IARG-UF/English-Kpelle-Corpus huggingface dataset:
English: this is a leaf
Kpelle: láa ká ŋí.
English: this is his mother
Kpelle: nèe ká ŋí.
English: this is her mother
Kpelle: nèe ká ŋí.
English: this is its mother
Kpelle: nèe ká ŋí.
English: like how?
Kpelle: yɛ̂ɛ leŋ?.
English: who are you?
Kpelle: gbɛ̂ɛ ɓa yâ?.
English: this is a breeze
Kpelle: fãa ká tí.
English: it will be on wednesday
Kpelle: à pâi kɛ̂i a wɛ̃ɛde ɣele.
English: where are you going?
Kpelle: yâ liî mí?.
English: i am going to work
Kpelle: ŋa liî tíi kɛ̂i.
English: morning greetings
Kpelle: ɣele wala làa timaa.
English: good morning
Kpelle: ƃa ŋuŋ.
English: yes, good morning, my friend
Kpelle: àa naoi, ya ŋuŋ.
English: yes, good morning, my friend
Kpelle: àa naoi, ɓa ŋuŋ.
English: good morning to all
Kpelle: ka ŋuŋ.
English: good morning, my friends
Kpelle: àa naoi, ka ŋuŋ.
English: good morning, my friend
Kpelle: àa naoi, ya ŋuŋ.
English: good morning, my friend
Kpelle: àa naoi, ɓa ŋuŋ.
English: yes my friend, good evening.
Kpelle: àa naoi, ya tua.
English: yes my friend, good evening.
Kpelle: àa naoi, ɓa tua.
English: yes my friend, good afternoon.
Kpelle: àa naoi, ya tua.
English: yes my friend, good afternoon.
Kpelle: àa naoi, ɓa tua.
English: yes my friend, good evening
Kpelle: àa naoi, ya tua.
English: yes my friend, good evening
Kpelle: àa naoi, ɓa tua.
English: yes my friend, good afternoon
Kpelle: àa naoi, ya tua.
English: yes my friend, good afternoon
Kpelle: àa naoi, ɓa tua.
English: what's news?
Kpelle: kú m̀ɛni zu?
English: there is no bad news.
Kpelle: kpao nyɔ́mɔɔ fé zu.
English: there is no bad news.
Kpelle: mɛni nyɔ́mɔɔ fé zu.
English: thank god the grace of god
Kpelle: ɣâla sarâi
English: thank by the grace of god
Kpelle: ɣâla sarâi
English: i am sick
Kpelle: ŋa kɔlɛi
English: what is your name?
Kpelle: ílaa ɓa gbɛ̂ɛ?
English: my name is white fish
Kpelle: náa ɓa nyɛ̃́ɛ kole
English: and you too, what is your name?
Kpelle: yá nyaŋ, ílaa ɓa gbɛ̂ɛ?
English: and you too, what is your name?
Kpelle: yáŋ nyaŋ, ílaa ɓa gbɛ̂ɛ?
English: where did you come from?
Kpelle: í kula mí ta?
English: i came or come from liberia
Kpelle: ŋá kula labia
English: what is your mother name?
Kpelle: ílee láa ɓa gbɛ̂ɛ?
English: my mother name is garmai
Kpelle: nee láa ɓa gáamai
English: and you too, what is your mother's name?
Kpelle: yá ǹyaŋ, ílee láa ɓa gbɛ̂ɛ?
English: and you too, what is your mother's name?
Kpelle: yáŋ ǹyaŋ, ílee láa ɓa gbɛ̂ɛ?
English: my mother's name is thelma
Kpelle: nee láa ɓa tɛma
English: what is your father's name?
Kpelle: í nâŋ láa ɓa gbɛ̂ɛ?
English: my father name is folokula
Kpelle: nâŋ láa ɓa fólo kula
English: and you too, what is your father's name?)
Kpelle: yáŋ ǹyaŋ, ínâŋ láa ɓa gbɛ̂ɛ?
English: and you too, what is your father's name?)
Kpelle: yá ǹyaŋ, ínâŋ láa ɓa gbɛ̂ɛ?
English: my father's name is jallah
Kpelle: nâŋ láa ɓa zala
English: what news here?
Kpelle: kú m̀ɛni ɓɛ́?
English: there is no bad news here
Kpelle: mɛni nyɔ́mɔɔ fé ɓɛ́
English: unless for your side?
Kpelle: fɛ̂ɛ nɔ́ ípɔ naa pere
English: ah, no bad news on that side
Kpelle: á, mɛni nyɔ́mɔɔ fé ǹaa pere
English: okay, thank god.
Kpelle: aâ, ɣâla sɛɣɛ̂i.
English: my friend, good morning or good day, my friend
Kpelle: naoi, í ɣele wala.
English: okay my friend, thank you so much or plenty.
Kpelle: ôoei naoi, í sɛɣɛ̂i kpɔ́ a dámaa
English: my friend, good evening or good night my friend
Kpelle: naoi, í ɣele wurii
English: please say hi to everyone.
Kpelle: ŋá fàa ǹúui kélee ma
English: i am going to work
Kpelle: ŋa liî tíi kɛ̂i
English: i am going to school
Kpelle: ŋa liî kɔlɔ-pɛrɛ mu
English: i am going to the market
Kpelle: ŋa liî ǹɔ́ɔi su.
English: what type of work are you doing?
Kpelle: lé tii ɓé ya gɛ̂i?
English: i am doing office work.
Kpelle: ŋ́gaa kwíi-tii kɛ̂i
English: are there many jobs?
Kpelle: tíi támaa káa naa?
English: are there many works?
Kpelle: tíi támaa káa naa?
English: yes, there are many jobs.
Kpelle: ôoei, tíi támaa káa naa.
English: do you want to work?
Kpelle: ya ŋ̀wɛlii í tíi kɛ́?
English: yes, i want to work.
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋa ŋ̀wɛlii ŋá tíi kɛ́
English: i heard it, i will tell our boss man
Kpelle: ŋa m̀ɛni, ŋà pâi môi kú núu kɛ́tɛi ma
English: i heard it, i will tell our boss lady
Kpelle: ŋa m̀ɛni, ŋà pâi môi kú núu kɛ́tɛi ma
English: yes, please do that for me.
Kpelle: ôoei yo, ye gɛ̀ tí mí.
English: because it's not easy
Kpelle: kpɛ́ni fêi vé péle ma
English: i will do it, don't worry.
Kpelle: ŋà pâi gɛ̂i, í líi fé sɛlɛŋ
English: what news, my friend?
Kpelle: naoi kú m̀ɛni?
English: where are you coming from?
Kpelle: ya kulâi mí ta?
English: i am coming from work
Kpelle: ŋà kulâi tíi kɛ̂i
English: is food here?
Kpelle: mii-sɛŋ káa ɓɛ́?
English: yes, i cooked food here.
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋá mii-sɛŋ ɣìli ɓɛ́
English: which soup you cooked here today?
Kpelle: lé lao ɓé í ŋìli ɓɛ́ sâai?
English: i cooked cassava-leaf today.
Kpelle: ŋá manaŋ-lâa ɣìli sâa
English: yes! that's my favorite soup
Kpelle: ôoei! nîa làoi ká tí.
English: thank you for cooking cassava-leaf today
Kpelle: í sɛɣɛ̂i manaŋ-lâa ɣìlii sâa.
English: thank god.
Kpelle: ɣâla sɛɣɛ̂i
English: what is this?
Kpelle: lé ɓé ŋí?
English: this is a house.
Kpelle: pɛ́rɛ ká ŋí
English: this is a beautiful house.
Kpelle: pɛ́rɛ lɛ́lɛɛ ká ŋí
English: i have a house
Kpelle: pɛ́rɛ tɔnɔ káa nyêei
English: i have a beautiful house
Kpelle: pɛ́rɛ lɛ́lɛɛ káa nyêei
English: where is your house?
Kpelle: ípɛrɛi kɔɔ mí?
English: where is your house?
Kpelle: ípɛrɛi káa mí?
English: this is my house.
Kpelle: ŋá pɛ́rɛi ká ŋí.
English: this is cassava.
Kpelle: manaŋ ká ŋí.
English: i have a cassava farm.
Kpelle: manaŋ kpâlaŋ káa nyêei
English: i have a big cassava farm
Kpelle: manaŋ kpâlaŋ kɛ́tɛ káa nyêei
English: i planted plenty cassava.
Kpelle: ŋá manaŋ támaa sì.
English: i eat cassava.
Kpelle: ŋá manaŋ mii.
English: you are required to keenly listen to the sound of each vowel letter on this page.
Kpelle: ye í wóli tɔ́ɔ kpɔ́ a ǹɛ̂lɛɛ ŋ̀óo ŋai ŋí láa ma tɛi-tɛi gɔlɔ-laai ŋí ma.
English: we will pronounce these letters twice.
Kpelle: kwa pâi ŋ̀óo ŋai ŋí láa tóli gîe-mɛi
English: this is the flesh of the letter
Kpelle: ŋ̀óoi ǹûu ká ŋi
English: this is the flesh of the word
Kpelle: ŋ̀óoi ǹûu ká ŋi
English: you are to follow the instruction to continue with the consonant letters.
