Greetings

1. Molo

   MOH-loh

   Hello (to one person)

   Usage

   The basic greeting to one person

   Grammar Note

   "Molo" is a greeting to one person. Use "Molweni" for multiple people. Xhosa is a Bantu language where noun classes determine verb agreements.

2. Molweni

   mol-WEH-nee

   Hello (to multiple people)

   Usage

   Greeting a group of people

   Grammar Note

   The "-ni" suffix marks plural. Xhosa greetings change based on the number of addressees — a feature shared across South African Nguni languages including Zulu and Ndebele.

3. Unjani?

   oon-JAH-nee

   How are you?

   Usage

   General inquiry about someone's wellbeing

   Grammar Note

   "Unjani" = "u- (2nd person singular prefix) + njani (how/in what way)" contracted. Plural form: "Ninjani?" In Xhosa, person and number are fused into verbs.

4. Ndiphilile, enkosi

   ndee-pee-LEE-leh ehn-KOH-see

   I am well, thank you

   Usage

   Standard response to "How are you?"

   Grammar Note

   "Ndi-" is the 1st person singular subject prefix. "-philile" is the perfect aspect of "phila" (to be alive/well). In Xhosa, wellbeing is expressed as "being alive."

5. Igama lam ngu...

   ee-GAH-mah lahm ngoo

   My name is...

   Usage

   Basic phrase for introducing yourself

   Grammar Note

   "Ngu" is the name copula in Xhosa, used before proper names. It often fuses with the name: "Igama lam nguThabo" (My name is Thabo). Orthographically the copula and name are written together.

6. Ndiyavuya ukukwazi wena

   ndee-yah-VOO-yah oo-KWAH-zee WEH-nah

   Pleased to meet you

   Usage

   Expressing pleasure at meeting someone for the first time

   Grammar Note

   "Ndi-" is the 1st person singular subject prefix ("I"). "Uyavuya" would mean "he/she is glad" (3rd person), so 1st person requires "Ndiyavuya." "Ukukwazi" is the infinitive "to know/meet."

7. Usale kakuhle

   oo-SAH-leh kah-KOO-hleh

   Stay well (farewell said to the person staying)

   Usage

   Farewell said by the person leaving to the one who remains

   Grammar Note

   Xhosa farewells are directional: "Usale kakuhle" (to the one staying) vs "Uhambe kakuhle" (to the one leaving). This parallels Zulu "Sala kahle / Hamba kahle."

8. Uhambe kakuhle

   oo-HAHM-beh kah-KOO-hleh

   Go well (farewell said to the person leaving)

   Usage

   Farewell said by the one remaining to the person departing

   Grammar Note

   "Hamba" (to go/walk) is shared across Nguni languages. "Uhambe kakuhle" is a common farewell to tourists in South Africa. "Kakuhle" = "ka- (adverb prefix) + kuhle (well)."

9. Enkosi

   ehn-KOH-see

   Thank you

   Usage

   Basic expression of gratitude

   Grammar Note

   "Enkosi" is the standard Xhosa thank-you. Often intensified: "Enkosi kakhulu" (thank you very much). It differs from Zulu "Ngiyabonga" — both are Nguni but with distinct vocabulary.

10. Uxolo

    oo-KHO-loh

    Sorry / Excuse me / Peace

    Usage

    Used for apology, asking forgiveness, or getting attention

    Grammar Note

    "Uxolo" literally means "peace/forgiveness." It's used idiomatically for apology and excuse me. The root "xolo" shares the concept of peace and pardon across Xhosa and Zulu. The initial "X" is a lateral click consonant — a distinctive feature of Xhosa, one of the world's best-known click languages.

11. Iphi indlu yangasese?

    EE-pee ind-loo yan-ga-SEH-seh

    Where is the toilet/bathroom?

    Usage

    Practical phrase for asking the location of a toilet in public places or facilities

    Grammar Note

    "Iphi?" is the Xhosa locative question word "where is?" "Indlu yangasese" is a euphemism for toilet, literally "private house," shared with Zulu.

12. Andithetha isiXhosa

    I can't speak isiXhosa

    Usage

    Used to indicate you cannot speak isiXhosa. Often used as a preface to request help in English

    Grammar Note

    "Andithetha" is the negation of "ndithetha" (I speak). Bantu negation uses the prefix "a-." isiXhosa is a South African Bantu language famous for its click consonants.

13. Lala kakuhle

    Good night

    Usage

    Said before going to bed, e.g. at a guesthouse or homestay; literally "sleep well"

14. Akukho ngxaki

    You're welcome

    Usage

    Response to "enkosi" (thank you); literally "no problem"

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