namba

How to say it

Meaning

A word that opens a condition or an indirect question: it introduces what may or may not be true, as in 'if you really are a leader' or 'to show whether it will happen'.

Good to know

It starts the clause it governs and is close to nimba, if; after verbs of asking or showing it means 'whether' (kwerekana namba, to show whether).

Examples

• Namba uzoza ejo, uzane ico gitabu.If you come tomorrow, bring that book.
• Ndabaza namba abana bashitse kw'ishure.I am asking whether the children have reached school.
• Namba ushaka gutsinda, utegerezwa kwiga cane.If you want to pass, you must study hard.

The same word in