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This lesson introduces the fundamental Zulu verb -azi (to know), one of the most essential words in the isiZulu vocabulary. In Zulu, knowing is expressed through a highly versatile verb that operates at the heart of cognition, recognition, and understanding. The verb stem -azi combines with subject concords to create forms like ngiyazi (I know) and uyazi (you know), while the infinitive form ukwazi (to know) can also express ability when combined with another infinitive verb—”Ngiyakwazi ukufunda” means both “I know how to read” and “I can read.”
Unlike English, which distinguishes between “know” (facts/people) and “know how” (ability), Zulu uses the same verb root for both concepts, with context and grammatical construction clarifying the meaning. The negative form angazi (I don’t know) is among the most frequently heard expressions in daily speech, while the proverb Ongazi ukubuza, akakwazi ukufunda (One who doesn’t know how to ask, cannot learn) encapsulates traditional Zulu wisdom about the relationship between inquiry and knowledge.
Throughout this lesson, we will explore how -azi functions in various tenses, with different subject concords, and in combination with objects and infinitives.
For the complete course index, visit: https://latinum.substack.com/p/index
FAQ: What does “ukwazi” mean in Zulu?
Ukwazi is the infinitive form of the Zulu verb meaning “to know.” It encompasses both factual knowledge (knowing information or people) and practical knowledge (knowing how to do something). The verb stem is -azi, which combines with subject concords to form conjugated expressions like ngiyazi (I know), uyazi (you know), and siyazi (we know).
Key Takeaways
The verb -azi is fundamental to isiZulu and appears in countless daily expressions. The present tense long form uses the -ya- infix when the verb ends the sentence (ngiyazi), while the short form omits this when an object follows (ngazi lento = I know this thing). The negative prefix a- transforms the subject concord and changes the final vowel: angazi (I don’t know). When ukwazi precedes another infinitive verb, it expresses ability: ngiyakwazi ukubhala (I know how to write / I can write). Understanding -azi opens doors to expressing knowledge, recognition, uncertainty, and ability throughout Zulu discourse.
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46.1a Ngiyazi I-know ukuthi that iqiniso truth libalulekile is-important
46.1b Ngiyazi (ŋi.ja.ˈzi) I-know ukuthi (u.ku.ˈtʰi) that iqiniso (i.qi.ˈni.so) truth libalulekile (li.ɓa.lu.le.ˈki.le) is-important
46.2a Uyazi you-know igama name lami my na? QUEST
46.2b Uyazi (u.ja.ˈzi) you-know igama (i.ˈɡa.ma) name lami (ˈla.mi) my na (na) QUEST
46.3a Angazi not-I-know ukuthi that uhlala you-live kuphi where
46.3b Angazi (a.ŋa.ˈzi) not-I-know ukuthi (u.ku.ˈtʰi) that uhlala (u.ˈɬa.la) you-live kuphi (ˈku.pʰi) where
46.4a Siyazi we-know indlela way eya which-goes edolobheni to-town
46.4b Siyazi (si.ja.ˈzi) we-know indlela (i.ndleˈla) way eya (ˈe.ja) which-goes edolobheni (e.do.lo.ˈɓe.ni) to-town
46.5a Umama mother wazi knows konke everything ngami about-me
46.5b Umama (u.ˈma.ma) mother wazi (ˈwa.zi) knows konke (ˈko.ŋke) everything ngami (ˈŋa.mi) about-me
46.6a Bayazi they-know ukuthi that kuzoba it-will-be nzima difficult
46.6b Bayazi (ɓa.ja.ˈzi) they-know ukuthi (u.ku.ˈtʰi) that kuzoba (ku.zo.ˈɓa) it-will-be nzima (ˈnzi.ma) difficult
46.7a Ngiyakwazi I-know-how ukupheka to-cook ukudla food okumnandi which-is-delicious