Kpelle: ye lɛɛ nɔ́ zɛŋ lɛ́ɛ tɔnɔi tí pôlu ɓɛ́ mɛi perei, a gɛ́ɛ í ŋ̀óo kao ŋai ŋí láa tóli.
English: this is the bone of the letters
Kpelle: ŋ̀óoi gáo ká ŋí
English: this is the full alphabet
Kpelle: ŋ̀óoi gbonôi ká ŋí
English: these are the vowels and tones of the kpelle language
Kpelle: gbɛlɛɛ wooi sɛlɛŋ ɣɛlii da ŋ̀óo mɛi woo ŋai ká ŋí
English: the tones and the examples
Kpelle: ŋ̀óo mɛi woo ŋai da gɔ̀ɔŋ maa ŋai
English: k replaces c and itself
Kpelle: k è c pɔ́ɔ ŋá sìɣe da k nya kpîŋ.
English: when b changes, it becomes p
Kpelle: b maa a fàleŋ, a kɛ̀ a p
English: is this a banana?
Kpelle: gôi ɓe ŋí?
English: yes, this is a banana.
Kpelle: ôoei, gôi ká ŋí.
English: this is my banana.
Kpelle: ŋá gôi ká ŋí
English: this is a ripe banana
Kpelle: gôi kpɔlu ká ŋí
English: do you eat banana?
Kpelle: yâ gôi mii?
English: yes, i eat banana.
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋa gôi mii
English: is this a drinking cup?
Kpelle: kpele-kɔ̂ɛɛ ɓe ŋí?
English: yes, this is a drinking cup.
Kpelle: ôoei, kpele-kɔ̂ɛɛ ká ŋí.
English: i bought a drinking cup
Kpelle: ŋá kpele-kɔ̂ɛɛ yà
English: i bought it for ten dollars.
Kpelle: ŋá nyà a dâla puu.
English: this is a car.
Kpelle: kéleŋ tɔnɔ ká ŋí.
English: plenty cars are here.
Kpelle: kéleŋ támaa káa ɓɛ́
English: i have a new car.
Kpelle: kéleŋ nina káa ńyêei
English: this car is fine.
Kpelle: géleŋ ŋí lɛ́lɛɛi
English: this is a fine car.
Kpelle: kéleŋ lɛ́lɛɛ ká ŋí
English: do you drive?
Kpelle: yâ kéleŋ sîa?
English: yes, i drive.
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋa kéleŋ sîa
English: this is a beautiful table.
Kpelle: têɓele lɛ́lɛɛ ká ŋí
English: this table is fine
Kpelle: têɓelei ŋí lɛ́lɛɛ̂i.
English: this table is good
Kpelle: têɓelei ŋí lɛ́lɛɛ̂i.
English: this is a big table.
Kpelle: têɓele kɛ́tɛ ká ŋí.
English: i bought it for $30.00 dollars.
Kpelle: ŋá nyà a dâla buu saaɓa.
English: do you have a table?
Kpelle: têɓele káa íyêei?
English: yes, i have a table.
Kpelle: ôoei, têɓele káa ńyêei.
English: in the beginning, god created the heavens and the earth.
Kpelle: gɔ́ɔ pîlanii ɣâla è ŋ̀elei kpɛ̂tɛ da ǹɔii
English: the earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. and the spirit of god was hovering over the face of the waters.
Kpelle: ǹɔii è kɛ̀ a vólo, sɛŋ da fé kɛ́ ní ma. zu è kɛ̀ a gbíniɛɛ, ɣâla ŋɔmɔlêŋ pɛlɛɛ ǹyái mɛi.
English: and god said, let there be light, and there was light.
Kpelle: nya ƃe ɣâla è mò ǹyɛɛ, 'tɔɔ kwaa é pono.' ǹyaŋ kwaa è pòno
English: that is a chicken
Kpelle: tɛ́ɛ ká tí
English: two chickens
Kpelle: tɛ́ɛ feerɛ
English: we saw a car
Kpelle: kú kéleŋ kàa
English: we saw a man
Kpelle: kú kpakolo kàa.
English: we saw a man
Kpelle: kú surɔ̂ŋ kàa.
English: we are going to school
Kpelle: kwa liî kɔlɔ pɛrɛ mu
English: that is a house
Kpelle: pɛ́rɛ ká tí.
English: money is there
Kpelle: sɛŋ-kao káa naa.
English: two houses
Kpelle: pɛ́rɛ feerɛ
English: where is the chicken?
Kpelle: dɛ́ɛi káa mí?
English: where is esther?
Kpelle: ɛtɛ kɔɔ?
English: i am going to bed
Kpelle: ŋa kɛ́ liî laai.
English: thats i a car
Kpelle: kéleŋ ká tí.
English: they are going
Kpelle: dí káa kɛ́ liî.
English: they are going
Kpelle: dâa kɛ́ liî.
English: two cars
Kpelle: kéleŋ feerɛ
English: we are going
Kpelle: kwa kɛ́ liî
English: what happened?
Kpelle: lé ɓé kɛ?
English: that is my father
Kpelle: nâŋ ká tí
English: i did it
Kpelle: ŋá gɛ̀
English: the birth of jesus christ
Kpelle: berei dí zîsɛ maa sɔlɔ ɓô lai
English: now the birth of jesus christ was like this: after his mother, mary, was engaged to joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the holy spirit
Kpelle: ǹyaŋ berei ŋí ɓé dí zîsɛ kôrai maa sɔlɔ ɓôla. tãi zosɛ e zîsɛ ǹee mere kɔli-kao làa lai, dí lɛ́ɛ pâi kɛ̂i díkîe ma, m̀ɔlêŋ maa waai e gɛ̀ é koo síɣe.
English: now the birth of jesus christ was like this: after his mother, mary, was engaged to joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the holy spirit
Kpelle: nya ɓe ŋɔsurɔ̂ŋ zosɛ, nyii kɛ̀ a tɔ̃yâ-nuui, vé kɛ́ ní ŋ̀wɛ̂lii a gɛɛ e mere ŋumɛ. è gbɛ̀tɛ gíli ŋá a gɛɛ é mere lɛɛ loo-pere su
English: i bought a horse on wednesday
Kpelle: ŋá soo yà a wɛ̃ɛde ɣele
English: i am going to work tomorrow
Kpelle: ŋa tínaa liî tíi kɛ́i
English: lorpu bought a perfume today
Kpelle: lɔpuu è wúru-ya kúŋ nɛ̃ɛ yà sâa.
English: we will study today
Kpelle: kwa pâi sɛŋ maa kɔ́ri sâa.
English: this is the mushroom
Kpelle: vénai ká ŋí.
English: garmai will put the mushroom in the soup
Kpelle: gáamai a pâi vénai pui ǹaoi su
English: garmai will cook mushroom soup today
Kpelle: gáamai a pâi féna lao ɣilii sâa
English: i went to work on the car today
Kpelle: ŋá lì tíi kɛ̂i géleŋ ma saâ
English: that is the church
Kpelle: ŋ̀âla-pɛrɛi ká tí
English: i want to study today
Kpelle: ŋa ŋ̀wɛ́lii ŋá sɛŋ maa kɔ́ri sâa
English: i want to learn today
Kpelle: ŋa ŋ̀wɛ́lii ŋá sɛŋ maa kɔ́ri sâa
English: i want to learn how to ride a horse
Kpelle: ŋa ŋ̀wɛlii ŋá soo sîaa maa kɔ́ri
English: i'm learning how to ride a horse
Kpelle: ŋá soo sîaa maa kɔ́ri.
English: what did you go to do in the town?
Kpelle: lé ɓé í lì gɛ̂i daai sui?
English: what happened?
Kpelle: lé ɓé kɛ̀?
English: i am going for water
Kpelle: ŋa liî yá kanai
English: bring it to the house
Kpelle: pá la bɛ́rɛi lá.
English: he took or carried the load to that house
Kpelle: è lì a gbîrii bɛ́rɛi tí la
English: they fixed the bridge with sticks
Kpelle: dí gbáwɔi kpɛ̀tɛ a wúru.
English: garmai, what are you doing?
Kpelle: gáamai, lé ɓé íkaa gɛ̂i?
English: i am working
Kpelle: ŋ́gaa tíi kɛ̂i
English: that is my friend
Kpelle: marâŋ ká tí.
English: garmai and her child are in the house
Kpelle: gáamai da ǹóŋ díkaa bɛ́rɛi mu
English: learning is good
Kpelle: sɛŋ kɔ́lɔŋɔɔ lɛ́lɛɛi
English: i want to learn many languages for the sake of tomorrow or the future.
Kpelle: ŋa ŋ̀wɛlii ŋá sii-woo támaa maa kɔ́ri tínaa tuɛ pere mɛ̀ni ma.
English: i will be graduating from school this year
Kpelle: ŋa pâi kpɛɛi kɔlɔ ma góraŋ ŋí su
English: this is a fine spoon
Kpelle: mina lɛ́lɛɛ ká ŋí.
English: bring my spoon
Kpelle: pá a ŋá minai
English: go and bring my spoon
Kpelle: lí í pá a ŋá minai
English: where is the spoon?
Kpelle: m̀inai káa mí?
