [Bem linda, Dua endea, Gan linda, Kon linda, Mwe linda, San linda, Sot leta, Ven
linda, Zul linda, from PBan *dind-] = guard, protect, watch, wait v.
lindi [from PBan *dindi] = pit, (cess-) pool
linga [Bem linga, Kon linganya, Mwe lenganila, Sot leka, Ven lingana, Zul linga, from
PBan *ding-] = equal, compare v.
lini [see ni 'what': Kik ri, Ven lini] = when
lipa [Bem lipa, Kik riha, Mwe lipa, Rwa liha, Sot lefa, Ven lifha, from PBan *dip-] =
pay v.
loga [Bem lowa, Gan loga, Her rova, Kik roga, Kon loga, Mwe loga, Sot loya, Ven lowa,
Zul loya, from PBan *dog-] = bewitch, spell v.
lori [Kik rori from Ban from Eng] = lorry
lowa [from PBan *dob-] = wet, drenched v.
lowesha [from PBan *dobik-] = soak v.
lozi [Kik ndothi from Ban from Ara lawz] = almonds
lugha [from Ara lugha] = language, dialect; vocabulary
lulu [Kik ruru from Ban from Ara lulu] = pearl

M
maadamu [from Ara madam] = while
maakuli [from Ara makul] = food; diet
maana [from Ara macna] = meaning
maarufu [from Ara macruf; see arifu] = well-known
macho [see jicho] = eyes
machozi [Dua misodi, Her omahoze, Kon ilisosi, Lub sonji, Mwe lwisozi, Sho musodzi,
Ven ndodzi, from PBan *jicodi] = tear n.
madhabu [from Ara madhbah; see dhabihu] = altar
madhara [from Ara madharra; see dhara] = harm, damage
madhehebu [from Ara madhhab]= religion, denomination
madhubuti [from Ara madhbut] = secured; firm, reliable
madhumuni [from Ara madhmun] = sense, content, intent
madini [from Ara macdan] = mine; mineral, metal
mafunda [see funda; Ven pfunzo, Zul fundiso] = teach, instruct v.
mafuta [Bem mafuta, Gan futa, Kik maguta, Kon amafutha, Kua makura, Lin mafuta,
Lub futa, Mwe maguta, Rwa vuta, San mafutha, Sho mafuta, Sot makhura, Tsw
mafura, Ven mapfura, Zul futha, from PBan *kuta] = fat, oil, grease, petrol
mafya [see jifya; Ven maswia] = cooking-stones
magadi [Kik magati] = soda
magharibi [from Ara maghrib] = west, sunset, evening
mahabusi [from Ara mahbus] = arrested; prisoner
mahali [from Ara mahall] = place
maharagwe [Mwe mahalage] = beans
mahari [from Ara mahr] = marriage payment
maiti [from Ara mayt] = dead; corpse
majani [Bem cani, Sot bjang, Tsw bojang, Ven hatsi, Xho tyani, Zul ani, tshani, from
PBan *jani] = grass
maji [Bem menshi, Che madzi, Kam manzi, Kik mai, Kon amesi, Lin mai, Lub mayi,
Mwe minzi, Nya madzi, Rwa azi, Sot meetse, Tsw metsi, Ven madi, Zul nzi, from
PBan *jiji] = water
majivu [Gan vu, Kik muhu, mbuu, Mwe mavu, Rwa ivu, Simbete ribu, from PBan
*jibu] = ash
majusi [from Ara majus from Gre magos] = magician, astrologer
makaa [see kaa; Kik makara] = charcoal
makala [from Ara maqala] = artice
maktaba [from Ara maktaba; see kitabu] = library
makuruhi [from Ara makruh] = detestable, offensive
malaika [Bem malaika, Kik muraika, Rwa malayika from Ban from Ara malayka] =
angels
malaya [Kik maraya] = prostitute
mali [from Ara mal] = property, wealth
malipo [see lipa; Bem malipilo, Ven mulifho] = pay n.
maliza [Her mana, Kon mala, Mwe mala, from PBan *mad-] = finish v.
malkia [from Ara malika] = queen
mama [Lin mama, Sot mma, mme, Umb mame, Ven mme, Xho ma, Zul mame] =
mother
mamba [Bem mamba, Mwe mamba, Zul mamba, from PBan *bamba] = crocodile
mambo [see jambo] = things
mamlaka [from Ara mamlaka] = realm, kingdom; country; authority
mandari [from Ara] = picnic
mandhari [from Ara mandhar] = look, view
manowari [Kik manuwari from Ban from Eng] = man-of-war, battleship, warship
manza [from Ara munazaca] = litigation
manzili [from Ara manzil] = halting place, apartment; stage, state of life
mara [from Ara marra] = times
maradhi [from Ara maradh] = disease, illness
marasharasha [see rasha] = spray n.
marashi [see rasha; Kik maraci, Lin malasi] = perfume, scent
marehemu [from Ara marhum; see rehema] = deceased
marhamu [from Ara marham] = ointment
marijani [from Ara marjan] = pearl, coral
mashariki [from Ara mashriq] = east
mashine [Kik macini from Ban from Eng] = machine, engine
mashtaka [see shtaki] = accusation
mashua [see shua; Kik macua, Lin masuwa] = boat, craft
mashuhuri [from Ara mashhur] = famous, renowned
masika [Kon ikisiku, Sot marega, Ven mariha, Zul sika, from PBan *tika] = rainy
season, winter
masilahi [from Ara maslaha] = benefit; advice, consultation; reconcilation
masizi [see sizi] = soot
maskani [from Ara maskan] = dwelling
maskini [from Ara miskin] = poor, miserable, wretched, destitute
masurufu [from Ara masraf; see sarafu] = costs, expenses
matako [see tako; Mwe madako, Sot morago, Tsw morago, Ven murahu] = buttocks;
behind
matata [see tata; Lin matata] = entanglement, trouble, difficulty
matatu [see tatu] = vehicle (that can be boarded by several people and used to cost three
coins to travel in)
mate [Bem mate, Her omate, Kik mata, Kon amatha, Lub te, Mwe mate, Sho mate, Sot
mare, Ven mare, lure, nthe, Zul the, from PBan *te] = spittle, saliva
matilaba [from Ara matlab] = subject; motive
matope [see tope] = mud
matunda [Kik itunda] = fruit
maulana [from Ara mawlana] = our master
mauti [from Ara mawt] = death
mavi [Bem mafi, Fan bvi, Kik mai, Lub mvi, Mwe mafi, Rwa byi, Zul thuvi, from PBan
*bii] = excrement, dung
mavu [see mbu; Ven libu] = hornet
mavuno [see vuna] = harvest n.
mawe [see jiwe] = stones
mawele [Kik mwere, Mwe vuvele, Sot lebelebele, Ven luvhele, Xho amabele, from
PBan *bede] = millet sp.
mawese [Rwa mamesa] = palm oil
mazao [see zaa] = crops
maziko [see zika; Kik mathiko] = funeral
maziwa [see ziwa] = milk
mbamia [from Ara bamiya] = okra
mbashiri [from Ara mubashir] = predicator, soothsayer
mbavu [see ubavu] = ribs, side
mbegu [Kik mbeu, Kon imbeyu, Mwe mbiyu, Sho mbeu, Sot peu, Ven mbeu, Xho
bewu, Zul mbewu, from PBan *begu] = seed
mbele [Bem ibele, Dua dibe, Her evere, Kik mbere, Lin libele, mabele, Mwe mbele,
ivele, Rwa bere, Sho mberi, Sot pele (lebele, letswele), Tsw lebele, Zul bele, phambili,
from PBan *bede] = front, ahead; first
mbili [Bem bili, Dua ba, Gan bbiri, Her vari, Kik iri, Kon veli, Lin mibale, Lub bidi,
Nko biri, Mwe vili, Nya wiri, Rwa biri, San vili, Sho piri, Sot bedi, pedi, Tsw pedi,
Umb vaari, Ven mbili,vhili, Xho bini, Zul bili, from PBan *bidi] = two
mbingu [see wingu] = sky, heaven
mboga [see boga; Kik mboga] = vegetable
mbogo [Bem mboo, Kik mbogo, Kon imbogo, Mwe mbogo, Rwa bogo, Sot poo, Tsw
poo, Ven mboho, from PBan *bogo] = buffalo
mboo [Kik uruu, from PBan *bodo] = penis
mbu [Mwe mbu, Sot mobu, Tsw mofu, Zul vi, bu, from PBan *bu] = mosquito
mbungo [Sitho sepo, Ven mmbo, from PBan *bugo] = tsetse
mbuni [see buni] = inventor
mbuyu [see buyu; Kik mabuyu] = baobab
mbuzi [Bem mbushi, Che mbuzi, Dua mbodi, Kik mburi, Lub mbuji, Mwe mbuli, Sho
mbudzi, Sot pudi, Tsw podi, Ven mbudzi, Zul buzi, from PBan *budi] = goat
mbwa [Bem mbwa, Dua mbo, Fan vu, Gan bwa, Her ombwa, Kik mbwa, Rwa bwa,
Kon imbwa, Lin mbwa, Lub bua, Mwe mbwa, San imbwa, Sho imbwa, Sot mpsa, Tsw
ntshwa, Umb mbua, Ven mmbwa, Zul nja, from PBan *bua] = dog
mchana [Ven twa, from PBan *cana] = daytime
mchanga [Bem mucanga, lusenga, Che mchenga, Kik muthanga, Lub senga, Mwe
msenga, from PBan *canga] = sand, soil
mchango [from PBan *cango] = worm
mchawi [see uchawi] = witch
mchele [Gan cere, Kik mucere, Mwe mchele, Rwa celi] = rice
mchumba [from PBan *cumba] = fiancé
mchungwa [Bem icungwa, Gan cungwa, Kik icungwa, Mwe ichungwa] = orange
mchuzi [Kik mucuthi, Mwe msuzi, Zul hluzi, from PBan *cudi] = broth, soup
mchwa [Bem luswa, Kik muthua, Mwe mswa, Sot mohlwa, Ven mutwa, Xho tlwa, Zul
hlwa, from PBan *cua] = termites
mdogo [?] = rat
mdomo [Bem milomo (mulomo), Kik kiromo, Kon undomo, Lub nomo, Mwe mlomo,
Sho muromo, Sot molomo, Ven mulomo, Zul lomo, from PBan *domo] = lip
mea [Gan mera, Her mina, Kik mera, Kon mela, Mwe mela, San mela, Sot mela, Ven
mela, Zul mila, from PBan *med-] = grow, sprout v.
meko [see jiko] = fireplaces
meli [Kik meri from Ban from Eng] = mail boat; steamer, ship, craft
mende [from PBan *jenje] = cockroach
meno [see jino; Sho mazino] = teeth
meza [Bem mina, Dua minya, Gan mira, Her nina, Kik meria, Kon mila, Mwe mila, Nya
medza, San mila, Sot metsha, Ven mila, Zul minza, from PBan *mid-] = swallow, gulp
v.
meza [Gan meza, Kik metha, Lin mesa, Lub mesa, Mwe meza, Rwa eza from Por mesa
from Lat mensa] = table
mfalme [Ban] = king
mfereji [from Ara farj] = cleft
mfu [see fa; Ven mufu] = dead, corpse
mfua [see fua; Ven mufuli] = smith
mfuko [Bem mufuko, Kik muhuko, from PBan *puko] = bag
mfungwa [see funga; Mwe mfungwa] = prisoner
mfuo [Bem mfulo] = furrow
mfupa [Bem ifupa, Lin mokuwa, Mwe maguha, Rwa guf(w)a, Sho pfupa, Zul fuphi,
from PBan *kupa] = bone
mgambo [from PBan *gambo] = speech, proclamation
mganda [Ven dzanda, from PBan *ganda] = sheaf
mgawo [see gawa; Rwa gabanya] = division
mgeni [Bem mweni, Kik mugeni, Lub eni, Mwe mgeni, Sho mueni, Sot moeng, Ven
mueni, Zul yeni, from PBan *geni] = stranger, guest
mgomba [?] = banana
mgomvi [see gomba] = quarrelsome person
mgongo [Gan gongo, Kik mugongo, Lin mokongo, Mwe mgongo, Rwa gongo, from
PBan *gongo] = back n.
mgonjwa [from PBan *gon-] = ill
mgunga [Bem munga, Ven munga, Zul nga, from PBan *gunga] = acacia
mguu [Bem gulu, Gan gulu, Kik kuguru, Lub kulu, Nko okuguru, Mwe mgulu, Rwa
guru, from PBan *gudu] = leg, foot
mhanga [?] = ant-eater
mia [from Ara mia] = hundred
mifugo [see fuga] = cattle
miliki [from Ara malaka] = rule, possess v.
milki [from Ara mulk] = kingdom, state, country, dominion
mimba [see vimba] = pregnancy
mimbari [from Ara minbar] = pulpit
mimi [Zul mi, from PBan *mi] = I
minya [Her ninikiza, Sot mimila, Zul minya, from PBan *min-] = squeeze out v.