46.7b Ngiyakwazi (ŋi.ja.ˈkwa.zi) I-know-how ukupheka (u.ku.ˈpʰe.ka) to-cook ukudla (u.ku.ˈɗla) food okumnandi (o.ku.ˈmna.ndi) which-is-delicious
46.8a Awazi not-you-know lutho nothing ngalolu about-this daba matter
46.8b Awazi (a.wa.ˈzi) not-you-know lutho (ˈlu.tʰo) nothing ngalolu (ŋa.ˈlo.lu) about-this daba (ˈda.ɓa) matter
46.9a Ubaba father wami my wayazi knew umlando history wakwaZulu of-Zululand
46.9b Ubaba (u.ˈɓa.ɓa) father wami (ˈwa.mi) my wayazi (wa.ja.ˈzi) knew umlando (u.ˈmla.ndo) history wakwaZulu (wa.kwa.ˈzu.lu) of-Zululand
46.10a Niyazi you-PL-know ukuthi that sihlala we-live lapha here na? QUEST
46.10b Niyazi (ni.ja.ˈzi) you-PL-know ukuthi (u.ku.ˈtʰi) that sihlala (si.ˈɬa.la) we-live lapha (ˈla.pʰa) here na (na) QUEST
46.11a Ngimazi I-know-him/her kahle well lo this muntu person
46.11b Ngimazi (ŋi.ma.ˈzi) I-know-him/her kahle (ˈka.ɬe) well lo (lo) this muntu (ˈmu.ntu) person
46.12a Ongazi one-who-not-knows ukubuza to-ask akakwazi cannot ukufunda to-learn
46.12b Ongazi (o.ŋa.ˈzi) one-who-not-knows ukubuza (u.ku.ˈɓu.za) to-ask akakwazi (a.ka.ˈkwa.zi) cannot ukufunda (u.ku.ˈfu.nda) to-learn
46.13a Sizokwazi we-will-know iqiniso truth kusasa tomorrow ekuseni in-morning
46.13b Sizokwazi (si.zo.ˈkwa.zi) we-will-know iqiniso (i.qi.ˈni.so) truth kusasa (ku.ˈsa.sa) tomorrow ekuseni (e.ku.ˈse.ni) in-morning
46.14a Abafundi students bayazi they-know izimpendulo answers zonke all
46.14b Abafundi (a.ɓa.ˈfu.ndi) students bayazi (ɓa.ja.ˈzi) they-know izimpendulo (i.zi.mpe.ˈndu.lo) answers zonke (ˈzo.ŋke) all
46.15a Ukwazi to-know ulimi language kusho means ukwazi to-know abantu people
46.15b Ukwazi (u.ˈkwa.zi) to-know ulimi (u.ˈli.mi) language kusho (ku.ˈʃo) means ukwazi (u.ˈkwa.zi) to-know abantu (a.ˈɓa.ntu) people
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46.1 Ngiyazi ukuthi iqiniso libalulekile. Ngiyazi ukuthi iqiniso libalulekile. “I know that the truth is important.”
46.2 Uyazi igama lami na? Uyazi igama lami na? “Do you know my name?”
46.3 Angazi ukuthi uhlala kuphi. Angazi ukuthi uhlala kuphi. “I don’t know where you live.”
46.4 Siyazi indlela eya edolobheni. Siyazi indlela eya edolobheni. “We know the way that goes to town.”
46.5 Umama wazi konke ngami. Umama wazi konke ngami. “Mother knows everything about me.”
46.6 Bayazi ukuthi kuzoba nzima. Bayazi ukuthi kuzoba nzima. “They know that it will be difficult.”
46.7 Ngiyakwazi ukupheka ukudla okumnandi. Ngiyakwazi ukupheka ukudla okumnandi. “I know how to cook delicious food.”
46.8 Awazi lutho ngalolu daba. Awazi lutho ngalolu daba. “You don’t know anything about this matter.”
46.9 Ubaba wami wayazi umlando wakwaZulu. Ubaba wami wayazi umlando wakwaZulu. “My father knew the history of Zululand.”
46.10 Niyazi ukuthi sihlala lapha na? Niyazi ukuthi sihlala lapha na? “Do you (all) know that we live here?”
46.11 Ngimazi kahle lo muntu. Ngimazi kahle lo muntu. “I know this person well.”
46.12 Ongazi ukubuza, akakwazi ukufunda. Ongazi ukubuza, akakwazi ukufunda. “One who doesn’t know how to ask, cannot learn.”
46.13 Sizokwazi iqiniso kusasa ekuseni. Sizokwazi iqiniso kusasa ekuseni. “We will know the truth tomorrow morning.”
46.14 Abafundi bayazi izimpendulo zonke. Abafundi bayazi izimpendulo zonke. “The students know all the answers.”
46.15 Ukwazi ulimi kusho ukwazi abantu. Ukwazi ulimi kusho ukwazi abantu. “To know a language means to know a people.”
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46.1 Ngiyazi ukuthi iqiniso libalulekile. Ngiyazi ukuthi iqiniso libalulekile.