English: the spoon is in the house
Kpelle: m̀inai káa bɛ́rɛi mu
English: i do not have an umbrella
Kpelle: fólo-kpanâŋ fé ńyêei.
English: umbrella is here
Kpelle: fólo-kpanâŋ káa ɓɛ́.
English: umbrella is good
Kpelle: fólo-kpanâŋ lɛ́lɛɛi
English: i need an umbrella
Kpelle: ŋa fólo-kpanâŋ wɛ́lîi
English: no umbrella is here
Kpelle: fólo-kpanâŋ fé ɓɛ́
English: do you want umbrella?
Kpelle: ya fólo-kpanâŋ wɛlîi?
English: this is a girl
Kpelle: nɛnî-lo ká ŋí.
English: she is a fine girl
Kpelle: gáa a nɛnî-lo lɛ́lɛɛ.
English: she is my younger sister
Kpelle: gáa a nêɣe-nɛni
English: her name is fatu
Kpelle: ǹáa ɓa fatu
English: she is going to school
Kpelle: gáa liî kɔlɔ-pɛrɛ mu
English: this is a boy
Kpelle: surɔ̂ŋ-lo ká ŋí.
English: this boy is playing
Kpelle: zurɔ̂ŋ-loi ŋí káa pêle kɛ̂i
English: he is playing ball
Kpelle: gáa bɔ̂ɔ kɔ̂i
English: he goes to school
Kpelle: a li kɔlɔ-pɛrɛ mu
English: this boy is strong
Kpelle: zurɔ̂ŋ-loi ŋí wála-walai
English: this is a foot wear
Kpelle: kɔ́ɔ-ŋá kɔlɔ ká ŋí.
English: i have a foot wear
Kpelle: kɔ́ɔ-ŋá kɔlɔ káa nýêei.
English: this is a black shoe
Kpelle: kɔlɔ tɛ̂i ká ŋí.
English: i love black shoe
Kpelle: kɔlɔ tɛ̂i wɛ́li káa mâ.
English: i bought a fine shoe
Kpelle: ŋá kɔlɔ lɛ́lɛɛ yà
English: i bought it for fifty dollars
Kpelle: ŋá ǹya a dâla buu náaŋ.
English: grass is around my house
Kpelle: kala káa ŋápɛrɛi kɔlɛ ma
English: i will brush it
Kpelle: ŋa pâi válâi.
English: i will brush grass
Kpelle: ŋa pâi kala fálai
English: i will brush grass today
Kpelle: ŋa pâi kala fálai sâa.
English: i eat cassava
Kpelle: ŋa manaŋ mii
English: cassava is sweet
Kpelle: manaŋ nɛ̃ɛi
English: cassava is a food
Kpelle: manaŋ káa a mii-sɛŋ.
English: do you eat cassava?
Kpelle: ya manaŋ mii?
English: do you eat banana?—
Kpelle: ya gôi mii?
English: yes, i eat banana
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋa gôi mii
English: are you selling banana?
Kpelle: ya gôi kɔlɛ̂i?
English: yes, i am selling banana
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋa gôi kɔlɛ̂i
English: i want to buy some
Kpelle: ŋa ŋ̀wɛ̂lii ŋá da yá
English: it is three for one dollar
Kpelle: gáa a zaaɓa dâla tɔnɔ.
English: the boy has a shoe
Kpelle: kɔ́ɔ ŋá kɔlɔ káa zurɔ̂ŋ-loi yêei.
English: he bought a fine pair of shoes yesterday
Kpelle: e wɛ́ɛ kɔlɔ lɛ́lɛɛ-ŋa yà
English: greetings and conversation
Kpelle: laa-tímaa da yɛ̀pɛ púɔ
English: i am a girl
Kpelle: ŋ́gaa a nɛnî-lo
English: i am ten years old
Kpelle: ŋ́gaa a kóraŋ puu
English: how old are you too?
Kpelle: yáŋ íkaa kóraŋ ɣɛlu?
English: i am fifteen years old
Kpelle: ŋ́gaa a kóraŋ puu káo lɔ́ɔlu.
English: i live with my father and mother in gbonnoi
Kpelle: ŋ́gaa nee da nâŋ pɔ́naa gbôŋ-nɔi.
English: do you go to school?
Kpelle: ya lî kɔlɔ-pɛrɛ mu?
English: yes, i go to school
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋa lî kɔlɔ-pɛrɛ mu
English: do you go to school too?
Kpelle: yáŋ, ya lî kɔlɔ-pɛrɛ mu?
English: what grade are you in?
Kpelle: íkaa kɔlɔ ɣɛlu su?
English: i am in the third grade
Kpelle: ŋ́gaa kɔlɔ saaɓa su.
English: my father is here
Kpelle: nâŋ káa ɓɛ́
English: my mother is here
Kpelle: nee káa ɓɛ́
English: my parents are here
Kpelle: ŋánûai díkaa ɓɛ́.
English: i'm seeing my father
Kpelle: ŋ́gaa nâŋ kaâi.
English: my father is working
Kpelle: nâŋ káa tíi kɛ̂i
English: my younger brother is playing football
Kpelle: nêɣe-surɔ̂ŋ káa bɔ̂ɔ kɔ̂i.
English: my younger sister is cooking
Kpelle: nêɣe-nɛnîi káa leɣi ɣíliî.
English: this is high tone
Kpelle: woo tɛ ɣelei ká ŋí
English: this is low tone
Kpelle: woo yeŋ ká ŋí.
English: this is heavy tone
Kpelle: woo wiyɛ ká ŋí
English: this is nasal
Kpelle: sũai kéleŋ ká ŋí
English: my head is hurting
Kpelle: ŋuŋ káa sólii
English: my hand is hurting
Kpelle: ńyee káa sólii.
English: my foot is hurting
Kpelle: ŋgɔ́ɔ káa sólii.
English: my teeth are hurting
Kpelle: nyíŋ káa sólii
English: i never did it
Kpelle: fé gɛ̀ ní
English: he had done it
Kpelle: aâa gɛ̀
English: she had done it
Kpelle: aâa gɛ̀
English: it had done it
Kpelle: aâa gɛ̀
English: they sent it
Kpelle: dí dɛ̀ɛ
English: they washed it
Kpelle: dí ŋ̀waa
English: i washed it
Kpelle: ŋá ŋ̀waa
English: tell me your name
Kpelle: ílaa lɛ́ ma
English: i will tell you my name
Kpelle: ŋa pâi náa lɛ̂i ya
English: i don't know your name
Kpelle: fé ílaa kɔ́lɔŋ
English: you will know my name
Kpelle: ya pâi náa kɔ́lɔŋ-ni
English: when the time comes
Kpelle: maa tãi a pâ
English: you will know
Kpelle: ya pâi gɔ́lɔŋ-ni.
English: i know
Kpelle: ŋá gɔ́lɔŋ
English: i don't know
Kpelle: fé gɔ́lɔŋ
English: i'm going to bed
Kpelle: ŋà kɛ́ liî laai
English: it's not time to sleep
Kpelle: nyii tãi fé niî seri ni
English: go and bring me water
Kpelle: lí í pá mí a yá
English: i'm not lying
Kpelle: fé lɛ́ɛ kɛ̂i
English: you don't want to do it
Kpelle: ífe ŋ̀wɛ́lii í gɛ
English: i will give you water
Kpelle: ŋa pâi yá tɛɛ̂i ípɔ
English: do you want to bathe?
Kpelle: ya ŋ̀wɛ́lii í íwaa?
English: yes, i want to bathe
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋa ŋ̀wɛ́lii ŋá ŋ́waa.
English: i brought water today
Kpelle: ŋá pà a yá sâa.
English: water is in the bucket
Kpelle: yá káa bɔ̂kii su
English: water is in the bucket
Kpelle: yá káa tâyai su
English: you never look for it
Kpelle: ífe gɔ́ri ni.
English: here is it
Kpelle: ǹya ká ŋí
English: where was it?
Kpelle: è kɛ̀ mí ta?
English: why did you set it behind the door?
Kpelle: í zèe gbôŋ-pôlu lé mɛni mâ?
English: i was hiding it
Kpelle: ŋá kɛ̀ ǹóoi
English: if somebody was going to take it?
Kpelle: èì kɛ̀ núu da è zîei?
English: what were you going to do?
Kpelle: lé ɓé í kɛ pâi gɛ̂i?
English: i couldn't do anything
Kpelle: fêi pâi mɛni da kɛ̂i
English: do not do it next time
Kpelle: ífe ŋɔ́nɔ da kɛ̂.
English: yes, i will never do it again
Kpelle: ôoei, fé pâi ŋɔ́nɔ da kɛ̂i
English: you know that this place is not good
Kpelle: í gɔ́lɔŋ a gɛ́ɛ ɓɛ́ fé lɛ́lɛ ní
English: i am sorry
Kpelle: ye kpera yɛ̂
English: you have to be careful
Kpelle: fɛ̂ɛ í ímɛi káa
English: i will be careful
Kpelle: ŋa pâi mɛi káai
English: we have lots of bad people
Kpelle: núu nyɔ́mɔɔ támaai nâa.
English: that is true
Kpelle: tɔ̃yâ ká tí
English: where is your mother?
Kpelle: ílee kɔɔ?
English: where is my food?
Kpelle: ŋá mii-sɛŋ kɔɔ?
