woza lapha
The English phrase "come here" is translated into Ndebele as woza lapha.
This phrase is a command used to instruct someone to move toward the speaker's current location.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb woza (come) and the adverb lapha (here).
Which one should you use?
While woza lapha is the standard form, you may encounter woz'ani lapha when addressing multiple people or showing respect. Additionally, in casual speech, the phrase is often shortened to woz' lapha.
How does it change in a sentence?
In rapid or casual speech, the final vowel of woza is often elided, resulting in woz' lapha. To address more than one person or to show respect to an elder, the verb changes to the plural or polite form woz'ani lapha.
Did you know?
- Using the respectful plural form woz'ani lapha when you are actually only speaking to one person is a way to 'elevate' that person, treating them with the honor usually reserved for a group or a superior.
- While woza lapha is the verbal command, the root -za is used in a wide variety of Ndebele expressions to describe not just movement, but the arrival of seasons or the onset of an event.
- If you use the short, clipped version woz' lapha when addressing a community elder or a person of high status, it could be perceived as an intentional insult or a sign of extreme rudeness.
Examples in context
- Woza lapha manje.Come here now.
- Babe, woza lapha kancane.Dad, come here for a moment.
- Woza lapha uyozwa lokhu.Come here and hear this.
Example conversation
Nomusa is calling Thulani to help her in the kitchen.
- NomusaThulani, woza lapha!Thulani, come here!
- ThulaniNgiza, Nomusa.I am coming, Nomusa.
- NomusaNgidinga uncedo lwakho.I need your help.
- ThulaniNgilapha manje.I am here now.
