kende malamu
kende malamu is the Lingala way to say bye.
kende malamu is a way to say goodbye that is used specifically when the person you are speaking to is the one who is departing.
Meaning: short for goodbye (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb kende (to go) and the adverb malamu (well or good).
Did you know?
- While you say kende malamu to the traveler, the person remaining behind replies with tikala malamu, which means 'stay well'.
- Using the imperative kende malamu with an elder or a social superior can be seen as too blunt due to Congolese etiquette rules.
- In the bustling streets of Kinshasa, you might hear a Lingala speaker say ciao to say goodbye instead of the traditional kende malamu.
Examples in context
- Kende malamu, mwana na ngai.Bye, my child.
- Soki okende, kende malamu.If you are leaving, bye.
Example conversation
Clarisse and Jean are parting ways at a bus stop.
- ClarisseJean, kende malamu.Jean, bye.
- JeanClarisse, kende malamu.Clarisse, bye.
- ClarisseTala lobi!See you tomorrow!
- JeanLobi te, mbala mosusu.Not tomorrow, maybe some other time.