46.2 Uyazi igama lami na? Uyazi igama lami na?
46.3 Angazi ukuthi uhlala kuphi. Angazi ukuthi uhlala kuphi.
46.4 Siyazi indlela eya edolobheni. Siyazi indlela eya edolobheni.
46.5 Umama wazi konke ngami. Umama wazi konke ngami.
46.6 Bayazi ukuthi kuzoba nzima. Bayazi ukuthi kuzoba nzima.
46.7 Ngiyakwazi ukupheka ukudla okumnandi. Ngiyakwazi ukupheka ukudla okumnandi.
46.8 Awazi lutho ngalolu daba. Awazi lutho ngalolu daba.
46.9 Ubaba wami wayazi umlando wakwaZulu. Ubaba wami wayazi umlando wakwaZulu.
46.10 Niyazi ukuthi sihlala lapha na? Niyazi ukuthi sihlala lapha na?
46.11 Ngimazi kahle lo muntu. Ngimazi kahle lo muntu.
46.12 Ongazi ukubuza, akakwazi ukufunda. Ongazi ukubuza, akakwazi ukufunda.
46.13 Sizokwazi iqiniso kusasa ekuseni. Sizokwazi iqiniso kusasa ekuseni.
46.14 Abafundi bayazi izimpendulo zonke. Abafundi bayazi izimpendulo zonke.
46.15 Ukwazi ulimi kusho ukwazi abantu. Ukwazi ulimi kusho ukwazi abantu.
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These are the grammar rules for -azi (to know) in isiZulu.
The Verb Stem and Infinitive
The verb stem is -azi, and the infinitive form is ukwazi (to know). This verb belongs to the class of verbs that express mental states and cognition. Unlike many Zulu verbs that end in -a, the stem -azi retains its final -i in most forms.
Subject Concords with -azi
In the present tense, subject concords attach directly to the verb stem. When the verb is the final element in the sentence, the long form with -ya- is used:
First person singular: Ngiyazi (I know) — ngi- + -ya- + -zi
Second person singular: Uyazi (you know) — u- + -ya- + -zi
Third person singular (Class 1): Uyazi (he/she knows) — u- + -ya- + -zi
First person plural: Siyazi (we know) — si- + -ya- + -zi
Second person plural: Niyazi (you all know) — ni- + -ya- + -zi
Third person plural (Class 2): Bayazi (they know) — ba- + -ya- + -zi
Short Form (Before Objects)
When an object or complement follows the verb, the -ya- infix is dropped:
Ngazi lento (I know this thing)
Wazi konke (He/she knows everything)
Sazi indlela (We know the way)
Object Concords
Object concords can be inserted between the subject concord and the verb stem:
Ngimazi (I know him/her) — ngi- + -m- (class 1 object) + -azi
Ngiyazi (I know it) — ngi- + -y- (class 9 object) + -azi
Sikwazi (We know you) — si- + -ku- (2nd person object) + -azi
Negative Forms
The negative is formed by prefixing a- to the subject concord and changing the final vowel to -i:
Angazi (I don’t know) — a- + ngi- + -azi (becomes angazi)
Awazi (You don’t know) — a- + u- + -azi (u becomes w before a)
Akazi (He/she doesn’t know) — a- + u- + -azi (for class 1)
Asazi (We don’t know)
Anazi (You all don’t know)
Abazi (They don’t know)
Expressing Ability with ukwazi
When ukwazi is followed by another infinitive verb, it expresses ability (”can” or “know how to”):
Ngiyakwazi ukufunda — I know how to read / I can read
Uyakwazi ukubhala — You know how to write / You can write
Siyakwazi ukucula — We know how to sing / We can sing
The negative of this construction uses akakwazi (for class 1) or changes according to subject:
Angikwazi ukufunda — I don’t know how to read / I can’t read
Akakwazi ukubhala — He/she doesn’t know how to write / He/she can’t write
Past Tense
The recent past (perfect) adds -ile or changes the final vowel:
Ngiyazile / Ngazile — I knew / I have known
The past tense can also use the past tense marker -a-:
Wayazi — He/she knew (remote past)
Future Tense
The near future inserts -zo- before the verb stem:
Ngizokwazi — I will know
Sizokwazi — We will know
Bazokwazi — They will know
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to use the -ya- infix when the verb ends the sentence. “Ngazi” alone is incomplete; it should be “Ngiyazi” unless followed by an object.
Confusing angazi (I don’t know a fact) with angikwazi (I don’t know how to / I can’t). The former denies knowledge; the latter denies ability.
Using the wrong object concord when saying “I know him/her.” The correct form is ngimazi (class 1 object -m-).
Forgetting that ukwazi + infinitive expresses ability, not just knowledge. Context determines translation.
