Slang

1. Yhu!

   Whoa!

   Usage

   An interjection of surprise — at a price, at the heat. Safe with anyone

2. Hayibo!

   No way! / Hang on!

   Usage

   The standard reaction to disbelief or mild protest, understood by speakers of every South African language. Safe with anyone, though a sharp tone reads as a real objection

3. Eish

   Eish (oh no)

   Usage

   For dismay or sympathy with someone's trouble; pan-South-African and safe with anyone

4. Sharp sharp

   All good / see you

   Usage

   Both "got it" and "see you", often with a thumbs-up. For peers and shop staff, not for formal settings

5. Heita

   Hey!

   Usage

   A township greeting for friends your age; with elders use the proper "Molo"

6. Awe

   Hey there (Cape greeting)

   Usage

   A casual Cape Town greeting shared with Afrikaans speakers; for friends your age, not elders or formal settings

7. Mfondini

   Hey, man

   Usage

   A familiar address between men of similar age. Not used to women, and not with elders or strangers

8. Bhuti

   Brother (polite address)

   Usage

   A warm, respectful way to address a man whose name you do not know — shop staff, taxi drivers. It works for men older than you too

9. Sisi

   Sister (polite address)

   Usage

   A warm, respectful way to address a woman whose name you do not know, in shops and restaurants. For an older woman, "Mama" shows more respect

10. Mama

    Mama (respectful address)

    Usage

    A respectful address for a woman older than you, regardless of relation. It warms things up instantly at a market or eatery. Not used for women your own age

11. Tata

    Tata (respectful address)

    Usage

    A respectful address for a man older than you, regardless of relation; for men your own age use "Bhuti"

12. Tshomi

    Friend / buddy

    Usage

    A casual word for "friend", from English "chum". For close friends your age, of any gender; not for elders

13. Ekasi

    In the township / back home

    Usage

    From Afrikaans "lokasie"; it means the township or neighbourhood someone is from. Safe with anyone, but never use it to talk down about where someone comes from

14. Mzansi

    Mzansi (South Africa)

    Usage

    An affectionate name for South Africa, from Xhosa "umzantsi" (south); ubiquitous in music and broadcasting. Safe with anyone, and travellers get a warm reaction for using it

15. Uyandiva?

    You hear me?

    Usage

    Literally "do you hear me?", dropped into conversation to check the other person is with you. For friends your age, not elders

    Grammar Note

    "U-" (you) + "ya-" + the object marker "ndi-" (me) + "va" (to hear, to sense).

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