50 Essential Lingala Phrases for Beginners
Learning Lingala is an excellent way to connect with the urban culture of Central Africa — especially in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Congo, and diaspora communities around the world.
In this article, we have gathered 50 essential Lingala phrases to help you communicate with confidence in everyday situations.
We recommend watching our YouTube video to learn the correct pronunciation of each phrase.
1. Greetings and Basic Expressions
| Lingala | English |
|---|---|
| Mbote! | Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening! |
| Ozali ndenge nini? | How are you? |
| Sango nini? | What's new? |
| Sango té | Nothing new. |
2. Personal Introduction
| Lingala | English |
|---|---|
| Kombo na yó nani? | What is your name? |
| Kombo na ngai... | My name is... |
| Ozali na mbula boni? | How old are you? |
| Ofandaka wapi? | Where do you live? |
| Ofandaka na nani? | Who do you live with? |
| Matondi | Thank you |
| Matondi Mingi | Thank you very much |
| Boyei malamu | Welcome |
| Boni na ndako | How is everyone at home? |
3. Phrases for Asking for Help
| Lingala | English |
|---|---|
| Lisungui / Lisalisi? | Help |
| Soki okosepela sungá ngai | Please help me |
| Sungá ngai | Help me |
| Nalobaka lingala malamu té | I don't speak Lingala well |
| Tokoki kosolala na Portuguais? | Can we speak in Portuguese? |
| Ndenge nini bakendelaka na lopitalo? | How do I get to the hospital? |
| Loboko ya mobali | Right |
| Loboko ya mwasi | Left |
| Baluká na loboko ya mobali | Turn right |
| Baluká na Loboko ya mwasi | Turn left |
| Tozali ngonga nini? | What time is it? |
4. Phrases for Use at Home
| Lingala | English |
|---|---|
| Nakeyi Kolála | I'm going to sleep |
| Nazali na nzalá | I'm going to eat |
| Nazali na mposá ya mayi | I'm thirsty |
| Okolya nini? | What are you going to eat? |
| Okomela nini? | What are you going to drink? |
| Namelaka masanga té | I don't drink |
| Pesá nagi mayi | Give me water |
| Nalingi na sukola bilambá | I want to wash the clothes |
| Leló nagi nde nakolamba | Today I will be the one cooking |
| Lobi nalaláki malamu té | Yesterday I didn't sleep well |
| Nazali na baleki misato | I have 3 siblings |
| Tatá na ngai azali mokumbi motúka | My father is a driver |
| Nafandaka ngai mókó | I live alone |
| Nabálá | I am married |
| Nazali na bána té | I don't have children |
| Nazali monzemba | I am single |
| Nakofanda kaka awá | I'm going to sit here |
| Bolei malamu | Enjoy your meal |
| Bokende kasukola basáni | Go wash the dishes |
5. Phrases for Introducing People (Friends or Family)
| Lingala | English |
|---|---|
| Oyo moningá ngai | This is my friend |
| Oyo tatá na ngai | This is my father |
| Oyo Likangu na ngai | This is my boyfriend / girlfriend |
| Tokutana na ngonga nini? | What time shall we meet? |
| Leló nakokoka kobima té | Today I won't be able to go out |
| Leló nalingi napéma | Today I want to rest |
| Tokutana na mokolo mosúsu | Let's meet another day |
Learn Lingala with Kukubela
The Kukubela app offers practical lessons, native audio and cultural context so you can learn Lingala and other African languages effectively.
Don't wait any longer — start today.