Photography

1. Ngingathatha isithombe?

   May I take a photo?

   Usage

   Used to ask permission before photographing a person or place.

   Grammar Note

   Nginga- is a potential/permissive prefix meaning "I may/can".

2. Ungangithathela isithombe?

   Can you take a photo of me?

   Usage

   Used to ask someone to take your photo at a tourist attraction.

   Grammar Note

   -ela is a benefactive suffix meaning "for someone".

3. Inkundla yokuphothogirafa ikuphi?

   Where is a good photography spot?

   Usage

   Used to ask for recommended photography spots, e.g. Durban beachfront or game reserves.

   Grammar Note

   yoku- is a connective prefix meaning "for (doing something)".

4. Isithombe siphuma kahle kakhulu.

   The photo came out really well.

   Usage

   Used to compliment a photo after it has been taken.

   Grammar Note

   kahle means "well", kakhulu intensifies meaning "very much".

5. Ngifuna isikhathi segolide sokuphothogirafa.

   I want to shoot during golden hour.

   Usage

   Used to express interest in photography during sunrise or sunset golden light.

   Grammar Note

   se- is the connective "of" agreeing with class 7 isikhathi (sa- + igolide); golide is borrowed from English "gold".

6. Ungangicedisa ukuseta ikhamera?

   Can you help me set up the camera?

   Usage

   Used to ask for help with camera settings.

   Grammar Note

   ikhamera is borrowed from English. ukucedisa means "to help".

7. Ngingathengisa izithombe zami?

   Can I sell my photos?

   Usage

   Used to inquire about selling photos at a market or tourist venue.

   Grammar Note

   zami is the possessive pronoun "my" for the izi- noun class.

8. Lapho kunesibonakalo esihle kakhulu.

   There is a very beautiful view there.

   Usage

   Used to point out a beautiful viewpoint, e.g. the Drakensberg mountains.

   Grammar Note

   esihle is the relative form of -hle (beautiful) for the isi- noun class.

9. Ngifuna isithombe esibonisa abantu besigqi.

   I want a photo showing people doing traditional dance.

   Usage

   Used to express interest in photographing Zulu traditional dance performances.

   Grammar Note

   isigqi refers to traditional dance/rhythm. be- indicates progressive action.

10. Ngicela ungakhiphi izithombe ngaphandle kwemvume.

    Please don't post photos without permission.

    Usage

    Used to ask someone not to share photos without permission, respecting privacy.

    Grammar Note

    unga- is a prohibitive prefix. ngaphandle kwe- means "without".

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