inkwenkwe
The Xhosa word for boy is inkwenkwe.
inkwenkwe refers to a male child.
Meaning: male child (noun)
Did you know?
- While inkwenkwe means 'boy', a young man who has undergone traditional circumcision is no longer referred to by this term, as it would be culturally inappropriate.
- In Xhosa, there is a strong distinction between calling someone a 'boy' as a child versus using it as a term for a male servant or subordinate, which can carry heavy social weight.
- The word inkwenkwe is shared across several Nguni languages, meaning a speaker of Zulu could likely understand this specific Xhosa word.
Examples in context
- Inkwenkwe ibaleka kakhulu.The boy runs a lot.
- Inkwenkwe le ithandwa kakhulu.This boy is very loved.
Example conversation
Two women are looking at a child playing in the park.
- LwaziIngaba loo nkwenkwe ingumntwana wakho?Is that boy your child?
- AndiswaHayi, inkwenkwe le akangowam.No, this boy is not mine.
- LwaziUkhula kakuhle loo nkwenkwe.That boy is growing well.
- AndiswaEwe, unomdla kakhulu.Yes, he is very energetic.
