Nyasaye ogwedhi
The English phrase 'God bless you' is translated into Luo as Nyasaye ogwedhi.
This phrase is used as an interjection specifically when someone has sneezed.
Meaning: said to somebody who has sneezed (intj)
Did you know?
- The concept of 'blessing' in Luo often implies a physical manifestation, such as rain or livestock, rather than just a spiritual feeling.
- Despite the religious nature of Nyasaye ogwedhi, it is often used in purely social settings as a marker of politeness and kinship regardless of the speaker's actual faith.
- The response to hearing Nyasaye ogwedhi is often a simple Amen, turning a social interjection into a brief communal prayer.
Examples in context
- Nyasaye ogwedhi.God bless you.
- Onyango, Nyasaye ogwedhi.Onyango, God bless you.
Example conversation
Akoth and Onyango are sitting together in a living room.
- AkothAtch!Achoo!
- OnyangoNyasaye ogwedhi, Akoth.God bless you, Akoth.
- AkothErokamano, Onyango.Thank you, Onyango.
- OnyangoNing'ono.You're welcome.
