lala kuhle
The English phrase "goodnight" is expressed in Ndebele as lala kuhle.
lala kuhle is used specifically to wish someone a good sleep when they are actually going to bed, rather than being used as a general way to say "goodbye" during the evening.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb lala, meaning "sleep" and the adverb kuhle, meaning "well" or "good".
Which one should you use?
you may also encounter lala kahle, which means "sleep well" or the informal phrase lala ngokuthula, which means "sleep peacefully".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase lala kuhle uses the imperative form of the verb, which is used to express wishes or commands.
Did you know?
- The term lala can be used euphemistically to refer to death, similar to the English phrase 'eternal sleep'.
- Because lala is an imperative, using it with an elder can sound like a command unless you soften your tone or add respectful honorifics.
- In Ndebele, the root for 'good' in lala kuhle is the same root used to describe physical beauty. When you wish someone 'sleep well', you are metaphorically wishing them a 'beautiful sleep'.
Examples in context
- Lala kuhle, gogo.Goodnight, grandma.
- Lala kuhle, sithandwa sami.Goodnight, my darling.
- Lala kuhle, mntanami.Goodnight, my child.
- Ngiyakuthanda, lala kuhle.I love you, goodnight.
Example conversation
Bongani and Nomusa are saying goodnight before going to bed.
- NomusaSengiya lala manje, Bongani.I am going to sleep now, Bongani.
- BonganiHamba kahle, Nomusa.Go well, Nomusa.
- NomusaLala kuhle.Goodnight.
- BonganiNawe lala kuhle.You also sleep well.
