Language/Zulu/Grammar/Prepositions

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Zulu → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Prepositions and Conjunctions → Prepositions

As a Zulu language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I am excited to teach you about prepositions in Zulu. Prepositions are essential in any language, as they help us to express location, direction, and time.

In Zulu, prepositions are classified as locative or directional. Locative prepositions indicate the location of a noun, while directional prepositions indicate the direction in which an action or event is taking place. Prepositions in Zulu also agree with the noun class of the following noun.

Let's dive into more detail and examples in the sections below.

Take some time to dive into these other pages after completing this lesson: Noun Classes & Adjectives.

Locative Prepositions

Locative prepositions describe the location of a noun. Here are some of the most common locative prepositions in Zulu:

Zulu	Pronunciation	English
ngaphandle	[ŋǎpʰandle]	outside
ngaphansi	[ŋǎpʰansi]	underneath
ngakho	[ŋǎχo]	therefore, for that reason
ngapha	[ŋǎpʰa]	here
ngenhla	[ŋèɲʰla]	inside

Here's an example of a locative preposition in use:

Ukhozi ukhona ngapha. (The eagle is there.)

In this sentence, "ngapha" indicates the location of the eagle.

Directional Prepositions

Directional prepositions describe the direction of an action or event. Here are some of the most common directional prepositions in Zulu:

Zulu	Pronunciation	English
phansi	[pʰànsi]	downwards
phezulu	[pʰèzulu]	upwards
ngaphandle kwezwe	[ŋǎpʰandle kwezwe]	overseas
ngezansi	[ŋèzansi]	downwards
ngehla	[ŋèɲʰla]	inwards

Here's an example of a directional preposition in use:

Ubani ethola phezulu kwezwe? (Who goes up abroad?)

In this sentence, "phezulu kwezwe" indicates the direction in which someone is going.

Prepositions and Agreement with Noun Classes

In Zulu, prepositions agree with the noun class of the following noun. The noun class system in Zulu is complex, consisting of 17 or 18 classes, depending on the dialect. Each class has a corresponding prefix and agreement marker.

Here's an example:

Igumbi liyaphazamisa ngaphandle kwezitolo. (The building is collapsing outside the toilets.)

In this sentence, "ngaphandle" agrees with the noun class "zi-" of "zitolo". Remember that the prefix "zi-" and agreement marker "-to" indicate that "zitolo" belongs to noun class "zi-".

Using Prepositions in Zulu

Prepositions in Zulu are used similarly to other languages. They are used to provide more information on the location or direction of an object or event. Understanding how to use prepositions is essential for speaking Zulu fluently.

Here are some examples:

Ngingenwe ngaphandle kwezakhiwo okukecaleni kwaseLondolozi. (I was born outside the clinics in Londolozi.)
Izincwadi zami zikhona ngenhla ezitokweni. (My books are inside the boxes.)
Sukuma ukuya ngezansi ukuze nithole ukudla. (Stand up and go down to get food.)

Conclusion

In conclusion, prepositions are an essential part of speaking and understanding Zulu. Learning how to use them will take you one step closer to speaking the language fluently. By understanding the complex noun class system in Zulu, you'll be able to use prepositions with more accuracy and fluency. Keep practicing and don't hesitate to ask your Zulu language teacher for help.

Upon wrapping up this lesson, take a look at these related pages: 0 to A1 Course & Feminine.

Table of Contents - Zulu Course - 0 to A1

Course Presentation

Introduction to Zulu

Greetings and Introductions

Nouns and Pronouns

Numbers and Time

Verbs and Tenses

Family and Relationships

Adjectives and Adverbs

Food and Dining

Prepositions and Conjunctions

Travel and Transportation

Zulu Culture and Traditions

Other Lessons

Sources

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