Transportation

9 phrases · Bambara with romanization, English and audio

  1. N bɛ taa Bamakɔ

    I am going to Bamako

    Usage

    Tell a driver your destination; replace "Bamakɔ" with another town

    Grammar Note

    The destination follows the verb directly; the dictionary has "ń bɛ́ táa só" (I am going home). The name is written "Bamakɔ" with ɔ (U+0254). Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

  2. Taa sɔngɔ ye joli ye?

    How much is the fare?

    Usage

    Confirm the fare before getting in; prices may be quoted in units of 5 francs

    Grammar Note

    As a noun "taa" means departure (dictionary: "Bàmakɔ táa", the trip to Bamako). It uses the "A ye B ye" pattern. Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

  3. N bɛ mɔbiligarɛ ɲini

    I am looking for the bus station

    Usage

    Say what place you are looking for before asking the way

    Grammar Note

    The object (the thing sought) comes before the verb. Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

  4. Jɔ yan!

    Stop here, please

    Usage

    Say it to the driver where you want to get off

    Grammar Note

    The imperative is the bare verb; to several people or an elder use "Aw ka jɔ yan". Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

  5. Mɔbili bɛ taa Segu wa?

    Is there a vehicle going to Ségou?

    Usage

    Asks whether a shared vehicle or bus goes to a town

    Grammar Note

    "Segu" follows the Bamadaba headword "Ségu" and bm.wikipedia; French signs say "Ségou". Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

  6. Mɔbiligarɛ bɛ min?

    Where is the bus station?

    Usage

    Asks where vehicles depart from

    Grammar Note

    "X bɛ min?" is the basic form for asking where something is. Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

  7. N bɛ girin

    I am in a hurry

    Usage

    Tell a driver that you need to arrive quickly

    Grammar Note

    The dictionary lists "girin" as an intransitive verb meaning to hurry. Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

  8. Segin na yan

    Come back here

    Usage

    Ask someone, such as a driver you left, to come back here

    Grammar Note

    Two verbs in a row make the order; the dictionary has "Nà yàn !" (come here) and "sègin" (return). Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar.

  9. Mɔbili

    Car / Vehicle

    Usage

    Means car, truck or shared vehicle

    Grammar Note

    A loan from French automobile; "mobili" is the Jula spelling

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