ngeithi
The Kikuyu word for "greetings" is ngeithi.
ngeithi is used as a formal way to say "hello".
Meaning: formal way of saying "hello" (intj)
Which one should you use?
While ngeithi is the formal greeting, the phrase Mwega? is used to ask "How are you?" in an informal context.
Did you know?
- In some contexts, a formal greeting is not complete without an inquiry into the well-being of the other person's family and livestock, as these are seen as extensions of the individual.
- A person's response to a formal greeting can often be a prayer or a blessing, rather than a simple 'hello' back.
- If you are greeting a group, the grammatical form of your greeting may change to reflect the collective nature of the people you are addressing.
Example conversation
Nyambura meets Njoroge at a formal community gathering.
- NyamburaNgeithi, Njoroge.Greetings, Njoroge.
- NjorogeNgeithi, Nyambura.Greetings, Nyambura.
- NyamburaŨhoro waku?How are you?
- NjorogeNĩ wega, ũhoro mwega.I am well, good news.
