ugua pole
The Swahili phrase for "get well soon" is ugua pole.
This phrase is used to express sympathy and hope for someone's recovery when they are unwell.
Meaning: expressing hope that someone recovers soon (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, ugua pole translates to "suffer/be ill gently" or "be ill slowly", where pole is used to express sympathy for a person's state of being.
When do people say it?
When someone says ugua pole to you, a natural response is to say asante (thank you).
Did you know?
- The word pole is often used as a standalone exclamation to mean 'sorry' or 'my sympathies' when someone trips or makes a mistake.
- The root of ugua connects to the broader Proto-Bantu linguistic family, meaning this way of expressing sympathy is shared by many related African languages.
- In some regions, the tone and length of the pole sound can change how much empathy you are perceived to be showing.
Examples in context
- Nawatakia nafuu ya haraka.I wish you a speedy recovery.
- Natamani upone haraka.I wish you a quick recovery.
- Mungu akuponye haraka.May God heal you quickly.
Example conversation
Omari visits Neema while she is sick at home.
- OmariHabari yako, Neema? Ugua pole.How are you, Neema? Get well soon.
- NeemaAsante sana, Omari.Thank you very much, Omari.
- OmariJe, unajisikia vizuri leo?Do you feel better today?
- NeemaNdiyo, naanza kupona kidogo.Yes, I am starting to recover a bit.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pole, ugua, CC BY-SA 4.0.
