Luganda Lessons › Lesson 7
Lesson 7Absolute Beginner
Talking About Family in Luganda
Learn the words for family members in Luganda and how to say who you have, using the verb nnina (“I have”).
1 Family Vocabulary
Common family terms in Luganda:
| Luganda | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Maama | Mother |
| Taata | Father |
| Mwanyinaze | Brother (my) |
| Mwannyina | Sister |
| Kojja | Uncle (maternal) |
| Ssenga | Aunt (paternal) |
| Jjajja mukyala | Grandmother |
| Jjajja mwami | Grandfather |
| Mukoddomi | Brother-in-law |
| Mulamu | Sister-in-law |
| Nnyazaala | Mother-in-law |
| Ssezaala | Father-in-law |
| Muzzukulu | Grandchild / nephew / niece |
- Some terms depend on gender and relationship, and can be more specific than in English. As a beginner, focus on the core ones: Maama, Taata, mwanyinaze, Mwannyina.
2 Saying “I have…”
The verb for “to have” is nnina = I have.
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nni- | I |
| -na | Have |
Literal: “I-have.”
3 Example Sentences
Nnina maama ne taata. — I have a mother and a father.
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nnina | I have |
| Maama | Mother |
| Ne | And |
| Taata | Father |
Nnina mwanyinaze omu. — I have one brother.
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Nnina | I have |
| Mwanyinaze | Brother |
| Omu | One |
Ye mwanyina. — She is my sister.
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ye | He / She |
| Mwanyina | My sister |
Ono ye kojja wange. — This is my uncle.
| Part | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ono | This person |
| Ye | Is |
| Kojja | Uncle |
| Wange | My |
4 Writing Practice
Write 3–4 sentences about your family
- Use the patterns: Nnina… / Ye… / Ono ye…
Example: Nnina maama ne taata. Nnina mwanyinaze omu. Ono ye mwanyina.
- Nnina = I have · Ye = He/She is · Wange = my / mine. Luganda often attaches possession to the noun — e.g. Mwannyina literally means ‘sister-my.’
Practice: Talking About Family
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