Misri [Kik Misiri from Ban from Ara Misr] = Egypt
mithali [from Ara mithal] = example; proverb, parable, fable; problem
mivuo [Bem muba, Mwe mguva, Ven muvuvha, from PBan *gubo] = bellows
miwani [Kik miwani from Ban from Ara] = spectacles, glasses
mizani [from Ara mizan] = scales, balance
mizigo [see mzigo; Kik mirigo] = baggage, luggage
mizizi [Che muzu, Fan dzi, Kik muri, Rwa zi, Mwe mzi, Sho mudzi, Sot modu (medu,
medi), Ven mudzi, Zul zi, from PBan *di] = root
mja [see ja] = servant
mjakazi [see mja and Bantu *kaji] = female servant
mjeremani [Kik munjirimani from Ban from Eng] = German
mji [Bem mushi, Che mudzi, Dua mundi, Her oruze, Kik mucii, Nya mudzi, Rwa gi, Sot
motse, Ven mudi, Zul zi, from PBan *gii] = town, village
mjukuu [Bem mwishikulu, Kik cukuru, Mwe mwizukulu, Sho muzukuru, Ven
muduhulu, Zul zukulu, from PBan *jijukudu] = grandchild
mkasi [Bem makashi, Gan kasi, Kik magathi, Lin makasi, Mwe mkasi, Rwa kasi from
Ban from Ara maqqas] = scissors
mkate [Bem mukate, Gan gati, Kik mugate, Lub kate, Mwe mgate, Rwa gati, from
PBan *kaate] = bread
mke [Bem muka, Kik muka, Kon unkha, Mwe mke, Suk ke, Xho ka, Umb kai, Zul mka,
from PBan *ke] = wife
mkebe [Kik mukebe from Ban from Ara] = tin, can
mkeka [Kik mugeka, Mwe mgeka, from PBan *keka] = mat
mkia [Bem mucila, Her omutkhira, Lin mokila, Mwe mkila, Sot mosela, Ven mutshila,
Zul sila, from PBan *kida] = tail
mkoa [see koa] = zone
mkojo [from PBan *kojo] = urine
mkono [Gan kono, Nko omukono, Mwe mkono, Ven mukonwo, Zul khono, from PBan
*kono] = hand, arm
mkopo [see kopa; Bem bukope] = loan
mkosi [see kosi] = nape
mkuki [?] = spear
mkunga [Kik mukunga, from PBan *kunga] = eel
mkuu [see kuu] = elder, chief
mkwe [Bem mako, buko, bukwe, Lub ko, Zul khwe, from PBan *ko] = in-law
mlango [Kik murango, Mwe mlyango, Sot mojako, Zul nyango, from PBan *diango] =
door, gate
mle [see le 'that'] = in there
mlevi [see lewa] = drunkard
mlezi [see lea; Kik mureri] = nurse n.
mlima [Kik kirima, from PBan *dema] = mountain, hill
mlimaji [see lima; Bem mulimi, Gan limi, Kik murimi, Ven mulimi] = cultivator, farmer
mlingoti [Bem mulongoti] = mast, pole
mlinzi [see linda; Bem mulinshi, Ven mulindi] = guard n.
mlozi [see loga; Bem muloshi, Kik murogi, Ven muloi] = witch, sorcerer
mluzi [Mwe mluli, Xho loza, Ven muludzi, Zul lozi, from PBan *dudi] = whistle n.
mmea [see mea; Kik mumera, Rwa mera] = plant n.
mnafiki [from Ara munafiq] = hypocrite
mnajimu [from Ara munajjim] = astrologer
mnara [Rwa nara from Ban from Ara manara] = tower
mngaro [see ngaa] = brightness
mnuko [see nuka; Bem bununko, Rwa nuko, Ven munuko] = smell n.
mnyororo [Bem munyololo, Kik munyororo, Lub yololo, Mwe mnololo] = chain
moja [Bem mo, Kik mwe, Lin moko, Lub mwe, Mwe mo, Nya modzi, Umb mosi, from
PBan *mo(ti)] = one
moshi [see oka; Her omwise, Lub ishi, Mwe lyosi, Rwa otsi, Sho utsi, Sot mosi, Tsw
mosi, Ven mutsi, Zul si] = smoke
motakaa [Bem motoka, Gan motoka, Kik mutokaa, Lub motoka, Mwe modoka, Rwa
modoka, Sho motokari, Zul motokali from Ban from Eng] = motor car
moto [see joto; Lin moto, Mwe moto, Sho moto, Ven mwoto] = fire
moyo [Kik muoyo, Lub moyo, Mwe moyo, Sho mwoyo, Sot moya, Tsw mowa, Ven
muya, Zul oya, from PBan *jojo] = life; spirit; heart
mpagazi [Kik mubagathi from Ban from Eng baggage] = baggage carrier, carrier, porter
mpaka [Bem mupaka, Kik muhaka, from PBan *paka] = border, boundary
mpango [see panga] = arrangement, plan
mparuzi [see parua] = careless worker
mpasi [see pata] = grabber, over-ambitious person
mpingo [from PBan *pingo] = ebony
mpini [Bem mupini, Che mpini, Mwe mpini, Nya mpini, Ven mufhini, Zul phini, from
PBan *pini] = handle, shaft
mpira [Bem mupila, Che mpira, Gan pira, Kik mubira from Por pila] = rubber, tyre, ball
mpishi [see pika; Bem kepika, Kik mubici, Lub pishi, Ven mubikeli] = cook n.
mpunga [Bem mupunge, Mwe mpunga, Ven mupunga, from PBan *punga] = rice
mpwa [Bem mwipwa, Lub ipua, Ven mphwa-, from PBan *jipua] = nephew
mraba [from Ara murabbac] = square
mradi [from Ara murad] = wish, intention, desire
mreno [from Por reino 'kingdom'] = Por
mrumi [from Ara rumi from Lat Roma] = Roman
mrututu [from Hin] = bluestone
msaada [from Ara musacada] = help
msafa [from Ara masaf] = position; phalanx; line, row
msafiri [from Ara musafir] = traveller; visitor, guest, newcomer
msahafu [from Ara mas’haf] = book
msaidi [from Ara musacid] = helper
msalaba [Bem musalaba, Kik mutharaba from Ban from Ara salib] = cross n.
mshahara [from Ara mushahara] = monthly wage
mshale [Sangu tsal-, from PBan *caade] = arrow
mshipa [Bem lushipa, Her omusepa, Kik mukiha, Kon ikisipha, Sot mosifa, Zul sipha,
from PBan *kipa] = vein, artery, sinew
msho [see sho] = tailor
msikiti [Che mzikiti, Kik muthigiti from Egyptian Ara masgid] = mosque
msimu [from Ara mawsim] = season
mstari [from Ara satr] = row, line
mstatili [from Ara mustatil] = rectangle
msuluhi [from Ara musalih] = peacemaker
msumari [Bem musomali, Kik mucumari, Lub sumadi, Mwe msumali, Rwa sumari
from Ban from Ara mismar] = nail (of iron)
msumeno [Kik muthumeno from Ban from Ara] = saw n.
mswaki [Bem muswaki, Gan swaki from Ban from Ara miswak] = toothbrush
mtaa [from PBan *tala] = district
mtama [from PBan *tama] = millet, sorghum
mtego [Bem citeyo, Kik mutego, Mwe mtego, from PBan *tego] = trap n.
mtende [see tende; Kik mutende] = date-palm
mti [Bem muti, Fan li, Genda ti, Her omuti, Kik muti, Kon uluthi, Lin mwete, Lub zshi,
Mwe mti, Rwa ti, Sho muti, Sot more, Umb ti, Ven muri, nthi, Zul thi, from PBan *ti]
= tree; wood
mto [from PBan *to] = river
mto [Kik muuto] = pillow
mtribu [from Ara mutrib; see tarabu] = musician
mtu [Bem muntu, Che munthu, Dua moto, Gan ntu, Her omundu, Kik mundu, Kon
umundu, Lin moto, Lub ntu, Mwe mnhu, Nya munthu, Rwa muntu, San umunhu, Sho
munhu, Sot motho, Tsw motho, Ven muthu, Zul ntu, from PBan *tu] = person
mtumba [Bem itumba, from PBan *tumba] = bag, bale, bundle
mtwa [Sot morwana, Zul thwa, from PBan *toa] = pygmy
muda [from Ara mudda] = period
muhimu [from Ara muhimm] = essential, important
muhindi [Kik hindi from Ban from Ara hindi 'Indian'] = maize; grain
muhogo [Mwe muhogo, Ven mufhoho, from Ban] = cassava
muhuri [Kik ruuri from Ban from Ara muhr] = seal
mume [Bem lume (cilume), Dua mome, Fan num, Her rume, Kik murume, Kon
undume, Lub lume, Mwe mhungulume, Sho murume, Umb lume, Ven lume, from
PBan *dume] = male, man, husband
mumunya [Kik mumunya, Sot mona, Ven muna, Zul munya, from PBan *mumuna] =
suck v.
mungu [Bem mulungu, Che mulungu, Kik murungu, Nya mulungu, from PBan *dungu]
= god
mustarehe [from Ara mustarih; see starehe] = resting
muundi [Ven mwondo, from Ban] = shin
muwa [Kik kigwa, Mwe iguva, Sot mmoba, nyoba, Zul oba, from PBan *guba] =
sugarcane
mvi [Bem lufwi, Kik mbui, Lin mbwi, Ven mmvi, luvi, Xhoso mvi, Zul vi, from PBan
*bui] = white, grey hair
mvinyo [Kik mbinyu from Por vinho from Lat vinum] = wine; spirit; whisky
mvua [Bem mfula, Dua mbua, Her ombura, Kik mbura, Kon ifula, Lin mbula, Lub vula,
Mwe mbula, Rwa vura, Sho mvura, Sot pula, Tsw pula, Ven mvula, Zul vula, from
PBan *buda] = rain n.
mvuvi [see vua; Lub luwe] = fisherman
mwagika [from PBan *badik-] = split v.
mwaguzi [see agua] = diviner, soothsayer
mwaka [Bem mwaka, Gan waka, Kik mwaka, Mwe mwaka, Nya chaka, Rwa aka, Sho
mwaka, Ven nwaha, Zul nyaka, from PBan *jaka] = year
mwako [see waka; Kik mwaki] = burning, blaze, fire
mwali [Kik mwari, Sot ngwale, from PBan *jadi] = virgin, bride, girl; daughter
mwalimu [Kik mwarimu, Lub adimu, Mwe mwalimu, Rwa alimu from Ban from Ara
mucalim] = teacher
mwamba [from PBan *jamba] = rock, stone
mwamuzi [see amua] = judge, referee
mwana [Bem mwana, Che mwana, Dua muna, Fan on, Gan wana, Her omuna, Kik
mwana, Kon umwana, Lin mwana, Lub ana, Mwe mwana, Nya mwana, Rwa ana, Sot
ngwana (bjana), Umb mona, Ven nwana, Xho tshana, ntana, Zul ngane, tshana, from
PBan *jana] = child
mwanakondoo [see mwana and kondoo] = lamb
mwanambuzi [see mwana and mbuzi] = kid
mwandiko [see andika; Kik mwandiko] = writing n.
mwanga [Bem bwanga] = wizard, sorcerer
mwanya [Kik mwanya] = gap, pass
mwanzi [Kik murangi, Lin mbanzi, from PBan *dangi] = bamboo
mwavuli [see mvua; Bem mwamfuli, Kik maburi] = umbrella
mwayo [Gan ayuya, from PBan *jajo] = yawn n.