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The Value of Knowledge in Zulu Society
In traditional Zulu culture, knowledge (ulwazi) is considered one of the greatest treasures a person can possess. The proverb “Ongazi ukubuza, akakwazi ukufunda” (One who doesn’t know how to ask, cannot learn) reflects the deep cultural value placed on humility and the willingness to seek wisdom from others. This saying teaches that knowledge begins with acknowledging what one does not know.
Formal and Informal Usage
The verb -azi functions identically in both formal and informal registers. However, when addressing elders or those of higher social standing, the context of how one admits not knowing something matters greatly. The phrase “Angazi, baba/mama” (I don’t know, sir/madam) demonstrates respect while acknowledging ignorance.
Ubuntu and Shared Knowledge
The Zulu philosophy of ubuntu (humanity toward others) extends to the sharing of knowledge. The phrase “Ukwazi ulimi kusho ukwazi abantu” (To know a language means to know a people) reflects the belief that knowledge is communal and relational. One cannot truly know without connection to others.
Traditional Learning and Modern Education
Historically, knowledge was transmitted orally through izibongo (praise poetry), izaga (proverbs), and the teachings of elders. The verb ukwazi appears frequently in traditional songs and poetry that celebrate wisdom. Today, the same verb is used in educational contexts—ukwazi ukufunda nokubhala (to know how to read and write) marks the foundational skills of modern literacy.
Regional Variations
While the core grammar of -azi remains consistent throughout KwaZulu-Natal and urban areas, some dialectal differences exist in pronunciation and intonation. Urban Zulu speakers may use abbreviated forms in casual speech, while rural speakers often preserve fuller traditional constructions.
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The following excerpt draws from the thematic tradition of B.W. Vilakazi’s poem “Ithongo lokwazi” (The Spirit of Knowing) from his collection Inkondlo kaZulu (1935). Vilakazi, known as the father of Nguni literature, explored themes of knowledge, wisdom, and the search for understanding in his pioneering Zulu poetry.
F-A: Interlinear Construed Text
Ngifuna I-want ukwazi to-know okujulile that-which-is-deep
Ngifuna (ŋi.ˈfu.na) I-want ukwazi (u.ˈkwa.zi) to-know okujulile (o.ku.dʒu.ˈli.le) that-which-is-deep
Inhliziyo heart yami my ilambele hungers-for ulwazi knowledge
Inhliziyo (i.ɲʎi.ˈzi.jo) heart yami (ˈja.mi) my ilambele (i.la.ˈmɓe.le) hungers-for ulwazi (u.ˈlwa.zi) knowledge
Ngiyazi I-know ukuthi that angikwazi I-cannot ukuqonda to-understand konke everything
Ngiyazi (ŋi.ja.ˈzi) I-know ukuthi (u.ku.ˈtʰi) that angikwazi (a.ŋi.ˈkwa.zi) I-cannot ukuqonda (u.ku.ˈqo.nda) to-understand konke (ˈko.ŋke) everything
Kodwa but ngiyafuna I-want ukufunda to-learn ngize until-I ngazi know
Kodwa (ˈko.dwa) but ngiyafuna (ŋi.ja.ˈfu.na) I-want ukufunda (u.ku.ˈfu.nda) to-learn ngize (ˈŋi.ze) until-I ngazi (ˈŋa.zi) know
F-B: Natural Text with Translation
Ngifuna ukwazi okujulile. Inhliziyo yami ilambele ulwazi. Ngiyazi ukuthi angikwazi ukuqonda konke, Kodwa ngiyafuna ukufunda ngize ngazi.
“I want to know what is deep. My heart hungers for knowledge. I know that I cannot understand everything, But I want to learn until I know.”
F-C: Original Script + Romanization
Ngifuna ukwazi okujulile. Ngifuna ukwazi okujulile.
Inhliziyo yami ilambele ulwazi. Inhliziyo yami ilambele ulwazi.
Ngiyazi ukuthi angikwazi ukuqonda konke, Ngiyazi ukuthi angikwazi ukuqonda konke,
Kodwa ngiyafuna ukufunda ngize ngazi. Kodwa ngiyafuna ukufunda ngize ngazi.
F-D: Vocabulary and Grammar Notes
okujulile — that which is deep (relative form from -jula, “to be deep”)
inhliziyo — heart (class 9 noun)
ilambele — hungers for (from -lambela, applied form of -lamba “to be hungry”)
ulwazi — knowledge (class 11 noun, related to -azi)
ukuqonda — to understand (infinitive)
ngize — until I (subjunctive purpose construction)
The poem demonstrates the interplay between ukwazi (to know) and ulwazi (knowledge), showing their shared root. The poet’s paradox—”I know that I cannot understand everything”—uses both the positive ngiyazi and negative angikwazi, illustrating sophisticated self-awareness about the limits of knowledge.