English: your food is in the house
Kpelle: í mii-sɛŋ káa bɛ́rɛi mu
English: how was your day?
Kpelle: í tùa léŋ?
English: my day was good
Kpelle: ŋá tùa a ǹɛ́lɛɛ
English: how was the school?
Kpelle: gɔlɔ-pɛrɛi è kɛ̀ léŋ?
English: the school was fine today
Kpelle: gɔlɔ-pɛrɛi è kɛ̀ a ǹɛ́lɛɛ sâa
English: thank god for that
Kpelle: ɣâla sɛɣɛ̂i nyíŋ tí mɛni ma
English: they gave us test today
Kpelle: dí sukɔ̂ɔŋ tɛ̀ɛ kú pɔ́ sâa
English: did you do the test?
Kpelle: í zu kɔ̂ɔŋ sìɣe?
English: thank you so much
Kpelle: í sɛɣɛ̂i kpɔ́ a dámaa
English: two best friends
Kpelle: laoi-ɓela feerɛ
English: fermer and karhn are friends
Kpelle: fɛ́mɛ da kâŋ díkaa nɛ̃ɛ-laa su
English: did you go to the market?
Kpelle: í lì ǹɔ́ɔi su?
English: yes, i went to the market
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋá lì ǹɔ́ɔi su?
English: how was the market?
Kpelle: ǹɔ́ɔi è kɛ̀ léŋ?
English: the market was fine
Kpelle: ǹɔ́ɔi è kɛ a nɛ́lɛɛ.
English: the market was good
Kpelle: ǹɔ́ɔi è kɛ a nɛ́lɛɛ.
English: what did you buy?
Kpelle: lé ɓé í nyài?
English: i bought a lot of things
Kpelle: ŋá sɛŋ támaa yà
English: where are they?
Kpelle: dîa kɔɔ?
English: i am seeing
Kpelle: ŋ́gaa kwaa káai
English: i am smelling something
Kpelle: ŋ́gaa sɛŋ da kúŋ mɛnii
English: i can not hear
Kpelle: fa mɛni mɛ́ni
English: let me taste the soup
Kpelle: nɛ̀ɛ ŋá ǹaoi kɔ̂ɔŋ
English: though it
Kpelle: lɛɣɛ mâ
English: once there was a boogie man
Kpelle: káa-sɛŋ tɔnɔ è wɔ́lɔ kɛ̀ naa
English: the boogie man changed into a man
Kpelle: gáa-sɛŋ a kaa maa pèniŋ a kpakolo.
English: the boogie man is hunting for children in the town
Kpelle: gáa-sɛŋ a kaa pà nîa-pɛlɛɛi maa sɛliŋ-ni daai su.
English: the boogie man sang a beautiful song
Kpelle: gáa-sɛŋ a kaa wule lɛ́lɛ-lɛ́lɛɛ tòo.
English: the children followed the boogie man
Kpelle: nîa-pɛlɛɛi da kaa pìlaŋ gáa-sɛŋ pôlu.
English: the hunter shot the boogie man
Kpelle: gbâna-pili-nuui è gáa-sɛŋ pɔ̀ara
English: the boogie man disappeared
Kpelle: gáa-sɛŋ è làŋ díŋɛi
English: the children are running to their houses
Kpelle: nîa-pɛlɛɛi dí lì pôlu a kirɛ dípɛrɛ ŋai lá.
English: kpannah builds a house
Kpelle: kpana à pɛ́rɛ tɔɔ
English: kpannah is cutting a house sticks
Kpelle: kpana a pɛ́rɛ-wuru kao teêi
English: kpannah is gathering sticks to build a house
Kpelle: kpana a ŋ̀uru kaoi tĩyâi daai su.
English: kpannah is planting the house sticks
Kpelle: kpana a bɛ́rɛi pilânii
English: kpannah works so hard
Kpelle: kpana a tíi kɛ̂ a ŋánaa.
English: can you help her?
Kpelle: yâ pɔ̂ri kpɔnii mâ?
English: yes, i can help her
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋa pɔ̂ri kpɔnii mâ
English: this work is hard
Kpelle: díi ŋí kpanaŋɔɔi
English: can you do some?
Kpelle: ya pɔ̂ri da kɛ̂i?
English: yes, i can do some
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋa pɔ̂ri da kɛ̂i
English: i will come
Kpelle: ŋa pâi pâi
English: how many persons are coming?
Kpelle: núu ɣɛɛlu ɓé pâi?
English: ten persons will be coming
Kpelle: núu puu ɓé pâi pâi.
English: this work needs more people
Kpelle: díi ŋí maa nɛ̃ɛi a núu támaa
English: they will be many
Kpelle: da pâi kɛ̂i a dítamaa
English: then, i will come
Kpelle: gɛ̀ ní, ŋa pâi pâi
English: kpannah is roofing the house
Kpelle: kpana a bɛ́rɛi piliî ɣelêi
English: kpannah and friends are dubbing the house
Kpelle: kpana da marâi da bɛ́rɛi sɔɔ̂i.
English: kpannah and her family are moving to the new house
Kpelle: kpannah da ŋɔnûai da liî dípɛrɛ ninai lá.
English: will you come to the house?
Kpelle: yâ pâi pâi bɛ́rɛi lá?
English: i don't know the place
Kpelle: fé ǹaa kɔ́lɔŋ
English: i will show you the place
Kpelle: ŋa pâi ǹaa lɛ́i ya
English: who will carry me there?
Kpelle: gbɛ̂ɛ ɓé pâi liî a ńyãa naai?
English: i will send the children
Kpelle: ŋa pâi nîa-pɛlɛɛi tɛɛi.
English: send them
Kpelle: dí tɛ́ɛ
English: what can we do tomorrow?—
Kpelle: lé ɓé kwa pɔ̂ri gɛ̂i tínaai?
English: we will do many things
Kpelle: kwa pâi mɛni támaa kɛ̂i.
English: what are some?
Kpelle: da ni ɓa lé?
English: to cook
Kpelle: kú leɣi-ɣíli.
English: to fetch water
Kpelle: kú yá kɔɔ̂
English: to play
Kpelle: kú péle-kɛ́.
English: to eat
Kpelle: kú mii-sɛŋ mii
English: you go i stay
Kpelle: íli ŋá lɛɛ
English: kane can cook
Kpelle: káne a leɣi ɣili.
English: kane is cooking palm butter soup
Kpelle: káne a tóu-kpɔrɔ lao ɣiliî.
English: kane is sharing the food
Kpelle: káne a mii-sɛŋ ŋákɔlɛ̂i
English: kane's mother and father are eating
Kpelle: káne nèe da nâŋ da dílaa miî.
English: kane and her sister are eating too
Kpelle: káne da nêɣe-nɛniî da dílaa miî máŋ.
English: who cooked the food?
Kpelle: gbɛ̂ɛ ɓé mii-sɛŋ ɣìlii?
English: that is my younger sister
Kpelle: nêɣe-nɛniî ɓe
English: she cooked this food well
Kpelle: è mii-sɛŋ ŋí ɣìli a nɛ́lɛɛ
English: no, i have not eaten yet
Kpelle: kpao, fé niî mii-sɛŋ mii ní
English: what are you waiting for?
Kpelle: lé ɓé ya maa kpɛ́ŋ-nii?
English: i am not waiting for any one
Kpelle: fé núu da maa kpɛ́ŋ-ni.
English: i am eating mine
Kpelle: ŋa ŋwɔ̂i miî
English: yes, eat yours
Kpelle: ôoei, í wɔ̂i mii
English: i am not hungry for now
Kpelle: puru fé ma lônii ma.
English: i will help you when you are eating
Kpelle: ŋa pâi kpɔŋ-ni yâ ya kɛ ílaa miî.
English: no, my food is not plenty
Kpelle: kpa, ŋá mii-sɛŋ fé táma ní.
English: no, my food is not enough
Kpelle: kpa, ŋá mii-sɛŋ fé táma ní.
English: you are just greedy
Kpelle: ímii-sɛŋ wɛ̀liɛi nɔ́
English: i will give you tomorrow
Kpelle: ŋa pâi íkɔ̂i tínaa
English: my business is not hard
Kpelle: ŋá mɛni fé kpanaŋ-ni
English: don't just lie to me
Kpelle: ífe lɛ́ɛ kɛ́ nɔ́ me
English: i will not lie to you
Kpelle: fé pâi lɛ́ɛ kɛ̂i ya
English: i know, you can't do that
Kpelle: ŋá gɔ́lɔŋ, ífa pɔ̂ri nyíti kɛ̂i
English: is here your niece here?
Kpelle: í malêŋ káa ɓɛ́?
English: is here your nephew here?
Kpelle: í malêŋ káa ɓɛ́?
English: no, he is not here
Kpelle: kpa, vé ɓɛ́
English: he has gone to work
Kpelle: à lí tíi kɛ̂i.
English: will he come back today?
Kpelle: à pâi pôlu sâa?
English: yes, he is coming back today
Kpelle: ôoei, a pâi pôlu sâa.
English: can i wait for him?
Kpelle: ŋa pɔ̂ri m̀aa kpɛ́ŋ-ni?
English: i do not think so
Kpelle: fé laa ní la.