mwembe [see embe; Kik mwembe] = mango tree
mwendo [see enda; Bem bulendo, Che ulendo, Kik rugendo, Lub wendo] = journey,
travel, trip, passage
mwenye [Bem mwine, Dua mene, Her omvini, Kik mwene, Kon mwene, Sot mong, Ven
mune, Zul nini, from PBan *jene] = owner
mwenzi [see enda; Kik mugendi] = travel companion; traveler
mwe [Bem mweshi, Dua modi, Fan myel, Gan wezi, Her oMwe, Kik mweri, Kon
umwesi, Lub eji, enji, Mwe Mwe, Nya Mwe, Rwa ezi, San mwesi, Sho mwedzi, Sot
ngwedi, Tsw ngwedi, Ven nwedzi, Xho nyezi, Zul nyezi, nkanyezi, from PBan *jedi] =
moonlight
mwiba [Kik muigua, Lub diba, Mwe limhwa, Xho va, Zul iva, from PBan *jigua] =
thorn
mwiko [Bem mwiko, Kik muiko, Mwe kijiko, Rwa yiko, Sot leho, Ven lufo, from PBan
*jiko] = ladle, spoon, trowel
mwiko [Bem mwiko, Mwe mwiko, from PBan *jiko] = taboo
mwili [Bem mubili, Gan biri, Kik mwiri, Kon umbili, Lub bidi, Mwe muvili, Rwa biri,
San guvili, Sho muviri, Sot mmele, muvhili, Tsw mmele, Zul bili, from PBan *bidi] =
body
mwisho [see isha; Mwe mwisho] = end n.
mwivi [see iba; Lin moyibi, Lub ivi, Mwe mwibi, Sho mbavha, Ven mbava] = thief
mwizi [see iba; Kik muici] = thief
mwoga [see woga; Ven muofhi] = coward
mwuaji [see ua 'kill'; Kik muuragani, Ven mbulahi] = murderer
myunani [see yunani; Kik muyunani] = Greek
mzazi [see zaa] = parent
mzigo [Her zeu, Kik murigo, Mwe mligo, from PBan *digo] = load n.
mzimu [Che mzimu, Dua edimo, Lin molimo, Mwe mzimu, Sot modimo, badimo,
godimo, ledimo, Ven mudzimu, Zul zimu, from PBan *dimu] = spirit
mzinga [Mwe mzinga, from PBan *dinga] = beehive
mzinga [Kik mucinga, Mwe mzinga] = gun, cannon
mzungu [Bem musungu, Kik muthungu, Rwa zungu, Sho chirungu, Ven mulungu, Zul
lungu, from PBan *jungu] = white man, European

N
na [Bem na, Dua na, Her na, Kik na, Kon na, Lin na, Mwe na, Rwa na, San na, Sho na,
Sot na, nea, Ven na, Zul na, from PBan *na] = and, with
naam [from Ara nacm] = yes
nabii [Bem munabi, Kik munabi from Ban from Ara nabi] = prophet
nadhari [from Ara nadhar] = look; care; choice
nadhifu [from Ara nadhif] = clean, tidy, neat
nadhiri [from Ara nadhr] = vow
nadi [from Ara nada] = call, proclaim v.
nadra [from Ara nadir] = rare; unusual
nafaka [from Ara nafaqa 'cost'] = food; corn
nafasi [from Ara nafas] = breath; spirit; spare time
nafsi [from Ara nafs] = self, person
nafuu [from Ara nafc] = usefulness, use, benefit, gain
naibi [from Ara naib] = secretary, representative, delegate, deputy
nairuzi [from Per nouruz] = new year
najisi [from Ara najasa] = make filthy, defile
nakala [from Ara naql] = copy; transport; tradition; tales
nakawa [from Ara naqawa] = selection, choice
nakshi [from Ara naqsh] = painting; carving
namna [from Per nemune] = example, pattern
nanasi [Kik nanathi from Por ananas] = pineapple
nane [Kik inyanya, Mwe nane, Rwa nani, from PBan *nainai] = eight
nanga [Kik nanga from Per langar] = anchor
nani [see ni 'what'; Lin nani, Mwe nani] = who
nasa [see nata] = make get stuck, trap v.
nasaba [from Ara nasab] = origin; lineage
nasibu [from Ara nasib] = share; destiny; chance
nata [from PBan *namat-] = stick, adhere v.
nazi [Bem ngashi, Kik nathi from Ban from Ara narjil from Per nargil] = coco
ncha [Sot ntlha, Ven ntha, from PBan *ca] = tip, end
nchi [Bem shi (panshi), Che (pansi), Dua se (wase), Fan si, Gan si (wansi), Her hi
(kehi), Kik thi, Kon si (phasi), Lin nse, Lub (panshi), Mwe nsi, Rwa si, Sot se (fase,
tlase), Umb si, Ven si (dasi, fhasi), Xho tsi (phantsi), Zul si (phansi, ezantsi) , from
PBan *ce] = land, earth, country
nda [Kik nda, Kon munda, Lub nda, Sot boteng, Ven mala, from PBan *da] = inside,
belly n.
ndama [from PBan *dama] = calf
ndani [see nda and ni 'place'; Zul ndeni] = inside adv.
ndege [Che ndege, Lin ndeke, Nya ndege, Rwa dege, Sangu ndeki, from PBan *dege] =
bird
ndege [see ndege; Bem ndeke, Kik ndege, Sho ndege] = airplane
ndevu [see kidevu; Kik nderu, Lin ndefu, Lub wevu, Mwe ndezu, Sho ndebvu, Sot
leledu, Tsw tedu, Ven ndebvu] = beard
ndezi [Bem nsenshi, Ven tshedzi, Zul hlezi] = cane-rat
ndimu [Che ndimu, Gan nnimu, Kik ndimu, Rwa dimu from Por limao] = lime, lemon
ndizi [?] = banana
ndoa [see oa] = marriage
ndoana [from PBan *dubane from *dub-; see vua] = fish-hook
ndoo [Kik ndoo, Mwe ndovo from Ban from Ara dalw or Per dul] = bucket, pail
ndoto [see ota; Bem ciloto, Kik kiroto, Lin ndoto, Ven muloro] = dream
ndovu [Bem nsofu, Che njobvu, Dua njou, Fan zoh, Gan jovu, Her onjou, Kik njogu,
Kon isofu, Lub nzevu, Mwe nzovu, Nya njobvu, Rwa zovu, San nzovu, Sho nzou, Sot
tlou, Ven ndou, Zul dlovu, from PBan *jogu] = elephant
ndugu [Lin ndeko, from PBan *dugu] = kinsman, brother
neema [from Ara nacma] = favor, mercy
nemsi [from Ara namus from Gre nomos] = honor, reputation
nena [Che nena, Lub nena, from PBan *neen-] = speak v.
nene [Fan nen, Kik nene, Lin nene, Umb nene, from PBan *nene] = thick, big
neva [from Eng] = nerve
ngaa [Kik ara] = shine v.
ngalawa [Kik ngarawa] = canoe
ngambo [Mwe mwambu] = other side
ngamia [Bem ngamiya, Kik ngamira, Rwa gamiya from Egyptian Ara gamal] = camel
ngano [Bem nganu, Kik ngano, Lub ngano, Rwa gano] = wheat
ngano [Her omwano, Kik rugano, Ven ganeo, from PBan *gano] = tale, story
ngazi [Kik ngathi, Lub ngaji] = ladder
ngao [Kik ngo, Mwe ngavo, from PBan *gabo] = shield
nge [from PBan *ge] = scorpion
ngiri [Bem munjili, Kik ngiri, Mwe igili, Sho njiri, from PBan *gidi] = warthog
ngoa [from PBan *good-] = pull, uproot v.
ngoja [from PBan *goj-] = wait v.
ngoma [Bem ngoma, Che ngoma, Dua ngomo, Fan gom, Her ongoma, Rwa goma, Lub
ngoma, Mwe ngoma, Sho ngoma, Umb ngoma, Ven ngoma, Zul ngoma, from PBan
*goma] = drum
ngombe [Bem ngombe, Kik ngombe, Lin ngombe, Lub ngombe, Mwe mombe, Sho
mombe, Umb ngombe, Ven nombe, from PBan *gombe] = bovine, cow
ngozi [Ekinyambo engozi] = skin
nguo [Kik nguo, Zul ngubo, from PBan *gubo] = dress, cloth, garment
nguruma [Kik ruruma, Mwe gilima, from PBan *dudum-] = roar, thunder, rumble,
growl v.
nguruwe [Bem ngulube, Her onguruve, Kik ngurue, Kon inguluve, Lub ngulube, Mwe
nguluve, Rwa gurube, Sho nguruve, Sot kolobe, Umb ngulube, Ven nguluvhe, Xho
gulube, Zul ngulube, from PBan *gudube] = pig
nguvu [Fan gvul, Mwe nguzu, from PBan *gudu] = strength, power
ni [Bem ni (ani), Lin ni (nani), Umb nye, Ven ni, Zul ni] = what kind
ni [Zul ndeni] = place
nia [from Ara nia] = intention
nidhamu [from Ara nidham] = order, discipline
nikaha [from Ara nikah] = marriage
nini [see ni 'what'; Lin nini] = what
ninyi [Ven ni, Zul ni] = you
nira [from Ara nir] = yoke
nishani [from Ara nishan] = sign; medal
njaa [Bem nsala, Che njala, Dua njai, Her onjara, Kon injala, Lin nzala, Lub nzala, Mwe
nzala, Rwa zara, San inzala, Sho nzara, Sot tlala, Umb nzala, Ven ndala, Xho dlala, Zul
ndlala, from PBan *jada] = hunger, famine
nje [Bem panse, Her penje, Kik nja, Kon phanja, Sot ntle, Ven nnda, Xho dle, Zul ndle
(phandle) , from PBan *je] = outside
njema [see ema] = it's good
njia [Bem nshila, Che njira, Dua ngea, Fan zem, Her onjira, Kik njira, Kon injila, Lin
nzela, Lub jila, Mwe nzila, Nya njira, Rwa inzira, San inzila, Sho nzira, Sot tsela, Umb
ngyila, Ven ndila, Zul dlela, from PBan *jida] = path, road, way, passage
njiwa [Sho njiva, Sot leeba, Ven livha, nzhivha, tshivha, Zul juba, from PBan *jiba] =
dove, pigeon
njugu [Sho nzungu, Sot tloo, Ven nduhu, Zul dlubu, from PBan *jugu] = nut
nne [Bem ne, Dua nei, Gan nnya, Her ne, Kik inya, Kon na, Lin minei, Lub na, Nko na,
Mwe ne, Nya nai, Rwa ne, San na, Sho na, Sot nne, Tsw nne, Ven na, Zul ne, from
PBan *nai] = four
noa [Bem nona, Zul lola, from PBan *nood-] = sharpen, whet v.
nondo [Zul nundu] = moth
nona [Bem nona, Kik nora, Sot nona, Ven nona, Zul nona, from PBan *non-] = fat v.
noti [Kik nuti from Ban from Eng] = note, bank note
nsiya [Kik thiya, Ven ntsa, from PBan *kia] = duiker antelope
nta [Mwe nta, from PBan *ta] = wax (of bees)
nufaika [see nafuu] = prosper v.
nuka [Bem nunka, Her nuka, Kik nunga, Kon nunga, San nunkha, Sot ngka, Ven nukha,
Zul nuka, from PBan *nunk-] = smell, stink v.
nuksi [from Ara nuks] = decadence; mischief
nukta [from Ara nuqta] = dot, point
nuna [from PBan *nun-] = grumble v.
nundu [from PBan *dundu] = hump
nungu [Bem cinungi, Mwe nunguli, Sot noko, Zul nungu, from PBan *dungu] =
porcupine
nungunika [from PBan *nungonik-] = grumble v.
nunua [Gan nunula, Sho nunura, from PBan *nunud-] = buy, redeem v.
nuru [from Ara nur] = light
nusa [see nuka] = smell v.
nusu [Kik nuthu from Ban from Ara nisf] = half
nusuru [from Ara nasara] = help
nya [Her nyina, Lin no, Sot na, Tsw na, Ven na, Zul na, from PBan *ni] = rain n.