F-E: Literary Commentary
B.W. Vilakazi (1906-1947) was the first Black South African to earn a doctorate and teach at the University of the Witwatersrand. His Inkondlo kaZulu (1935) was the first published collection of Zulu poetry, marking a pivotal moment in African literary history. Vilakazi fused traditional Zulu izibongo (praise poetry) forms with Western poetic techniques, creating a new literary tradition.
The theme of ithongo lokwazi (the spirit of knowing) reflects Vilakazi’s own journey as a scholar who bridged oral tradition and written literature. His work preserves the philosophical depth of Zulu thought while reaching toward modern education. The hunger for knowledge expressed in his poetry echoes the traditional proverb: Ukuhamba kukufunda — “To travel is to learn.”
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This dialogue takes place between a teacher (Uthisha) and students (Abafundi) in a Zulu classroom, demonstrating natural usage of -azi and ukwazi in an educational context.
46.16a Uthisha: teacher Niyazi you-PL-know ukuthi that sizofunda we-will-learn ini what namuhla? today
46.16b Uthisha (u.ˈtʰi.ʃa) teacher Niyazi (ni.ja.ˈzi) you-PL-know ukuthi (u.ku.ˈtʰi) that sizofunda (si.zo.ˈfu.nda) we-will-learn ini (ˈi.ni) what namuhla (na.ˈmu.ɬa) today
46.17a Umfundi: student Angazi, not-I-know thisha. teacher Sicela we-ask usitshele. you-tell-us
46.17b Umfundi (u.ˈmfu.ndi) student Angazi (a.ŋa.ˈzi) not-I-know thisha (ˈtʰi.ʃa) teacher Sicela (si.ˈtʃe.la) we-ask usitshele (u.si.ˈtsʰe.le) you-tell-us
46.18a Uthisha: teacher Sizofunda we-will-learn ngomlando about-history wakwaZulu. of-Zululand Niyamazi you-PL-know-him uShaka Shaka na? QUEST
46.18b Uthisha (u.ˈtʰi.ʃa) teacher Sizofunda (si.zo.ˈfu.nda) we-will-learn ngomlando (ŋo.ˈmla.ndo) about-history wakwaZulu (wa.kwa.ˈzu.lu) of-Zululand Niyamazi (ni.ja.ma.ˈzi) you-PL-know-him uShaka (u.ˈʃa.ka) Shaka na (na) QUEST
46.19a Abafundi: students Yebo, yes siyamazi! we-know-him Wayeyinkosi he-was-king enkulu great yakwaZulu. of-Zululand
46.19b Abafundi (a.ɓa.ˈfu.ndi) students Yebo (ˈje.ɓo) yes siyamazi (si.ja.ma.ˈzi) we-know-him Wayeyinkosi (wa.je.ji.ŋko.ˈsi) he-was-king enkulu (e.ŋku.ˈlu) great yakwaZulu (ja.kwa.ˈzu.lu) of-Zululand
46.20a Uthisha: teacher Kuhle. good Kodwa but niyazi you-PL-know ukuthi that wazalelwa he-was-born kuphi? where
46.20b Uthisha (u.ˈtʰi.ʃa) teacher Kuhle (ˈku.ɬe) good Kodwa (ˈko.dwa) but niyazi (ni.ja.ˈzi) you-PL-know ukuthi (u.ku.ˈtʰi) that wazalelwa (wa.za.le.ˈlwa) he-was-born kuphi (ˈku.pʰi) where
46.21a Umfundi: student Angazi not-I-know kahle, well kodwa but ngicabanga I-think ukuthi that kwaZulu. at-Zululand
46.21b Umfundi (u.ˈmfu.ndi) student Angazi (a.ŋa.ˈzi) not-I-know kahle (ˈka.ɬe) well kodwa (ˈko.dwa) but ngicabanga (ŋi.tʃa.ˈɓa.ŋa) I-think ukuthi (u.ku.ˈtʰi) that kwaZulu (kwa.ˈzu.lu) at-Zululand
46.22a Uthisha: teacher Ubani who owazi who-knows impendulo answer eqinisile? which-is-correct
46.22b Uthisha (u.ˈtʰi.ʃa) teacher Ubani (u.ˈɓa.ni) who owazi (o.wa.ˈzi) who-knows impendulo (i.mpe.ˈndu.lo) answer eqinisile (e.qi.ni.ˈsi.le) which-is-correct
