sala kakuhle
In Xhosa, bye is expressed as sala kakuhle.
The phrase sala kakuhle is used to mean "stay well" when bidding someone farewell. If you wish to specifically wish someone a safe journey, you may use kuhambe kakuhle, which means "travel well".
Meaning: short for goodbye (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sala kakuhle literally means "stay well".
Which one should you use?
The choice of phrase depends on whether you or the other person is moving. Use sala kakuhle (stay well) when you are the one leaving and telling the other person to stay. Conversely, use hamba kakuhle (go well) when you are the one staying and telling the other person to go.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase sala kakuhle, the verb sala is in the imperative mood, which is used to express a command or a wish.
Did you know?
- The word sala originates from the Proto-Bantu root *-tígada, which originally meant to leave something behind.
- In Xhosa, the term kakuhle does not just refer to physical health but describes a broader state of harmony and correctness.
- The word sala is grammatically structured as an imperative, meaning the farewell is phrased as a literal command to the other person.
Examples in context
- Sala kakuhle.Stay well.
- Hamba kakuhle, sala kakuhle.Go well, stay well.
- Sala kakuhle, mfondowethu.Stay well, my brother.
Example conversation
Thando is leaving Nomvula's house after a visit.
- ThandoEnkosi ngento yonke, Nomvula.Thank you for everything, Nomvula.
- NomvulaWamkelekile, Thando.You are welcome, Thando.
- ThandoSala kakuhle!Bye!
- NomvulaHamba kakuhle!Go well!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
