Sala kahle
Goodbye in Tsonga is Sala kahle.
The phrase is used to express farewell.
Meaning: farewell (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb sala, meaning stay and the adverb kahle, meaning well or good.
How does it change in a sentence?
Sala kahle is a versatile form used for both singular and plural subjects, and it is also used for polite address.
Did you know?
- If you are the one staying and the other person is leaving, you would not say Sala kahle, but instead use Famba kahle, which means 'go well'.
- The word kahle functions as a multipurpose 'positive' marker. Because it can mean 'correctly' or 'properly', telling someone to Sala kahle implies you wish for their life to continue following the right and proper order.
- Tsonga belongs to the Bantu language family, where many greetings and farewells focus on the state of being or the action of the person rather than a static greeting.
Examples in context
- Sala kahle, mhani.Goodbye, mother.
- Ndzi ya, sala kahle.I am going, goodbye.
Example conversation
Jabulani is leaving Ntsiki's house.
- JabulaniSala kahle, Ntsiki.Goodbye, Ntsiki.
- NtsikiFamba kahle.Go well.
- JabulaniHi ta vonana malume.We will see each other, uncle.
- NtsikiSala kahle.Stay well.