46.23a Intombazane: girl Ngiyazi, I-know thisha! teacher Wazalelwa he-was-born eMelmoth, at-Melmoth eNkandla. at-Nkandla
46.23b Intombazane (i.nto.mɓa.ˈza.ne) girl Ngiyazi (ŋi.ja.ˈzi) I-know thisha (ˈtʰi.ʃa) teacher Wazalelwa (wa.za.le.ˈlwa) he-was-born eMelmoth (e.ˈme.lmotʰ) at-Melmoth eNkandla (e.ŋka.ˈndla) at-Nkandla
46.24a Uthisha: teacher Uqinisile! you-are-correct Uyakwazi you-know-how ukufunda to-read izincwadi books zomlando. of-history
46.24b Uthisha (u.ˈtʰi.ʃa) teacher Uqinisile (u.qi.ni.ˈsi.le) you-are-correct Uyakwazi (u.ja.ˈkwa.zi) you-know-how ukufunda (u.ku.ˈfu.nda) to-read izincwadi (i.zi.ˈntʃwa.di) books zomlando (zo.ˈmla.ndo) of-history
46.25a Umfundi: student Thisha, teacher siyakwazi we-know-how ukubhala to-write ngalokhu about-this esikufundile which-we-have-learned na? QUEST
46.25b Umfundi (u.ˈmfu.ndi) student Thisha (ˈtʰi.ʃa) teacher siyakwazi (si.ja.ˈkwa.zi) we-know-how ukubhala (u.ku.ˈɓa.la) to-write ngalokhu (ŋa.ˈlo.kʰu) about-this esikufundile (e.si.ku.fu.ˈndi.le) which-we-have-learned na (na) QUEST
46.26a Uthisha: teacher Yebo, yes niyakwazi. you-PL-know-how Bhala write konke everything okwaziyo which-you-know ngenkosi about-king uShaka. Shaka
46.26b Uthisha (u.ˈtʰi.ʃa) teacher Yebo (ˈje.ɓo) yes niyakwazi (ni.ja.ˈkwa.zi) you-PL-know-how Bhala (ˈɓa.la) write konke (ˈko.ŋke) everything okwaziyo (o.kwa.ˈzi.jo) which-you-know ngenkosi (ŋe.ŋko.ˈsi) about-king uShaka (u.ˈʃa.ka) Shaka
46.27a Abafundi: students Siyabonga, we-thank thisha. teacher Sizozama we-will-try ukubhala to-write konke everything esikwaziyo. which-we-know
46.27b Abafundi (a.ɓa.ˈfu.ndi) students Siyabonga (si.ja.ɓo.ˈŋa) we-thank thisha (ˈtʰi.ʃa) teacher Sizozama (si.zo.ˈza.ma) we-will-try ukubhala (u.ku.ˈɓa.la) to-write konke (ˈko.ŋke) everything esikwaziyo (e.si.kwa.ˈzi.jo) which-we-know
46.28a Uthisha: teacher Khumbulani remember-PL isaga: proverb Ongazi one-who-not-knows ukubuza, to-ask akakwazi cannot ukufunda. to-learn
46.28b Uthisha (u.ˈtʰi.ʃa) teacher Khumbulani (kʰu.mɓu.ˈla.ni) remember-PL isaga (i.ˈsa.ɡa) proverb Ongazi (o.ŋa.ˈzi) one-who-not-knows ukubuza (u.ku.ˈɓu.za) to-ask akakwazi (a.ka.ˈkwa.zi) cannot ukufunda (u.ku.ˈfu.nda) to-learn
46.29a Intombazane: girl Ngiyayithanda I-like-it leyo that saga. proverb Isifundisa it-teaches-us ukuthi that sibuze we-should-ask uma if singazi. we-don’t-know
46.29b Intombazane (i.nto.mɓa.ˈza.ne) girl Ngiyayithanda (ŋi.ja.ji.tʰa.ˈnda) I-like-it leyo (ˈle.jo) that saga (ˈsa.ɡa) proverb Isifundisa (i.si.fu.ˈndi.sa) it-teaches-us ukuthi (u.ku.ˈtʰi) that sibuze (si.ˈɓu.ze) we-should-ask uma (ˈu.ma) if singazi (si.ŋa.ˈzi) we-don’t-know
46.30a Uthisha: teacher Kunjalo. it-is-so Ukwazi to-know kuqala begins ngokubuza. with-asking Ningahloniphi don’t-hesitate ukubuza. to-ask
46.30b Uthisha (u.ˈtʰi.ʃa) teacher Kunjalo (ku.nja.ˈlo) it-is-so Ukwazi (u.ˈkwa.zi) to-know kuqala (ku.ˈqa.la) begins ngokubuza (ŋo.ku.ˈɓu.za) with-asking Ningahloniphi (ni.ŋa.ɬo.ni.ˈpʰi) don’t-hesitate ukubuza (u.ku.ˈɓu.za) to-ask
