Public Transport

1. Ngifuna ukuya eGoli ngamatekisi.

   I want to go to Johannesburg by taxi.

   Usage

   Used when traveling by shared taxi (minibus taxi) in South Africa.

   Grammar Note

   "eGoli" is the Zulu name for Johannesburg (meaning "place of gold"). "e-" is a locative prefix.

2. Isiteshi sibhasi sikuphi?

   Where is the bus stop?

   Usage

   Used when asking for the location of a bus stop.

   Grammar Note

   "sikuphi" combines "si-" (subject prefix) with "kuphi" (where).

3. Ibhasi iya eThekwini nini?

   When does the bus to Durban leave?

   Usage

   Used when asking about departure time for a bus to a specific destination.

   Grammar Note

   "nini" means "when" and typically appears at the end of a question.

4. Ngicela ikhadi lokukhwela isitimela.

   Please give me a train pass.

   Usage

   Used when buying a train pass or ticket.

   Grammar Note

   "lo-" is the possessive linker la- (agreeing with class 5 ikhadi) contracted with uku-. "ukukhwela" means "to ride/board".

5. Itekisi liya e-OR Tambo ngezingaki?

   How much is a taxi to OR Tambo airport?

   Usage

   Used when checking taxi fare to Johannesburg's international airport.

   Grammar Note

   "ngezingaki" combines "nge-" (by means of) with "ingaki" (how many/much).

6. Ngifuna ukukhwela uMBTR eThekwini.

   I want to ride the BRT bus in Durban.

   Usage

   Used when wanting to use Durban's Bus Rapid Transit system.

   Grammar Note

   "ukukhwela" is the infinitive form of the verb meaning "to board/ride".

7. Ngilahlekile. Ngicela ungisize.

   I'm lost. Please help me.

   Usage

   Used when lost on public transport and needing help.

   Grammar Note

   "Ngilahlekile" is in the perfect aspect, expressing a state of being lost.

8. Isitimela sihamba nini?

   When does the train depart?

   Usage

   Used when asking about train departure time.

   Grammar Note

   "sihamba" combines "si-" (subject prefix) with "hamba" (to go/travel).

9. Ngifuna isihlalo sokuthintana.

   I want to reserve a connecting seat.

   Usage

   Used when reserving a seat on a train or bus.

   Grammar Note

   "so-" is the class "si-" connective. "ukuthintana" means "to connect/touch each other".

10. Inombolo yocingo yeranki yamatekisi iyini?

    What is the taxi rank phone number?

    Usage

    Used when asking for the contact number of a taxi rank.

    Grammar Note

    "ya-" is the possessive linker agreeing with class 9 inombolo: ya- + ucingo → yocingo, ya- + iranki → yeranki.

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