Language/Tswana/Vocabulary/Feelings-and-Emotions
Hi Tswana learners! 😊
In this lesson, we will learn about Tswana vocabulary related to feelings and emotions. It is important to be able to express how we feel, and understand how others are feeling too! We will also learn about some cultural expressions related to emotions. Remember that you can always practice your Tswana with native speakers on Polyglot Club. Don't hesitate to ask questions, and check out more Tswana vocabulary on our website. Let's get started!
Basic Vocabulary[edit | edit source]
Let's start with some basic vocabulary:
| Tswana | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bokamoso | bo-ka-mo-so | Future |
| Motlha | a | Now |
| Bona | bo-na | See |
| O dirile eng? | o di-ri-le eng | What did you do? |
| Tebogo | te-bo-go | Gratitude |
Emotions and Feelings[edit | edit source]
Emotions and feelings are a big part of our lives. Here are some of the most common ones in Tswana:
Happy[edit | edit source]
Happy is such a wonderful feeling! Here are two ways to say happy in Tswana:
| Tswana | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Tlala | tla-la | Happy |
| Kebatla | ke-bat-la | Delighted |
- Person 1: Ke tla tlala. (I am happy.)
- Person 2: O ne a tshwanela go tlala. (He/she deserves to be happy.)
Sad[edit | edit source]
Sometimes we feel sad too. Here are some Tswana words related to sadness:
| Tswana | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Boemo | bo-e-mo | Sorrow |
| Dinotshi | di-not-si | Regret |
| Tloga | tlo-ga | Grief |
- Person 1: Ke tshwerwe ke dinotshi. (I am overcome with regret.)
- Person 2: Re tla tloga ka tlung. (We will grieve together.)
Angry[edit | edit source]
When we are upset and angry, it can be difficult to express our feelings. Let's learn some Tswana words to describe anger:
| Tswana | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Setshaba (Meropa) | se-tsha-ba (me-ro-pa) | Rage (Fury) |
| Kganyotlollo | kga-nyo-tlo-llo | Resentment |
| Ntshang | ntshang | Frustration |
- Person 1: Ke tla ntshanga. (I am getting frustrated.)
- Person 2: Tla itlhopheleng Baagi. Ke go keke gao ke kgone go swabisa. (Please calm down. We will solve the problem together.)
Love[edit | edit source]
Love is a universal emotion. Here are some Tswana words related to love:
| Tswana | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| Bophelo | bo-phe-lo | Life (Love) |
| Rarang | ra-rang | Adoration |
| Thulasizwe | thu-la-si-zwe | Sweetheart |
- Person 1: Ke rarile le nna. (I am in love.)
- Person 2: Ke go rata. (I love you.)
Cultural Information[edit | edit source]
Tswana culture has many expressions related to emotions and feelings. Here are a few:
- Ke ngwana wa mme wa gago. - "I am your mother's child." This is a way of saying "we are related," even if we don't know each other well.
- Ke go fetsa. - "I respect you." This expression is used to show respect and appreciation for someone.
- Totobolwa ke bokamoso. - "The future is unpredictable." This expression reminds us to cherish the present moment.
- Ke tla go tlhapa. - "I will beat you." This is a common expression of friendly teasing, similar to "I'm going to get you!"
Practice Dialogue[edit | edit source]
Here's an example dialogue to practice emotions and feelings in Tswana:
- Person 1: Ke tla ke tsenya eng this weekend? (What should I do this weekend?)
- Person 2: Tsena ke kwa Motho byang. Ke tsenye dintho tse e nang le kgang ka moo. (Come to Motho byang. There are many things to do there.)
- Person 1: Ke kopa thuso, ga ke kile ke bona phetho mo matseng. (Please help me, I have never been there before.)
- Person 2: Ke ka go bala ka botlhale. Rona re tsenya teng kwa mokgwareng. (I'll guide you wisely. We always go there at sunset.)
- Person 1: Ke rata ba ba bangwe ba ba nang le maswe a ko motherlanteng ka mora kea bolela. (I love people who have pride in their culture.)
- Person 2: Ke na le maswe a ko motho yo o tlhokomelang. Ke kopa o tla le ka kgapetsa mo tzongweneng ya batho ba ba le maswe. (I have a friend who makes traditional jewellery. I'll take you to meet her at the local market.)
- Person 1: Ke tla bodiwa ke tlhogo ya gago. Ke a leboga. (I appreciate your kindness. Thank you.)
- Person 2: Paradise motho. (You're welcome.)
Sources[edit | edit source]
- Tswana Vocabulary - Feelings and Emotions
- Level 9 - Emotions and Expression - Setswana Vocabulary Builder ...
- Translations from FEEDER to FEELING in Tswana - bab.la
Other Lessons[edit | edit source]