46.16 Uthisha: Niyazi ukuthi sizofunda ini namuhla? “Teacher: Do you know what we will learn today?”
46.17 Umfundi: Angazi, thisha. Sicela usitshele. “Student: I don’t know, teacher. Please tell us.”
46.18 Uthisha: Sizofunda ngomlando wakwaZulu. Niyamazi uShaka na? “Teacher: We will learn about the history of Zululand. Do you know Shaka?”
46.19 Abafundi: Yebo, siyamazi! Wayeyinkosi enkulu yakwaZulu. “Students: Yes, we know him! He was a great king of Zululand.”
46.20 Uthisha: Kuhle. Kodwa niyazi ukuthi wazalelwa kuphi? “Teacher: Good. But do you know where he was born?”
46.21 Umfundi: Angazi kahle, kodwa ngicabanga ukuthi kwaZulu. “Student: I don’t know exactly, but I think in Zululand.”
46.22 Uthisha: Ubani owazi impendulo eqinisile? “Teacher: Who knows the correct answer?”
46.23 Intombazane: Ngiyazi, thisha! Wazalelwa eMelmoth, eNkandla. “Girl: I know, teacher! He was born at Melmoth, in Nkandla.”
46.24 Uthisha: Uqinisile! Uyakwazi ukufunda izincwadi zomlando. “Teacher: You are correct! You know how to read history books.”
46.25 Umfundi: Thisha, siyakwazi ukubhala ngalokhu esikufundile na? “Student: Teacher, can we write about what we have learned?”
46.26 Uthisha: Yebo, niyakwazi. Bhala konke okwaziyo ngenkosi uShaka. “Teacher: Yes, you can. Write everything you know about King Shaka.”
46.27 Abafundi: Siyabonga, thisha. Sizozama ukubhala konke esikwaziyo. “Students: Thank you, teacher. We will try to write everything we know.”
46.28 Uthisha: Khumbulani isaga: Ongazi ukubuza, akakwazi ukufunda. “Teacher: Remember the proverb: One who doesn’t know how to ask, cannot learn.”
46.29 Intombazane: Ngiyayithanda leyo saga. Isifundisa ukuthi sibuze uma singazi. “Girl: I like that proverb. It teaches us that we should ask if we don’t know.”
46.30 Uthisha: Kunjalo. Ukwazi kuqala ngokubuza. Ningahloniphi ukubuza. “Teacher: That’s right. Knowledge begins with asking. Don’t hesitate to ask.”
46.16 Uthisha: Niyazi ukuthi sizofunda ini namuhla? Uthisha: Niyazi ukuthi sizofunda ini namuhla?
46.17 Umfundi: Angazi, thisha. Sicela usitshele. Umfundi: Angazi, thisha. Sicela usitshele.
46.18 Uthisha: Sizofunda ngomlando wakwaZulu. Niyamazi uShaka na? Uthisha: Sizofunda ngomlando wakwaZulu. Niyamazi uShaka na?
46.19 Abafundi: Yebo, siyamazi! Wayeyinkosi enkulu yakwaZulu. Abafundi: Yebo, siyamazi! Wayeyinkosi enkulu yakwaZulu.
46.20 Uthisha: Kuhle. Kodwa niyazi ukuthi wazalelwa kuphi? Uthisha: Kuhle. Kodwa niyazi ukuthi wazalelwa kuphi?
46.21 Umfundi: Angazi kahle, kodwa ngicabanga ukuthi kwaZulu. Umfundi: Angazi kahle, kodwa ngicabanga ukuthi kwaZulu.
46.22 Uthisha: Ubani owazi impendulo eqinisile? Uthisha: Ubani owazi impendulo eqinisile?
46.23 Intombazane: Ngiyazi, thisha! Wazalelwa eMelmoth, eNkandla. Intombazane: Ngiyazi, thisha! Wazalelwa eMelmoth, eNkandla.
46.24 Uthisha: Uqinisile! Uyakwazi ukufunda izincwadi zomlando. Uthisha: Uqinisile! Uyakwazi ukufunda izincwadi zomlando.