nya [Bem nya, Dua nya, Her nia, Kon nya, Lin nyei, Mwe na, Sot nya, Ven nya, Zul
nya] = urinate, defecate v.
nyama [Bem nama, Che nyama, Dua nyama, Gan nnyama, Her onyama, Kik nyama,
Kon inyama, Lin nyama, Lub nyama, Mwe nama, Nya nyama, Rwa nyama, Sho
nyama, Sot nama, Ven nama, Zul nyama, from PBan *nyama] = meat, flesh; animal
nyamera [Rwa nyemera] = topi
nyani [Rwa igannyi, from PBan *jani] = ape, baboon
nyanya [Gan nnyanya, Kik nyanya, Rwa nyanyi, from PBan *nyaanya] = tomato
nyasi [Rwa atsi, from PBan *nyati] = grass
nyati [Che njati, Dua nyati, Fan oar, Her onyati, Lin nzale, Nya njati, Sho nyati, Sot
nare, Tsw nare, Umb nyanyi, Ven nari, Zul nyathi, from PBan *jati] = buffalo
nyauka [from PBan *niad-] = wither v.
nyenje [Bem nyense, Kik nyenje, Zul nyendle, from PBan *jenje] = cricket; bug
nyoa [Zul nwaya, from PBan *nod-] = shave v.
nyoka [from PBan *jinuk-] = straight v.
nyoka [Bem nsoka, Che njoka, Fan oo, Her onyoka, Kon injoka, Lin nyoka, Lub nyoka,
Mwe nzoka, Nya njoka, Rwa zoka, San inyokha, Sho nyoka, Sot noga, Umb nyoka,
Ven nowa, Zul nyoka, from PBan *joka] = snake
nyonga [Sot noka, Zul nyonga, from PBan *jonga] = hip
nyongo [Kik nyongo, Sot nyooko, Ven nyongwe, Zul nyongo, from PBan *jongo] =
bile, gall
nyonya [Gan nuna] = suck v.
nyota [Kik njata, Lin nzoto, from PBan *jota] = star
nyoya [Kik guoya, ruoya, Lub oyi, Mwe loya, Rwa oya, Sot boya, Zul oya, from PBan
*joja] = feather, hair, wool
nyuki [Bem buci, Her onyuitkhi, Kik njuki, Kon injuki, Lin nzoi, Mwe nzuki, Rwa yuki,
San inyusi, Sho nyuchi (huchi), Sot nose (bose), SSot notshi, Tsw notshe, Umb nyihi
(iki), Ven notshi, Zul nyosi, from PBan *jiki] = bee
nyuma [Bem numa, Lub nyima, Mwe numa, Rwa nyuma, Umb nyima, from PBan
*jima] = back, behind, rear
nyumba [Che nyumba, Gan nyumba, Kik nyumba, Mwe numba, Nya nyumba, Rwa
nyumba, Sho imba, from PBan *jumba] = house
nyumbani [see nyumba and NI 'place'] = home
nyumbu [Kik nyumbu] = mule
nyundo [Bem nondo, Kik nyondo, Mwe nundo, Rwa yundo, Sot noto, Ven nyundo, Zul
ando, from PBan *jundo] = hammer
nyungu [see buu] = worm
nyuni [Bem cuni, Dua inon, Fan non, Gan nyonyi, Kik nyoni, Kon injuni, Lub nyunyi,
Mwe noni, Rwa nyoni, San inyuni, Sot lenong, Tsw nonyane, Ven tshinoni, Zul nyoni,
from PBan *juni] = bird
nywa [Bem nwa, Che mwa, Dua nyo, Gan nywa, Her nwa, Kik nyua, Kon nwa, Lub
nua, Mwe mwa, Nya mwa, Rwa nywa, San nwa, Sho nwa, Sot nwa, Umb nua, Ven
nwa, from PBan *niwa] = drink v.
nywele [Gan viri, Kik njuiri, Lub nywene, Mwe lunele, Zul nwele, from PBan *juede] =
hair
nzige [Kik ngigi, Mwe iyige, Sot tsie, Ven nzie, Zul diye, from PBan *gige] = locust

O
oa [from PBan *koid-] = marry v.
oga [Bem owa, Lub oya, Mwe oga, Rwa oga from PBan *jog-] = wash, bathe v.
ogelea [see oga; Gan wuga] = swim v.
ogopa [Mwe ogoha, Ven ofha, from PBan *jogup-] = fear v.
oka [Bem oca, cushi, Gan okya, Kam yioki, Kon ilyosi, Umb isi, yokua, Ven oka, vhutsi,
Zul si, osa, from PBan *jok-] = roast, bake v.
okoa [Gan kola, from PBan *jokud-] = save v.
ola [Bem lola, Kik rora, from PBan *dod-] = look, observe v.
omba [Bem lomba, Kon lomba, Mwe lomba, San lomba, Sot lopa, from PBan *domb-]
= ask v.
ona [Bem mona, Che ona, Her muna, Kik ona, Kon vona, Kongo mona, Lin mona, Lub
mona, Mwe vona, San vona, Sho ona, Sot bona, Ven vhona, Zul bona, from PBan
*bon-] = see v.
ongea [from PBan *dongid-] = talk v.
ongeza [Bem ongesha, Gan ongera, Kik ongera, Kon ongela, Mwe ongeja, Rwa ongera,
San jongelesa, Sot oketsa (eketsa), Tsw oketsa, Zul ongeza, engeza, from PBan
*jongid-] = add v.
ongoa [from PBan *dongud-] = guide, precede v.
onja [Mwe vonja] = taste v.
ono [see ona] = view
orofa [Kik ngoroba from Gre orophos] = floor, storey
ororo [Kik ororo, from PBan *godobo] = soft
osha [see oga; Gan oza, Rwa oza] = wash v.
ota [Bem lota, Dua ndoti, Gan loota, Her rota, Kik rota, Mwe lota, Sho rota, Sot toro,
lora, Ven lora, from PBan *doot-] = dream v.
ota [Bem onta, Gan ota, Her wota, Kik ota, Kon otha, San yotha, Sot ora, Ven ora
(mwoto), Zul otha, from PBan *jota] = warm, bask v.
ote [Bem onse, Che yense, Dua ese, Her he, Kik othe, Kon osa, Lin nso, Lub nso, Mwe
ose, Rwa ose, Sho se, Sot ohle, Ven othe, Xho onke, Zul nke, from PBan *jote] = all
ovu [Kik uru] = bad, evil
oza [Bem bola, Dua bo, Gan bola, Her ora, Kik ora, Kon vola, San vola, Sot bola, Zul
bola, from PBan *bod-; see bovu] = rot v.

P
pa [Bem pa, Fan ve, Gan wa, Her pa, Kik ha, Kon pha, Mwe pa, Lub pa, Rwa ha, San
pa, Sho pa, Sot fa, Tsw fa, Ven fha, Zul pha, from PBan *pa] = give v.
pa [Bem pa (panshi, panse), Che (pansi), Her pe- (penje), Gan wa- (wakati, wansi), Kon
pha- (phasi, phanja), Lub pe- (peulu), Rwa he- (hejuru), Sot fa- (fase), Umb pa- (palo),
Ven fha- (fhasi), Xho pha- (phandle, phantsi, phezu), Zul pha- (phakathi, phandle,
phansi, phezulu) , from PBan *pa] = on
paa [Bem mpala, Mwe mhala, Rwa mpala, Sot phala, Ven phala, Zul mpala, from PBan
*pada] = antelope
paa [from PBan *pad-] = go up, ascend v.
paa [from PBan *pad-: Bem pala, Gan wala, Her para, Kik hara, Kon phala, Sot fala,
Ven fhala, pala, Zul phala] = scrape v.
pacha [Dua diwasa, Fan bear, Her epaha, Kik mahatha, Kon iliphasa, Lin lipasa, Lub
pasa, Mwe ivasa, Sho mapatya, Sot mafahla, Tsw mafatlha, Ven lifhata, mafhata, Zul
phahla, from PBan *paca] = twin
pafu [Che mphafa, Sho bapu, Sot leswafo, Ven fhafhu, Zul phaphu, from PBan *papu] =
lung
paka [from PBan *pak-] = fix boundary v.
paka [Bem mpaka, Kik mbaka, Nya mphaka, Sot phaga, Ven phaha, Xho paka, Zul
mpaka, from PBan *paka] = cat
pakana [from PBan *pakan-] = adjacent v.
pakata [from PBan *pakat-] = hold (child), nurse v.
pakia [from PBan *pakid-] = load, put in v.
pale [see pa 'on' and le 'there'; Umb palo] = there
palia [from PBan *padid-] = weed, hoe v.
pamba [Mwe pamba] = decorate v.
pamba [Gan ppamba, Kik mbamba from Per pamba from Gre bombyx] = cotton
pamoja [see pa 'on' and moja; Bem pamo] = together
pana [from PBan *pana] = wide
panda [Bem lupanda, Ven phande, Zul phande, from PBan *panda] = forked pole, fork
panda [Mwe panda, from PBan *panda] = go up v.
panda [Kik handa, from PBan *pand-] = sow, plant v.
pande [from PBan *pande] = block, large piece
panga [Benda panga, from PBan *pang-] = arrange, plan v.
panga [Benda ipenga] = trumpet
panga [Benda lupanga, Kik banga, Lin mompanga, Mwe lupanga, Sho banga, Sot
mphaka, Ven lufhanga, from PBan *panga] = knife, machete, sword
panganya [see panga; Gan panga] = stack, pile v.
pangisha [see panga; Gan pangisa] = rent v.
pango [Che phanga, Nya phanga, from PBan *panga] = cave
pangusa [Lin pangusa, from PBan *panagula] = dust, wipe v.
panzi [Bem kapaso, Kik handi, Ven mapanda, from PBan *panji] = grasshopper, locust
papai [Kik babai] = pawpaw
papasa [from PBan *papat-] = touch, stroke, grope v.
papatika [Ven paparika, Zul phapha, from PBan *pap-] = flap, flutter v.
parua [see paa 'scrape'] = scratch together v.
pasaka [Bem ipasaka, Kik bathaka, Lin pasika, Rwa pasika from Por pascoa from Heb
pesah] = Easter, Passover
pasi [Kik bathi from Hin] = iron (for shirts etc.)
pasi [Kik bathi, Zul pasi from Ger Pass] = pass, passport
pasua [Sangu pas-, from PBan *pac-] = split v.
pata [Her pata, Mwe bata, Rwa fata, Sot swara, Ven bata, fara, pata, Zul phatha, from
PBan *pata] = grab, get v.
patana [from PBan *patan-] = agree v.
paza [see paa] = lift v.
pazia [see paza; Kik mbathiya] = curtain
pekecha [from PBan *pekic-] = drill v.
pekesheni [Kik bigicena from Ban from Eng] = inspection
peleka [from PBan *pedik-] = hand over, send v.
pembe [Lin mpembe, Mwe ipembe, Rwa hembe, from PBan *pembe] = horn, ivory
penda [Kik enda, Rwa henda, from PBan *pend-] = love, desire v.
pendo [see penda; Kik wendo] = love n.
penzi [see penda] = desire, will n.
pepea [Her pepa, Sot fefera, Ven fhefha, Zul phepha, from PBan *pep-] = fan v.
pepo [see pepea; Bem mpepo, Kik heho, Kon imbepo, Lin mpepo, San mhepo, Sot
phefo, Ven phepho, Xho phepho] = wind; spirit
pera [Gan ppera, Kik ibera from Por] = guava
peremende [Kik theremende from Ban from Eng] = peppermints, sweets
pesa [Bem ipesa, Kik mbeca from Hin paysa] = money
peta [Bem peta, Her peta, Sot fera, Ven peta, Zul phetha, from PBan *peta] = bend, fold
up v.
pete [see peta; Gan peta, Lub pete] = ring n.
pevu [Kon phela, Sot fetsa, fedisa, Ven fhela, Zul phela, from PBan *pela] = mature adj.
pi [Bem pi, Lin pi (wapi), Sho pi (kupi), Umb pi, Ven fhi, Zul phi, from PBan *pi] =
which, which place
picha [Kik mbica from Ban from Eng] = picture
piga [from PBan *piig-] = hit, beat v.
pika [Bem ipika, Che phika, Lub ipika, Sho bika, Ven bika, Zul pheka, from PBan
*peka] = cook v.
