Sala sentle
Goodbye in Tswana is Sala sentle.
Sala sentle is used to say farewell. It is also used as an informal way to say goodbye.
Meaning: farewell (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb sala (stay) and the adverb sentle (well/nicely).
Which one should you use?
Sala sentle is specifically used by the person who is departing to the person who is remaining behind.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrase Tsamaya sentle is prevalent in South Africa.
Did you know?
- In Tswana culture, the act of saying goodbye is often a multi-step process involving much more than just a single phrase. A person might use Sala sentle several times during a prolonged, respectful departure ritual.
- The adverb sentle is used here to imply not just 'well' but 'beautifully' or 'nicely', adding an aesthetic quality to the farewell.
- The word sala is a descendant of the Proto-Bantu root *-tígada, which was an expanded form of the root *-tíga.
Examples in context
- Sala sentle, mma.Goodbye, ma'am.
- Ke ya go tsamaya, sala sentle.I am leaving, goodbye.
- Sala sentle, rra.Goodbye, sir.
Example conversation
Kabelo is leaving Tshepi's house after a visit.
- KabeloKe tsile, Tshepi.I am going now, Tshepi.
- TshepiGo siame, Kabelo.That is fine, Kabelo.
- KabeloSala sentle.Goodbye.
- TshepiO tsamae sentle.Go safely.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sala, CC BY-SA 4.0.
