Understanding Dictionary Entries
Each entry in the Ma'Kobane Dictionary contains rich information about Sesotho words. Understanding how to read these entries will help you make the most of the dictionary.
Entry Structure
A typical dictionary entry includes the following components:
- Headword: The Sesotho word in its standard form
- Part of Speech: Indicates whether the word is a noun, verb, adjective, etc.
- Grammatical Markers: Information about noun classes, verb forms, etc.
- Translations: English meanings of the word
- Context: Additional information about when or how the word is used
- Examples: Example sentences showing the word in context
Parts of Speech
Ma'Kobane Dictionary classifies words into several parts of speech:
- Noun (lebitso): Person, place, thing, or concept
- Verb (kutu/leetsi): Action or state
- Adjective (tlhalosi): Word that describes a noun
- Adverb (lekutu): Word that modifies a verb, adjective, or other adverb
- Pronoun (moemedi): Word that substitutes for a noun
- Proverb (maele): Traditional saying that offers wisdom or insight
Noun Classes
For nouns, the dictionary entry includes the noun class. Sesotho has several noun classes that determine the prefixes and agreement patterns:
- Classes 1/2: Person nouns (e.g., motho/batho - person/people)
- Classes 3/4: Natural phenomena, some plants and animals
- Classes 5/6: Various objects, often paired things
- Classes 7/8: Languages, implements, and tools
- Classes 9/10: Animals and many loanwords
Verb Forms
Verb entries include information about the root form and may show different derivations:
- Root form: The basic form of the verb without prefixes or suffixes
- Perfect form: Indicates completed action
- Applied form: Indicates action done for someone
- Passive form: Indicates the subject receiving the action
Examples and Context
The examples provided in entries demonstrate how words are used in natural speech:
- Sesotho example: A sentence in Sesotho using the word
- English translation: The meaning of the example in English
- Context notes: When or where this usage typically occurs
Understanding these components will help you get a complete picture of how each word is used in Sesotho.