46.25 Umfundi: Thisha, siyakwazi ukubhala ngalokhu esikufundile na? Umfundi: Thisha, siyakwazi ukubhala ngalokhu esikufundile na?
46.26 Uthisha: Yebo, niyakwazi. Bhala konke okwaziyo ngenkosi uShaka. Uthisha: Yebo, niyakwazi. Bhala konke okwaziyo ngenkosi uShaka.
46.27 Abafundi: Siyabonga, thisha. Sizozama ukubhala konke esikwaziyo. Abafundi: Siyabonga, thisha. Sizozama ukubhala konke esikwaziyo.
46.28 Uthisha: Khumbulani isaga: Ongazi ukubuza, akakwazi ukufunda. Uthisha: Khumbulani isaga: Ongazi ukubuza, akakwazi ukufunda.
46.29 Intombazane: Ngiyayithanda leyo saga. Isifundisa ukuthi sibuze uma singazi. Intombazane: Ngiyayithanda leyo saga. Isifundisa ukuthi sibuze uma singazi.
46.30 Uthisha: Kunjalo. Ukwazi kuqala ngokubuza. Ningahloniphi ukubuza. Uthisha: Kunjalo. Ukwazi kuqala ngokubuza. Ningahloniphi ukubuza.
Relative Clauses with -azi
The dialogue demonstrates several relative constructions using -azi:
owazi (who knows) — relative form with class 1 subject concord o-
okwaziyo (which/that you know) — relative form with participial suffix -yo
esikwaziyo (which we know) — relative form with participial concord esi-
esikufundile (which we have learned) — relative perfect form
Question Forms
Questions with -azi often use the particle na at the end:
Niyazi ... na? (Do you know...?)
Niyamazi uShaka na? (Do you know Shaka?)
Object Concords in Context
The dialogue shows -m- (class 1 object concord) with -azi:
Niyamazi (you all know him) — ni- + -ya- + -m- + -azi
Siyamazi (we know him) — si- + -ya- + -m- + -azi
The Verb -fundisa (to teach)
Related to ukufunda (to learn), the causative form -fundisa (to teach/cause to learn) appears:
Isifundisa (it teaches us) — i- (it, class 9) + -si- (us) + -fundisa
Subjunctive with -azi
The subjunctive form appears in conditional contexts:
uma singazi (if we don’t know) — subjunctive negative with si- subject concord
sibuze (that we should ask) — subjunctive of -buza
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Clicks and Special Sounds
Zulu uses three click consonants (c, q, x), though -azi itself contains no clicks. However, related words in this lesson use clicks:
iqiniso (truth) — the q is a palatal click, made by pulling the tongue sharply from the roof of the mouth
ukuqonda (to understand) — same q click
eqinisile (correct) — palatal click
IPA Transcriptions for Key Words
ukwazi — /u.ˈkwa.zi/
ngiyazi — /ŋi.ja.ˈzi/
angazi — /a.ŋa.ˈzi/
ulwazi — /u.ˈlwa.zi/
isaga — /i.ˈsa.ɡa/
Common Pronunciation Errors for English Speakers
The hl sound in words like kahle (well) is a voiceless lateral fricative [ɬ], produced by placing the tongue as for “l” but blowing air past the sides. English speakers often substitute “sh” or “sl.”
The prenasalized consonants mb, nd, ng, nj should be pronounced as single units beginning with a nasal, not as separate sounds.
The vowels are pure monophthongs: a as in “father,” e as in “bed,” i as in “machine,” o as in “go,” u as in “flute.”
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The Latinum Institute Modern Language Course series uses a frequency-based vocabulary approach combined with interlinear construed text methodology to accelerate comprehension. Each lesson targets specific high-frequency words from a carefully curated CSV list, ensuring systematic coverage of essential vocabulary.
The interlinear glossing method—where each word receives its own translation directly beneath—allows autodidact learners to build direct connections between the target language and meaning without the mediation of phrase-by-phrase translation. This technique, perfected over two millennia for classical languages, proves equally effective for modern language acquisition.
For isiZulu, this approach addresses the particular challenges of agglutinative Bantu languages, where meaning is built through layers of prefixes, infixes, and suffixes. By glossing morpheme by morpheme, learners internalize the logic of noun class agreement, verbal concords, and tense markers naturally.
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Lesson 46 Complete — isiZulu: Ukwazi (To Know)
Ongazi ukubuza, akakwazi ukufunda. “One who doesn’t know how to ask, cannot learn.”
— Traditional Zulu proverb
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