Back

Phrase Detail

Wemba-kat kungaya
He is never quiet!
Pronunciation:
Say: wemb-ar-kart kung-aiy-ya
Notes:
Vowels: Standard - 'a' as in ‘path’, ‘u’ as in ‘put’. Variation - 'e' followed by ‘m’ in the same syllable and is not immediately followed by a vowel is long and slightly nasalised, - 'a'  followed by 'y' and another vowel is pronounced 'ai' or 'i' as in 'ice'.
Literal Meaning:
no+emphasis (of meaning not sound) quiet-he
Shows:
Negative - head-word, Verb, Verb ending - imperative singular - -kat
Explanation:
Sentence begins with the negative participle 'wemba' plus the ending for emphasis 'kat'. 'kat' changes 'no' to 'never'.  The verb 'kungaya' (he/she/it is quiet).
Learning Focus:
Communication, Describing
Learning Exercise:
Build - Look up, write down and say -  'You are never quiet!' 'They are never careful.' 'We were never lost.'
Phrase Sentence:
Sentence
Words Associated:
kungaya - to keep quiet
Topics:
Communication - Describing
Age Guides:
Yr 7-9, Yr 10-12
Reference:
WWDict: Hercus, p.26 'kungaya'.