Luganda Lessons › Lesson 4
Lesson 4Absolute Beginner
Present Tense “To Be” in Luganda
Learn how to use the present-tense forms of the verb “to be” in Luganda — how to say “I am” and “you are” — so you can make short sentences about yourself and others.
1 Introduction & Theory
In Luganda, the verb “to be” can appear at the start of a sentence. Ndi means I am and oli means you are (it can also mean he/she is). These forms let you talk about your identity, your feelings, and describe simple things around you.
Learning these forms helps you build real sentences in everyday conversation.
2 Useful Forms
| Luganda | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Ndi… | I am… |
| Oli… | You are… |
| Ye… | He / She is… |
- Ndi bulungi.I am fine.
- Oli musanyufu.You are happy / He/She is happy.
- Ndi muyimbi.I am a singer.
- Oli munafu.You are weak.
- Ndi muyizi.I am a student.
3 Example Conversation
A
Gyebale ko. Oli otya?Hello. How are you?
B
Ndi bulungi. Ggwe oli otya?I am fine. How are you?
A
Ndi bulungi nnyo.I am very well.
B
Kaale. Oli muyizi?Okay. Are you a student?
A
Yee, ndi omuyizi wano ku ssomero.Yes, I am a student here at the school.
4 Vocabulary From the Conversation
| Luganda word | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Otya | How |
| Bulungi | Fine / well / good |
| Munafu | Weak / tired |
| Musanyufu | Happy |
| Omuyizi | Student |
| Omuyimbi | Singer |
| Ssomero | School |
| Kaale | Okay |
Practice: Present Tense “To Be”
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