IsiXhosa Basics: Family and Relationships

Ukubulisa (Greeting)

• Ukubulisa kuthetha ngokuqala ngokuva ngabantu balingana (Greeting is the first thing people do when meeting each other)
• Umntu oedlula ukubulisa ukuthetha ngokuqala (The person who is older or more senior is expected to greet first)

Ukubulisa umntu ngamnye (Greeting one person)

• Mholo (Hello/Good day) (sg.)
• Unjani? (How are you?) (sg.)
• Ndiphilile (I am well) (sg.)
• Ewe, mholo (Yes, hello) (sg.)
• Ndiphilile, wena unjani? (I am well, and how are you?) (sg.)
• Sala kakuhle (Goodbye/stay well) (sg.)
• Hamba kakuhle (Goodbye/go well) (sg.)

Ukubulisa abantu abaninzi (Greeting more than one person)

• Mholweni (Hello/Good day) (pl.)
• Ninjani? (How are you all?) (pl.)
• Nam ndikhona (I am also well) (pl.)
• Ewe, mholo (Yes, good day) (pl.)
• Sikhona, wena unjani? (We are well, and how are you?) (pl.)
• Salani kakuhle (Goodbye/stay well, all of you) (pl.)
• Hamba kakuhle (Goodbye/go well, all of you) (pl.)

Ukubulisa ngokuyinjalo (Greeting politely)

• Mholo Mhlekazi (Good day, sir)
• Ninjani, Mhlekazi? (How are you, sir?)
• Nam ndikhona (I am also well)
• Ewe, mholo Lulu (Yes, hello Lulu)
• Ndikhona, wena unjani? (I am well, and how are you?)
• Salani kakuhle (Goodbye/stay well)
• Hamba kakuhle, Lulu (Goodbye/go well, Lulu)

Izinto eziningi (Various phrases)

• Uxolo (Excuse me)
• Uyandiqonda? (Do you understand me?)
• Ndiyavuya ukukwazi (I am pleased to know you)
• Umhlobo (friend)
• Intombazana (young girl)
• Intombi (a grown-up girl/daughter)
• Umfana (young man/boy)

Test your knowledge of basic Xhosa words and expressions for family members and relationships, as well as greetings and introductions.