Ulale kakuhle
The English phrase "good night" is expressed in Xhosa as Ulale kakuhle.
This phrase is used specifically as a farewell when someone is going to sleep, rather than a general greeting for the evening.
Meaning: a farewell (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Ulale kakuhle literally means Sleep well.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form you choose depends on who you are addressing. Ulale kakuhle is the more standard/polite way to address a single person. If you are speaking to one person informally or a child, you use the imperative form Lala kakuhle. To say "good night" to more than one person, you use the plural imperative Lalani kakuhle.
Did you know?
- The word 'kakuhle' is derived from the root 'hle', which is also the basis for many words related to 'beauty' or 'goodness' in Xhosa. To sleep 'well' is effectively to sleep 'beautifully'.
- In traditional settings, farewells like Ulale kakuhle are part of a wider etiquette of respect where the youngest person often speaks last in a sequence of departures.
- The root -lala is shared across many Bantu languages, meaning that a traveler can use a variation of this word to communicate the need for rest in several different countries.
Examples in context
- Ulale kakuhle, Siyabonga.Sleep well, Siyabonga.
- Ndiyakuthanda, ulale kakuhle.I love you, sleep well.
Example conversation
Andiswa is leaving Siyabonga's house late at night.
- AndiswaNdiyaya ngoku, Siyabonga.I am leaving now, Siyabonga.
- SiyabongaKulungile, ulale kakuhle, Andiswa.Alright, good night, Andiswa.
- AndiswaNawe ulale kakuhle.You good night too.
- SiyabongaEnkosi, sizobonana ngomso.Thank you, we will see each other tomorrow.