English: it is because he is not coming soon
Kpelle: kpɛ́ni fêi vé pâi lônii ma
English: he has lots of works to do there
Kpelle: tíi támaa káa mâ a gɛ́ɛ é gɛ̂ naa.
English: you will have to go back
Kpelle: fɛ̂ɛ í lí pôlu.
English: when he comes, i will tell him
Kpelle: à pà, ŋa pâi môi mâ
English: this is my number
Kpelle: ŋá nɔ̂ŋbai ká ŋí.
English: this is my number
Kpelle: ŋá kɔnii ká ŋí.
English: give it to him when he comes
Kpelle: dɛ̀ɛ bɔ́ a pà.
English: i will not be here when he comes
Kpelle: fé pâi kɛ̂i ɓɛ́ a pà
English: you do not just want to do it
Kpelle: ífe ŋwɛlii nɔ́ í gɛ̀
English: do not give me a hard time
Kpelle: ífe ŋgɔ̂ɔi kɔ̀li.
English: let me go back
Kpelle: nɛ̀ɛ ŋá lí pôlu
English: where is your uncle?
Kpelle: í kêra kɔɔ?
English: my uncle is not here
Kpelle: ŋêra fé ɓɛ́
English: i want to see him
Kpelle: ŋa wɛ́lii ŋá gáa
English: you can't see him now
Kpelle: ífa pɔ̂ri gáai lônii ma
English: he is busy
Kpelle: gbáaŋɔɔi
English: i want to talk to him
Kpelle: ŋa wɛ́lii ŋá lóno bɔ́
English: you can't talk to him right now
Kpelle: ífa pɔ̂ri lónoi bɔ́ lônii ma.
English: no problem, i am going back
Kpelle: vé nyɔ̂ŋ ni, ŋa kɛ́ liî pôlu
English: flomo is a farmer
Kpelle: fulomo káa a kpalâŋ-ŋá tii kɛ́ nuu
English: flomo is clearing his farm
Kpelle: fulomo káa ŋɔ kwaai ɓôi
English: flomo and his family are planting
Kpelle: fulomo da ŋɔnûai da kwaa siî.
English: flomo and his family are harvesting rice
Kpelle: fulomo da ŋɔnûai da mɔlɔŋ teêi.
English: flomo is carrying the rice to town
Kpelle: fulomo káa mɔlɔŋ tĩyai daai su.
English: fulomo and his family are celebrating
Kpelle: fulomo da ŋɔ káayɔɔ-ni da lii-nɛ̃ɛ kulai.
English: flomo is what tribe?
Kpelle: fulomo káa a lé sîi-nuu?
English: flomo is a kpelle man
Kpelle: fulomo káa a kpɛlɛɛ-nuu.
English: and what tribe are you?
Kpelle: yáŋ íkaa a lé sîi-nuu?
English: i am a gio man
Kpelle: ŋ́gaa a gîo-nuu
English: what are you looking for flomo?
Kpelle: ya fulomo kɔ́rii lé mɛni ma?
English: i want him to carry me somewhere
Kpelle: ŋa ŋ̀wɛlii é lí a ńyãa kwaa  da ma.
English: i'm waiting for him
Kpelle: ŋa m̀aa kpɛ́ŋ-ni
English: you will stay long here
Kpelle: ya pâi námui ɓɛ́
English: the people gathered together
Kpelle: nûai dí díŋa tɛ̀ ma
English: to do what?
Kpelle: à gɛ́ɛ dí lé kɛ́?
English: to work together
Kpelle: à gɛ́ɛ dí tíi kɛ́ gîe-mâ
English: where are they coming from?
Kpelle: da kulâi mí ta?
English: they are coming from their various town
Kpelle: da kulâi dí taa-ŋai su
English: their words are one
Kpelle: dí wóo káa zu tɔnɔ
English: so they work together
Kpelle: m̀ɛni ma da tíi kɛ́ gîe-mâ
English: our words are together
Kpelle: kú wóo káa zu tɔnɔ
English: my older brother is here
Kpelle: nîa-surɔ̂ŋ káa ɓɛ́
English: my younger brother is sick
Kpelle: nêɣe surɔ̂ŋ káa kɔlɛi
English: my older sister is not working
Kpelle: nîa-nɛniî fé tíi kɛ̂i
English: tokpah doesn't want to work
Kpelle: tokpa—fé ŋ̀wɛlii é tíi kɛ́
English: he will not eat here today
Kpelle: vé pâi mii-sɛŋ miî ɓɛ́ sâa
English: tell him to come here
Kpelle: mó ma é pá ɓɛ́
English: tell her to come here
Kpelle: mó ma é pá ɓɛ́
English: tell it to come here
Kpelle: mó ma é pá ɓɛ́
English: he said he is not coming
Kpelle: ǹyɛɛ vé pâi
English: today is market day in sanoyea
Kpelle: sâa ɓa sanɔ̂yee lɔɔ-ɣele
English: tina and her friends are going to the market
Kpelle: tina da marai da liî ǹɔ́ɔi su.
English: tina is selling cassava
Kpelle: tina a manaŋ kɔlɛ̂i
English: nyepu is selling banana also
Kpelle: nyɛpu a gôi kɔlɛ̂i máŋ
English: tina is buying shoes
Kpelle: tina a kɔ́ɔ-ŋá kɔlɔ yâi
English: tina and her friends are going home
Kpelle: tina da marai da liî dípɔ gólii.
English: where they came from?
Kpelle: mí ɓé dí kùla naai?
English: they came from the market
Kpelle: dí kùla ǹɔ́ɔi su
English: what they went to do there?
Kpelle: lé ɓé dí lì gɛ̂i naai?
English: they went to buy things
Kpelle: dí lì sãa yâi
English: they were how many?
Kpelle: díkɛ ɣɛɛlu?
English: they were many
Kpelle: díkɛ a dítamaa
English: what have they brought?
Kpelle: lé ɓé dí pà lai?
English: they brought many things
Kpelle: dí pà a sãa támaa
English: they walked to go?
Kpelle: dí sìa díkɛɛ liî?
English: nowai is a good person
Kpelle: nowai káa a núu lɛ́lɛɛ
English: she loves people
Kpelle: núu wɛ́li káa mâ
English: that's a good behavior
Kpelle: tûa-pere lɛ́lɛɛ ká tí
English: that's how it should be
Kpelle: bere ɓé maa nɛ̃ɛi é kɛ́ lai
English: she is very good
Kpelle: zɔŋ lɛ́lɛɛ̂i kpɔ́ a ŋánaa
English: that's how people should behave
Kpelle: bere ɓé maa nɛ̃ɛi núu tûa pere é kɛ́ la.
English: forkpah is a hunter
Kpelle: fɔ́kpa káa a gbâna-pili-nuu
English: he hunts every night
Kpelle: à gbâna pili a kpíni kélee
English: can you hunt?
Kpelle: yâ gbâna pili?
English: yes, i can hunt
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋa gbâna pili
English: you can kill an animal?
Kpelle: yâ sua pâa?
English: yes, i can kill an animal
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋa sua pâa
English: can you sell some?
Kpelle: yâ da kɔlɛ?
English: yes, i can sell some
Kpelle: ôoei, ŋa da kɔlɛ
English: will you go to school tomorrow?
Kpelle: yâ pâi tínaa liî kɔlɔ-pɛrɛ mu?
English: i will go to school next week
Kpelle: ŋa pâi liî kɔlɔ-pɛrɛ mu nɔ̂ku ninai
English: what are you doing this week?
Kpelle: lé ɓé ya gɛ̂i nɔ̂kui ŋí sui?
English: i'm working this week
Kpelle: ŋ́gaa tíi kɛ̂i nɔ̂kui ŋí su
English: for me, i'm going today
Kpelle: ŋwɔ̂i, ŋa liî sâa
English: you can go
Kpelle: ya pɔ̂ri liî
English: but me, i'm not going
Kpelle: kɛ́lɛ ŋwɔ̂i, fé liî.
English: i will be back soon
Kpelle: ŋaa ɓâa pà pôlu lônii ma
English: please tell my teacher
Kpelle: kpera yɛ mó mí ŋá sɛŋ lɛ́-nuui ma.
English: will tell him
Kpelle: ŋ pâi moi ma
English: i will pass here
Kpelle: ŋa pâi tɛɛi ɓɛ́.
English: will you be here?
Kpelle: ya pâi kɛ̂i ɓɛ́?
English: don't ask me
Kpelle: ífe mare kɛ̀
English: you are on your own
Kpelle: íkaa íkpɔɔi yee ma
English: we never planned this
Kpelle: kúfe nyíŋ kpɛ̀tɛ ni
English: you did it on your own
Kpelle: ígɛ̀ í kpɔ́ɔi yee ma
English: what are you telling me?
Kpelle: lé ɓé ya mói mai?
English: you got me clearly
Kpelle: í ŋóo mɛ̀ni a maa waa
English: please don't insult me
Kpelle: kpera yɛ ífe nalâŋ
English: i'm not insulting you
Kpelle: mvé í lalâŋ-ni
English: it's better be
Kpelle: é kɛ́ kpɛ́ni tí
English: family tree can bind, but it can't break
Kpelle: káa-laa wuru maa a pɛlɛ nɔ́, kɛ́lɛ va ɣale.
