How to Say “Beautiful” in Xhosa

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-hle
The English word "beautiful" is translated into Xhosa as -hle.
The adjective -hle is used to describe something or someone that is attractive.
Meaning: attractive (adj)

How does it change in a sentence?

The noun form for "beauty" is ubuhle, which is derived from the adjective stem -hle.

Did you know?

  • The stem -hle is highly versatile and can also mean 'good', 'clean', or 'fine' depending on the noun it is attached to.
  • The word -hle is shared across several Nguni languages, such as Zulu, making it mutually intelligible across different ethnic groups in Southern Africa.
  • In many Xhosa-speaking contexts, praising someone's 'ubuhle' can be a subtle way to acknowledge their social grace and composure rather than just their physical appearance.

Examples in context

  • umntu omhle
    A beautiful person

Example conversation

Olwethu and Zoleka are walking through a garden.

  1. Olwethu

    Zoleka, jonga le ntsimi -hle!
    Zoleka, look at this beautiful garden!
  2. Zoleka

    Ewe, ithetha ngqo.
    Yes, it really is.
  3. Olwethu

    Ubhiza -hle kakhulu namhlanje.
    You look very beautiful today.
  4. Zoleka

    Enkosi, Olwethu!
    Thank you, Olwethu!
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Angus Barry
Angus BarryHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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