pili [see mbili] = two; second adj.
pilipili [Bem mpilipili, Kik biribiri, Lin pilipili, Mwe mhilipili, Rwa pilipili, Ven
phiriphiri, Zul pelepele, from PBan *pidipidi from Gre peperi] = pepper
pima [Bem pima, Gan pima, Kik thima, Lin pima, Mwe pima, Rwa pima, Ven pima,
from PBan *pim-] = measure v.
pinda [Dua inda, Kik hinda, Kon phindanya, Mwe pinda, Sho bhenda, Sot fetola, Zul
phendu, phinda, from PBan *pind-] = bend, plait, fold v.
pindua [Bem pinduluka, Rwa hindura, from PBan *pindud-] = turn, change v.
pinduka [see pindua; Gan pinduka] = overturn, skid v.
pinduli [from Eng from Fre pendule] = pendulum
pinga [Zul phinga, from PBan *ping-] = plait v.
pinga [Kik thinga, from PBan *ping-] = bar, obstruct v.
pingu [from PBan *pingu] = charm, fetish
pini [Bem pini, Kik mbini, Sho pini from Ban from Eng] = pin
pita [Che pita, Nya pita, from PBan *pit-] = pass, go ahead, surpass v.
pito [see pita] = passage
poa [Gan wola, Her pora, Kik hora, Mwe pola, Sot fola, Ven fhola, Zul phola, from
PBan *pod-] = cool v.
pofu [Bem mpofu, Her potu, Lub pofo, Mwe hofu, San pofokhu, Sho pofo-, Sot sefofu,
Tsw sefofu, Ven bofu, Zul phumpu, from PBan *popu] = blind
pofu [Bem nsefu, Mwe mboku, Sho mhofu, Sot phofu, phohu, Ven phofu, Xho pofu, Zul
phofu, from PBan *poku] = antelope, eland
pokea [Bem poka, Mwe bokela, from PBan *pokid-] = receive v.
polisi [Bem polishi, Kik borithi, Rwa polisi from Ban from Eng] = police
pona [Gan wona, Kik hona, from PBan *pon-] = get well, recover, heal, cured v.
ponda [Ven ponda, from PBan *pond-] = pound, crush, stamp v.
pongo [Mwe mhongo, Rwa hongo, Sot phoko, from PBan *pongo] = antelope,
bushbuck
ponyoka [from PBan *pon(i)-] = fall, slip v.
popo [Kik ruhuhu] = bat (animal)
posha [from posho] = provide v.
posho [Kik uboco from Ban from Eng portion] = provision, rations
posta [Kik bothita from Ban from Ita posta] = post
pota [Her potapota, Kon photha, San potha, Sot fora, Zul photha, from PBan *put-] =
bend, twist v.
pote [see pa 'on' and ote] = everywhere
potea [see pota] = lost v.
potoka [from PBan *putik-] = bent, twisted v.
povu [Bem ifulo, Fan vul, Kik muhuyu, Ven mapulo, from PBan *pudu] = foam
pua [from PBan *puda] = nose
pua [see feleji] = steel
puku [Fan fo, Zul phuku from PBan *puku] = field rat
puliza [from PBan *pud-] = blow (with mouth) v.
pumbaa [Bem bupuba, bupumbu, from PBan *pub-] = foolish, stupid v.
pumzi [Dua vumse, Ven fumula, Xho phumla, Zul phumula, from PBan *puumud-] =
breath
punda [Bem punda, Kik bunda, Lin mpunda, Lub punda, from PBan *punda] = donkey
punga [Mwe punga, Zul phunga, from PBan *pung-] = wave, fan, wave off v.
pungua [Mwe pungula] = decrease v.
pura [Kik hura, Rwa guhura, from PBan *puud-] = thresh v.
pwa [Ven phwama, from PBan *pu] = dry v.
pwani [see pwa and ni 'place'] = dry place, shore
pya [Bem pya, Dua pe, Gan piya, Her pe (pya), Kon phya, Lub pia, Nko sya, Rwa shya,
San pya, Sho idzva, Sot swa, fisa (fsa, mpsa), Ven ntswa, Xho tsha, Zul sha, from PBan
*pia] = new

R
rabishi [?] = confuse v.
rabsha [see rabishi] = confusion
radhi [from Ara ridha] = approval; goodwill
radi [from Ara racd] = thunder
rafiki [from Ara rafiq] = friend
rafu [from Ara raff] = shelf
raha [from Ara raha] = rest n.
rahisi [from Ara rahis] = cheap
rai [from Ara ray] = view
raia [from Ara racia] = subject, citizen
rais [Mwe laisi from Ban from Ara rais] = president
rakaa [from Ara rakca] = prayer with bows
rakibu [from Ara rakiba] = mount, ride v.
ramadhani [from Ara ramadhan] = fasting month
ramli [from Ara raml] = divination
ramsa [from Per] = fair n.
randa [Kik randa from Per randa] = plane n.
rangi [Bem ilangi, Gan langi, Kik rangi, Rwa rangi from Per rang] = color, paint, dye n.
rasha [from Ara rasha] = spray, daub, smear n.
rasmi [from Ara rasmi] = official adj.
ratibu [from Ara rataba] = arrange v.
ratli [Gan latiri, Kik ratiri from Ban from Ara ratl from Gre litra] = pound n.
raufu [from Ara rawf] = kind adj.
refu [Her re, Kik raya, Lub le, Mwe lihu, Sho refu, Sot telele, Ven lapfu, from PBan
*dai(pu)] = long, high adj.
rehani [from Ara rahn] = pledge n.
rehema [from Ara rahma] = mercy
riba [from Ara riba] = usury, interest
ridhaa [from Ara ridha] = agreement
rikebu [Kik merikebu from Ban from Ara markab] = ship, craft
ripota [from Eng] = reporter
ripoti [Bem lipoti, Kik riboti from Ban from Eng] = report
risasi [Kik rithathi from Ban from Ara rasas] = lead, bullet
risiti [Kik rithiti from Ban from Eng] = receipt
rithi [from Ara ritha] = inherit v.
riziki [from Ara rizq] = provision, food
robo [from Ara rubc] = quarter
robota [from Ara rabita] = bundle, bale
roho [Kik roho from Ban from Ara ruh] = spirit, soul
roshani [from Ara rawshan from Per roshan 'roof-light'] = balcony
rubani [from Ara ruban] = captain, pilot
ruhusa [Kik rutha from Ban from Ara ruhsa] = permit, leave; holiday
ruka [Kik ruuga, guruka, Nko guruka, Rwa guruka, Sho bururuka, from PBan *ruka] =
fly, jump, leap v.
runinga [from Ger Grundig] = television set
rupia [Kik rubia from Hin rupya] = rupee
rusha [see ruka] = make fly, throw v.
rushwa [Rwa ruswa from Ban from Ara rushwa] = bribe
rutuba [from Ara rutuba] = moisture
ruzuku [from Ara razaqa] = supply (food) v.

S
saa [Bem nsa, Gan ssawa, Kik thaa, Lin sa, Lub saa, Mwe saa, Rwa saha from Ban from
Ara saca] = hour; clock, watch
saba [from Ara sabca] = seven
sababu [from Ara sabab] = cause, reason
sabini [from Ara sabcin] = seventy
sabuni [Kik thabuni, Lin sapuni, Rwa sabune from Ban from Ara sabun from Lat sapo,
-nis] = soap
saburi [from Ara sabr] = patience, waiting; tranquillity
sadaka [from Ara sadaqa] = alms, charity
safari [Kik thabari from Ban from Ara safar] = trip, journey, expedition, drive
safi [from Ara saf] = pure; genuine
safina [from Ara safina] = ship, ark
safiri [from Ara safara] = travel v.
safu [from Ara saff] = row, line
saga [Dua sia, Gan sa, Kik thiya, Kon sya, Sot sila, Ven sila, Zul sila, from PBan *ceag-]
= grind v.
sahani [Kik thani, Lin sani, Mwe sahani, Rwa sahani from Ban from Ara sahn] = plate,
dish; record
sahau [from Ara saha] = forget v.
sahihi [from Ara sahih] = correct, authentic
saidia [from Ara sacida] = help v.
saili [from Ara saala] = ask v.
saka [Gan saka, from PBan *cak-] = hunt, chase, search for v.
sakafu [from Ara saqf] = roof, ceiling
sakini [from Ara sakana] = settle, quiet v.
sala [Bem isali from Ban from Ara sala] = prayer
saladi [Kik tharati, Zul saladi from Ban from Eng] = salad
salama [from Ara salama] = peace; health, safety, robustness
salamu [from Ara salam] = peace; greetings
sali [from Ara sali] = pray v.
salia [Bem shala, Dua sala, Kik tigara, Kon syala, San sagala, Zul sala, from PBan
*tigad-] = left, remain v.
salimu [from Ara salima] = greet v.
samaki [Kik thamaki, Lin samaki, Mwe samaki from Ban from Ara samak] = fish n.
samani [from Hin from Per saman] = utensils
samawati [from Ara samawi] = celestial; sky-blue
sambusa [from Per sambuse from Ara sambusak; cf. Hin samosa] = filled pastry
samehe [from Ara samaha] = forgive, be generous v.
samli [Kik thamuri from Ban from Ara samn] = ghee, clarified butter
sana [from Ara sani 'high'] = very
sana [from PBan *tian-] = forge v.
sanaa [from Ara sanca] = handicraft, industry, trade; art
sanamu [Bem nsalamu from Ban from Ara sanam] = idol, image; picture
sanda [from PBan *canda] = shroud, cloth
sandarusi [from Ara sandarusi] = resin, sandarac
sanduku [Gan ssanduko, Kik ithanduku, Lin sanduku, Rwa sanduku from Ban from Ara
sanduq] = box, trunk, chest
sanii [from Ara sanaca] = make v.
santuri [from Ara santir from Gre psalterion] = zyther; gramophone
sarabi [from Ara sarab] = mirage
sarafu [from Ara sarf] = spending; coin
sarufi [from Ara sarf] = conjugation; grammar
sasa [Mwe haha] = now
sataranji [from Ara shatranj from Skt chaturanga] = chess
saumu [Kik thaumu from Ban from Ara sawm] = fasting; Lent
saumu [from Ara thawm] = garlic
sauti [from Ara sawt] = sound, voice
sawa [from Ara sawa] = equal
sayari [from Ara sayyara] = planet
sema [Ven sema] = say v.
senti [Kik thendi, Zul senti from Ban from Eng] = cent
seremala [Kik mutharamara from Per shirwani 'roof'] = carpenter
serkali [Kik thirikari from Per sarkari 'of the government'] = government
setiri [from Ara satara] = conceal v.
shaba [Mwe isava from Ban from Ara shabah] = copper
shabaha [from Ara shibh] = likeness, resemblance
shabaha [Kik cabaa] = target
shabihi [from Ara shabaha] = resemble v.
shada [from PBan *cadu] = bead, bunch, cluster
shahada [from Ara shahada] = testimony, creed
shahidi [from Ara shahid] = witness, martyr
shairi [from Ara shicr] = poetry, poem
shaka [from Ara shakk] = doubt, suspicion
Sham [from Ara Sham] = Syria; Damascus
shamasi [from Ara shammas] = deacon
shamba [Kik camba] = field
shanta [from Ara shanta from Tur canta] = bag; suitcase; knapsack
sharabu [from Ara shariba] = drink, absorb v.
shari [from Ara sharr] = evil, adversity
sharifu [from Ara sharif] = noble
sharti [from Ara shart] = term, condition
shati [Bem ishati, Gan sati, Kik cati, Sho shati from Ban from Eng] = shirt
shauku [from Ara shawq] = lust, desire; interest
shauri [from Ara shura] = advice; council
shavu [from PBan *cagu] = cheek
shavu [Mwenda saku, Ven thafu, from PBan *caku] = calf of leg
shayiri [Kik cairi from Ban from Ara shacir] = barley
shehena [from Ara shahn] = load, freight
shemasi [from Ara shammash from Heb] = deacon
shemeji [Lin semeki] = brother-in-law
shenzi [from Per] = uncivilized
sherehe [from Ara sharaha] = glee
sheria [from Ara sharia] = law
sherizi [from Ara shiras from Tur ciris] = glue
shetani [Kik cetani from Ban from Ara shaytan] = evil spirit, devil, fiend, Satan
shiba [from Ara shabica] = sated v.