English: this one will break
Kpelle: nyíŋi a pâi ɣálei
English: because the blood line is very strong
Kpelle: kpɛ́ni fêi ŋ̀ãa ɣɛlii kpanaŋɔɔi kpɔ́ a ŋánaa.
English: that's the only thing that will bless you
Kpelle: m̀ɛnii nɔ́ ká tí pâi kpɔŋ maa tɛɛ̂i ípɔi.
English: let me go home and leave from here
Kpelle: ǹɛɛ ŋá lí ŋ́gɛi ŋá kúla ɓɛ́
English: you can go home, no problem
Kpelle: yâ pɔ̂ri liî íkɛi, mɛni da fêi
English: peace and love
Kpelle: lii-see da wɛli-kɛ-maa
English: in the beginning, god created the heavens and the earth
Kpelle: gɔ́ɔ pîlanii ɣâla è ŋ̀elei kpɛ̂tɛ da ǹɔii
English: and god said, let there be light, and there was light
Kpelle: nya ƃe ɣâla è mò ǹyɛɛ, 'tɔɔ kwaa é pono.' ǹyaŋ kwaa è pòno
English: kpelle language
Kpelle: kpɛlɛɛ-woo
English: dog and chicken meet
Kpelle: ɣîla da tɛ́ɛ dí koyâŋ
English: chicken did not have a house
Kpelle: pɛ́rɛ fé tɛ́ɛ yêei
English: dog did not have a house
Kpelle: pɛ́rɛ fé ɣîla yêei
English: chicken built a house
Kpelle: tɛ́ɛ è pɛ́rɛ tɔ̀ɔ
English: dog saw chicken's house
Kpelle: ɣîla è tɛ́ɛ ŋɔpɛ́rɛi kàa
English: chicken called dog to live in his house
Kpelle: tɛ́ɛ è ɣîla tòli a gɛ́ɛ díkɛ ŋɔpɛ́rɛi mu
English: i saw a dove
Kpelle: ŋá tòloŋ kàa
English: bird is in the bush
Kpelle: ŋɔni káa nɔii su
English: i have a car
Kpelle: kéleŋ káa nyêei
English: i have a house also
Kpelle: pɛ́rɛ káa nyêei máŋ
English: i will build a school tomorrow
Kpelle: ŋa pâi kɔlɔ-pɛrɛ tɔɔi tínaa
English: but when he thought about these things, behold an angel of the lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, joseph, son of david, don't be afraid to yourself mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the holy spirit
Kpelle: kɛ́lɛ, tãi è kɛ̀ gíli ŋá siâi la é pîlaŋ m̀ɛni-ŋai ŋí diai, kúnuu-namui ŋɔkélai dɔnɔ è pà bɔ́ nyiî-pere, ǹyɛɛ mai, 'deeɓé ǹóŋ zosɛ, ífe yào mere siɣe mɛ̂ni ma, nyii gáa a ínɛnîi, kpɛ́ni fêi, gooi gáa mai, m̀ɔlêŋ maa waai ɓé gɛ̀ é kɛ́ mà
English: she shall give birth to a son. you shall name him jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins
Kpelle: ǹyaŋ a pâi lóŋ-surɔŋ maa sɔlɔ ɓôi, nyii ya pâi ǹáa seêi a zîsɛ, kpɛ́ni fêi, a pâi ŋɔnûai ɓâloi dísɔnyɔ̂ŋ yêei.
English: now the birth of jesus christ was like this: after his mother, mary, was engaged to joseph, before they came together, she was found pregnant by the holy spirit.
Kpelle: ǹyaŋ berei ŋí ɓé dí zîsɛ kôrai maa sɔlɔ ɓô la. tãi zosɛ e zîsɛ ǹee mere kɔli-kao làa lai, dí lɛ́ɛ pâi kɛ̂i díkîe ma, m̀ɔlêŋ maa waai e gɛ̀ é koo síɣe
English: joseph, her husband, being a righteous man, and not willing to make her a public example, intended to put her away secretly.
Kpelle: nya ɓe ŋɔsurɔ̂ŋ zosɛ, nyii kɛ̀ a tɔ̃yâ-nuui, vé kɛ́ ní ŋ̀wɛ̂lii a gɛɛ e mere ŋumɛ. è gbɛ̀tɛ gíli ŋá a gɛɛ é mere lɛɛ loo-pere su
English: blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
Kpelle: lûwa káa diai dîa díkoloɔ̂i dímɔ̃leŋ sui, kpɛ́ni fêi, ŋ̀âla-taa kâloŋ-laai káa a dípɔɔ
English: blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted
Kpelle: lûwa káa diai dîa da wɔ́lɔ̂i, kpɛ́ni fêi, da pâi díŋa nɛnɛ̂i
English: blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth
Kpelle: lûwa káa diai dîa dílii maa yeŋɔɔ̂i, kpɛ́ni fêi, dîa ɓe dípɔɔ ɓa ǹɔii
English: blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.
Kpelle: lûwa káa diai dîa puru a díkɛ da kpele-wɛli tɔ̃yâ-laa mɛni mai, kpɛ́ni fêi, da pâi pelâi.
English: early morning, kona and his father went to the creek
Kpelle: kona da ǹaŋ da somui ńyai la
English: the men are taking cutlasses, knives and pans along.
Kpelle: zinâai da liî a gbêya ŋa, ɓóa-ŋa da pâne-ŋa
English: the boys are carrying fire and pots
Kpelle: zina-nɛyaai da liî a ŋɔŋ da leɣi-ŋa
English: they are killing goats and chickens
Kpelle: da ɓoli-ŋa da tɛ́ɛ-ŋa pàai
English: the men are cooking the soup
Kpelle: zinâai da naoi ɣilii
English: the ancestors are accepting the sacrifice
Kpelle: ŋamũa-ŋai da díyee see zâlai mu
English: greetings
Kpelle: naa ti̍-maai ka ŋi
English: we have come to learn kpelle is a book which teaches you how to spell proper kpelle.
Kpelle: kwaa pá kpeelee-woo maa kori kaa kɔlɔi, nyii a kpɛlɛɛ-woo su waa mo pere lɛ yâ.
English: sixteen
Kpelle: puu kao-lɔɔlu-mɛida
English: seventeen
Kpelle: puu kao-lɔɔu-mɛi-feerɛ
English: eighteen
Kpelle: puu kao-lɔɔlu-mɛi-saaɓa
English: nineteen
Kpelle: puu kao-lɔɔlu-mɛi-naaŋ
English: sixty
Kpelle: buu lɔɔlu mɛida
English: seventy
Kpelle: buu lɔɔlu mɛi-feeɣɛ
English: eighty
Kpelle: buu lɔɔlu mɛi-saaɓa
English: ninety
Kpelle: buu lɔɔlu mɛi-naaŋ
English: hundred
Kpelle: ŋuŋ tɔnɔ
English: two hundred
Kpelle: ŋuŋ feerɛ
English: three hundred
Kpelle: ŋuŋ saaɓa
English: four hundred
Kpelle: ŋuŋ naaŋ
English: five hundred
Kpelle: ŋuŋ lɔɔlu
English: six hundred
Kpelle: ŋuŋ lɔɔlu mɛida
English: seven hundred
Kpelle: ŋuŋ lɔɔlu mɛi-feerɛ
English: eight hundred
Kpelle: ŋuŋ lɔɔlu mɛi-saaɓa
English: nine hundred
Kpelle: ŋuŋ lɔɔlu mɛi-naaŋ
English: if you go to someone and he is in his house, you knock at the door, knock, knock.
Kpelle: yâ kúla nuu ta ma, nuui tí a kɛ́ ŋɔpɛrɛi mu, ya ŋɔgbɔŋ tûa, kpɔ, kpɔ.
English: he will ask, who is that?
Kpelle: a pai imare kɛi, gbɛɛ ɓe ti?
English: you may answer him, i am the one or it is (name), i.e korto
Kpelle: yé ŋwoo su tóo, ńyea kɔto ɓé.
English: if it is in the morning, say good morning.
Kpelle: a kɛ a ɣele-wala, kɛ́ ma, ya-ŋuŋ.
English: but if it is in the afternoon, you may say good afternoon.
Kpelle: kɛɛ a kɛ́ a fólo-ŋa, kɛ ma, ya-tûa.
English: if it is more than one person, say, hello very one.
Kpelle: nuu tɛɛ nuu tɔnɔ ma, ya kɛ́, ká-ŋuŋ́, kpaa ká-tûa.
English: if he asks you, what is the news?
Kpelle: a imare ke, ku meni naa?
English: you may say no bad news. no blame on god
Kpelle: kɛ́ ma, meni nyɔɔ da fé naa. ikɔlɔi ponoi? kɛ ma, woei, kai fe ƴâla ma.
English: if you are leaving, tell him or her good night or goodbye or have a good day.
Kpelle: ya kɛ liî, mó ma, ŋá kɛ liî. a kɛ ti mó ma, iɣele-wulii,kpaa iɣele-walala.
English: again, you may tell him, keep your eye on yourself, and you may greet everyone for me.
Kpelle: mó nɔɔ ma, iŋɛi, kɛ ya-ee. ŋa faa nûai dia-ee.
English: if a person greets you and don't know his name, you may call him, my friend.
