Hotel

1. Ko saambur mi faalaa.

   I'd like a room

   Usage

   On arriving at a lodging to ask for a room; ko focuses "a room"

   Grammar Note

   Follows the Peace Corps guide's focus pattern "Ko sagata mi faalaa." (it is sagata that I want). Bah dictionary saambur = Fr. "chambre". Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar (not yet checked by a native speaker).

2. Saambur on ko jelu?

   How much is the room?

   Usage

   Asks the price of the room; also check how many nights it covers

   Grammar Note

   Follows the Bah example "Coggu kufune on ko jelu?" (what is the price of the cap?). saambur is a class-O loan (Fr. chambre). Composed from dictionary-verified words following regular grammar (not yet checked by a native speaker).

3. Ko min jogii saabiwal ngal.

   I have the key

   Usage

   Tells reception or a companion where the key is

   Grammar Note

   Taken verbatim from the Bah dictionary example under jogagol 1: "Ko min jogii saabiwal ngal." (C'est moi qui tient la clé).

4. Udditu fineeter on!

   Open the window!

   Usage

   For a hot room and similar. A singular imperative; with older staff use the respectful plural (Udditee)

   Grammar Note

   Taken verbatim from the Bah dictionary example under fineeter: "Udditu fineeter on!" (Ouvre la fenêtre!). fineeter = Fr. "fenêtre" (class O).

5. Ommbu baafal ngal.

   Close the door

   Usage

   For shutting the room door or keeping out a draught; a singular imperative

   Grammar Note

   Taken verbatim from the Bah dictionary example under baafal: "Ommbu baafal ngal." (Ferme la porte).

6. Saabunnde

   Soap

   Usage

   To ask for when the room has run out

   Grammar Note

   Bah dictionary saabunnde (plural caabune) = "savon". Example "Lootir ndiyam e saabunnde." (wash it with water and soap).

7. Sarbeeti

   Towel

   Usage

   For asking for another towel

   Grammar Note

   Bah dictionary sarbeeti = Fr. "serviette" (class O).

8. Danki

   Bed

   Usage

   For requests about the bed in your room

   Grammar Note

   Bah dictionary danki (plural danɗe) = "lit". Compound wudere danki = bed sheet. Another word: ndaɗɗudi ("couche; lit").

9. Ngawlu

   Pillow

   Usage

   For asking for an extra pillow

   Grammar Note

   Bah dictionary ngawlu (plural ngawluuji) = "oreiller". Example "Si ngawlu alaa ko junngo awletee." (if there is no pillow you rest your head on your arm).

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