shika [from PBan *cika] = hold fast v.
shilingi [Kik ciringi from Ban from Eng] = shilling
shimo [from PBan *timo] = hole
shina [Sangu sin-, from PBan *cina] = trunk (of tree), base, source
shinda [Zul sinda, from PBan *kind-] = overcome v.
shindo [Zul sindo, from PBan *kindo] = noise
shingo [Dua nyingo, Fan tsing, Gan singo, Her osengo, Kam ngingo, Kik ngingo, Kon
ulusingo, Lin nkingo, Lub shingo, Mwe mhingo, from PBan *kingo] = neck
shirika [from Ara shirka] = partnership; company; office
shiriki [from Ara sharika] = share, partner v.
shoka [Kik ithoka, Lin soka, from PBan *coka] = axe
sho [Gan sona, Lin sona, Lub sona, Sho sona, from PBan *con-] = sew v.
shtaki [Kik thitaka, Mwe shidaki from Ban from Ara ishtaka] = accuse v.
shua [?] = launch (boat) v.
shughuli [from Ara shughl] = business
shujaa [from Ara shujac] = brave; hero
shuka [Gan suka, Kik cuka, Rwa shuka] = loincloth; sheet (on bed)
shukrani [from Ara shukran] = thanks, gratitude
shuku [from Ara shakka] = doubt, suspect v.
shukuru [from Ara shakara] = thank v.
shule [Rwa shuri from Ban from Ger Schule from Gre skhole] = school
shumaa [Kik mucumaa from Ban from Ara shamca] = candle; wick
shungi [see tunga] = plait n.
shuta [Bem sula, Kik thuria, Ven sula, Zul suza, from PBan *cud-] = fart, break wind v.
shuzi [Bem cisushi, Fan nsil, Ven masudzi, tshisudzi, from PBan *cudi] = fart, wind n.
shwari [from Ara] = calm n.
siafu [Kik thuraku, from PBan *cidaku] = ant sp. (army ant)
siagi [see teleza; Kik thiagi, Ven tshiredzi] = butter
siasa [from Ara siyasa] = politics
sifongo [Kik thibanji from Ban from Ara isfanj] = sponge
sifuri [from Ara sifr] = nought, zero
sigara [Kik thigara from Ban from Eng] = cigar
sigareti [Gan ssegereti, Zul sikeleti from Ban from Eng] = cigarette
sihiri [from Ara sihr] = magic, witchcraft
siki [Bem shiki, Kik thiki] = vinegar
sikia [Kik igua from PBan *jigu-] = hear v.
sikio [see sikia] = ear
siku [Che tsiku, Lub tuku, Mwe lushiku] = day
silaha [from Ara silah] = weapon
simama [Zul simama, from PBan *tidam-] = stand v.
simba [Mwe nshimba, Umb simbe, Ven tsimba, Zul nsimba, from PBan *cimba] = lion
simu [Kik thimu] = telegram
sinagogi [Kik thunagogi from Ban from Eng] = synagogue
sindano [Bem lushindano, Kik cindano] = needle
sinema [Bem sinema, Kik thinema from Ban from Eng] = cinema
sinia [from Ara siniya] = tray, plate
sinzia [from PBan *tingid-] = doze, sleepy v.
siri [from Ara sirr] = secret
sisi [Bem tu, Mwe ise, Sot re, Ven ri, Zul si, thi, from PBan *ti] = we
sita [from Ara sita] = six
sitaha [from Ara sith] = surface, deck
sitawi [from Ara] = prosper v.
sitini [from Ara sitin] = sixty
sizi [Sot mosidi, Zul sizi, from PBan *kidi] = soot
skurubu [Kik thikurubu from Ban from Ger Schraube] = screw
sokisi [Kik thogithi, Zul sokisi from Ban from Eng] = socks
soko [Rwa soko from Ban from Ara suq] = market
sokota [Mwe sogota] = twist v.
soma [Bem soma, Gan soma, Kik thoma, Mwe soma, Rwa soma, from PBan *com-] =
read v.
staajabu [from Ara isticjaba; see ajabu] = be surprised, wonder v.
stahili [from Ara istahila] = deserve v.
starehe [from Ara istarih; see raha] = rest, repose v.
stimu [Kik thitima from Eng steam] = electricity
suali [from Ara sual] = question
subana [Kik thubana from Ban from Ara kustuban from Per angoshtane] = thimble
subira [see saburi] = patience
sufu [from Ara suf] = wool
sufuria [Kik thuburia, Mwe isufuliya, Rwa safuriya from Ara] = pot (metal)
sugua [Kik theria, from PBan *tiugud-] = rub, wipe v.
suhubi [from Ara suhba] = friend
sujudu [from Ara sajada] = bow down, prostrate v.
suka [Bem suka, Kik thuka] = shake v.
suka [Gan luka, Lub luka, Mwe suka, Sho ruka, Ven luka, Zul aluka, from PBan *dok-]
= plait v.
sukari [Gan sukali, Kik cukari, Mwe sukali, Rwa sukali from Ban from Ara sukkar from
Gre sakkharon] = sugar
suke [Ven thotshe] = ear of corn
sukuma [see suka] = thrust v.
sulubu [from Ara salaba] = hardness, energy
suluhu [from Ara sulh] = peace; reconciliation
sumu [Kik thumu from Ban from Ara samm] = poison
sura [from Ara sura] = form, image, picture, appearance; list, register; chapter
suruali [Kik thuruari from Ban from Ara sirwal from Per shalwar] = trousers
suza [from PBan *cug-] = wash, rinse v.
swala [from PBan *cuada] = antelope

T
taa [Gan tala, Kik tawa, Mwe tala, Rwa tara] = lamp
taabu [from Ara tacab] = effort, trouble; distress
taamuli [from Ara tacammul] = effort; thoughtfulness
taarifa [from Ara tacrif; see arifu] = report; praise; definition
tabaka [from Ara tabaqa] = layer
tabasamu [from Ara tabasama] = smile v.
tafadhali [from Ara tafaddhal; see fadhili] = please
tafakari [from Ara tafakkara; see fikara] = meditate v.
tafrija [from Ara tafarruj] = recreation
tafsiri [from Ara tafsir; see fasiri] = commentary, explanation; translation
tafuna [Her tatuna, Kon thafuna, Mwe dakuna, Nya tafuna, San thafunya, Sot hlahuna,
Umb tekina, Ven tafuna, Zul hlafuna] = chew v.
taga [from PBan *taag-] = lay eggs v.
taharuki [from Ara taharraka; see haraka] = move, hurry v.
tahayari [from Ara tahayyar] = perplexed, ashamed v.
tahiri [from Ara tahara] = circumcise v.
taifa [from Ara tayfa] = group, crew; troop; tribe; nation
taji [Kik tanji from Ban from Ara taj from Per] = crown
tajiri [from Ara tajir] = merchant; wealthy man
taka [Rwa taka, Sot leraga, from PBan *taka] = dirt, earth
taka [Gan taga, from PBan *tak-] = desire, want v.
takabali [from Ara taqabbala; see kibali] = accept v.
takabari [from Ara takabara; see kiburi] = proud v.
takatifu [Bem takatifu, Rwa tagatifu from Ban from Ara] = chosen, holy
takia [from Ara takia] = support; cushion
tako [Bem litako, Che thako, Her etako, Lub tako, Mwe idako, Nya thako, Sot lerago,
lesago, Umb taku, Ven shaho, from PBan *tako] = butt, base, end
talaka [from Ara talaq] = divorce n.
talasimu [from Ara tilasm from Gre telesma] = talisman
tama [from Ara tamm] = final
tamaliki [from Ara tamallaka; see miliki] = rule, dominate v.
tamani [from Ara tamanni] = desire
tamba [Dua lamba, Gan tambula, Her tamba, Kon thambalala, Lin tambola, Sot rapela,
from PBan *tamb-] = walk (proudly), strut v.
tambaa [Kik tambia, from PBan *tamb-] = stretch, extend v.
tambaa [see tamba] = crawl v.
tambika [Gan tamba, from PBan *tamb-] = offer, sacrifice v.
tambua [from PBan *tambud-] = understand, name, quote v.
tamu [Mwe semu] = sweet
tanabahi [from Ara tanabbuh] = consideration
tanda [Bem tanda, from PBan *tand-] = spread v.
tandabui [see buibui; Bem tandabube] = spider's web
tandala [Bem usansala, from PBan *tondodo] = antelope, kudu
tandika [Kik tandika] = lay, spread v.
tando [see tanda; Mwe tando] = spider's web
tandu [see tando] = centipede
tanga [from PBan *tanga] = sail, mat
tangawizi [Kik tangauthi] = ginger
tangi [itangi from Ban from Eng] = tank, container
tango [Her etanga, Sot leraka, Ven luranga, shanga, Zul thanga, from PBan *tanga] =
pumpkin, calabash, gourd, cucumber
tano [Bem fisano, Dua tanu, Gan ttano, Her tano, Kik ithano, Kon hano, Lin mitano,
Lub tano, Nko tano, Mwe tano, Nya sanu, Rwa tanu, San sano, Sho shanu, Sot hlano,
Tsw tlhano, Umb tanu, Ven thanu, Zul hlanu, from PBan *taano] = five
tanuu [Bem itanuna from Ban from Ara tannur] = kiln
tanzi [see tanda] = loop
tanzia [from Ara tanzil] = announcement
tapika [Kik tahika] = vomit v.
tarabu [from Ara tarab] = joy; music; concert
taraja [from Ara tarraja] = hope
tarakimu [from Ara tarqim] = document; numbering
taratibu [from Ara tartib] = order; composition
tarehe [from Ara tarih] = history; date; chronicles
tarizi [from Ara taraza] = embroider v.
tasa [Mwe dasa, from PBan *taaca] = barren, sterile (animal)
tasa [from Ara tas] = basin
tasbihi [from Ara tasbih] = rosary
taslimu [from Ara taslim; see salamu] = handover, delivery, surrender; payment
taswira [from Ara taswir] = picture, portrait; map; description
tataga [Ven ratha, from PBan *ta(n)t-] = pass, cross, go over v.
tatu [from PBan *tat-] = tangle v.
tatu [Bem fitatu, Dua lalo, Gan ssatu, Her tatu, Kik thatu, Kon thathu, Lin misato, Lub
sato, Nko shatu, Mwe datu, Nya tatu, Rwa tatu, San thathu, Sho tatu, Sot tharo, Tsw
tharo, Umb taatu, Ven raru, ntharu, Zul thathu, from PBan *tatu] = three
tauni [from Ara tacwn] = plague
tausi [from Ara taws from Gre taos] = peacock
tawala [from Ara tawala] = rule v.
tawi [Mwe itamvi, Sangi taki, Sot thabe, Ven davhi, lutavhi, thavhi, from PBan *tabi] =
branch
taya [Mwe isaja, from PBan *caja] = cheek, jaw, temple
tayari [from Ara tayyar] = ready
tazama [from PBan *tad-] = look at v.
tega [Bem tea, Kik tega, Lub teya, Mwe tega, Sot thea, rea, raya, Tsw thaea, raela, Ven
rea, Zul thiya, from PBan *teg-] = (set) trap v.
tego [see tega] = charm n.
tekenya [Bem tekunya, from PBan *tekeny-] = tickle, shake v.
tekenya [see tekenya; Zul thekenya] = jigger, flea
teketeke [from PBan *tek-] = soft v.
teleza [Bem telela, Kon thelemuka, Sot thelela (relela), Ven redza, Xho theleza, Zul
thele, sheleza, from PBan *ted-] = slip, slide v.
teli [from Per tela] = gold; thread (of gold), braid (of gold)
tema [Bem tema, Che tema, Gan tema, Kik tema, Kon themela, Mwe tema, Rwa tema,
San thema, Sho tema, Sot rema, Tsw rema, Ven rema, from PBan *tem-] = cut, slash,
chop, hew v.
tembo [from PBan *tembo] = elephant
tenda [from PBan *tend-] = do
tende [Kik ndende, Sot lerete, Vende dzhende, Zul sende, from PBan *kende] = dates
teta [Ven rera, Zul thetha, from PBan *tet-] = speak, dispute v.
