In lesson 6 we will go trough another gulp of Xhosa words, this time focusing on the construction of simpler sentences, like greetings and conversation, both formal and informal:
English Xhosa
Hello or Hi Molo (singular) (informal Molweni (plural)
What's your name? Ngubani igama lakho?
My name is... Igama lam ngu...
thank you ndiyabulela / enkosi
How are you? Unjani? (singular)
Ninjani (plural)
I'm fine Ndiphilile
You're welcome Wamkelekile
Good evening Ubusuku obuhle
Good night Rhonani/Buthongo obumnandi
Goodbye To those staying:
Sala kakuhle (singular) Salani kakuhle (plural) To those departing:
Hamba kakuhle/Uhambe kakuhle (singular)
Hambani kakuhle/Nihambe kakuhle (plural)
Dear... (formal letter or email)... obekekileyo
Yours Sincerely... (formal letter or email) Owakho Ngenene
Kind Regards (casual letter or email) Ngemibuliso
Have a lovely day (friendly email or text) Ube nemini emyoli
Happy birthday Min'emnandi (yokuzalwa)
Season's Greetings Imibuliso Yelixesha Lonyaka
Merry Christmas IKrismesi eMnandi
.and a happy New Year Krisimesi emnandi nonyaka omtsha onamathamsanqa
Happy Easter Ube nePasika emnandi
I love you Ndiya kuthanda
yes ewe
no hayi (haibo)
Dear Sir Madam Mnu/Nkszk Ebekekileyo
TitleI wonga
Miss (Miss.) Nkosazana (Nkszn.)
Mrs (Mrs.) Nkosikazi (Nkskz.)
Mrs/Ms (Ms.) Nkosazana/Nkosikazi (Nksz.)
Mister (Mr.) Mnumzana (Mnu.)
Doctor (Dr.) Gqirha (Gqr.)
Messieurs (Messrs.) Abanumzana (Abanumzana.)
Professor (Prof.) Njingalwazi (Njing.)
Reverend (Rev.) Mfundisi (Mfu.)
Sister (Sr.) Mongi omkhulu (Mongi omkhulu.)
Other Omnye
Uxolo lube nani