Letsatsi la tswalo lele monate
The English phrase "happy birthday" is said in Tswana as Letsatsi la tswalo lele monate.
Letsatsi la tswalo lele monate is the standard way to wish someone a happy birthday in Setswana.
Meaning: good wishes for a birthday (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "The day of birth be a pleasant one".
Did you know?
- The word 'monate' used in the phrase does not just mean 'pleasant', but can also imply something that is 'delicious' or 'good to the taste', linking a happy day to a sensory experience.
- In traditional Tswana society, coming-of-age ceremonies known as bogwera for boys and bojalwa for girls were far more significant milestones than the annual birthday.
- In Botswana, where Tswana is the national language, birthdays are often celebrated with a large communal meal, reflecting the cultural value of Botho, which emphasizes community and humanity toward others.
Examples in context
- Ke go lakaletsa letsatsi la tswalo lele monate.I wish you a very happy birthday.
Example conversation
Thabo greets Tshepi at her party.
- ThaboTshepi, letsatsi la tswalo lele monate!Tshepi, happy birthday!
- TshepiKe a leboga, Thabo!Thank you, Thabo!
- ThaboO na le letsatsi le le monate.Have a wonderful day.
- TshepiKe lebogela masego a gago.I appreciate your good wishes.