tete [Bem itete, Mwe idete, from PBan *tete] = reed
tetea [from PBan *tetid-] = cackle v.
teua [Kik thuura, Sot hlaola, Ven taula, from PBan *taud-] = pick, choose v.
tetemeka [Bem tutuma, Mwe ditima, Sot tetema, Zul tetema, from PBan *tetem-] =
shake, tremble v.
thabiti [from Ara thabit] = firm, steady
thawabu [from Ara thawab] = reward
thelathini [from Ara thalathin] = thirty
theluji [Kik tharunji from Ban from Ara thalj] = snow
thamani [from Ara thamn] = price, value
themanini [from Ara thamnin] = eighty
thenashara [from Ara ithna cashara] = twelve
thuluthu [from Ara thulth] = third part
tia [Bem tea, Dua te, Sot thea, from PBan *tea] = put v.
tii [from Ara taic] = obedient
tikisa [Zul tekezela, from PBan *tek-] = shake v.
tikiti [Bem itikiti, Gan tikiti, Kik tigiti, Sho tikiti, Zul thikithi from Ban from Eng] =
ticket
timia [Mwe timila] = complete v.
timu [Kik timu, Zul timu from Ban from Eng] = team
tini [from Ara tin] = fig
tisa [from Ara tisca] = nine
tishari [from Per teshale] = lighter ship
tisini [from Ara tiscin] = ninety
toa [from Ban] = offer, put forth v.
toba [from Ara tawba] = penitence, repentance
toboa [Kik tobora, from PBan *tubud- from *tub-] = bore, pierce v.
tochi [Bem toki, Gan ttoci, Kik toci, Sot thotshi, Zul thoshi from Ban from Eng] = torch,
flashlight
tofali [Bem itafwali, Kik itubari, Lub tafwadi from Ban from Ara tufal] = clay; brick
tofauti [from Ara tafawut] = difference
tohara [from Ara tahara] = purity
tomba [Gan tomba, Zul thomba, from PBan *tomb-] = copulate v.
tona [Bem tona, Gan tonnya, Mwe tona, from PBan *ton-] = drip v.
tongoza [see ongoa; Kik tongoria] = lead, seduce; precede v.
tope [Bem iloba, Lub tapi, Ven matope, from PBan *tope] = mud
tosha [Mwe tosha] = enough v.
tota [from PBan *tot-] = sink v.
tovu [from PBan *cob-] = lacking
towashi [from Ara tawashi] = eunuch
towe [see udongo; Zul dongwe, longwe] = clay
towea [?] = season v.
toweka [from PBan *dob-] = disappear v.
tua [Gan tula, Lub tula, Zul thula, from PBan *tuud-] = set down, stop, quiet v.
tufani [from Ara tufan] = flood; storm
tuhuma [from Ara tuhma] = suspicion
tukana [Bem tuka, Dua loa, Her tukana, Kon thuka, Sot roga, Zul thuka, from PBan
*tukan-] = abuse v.
tukutu [Ven thukunya, Zul thuku] = restless, excited
tuli [see tua] = quiet
tuma [Bem tuma, Dua loma, Fan lum, Gan tuma, Her tuma, Kik tuma, Kon thuma, Lin
toma, Lub tuma, Mwe tuma, Nya tumiza, Sho tuma, Sot roma, Ven ruma, Zul thuma,
from PBan *tum-] = send v.
tumaini [from Ara itiman] = confidence; hope
tumba [Bem tumba, Gan tumbuka, Zul thumba, from PBan *tumb- 'swell'] = bud
tumbako [Kik mbaki, Mwe itumbati from Hin tambaku] = tobacco
tumbili [Mwe nhumbili, from PBan *tumbidi] = monkey
tumbo [Mwe mhumbi, Sho dumbu, Ven thumbu, Zul thumbu, from PBan *tumbo] =
abdomen, stomach
tunga [see funga; Bem tunga, Gan tunga, Mwe tunga] = compose, put together v.
tupu [Lub tupu, Mwe duhu, from PBan *tupu] = empty, vain; naked
twaa [Bem twala, Gan toola, Her twara, Kik twara, Kon thwala, San thwala, Sot rwala,
Ven hwala, rula, Zul thwala, from PBan *tuad-] = take, lead, carry v.
twiga [Kik nduiga, Mwe nhwiga, Rwa twiga, Sho twiza, from PBan *tuiga] = giraffe

U
ua [Kik uraga, Mwe vulaga, Sho uraya, Sot bolaya, Ven bulayo, vhulaha, Zul bulala,
from PBan *budag-] = kill v.
ua [see uga] = court n.
ua [Bem iluba, Kik ihua, Lub luba, Mwe iuwa, Sho ruva, Sot leloba, Ven dzuvha, Zul
luba, from PBan *duba] = flower
uaguzi [see agua; Kik uraguri] = divination
uajemi [from Ara cajam] = Persia
uambukizio [see ambukiza] = infection
uangalizi [see angalia] = care, attention
uapo [see apa] = oath
ubani [Bem bubani, Kik ubani from Ban from Ara luban] = olibanum, frankincense,
incense
ubao [Bem mbao, Kik rubau] = plank, board
ubavu [Bem Lubfu, Kik rubaru, Lub bavu, Mwe luvazu, Sho mbabvu, Ven luvhabvu,
mbabvu, from PBan *badu] = rib, side
ubawa [see bawa] = wing
ubongo [Bem bongobongo, Fan boo, Lin bongo, Lub bongo, Mwe vongo, Sot bjoko,
Tsw boboko, Ven mwongo, from PBan *bongo] = brain
uchaguzi [see chagua] = election
uchao [see cha] = dawn
uchawi [Bena umuhavi, MaKon uhawi, Yao usabi, from PBan *cabi] = witchcraft
uchovu [Mwe zova] = tiredness
udevu [see kidevu] = hair (of beard)
udhi [see adha] = annoy v.
udhuru [from Ara cudhr] = excuse n.
udogo [see dogo] = smallness
udongo [Mwe vulongo, Sho dongo, Sot boloko, Zul dongwe, longwe, from PBan
*dongo] = soil
udugu [see ndugu] = kinship
ufa [Ven muna, Zul fa, from PBan *kua] = crack, cleft
ufagio [see fagia; Bem ceswa, Lub weyo, Mwe sheyo, Ven luswielo] = broom
ufalme [see mfalme] = kingdom
ufundi [see funda] = craftsmanship
ufunguo [see funga; Bem lufungulo, Kik kihinguro, Lub fungula, Rwa funguzo] = key
ufupi [see fupi; Bem bwipi, Kik ukuhi] = shortness
ufuta [see mafuta] = oil-seed
uga [Mwe lubuga, Rwa buga, from PBan *buga] = open space in village, village square,
threshing floor
ugali [Mwe vugali, from PBan *gadi] = mush, pap; stiff porridge
ugolo [Mwe vugolo] = snuff n.
ugomvi [see gomba] = quarrel n.
ugonjwa [see mgonjwa] = sickness
ugua [Zul gula, from PBan *jugud-] = ill v.
ugwe [see kigwe] = cord
uharibifu [see haribu] = destruction
uhuru [see huru; Kik uhuru] = freedom
ujane [see mjane] = widowhood
uji [from PBan *igi] = thin porridge
ujima [from Ara ijmac; see jamaa] = union, association
ujira [from Ara ujra; see ajiri] = rent, wages
ujinga [see mjinga] = folly
ujuzi [see jua; Sho ruzivo, Ven ndivho] = knowledge
ukali [see kali; Bem bukali] = fierceness, severity
ukanda [from PBan *kanda] = strap, belt
ukindu [Kik mukindu, from PBan *kindu] = palm tree, palm leaf strip
ukoa [see koa] = belt
ukungu [Bem lukungu, Xho kungu, Zul nkungu, from PBan *kungu] = mist, fog, dust
ukuta [Rwa kuta, from PBan *kuta] = wall, fence
ulalo [Bem bulalo, Lub lalo, Rwa raro, from PBan *dado] = bridge
ulaya [Bem bulaya, Gan bulaya, Kik ruraya, Mwe vulaya, Rwa uburayi from Hin vilayat
from Ban from Ara wilaya; see wilaya] = Europe
ulezi [Mwe vulegi, from PBan *degi] = millet sp.
ulezi [see lea; Bem buleshi] = upbringing, education
ulimbo [Bem bulimbo, Mwe wilembo, from Ban] = birdlime
ulimi [Bem lulimi, Dua eyeme, Kik rurimi, Kon ululimi, Lin lolemu, Lub dimi, Mwe
lulimi, Rwa uluimi (indimi), Sho rurimi, Sot leleme, Ven lulimi, Xho lwimi, Zul limi,
from PBan *dimi] = tongue
uliza [Gan bulira, Kik uria, Mwe vulegi, from PBan *buudid-] = ask v.
ulozi [see loga; Bem buloshi, Kik urogi] = witchcraft, sorcery
uma [Bem suma, Gan luma, Her rumata, Kik ruma, Kon luma, Lub suma, Mwe luma,
Rwa ruma, Sando luma, Sho ruma, Sot loma, Tsw loma, Ven luma, Zul luma, from
PBan *dum-] = bite v.
uma [Kik uma] = fork
umande [Ven mwando] = dew
umba [Bem bumba, Kik umba, Kon vumba, Lub bumba, fumba, Mwe vumba, San
vumba, Sot bopa, Ven vhumba, Zul bumba, fumba, from PBan *bumb-] = create,
mould, shape, form v.
umbo [from umba; Ven luvhumbo] = form, shape n.
umbu [from PBan *dumbu] = brother (his), sister (his)
umeme [from PBan *me] = lightning
umika [Gan lumika, from PBan *dumik-] = cup, bleed by cupping v.
umio [Kik mumero, Lub minu, from PBan *mido] = throat (internal)
umri [from Ara cumr] = lifetime, age
umuka [Bem buka, Lub jumuka, Rwa byuka, vuka, Ven vuwa, Xho mka, Zul muka,
vuka, from PBan *jimuk-] = rise, wake up v.
unga [Bem bunga, Gan wunga, from PBan *junga] = flour
unga [Her vonga, Kon vungana, Mwe lunga, San vungana, Sot boka, Xho bhunga, Zul
bunga, from PBan *bung-] = wrap, gather, join v.
ungo [from PBan *jungo] = basket (for winnowing)
ungua [from PBan *dungud-] = burn, singe v.
ungulia [Kik rungurira, Xho lugulela, Zul lungulila, from PBan *dungudid-] = heartburn
v.
unguza [see ungua; Kik rungura] = burn, scorch v.
uongo [Kik urongo, from PBan *dongo] = lie, falsehood
upande [see pande] = side, piece
upara [Bem ipala, Fan fee, Lub bala, Sot lefatla, Tsw lefatla, from PBan *pada] =
baldness
upawa [see kipawa] = ladle
upendo [see pendo] = love n.
upeo [see kipeo] = summit, end
upepo [see pepea; Lub pepele, Sho mhepo, Tsw phefo] = wind n.
upishi [see pika] = cookery
upote [see pota] = bowstring
uradhi [see radhi] = satisfaction
urefu [see refu; Rwa rebure, Ven vhulaphu] = length
urujuani [from Ara arjawan] = purple
ushanga [see changa; Lub sanga] = beads
usiku [Bem bushiku, Fan lu, Nya usiku, Dua su, Her outuku, Kam utuku, Kik utuku,
Kon uvusiku, Lub fuku, Mwe vuziku, San lusiku, Sho usiku, Sot bosego, Ven vhusiku,
Zul suku, from PBan *tuku] = night
uso [Bem menso, Fan si, Kik uthiu, Mwe vushu, Sho uso, Zul so, from PBan *cu] = face
uta [see vita; Bem buta, Che uta, Her outa, Kik uta, Lub buta, Mwe vuta, Sot bora, Tsw
bora, Ven vhura] = bow n.
utambaazi [see tambaa] = trail
utambi [Benda lutambo, Kik rutambi] = wick
utenzi [see tenda] = poem
utomvu [from PBan *tombu] = sap
uume [see mume] = penis
uvundo [see vunda] = smell, stench
uwingu [see wingu] = sky
uza [Che gula, Kik gura, Mwe guja, Nya gula, Rwa gura, from PBan *gud(i)-] = sell
(buy) v.
