Lotjhani
Hello, greetings (to several people or to someone you respect)
Usage
A greeting for any time of day, said to several people or to someone you respect
Grammar Note
The plural imperative of "lotjha" (to greet). The Zulu "Sawubona" is not used
Lotjha
Hello (to one person)
Usage
A casual greeting to one person; a name or title can follow
Grammar Note
A form of address can follow, as in "Lotjha nomzana Langa!" (Good morning, Mr Sun). Use "Lotjhani" for elders and groups
Unjani?
How are you?
Usage
Ask how someone is after greeting them
Grammar Note
For several people use "Ninjani?". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended
Khamba kuhle
Go well
Usage
A farewell said to the person who is leaving
Grammar Note
Equivalent of Zulu "Hamba kahle", but Southern Ndebele says "khamba kuhle". The form changes for several people
Sala kuhle
Stay well
Usage
A farewell said to the person who is staying
Grammar Note
Say "Khamba kuhle" to the one leaving and "Sala kuhle" to the one staying; for several people "Salani kuhle". Composed from known words and sentence patterns; native review recommended
Iba nesikhathi esihle!
Have a good time!
Usage
Said to someone setting off on a trip or outing
Grammar Note
Literally "have a good time". A place can be added, for example "edorobheni" (in town)
Tlhogomela ipilo yakho!
Take care of your health!
Usage
At parting, or to someone who is unwell
Grammar Note
"tlhogomela" is to look after; "ipilo" is health or life
More Southern Ndebele phrases
- Basic Words
- Basic Nouns
- Basic Verbs
- Adjectives
- Question Words
- Food & Drinks
- Transportation
- Shopping
- Numbers
- Hotel
- Emergency
- Sightseeing
- Flirting
- Nightlife
- Massage & Spa
- Compliments
- Contacts & SNS
- Places & Areas
- Useful Phrases
- Airport & Customs
- Weather & Climate
- Pharmacy & Health
- Directions
- Money & Exchange
- Health & Hospital
- Internet & WiFi
- Nature & Outdoors
- Religion & Temples
- Café & Drinks
- Schedule & Booking
- Culture & Etiquette
- Traveling with Kids
- Sports & Activities
- Public Transport
- Accommodation
- Banking & ATM
- Visa & Immigration
- Business & Work
- School & Education
- Cooking & Markets
- Music & Entertainment
- Art & Museums
- Festivals & Events
- Photography
- Laundry
- Post Office
- Language Learning
- Dating & Romance
- Dating Apps
- Volunteering
- Accessibility
- Sustainability & Eco
- Fruits
- Colors
- Dietary & Allergies
- Markets & Souvenirs
- Wine & Spirits
- Car Rental & Driving
- Time & Dates
- Hiking & Trekking
- Yoga & Wellness
- Remote Work
- Fashion & Clothing
- Convenience Store
- Martial Arts
- Signs
- Body Parts
- Animals
- Vehicles
- Electronics
- Feelings
- Slang
- Local Dishes
- Local Drinks
- Indulgences