Kpelle: nuu a naa-ti yá. ya wala ke a'naa kɔlɔŋɔ, dóli a náoi.
English: they built a house in the town
Kpelle: di pɛrɛ tɔ́ɔ daai su.
English: i bought a book
Kpelle: ŋá kɔlɔ yà.
English: one man is coming.
Kpelle: nalôŋ tɔnɔ ka paii.
English: give me a cup
Kpelle: kɔpu tɛi mbɔ.
English: do you have a woman.
Kpelle: nɛni ká iyéei?
English: they are selling bread.
Kpelle: da kpólo kɔlɛî.
English: ripe banana is sweet.
Kpelle: goi kpɔlu nɛɛ̃i.
English: do you want peanut?
Kpelle: yá télâŋ wɛliî?
English: the man brought cassava yesterday.
Kpelle: nalôŋ è wɛɛ pà a manaŋ.
English: there is a tall tree in the forest.
Kpelle: wulu kóya ka ti tɔɔi ŋolâi su.
English: i am going to eat.
Kpelle: ŋá lii ńaa mii.
English: they built me a house.
Kpelle: di pɛrɛ tɔ̀ɔ mî.
English: we are coming to work at his house.
Kpelle: kwa pai tii kɛí bɛrɛi la.
English: my mother sent me rice
Kpelle: ǹée e mɔlɔŋ-kao tɛ̀ɛ mî.
English: their mother sent rice for them.
Kpelle: dinée é ɓa tɛ̀ɛ dîɛ.
English: they are the people coming here.
Kpelle: dia ɓé paî ɓɛ.
English: don't laugh at me.
Kpelle: i fé ɣɛ̀lɛ ma.
English: they teach us book.
Kpelle: da kɔlɔ lɛ́ kûa.
English: you all come here.
Kpelle: ka pá ɓɛ.
English: send it to him.
Kpelle: dɛ́ɛ m̀î.
English: my mother and tokpa came today.
Kpelle: ńee da tokpá di pà saa.
English: the man brought meat and cassava.
Kpelle: nalôŋ e pà sua ɓɛlɛ manaŋ ma.
English: he bought cloth and shoes.
Kpelle: é seɣe yà da ko-ŋa-kɔlɔ.
English: oh!, what happened?
Kpelle: oó-oo!, lé ɓe kɛ́?
English: why are you laughing about?
Kpelle: aá! lé ɓe ya ɣɛ́lɛî lai?
English: wait!, don't go there.
Kpelle: tɔɔ́-kpɔ́! i fé ki naa.
English: come to school today.
Kpelle: pá saa kɔlɔ-pɔrɔŋ.
English: are you going with me?
Kpelle: yâ pai kú lí?
English: speak to me!
Kpelle: yé lóno ḿbɔ!
English: he is able to write a letter.
Kpelle: a poriî kɔlɔ pɔ̃yɛ.
English: come sit down here.
Kpelle: pá sée ɓɛ.
English: i am coming to lie down and sleep.
Kpelle: ŋá pai laai ŋa nyii.
English: where may i lay your book?
Kpelle: ŋá ikɔlɔl láa mí da?
English: come let's eat the rice.
Kpelle: pá kú mai mii.
English: the woman cooks fine food.
Kpelle: nɛnii a leɣi ɣirir a nɛlɛɛ.
English: i want to drink water.
Kpelle: ŋá ŋweliî ŋá ya kpéle.
English: don't enter here.
Kpelle: i fé lɔ́ bɛ!
English: come and see here.
Kpelle: pá ɓɛ káa.
English: the woman washes her clothes.
Kpelle: nènii a ŋɔ̀ɔ seɣei wáa.
English: the child can't walk.
Kpelle: nolóŋ fá sia.
English: come and fix my clothes.
Kpelle: pá ŋáyɛkɛi kpɛ́tɛ.
English: this is a black chicken.
Kpelle: tɛ́ɛ tɛi ka ŋí.
English: this is a big house.
Kpelle: pɛrɛ kɛ́tɛ ka ŋí.
English: this is a small child.
Kpelle: nolóŋ kɛ́tɛ ka ŋí.
English: the town is not large
Kpelle: daai fé kɛtɛ ni.
English: this is a sour orange.
Kpelle: gamɛne kpóna ka ŋí.
English: this is sweet bread
Kpelle: kpólo nɛ̃ɛ ka ŋí.
English: he slept for a short time.
Kpelle: è nỳii a tãi gbûa.
English: there is bitter cassava on their farm.
Kpelle: manaŋ wãna ka dikpálaŋ ŋa.
English: you bathe with hot water.
Kpelle: i wáa a ya faã.
English: the cup is white.
Kpelle: kɔpui a kóle.
English: the house is not tall.
Kpelle: berei fé kóya ni.
English: the water is cold.
Kpelle: nyá ŋi laɣeɛi.
English: it is so much sweet.
Kpelle: nɛ̃ɛ kpɔ kpûŋ.
English: it is shining brightly.
Kpelle: a foloi a ŋaná.
English: he walks slowly.
Kpelle: á sia nyɔ́-nyɔ́.
English: he talks senselessly.
Kpelle: a lóno- pú-tu, pú-tu.
English: dry it very lightly.
Kpelle: yé gbála yéi-yêi.
English: it is very sweet
Kpelle: nîɣeŋɔi ními-nimí.
English: oil is on the clothe.
Kpelle: wúlɔ ka zeɣei ma.
English: your book is on the table.
Kpelle: ikɔlɔ ka tebli ŋa.
English: he put water in the bucket.
Kpelle: e ya pù bɔkii su.
English: the pot is sitting under the table.
Kpelle: neɣrei ka seéí tébeli mu.
English: charcoal is on the cup bottom.
Kpelle: tiɣi ka kɔpui kpɔ̂ŋ-ŋa.
English: liimu cooks delicious food.
Kpelle: liimu a ɓa nɛ̃ɛ ɣìri.
English: go wash my clothes.
Kpelle: lí ŋaseɣei waa.
English: what is your name?
Kpelle: ilaa ɓa gbɛɛ?
English: oo! you come for me!
Kpelle: ka pá níi-óo!
English: kpelle culture.
Kpelle: kpɛlɛɛ tûa pere.
English: marrying a kpelle woman.
Kpelle: kpɛlɛ nɛyaa kula.
English: the kpelles marry their women in four ways.
Kpelle: kpɛlɛɛ-ŋa di nɛyaa kula kaa a pere sii-naaŋ
English: they marry some women by working for the parents.
Kpelle: dâ da kula a ɓɔlɔ-perei kolo-ɓoɔ, a tii kɛɛ̂.
English: they pay dowry for some of them.
Kpelle: dĩ da ni ma-sɛŋ kpɛɛ a sɛŋ-kao.
English: if not, they offer her to them as a wife.
Kpelle: ve kɛ ni, di nɛni kɛ́ dĩɛ a nĩa.
English: or they have some marriages by loving.
Kpelle: a wala kɛ ti, gɛ diyeei wɛli-pere su.
English: korto saw garmei and she approached her for her brother, kolee-lon's lobe for her.
Kpelle: kɔ́to e garmɛ́i kaa a weli-meni ɓò ma zaa ɓɔlɔ kolɛɛ-loŋ meni ma.
English: garmei agreed to it.
Kpelle: garmɛi e fàa ma.
English: korto went and told her father toeko-lon and her mother yanka.
Kpelle: kɔ́to e li e mò'nâŋ tôkɔ-lɔŋ da'nee yanka dia.
English: so garmei received the engagement item from korto.
Kpelle: nya ɓe garmɛi e wɛli-sɛŋ sɔlɔɓò kɔ́rto nyéei.
English: but they said they wanted a man to work for garmei.
Kpelle: kɛlɛ di mò da ɓɔlɔ-nuu wɛlii kɛi garmɛi mɛni ma.
English: when korto went to gamei's parents about the engagement, garmei's father betii and her mother towan, told her that it is still in place and still standing.
Kpelle: gɛɛ kɔ́to a li pôlu gamɛi ni pɔ naa a gɛɛ é gɔli-kaoi naa-mare kɛ, gamɛi nâŋ bɛ-tii da nee towâŋ, di mò ma, a gɛɛ gɔli-kaoi kaa a vulu.
English: again, korto went back and told her parents.
Kpelle: kɔ́to e ŋ̍ɔŋɔ li pôlu e mò ŋ̍ɔnûa dia.
English: so korto and her parents made arrangements to carry kollah-lom and present him.
Kpelle: nyan ɓe kɔ́to da ŋɔŋùa di gbɛtɛ a gɛɛ di li a kolɛɛ-loŋ di dɛ́ɛ mɔlɔ-perei su.
English: the people accepted kollah-lon.
Kpelle: nûa di diyeei seè kolɛɛ-loŋ mi.
English: kolla-lon's parents turned around and presented his brother sulonteh as kollah-lon's father for the marriage and their sister as his mother.
Kpelle: kolɛɛ-loŋ ŋɔnûa di t̀inàŋ di ǹia suloŋ-tei lɛ̀ a nɛnii kɔri-nâŋ, a kɛ ti kɔ́to kɛ a nɛnii kɔri-nee.