uzani [from Ara wazn] = balance, weight
uzazi [see zaa; Kik uciari] = birth
uzi [Gan zi, Kik uuthi, Lub nji, Mwe vuzi, from PBan *di] = thread

V
vaa [Bem fwika, fwala, Dua boto, Her zara, Kon fwala, Lub vwala, Mwe zwala, San
fwala, Sot tswara, Umb uala, from PBan *duad-] = dress, wear v.
vazi [see vaa] = garment
vika [see vaa] = clothe v.
vimba [Bem fimba, Kik imba, Lin vimba, Mwe vimba, Sot vipa, Ven vhimba, zwimba,
Zul vimba, from PBan *bimb-] = swell v.
viringana [Bem bulunga, Mwe vilinga, from PBan *biding-] = round v.
vita [Bem fita, Dua bila, Her ovita, Kik mbita, Kon uvwithe, Lub vita, Sot -ra (dira,
mogwera), Umb ta, Ven -ra (tshira), Zul tha, from PBan *taa] = war
vua [see vaa; Bem fula, Lub vula, Mwe zula] = undress v.
vua [Gan vuba, Xho vuba, from PBan *bub-] = fish v.
vua [Fan yop, Gan loba, Lub loba, Mwe lova, Sot duba, Xho duba, from PBan *dub-] =
fish v.
vuja [Sot dutla, Ven bvuda, Zul vuza, from PBan *duidi-] = leak v.
vuka [from PBan *cabuk-] = cross v.
vuke [see fukia] = vapor, steam
vukuta [Mwe fuguta, from PBan *dukut-] = blow bellows v.
vuli [Lin elili, Lub ledi, Mwe lili, Zul lili, from PBan *didi] = shade
vuma [Sot duma, modumo, Zul duma, from PBan *dum-] = buzz, rumble v.
vumbua [Gan vumbula, Kik rumbura, Rwa vumbura] = uncover, discover v.
vumilia [Sot dumela] = bear v.
vumba [from PBan *dumba] = bad smell n.
vumbi [from PBan *gumbi] = dust
vuna [Sot buna, Zul vuna, from PBan *bun-] = reap, harvest n.
vunda [Ven unda, Zul vunda, from PBan *gund-] = smell, mouldy, rotten v.
vunde [see vunda] = smelly, tainted food
vunja [Gan vuna, Rwa vuna, from PBan *bun(j)-] = break v.
vuta [Kik ruta, Mwe luta, from PBan *dut-] = pull v.

W
wa [Bem ba, Dua be, Gan ba, Rwa ba, San va, Sot ba, Ven vha, Zul ba, from PBan *ba]
= be v.
waa [Lub baja, Sot mmala, Umb vela, Ven vala, Zul bala, from PBan *bada] = speckle,
patch, blotch
wadi [from Ara wadi] = watercourse, desert stream; valley
wafaransa [Kik mubaranja from Por] = French
wajibu [from Ara wajib] = obligatory, prescribed; proper; important
wajihi [from Ara wajh] = face, countenance
waka [Mwe vaka, vacha, Rwa aka, Zul basa, from PBan *bak-] = burn v.
wakala [from Ara wikala] = agency, representation, proxy; ministry
wakati [from Ara waqt] = time
wakf [from Ara waqf] = foundation, fund; comma, pause
wakia [from Ara uqia from Lat uncia] = ounce
wakili [from Ara wakil] = agent, representative, spokesman; minister
wali [Mwe wali] = rice
wamba [from PBan *bamb-] = apply by stretching v.
wanga [Kik wanga] = starch
wapi [see pi] = where
waraka [from Ara waraqa] = letter, note
waridi [from Ara ward] = rose
wasaa [from Ara wasac] = width; comfort
washa [Bem baba, Kon vava, Sot baba, from PBan *bab-] = itch v.
washa [see waka] = kindle, light v.
wasifu [from Ara wasf] = description
wasili [from Ara wusul] = arrival
wastani [from Ara wastani] = mediocre, average
wavu [Kik wabu, from PBan *jabu] = net
wayo [Lub wayo, Sot lenao, Ven lwayo, Zul nyawo, from PBan *jajo] = footprint
waza [Her vara, Kon vala, Rwa bara, San vasa, Sot bala, Ven vhala, Zul bala, from PBan
*bad-] = count, reckon v.
wazi [from Per baz] = open adj.
waziri [from Ara wazir] = minister
weka [Bem bika, Gan bika, Kik iga, Kon vika, San vikha, Sot bea, Ven vhea, Zul beka,
from PBan *biik-] = put v.
wema [see ema] = goodness
wembe [Gan wembe, Kik wembe, from PBan *gembe] = razor
wengu [from PBan *bengu] = spleen, milt
wewe [Bem iwe, Che iwe, Gan ggwe, Kik wee, Lub wewe, Mwe veve, Rwa wowe, Umb
ove, Zul we, from Ban] = you
weza [Mwe weja, from PBan *baac-] = can v.
wilaya [from Ara wilaya] = province, district
wima [Bem ima, Che ima, Gan yima, Mwe ima, imilika, Sot ema, Ven ima, Zul ma,
from PBan *jim-] = erect, standing
wimbi [Mwe ivimbi, Ven vhimbi, from PBan *bimbi] = wave n.
wimbo [see imba; Bem lwimbo, Che nyimbo, Gan yimba, Kik ruimbo, Ven luimbo] =
song
winda [Umb binda] = hunt v.
wingi [see ingi; Kik uingi] = plenty, abundance
wingu [ from PBan *bingu] = sky, cloud
wino [Kik wino] = ink
wizara [from Ara wizara] = ministry
woga [Kik guoya, Lub owa, Mwe vova, from PBan *joga] = fear n.

Y
yabisi [from Ara yabis] = dry
yahudi [Kik muyahudi from Ban from Ara yahud from Heb yehudi] = Jew
yai [Bem mani, Gan gi, Lub yi, Mwe igi, Rwa gi, Sho zai, Sot legae, Ven gai, from PBan
*jaji] = egg
yakini [from Ara yaqin] = certainly
yamini [from Ara yamin] = right hand
yamkini [from Ara imkan] = possibility, ability
yatima [from Ara yatim] = orphan
yeye [Lin ye, Sho iye, Umb eye, Zul ye, from Ban] = he
yumba [Mwe yumba, from Ban] = stagger v.
yunani [from Ara yunani from Gre iones] = Greek

Z
zaa [Dua ya, Gan zaala, Kik ciara, Kon umfyele, Mwe wyala, Rwa byara, Sot tswala,
Tsw tsala, Ven dzwala, Zul zala, tshala, from PBan *biad-] = bear child v.
zabibu [Kik thabibu, from Ban from Ara zabib] = raisins, grapes
zaburi [Kik thaburi, Rwa zaburi from Ban from Ara zabur] = psalm
zaidi [from Ara zayid] = supplemented; more
zaka [from Ara zaka] = tithe
zama [Gan zaama, from Ban] = sink v.
zamani [from Ara zaman] = time
zana [from Ara zina] = fittings; ornament, decoration; luxury, jewels; weapons
zebaki [from Ara zaibaq] = mercury
zeituni [from Ara zaytun] = olive
zia [Dua ia, Gan zira, Her zera, Sot ila, Ven ila, Zul zila, PBan *gid-] = abstain, avoid,
hate, taboo v.
ziada [from Ara ziyada] = surplus, increase n.
ziara [from Ara ziyara] = visit n.
ziba [Fan dzi, Gan ziba, Mwe chiva, Zul ziba, from PBan *dib-] = stop up, plug v.
zika [see ficha; Bem shika, Gan zika, Her sisika, Kik thika, Lub jika, Mwe jika] = bury
v.
zima [Bem shima, Dua dima, Fan dzim, Gan zima, Her zema, Kon sima, Lub jima, Mwe
zima, San sima, Sho dzimura, Sot tima, Ven dzima, Zul cima, from PBan *dim-] =
extinguish v.
zima [Kik gima, Lub jima, Zul zima, from PBan *gima] = whole, healthy, sound
zinaa [from Ara zina] = adultery
zinga [Dua dingele, Gan zinga, Her rizenga, Lub jinga, Sot dika, Ven dzinga, Zul zinga,
from PBan *ding-] = turn, twist; go round v.
zito [Dua dila, Gan zito, Kik ritu, Kon sitho, Lin zito, Lub jito, Mwe dito, from PBan
*dito] = heavy
ziwa [Bem ishiba, Dua madiba, Her omeva, Kik iria, Kon ikisiva, Lin liziba, Lub jiba,
Rwa riba, Sot sediba, Umb ba, Ven dzivha, Zul ziba, from PBan *diba] = pool, lake;
breast
zohali [from Ara dhahl] = forgetting, oblivion
zonga [Gan zunga, from PBan *diong-] = wind, turn round v.
zua [Bem shula, Sot thula, from PBan *diud-] = pull out, unearth, bring to light v.
zulia [from Ara] = carpet
zulika [Zul zula, from Ban] = dizzy v.
zumari [from Ara zummara] = flute
zunguka [see zonga; Zul zungula, zunguzane, from Ban] = go round v.
zuri [Kiv zuri, from Ban] = nice
zuri [from Ara zur] = lie; perjury

***

Sources:
1. Meinhof, Carl: Grundriss einer Lautlehre der Bantusparchen
(Leipzig, 1899)
2. Schoenbrun, D. L.: Historical Reconstruction &c. (Koeln, 1997)
3. Hoch, M.: Bemba Dictionary (New York, 1998)
4. Barlow, A. R.: Kikuyu Dictionary (Oxford, 2001)
5. Akowuah, T. A.: Lingala Dictionary (New York, 1996)
6. Kriel, T.J.: Popular Northern Sotho Dictionary (Pretoria, 1994)
7. Mawadza, A.: Shona Dictionary (New York, 2000)
8. Moeketsi, R.H.: Southern Sotho Dictionary (Jeppestown, 1998)
9. Perrott, D. V.: Swahili Dictionary (Sevenoaks, 1992)
10. Le Roux, J. C.: Tswana Dictionary (Jeppestown, 1999)
11. Fodor, I.: Introduction to the History of Umbundu (Budapest, 1983)
12. Warmelo, N.J. van: Venda Dictionary (Pretoria, 1989)
13. McLaren, J.: A New Concise Xhosa Dictionary (Cape Town, 1994)
14. Doke, C M. et al.: Zulu Dictionary (Jo’burg, 1999)
Online resources:
1. CBOLD (Comparative Bantu Online Dictionary)
2. Alpha Dictionary (Nkore, &c.)
3. Chewa Dictionary (Mtenje 2001)
4. Ganda Dictionary (Snoxall 1967)
5. Rwanda Dictionary (Paradis)
6. Sangu Dictionary (Ndaillac 1995)
7. Sukuma Dictionary (Mann 1966)
Abbreviations:
Ara = Arabic
Ban = Bantu
Bem = Bemba
Che = Chewa (Chichewa)
 Chi = Chinese
Dua = Duala
Eng = English
Eth = Ethiopian
Fan = Fang
Fre = French
Gan = Ganda
Ger = German
Gre = Greek
Heb = Hebrew
Her = Herero
Hin = Hindi
Ita = Italian
Kam = Kamba
Kik = Kikuyu
Kiv = Kivinza
Kon = Konde
Lat = Latin
Lin = Lingala
Lub = Luba (Chiluba)
Mwe = Mwezi (Nyamwezi)
Nko = Nkore
Nya = Nyanja (Kinyanja)
PBan = Proto-Bantu
Per = Persian
Por = Portuguese
Run = Rundi (Kirundi)
Rwa = Rwanda (Kinyarwanda)
San = Sango
Sho = Shona
Skt = Sanskrit
Sot = Sotho
SSot = Southern Sotho
Suk = Sukuma
Tsw = Tswana (Setswana)
Tur = Turkish
Umb = Umbundu
Ven = Venda
Xho = Xhosa
Zul = Zulu
Notes:
Nya (Kinyanja) is the same as Che (Chichewa) unless indicated separately
Sot (Sotho) is Northern Sotho unless indicated otherwise;
Tsw (Tswana) is the same as Sotho unless indicated separately;
Xho (Xhosa) is the same as Zul (Zulu) unless indicated separately