woza
The Zulu phrase for 'come' is woza.
This phrase is a command used to tell someone to move toward the speaker. You can also create the common phrase woza lapha to mean 'come here' by adding the word lapha (here).
Which one should you use?
The choice of form depends on who you are addressing. Use woza when addressing a single person in an informal or familiar manner, but use wozani to address more than one person or to show respect to a single person.
How does it change in a sentence?
To address a single person informally, use woza. To address multiple people or to show respect to one person, use the form wozani.
Did you know?
- In South African pop culture and sports, woza is often used as an exclamation of excitement or a call for a great performance to begin, similar to 'bring it on' in English.
- Using the informal woza with an elder or a stranger can be perceived as a social error rather than just a grammatical mistake. In Zulu culture, the choice of verb form is a direct reflection of your social awareness.
- The word woza belongs to a specific group of verbs in Zulu that describe movement toward a person, which differs from verbs used for moving toward a general destination.
Examples in context
- Woza lapha manje.Come here now.
- Woza kancane, mngane wami.Come closer, my friend.
- Woza uzobona lokhu!Come see this!
Example conversation
Thulani is calling Nomusa from another room.
- ThulaniNomusa, woza lapha!Nomusa, come here!
- NomusaNgiza manje, Thulani.I am coming now, Thulani.
- ThulaniShesha, ngisidinga usizo.Hurry, I need help.
- NomusaSengifikile.I have arrived.
