UNkulunkulu akubusise
The English phrase "God bless you" is translated into Zulu as UNkulunkulu akubusise.
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 UNkulunkulu (God), aku- (may he/she/it/you) and busisa (bless).
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb busisa is used in the subjunctive mood to express a wish or a prayer.
Did you know?
- The word UNkulunkulu literally translates to 'the Greatest One', combining khulu meaning 'big' or 'great' with an intensifying prefix.
- In traditional Zulu beliefs, the ancestors amadlozi are often the primary intermediaries for blessings, meaning a wish for God's blessing may be understood as involving ancestral approval.
- While 'God bless you' is an interjection in English, using UNkulunkulu akubusise in Zulu can sound like a formal liturgical prayer or a scripted blessing during a religious service.
Example conversation
Thulani sneezes while talking to Nomalusa.
- ThulaniAtchoo!Atchoo!
- NomalusaUNkulunkulu akubusise, Thulani.God bless you, Thulani.
- ThulaniNgiyabonga, Nomalusa.Thank you, Nomalusa.
- NomalusaKulungile.It's okay.
