butu elamu
butu elamu is the Lingala way to say goodnight.
The phrase is used to wish someone a good night's sleep or as a farewell at the end of the evening.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of butu meaning 'night' and elamu meaning 'good'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase butu elamu, the adjective elamu follows the noun butu to modify it.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, a response to butu elamu might involve a blessing or a prayer for protection, as the 'night' is traditionally viewed as a time when one is more vulnerable.
- In musical Lingala, such as in Rumba songs, references to butu often evoke themes of longing, romance and late-night dancing rather than just the act of sleeping.
- In many dialects of Lingala, the word butu can also refer to 'darkness' or 'the dark', suggesting that a 'good night' is literally a 'good darkness'.
Examples in context
- Butu elamu na yo.Goodnight to you.
Example conversation
Grace and Guy are saying goodbye at the end of the evening.
- GraceGuy, butu elamu!Guy, goodnight!
- GuyMerci, Grace. Butu elamu!Thanks, Grace. Goodnight!
- GraceTala, ekateli ekoki.Look, it's time to stop.
- GuyEya, butu elamu.Yes, goodnight.
