Basic Words

1. Ee

   Yes

   Usage

   Plain "yes". It can also open a longer answer, like "yes, and..."

   Grammar Note

   "ee" is an invariable one-word reply. Negation inside a sentence uses a different word, "mme" (not)

2. A'a

   No

   Usage

   Plain "no". When you write it, keep the apostrophe inside the word

   Grammar Note

   "a'a" is an invariable one-word reply. Negation inside a sentence uses "mme" (not). Native review recommended

3. Ashe

   Thank you

   Usage

   A short thank-you for a gift, directions or help

   Grammar Note

   "ashe" is an invariable word of thanks. Add "oleng" (very) after it to strengthen it. Do not use the northern (Samburu-area) variant "ache"

4. Ashe oleng

   Thank you very much

   Usage

   For heartfelt thanks, such as to someone who helped you or to a host or guide

   Grammar Note

   "oleng" means "very / a lot" and is placed after the word it strengthens

5. Mayiolo

   I don't know

   Usage

   Your reply when you do not know the answer or have not understood what was asked

   Grammar Note

   "ma-" is the negative prefix and "-yiolo" means "know". Add "nanu" (I) after it to stress the speaker. It stands for "I don't know" rather than "I don't understand", so add gestures if you mean the latter

6. Nanu

   I, me

   Usage

   The word for "I". It is used to stress yourself; the verb form usually shows the subject, so it is often left out

   Grammar Note

   "nanu" is the first-person singular pronoun. The person is also marked on the verb, so it is dropped except for stress or contrast

7. Iyie

   You

   Usage

   The word for "you" (one person). It stresses the listener; the verb form normally shows the subject

   Grammar Note

   "iyie" is the free second-person singular pronoun. "You" (plural) is a different word. There is no polite/familiar split

8. Ele

   This (masculine thing)

   Usage

   Points to something close by: "this". The form depends on whether the noun is masculine or feminine

   Grammar Note

   "ele" is "this" for a masculine singular noun; use "ena" for a feminine singular noun. The gender shows in prefixes such as ol- (masculine) and en- (feminine)

9. Ena

   This (feminine thing)

   Usage

   Points to something close by: "this", for a feminine noun

   Grammar Note

   "ena" is "this" for a feminine singular noun; use "ele" for a masculine singular noun. Pointing to several things uses yet other forms

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