Feelings

14 phrases · Setswana with romanization, English and audio

  1. Ke itumetse

    I am happy

    Usage

    For a moment of happiness, such as after a kindness or good news.

    Grammar Note

    Perfect form of itumela "rejoice". tn.wikipedia editors use Ke itumetse! in messages.

  2. Go a tshegisa

    That is funny

    Usage

    A reaction to a joke.

    Grammar Note

    The English side of Matumo gives tshegisa for "funny"; go a tshegisa is assembled by regular grammar. Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.

  3. Ke a go rata

    I love you

    Usage

    Works for family and friends as well as partners; too heavy for a first meeting.

    Grammar Note

    The particle a precedes the verb when an object concord (go "you") is attached. A song titled Ke a go Rata is on tn.wikipedia.

  4. Ke a e rata

    I like it

    Usage

    The safe way to praise a dish or a place.

    Grammar Note

    The object concord e refers to a class 9 noun; it changes with the class of the thing you mean. Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.

  5. Ke a go tlhoka

    I miss you

    Usage

    For telling someone you miss them when parting.

    Grammar Note

    Matumo gives tlhoka for "lack" and for "miss"; whether this is the usual set phrase for "I miss you" is not confirmed. Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.

  6. Ke hutsafetse

    I am sad

    Usage

    For feeling down; close to a condolence on hearing bad news.

    Grammar Note

    Perfect form of hutsafala "grieve", a Matumo headword. Distinct from Ke maswabi, which also works as "I am sorry". Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.

  7. Ke swabisitswe

    I am disappointed

    Usage

    Lets you say something fell short without escalating.

    Grammar Note

    Matumo gives swabisa "disappoint"; swabisitswe is its passive perfect, and tn.wikipedia has a swabisitswe "he was disappointed". Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.

  8. Ke jewa ke bodutu

    I am lonely

    Usage

    For travelling alone and wanting company; it can also express homesickness.

    Grammar Note

    Literally "eaten by loneliness". The English side of Matumo gives jewa ke bodutu for "feel lonely".

  9. Ke galefile

    I am angry

    Usage

    Says you are angry; a strong statement, so use it calmly.

    Grammar Note

    Matumo glosses galefile as "is in an angry state"; tn.wikipedia has forms such as ba ba galefileng "angry people".

  10. Ke a boifa

    I am afraid

    Usage

    To say you are afraid, for example near wildlife or in the dark.

    Grammar Note

    The English side of Matumo gives boifa for "afraid"; 37 hits in the Bible. Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.

  11. Ke tshogile

    I am startled

    Usage

    A quick reaction to a sudden fright.

    Grammar Note

    Matumo glosses tshoga "be startled; be frightened"; the sentence can mean either "startled" or "scared". Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.

  12. Ke tshwenyegile

    I am worried

    Usage

    To say you are anxious or worried.

    Grammar Note

    From tshwenya "trouble, worry"; 7 hits in the Bible and 63 on tn.wikipedia. Composed from dictionary-verified words by regular grammar; native review recommended.

  13. Ke tlhajwa ke ditlhong

    I am ashamed / embarrassed

    Usage

    For shame or embarrassment.

    Grammar Note

    Literally "pierced by shame". The English side of Matumo gives tlhajwa ke ditlhong for "ashamed".

  14. Ke lapile

    I am tired

    Usage

    To say you are tired; it does not mean hungry.

    Grammar Note

    The English side of Matumo gives ke lapile for "tired". "I am hungry" is Ke na le tlala.

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