Knowing how to say ‘yes’ and ‘no’ is considered to be vital when learning any language and is usually the first thing you learn. Interestingly, Ateso on the other hand doesn’t have fixed terms for ‘yes’ and ‘no’. Sometimes just a nod of the head and a ‘mmh’-sound means ‘yes’.
Ateso
English
Ateso Pronunciation
Eebo, Lokapolon
Yes, Sir
Eebo, Napolon/Eebo, Ito
Yes, Madam
Eebo
Yes
Eee
Yes
Kwapekwangin
Ok, all right
Mam
No
A-a /u-uu
No (harsh/polite)
Ajai
Yes, please. (Lit. I am here/present)
Bia ne/kobuni ne. Kopotu ne/
kobunete
Come here
Adiaka/ebuca/apaca eong
I’m sorry
Kitimoi/kisioni/Kisionioi (eong)/
korimak eong
Excuse/forgive me. (Note: Spoken
Ateso usually exludes ‘k’, but written
Ateso must include ‘k’. Also, you may
add or exclude ‘eong’. Just saying
‘kitimoi’ is also enough)
Kitimoi/Kitimite eong
Forgive me. (see also the note
above). Keep forgiving me.
Kitim eong, konyaikinai erot
Let me pass (like “excuse me” when
trying to pass)
Thanking – Aisialamikin
Ateso
English
Ateso Pronunciation
Eyalama. Alakara (noi)
Thank you. I am very happy
Iyalama/Ilakara isio/iso (noi)
We are greateful. We are very happy
Alakara
Thank you (lit.: I’m grateful, more
formal than eyalama)
Kilakara (isio)
We are grateful
Epol eong ailel
Thank you/ I am very happy
Epol isio/iso ailel/ Ileli isio
We are very greateful. (Loosely
translated: That was kind of you.)
Eyalama aanyun
You are welcome/I’m glad to see/meet
you.
Mam ace
It is ok
Eong etelekarit/itelekarit
It is my pleasure
Titles
Ateso
English
Ateso Pronunciation
Ejakait (Ijaka)
Sir (and plural)
Ajakait (Ajaka), Ito (Nuito)
Madam (plural) Any woman
Lokapolon
Boss, Any male respected
person
Ejakait/Lokapolon/
Edeke ka
My Lord/Master/God
Epapero/Opapero
Friend
Inac/Onac
Sister/brother, Friends (especially if older
or around the same age)