Useful Xhosa phrases
This month’s Language of the month is Xhosa which is one of the official languages of South Africa and which is spoken by over 7 million people. many thanks to Michelle for the great display at the entrance to the school. Below you can learn some phrases in Xhosa.
| English | isiXhosa (Xhosa) |
|---|---|
| Welcome | Siya namkela nonke |
| Hello | Molo (sg) Molweni (pl) |
| How are you?
Fine thanks, and you? |
Unjani? (sg) Ninjani? (pl) |
| Ndiyaphila, enkosi. Kunjani kuwe? Ndiphilile enkosi, unjani wena? |
|
| Long time no see | Kudala ndakugqibela |
| What’s your name? My name is … |
Ngubani igama lakho? Igama lakho? |
| Igama lam ngu … | |
| Where are you from? I’m from … |
Uvela phi? |
| Ndivela e… | |
| Pleased to meet you | Ndiyavuya ukukwazi |
| Good afternoon | Uben’ emva kwemini entle / Ube nemini emnandi |
| Good evening | Ubusuku obuhle |
| Good night | Rhonanai / Ulale kakuhle |
| Goodbye | Hamba kakuhle (go well) Sala kakuhle (stay well) |
| Good luck | Amathamsanqa |
| Cheers/Good health! | Impilo! |
| Have a nice day | Ubenemini emnandi |
| Bon appetit | Ukonwabele ukutya kwakho |
| Bon voyage | Uhambe kakuhle |
| I don’t understand | Andiva |
| Please speak more slowly | Khawucothise |
| Please say that again | Ndicela uphinde / Khawuphinde utsho / Yitsho kaphinda |
| Please write it down | Cela uyibhale phantsi |
| Do you speak Xhosa? Yes |
Uyakwazi ukuthetha isiXhosa? |
| Ewe | |
| Do you speak English? | Uyakwazi ukuthetha isiNgesi? |
| How do you say … in Xhosa? | Uthini …ngesiXhosa? |
| Excuse me | Uxolo! Ndixolele! |
| How much is this? | Yimalini? |
| Sorry | Ndicela uxolo |
| Thank you Response |
Ndiyabulela / Enkosi |
| Wamkelekile | |
| Where’s the toilet? | Liphi igumbi langasese? |
| This gentleman/lady will pay for everything |
uMfana uzakubhatala yonke into / uBhuti uzakubhatala yonke into Inenekazi lizokubhatala yonke into / Ilady lokubhatala yonke into |
| Would you like to dance with me? |
Ungathanda ukudansa? |
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