ūtukū mwega
To say "goodnight" in Kikuyu, use ūtukū mwega.
ūtukū mwega is a phrase used to wish someone a good night before they go to sleep or leave for the evening.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ūtukū, meaning "night" and mwega, meaning "good" or "well".
When do people say it?
When someone says ūtukū mwega to you, it is common to respond with the same phrase.
Did you know?
- In many Gikuyu households, instead of just saying ūtukū mwega, elders might use the phrase tũkenere ũtũkũ which translates to 'let us enjoy the night'.
- Because Kikuyu is a tonal language, the melodic rise and fall of your voice when saying mwega can subtly change the emphasis of the sentiment.
- If you are speaking to an elder, it is respectful to add the honorific title after the phrase, such as ūtukū mwega, mami for 'goodnight, mother'.
Examples in context
- Ūtukū mwega kũrĩ inyuĩ.Goodnight to you all.
- Nĩ ngũthiĩ, ūtukū mwega.I am leaving, goodnight.
- Ūtukū mwega, tũonane rũciũ.Goodnight, see you tomorrow.
Example conversation
Maina and Njeri are saying goodbye at the end of the evening.
- MainaNīngīthiī, Njeri.I am leaving now, Njeri.
- NjeriKīrīkū kīega, Maina.Have a good trip, Maina.
- MainaNi we, ūtukū mwega!You too, goodnight!
- NjeriŪtukū mwega!Goodnight!
