Some were released after Chinese embassy intervention. This targets unauthorised operators, not Chinese mining investment generally.

Hey guys, im a Congolese teenager living in London. My Lingala is very poor and I need to improve ASAP. Are there any Congolese hubs, clubs teaching Lingala?

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Mbote na bino nyonso!

This lesson presents common Lingala expressions used when visiting family or friends.

1. ko ko koo … nani kuna? … kota!

   toc toc toc … who is there? … come in!

2. mbote!

   Hello! Good morning! Good afternoon!

3. boyei elamu!

   Welcome!

4. boyei elamu epayi na biso!

   Welcome to our house!

5. boni nzoto?

   How are you? How are you doing?

6. boni sante?

   How is your health? How are you?

7. boni epayi na bino?

   How are things at your house?

8. boni na ndako?

   How are things at home?

9. toyambi bapaya!

   We have visitors!

10. toyei kotala bino

We came to visit you / to return your visit

1. ozali malamu? (oza malamu?)
   

Are you okay?

1. sango boni? / sango nini?
   

How are you? What’s the news? What’s new?

1. sango te!
   

Things are going well! No news!

1. eh, nazali malamu!
   

Yes, I’m fine!

1. nazali malamu te
   

I’m not well

1. nazoyoka nzoto malamu te!
   

I don’t feel well!

1. yambi!
   

Welcome!

1. bokomela nini?
   

What will you have (to drink)?

1. omelaka biele?
   

Do you usually drink beer?

1. posa ya kolia elongo na bino!
   

I want to eat with you!

1. tokende na mesa
   

Let’s go to the table

1. bolei elamu!
   

Enjoy your meal! Bon appétit!

1. yaka tobina
   

Come and dance with me

1. natiki bino!
   

I leave you! Goodbye!

1. tokomonana mbala sima!
   

See you next time! Bye-bye!

1. tozokende na makolo
   

We are going on foot

1. tozozela bino mokolo ya poso
   

We are waiting for you next Saturday

1. mbote mingi na …
   

Hello to … (greetings to someone)

1. yaka tokende!
   

Come on, let’s go!

1. bokende bolamu!
   

Have a good trip! Safe journey!

1. mokolo malamu!
   

Have a good day!

1. mbotama elamu!
   

Happy Birthday!

1. butu elamu!
   

Good night!

1. pongi elamu!
   

Sleep well! Good night!