English: thus how the work is going to be done: kollah-lon going to be making rice farm, cutting palmnuts, hunting for animals, getting wood, including all the works that is supposed to be done at home.
Kpelle: mɔlɔ-pere kolo kɛɛî ka ŋi, kolɛɛ-loŋ a pai kɛi ɓa-tii kɛi, gɛ tou tee, gɛ fɛnɛ-sɛŋ kɔri, gɛ kɔi siƴeɛ pɛlɛ la nuu-kɛi kolo-kɛɛ, kélee ma.
English: it is now marriage between kollah-lon and garmei until they get old.
Kpelle: kolɛɛ-loŋ da gamɛi, a kɛ́ di lokwai a tûa-laa e lɛ́ɛ́ la zu di pɔlɔ.
English: only death will separate them.
Kpelle: saa nɔ ɓe pai di kulai di gɛi-ma.
English: thank you
Kpelle: i sɛɣɛ̂
English: please & thank you
Kpelle: kpera yɛ̂ & i sɛɣɛ̂
English: goodbye
Kpelle: ku nyii a nɛ́lɛɛ
English: how much does it cost?
Kpelle: gáa a ɣɛɛlu?
English: can you show me the bathroom?
Kpelle: ɓa pɔ̂ri ŋwaa kôraŋ lɛi mâ?
English: where can i find the bathroom?
Kpelle: mí ɓe ŋa pɔ̂ri ŋwaa koraŋ kâi naai?
English: sorry, i don't speak kpelle
Kpelle: kpera yɛ̂, fa kpɛlɛɛ woo ɓo
English: i don't speak your language well
Kpelle: fa pɔ̂ri i sîi wooi ɓôi a nɛ́lɛɛ.
English: my name is james konneh. what's yours?
Kpelle: náa ɓa james konneh, yaŋ i wɔ̂ɔ laai?
English: my name is hawa mulbah. what's yours?
Kpelle: náa ɓa hawa mulbah, yaŋ i wɔ̂ɔ laai?
English: i need help
Kpelle: ŋa kpɔŋ mâ wɛli kɛ̂i.
English: can you please repeat that?
Kpelle: ya pɔ̂ri môi pôlu,i kpera yɛ̂?
English: call the ambulance.
Kpelle: gɔlɔ fêla kêlelŋ toli
English: call the police.
Kpelle: gɔlɔ fêla kɔpu gâa .
English: call the ambulance
Kpelle: gɔlɔ fêla kêlelŋ toli gâa.
English: call the police
Kpelle: gɔlɔ fêla kêlelŋ kɔpu gâa.
English: where is the restroom?
Kpelle: nì a pere pɛ̂rɛi kaa mɨ́ konaŋ?
English: where is the bathroom?
Kpelle: nì a pere pɛ̂rɛi kaa ŋwaa konaŋ?
English: where is the restroom?
Kpelle: nì a pere pɛ̂rɛi kaa mɨ́?
English: where is the bathroom?
Kpelle: nì a pere pɛ̂rɛi ŋwaa konaŋ?
English: how much does this cost?
Kpelle: nyíŋi kaa a ɣɛɛlu?
English: numbers 1-100
Kpelle: e kula tɔnɔɔ ma ě too ŋuŋ tɔ̂nɔ ma
English: do you speak english?
Kpelle: ya kwii-wôo ɓo?
English: how are you?
Kpelle: i kɔlɔ̂i kaa leŋ?
English: can i book a table, please?
Kpelle: ŋa pɔ̂ri teɓele siɣêi, i kpera yɛ̂?
English: can we have table for 1, please?
Kpelle: kwa pɔ̂ri teɓele sɔlɔ ɓôi 1 mɛni ma i kpera yɛ̂?
English: can we have table for 2, please?
Kpelle: kwa pɔ̂ri teɓele sɔlɔ ɓôi 2 mɛni ma i kpera yɛ̂?
English: can we have table for 3, please?
Kpelle: kwa pɔ̂ri teɓele sɔlɔ ɓôi 3 mɛni ma i kpera yɛ̂?
English: can we have table for 4, please?
Kpelle: kwa pɔ̂ri teɓele sɔlɔ ɓôi 4 mɛni ma i kpera yɛ̂?
English: can we have table for one, please?
Kpelle: kwa pɔ̂ri teɓele sɔlɔ ɓôi taaŋ mɛni ma i kpera yɛ̂?
English: can we have table for two, please?
Kpelle: kwa pɔ̂ri teɓele sɔlɔ ɓôi veerɛ mɛni ma i kpera yɛ̂?
English: can we have table for three, please?
Kpelle: kwa pɔ̂ri teɓele sɔlɔ ɓôi zaaɓa mɛni ma i kpera yɛ̂?
English: can we have table for four, please?
Kpelle: kwa pɔ̂ri teɓele sɔlɔ ɓôi naaŋ mɛni ma i kpera yɛ̂?
English: can we have the menu, please?
Kpelle: kwa pɔ̂ri mii-sɛ̂ŋ laa pɛ̃ɣɛ kɔlɔi sɔlɔ ɓôi, i kpera yɛ̂?
English: can we have a few more minutes, please?
Kpelle: ya pɔ̂ri folo yêe ŋa-leŋ loŋ tɛɛ̂i ku pɔ,i kpera yɛ̂?
English: what do you recommend?
Kpelle: le ɓe ya pɔ̂ri môi?
English: can we share the plate
Kpelle: kwa pɔ̂ri mäi ŋaa kɔlɛ̂i?
English: excuse me, can we order more food, please?
Kpelle: ka fâle. kwa pɔ̂ri mii sɛ̂ŋ tama sɔlɔ ɓôi, i kpera yɛ̀?
English: excuse me, can we order more drinks, please?
Kpelle: ka fâle. kwa pɔ̂ri mii sɛ̂ŋ tama kpele sɛ̂ŋ, i kpera yɛ̀?
English: have you got any ketchup and mustard?
Kpelle: mii sɛ̂ŋ maa kpɛtɛ sɛ̂ŋ da kaa iyêi?
English: can i have some salt and pepper, please?
Kpelle: ŋa pɔ̂ri mii kpôlo da kiyɛ̂ŋ sɔlɔ ɓôi, i kpera yɛ̂?
English: can i just have a plain burger, please?
Kpelle: ŋa pɔ̂ri kpólo kpɛni kpɛni sɔlɔ ɓôi?
English: sorry, this is not what i asked for!
Kpelle: kpera yɛ̂, nyiŋi fe ŋa maa mare kɛ̂ɛ kɛ̈!
English: do you know where bensonville is?
Kpelle: i ɓɛi kɔlɔŋ bensonville kaa naai?
English: how far is it from monrovia to kakata?
Kpelle: ě kula duukɔ̂ɔ e li kâka-taa, naa kaa lëŋ?
English: is it walkable from here?
Kpelle: naa kaa a sia kwâa ma ë kula ɓɛ?
English: could you recommend a decent restaurant round here?
Kpelle: ya pɔ̂ri mii-sɛ̂ŋ mii kwâ ma lɛ̌lɛɛ lɛ̂i mâ ɓɛ kɔlɛ mâ?
English: could you recommend a decent bar round here?
Kpelle: ya pɔ̂ri mii-sɛ̂ŋ mii kwâ ma lɛ̌lɛɛ lɛ̂i mâ ɓɛ kɔlɛ mâ?
English: can i drink tap water?
Kpelle: ŋa pɔ̂ri nyai mɛi père kpelêi?
English: toilet or trash can?
Kpelle: li a pere pɛ̂rɛ /kala pu sɛŋ?
English: i lost my key
Kpelle: ŋa ŋ̈ä kîi laŋ
English: are you open?
Kpelle: ï ŋɛi ponôɔi?
English: where's the closest restaurant?
Kpelle: mii sɛ̂ŋ kwaa ma kpuai kɔ̂ɔ?
English: check, please?
Kpelle: naa kaa, kperɛ yɛ̂?
English: do you take credit cards?
Kpelle: ya pɔ̂ri kpa soŋ kɔ̂lɔ siɣêi?
English: what is the total?
Kpelle: zɔ̃ɔ kaa a ɣɛɛlu?
English: is it spicy?
Kpelle: nɛɛ lɛ̂lɛi?
English: is the tip included?
Kpelle: zɛŋ lôŋ ti  kaa zu?
English: too expensive
Kpelle: zɔ̃ɔ kɛ́tɛ̂ɛi
English: no, thank you
Kpelle: kpa, i sɛɣɛ̂
English: is there a discount?
Kpelle: zɔ̃ɔ da a pɔ̂ri kulâi ma?
English: where is the bank?
Kpelle: zɛŋ kâo lâai kɛ̈ pɛrɛi kaa mï?
English: do you have change?
Kpelle: kâpa kpua-kpua kaa i yêi?
English: when do you close?
Kpelle: mi tãi b̀ë ya ɓɛ laa tɛ̂ lai?
English: when do you open?
Kpelle: mï tɛ̃i ɓe ya ɓɛ laa ɓo lai?
English: can i try?
Kpelle: ŋa pɔ̂ri zu kɔ̂ɔŋ nii?
English: slowly, please.
Kpelle: gɛ̌ sii-sii ï kpera yɛ̂
English: nice to meet you!
Kpelle: nɛlɛ̂i, ŋa i kaa!