Greetings

7 phrases · Southern Ndebele with romanization, English and audio

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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)

  7. 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

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