Adjectives

1. Inkulu

   Big

   Usage

   For asking for another size; use it with a gesture

   Grammar Note

   Adjectives agree with the noun class; the forms here are class 9 (i-).

2. Incinci

   Small

   Usage

   For describing clothing or room size

3. Inzima

   Heavy

   Usage

   For excess baggage, or asking someone to lift something

4. Ilula

   Light (weight)

   Usage

   About weight only — in many languages this is a different word from “bright”

5. Iduru

   Expensive

   Usage

   The opening move in a haggle; pair it with a face

6. Itshiphu

   Cheap

   Usage

   For asking whether a cheaper option exists

   Grammar Note

   A loan from English "cheap"; in formal speech people say "ixabiso eliphantsi" (a low price).

7. Ishushu

   Hot (thing)

   Usage

   About food, drink, or water — not the same word as hot weather

   Grammar Note

   "Ishushu" is a hot object; hot weather is the impersonal sentence "kuyashushu."

8. Ibanda

   Cold (thing)

   Usage

   About drinks and food — not the same word as cold weather

9. Intsha

   New

   Usage

   For checking whether something is unused

10. Indala

    Old (thing)

    Usage

    For objects only; used of people it is rude in many languages

    Grammar Note

    "Indala" is for objects; for people use "umdala," which carries respect for age.

11. Uselula

    Young

    Usage

    About a person’s age; a small-talk word

12. Umdala

    Old (person)

    Usage

    The dedicated word for people; pick the respectful one

    Grammar Note

    "Umdala" is a respectful way to describe an older person.

13. Icocekile

    Clean

    Usage

    For a clean room or clean water

14. Imdaka

    Dirty

    Usage

    Useful when asking to change rooms

15. Ilungile

    Good

    Usage

    The all-purpose word for agreement and approval

16. Imbi

    Bad

    Usage

    For saying that your health or an item’s quality is poor

17. Ikufuphi

    Near

    Usage

    For checking whether somewhere is within walking distance

18. Ikude

    Far

    Usage

    Tells you whether you need transport

19. Ngaphambi kwexesha

    Early

    Usage

    About clock time; in many languages a different word from “fast”

    Grammar Note

    "Ngaphambi kwexesha" means "ahead of time"; fast in speed is "ngokukhawuleza."

20. Emva kwexesha

    Late

    Usage

    About clock time; in many languages a different word from “slow”

    Grammar Note

    "Emva kwexesha" means "after the time"; slow in speed is "kancinci."

21. Zininzi

    Many

    Usage

    About quantity or how crowded somewhere is

22. Zimbalwa

    Few

    Usage

    Also useful for asking for a smaller portion

23. Kuyashushu

    Hot (weather)

    Usage

    About the weather — a different word from a hot object

24. Kuyabanda

    Cold (weather)

    Usage

    About the weather — a different word from a cold object

25. Mnandi

    Delicious

    Usage

    The most common compliment at a meal

26. Kuyamangalisa!

    Amazing

    Usage

    Used to express surprise or admiration

27. Ngaphezulu

    More

    Usage

    Show that you want more

28. Kancinci

    Just a little

    Usage

    Show that you want just a little

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