Masikati
The Shona phrase for 'good afternoon' is Masikati.
Masikati is used as a greeting during the period of the day after midday and before evening.
Meaning: greeting said in the afternoon (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Masikati literally means 'afternoon'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In Shona, the greeting for 'good afternoon' is simply the word for 'afternoon' itself.
Did you know?
- While Masikati is the greeting, a respondent might reply with Ehe meaning 'yes' to acknowledge the greeting, rather than repeating the phrase back.
- Because Shona is a tonal language, the way you pitch the syllables in Masikati is vital for clarity, much like how a change in tone can change a word's meaning in other African languages.
- When greeting someone with Masikati, it is customary to follow it with a polite inquiry into their well-being, such as Makadii?, to show proper respect.
Example conversation
Tendai meets Tatenda at a local market during the afternoon.
- TendaiMasikati, Tatenda.Good afternoon, Tatenda.
- TatendaMasikati, Tendai.Good afternoon, Tendai.
- TendaiUri kuenda kupi?Where are you going?
- TatendaNdiri kuenda kumusha.I am going home.
