Katonda akuwe omukisa
The phrase "god bless you" is translated into Luganda as Katonda akuwe omukisa.
This phrase is used as an interjection when someone has sneezed.
Meaning: said to somebody who has sneezed (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Katonda (God), akuwe (he/she gives you) and omukisa (blessing/luck).
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the verb kuwe (to give) is in the subjunctive mood to express a wish or a prayer.
Did you know?
- Luganda is a tonal language, meaning the pitch used to say Katonda can change the meaning of the word if not pronounced with the correct inflection.
- The word Katonda is used for God across various denominations in Uganda, regardless of whether the speaker is Catholic, Protestant or Muslim, though the latter may use Arabic terms in formal prayer.
- While English speakers say 'God bless you' after a sneeze, a Luganda speaker might use this same structure to offer a sincere prayer for someone's future success.
Examples in context
- Katonda akuwe omukisa!God bless you!This sentence is useful for seeing the exclamation Katonda akuwe omukisa in use.Tatoeba #12956587 by ecorralest101, translation #269618 by CM
- Katonda akukume.May God bless you.
- Katonda akukume nnyo.May God bless you abundantly.
Example conversation
Nakayonze and Mukasa are sitting in a living room.
- Nakayonze*sneezes**sneezes*
- MukasaKatonda akuwe omukisa, Nakayonze.God bless you, Nakayonze.
- NakayonzeWebale, Mukasa.Thank you, Mukasa.
- MukasaKale.You're welcome.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
